Five Generations History Novelization

Author: Cai Dongfan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: A popular historical masterpiece that has gained fame both at home and abroad. Renowned historian Cai Dongfan used official history as the backbone and anecdotes as the weft. After ten years of painstaking effort, he vividly portrayed five thousand years of Chinese history in a novelistic style. The novel follows a traditional chapter structure, employs accessible language, and includes witty commentary. It authentically recreates the tumultuous process of the evolution of Chinese civilization. It depicts the emperors like Qin Shi Huang and Han Wudi, as well as Tang Zong and Song Zong, showcasing folk customs and livelihoods during dynastic transitions. It delves into the bloody battles on the frontier and the intrigues in the palace, revealing the wisdom of survival amidst the rise and fall of empires.
Content:
To tell of Emperor Xizong of Tang fleeing west to Xingyuan and then entering Shu, he called upon the generals of various military commands to join forces in suppressing the rebels and recapturing Chang'an. Wang Chongrong, the military governor of Hezhong, had already surrendered to Huang Chao. However, as Huang Chao repeatedly sent envoys to mobilize troops, causing great annoyance, Wang decided to switch sides, drove out Huang Chao's envoys, and rallied the military commanders from all directions to vigorously plan for the restoration. Upon learning of this, Huang Chao immediately ordered Zhu Wen to attack Hezhong. Zhu Wen had just recently married and was reluctant to go to war, but as he was compelled by the false mandate, he had no choice but to prepare supplies and lead his troops toward Hezhong. This was already a sign of impending defeat.
On the way, he encountered the troops of Hezhong and engaged in battle. The confrontation ended in a crushing defeat for Zhu Wen, with over forty ships of supplies and weapons lost. Fortunately, he managed to escape quickly, barely saving his own life.