The Biography of Yuan Chonghuan (The latest work by Yan Chongnian, author of "A New Interpretation of the Twelve Emperors of the Qing Dynasty")

Author: Yan Chongnian
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-10-01
Features: The Biography of Yuan Chonghuan is another major work by Mr. Yan Chongnian following The Twelve Emperors of the Qing Dynasty. This book comprehensively records the life deeds, literary works, later influence, and valuable spiritual legacy of the Ming Dynasty's patriotic general Yuan Chonghuan. The focus is on the last decade of Yuan Chonghuan's career on the historical stage, when he resisted the Manchu cavalry in Liaodong, achieved victories in the Ningyuan and Ningjin battles, and became the firefighter saving the collapsing Ming Dynasty. With a heartfelt pen, the author vividly portrays Yuan Chonghuan's tragic fate—his courage to take on responsibility despite the (dark) times and the collapsing state of the Ming Dynasty, yet ultimately being envied for his great achievements and unjustly executed. Who am I? In the past ten years, my parents cannot regard me as their son, my wife and children cannot regard me as their husband, my siblings cannot regard me as their brother, and my friends cannot regard me as their friend.—Yuan Chonghuan, the Imperial Commissioner of Jilin and Liaodong during the Ming Dynasty The Emperor's virtue is humble, and my humble self has offended the heavens—this is all due to the mistakes of the ministers.—Emperor Chongzhen of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Youjian When our Great Qing army advanced, nothing could withstand it, and no general dared to discuss strategy. It was Yuan Chonghuan who first dared to discuss strategy.—The Ming History: Biography of Yuan Chonghuan After Yuan Chonghuan's death, there was no one left to handle the border affairs, and the Ming Dynasty's downfall was sealed.—The Ming History: Biography of Yuan Chonghuan The Ming Dynasty made two fatal mistakes in its border affairs in Liaodong: one was the wrongful execution of Takhai, the father of Nurhaci, which fueled Nurhaci's resentment and made him the arsonist who burned down the Ming Dynasty. The other was Yuan Chonghuan, leaving the Ming Dynasty with no one to resist the Manchu cavalry or to become the firefighter saving the collapsing Ming Dynasty. Mr. Yan Chongnian, a renowned expert in Qing history, has spent 40 years of effort and fulfilled a 20-year wish to finally complete this book. It comprehensively records the life deeds, literary works, later influence, and valuable spiritual legacy of Yuan Chonghuan, focusing on the last decade of his career on the historical stage. It details how he achieved victories in the Ningyuan and Ningjin battles, becoming an insurmountable barrier for Nurhaci and Hong Taiji, and also portrays his courageous and fearless character, which ultimately led to his being envied for his great achievements and unjustly executed. The Biography of Yuan Chonghuan is another major work by Mr. Yan Chongnian following The Twelve Emperors of the Qing Dynasty. Its greatest feature is the rich and detailed materials, vivid expressions, illustrated content, and accessible yet profound writing style, which not only make for enjoyable reading but also provoke thought.