Biography of the Great Statesman Who Reopened the Nation (Complete 11 Volumes)

Author: Dai Yi et al.
Publisher:
Publishing Date: March 1, 2005
Features: The Biographies of and : The 13 founding ministers included in this book are typical figures of their kind. They faced a time of transition between old and new dynasties. In those days, chaos reigned, with the world in turmoil and no clear leadership. The common people rose with aspirations, yet the realm was leaderless, leaving the populace adrift. These individuals emerged from humble origins—mountains, marshes, and hidden valleys—only to encounter a wise ruler and seize the moment. Some possessed extraordinary intelligence, shaping the destiny of nations with a single word; others, moved by the spirit of the three visits, dedicated themselves to upholding integrity, speaking truthfully and without reservation; some, grounded in erudition, clarified laws and regulations, expanding the principles of governance; and others, skilled in strategy and courage, outmaneuvered enemies, aided the founding rulers in their early days, and rescued the people from dire straits, achieving great deeds and leaving lasting legacies. From this perspective, they were successful figures, the pride of their era. However, from another angle, they were also failures, unable to escape tragic fates. The era they lived in saw the rampant spread of authoritarianism. While their great enterprises were yet unfulfilled, the limitations of history and society made it impossible for them to rebuild justice and fairness according to their ideals. In such circumstances, compromise was inevitable. After the new dynasty was established, these individuals found themselves in delicate positions, playing subtle roles. Beyond the risk of overstepping the bounds of the ruler's favor or being sacrificed like a dog after the hunt, petty slander, obsequious criticism, even the failings of family and descendants could drag them down, leading to ruin and disgrace. In such a situation, preserving oneself wisely was the top priority. To survive was already difficult; to insist on following the examples of the sages or adhering to ancestral teachings, knowing what was unattainable yet acting anyway, only made their fates more uncertain.
The authors of this book delve into the obscure and explore the profound, not merely to recount the lives and achievements of the 13 figures mentioned above, but also to reveal the general trajectory and fundamental patterns of historical development from the Qin Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty through their rises and falls. They aim not only to show the impact these individuals had on societal progress but also the marks society left on them, providing readers with a deeper and more concrete understanding of this period. The content of this book is entirely based on historical facts. The authors' perspectives and evaluations of the characters are either based on their own research or draw on the findings of academia, striving for scientific rigor and objectivity, reflecting the highest level and newest achievements in this field of study.
To make the characters vivid, well-rounded, and engaging, the authors have gathered extensive documentary materials, meticulously researching their political, economic, cultural activities, and even the smallest details of their lives. In the arrangement of chapters and the use of language, they have carefully considered clarity and elegance, aiming for readability across all audiences.
This series consists of eleven volumes, in addition to: The Biography of , The Biography of , The Biography of , The Biography of , The Biography of and , The Biography of , The Biography of , The Biography of , The Biography of , and The Biography of .