History of Yuan (Complete 15 volumes) -- Traditional vertical

Author: Song Lian
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1997-07-01
Features: The History of the Yuan Dynasty comprises 210 volumes, serving as a systematically recorded feudal history of China's Yuan Dynasty and its decline. In the first year of the Hongwu era (1368), the same year the Yuan Dynasty fell, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty ordered the compilation of the Yuan Dynasty's history. The Holy and Martial Emperor who opened the sky and inspired the world, known as Genghis Khan, belonged to the Qiyuanwumen clan and was a member of the Mongol tribe. His tenth-generation ancestor was Bodaoyier, whose mother was Alanguohuo. She married Debengmeiliqian and gave birth to two sons: the eldest was Bohaigedaihe and the youngest was Bohedusali. After her husband's death, Aalan lived alone and one night, while sleeping in her tent, she dreamed of a white light entering through the roof, transforming into a golden divine figure who approached her bedside. Aalan woke up startled and soon became pregnant, giving birth to a son, who was Bodaoyier. Bodaoyier had an extraordinary appearance and was quiet and rarely spoke, earning him the nickname "madman" from his family. However, Aalan told others, "This child is not mad; his descendants will surely attain great honor." After Aalan's death, her brothers divided the family property, leaving nothing for her. Bodaoyier said, "Poverty and wealth are fate; what is the use of wealth!" He rode a blue horse and a white donkey to the area of Baliantun Aalan and settled there. Unable to find food and drink, he happened to see a hawk hunting wild animals. Bodaoyier used a net to catch the prey, and the hawk became tame, allowing him to hunt rabbits and birds for food. Whenever he lacked food, he would continue hunting, as if guided by fate.
Chronicles According to the chronicles of the Han Dynasty, both facts and words are recorded, incorporating the principles of the Shu and the Spring and Autumn Annals. For the Tang Dynasty chronicles, the style was strict, fully imitating the Spring and Autumn Annals. The chronicles of the Yuan History follow the Han Dynasty's model.
Bibliographies According to the bibliographies of previous dynasties, there were variations in style. For the Tang Dynasty bibliographies, they were organized entirely around facts, which scholars found difficult to assess. The bibliographies of the recent Song History were detailed and easy to read. The Yuan History follows the Song History model.
Tables According to the tables of the Han and Tang Dynasties, which were comprehensive, while the Records of the Three Kingdoms and the Five Dynasties lacked them. Only the tables of the Liao and Jin histories were created based on available records, without regard to detail. The Yuan History follows the Liao and Jin histories model.
Biographies According to the categories of historical biographies, empresses are listed first out of respect; followed by imperial relatives and princes out of closeness; then the officials of the dynasty, representing the sum of virtue and vice; followed by rebels, representing success and failure; and finally the four barbarians, representing the reach of imperial culture. However, the titles of officials' biographies have varied across dynasties. The Yuan History follows the model of previous dynasties while incorporating adjustments.
At the end of the chronicles, bibliographies, tables, and biographies of previous dynasties, there were often commentaries and praises. The Yuan History does not include such commentaries but records events objectively, allowing their virtues and vices to be seen clearly, following the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals and the imperial edicts.