Ming: Set Sail. Big Wind (Vol. 1 & 2)

Author: Jiutú
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features:
"1. Setting Sail" is a highly popular alternate history novel on the internet. Wuanguo, a dual master of engineering from a university in Beijing, accidentally falls into another time dimension—early Ming Dynasty—while climbing a mountain. Confused, he doesn’t know what to do. Relying on his knowledge and conscience, he chooses a thorny path. Using the scientific knowledge he acquired in the 21st century, he supports Prince Yan Zhu Di and attempts to influence the Ming Dynasty’s ruling class, represented by Zhu Yuanzhang, in order to change the course of Chinese history, steering it centuries earlier toward the ocean and achieving modernization. However, he is ultimately overwhelmed by the immense challenges and is reluctantly drawn into a series of intricate political struggles. "Ming" is a thought-provoking, insightful, and uniquely written fantasy work. Its tension and depth surpass those of typical online fantasy novels because the author avoids the clichés of super-powered heroes battling for dominance, accumulating concubines, destroying the world, or claiming supremacy. Instead, he weaves the story into the social realities of China at the time, reviving the enduring dream of a strong nation in the hearts of hundreds of millions of Chinese.
"2. Gales of Wind" Wuanguo and Zhu Di lead the troops of Zhenbei Army to fight in Liaodong, reclaiming vast territories. Zhu Yuanzhang uses the "Hu Weiyong Case" as an excuse to recall Wuanguo to the capital. Wuanguo further spreads his progressive ideas, and under his proposal, the Ming Dynasty establishes modern institutions like customs offices and scientific academies. His philosophy of equality among all people influences many intellectuals. Meanwhile, he meets Liu Ling, the son of Liu Bowen, and is captivated by her strong and independent spirit, marrying her and becoming a consort. However, Zhu Yuanzhang never fully trusts him, transferring the Zhenbei Army troops to Pingnan Army and Weiwestern Army, and leaving Wuanguo sidelined in the court. Meanwhile, Pingnan Army fights against the remnants of the Mongols in Yunnan. The heroic sacrifices of brothers like Wang Feiyu and Li Ling deeply grieve him, the stock market crash in Beijing fills him with anxiety, and the malicious attacks of the old Confucian scholars in the court leave him utterly despondent. If the first volume is a joyful stream singing a song, the second volume is a vast river full of rapids and, brimming with confusion and darkness, filled with choices between personal freedom and national interests, ethnic conflicts and reconciliation, and hatred and tolerance. Where will Wuanguo turn next?"