Ming Taizu

Author: Dai Zongli
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-09-01
Features: The entire novel revolves around four figures—Emperor Yongle, Prince Jianwen, the monk Daoyan, and the eunuch Wang Cheng—ing a story set in the imperial court. It not only presents the tumultuous life of Zhu Di from the perspective of the eunuch Wang Cheng but also delves into themes such as war, torture, sea voyages, court power struggles, and the construction of the Forbidden City, showcasing the grand scale of history. It is both tragic and somber, grand and bold, as well as profound and refined.
Emperor Yongle was a highly significant figure in Chinese history. Among the emperors of the Ming Dynasty, his achievements were unparalleled: conquering the northern deserts, pacifying the south, opening up maritime trade, organizing grand ceremonies, and establishing Beijing, thereby creating the "Yongle Era of Prosperity." However, Emperor Yongle was also known for his ruthlessness and cruelty, especially in his use of extreme torture against the surviving officials of Prince Jianwen, a brutality unmatched by any other ruler in history.