"Laughing and Talking about the Ming Dynasty" (eBook/Audiobook)

Book Title : A Lighthearted Chat About the Ming Dynasty
Author : Dr. Zhang Tianliang

Book format : PDF
Book pages : 664
File size : 51MB

Book Introduction

The "Laughing and Talking about History" series is a large-scale history series presented by Zhang Tianliang, covering all the important figures and major events from the "Records of the Grand Historian" to the "History of Ming".

"The Ming Dynasty" is the fifth book in this series, detailing the history from Kublai Khan's conquest of the Southern Song Dynasty to the Jia Shen Incident and the fall of the Southern Ming Dynasty, and summarizing the entire series at the end. The series consists of 36 episodes and approximately 400,000 words.

About the Author

Dr. Zhang Tianliang is a highly accomplished scholar with expertise in both the humanities and sciences, as well as Chinese and Western learning. He possesses profound insights into many affairs in ancient and modern China and contemporary international affairs.

He is currently an associate professor in the Department of Humanities and Sciences at Fei Tian University and the host of the YouTube political commentary channel, "Dawn."

Dr. Zhang has also served as a visiting professor at George Mason University, a senior writer for The Epoch Times, a senior commentator for NTD Television, and a guest commentator for Voice of America and Radio Free Asia.

【Dawn】Premiered in April 2019, and as of April 2022, it has 380,000 subscribers and more than 100 million views.

Dr. Zhang Tianliang's major works include:

In 2003, he published the full-length documentary novel "Leaving the Dust";

In 2006, the DVD "A Casual Talk on Party Culture," which he helped plan and present, was distributed to tens of millions of people in mainland China.

In 2009, he published a collection of political essays entitled "China's Path of Peaceful Transition";

In 2010, he wrote and produced the film "Chance Encounter";

From 2011 to 2020, we co-produced a large-scale historical series called "Laughing and Talking about the Times" with NTDTV. The series consists of 192 episodes and about 1.5 million words, covering important figures and events from the pre-Qin period to the end of the Ming Dynasty.

In 2015, he co-authored "Unprecedented Evil Persecution" with scholars including the former Vice-President of the European Parliament;

In 2020, I taught "History of Chinese Civilization" at the City of Hope, where I systematically explained the three spiritual pillars that shaped Chinese civilization and clarified many misleading concepts.

sequence

The Chinese have always valued history. This isn't solely due to our long history. Many ancient peoples exist in the world; some, like the ancient Persians and Jews, have thrived even today, while others have vanished into the dust of ruins. But only the Chinese have left behind a continuous five-thousand-year-old historical record. Even though we were once conquered by foreign powers, our culture remained unbroken, and our history was passed down through generations—a true miracle in the history of human civilization.

Our ancestor was the Yellow Emperor, and Cangjie, who invented writing, was the Yellow Emperor's historian. This seems to suggest that one of the purposes of the Chinese invention of writing was to record history. Unlike many Western masterpieces that fabricate characters or stories out of thin air, Chinese literary creations mostly have historical prototypes. Even *Journey to the West*, considered a pinnacle of mythological fiction, is based on the journey of the Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures, and the "Preface to the Sacred Teachings" in the 100th chapter of *Journey to the West* was personally written by Emperor Taizong of Tang. *Water Margin* originated from *The Remnants of the Xuanhe Era of the Great Song Dynasty*, and historical novels such as *Romance of the Three Kingdoms* and *Romance of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms* are even more derived from official history.

The emperor appointed historians to faithfully record major events daily, including natural disasters, wars, economic developments, and diplomacy. Archives preserved documents related to imperial edicts, literature, official systems, technology, and water conservancy. After the fall of a dynasty, scholars from the next dynasty would compile and edit the previous dynasty's documents, creating a comprehensive historical record.

Official histories. In addition, various books in the form of "veritable records", "chronicles", annals, miscellaneous histories, local chronicles, etc., also circulated, forming China's vast and profound historical archive, which is also China's encyclopedia.

Chinese people read history for various reasons, but the inherent enjoyment of history is undeniable. Sima Qian, the founder of the Twenty-Four Histories, vividly portrayed a wide range of figures, from the mighty Qin Shi Huang, Emperor Wu of Han, Han Xin, Xiang Yu, and Liu Bang—heroes who dominated the land—to the humblest thieves and commoners. Stories like the Orphan of Zhao, the story of Goujian's perseverance, the return of the jade to Zhao, Jing Ke's assassination attempt on the King of Qin, and the Farewell of the Hegemon-King to his Concubine have become recurring themes in literature and art. These real-life stories are often more captivating than novels or plays.

Sima Guang unearthed wisdom for governing the country from history, summarized the rise and fall of previous dynasties, and advised the emperor to practice benevolent governance. Therefore, he was given the name "Zizhi Tongjian" by Emperor Shenzong of the Northern Song Dynasty.

The CCP also seeks to utilize history. Qi Benyu gained Mao Zedong's favor with his work, "Studying History for the Revolution," and joined the Central Cultural Revolution Group, becoming a prominent figure. Because the CCP uses Marxist historical materialism to frame Chinese history, it discards the most traditional values ​​that teach people to be good and the glorious achievements of history. History education in mainland China has become a collection of peasant rebellions. Historical dramas often exaggerate the wickedness and cunning of human nature. This is not true Chinese history.

How to explore the true face of history and what its significance is for our society today? These questions are too abstract to answer in a brief manner, and once they are elaborated, they become lengthy and tedious, and they are closely related to people's beliefs and value systems.

As this book is about to go to press, I would like to express my special thanks to all my family, friends and colleagues who have provided help, suggestions, opinions and encouragement.

Due to my own limitations, omissions and errors are inevitable in this book. In presenting historical facts, I have tried my best to follow the records of serious historical materials such as the *Records of the Grand Historian* and the *Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government*. As for the viewpoints, they are merely one person's opinion. Criticism and suggestions from readers are welcome.

Zhang Tianliang

October 16, 2013, at Fei Tian University, USA

Table of contents

This series consists of 36 volumes, totaling approximately 400,000 words. A brief summary of each volume is as follows:

1. Overview of the Mongol Empire – Yuan Dynasty. The Mongol wars against Goryeo, Japan, Annam, Burma, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.

2. The Greatness of Kublai Khan's Civil Achievements: This included establishing the state title, elevating sacrificial rites, constructing the capital city of Dadu (Beijing), revising the calendar, creating the Mongolian script, and establishing the state religion. It also encompassed Mongolia's economic system, water conservancy projects, and the stationing system.

3. Conflicts over the imperial throne—the Mongol Khanate succession system and its problems, the Yuan Dynasty's discrimination against Han Chinese and intellectuals, and several coups and wars triggered by the struggle for the throne.

4. The One-Eyed Stone Man – Toqto'a's Restoration of the Yuan Dynasty; The discovery of the "One-Eyed Stone Man" during river management led to the uprising of the Red Turban Army led by Han Shantong and Liu Futong.

5. Joining the Army in Haozhou – Zhu Yuanzhang joined the army in Haozhou, following Guo Zixing. Zhu Yuanzhang met Li Shanchang. Tuotuo nearly wiped out Zhang Shicheng. Hama caused chaos in the country, and Tuotuo was killed.

6. Internal strife – Conflicts among court officials, between the emperor and the crown prince's factions, and among regional governors brought the Yuan government to its death.

7. The Founding of a Royal Empire – Zhu Yuanzhang occupies Nanjing, Chen Youliang kills Xu Shouhui, and the two major military groups are about to engage in a decisive battle.

8. The Battle of Poyang – The Battle of Longwan, the Defense of Hongdu, and the Final Battle of Poyang Lake between Zhu Yuanzhang and Chen Youliang. Chen Youliang was defeated and died from an arrow wound.

9. The Northern Expedition – After pacifying the south of the Yangtze River, Zhu Yuanzhang crossed the river and launched a northern expedition to destroy the Mongol Yuan dynasty. This included Zhu Yuanzhang's wars against the Northern Yuan and Liaodong, as well as the pacification of Sichuan and Yunnan.

10. Outstanding Civil and Military Officials – The most distinguished civil and military officials under Zhu Yuanzhang. The section focuses on Xu Da, Liu Bowen, and Li Shanchang.

11. Arbitrary Power – The Hu Weiyong Case in the Early Ming Dynasty. Zhu Yuanzhang's Abolition of the Prime Minister. Lan Yu's Battle of Buyur Lake and the Treason Case.

12. Severe Punishment for Corruption—The Empty Seal Case and the Guo Huan Case in the Early Ming Dynasty. The organizational structure of the Ming Dynasty government and military. The death of Li Shanchang. The establishment of Zhu Yunwen, the grandson of the emperor, as crown prince.

13. Jianwen's Reduction of the Power of the Princes - Zhu Yuanzhang's diligence and frugality; Jianwen Emperor's reduction of the power of the princes after ascending the throne; Prince Yan Zhu Di feigned madness and illness, yet remained in danger.

14. The Jingnan Campaign – The Prince of Yan launched a rebellion to quell the rebellion, and with the support of the Prince of Ning's three guards, he defeated Li Jinglong with the help of a strong wind.

15. A Thousand-Mile Raid—The Prince of Yan encountered resistance from Tie Xuan in Jinan and was defeated by Sheng Yong in Dongchang. The Prince of Yan risked everything to launch a direct raid on Nanjing. Emperor Jianwen disappeared, and the Prince of Yan ascended the throne.

16. The Mystery of the Extermination of the Clan—Many legends surrounding the Renwu Martyrs have serious internal logical problems and are mostly inconsistent with historical facts.

17. Emperor Yongle – Emperor Chengzu compiled the Yongle Encyclopedia, repaired the Wudang Palace and the Great Bao'en Temple, cast the Yongle Bell, honored monks, built the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, moved the capital to Beijing, and solved the problem of grain transport.

18. The prestige of the nation spread far and wide—the Yongle Emperor's war against Annam; the Yongle Emperor's personal expeditions to the Mongolian Plateau and his military campaigns in Guizhou. Zheng He's voyages to the Western Ocean.

19. The Tumu Crisis – The Reign of Renxuan, the Establishment of the Grand Secretariat and the Interference of Eunuchs in Politics. The Battle of Tumu resulted in Emperor Yingzong's capture.

20. Defending Beijing – Zhu Qiyu, Prince of Cheng, ascends the throne. The defense of Beijing led by Yu Qian. Emperor Yingzong returns to the country and is placed under house arrest in the Southern Palace. Emperor Yingzong's coup at the Gate.

21. Enlightenment at Longchang—The Death of Yu Qian. The Cao Shi Incident. During the reign of Emperor Wuzong of Ming, the eunuch Liu Jin seized power. Wang Yangming in his youth. Having offended Liu Jin, Wang Yangming was demoted to Longchang.

22. Unity of Knowledge and Action—Wang Yangming's Enlightenment at Longchang. The Death of Liu Jin. Wang Yangming's Return to Power and Suppression of Bandits in Southern Jiangxi. Signs of Prince Ning's Rebellion.

23. The All-Round Confucian Scholar – Wang Yangming's Miracle in Suppressing the Rebellion. He outwitted Emperor Wuzong and his deputy general. Wang Yangming established the Yangming Academy, and was reinstated in his later years to quell the rebellion.

24. Yan Song's Abuse of Power—The Great Rites Controversy during the Jiajing Reign of Emperor Shizong. A palace assassination attempt against the Jiajing Emperor. The Jiajing Emperor was a devout follower of Taoism, and Yan Song plotted to kill Xia Yan and Zeng Xian.

25. The Early Stages of the Wokou Rebellion—Shen Lian and Yang Jisheng Impeach Yan Song, with a Devastating Price. The historical reasons for the emergence of the Wokou. Hu Zongxian hoped to resolve the Wokou issue peacefully through political means.

26. Pacification of the Coastline – Hu Zongxian's attempt to recruit Wang Zhi failed. Yan Song and his son fell from power. Qi Jiguang selected and trained troops, invented the Mandarin Duck Formation, and quelled the Japanese pirates.

27. The Grand Secretary Regent – ​​The Life of Hai Rui. Emperor Muzong's Ascension to the Throne. Zhang Juzheng Becomes Grand Secretary and His Subsequent Reforms. The Single Whip Law and the Death of Zhang Juzheng.

28. Declining Fortunes – The Succession, Seditious Books, and the Clubbing Case during the Wanli Era. The Mining Tax Problem during the Wanli Era. Neglect of Governance and Factional Strife during the Wanli Era. The Yang Yinglong Rebellion in Bozhou and the Bo Bai Rebellion in Ningxia.

29. The Rise of the Manchus – After Toyotomi Hideyoshi unified Japan, he invaded Korea, and the Ming Dynasty sent troops to aid him. Nurhaci unified the various Jurchen tribes and proclaimed himself the Great Khan of Heavenly Mandate.

30. The Decisive Battle of Liaodong—The Strategic Decisive Battle of the Fall of the Ming and the Rise of the Qing—The Course and Outcome of the Battle of Sarhu. The Red Pill Case of Emperor Guangzong and the Palace Relocation Case of Emperor Xizong.

31. The Eunuch Wei's Misrule—The process of Wei Zhongxian's rise from entering the palace to seizing absolute power. The death of Xiong Tingbi. Wei Zhongxian's cruel persecution of the Donglin Party members.

32. The Battle of Ningyuan—Emperor Chongzhen purged the eunuch faction, and Sun Chengzong commanded the troops in Ji and Liao. Yuan Chonghuan fought a major battle at Ningyuan, and Nurhaci was seriously wounded and died. Huang Taiji ascended the throne and made a detour to attack Beijing.

33. The Jia Shen Incident – ​​Yuan Chonghuan was killed. Bandits rose up everywhere, and the imperial court, employing both suppression and appeasement tactics, could not resolve the rebellion. In 1644, Li Zicheng captured Beijing, and Emperor Chongzhen hanged himself on Coal Hill.

34. The Qing army enters the pass—Zhang Xianzhong is bloodthirsty. Hong Chengchou surrenders to the Manchus. Wu Sangui rebels and joins forces with the Qing army to defeat Li Zicheng. The death of Li Zicheng and the factional struggles and demise of the Southern Ming.

35. The Silver Empire—The rise of the Ottoman Empire led to the Renaissance, the emergence of Protestantism, and the Age of Exploration. Cultural and commercial exchanges between the Ming Dynasty and Europe resulted in a large influx of silver into China. Yuan Dynasty drama and Ming Dynasty novels.

36. Historical Codes—An Economic and Meteorological Explanation of the Ming Dynasty's Demise. Prophecies about the Ming Dynasty and their fulfillment. Deciphering historical codes and their significance for modern people.