Chronicles of the Ming Dynasty

This book tells the story of Zhu Di and Zhu Yunwen's struggle for the throne at the end of the Hongwu era of the Ming dynasty. The plot is tied together by the “Wenjing herb,” a symbol of sworn brotherhood, and is full of twists and turns. It combines fictional characters and events with historical figures and incidents.

A chance encounter brings Zhu Di together with He Fugui, a failed examination candidate, and Gou Sheng'er, a local thug. The three become sworn brothers, setting off their struggle for the throne. The Prince of Yan, Zhu Di, is cunning and ruthless. He exploits his sworn brothers and every force within the court and society, making them fight on his behalf. Even when he learns at the end that the young emperor is his illegitimate son, he personally strangles the boy's mother, the Empress Dowager, exposing the inhuman lengths to which feudal rulers would go for the throne. The book has a tightly woven structure and a plot full of twists and turns. Written in accessible vernacular and styled after classical Chinese chapter novels, it tells a turbulent story with a thought-provoking ending, making for both an enjoyable and enlightening read.