History Is Never Far Away: Wu Han’s Historical Notes

This book collects eleven essay-style notes written by the author, arranged in chronological order. Except for "Wang Maoyin and Currency Reform in the Xianfeng Era," "A Study of Touxia," and "Paper Currency in the Yuan Dynasty," the remaining essays all concern the history of the Ming dynasty:

(1) "The Period in Which The Plum in the Golden Vase Was Written and Its Social Background" examines when The Plum in the Golden Vase was written. It argues that the book was probably composed between the tenth and thirtieth years of the Wanli reign (1582-1602). At the earliest, it could not have been written before the second year of the Longqing reign (1568), and at the latest, no later than the thirty-fourth year of the Wanli reign (1606). The essay also briefly discusses the historical background.

(2) "Li Manzhu in the Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty" uses the records in the Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty to explore the family background and residence of Li Manzhu, a famous early leader in the history of Jianzhou, the westward migration of the Jianzhou Left Guard, Li Manzhu's dual allegiance to the Ming and Joseon, and the circumstances of his downfall.

(3) "Military Personnel in the Ming Dynasty" discusses military matters including the Ming army and its soldiers, the Guard and Battalion system, the decline of the capital and regional guards, recruitment, military pay, and state finances. And so on. Every essay is fascinating, with precise historical research and rigorous argumentation. They clarify the truth and offer fresh insights time and again. Taking history as a mirror, we learn from the past to understand the present.