The Romance of Yao Guangxiao

Yao Guangxiao, whose Buddhist name was Daoyan, was born into a family of physicians but was drawn to strategy. He was not driven by hardship to seek a living, yet became a monk at a young age. Though he had entered the Buddhist order, he took a keen interest in politics. He did not serve the Hongwu or Jianwen emperors, but chose instead to support the Prince of Yan. Though he had never endured “ten years of hard study,” he was capable of overseeing the compilation of the Yongle Encyclopedia. He advised on military strategy with uncanny precision and commanded troops like a god. In government, he was upright and incorruptible, devoting himself wholeheartedly to his duties.

This book follows Yao Guangxiao from his birth to his death of old age at Qingshou Temple. His life was marked by hardship and peril. While still very young, he became a “wanted criminal” throughout the country. After many twists and turns, he ultimately became the Prince of Yan’s trusted strategist. The book also vividly portrays Zhu Di, Fan Ruohong, Hua Yunlong, Gao Xu, Fang Xiaoru, and many other figures. By reading it, you can learn about Yao Guangxiao and his life, while also experiencing the turbulent events of the early Ming dynasty, gaining insight into life and reason, and taking away valuable lessons.