Tales of the Ming Emperors

This is a veritable encyclopedia of the Ming dynasty, covering the roughly 250 years and fifteen emperors from Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang to Ming Xizong Zhu Youxiao. Its contents are incredibly comprehensive, touching on every aspect of politics, economics, culture, and social life. In politics, Zhu Yuanzhang abolished the chancellor's office with sweeping measures, while Zhu Di launched the Jingnan Campaign: the Game of Thrones was nothing short of thrilling. In economics, Zhang Juzheng introduced the Single Whip Reform, changing the tax system in an effort to give the Ming economy a much-needed boost. As for social life, it covers everything from the luxurious daily lives of nobles at court to the everyday concerns of ordinary people, as well as the imperial examinations, religion, and customs. Whether you want to learn about the Ming emperors' “workplace dramas” or the “many facets of everyday life” among the common people, it's all here.