General: Xu Da

Haozhou civilians rise, armies and horses determine the world. He was the most trusted fellow countryman of Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, the first hero of the founding of the Ming Dynasty, a military wizard who never suffered a defeat in his life in the military, and a famous general through the ages who was not arrogant, sober and self-sufficient - Xu Da. This book follows Xu Da's 58-year life trajectory, starting from the troubled times in the early years of Yuan Zhizheng, and lays out his legendary journey from a cowherd boy to a famous general: he knew his master as a young man and formed a life-and-death friendship with Zhu Yuanzhang; He made strategic plans in the battles of Yanghu and Pingjiang and defeated powerful enemies; he defeated the Yuan Dynasty in the Northern Expedition and sent his troops north to conquer most of the capital, ending the century-old rule of the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty; he founded the country and assisted in the government, guarded the northern border for more than ten years, and built a solid foundation for the Ming Dynasty's border defense; he never rested on his achievements, and he stuck to his original intention amidst the undercurrent of suspicion between the emperor and his ministers, and ended well. The book uses historical facts as its bones and details as its flesh, and avoids facial expressions. It not only restores the picture of the chaotic times in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties, but also demonstrates Xu Da's "prudent and resourceful" military wisdom and "loyalty" in life. It also depicts his multi-faceted life as a courtier, fellow countryman, and father, and connects the arduous process of the founding of the Ming Dynasty with the changes of the times. Open this book, understand the legend and sobriety of a generation of famous generals, and get a glimpse of the establishment and persistence of a dynasty.