He rose from humble beginnings in Haozhou and conquered the land through war. Xu Da was the hometown friend Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang trusted most, the Ming dynasty's greatest founding hero, a military genius who spent his life on the battlefield without ever suffering defeat, and a famed general through the ages who never let his achievements make him arrogant and always kept a clear head.
Following the course of Xu Da's 58-year life, this book begins amid the turmoil of the early Zhizheng era under the Yuan dynasty, recounting his legendary journey from a cowherd to a renowned general. As a young man, he recognized Zhu Yuanzhang as his true leader and forged a bond with him that would endure to the death. He gave up the brush for the sword and distinguished himself among the Red Turban forces. He contended for control of Jiangnan, directing operations at Lake Poyang and in the Battle of Pingjiang to overcome formidable foes. In the northern campaigns to destroy the Yuan, he led his troops north and captured Dadu, bringing a century of Mongol rule to an end. After the dynasty was founded, he helped govern the empire and guarded the northern frontier for more than a decade, laying a solid foundation for Ming defenses. Though his accomplishments were immense, he never sought status, holding fast to his principles amid the undercurrents of suspicion between ruler and subject, and ultimately meeting a peaceful end.
Grounded in historical fact and enriched with vivid detail, the book avoids one-dimensional storytelling. It recreates the chaos of the late Yuan and early Ming, revealing both Xu Da's military wisdom and measured judgment, and his unwavering loyalty and integrity. It also depicts the many sides of his life as a subject, a fellow townsman, and a father, while tracing the hardships of the Ming dynasty's founding and the changes of the age. Open this book to discover the legend and clear-eyed resolve of a great general, and glimpse the founding and endurance of a dynasty.
Too much nonsense