Playing Chess in the Ming Dynasty

It integrates the rigor of official history, the texture of unofficial history, and popular narrative, abandons empty lyricism and ending discussions, and focuses on the game of power, scheming, and intrigues in the court. It combines the weight of official history with the ups and downs of power and strategy, and accurately portrays Zhang Juzheng's complex personality of concealing evil, being world-beating, fierce and decisive, and intertwining public and private affairs. It does not deify or vilify, and restores a powerful official of the Ming Dynasty who lived in troubled times and changed his destiny by himself.