Yao Guangxiao, the Demon Monk of the Ming Dynasty

A historically grounded, realistic story with a focus on human nature and philosophical reflection, portraying the "Black-Robed Chancellor" Daoyan (Yao Guangxiao). The world called him a demon monk. He craved neither wealth nor women, sought neither riches nor status, and wanted only to set the world’s game of power in motion.

The protagonist is Yao Guangxiao (the monk Daoyan, also known as Taoxuzi). Key figures include Zhu Di, Empress Ma, Zhu Yuanzhang, the Jianwen Emperor Zhu Yunwen, Zhang Yu, Zhu Gaochi, and Zhu Zhanji.

The book is divided into four volumes, with 32 chapters in total. Staying close to historical fact while exploring political maneuvering, human nature, and Zen philosophy, it reveals the paradoxical fate of a man who hid mountains and rivers beneath his monk’s robe, achieved greatness, yet never enjoyed its glory.