"The Ming Dynasty's Affairs" mainly tells the story of events related to the Ming Dynasty from the time of Emperor Taizu of the Ming, Zhu Yuanzhang, to the fall of the Ming Dynasty, a period of nearly three hundred years. Based on historical records, it uses chronological order and specific individuals as its main thread, and incorporates novelistic writing techniques to provide a panoramic view of the fates of the seventeen emperors of the Ming Dynasty, as well as other nobles and commoners. It focuses particularly on political intrigues, warfare, and imperial tactics, while also including interpretations of the political and economic systems, and ethical morality of the time.
This book by Nián Dāng Míngyuè (a pen name), which he himself said should be called "Ming Notes," makes sense in terms of form, but does not reflect the strengths and merits of this book, so it is still better known as "The Ming Dynasty's Affairs." The language in this book is witty, with vivid plots. The author employs popular literary techniques such as humor, deduction, and suspense, paying attention to the fate of characters and involving personal emotions.
Although it also narrates history, the writing style used by Nián Dāng Míngyuè is not the same as those used in previous historical books. Instead, it is a fresh and lively style that breathes vitality into every word. Under his pen, characters are no longer just rigid names and symbols, but real, living people. The events described are dramatic and captivating, making it hard for readers to put down.