
Standing in front of you is:
The guardian of the Ming Dynasty, a close comrade-in-arms of the Wanli Emperor, the good son of the Grand Secretary, and the richest man in the world in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The mastermind who controlled the Ministry of Personnel for thirty years, the gravedigger of the imperial clan system, the second Yan Shifan in the mouths of the Donglin Party, whom Zhang Juzheng proclaimed invincible.
Hai Rui's confidant, Xu Wei's employer, Matteo Ricci's tonsure master, and the mentor of six top scholars including Xu Guangqi.
He was a fig leaf for the Ming Dynasty's poetry scene, the author of over 700 books across various disciplines, the inventor of over 2,700 patents, and a founder of modern universities and science.
The protector of overseas Chinese, the pioneer of new sea routes, the maintainer of the ocean order, and the contractor of large-scale global projects.
The culprit who wreaked havoc on Europe, the adoptive father of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the savior of Sebastian, and the young cabinet minister who wholeheartedly served the people.
Xiaoge Lao's Book Club: 56471661