From Zhu Yuanzhang's rise from humble beginnings to Emperor Chongzhen, from the turbulent voyages of Zheng He's expeditions to the West to the sweeping measures of Zhang Juzheng's reforms, this book recounts the rise and fall, glory and disgrace of the Ming Dynasty over three hundred years with wit and humor. Rather than piling up dry historical facts, the author employs novel-like storytelling to bring emperors, princes, and ministers down from their pedestals and portray them as ordinary human beings.