The chaotic and tumultuous history at the end of the Ming Dynasty can be said to be a period written by individuals with powerful personal charisma.

Whether it was Li Zicheng or Zhang Xianzhong, those rebels, or Chongzhen and Yuan Chonghuan, those in power, or Wu Sangui and Geng Jingzhong, those traitors—each person had many stories. It is precisely because of these fascinating stories that the history of the late Ming became grand and magnificent, full of ups and downs.

To write this period of history well, one must naturally portray vivid, living characters. No matter their stance, as we stand on the edge of the long river of history and observe, they are but a wave in this river.

Looking at the world with a cold eye is what we need to do right now; looking at history with a cold eye is also a pursuit in our current lives.

The long river of history has already flowed to our feet. We can well stand by the riverbank, ready to welcome our own history.