The unified Ming Dynasty
"The Fifteen Years of Wanli" (Chapter 29)
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Qi Jiguang was the most talented general of the Ming Dynasty. Despite being dismissed from office for three years due to impeachment, he still couldn't be forgiven by Emperor Wanli, all because of his overly close relationship with Zhang Juzheng.
When social and economic development is unbalanced, conflicts intensify, and political mediation fails, war often ensues.
Thirdly, under normal circumstances, military commanders regard their own and their subordinates' lives as chips in a gambling game, and are willing to risk everything when necessary. Most civil officials, on the other hand, adhere to the principle of the golden mean in their interactions with others, emphasizing stability and peace.
In the eyes of civil officials, if generals act decisively and command their troops to quickly engage in battle, it is seen as seeking credit and rushing headlong into action, showing a penchant for bravery and bloodshed; if they temporarily hold their fire and wait for a favorable opportunity to fight, it is seen as being timid and not moving forward, playing with the enemy and nurturing the enemy forces.
5. The political organization of the Ming Dynasty was unified. Once this system was established, even if the generals risked their lives and made extraordinary achievements, their social impact might not be comparable to that of a brilliant and lengthy article.
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