Historical Context

Real historical events during the Ming Dynasty period of the novel.

1628 - Arrival

The time travelers arrive during the late Ming Dynasty, a period of internal strife and external threats.

Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

• Last Han Chinese dynasty before Manchu conquest
• Period of economic growth and cultural flourishing
• Facing internal rebellions and Manchu invasions

Key Historical Figures

• Zheng Zhilong - Pirate and naval commander
• Sun Yuanhua - Ming military official
• Kong Youde - Ming general who defected

External Powers

• Dutch - European colonial power
• Later Jin - Manchu state (later Qing Dynasty)