Xu Da

Xu Da (simplified: 徐达, traditional: 徐達, pinyin: Xú Dá, jyutping: ceoi4 daat6) was a military tactician of the Ming Order who studied the Book of Wumu (武穆遗书), a military strategy manual written by the Song general Yue Fei. He received the Wumu Manual from Zhang Wuji, enabling the Ming forces to achieve victory and overthrow the Yuan Dynasty.

Biography

Role in the Ming Order

Xu Da was a member of the Ming Order who specialised in military strategy and tactics. His expertise in military affairs made him a valuable asset to the Order’s efforts to overthrow the Yuan Dynasty and restore Han rule.

Studying the Book of Wumu

Xu Da was particularly interested in the Book of Wumu, a military strategy manual written by the Song general Yue Fei. This text contained advanced military strategies and tactics that had been used successfully in defense of the Song Dynasty against foreign invaders.

The Book of Wumu was one of the treasures hidden within the Heavenly Sword and Dragon-slaying Sabre by Guo Jing and Huang Rong before the fall of Xiangyang. Along with the Nine Yin Manual and instructions for the Eighteen Palms of Dragon-subduing, the Book of Wumu was meant to be preserved for future generations who would continue the resistance against foreign rule.

Receiving the Wumu Manual

After Zhang Wuji obtained the secrets from the Heavenly Sword and Dragon-slaying Sabre, he recognised the importance of the Book of Wumu for the Ming Order’s military efforts. Understanding that Xu Da was the best person to apply these military strategies, Zhang Wuji provided the Wumu Manual to Xu Da.

This act demonstrated Zhang Wuji’s wisdom in delegating responsibilities and his recognition that different members of the Ming Order had different strengths and roles to play in the revolution.

Helping overthrow the Yuan Dynasty

With the Wumu Manual in his possession, Xu Da was able to apply Yue Fei’s military strategies to the Ming Order’s campaigns against the Yuan Dynasty. The strategic knowledge contained in the manual, combined with Xu Da’s tactical expertise, proved invaluable in achieving victory.

The successful application of the Book of Wumu’s principles enabled the Ming forces to overcome the Yuan military, contributing significantly to the overthrow of the Yuan Dynasty and the establishment of the Ming Dynasty. This achievement fulfilled the wishes of Guo Jing, Huang Rong, and Guo Xiang, who had hidden these treasures with the hope that they would be used to drive out the Mongols and restore Han rule.

Personality & traits

Military expertise

Xu Da was characterised by his expertise in military strategy and tactics. His interest in and study of the Book of Wumu demonstrated his dedication to mastering military knowledge and his recognition of the value of historical military strategies.

Loyalty to the Ming Order

Xu Da demonstrated loyalty to the Ming Order and its cause. He served the Order as a military tactician, using his skills and knowledge to advance the Order’s revolutionary goals.

Practical application

Xu Da’s ability to apply the Book of Wumu’s strategies effectively demonstrated his practical understanding of military tactics. He was able to take theoretical knowledge and translate it into successful battlefield strategies.

Relationships

Zhang Wuji

Xu Da’s relationship with Zhang Wuji was one of leader and subordinate within the Ming Order. Zhang Wuji recognised Xu Da’s expertise in military matters and entrusted him with the Wumu Manual, demonstrating his confidence in Xu Da’s abilities.

Ming Order members

As a member of the Ming Order, Xu Da worked alongside other Order members, including Chang Yuchun, Zhu Yuanzhang, and others, in the effort to overthrow the Yuan Dynasty. His role as a military tactician complemented the efforts of others who served in different capacities.

Behind the scenes

Xu Da serves as a supporting character who represents the military strategic aspect of the Ming Order’s revolutionary efforts. His character demonstrates how different members of the Order contributed their unique skills and expertise to achieve the common goal of overthrowing the Yuan Dynasty.

The character’s name “Xu Da” (徐达) combines “Xu” (徐), meaning “slow” or “gradual,” and “Da” (达), meaning “to reach” or “to achieve.” This name could symbolise steady progress toward achieving goals, reflecting his role in applying military strategy to achieve victory.

Xu Da’s role in receiving and applying the Book of Wumu connects the novel to the broader narrative of the Condor Trilogy, as the Book of Wumu was originally hidden by Guo Jing and Huang Rong with the hope that it would be used by future generations to continue the resistance against foreign rule.