In ancient times, names were often misleading. For example, the name "Kang Maocai" sounds like a big businessman, but in fact, he is a military general, a hero who has made miraculous contributions to the Ming Dynasty. This Kang Maocai was Zhu Yuanzhang's right-hand man, and his strategic vision and brave and fearless style made him leave a glorious page on the historical stage.
The story takes place in the last years of the Yuan Dynasty, when the world was in turmoil, and the rebels rose one after another. By 1360, Chen Youliang, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhang Shichao were three heroes, of which Chen Youliang's power was the most powerful. Once, Chen Youliang led a powerful fleet of 100,000 horses to attack Zhu Yuanzhang's Yingtian (now Nanjing), but Zhu Yuanzhang only had 10,000 sailors in his hands, and fell into an extremely passive situation.
At the critical juncture, Zhu Yuanzhang convened his advisers to discuss countermeasures. Most advocated escaping, while others suggested retreating to Purple Mountain, but all agreed that Yingtian should be abandoned. Zhu Yuanzhang looked at these weather vanes in disappointment, what should I do?At this time, his eyes fell on Liu Ji.
Liu Ji, a genius in the world, is known as the reincarnation of Kong Ming. He offered advice to Zhu Yuanzhang, outwitted Chen Youliang, and broke the deadlock. Among them, Liu Ji mentioned a key figure, Kan Ze, and Zhu Yuanzhang needed to find a character similar to Kan Ze. This person is Kang Maocai.
Kang Maocai was a general under Chen Youliang, and later defected to Zhu Yuanzhang. However, under Zhu Yuanzhang's instructions, he maintained secret contact with Chen Youliang and became a double agent. Kang Maocai's noble character and firm stance made Zhu Yuanzhang trust him.
At the critical juncture, Kang Maocai suggested an ambush strategy to try to outwit Chen Youliang. His first step was to write a letter to Chen Youliang, pretending to surrender and inducing Chen Youliang to move forward in credulity. The letter, which was sent to Chen Youliang through a special envoy, described Kang Maocai's preparations to wait for Chen Youliang at the Jiangdong Bridge and his plans to assist Chen Youliang.
Chen Youliang was extremely excited when he learned the news, and he couldn't wait to lead the naval army along the Qinhuai River. However, when he arrived at the Koto Bridge, he found that the bridge had become a stone bridge instead of a wooden bridge as Kang Maocai had claimed. Chen Youliang realized that Zhu Yuanzhang's army launched a round of attacks in the night. The "Battle of Longwan" with Kang Maocai as the mastermind became a great victory, and Zhu Yuanzhang successfully repelled his fierce rival Chen Youliang and consolidated his position in Yingtian.
Kang Maocai's loyalty and resourcefulness contributed to the rise of the Ming Dynasty. He fought with Zhu Yuanzhang in many places, successively conquered Anqing, Jiangzhou, Qizhou, Xingguo, Hanyang and other places, and was promoted to the deputy commander of the personal army in front of the tent. In 1368, he accompanied Xu Da on the Northern Expedition and contributed greatly to the establishment of the Ming Dynasty.
However, on his triumphant return, Kang Mao fell ill and died in 1368. In order to commemorate this loyal minister, Zhu Yuanzhang posthumously presented him as the Duke of Qi Guo and gave him martial arts. Kang Maocai's life is a bright pearl in the rise of the Ming Dynasty.