The Ming Veritable Records[1] or Ming Shilu (traditional Chinese: 明實錄; simplified Chinese: 明实录; lit.
It is the single largest historical source of information on the dynasty.
According to modern historians, it "plays an extremely important role in the historical reconstruction of Ming society and politics.
"[2] After the fall of the Ming dynasty, the Ming Veritable Records was used as a primary source for the compilation of the History of Ming by the Qing dynasty.
[3] The Veritable Records (shilu) for each emperor was composed after the emperor's death by a History Office appointed by the Grand Secretariat using different types of historical sources such as:[4]