The Yongzheng Emperor (Complete Collection)

In the struggle among the nine princes for the throne, Yongzheng won by a narrow margin, and a new dynasty replaced the old within the Forbidden City. But though the trees longed for stillness, the wind would not cease. Danger still lurked inside and outside the imperial capital, from the great rivers to the far south. The Eighth Prince's faction had been crushed but not destroyed, and its members pressed aggressively toward replacing the emperor. General Nian Gengyao, commander of the western frontier, was arrogant and proud of his military achievements, using his troops to meddle in politics. Even Longkodo, a key minister entrusted with the succession, tried to play both sides and brazenly sent soldiers into the forbidden palace grounds. The winds howled, the waves rose, and dark clouds blotted out the sun. In turbulent times, an emperor's abilities are put to the test. With the support of senior ministers such as Fang Bao, Yongzheng set about reforming officialdom and promoting newcomers like Tian Wenjing and Liu Molin. He risked his safety to inspect the Yellow River defenses and show concern for the people. Building on the victory in Qinghai, he drew his bow and crushed the coup plot hatched by the Eighth Prince's faction and his fourteenth brother, confined Longkodo, and ordered Nian Gengyao's execution. This book covers a broad range of subjects and features sweeping scenes, from intricate political struggles to heartrending romances. Its structure is more balanced than that of the previous volume, with a well-judged pace and level of detail. The author excels at portraying emperors and historical events, handling palace secrets with tact. In particular, the subtle relationships and shifts of political maneuvering within the imperial court are depicted with remarkable insight.