The Complete Practical Guide to Palace Intrigue and Political Scheming Throughout Chinese History, Part Two

This book presents stories from different perspectives about rulers and ministers in feudal society, battling wits and fighting to the death inside and outside the palace for imperial power. Here, an emperor may disregard family ties and slaughter without restraint to protect his throne; a son may dare to murder his father and seize the throne, defying all human bonds; brothers may fight bitterly for the succession, turning against their own flesh and blood; empresses and consorts may stir up chaos, rule from behind the curtain, and establish their own institutions; powerful ministers may usurp authority, govern as regents, deceive the emperor, and grow arrogantly self-important; eunuchs may throw the government into disarray, monopolize power, and dominate the court.

The words "imperial power" turn all intelligence into scheming, and stain every crown with blood. The chilling palace farces that unfold here and the shocking, blood-soaked scenes they reveal offer profound lessons to later generations and give people much to reflect on. They remind us to remember history and not repeat its mistakes.