How Princes Throughout Chinese History Seized Power and Took the Throne (Part One)

This book explores the stories of more than thirty princes throughout Chinese history, including Shou, son of Di Yi, ruler of the Shang dynasty; Hu Hai, the youngest son of Qin Shi Huang; Liu De, son of Emperor Jing of the Western Han; Liu Ju, crown prince of Emperor Wu of Han; Liu Cang, son of Emperor Guangwu of the Eastern Han; Yang Guang, son of Emperor Wen of Sui; Li Shimin, son of Emperor Gaozu of Tang; Abatai, a son of Nurhaci of the Yuan dynasty; Zhu Di, son of Ming founder Zhu Yuanzhang; Hooge, son of Qing Taizong Hong Taiji; and Yinzhen, the fourth son of the Kangxi Emperor. Their stories tell of triumph and decline, survival and ruin. Some reached for the throne and fulfilled their grand ambitions; some came close to victory only to fail at the last moment; others had no interest in the throne and lived unremarkable lives. In the end, each used his intelligence and character to shape a distinct life, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that may inspire admiration or move us to sorrow.

These influential figures from different eras, each endowed with extraordinary intelligence and exceptional strategic skill, brought one enthralling historical drama after another to life and created sweeping historical sagas that stir the heart. Stories steeped in profound and masterful strategy are a treasured spiritual legacy of the Chinese people. They can awaken the human capacity for thought and inspire us to achieve greatness anew.