China’s answer to Game of Thrones, a sweeping portrayal of the struggle for supremacy waged by a generation of mighty rulers.
Hundreds of characters, dozens of wars; intrigue and romance, power and games. A glorious era torn by war and strife, and an epic history of contests for supremacy.
The Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods are among the most vividly chronicled chapters in Chinese history. Beginning with King Ping of Zhou’s eastward move, the story recreates the rise of Qi and Chu and their struggle for supremacy, ending for now with Qi’s apparent victory. But the lords’ struggle for dominance was far from over. After the deaths of Guan Zhong and Duke Huan of Qi, Qi’s power gradually waned. Meanwhile, Prince Chong’er of Jin, who had wandered in exile, returned home and, through events such as his retreat of three she, or thirty miles, and the Battle of Chengpu, eventually secured hegemony.
The historical novel series Flowing Fire: Spring and Autumn consists of five books and spans 300 years, from the brief dominance of Zheng in the Spring and Autumn period to the end of Yue’s hegemony. The novels portray both bloody wars and slaughter, and the deep tenderness behind the iron-hearted men, striving to restore history as it truly was.
The second volume in the Flowing Fire: Spring and Autumn series, Chong’er’s Contest for Supremacy tells how Prince Chong’er of Jin was persecuted and spent 19 years wandering in exile, passing through eight vassal states before finally ascending the throne in his sixties. Once in power, he governed diligently and fostered production, soon making Jin a formidable state. After the pivotal Battle of Chengpu, Duke Wen of Jin, Chong’er, finally became the hegemon of the Central Plains.
The plot of this book is so exciting! Chong'er's experience was really rough. He wandered for 19 years and became king at the age of 60. However, he did not give up and eventually became the overlord of the Central Plains. The conspiracy and war scenes in the book are vividly described, and the characters' actions are very realistic, making me feel like I was in that era. I especially like the character Chong Er. I admire his persistence and hard work. I can't wait to see the next one!