[Qing Dynasty + Yongzheng + Zeng Jing + rebellion + single male lead + Industrial Revolution + clever thrills + cautious growth + the art of officialdom]
This is an alternate-history novel.
A destabilizing force emerges from the death row cells of a tiny county yamen, shaking the entire Qing court. He even dares to shout in front of Yongzheng, “The Great Qing is rotten to the core and beyond saving!” Not only does he survive, he unexpectedly becomes a county magistrate and embarks on a tumultuous life.
On the night Hongli launches his rebellion, he flees the capital with Emperor Yongzheng. Years later, when his army reaches the capital, he secretly has the entire imperial clan killed behind Yongzheng’s back, all for the grand plan in his heart.
After reclaiming the pinnacle of power, he immediately introduces advanced Western technology, only to be attacked by his former allies, who accuse him of “forgetting his ancestors and betraying his heritage.” He then sets about purging the meritorious officials and clearing every obstacle in his way! Determined to build a vast new empire by any means necessary, he issues an order to slaughter the people and level the land, then kisses his sword and takes his own life.
He leaves posterity an empire stretching across Eurasia and endless speculation about his ambitions…
Bad reviews did not overthrow the Manchu Qing Dynasty.