Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms: Complete Original Edition

Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms is a historical novel compiled by Feng Menglong and originally written by Cai Yuanfang. It spans five hundred years of Spring and Autumn and Warring States history, from King Ping of Zhou’s eastward move to Luoyi through the Qin conquest of the six kingdoms. Against the backdrop of the declining Zhou royal house, it paints a sweeping picture of the feuding states, celebrated ministers and strategists, assassins and righteous heroes, and the rise and fall of kingdoms. Such figures as Duke Huan of Qi, Guan Zhong, Yan Ying, Wu Qi, Shang Yang, Su Qin, Zhang Yi, and Jing Ke appear in turn, each with a distinctive presence. Famous episodes include “Duke Zhuang of Zheng Claims Hegemony After Cutting Off His Sleeve,” “Duke Huan of Qi Unites the Feudal Lords Nine Times,” “Goujian Endures Hardship to Avenge His Humiliation,” “King Wuling of Zhao Adopts Hu Clothing and Cavalry Archery,” and “Jing Ke’s Attempt on the King of Qin.” Balancing historical fact and literary storytelling, the book has a fast-paced, eventful plot and vivid characters, making it one of the most important works of Chinese historical fiction.