In the first year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign (1736), in the Qianqing Palace of the Forbidden City, the lingering chill of early spring still lingered, and glistening frost clung to the glazed tiles. The twenty-five-year-old Aisin-Gioro Hongli, clad in a bright yellow silk robe embroidered with nine dragons, sat atop the gilded dragon throne, a symbol of supreme power. Sunlight, like molten gold, poured through the towering palace gates, bathing his young and spirited face in a sacred glow. Below, princes and officials, adorned with official hats and plumes, prostrated themselves, shouting "Long live the Emperor!"—A roar that shook the very walls of the palace. However, beneath the surface, the new emperor's heart was far from calm. In his sleeve, a book…
