The Dark Arts of the Three Kingdoms: From Peddling Straw Sandals to Ruling the Realm

The Thick-Black Art of the Three Kingdoms: From Shoe Seller to Ruler of All Under Heaven tells the story of Liu Bian, an ordinary man from the streets who carefully makes his way through the chaos of the Three Kingdoms using his mastery of the art of shamelessness and ruthlessness. From the start, he talks his way into making a fortune with Liu Bei. From the schemes and power struggles of the anti-Dong Zhuo coalition, through a string of plots to borrow Xu Province and seize Jing Province, to manipulating the Shu-Wu alliance and outwitting Zhuge Liang, he lives by one creed: “Have a thick skin and a cold heart.” When he needs to act meek, he never puts on a show of strength; when he needs to strike hard, he doesn't hesitate. He wins over allies with marriage and flattery, and turns crises around by leveraging others' power. In the end, he helps Liu Bei claim a share of the realm, rises to dominate the Shu Han court, and, after the chaos ends, enjoys his later years surrounded by power and beautiful women, becoming the Three Kingdoms' greatest “winner.” With its witty style, the novel deconstructs political intrigue and reveals the art of shamelessness as the key to surviving in a chaotic age.