This book panoramicly reproduces the chaos and glory of the decline of the royal family and the struggle for hegemony among princes during the Spring and Autumn Period of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. The story takes the rise of five overlords as Duke Huan of Qi, Duke Wen of Jin, King Zhuang of Chu, Duke Mu of Qin, and Duke Xiang of Song (or King Helu of Wu, and King Gou Jian of Yue) as the main line, and details familiar historical allusions such as Guan Zhong's reform, retreat, and soaring into the sky. The work shows the fierce political, military, and diplomatic competition among the vassal states. It is a classic work for understanding the political wisdom and strategy during the great changes in ancient China.
