Roots in the East

This book tells the story of three generations of the Liu family of the Liu family compound in Huang County, Shandong, as they struggle through the turbulent years from the late Qing dynasty to the early days of the People's Republic of China.

The grandfather, Liu Yanzu, studied under Liang Qichao and once studied in Japan. After returning home, he appeared to be a prominent lawyer in the Beijing-Tianjin region, but was actually a double agent for the Communist and Nationalist parties. The father, Liu Wende, was the master of the Liu family compound and the head of the Liu clan. He made his fortune smuggling war supplies by sea and remained a supporter of revolution throughout his life. The third generation, Liu Yizhang, was upright, resolute, and courageous. He took on the family mission of the Liu family compound and fought bravely in the Korean War, earning repeated commendations. His legendary rise from cavalryman to commander of a main-force regiment was swift. The book features both stirring battle scenes and a tangled tale of love and hate; it portrays men who face death without flinching as well as the tender romance of lovers... All of this highlights the devotion of the Chinese people to pursuing happiness and serving their country, and conveys the historical themes that the Chinese military is invincible, the Chinese people are tireless in their self-improvement, and the Chinese nation has deep and enduring roots.