Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms is a historical novel written in a chapter-by-chapter format, comprising 108 chapters. It depicts more than five hundred years of history, from the final years of the Western Zhou dynasty to Qin Shi Huang’s unification of the six states. The first 83 chapters center on the successive rise of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn period; the final 25 follow the Seven Warring States and recount Qin Shi Huang’s unification of the states. The novel covers major historical events such as Guan Zhong serving as chancellor of Qi, Chong’er fleeing into exile, and the rivalry between Wu and Yue. It also includes many beloved stories, such as the beacon fires used to fool the feudal lords, Yan Zi’s diplomatic mission to Chu, returning the jade disk to Zhao intact, and Mao Sui volunteering for a mission.
