Qianlong Emperor (Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Author: Erhuhe
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-02-01
Features: This series depicts the untimely death of the Yongzheng Emperor, who was only twenty-five years old when the Qianlong Emperor ascended the throne. With great ambition, he aimed to become an emperor unparalleled in history and dedicated himself to creating a prosperous era for the Great Qing Dynasty. He adhered to the policy of "governing with leniency," abolishing the harsh policies of the previous dynasty. He valued upright and capable officials, promoted new talents, reformed the civil service, and severely punished corrupt officials. He worked diligently, reduced taxes, allowed the people to rest and recuperate, and constantly visited in disguise to understand the people's sentiments, sending capable officials to alleviate disasters and prevent unrest. He led military campaigns to suppress rebellions in the Daxin and Xiaojin regions, the Western Regions, and Taiwan. He commissioned Ji Tao to oversee the compilation of the Siku Quanshu to win the hearts of scholars across the land. The Qianlong era gradually moved toward a prosperous and flourishing age. However, at the same time, conflicts over land ownership grew increasingly intense, corruption and debauchery in the court became rampant, border threats persisted, and crises loomed. As the empire grew, its core weakened. In his later years, the Qianlong Emperor became overly ambitious, made many mistakes in governance, and appointed sycophants like Heshen while dismissing virtuous officials. The state's power gradually declined. Erhuhe vividly portrays the vast social scenes of the Qianlong era in his books. From the highest halls of power to the farthest reaches of the countryside, his works encompass the palace, the secluded quarters of noblewomen, the bustling streets, the rural areas, the battlefields, and the entertainment districts, showcasing the historical changes in politics, economy, military, and culture of the Qianlong era. They are imbued with rich cultural significance and can be considered an encyclopedia of the mid-Qing Dynasty. At the same time, the author meticulously portrays the intricate political machinations, the strategic planning on the military front, the diverse personalities of scholars and literati, and the harsh realities of the world with exceptional clarity and depth, demonstrating a profound artistic impact. It is currently Erhuhe's most mature and significant long work.
Erhuhe: His real name is Ling Jiefang. A renowned contemporary historical novelist. He is currently a member of the Chinese Writers' Association and the vice chairman of the Henan Writers' Association. Born in Xianyang County, Shanxi Province in 1945, he has been passionate about reading since his youth. He has extensively studied the works of the Hundred Schools of Thought, classic literature, and historical texts, particularly demonstrating deep expertise in the history of the Qing Dynasty and the study of Dream of the Red Chamber. In recent decades, he has devoted himself to writing the "Emperor Series," including Kangxi the Great, Yongzheng the Emperor, and Qianlong the Emperor, totaling five million words. With his broad and profound historical and social insights, vivid and distinct characters, and grand, dynamic narrative style, his works have won the admiration of a wide readership both in China and abroad. The first two books have been adapted into television dramas. Kangxi the Great was awarded the "First Henan Provincial Outstanding Literary Achievement Award," while Yongzheng the Emperor was nominated for the Fourth "Mao Dun Literature Prize" (Historical Fiction Category) and included in the list of "The Hundred Best Popular Literary Works in Asia in the 20th Century."