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

Author: Erhuhe
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-02-01
Features: This series depicts the untimely death of the Yongzheng Emperor, and the 25-year-old Qianlong ascended to the throne. With great ambitions, he aimed to be a ruler surpassing all previous emperors 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 honest and capable officials, promoted new talents, reformed the bureaucracy, and severely punished corrupt officials. He worked diligently, reduced taxes, allowed the people to rest and recuperate, and frequently 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, Xinjiang, and Taiwan. He commissioned Ji Tao to oversee the compilation of the Siku Quanshu to win the hearts of scholars across the empire. The Qianlong era gradually moved towards a prosperous and flourishing age. However, at the same time, conflicts over land and wealth intensified, corruption and debauchery in the court reached an unbearable level, border threats persisted, and crises loomed. As the empire grew, its core weakened. In his later years, the Qianlong Emperor was fond of grandiose projects and made many mistakes in governance. He also appointed sycophants like Heshen, dismissed virtuous officials, and the nation's strength gradually declined. Erhuhe vividly portrays the vast social scenes of the Qianlong era in his works. From the highest halls of power to the remotest corners of the world, his stories encompass the imperial court, noblewomen, markets, rural areas, battlefields, and entertainment venues, showcasing the historical changes in politics, economy, military, and culture of the Qianlong era. His works 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 struggles, strategic military campaigns, diverse scholars, and the harsh realities of the world, with profound and vivid expressions, demonstrating strong artistic appeal. 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 histories, and literature, particularly delving deep into the history of the Qing Dynasty and the study of "Dream of the Red Chamber," achieving profound expertise. 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 "Top 100 Outstanding Literary Works Popular with Readers in Asia in the 20th Century."