"Li Wei Takes Office (Part II)"

Author: Shang Zhifa
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-01
Features: A man who was originally unrelated to the officialdom but inexplicably found himself entangled in it. His presence troubled the corrupt officials. He had a clear mind, quick wit, and always good luck, even when trapped in dire circumstances, he remained unharmed and turned misfortune into good fortune. He was a character who embodied both innocence and cunning. He held one official post after another, and only he could fully understand the of being an official. The entire plot is full of ups and downs, wit, satire, humor, discussing the past and present, and criticizing the times. It is a gripping and highly comedic work.
When Emperor Yongzheng ascended the throne, he faced internal and external turmoil, border unrest, empty treasury, corrupt administration, and rampant factionalism. The northwest's Nian Gengyao, commanding a 600,000-strong army, demanded power and funds from the new emperor! Prince Yi Yunsi conspired with officials and had his followers spread across the land. The new dynasty was on the brink of collapse. To bring down the Prince Yi faction and consolidate the new policies, Emperor Yongzheng sent Li Wei to Suzhou, the Zijiao Zhaozao, under the strict control of the Prince Yi faction, to investigate major corruption cases from the Neiwufu to the Suzhou County. Upon arriving in Jiangsu, Li Wei was closely watched by the secret agents of the Jiangsu Governor Min Jingyuan. After eliminating the Prince Yi faction, Li Wei was sent to the northwest under Nian Gengyao's command. Li Wei and Nian Gengyao were both lifelong close friends but also became deadly political rivals.