Private Life of Chinese Emperors: A Complete Record of Emperor Wen of Sui's Private Life

Author: Sima Lu Ren
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: Emperors of all dynasties lived under the watchful eyes of countless officials. Major events, from ascending the throne and governing the realm to visiting concubines or drinking tea and watching plays, were meticulously recorded in court archives. However, to uphold the supreme dignity of emperors and feudal rule, historians who () in every dynasty went to great lengths to sing praises and embellish, often omitting or glossing over the emperors' faults—especially regarding their emotional lives and harem affairs. They would either give a brief, dismissive account or change the subject. On the other hand, some literati and scholars in unofficial histories and anecdotes recorded some "private" details of emperors, though their accuracy is hard to verify. This has provided ample creative space for us to craft the "Private Lives of Chinese Emperors." It has also clarified our goal of presenting a comprehensive, accurate, and impartial portrayal of the achievements and faults of Chinese emperors throughout history.
In terms of perspective, we strive to adopt a "big history" approach and use "side comments" to allow readers to re-examine these "notable figures" of Chinese history in the broader context of world history. Approaching them from the "back door" of Chinese history, we reveal their private lives, which have long been part of history but never fully exposed. Pursuing the truth and uncovering the underlying reasons is of great significance for us to fully understand history, learn from the past to guide the present, and critically analyze the merits and demerits of emperors, discarding the dross and embracing the essence. Perhaps the mysteries of history lie hidden in these very "privacies."
Tales of the imperial palace's back alleys—bloodshed for the throne + dark of royal power + sensual chaos. Emperor Wen of Sui excelled in using his wife's influence to eliminate rivals but failed in his family bonds with his son. He is the emperor most admired by modern Western scholars.