Magnificent Talent - Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che

Author: Shang Yanzhi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-05-01
Features: This book is part of the "Chinese Emperors Series" and focuses on Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che. Liu Che was the twelfth son of Emperor Jing and was chosen as the crown prince due to the "Golden Pavilion Concealing Beauty" incident, eventually ascending to the throne as Emperor Wu. He did not disappoint history's choice, becoming one of the most influential emperors in Chinese history—opening up the Silk Road, incorporating the Xinjiang region into the Han Empire, and spreading advanced civilizations from the East to the West; he developed the southwestern frontier, integrating Guizhou, Yunnan, and western Sichuan into Han culture; he fought back against the Xiongnu, relieving the threat of northern nomadic tribes to the southern agrarian civilization. However, his later years were shrouded in superstition due to the "Witchcraft Calamity," leading him to personally orchestrate the tragic death of Empress Wei and Crown Prince Wei. Fortunately, he took a turn for the better, building the Palace of Thoughtful Reflection and enfeoffing the Marquis of Fumin, allowing the Han Empire to weather the stormy seas. This book successfully portrays an emperor of great talent and ambition, yet troubled by the pursuit of immortality, as well as vividly depicts the romantic love between Princess Liu Piao and her lover Dong Yan, and between Lady Pingyang and General Wei Qing.