Chronicle of Qing Dynasty Court Coup

Author: Jin Xingyao
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-04-01
Features: The Manchu regime ruled China for 276 years, during which time struggles both within and outside the palace were almost constant. Among the imperial family, the selection of a crown prince and the succession to the throne could stir up storms; among court officials, the pursuit of advancement and the pursuit of personal gain also led to intense conflicts; and within the group of empresses, concubines, eunuchs, and other factions, there were numerous schemes and struggles. All these events formed a series of tragicomedies of human life. The brutality of the Qing court struggles, combined with the mysterious aura of a foreign ethnicity, added a strong sense of the supernatural to palace coups. There have been very few specialized studies on this topic, but the author of this book, through in-depth research, meticulous analysis, and a step-by-step approach, presents to the readers the appearance and underlying reasons of palace coups. The term "palace coup" as used in this book is in a broad sense. If defined narrowly, there would be little to write about. The content is organized into story units, blending historical anecdotes with a touch of folklore. Some absurd legends, like those found in "Qidong Yeyu," are either excluded or clarified.
The Manchu regime ruled China for 276 years, during which time struggles both within and outside the palace were almost constant. Among the imperial family, the selection of a crown prince and the succession to the throne could stir up storms; among court officials, the pursuit of advancement and the pursuit of personal gain also led to intense conflicts; and within the group of empresses, concubines, eunuchs, and other factions, there were numerous schemes and struggles. All these events formed a series of tragicomedies of human life. The brutality of the Qing court struggles, combined with the mysterious aura of a foreign ethnicity, added a strong sense of the supernatural to palace coups. There have been very few specialized studies on this topic, but the author of this book, through in-depth research, meticulous analysis, and a step-by-step approach, presents to the readers the appearance and underlying reasons of palace coups. The term "palace coup" as used in this book is in a broad sense. If defined narrowly, there would be little to write about. The content is organized into story units, blending historical anecdotes with a touch of folklore. Some absurd legends, like those found in "Qidong Yeyu," are either excluded or clarified.