Daoguang Private Archives: The Fallen Emperor

Author: Shengye (Compiler) / Yin Nan (Photographer)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: Step into the realm of the Qing Dynasty, where truth and illusion intertwine, and experience firsthand the lives of its imperial family—filled with thrilling adventures, tender romance, unrestrained freedom, or intricate power struggles. Get close to their innermost hearts, feel their beating pulses, and explore the hidden world behind the twelve emperors. A clear dividing line emerges in Chinese history: Daoguang Emperor becomes the last ruler of China's "Ancient" society and the first ruler of its "Modern" society. His feet have already unknowingly crossed the threshold of modernity, yet his head remains stubbornly rooted in the Middle Ages. He once prided himself on being a "consolidating" ruler, but in the face of the turbulent social upheaval on the eve of revolution, in the era of "uncertain omens," in a ravaged society, and surrounded by the rapidly changing world, what could possibly be "consolidated"? And how could it be "consolidated"? This was a dynasty shrouded in mystery from the very beginning. From the of the legitimacy of his rule after his father's death to a major reshuffling of the military high command within less than a decade of his accession; from attending court in tattered trousers to spending vast sums on constructing the imperial mausoleum; from supporting the suppression of opium to wavering between war and peace in conflicts; from the discord between brothers and officials to the sudden death of his beloved empress—countless mysteries have puzzled people. Yet, through layers of fog, we still wish to unveil the enigmatic facade and explore the heart-wrenching tragedy hidden behind the rise and fall, glory and disgrace of an entire dynasty.