Ming and Qing Imperial Palace Archives

Author: Shi Qinghua
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-07-01
Features: This book presents a casual and conversational style, using humorous and playful language to vividly describe the daily lives of Ming and Qing emperors and their consorts in the imperial palace. Based on extensive historical facts, it weaves in anecdotes, folk tales, and references to customs from around the world, revealing the marital and family lives of emperors, as well as the subtle relationships between them and their spouses, children, subjects, and servants. The book is rich in information, easy to understand, full of wit, and thought-provoking.
Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, Xuanye, was known for "listening to state affairs every day at the main gate," "seeking clothes before dawn," and "holding court by daylight," never ceasing. The Ming Dynasty implemented the system of enfeoffment and openly designated the heir, while the Qing Dynasty secretly selected the heir, blending the "Open and Bright" principle with behind-the-scenes manipulation. Emperors were all "multitalented," some focusing on governing the state, while others indulged in unorthodox pursuits. Empress Dowager Cixi was humorously called a "glutton," with her daily food expenses amounting to 2,400 pounds of rice.
This book presents a casual and conversational style, using humorous and playful language to vividly describe the daily lives of Ming and Qing emperors and their consorts in the imperial palace. Based on extensive historical facts, it weaves in anecdotes, folk tales, and references to customs from around the world, revealing the marital and family lives of emperors, as well as the subtle relationships between them and their spouses, children, subjects, and servants. The book is rich in information, easy to understand, full of wit, and thought-provoking.
Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, Xuanye, was known for "listening to state affairs every day at the main gate," "seeking clothes before dawn," and "holding court by daylight," never ceasing. The Ming Dynasty implemented the system of enfeoffment and openly designated the heir, while the Qing Dynasty secretly selected the heir, blending the "Open and Bright" principle with behind-the-scenes manipulation. Emperors were all "multitalented," some focusing on governing the state, while others indulged in unorthodox pursuits. Empress Dowager Cixi was humorously called a "glutton," with her daily food expenses amounting to 2,400 pounds of rice.