Okay, here is the translation following your instructions: Proclaim Guangxu

Author: Xu Che
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: The Empress Dowager Cixi's power and tyranny overshadowed the life of Emperor Guangxu throughout his reign, leading to a tragic end marked by unfulfilled aspirations. He can be seen as a patriotic and progressive emperor with a tragic character. Based on historical facts, this book presents a "straightforward" perspective, striving to authentically depict the main aspects of Emperor Guangxu's life and correct the inaccuracies in fictional and anecdotal accounts. The book is rich in content and serves as an engaging and enjoyable biography of Emperor Guangxu, catering to both scholars and general readers.
Straightforward vs. Fictionalized Accounts
The term "straightforward" is self-explanatory and refers to the contrast with the currently popular "fictionalized" accounts of historical figures. However, "straightforward" does not intend to engage in a serious debate with "fictionalized" accounts. Since "fictionalized" accounts are already self-identified as such, they have no connection to true history. "Fictionalized" accounts can also be considered a cultural phenomenon—a blend of rebellious culture and leisure culture, akin to fast-food culture. Originally, arguing about authenticity with "fictionalized" accounts is like talking to a cow about music; seeking knowledge from them is even more like climbing a tree to catch fish. As the saying goes, "Buying eye drops from a lime store," although fictionalized accounts are pervasive and accumulate over time, they often distort the truth. But objectively speaking, it is not the fault of the "store" for not believing it, but rather the "customer's" lack of wisdom. This is the first point that needs to be clarified.
However, consuming too much fast food can harm the stomach, and indulging in leisure for too long can weaken the body. In life, it is acceptable to "rebel" once, but one cannot live as a "rebel" forever. The reason for introducing "straightforward" accounts during the rise of "fictionalized" accounts is that we firmly believe that readers have a conscious demand to improve their cultural literacy, and as Chinese people, they should at least know where they come from and where they are going. These are precisely the things that "fictionalized" accounts of history cannot fulfill. Therefore, "straightforward" accounts are willing to borrow the strength of "fictionalized" accounts in entertaining audiences and adopt the same "telling" form to accompany readers on a "light-hearted journey" to the halls of history.
The term "telling" refers to interpretation and narration in terms of style. In this regard, "fictionalized" accounts seem to fall short of their name. Because interpretation and narration are not fabrication, fabrication, or casual talk; they cannot force Kangxi the Great Emperor to date his grandmother's generation, such as the concubine Suma Laga, or make the Qianlong Emperor dress up as a 1930s Shanghai tough. The difference between "straightforward" accounts and "fictionalized" accounts lies in their interesting and relaxed nature, free from gimmicks, and rooted in engaging historical interpretation and discovery. Do not think that history is as dull and rigid as some plain and straightforward textbooks. The subject of history is people—the lively individuals entangled in specific interpersonal relationships and social conflicts. "Straightforward" accounts will interpret the key moments in the lives of historical figures to narrate the trajectory of history.
The saying goes, "The world is like a tide, and the human heart is like the sea." Thus, the history presented by "straightforward" accounts has a true sense of "drama." However, this "drama" is not the same as that "other drama"—it is not a farce but a tragicomedy that interprets the saying, "Life is like a drama." I believe that readers who have watched "fictionalized" accounts will experience an authentic sense of surprise when they read "straightforward" accounts told by the same characters, and in the process of discovering "oh, so that's why," you may have already stepped through the threshold of history.
To be fair, "straightforward" accounts should also thank "fictionalized" accounts. Because "straightforward" accounts were born out of the rise of "fictionalized" accounts. From the once-stereotypical traditional historical knowledge series to "fictionalized" history, and then from "fictionalized" history to "straightforward" accounts, it reflects the process of "thesis-antithesis-synthesis" as described by Hegel. I hope this series of "straightforward" accounts, along with its thoughtful design of illustrations, knowledge links, and more, can become a new type of book format—one that adapts to the rhythm of the times and elevates readers' taste.