Ming Dynasty Secret History (The Ruin of an Empire)

Author: Liu Zhikun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: The Wanli Emperor was affectionate and favored Zheng Empress exclusively. He left a handwritten note, made a secret pact in a jade box, and intended to crown her three sons as crown prince. Here, the Wenyuan Pavilion saw dramatic twists and turns, while the deep palace harbored hidden dangers. The emperor and his ministers were at odds, public opinion was inflamed, strange events kept occurring, and bizarre cases piled up. Pointing to the majestic Golden Hall throne, this story, spanning decades, became an unprecedented and mysterious historical tale.
It is said that women are like calamities, and beauty disrupts the palace. But where does beauty come from if there are none who are good? The fullness of the palace's beauty is beyond description, and the tangled web of right and wrong, love and enmity is endless. Spent in the pursuit of youth, only an unfulfilled wish remains, leaving behind a long, sorrowful sigh.
In the end, dynasties inevitably change. All the scheming and plotting only lead to the loss of one's own life. Yet within a year, the throne saw three emperors, and the Ming Dynasty's fate, like a river in decline, crumbled a thousand miles! What can be done in such a situation?
With its intricate plot and vivid descriptions, the work revolves around the "royal succession" debate that spanned the entire Wanli era, showcasing from multiple angles the turbulent historical landscape. It reveals that the downfall of a dynasty often begins when the highest ruler is blinded by emotion and fails to handle "family matters" impartially.