Jin Lianhai comments on the famous officials of Emperor Qianlong

Author: Ji Lianhai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: Preface by Mr. Liu Shijie, the seventh-generation descendant of Liu Yong, and Mr. Ji Qinggui, the sixth-generation descendant of Ji Xiaolan, sharing personal anecdotes. CCTV's "Culture China" and "100 Famous Lectures" series present Ji Lianhai's complete decryption of the Qianlong Dynasty's key officials.
As is well-known, the "Kangxi-Qianlong Prosperity" was the last glorious period of traditional Chinese society, and the Qianlong Dynasty, as the finale of that era, is even more worthy of study by later generations. The Qianlong Dynasty was home to numerous prominent officials, both Manchu and Han, who left a vivid mark on history. Among them, the trio of Heshen, Liu Yong, and Ji Xiaolan have become the most familiar to the Chinese audience in recent years due to the popularity of Qing Dynasty-themed dramas. However, the content reflected on television screens is not only limited but also heavily dramatized, often misleading viewers.
In this book, readers will discover the lesser-known aspects of these historical figures: Was Heshen truly the reincarnation of the Empress Dowager's concubine? What was the unfinished story between him and the Qianlong Emperor? How did the seemingly perfect Heshen gradually into a of wealth accumulation and corruption? Was Liu Yong as upright as portrayed in dramas? Did he engage in struggles with Heshen? Is the talented Ji Xiaolan as charming and carefree as portrayed by Zhang Guoli? Why could the chain-smoking, meat-eating Ji Xiaolan, who only consumed meat and avoided staple grains, live to the age of 82? All these answers will be revealed by Mr. Ji Lianhai in this book.