The Wisdom of Imperial Studies

Author: Dongfang Hao (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-12-01
Features:
A complete solution to the new version of The Art of Emperors.
An ancient and practical classic of Zongheng strategy.
Explore the rise and fall of dynasties, survey the decline of the Chinese empire, and re-examine management strategies for navigating politics and business.
Learn from the stories of emperors and strategists across history to broaden your strategic vision and uncover the secrets of success. The Art of Emperors was written in the fourth year of the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty (716 AD). The original text consisted of ten volumes, with nine volumes and sixty-four chapters remaining today. It synthesizes the thoughts of Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism, Military Strategy, Miscellaneous Schools, and Yin-Yang theory, using strategy as the warp and history as the weft. It covers four main parts: the rise and fall of nations, strategic flexibility, recommending capable individuals, and the morality of human actions. At the same time, it focuses on two key themes—political strategy and the ability to identify and utilize talent—making it a rare and timeless strategic masterpiece.
The author, Zhao Rui (688–757 AD), styled Taibin, was from Yanting, Sichuan. From a young age, he was passionate about the Art of Emperors and was said to be "learned in strategy and skilled in governance." He was also known for being "brave and righteous, adept at Zongheng strategy," and was celebrated in his time. The great poet Li Bai highly admired him and even studied the Art of Emperors and Zongheng strategy under Zhao Rui, earning the reputation of "Zhao Rui's strategy and Li Bai's poetry." During the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, the talented scholar Ji Xiaolan, in his preface to The Art of Emperors in the Siku Quanshu, noted that the original text had ten volumes, with the tenth titled "Secret Strategies," which is now lost. He considered the book to be "primarily focused on practicality, not the devious schemes of strategists, and its teachings do not conflict with Confucian principles. Though one-tenth is lost, it should still be regarded as complete."
This book offers a more detailed and profound analysis of The Art of Emperors, using many historical examples from the dynasties that followed Zhao Rui to illustrate his great theories. According to relevant references and the original intent expressed in The Art of Emperors, the lost tenth volume, "Secret Strategies," aligns closely with the theory of "Thick Skin and Black Heart" by Mr. Li Zongwu. This section has become one of the biggest highlights of the book.
The Art of Emperors, also known as The (Short and Long Classics) or The Art of Contraries, has been highly valued and revered by emperors and statesmen since its publication in the 8th century. Emperor Qianlong even wrote a poem in praise of it and included it as a timeless strategic classic in the Siku Quanshu. The book provides a panoramic view of the rise and fall of emperors, generals, heroes, and villains throughout history, teaching valuable lessons from their successes and failures. Building upon the original text, this book incorporates numerous historical events and related discussions, delving deeper into the profound philosophy embedded in The Art of Emperors and further clarifying the key principles of imperial strategy.
Additionally, since the tenth volume of the original The Art of Emperors, titled "Secret Strategies," is now lost, the compiler has summarized its content in essence based on records from later research works. By combining the theory of "Thick Skin and Black Heart" by the extraordinary Li Zongwu from the Republican era, the book elevates the interpretation of The Art of Emperors to a new peak, offering immense practical value. For those who aspire to success in their careers and lives, this book is an invaluable treasure trove of wisdom.