Qianlong Emperor (5)

Author: February River
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-09-01
Features: At the age of over 60, Qianlong remains vigorous and in full command, working diligently for the long-term stability and prosperity of the Great Qing. However, the Great Qing has been established for over a century, facing internal and external troubles, like a tree hollowed at its core. Fu Heng suffers from a serious illness, Yi Jishan is critically ill, the imperial court is rife with intrigue, petty eunuchs corrupt the central palace, and bribery and corruption have become rampant in the officialdom. Guo Tai, the Governor of Shandong, embezzles treasury funds after a rockslide disaster, causing the provincial treasury to be depleted. The villain He Shen climbs the ladder by flattering and currying favor, accepting huge bribes and silencing witnesses, becoming a rising star and a wealthy man overnight. Adding to these crises, famine grips the country, while rebel sects take advantage of the situation to incite trouble, and unrest flares up in the western frontier. The prosperous era of Qianlong is unsustainable, fraught with hidden dangers. To save the Great Qing from its peak, Qianlong works day and night, exhausting himself, determined to reform the officialdom. He investigates major cases, punishes Guo Tai, and eliminates the rampant corruption and moral decay; he mobilizes half the nation's resources to wage war in the western frontier, securing the country and stabilizing the realm. He also meticulously trains the crown prince, working in close collaboration with key ministers such as Agui, Ji Yun, Li Shiyao, and Liu Yong, to turn the tide and save the people from peril.