New Book

New Book is a long historical time-travel novel by July New Fan. The title comes from the Xin ("New") dynasty founded by Wang Mang—the story is set in that brief and turbulent interval between the Western and Eastern Han. The protagonist, Diwu Lun, comes from a clan descended from the Tian Qi royal house, whose surname was changed to "Diwu" after Emperor Gaozu relocated them to the Guanzhong region; historically a renowned minister of the Eastern Han, here he begins as a mere country squire. In the first volume he wins renown through a show of "declining office," is recommended as a filial and incorrupt candidate and enters Chang'an as a court gentleman, navigates among the figures of the Xin court, has a single encounter with the future Emperor Guangwu, Liu Xiu, and unites his clan as its patriarch to prepare for the coming chaos. In the second volume he is pressed into military service, wins merit on the frontier, gradually earns Wang Mang's trust, is appointed governor of Wei Commandery, and with the aid of Ma Yuan and others becomes a real power straddling several commanderies; around the time of the Battle of Kunyang he raises troops against the Xin, styles himself General Who Brings Peace to the People, is first to breach Chang'an, and ends the Xin regime. The realm then enters a contest of warlords, with various factions raising the banner of "Han" and forming a chaotic multipolar landscape, while the protagonist strives to prove that what people truly long for is stability, not a particular dynastic name. The book centers on hegemony and warfare with political intrigue as support; the author's professional background in history informs solid research, making it one of the more representative "research-driven" historical web novels, complete at roughly 2.7 million characters.