Prequel to Yongzheng
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Summary
Emperor Kangxi once judged his fourth son Yinzhen with the four words “moods uncertain,” and the other princes also looked down on him; only his first teacher understood and appreciated him.
When Galdan rebelled, Emperor Kangxi campaigned in person. Yinzhen, who accompanied him, tested medicine on himself for his father and shielded him from a flying arrow at the risk of his life, gradually winning Kangxi’s favor and attention. Yinzhen was later assigned to inspect the Wuding River works together with the First Prince, and after discovering embezzlement in the works, he fell out with the First Prince.
After he alone oversaw the Grand Empress Dowager’s sixtieth birthday celebrations and accompanied the emperor on a southern tour, Yinzhen’s most beloved eldest son, Honghui, died young. For a time he was utterly despondent and withdrew from palace and court affairs, only for disaster to strike from within: the Crown Prince was deposed, the nine princes fought for the throne, and Yinzhen—who practiced “restrain impatience and endure”—was drawn into the thrilling struggle over the succession.
The plot rises and falls, the details are vivid and true, the characters are sharply drawn, the structure is tight, and the language is concise, vividly recreating the years of the young Yongzheng’s dormancy.
Editor's review
Who it's for
A good fit for
- General history enthusiasts interested in Qing history, especially the political struggles from the late Kangxi period to the early Yongzheng period.
- Readers who enjoy understanding historical processes through biography and psychological analysis of figures.
- Those who wish to learn about Emperor Yongzheng’s experiences before accession as background for reading about his reign.
- Readers who appreciate fluent, strongly narrative writing that turns historical material into story.
Not a good fit for
- Professional historians or students seeking rigorous academic verification based entirely on primary archival research.
- Readers expecting pure historical-novel-style free invention and romantic palace intrigue.
Reading tips
- It is recommended to read this book alongside Er Yuehe’s novel Yongzheng Emperor or related serious historical biographies, so as to distinguish the different boundaries between literary imagination and historical research.
- While reading, pay attention to the author’s analysis of Yinzhen’s position and strategy in the “nine sons’ contest for the throne,” and consider the potential connection between the formation of his character and his later governing style.
- The book involves a large number of personal relationships; readers may briefly sort out the factions and fates of Kangxi’s princes (such as Yinreng, Yinsi, and Yinti) to better understand the chessboard of power.
About the publisher
Lijiang Publishing House focuses on Chinese and foreign literature, humanities and social sciences, cultural life, and parent-child education, and is particularly known for translating and introducing foreign literature; its "Nobel Prize in Literature Laureates Series" has had a lasting influence on readers. Judging from the 193 books in the collection, the press publishes modern prose classics such as Lu Xun's Dawn Blossoms Plucked at Dusk, ancient poetry and Eastern philosophy texts including Qu Yuan's The Songs of Chu and the works of Xunzi, educational works such as De Amicis's Cuore, and philosophy titles such as The Origin and Goal of History. Its authors include well-known Chinese and foreign writers and scholars such as Lu Xun, Qu Yuan, Xunzi, Hu Dalei, and Xia Mianzun. Overall, the press balances the organization of classic texts with the introduction of foreign works, forming a publishing profile that gives equal weight to literature, philosophy, and education.
Contents
- 版权信息
- 楔子
- 上卷
- 第一章 尼布楚约
- 第二章 绝域苍茫
- 第三章 初现裂痕
- 第四章 煌煌北疆
- 下卷
- 第五章 河湖水寒
- 第六章 南巡路长
- 第七章 明令暗流
- 第八章 乱起萧墙
- 后记
FAQ
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About the author
Hu Jinghua, about whom publicly available information is currently limited, writes mainly in the genre of documentary literature, and is represented by The Prehistory of Yongzheng. Judging from the subject matter, the author is interested in Qing dynasty history, especially the political turmoil and court life of the years before the Yongzheng Emperor ascended the throne. Works of this kind usually strike a balance between organizing historical sources and maintaining narrative readability, respecting the course of history while bringing the atmosphere of the era to life through specific figures and events. The Prehistory of Yongzheng focuses on the history before Yongzheng took the throne and belongs to the field of historical documentary writing, suited to readers interested in early Qing politics and figures. Since only one work by this author is held in the collection, further details of the author's life, overall body of work and future writing directions await more material; readers may regard the author as a documentary writer known for Qing history themes.
