The revival under Shao Kang was like a powerful injection of life into the dying Xia dynasty, extending its existence for several more centuries. Yet, the very flaw of hereditary monarchy—the unpredictability of heirs—remained like a lurking shadow, never far…
After Qi, the son of Yu the Great, founded the Xia dynasty with his military power, he set up a new rule of hereditary monarchy—power passed from father to son. But tying the fate of a dynasty to bloodline was…
When Yu the Great passed away, it was as if the last pillar holding up the tradition of abdication to the worthy collapsed. The careful succession plan Yu had arranged during his lifetime looked fragile in the face of reality.…
When the nine provinces were finally at peace and the principles of governance firmly established, the empire entered a period of prosperity. But time spares no one. Emperor Shun grew old, and the question of who would succeed him became…
When Yu the Great completed his journey across the Nine Provinces, recording the names of mountains and rivers, classifying soils and resources, a clear and orderly map of the world was presented for the first time. The floods had finally…
Table of Contents Setting the Standard: The Early Tribute System First Stop: Jizhou — Securing the Heartland Second Stop: Yanzhou — Rising from the Ruins Third Stop: Qingzhou — The Coastal Salt and Mulberry Land Fourth Stop: Xuzhou — Land…
Table of Contents Yu’s Character Learning from Failure Building a Team Leading by Example Results of His Work When Emperor Shun appointed Yu to take charge of flood control, it was like placing a mountain of responsibility on his shoulders.…
In ancient times, there was a wise and virtuous ruler in the Central Plains named Emperor Yao. He was kind and benevolent, and under his rule, the world was at peace. But near the end of his reign, a great…
Table of Contents Chapter 1: A New Beginning Chapter 2: Reforming the Officials Chapter 3: Judicial Reform Chapter 4: Economic Innovation Chapter 5: Culture and Education Chapter 6: The Great Flood Control Chapter 7: Integrating the Tribes Chapter 8: Technology…
Table of Contents Chapter 1: A Dark Childhood Chapter 2: Farming on Mount Li Chapter 3: At the Shores of Lake Lei Chapter 4: Innovating Pottery Chapter 5: The Family Ordeals Chapter 6: Returning Good for Evil Chapter 7: Governing…
Table of Contents Chapter 1: The White-Haired King’s Worry Chapter 2: The First Failed Recommendations Chapter 3: Searching Among the People Chapter 4: Testing Family Virtue Chapter 5: Marriage as a Trial Chapter 6: Trials in Government Chapter 7: The…
Table of Contents Chapter 1: Young Yao Chapter 2: The Pillar of Criticism Chapter 3: Creating a Calendar Chapter 4: Seeking the Wise Chapter 5: The Great Flood Chapter 6: Discovering Shun Chapter 7: Preparing for Abdication Chapter 8: The…