Prologue

Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Preface vii
3. Contents ix
4. Explanatory Note xiv
5. Prologue 1
6. PART I. Filial Piety
7. 1. The Grandmother 13
8. 2. The First Empress 21
9. PART II. Longing
10. 3. The Heir 31
11. 4. The Southern Literati 39
12. 5. Signs of Conflict 53
13. 6. Regency 59
14. PART III. Denial
15. 7. Bad Omens 69
16. 8. The Lure of the South 83
17. 9. A Pretender 106
18. 10. Dismissal 112
19. PART IV. Hesitation
20. 11. The Yin-ssu Faction 123
21. 12. Reversals 132
22. 13. Life Confinement 146
23. 14. The New Contenders 156
24. PART V. Decision
25. 15. The New Emperor 179
26. Epilogue 185
27. Appendix, Notes, Bibliography, Glossary, Index
28. Appendix 189
29. Notes 193
30. Bibliography 227
31. Glossary 241
32. Index 243
33. Backmatter 253