Rong Lu and the Late Qing Political Situation (Completely Revised Edition)

In the late Qing Dynasty, there was a power struggle between the emperor and the empress dowager, leading to a divided political landscape. Rong-lu, a Manchu nobleman, rose to prominence as the leader of the "Empress Party" but was later slandered and portrayed negatively in historical narratives. This book aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic study of Rong-lu's life, placing him within the historical context of the late Qing Dynasty. It explores his role as a strong advocate and key figure in modern military reform. Drawing from rare archives, contemporary collections, letters, and diaries, this book sheds light on Rong-lu's true legacy. The chapters cover various aspects of his life, from his family background and service to his involvement in military affairs during the Sino-Japanese War and the Boxer Rebellion. The book concludes with Rong-lu's return to Beijing and his contemporary evaluation.