Liu Heping's imperial drama is set in the final years of Emperor Jiajing's reign. While the Emperor lives in isolation, the government falls under the grip of the corrupt and profligate Yan clan. The imperial coffers have been decimated. Amid the chaos, a few righteous people step up to rescue Ming China from the brink of destruction.
Set against the backdrop of a besieged Peking, Nationalist forces struggle against corruption and dwindling resources. With the death of Cui Zongshi, Liang Jinglun and Fang Buting work to stabilize the failing economy, while Fang Meng'ao undertakes a crucial mission to deliver vital supplies to Tianjin. As the conflict nears its end, urgent strategies are needed to navigate the impending chaos.
In Volume 2 of the 1566 series, China's Ming dynasty faces two-front invasion and deepening corruption within. Magistrate Hai Rui is tasked with uncovering truth and bringing justice, but he finds himself at odds with powerful figures in the imperial court. Meanwhile, an assortment of heroes head south to battle invading Japanese pirates.
The empire is in mortal danger. Hai Rui and his allies bought her time, but now it is spent. Endless war. Mass starvation. Bleak omens. Addled by mercury and aided by sycophants, Emperor Jiajing is squandering the last remnants of the treasury. Minutes to midnight, Hai Rui is ordered to the capital. He alone is prepared to fight the rot at its source. In the Forbidden City, such bravery cannot go unpunished. It will be down to Hai Rui’s allies – foremost the honourable Crown Prince – to initiate the endgame. This is it. No more hiding. No more half-measures. Now it is time to rescue the once-mighty Ming, or join in the plunder as it descends in flames to a hell of no return
Fang Meng'ao's mission to better Peking attracts Inspector General Zeng Keda, who hunts communists. In a city of treachery, desperate measures barely cover societal fractures. Yang Jinglun leads student protests for the accused. With civil war raging, Fang must avoid Zeng's watchful eye and the traps set throughout the city.