Historical person
Zeng Jing
1679–1736
Zeng Jing was a Chinese scholar whose attempt to persuade the general Yue Zhongqi to rebel against the Yongzheng Emperor triggered one of the most revealing political investigations of the early Qing dynasty. Influenced by anti-Manchu writings and rumours about the emperor’s legitimacy, he accused the Qing ruler of grave moral crimes and expected Yue to restore a more legitimate order.
His accusations against the Yongzheng Emperor triggered a wide investigation into political rumour, prohibited writings and anti-Qing thought. Pardoned after recanting under Yongzheng, he was executed after the Qianlong succession.
Jonathan D. Spence’s Treason by the Book begins in 1728 when the scholar Zeng Jing attempted to persuade the Qing general Yue Zhongqi to rebel against the Yongzheng Emperor. Yue reported the approach, setting in motion an investigation that traced anti-Manchu arguments through teachers, students, prohibited writings and rumours about the emperor’s accession.
Non Fiction
Non Fiction featuring Zeng Jing (1 book)
Biographies, histories and other non-fiction are listed separately from the historical novels above.