The Moon Palace on Earth
Emperor Xuanzong's Account of Guanghan Hall with Four Tales of the Celestial Pavilion Across the Ages / 御製廣寒殿記
In 1433, atop Wansui Mountain at the heart of Beijing's Forbidden City, Emperor Xuanzong of the Ming Dynasty composed a meditation on the magnificent Guanghan Hall - the "Moon-Cold Palace" - a structure of rare stone rising through clouds and mist to command views from the Taihang Mountains to the distant sea.
But this is no mere architectural tribute. Speaking in his grandfather's voice, the emperor reflects on the rise and fall of dynasties, the folly of the Jin who failed to learn from history, and the solemn weight of ruling an empire built upon both glory and ruin.
First complete English translation of this imperial essay from the Jilu Huibian (紀錄彙編), followed by four original historical tales spanning different eras - each inspired by the Guanghan Hall and the eternal questions of power, beauty, and impermanence that haunted its builders.
At a glance
About the series
Rediscover the great epics, mysteries and chronicles of dynastic China: gods and generals, swindlers and scholars, courtesans, ghosts and emperors, in complete English translations.
