Treason by the Book
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Treason by the Book, by Jonathan Spence is a fast-paced historical account of the Zeng Jing case which took place during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng of China, around the 1730s. A treasonous letter delivered to Yue Zhongqi triggers a series of investigations which capture the attention of Yongzheng, who is more often than not eager to make his ascent to the throne seem legitimate. Subsequently the farce turns into a national affair following Yongzheng's decision to pardon Zeng Jing and circulate the relevant documents nationwide. However, Yongzheng's sudden death spells a turn of events as his successor, sensitive to the potentially defamatory material that is making its rounds across the country, goes against his father's wishes in recalling and destroying the Dayi Juemi Lu as well as executing Zeng.
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