Books by Liu Heping

The empire is in mortal danger. Hai Rui and his allies bought her time, but now it is spent. Addled by mercury and aided by sycophants, Emperor Jiajing is squandering the last remnants of the treasury. 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.

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.