"Richly researched and engagingly written, this important history of imperial China shows in fascinating detail how Emperor Jiajing and his grand secretaries governed. Drawing on a treasure trove of the grand secretaries' personal writings, John W. Dardess's narrative brings to life the inner workings of the largest polity on the face of the earth"--Provided by publisher.

A young emperor shows his teeth -- Spring: Grand Secretary Zhang Fujing -- Summer: Grand Secretary Xia Yan -- Autumn: Grand Secretary Yan Song -- Winter: Grand Secretary Xu Jie -- Cast of principal characters -- Timeline.