Introduction
"Lord Jiaqing and the Journey to Taiwan" is a popular legend that has been transmitted from generation to generation and one that is deep-rooted and widespread in Chinese society. The said childhood legend, told in novels, TV series, and Taiwanese operas, has successfully made the public believe in its authenticity without using valid proof. To verify the truth to such legend, later research efforts had been made by historians, who confirmed the authenticity of the story.
The Lord Jiaqing and the Journey to Taiwan special exhibition, hosted by the National Palace Museum (NPM), is another major Chinese emperor-themed exhibition since that on Emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong. Professor Chen Jie-xian, a renowned Qing historian, has once again been invited by the NPM to write a book for the said exhibition (Professor Chen has written a book for both the Kangxi and Yongzheng exhibitions, which are titled Emperor Kangxi: The Most Outstanding Emperor in Chinese History and Yongzheng: An Industrious Emperor and His Legendary Life, respectively). Professor Chen's natural, coherent, smooth, and easy-to-read writing style, copious reference to classic quotes, fascinating storytelling approach, and mesmerizing word choices will impress, amaze, and inspire readers as they learn about the history of the Qing dynasty.
Lord Jiaqing and Taiwan begins with the unique events encountered by the emperor over the course of his life and later provides a brief introduction to the establishment of the Taiwan Prefecture during the Qing dynasty as well as detailed information on immigrants to Taiwan prior to the Jiaqing era, the activities of Tiandihui (a Chinese fraternal organization) in Taiwan, armed conflicts during the Jiaqing era in Taiwan, and Lord Jiaqing's attention to Taiwan's defense. The book further explains the close relationship between Lord Jiaqing and Taiwan. By substantiating the legend with historical facts, readers will be able to learn new things about Lord Jiaqing.
Professor Chen ends the book with "How I see Lord Jiaqing and the Journey to Taiwan," an intriguing and thought-provoking chapter that shows that facts can always be found to substantiate history. Statements provided by historians are often interpreted in different ways by later scholars, inspiring new perspectives and providing new materials for arguments and verifications. "Lord Jiaqing and the Journey to Taiwan," a legend widely believed to be true by adults, is the perfect material for readers to speculate about the authenticity of the legend.