Hi there! I’m Zhonglun LIU, and this is where I’ll be sharing my journey through the fascinating world of historical research, writing, and the unexpected connections between the past and present.
Why This Blog Exists
History has always been more than just dates and dusty textbooks to me—it’s a living, breathing puzzle. Whether it’s unraveling the secrets of Ming Dynasty tombs, debating the legacy of controversial figures like Yuan Shikai, or stumbling upon forgotten stories in local archives, I believe the past is full of untold narratives waiting to be explored.
This website is my digital notebook—a place to:
- Document my research (the breakthroughs, the dead ends, and the “Aha!” moments)
- Refine my writing (because history should be engaging, not just academic)
- Connect with fellow history enthusiasts (debates, recommendations, and shared discoveries welcome!)
What to Expect
- Deep Dives – Like my ongoing investigation into Ming Xiaoling’s Sacred Way, where stone beasts whisper forgotten political struggles.
- Research Logs – Raw notes, methodological experiments (ever tried cross-referencing 17th-century weather reports with rebellion records?), and archival adventures.
- Historical Storytelling – Because facts alone don’t make us care—narratives do.
- Personal Reflections – How studying the past reshapes how I see the present. (Spoiler: You’ll never look at modern politics the same way after researching imperial succession crises.)
Why Follow Along?
This isn’t a polished academic journal—it’s a work in progress. You’ll see:
- The messy first drafts (like my early misinterpretations of Qing tax ledgers)
- The thrill of discovery (that time a 400-year-old marginal note changed my thesis)
- The occasional rant about illegible handwriting in 18th-century letters
Let’s Explore Together
History isn’t a solo expedition. Got a topic you’re obsessed with? A source I should check out? Drop a comment or reach out—I’d love to hear from you.