Heroes of the Qin and Han Dynasty (秦汉英雄传), also known as the Legend of Overlord-Heroes of the Qin and Han Dynasty (霸王传--秦汉英雄), is based on the magnificent history of the late Qin and Han Dynasties. The story revolves around the lives of a large number of Chinese historical figures such as Zhang Liang (张良), Liu Bang (刘邦), Xiang Yu (项羽), Qin Shihuang (秦始皇), Li Si (李斯), Zhao Gao (赵高), Yan Le (阎乐), etc. The plot is in line with history, for example, after Qin unified China, Zhang Liang, who was dissatisfied with the rule of the Qin dynasty, planned to assassinate Qin Shihuang, the founder of the Qin Dynasty (秦朝) and the First Emperor of a unified China (统一中国的第一位皇帝). However, Zhang Liang's premeditated plans were leaked to the government. Subsequently, Zhang Liang was raided by the government officials. However, Zhang Liang was able to escape, and a lot happened afterwards.
The book has 11 chapters in the following order:
Chapter 1: The Avengers Rally (第一章：复仇者集结)
Chapter 2: Failed Beheading Operation (第二章：斩首行动失败)
Chapter 3: The Second Qin Project (第三章：第二次刺秦计划)
Chapter 4: Zhang Liang's Apprenticeship (第四章：张良拜师)
Chapter 5: The Chaotic Situation (第五章：局势大乱)
Chapter 6: The Servant and Ximen Yan (第六章：仆人夜追西门燕)
Chapter 7: Deer as Horses (第七章：指鹿为马)
Chapter 8: Dispute Between Xiang Yu and Liu Bang (第八章：项羽与刘邦之争)
Chapter 9: Assassination of Zhang Liang (第九章：刺杀张良)
Chapter 10: Han Xin's Humiliation (第十章：韩信受胯下之辱)
Chapter 11: Wujiang's Suicide (第十一章：四面楚歌，乌江自刎)
The current book volume, Chinese Short Stories 8, is a Level 1 Chinese reading practice book. It would introduce you to the famous Chinese story, Heroes of the Qin and Han Dynasty (秦汉英雄传), a popular narrative based on the historical events. The 8th volume in the Selected Chinese Short Story Series (中国短篇小说精选) includes both the Chinese text (simplified characters) and pinyin Romanization. With about over 500 unique Chinese characters, the volume would be suitable for the beginners, lower intermediate and advanced level Chinese language learners (HSK 1-6). Overall, the reading series offers you a variety of elementary level books (Level 1/2/3/4/5/6) to understand China as well as practice Chinese reading fast.
