Controversy Surrounding Independent Writer Liu Yiming’s New Book, “The Ruler Who Lost His Country: A Lament for the Final Days Beneath the Morning Mist of the Annals”

（Rights Defense Network Information Center report）On June 10, 2026，this outlet learned：Recently，The Ruler Who Lost His Country: A Lament for the Final Days Beneath the Morning Mist of the Annals》，written by Hubei-based independent writer Liu Yiming, was ultimately published by New York’s Bodden House and released globally on platforms including Amazon。Renowned sinologists Andrew Nathan and Tom Guo served as the book’s academic advisers。

This historical work, which focuses on the rise and fall of ancient dynasties and recounts the fates of their final rulers, was originally a conventional effort to share Chinese culture overseas，but its path to publication was fraught with twists and turns：During the initial stages, several organizations involved in discussions expressed concerns about the subject matter, repeatedly obstructing cooperation；after relevant departments learned about the book’s creation, they demanded that the manuscript be submitted for review in advance，a request Liu Yiming refused。He stated clearly that once the book was officially published, he could provide a complete electronic version for the relevant parties to read。The industry and social attitudes reflected in this series of experiences merit in-depth discussion。

This work represents several years of the author’s painstaking effort，and throughout the writing process he based it on authoritative historical texts, repeatedly verifying historical materials，and using an objective style to restore the patterns of succession among the feudal dynasties of successive eras。The phrase “morning mist over the annals” in the title describes the complex circumstances during the final years of a dynasty，while “lament for the final days” is merely a literary interpretation of the historical fact that feudal dynasties eventually came to an end。The book consistently discusses history on its own terms，expounding on the institutional limitations, political gains and losses, and tragedies of eras from thousands of years ago，with the central aim of sorting out historical patterns and drawing lessons from the rise and fall of dynasties，The content discusses only ancient history and does not concern the present，and its creative intent is upright and pure。

After the manuscript was completed，the work of finding a publisher encountered layer upon layer of obstacles。Many potential partners became wary upon seeing terms such as “ruler who lost his country” and “final days”，and, without closely studying the text, one-sidedly determined that the subject matter posed risks，causing repeated setbacks in the initial discussions。Afterward，relevant departments demanded that the manuscript be submitted for review in advance，but Liu Yiming did not agree。In his view，the work was a piece of orthodox historical writing that adhered to scholarly principles, and there was nothing improper in its content，so it did not need to be submitted for review in advance；at the same time, he gave a clear response that after the book was officially published and distributed, he could provide an electronic version for the other side to consult。This stance both upheld his own creative position and maintained an open and candid approach to communication。

Using history as a mirror is a tradition that has continued in Chinese historiography for thousands of years。From ancient times to the present, historians and literary figures have recorded the destruction of dynasties and analyzed the accumulated problems of chaotic eras, all in order to review the past and enlighten the present。The book details the various ills and disorders of the feudal era and, by using historical tragedies as a reference, precisely throws into relief the prosperous scene of today’s era: enlightened and tolerant, socially stable and peaceful, and marked by people living and working in contentment，giving it a positive orientation and practical significance。Writing about the rise and fall of successive dynasties is a common subject in literary and historical creation and is not inherently improper。

Looking at the reactions of the various parties during this controversy，many people fell into the trap of being unnecessarily suspicious。By overinterpreting titles and subject-matter labels and putting up layers of defenses, they ignored the work’s substance and original creative intent，which not only represents a distortion of the spirit of traditional historiography but also reflects a lack of cultural confidence。Today, as the environment for literary and artistic creation and historical research grows increasingly open，exploring the historical and cultural tradition and telling China’s historical stories well to the world should be a cultural undertaking to encourage。If even objective commentary on ancient history is subject to numerous restrictions，it will inevitably constrain creative vitality and obstruct the spread of China’s outstanding historical culture around the world。

The book has now been successfully released by Bodden House and made publicly available to readers worldwide on platforms including Amazon。Liu Yiming’s position on the matter of submitting the manuscript for review was clearly demarcated: he remained firm while leaving room for accommodation and conducted himself openly。

Reading history requires a broad perspective, while dealing with matters calls for an ordinary state of mind。When faced with serious and compliant historical writing，rather than indulging in groundless suspicion and excessive caution, it is better to show more rationality and tolerance。Only by setting aside prejudice and respecting the essence of historical scholarship can the wisdom and depth contained in three thousand years of Chinese history be better passed down and disseminated。