Literary inquisition The Deer and the Cauldron

in years of reign of kangxi emperor, regent oboi monopolised state power , introduced practice of literary inquisition. many intellectuals , scholars persecuted writings. zhuang tinglong, merchant huzhou, sponsored publication of unauthorised book history of ming dynasty. book used ming emperors era names, considered taboo in qing dynasty. wu zhirong found out , reported authorities.

zhuang tinglong , family persecuted , male members of zhuang family killed. incident sparked off chain reaction, in several individuals not directly involved or linked book rounded , executed. these individuals included scholars helped write , proofread book, bookstore owners sold copies of book, distant relatives of zhuang family, , people had contact readers of book.