Volume V
The Rise and Fall of Xia
From Qi’s Kingship to Restoration and the Overthrow of Xia
Preface
After Yu and Qi, dynasty is no longer only a beginning. Xia tradition must explain stable succession, resistant alliances and the recovery of rule after interruption.
This volume opens with Qi and the Youhu clan at Gan, follows Taikang’s loss and the rule of Hou Yi and Han Zhuo, then rebuilds the royal line through Min, loyal retainers and Shaokang.
After Shaokang, transmitted king lists lead toward Kong Jia, Jie and the Xia–Shang transition. Cheng Tang, Yi Yin and Mingtiao frame change through the political language of failed virtue and popular support.
King lists, Shangshu chapters, Zuozhuan retrospection, Shiji synthesis, oracle bones and the Erlitou–Erligang sequence answer different questions. The volume preserves narrative continuity while marking the reach of each kind of evidence.