The narrative begins in Hyde Park where Captain Ted Talham rescues a terrified young woman from three suspicious followers, acquiring a two-thousand-year-old jade bracelet that holds the secret location of the First Emperor of China's burial site. This ancient artifact immediately draws the attention of dangerous criminal factions, Scotland Yard detectives, and an aristocratic Chinese diplomat, setting off a chain of violent conspiracies across London. As the plot develops, the mysterious murder of the Chinese Ambassador reveals a hidden network of ruthless operatives led by Soo T'si, who will stop at nothing to secure the priceless treasures buried within Mount Li. Talham and the Italian criminologist Signor Tillizinni form an unlikely alliance, deciphering ancient scrolls and navigating a labyrinth of international intrigue, espionage, and murder.
Their investigation ultimately leads them from the foggy streets of the British capital to the remote and perilous landscapes of China, where they confront their enemies inside the mythical and booby-trapped vaults of the dead emperor. Throughout the harrowing journey, Talham's fierce protection of the endangered Yvonne Yale evolves into a profound romance, culminating in a daring rescue from the clutches of a merciless adversary. The resolution uncovers the hidden mechanical marvels of the ancient world while settling old scores against a backdrop of sweeping adventure and timeless mystery.
![Cover of the audiobook “A history of China., [3d ed. rev. and enl.]”](/media/books/a-history-of-china-3d-ed-rev-and-enl/cover.png)
