First published in the early 1900s, 'The Bureaucrats' isn't a single, linear story. Instead, it's a collection of interconnected episodes that paint a sprawling picture of the late Qing Dynasty's officialdom. We follow a rotating cast of characters—from low-level clerks to high-ranking governors—as they navigate a system where corruption isn't a bug; it's the main feature. The 'plot' is their daily hustle: securing a post, extracting bribes, flattering superiors, and scheming against rivals. There are no noble heroes here, just people trying to survive and profit in a broken machine.

Why You Should Read It

I couldn't put this down because of how biting and weirdly timeless it feels. Li Boyuan writes with the sharp wit of someone completely fed up. He doesn't just tell you the system is corrupt; he shows you the absurd, petty, and often hilarious rituals of bribery and face-saving. You'll meet officials who buy their jobs, then immediately start calculating how to recoup the investment through graft. It’s satire with real teeth. Reading it, you realize the human flaws that fuel bureaucracy—greed, fear, vanity—haven't changed a bit in over a century.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for anyone who loves historical fiction that feels alive and urgent, not dusty. If you enjoy political satire, from Jonathan Swift to modern-day shows, you'll find its ancestor here. It’s also a fascinating, ground-level look at Chinese history that you won't get from dry textbooks. Fair warning: it’s a big book with lots of characters, so it’s best enjoyed in chunks. But if you want a masterclass in satire and a story that holds a dark mirror to power, this is your book.