First and formost, thanks go to Vera Kolpakova and Dr. James Milward, who taught me the nuts and bolts of Chinese history. I'd also like to thank Dr. Allen S. Whiting, Dr. Charles Hedke, and Dr. Barbara Sands for helping, encouraging, and putting up with me. Also, thanks to my father, who proof-read this and made many useful suggestions.

Special thanks to Laurence Pichot, who asked me to write this in the first place.

As usual, credit goes to those who taught me; any and all mistakes are mine.

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