Message from the Imperial Board of Revenue...

(...or at least from the desk of your humble correspondent about things historical)

Dear readers, listeners, and fellow intellectually-curious enthusiasts of history, culture, travel, and learning.

So here we are. After months of avoiding this conversation like the Guangxu Emperor skipping the yogurt option in the Forbidden City buffet line, I'm finally turning on paid subscriptions.

I know, I know. You came here for stories about ancient Chinese emperors, reviews of dusty old books, and still stayed for the terrible puns about the Qing Dynasty. For this, you have my undying gratitude.

What You Actually Get For Your Money

But let's be honest about what we're doing here. You're not just supporting my caffeine addiction (though that is a crucial component). You're investing in:

Chinese history and book reviews that don't put you to sleep. Remember when your dad thought the Tang Dynasty was just a drink mix? We've all come so far together.

Cultural deep dives that make you insufferable at parties. Nothing says "fun dinner guest" like someone who can explain the finer points of Confucian filial piety while passing the salt.

Great stories. And by great, I mean the kind where you'll text your friends saying, "You will not believe what happened when the leaders of the palace coup realized the boy emperor's mother was basically Al Capone in fancy silk dress."

The Barbarians at the Gate Podcast. For over five years now, we've been having conversations about Chinese culture, international education, study abroad programs, and US-China educational exchanges. Think thoughtful radio, but with more arguing about whether Confucius would have been good at standardized tests.

For Those Who Haven't Subscribed Yet

If you've been reading along, nodding thoughtfully at my insights into China while secretly wondering if I'm making half of this up (I'm not, but I understand the skepticism), now's your chance to put your money where your mouth is.

Think of it this way: for less than what you spend on a decent cup of tea, you can support content that makes you the most interesting person in any conversation about China. And let's face it, with everything happening in the world right now, that's a conversation you're probably going to have.

No pressure though. Seriously. I'm just grateful you're here whether you subscribe or just enjoy the free content while quietly judging my footnote formatting choices.

For Our Lovely Pledge Supporters

If you've already pledged support, bless your generous hearts. Payments will start soon, and I wanted to give you a heads up so you don't get an unexpected charge and wonder if someone in Shanghai is using your credit card to buy counterfeit designer handbags.

Changed your mind? No worries. Life happens. Economic conditions shift. Sometimes you realize you've been spending too much on newsletters about Chinese history and not enough on actual food. I get it. You can cancel anytime, and I promise not to send you passive-aggressive emails about it.

The Bottom Line

Your support helps us keep digging into the fascinating, ridiculous, occasionally heartbreaking, and always surprising world of Chinese culture and history. Plus, it means we can keep the podcast going without me having to resort to stand by the side of the Third Ring Road at rush hour wearing a sign that reads “Will tell you the history of the Forbidden City for tips.”

We'll keep the free content coming regardless, because knowledge about Chinese civilization should be accessible to everyone, even people who think the Great Wall was built to keep out Mongolians. (It's more complicated than that of course, and I can’t wait to talk about why with you.)

Thanks for reading, listening, and being part of this wonderfully nerdy community.

Jeremiah

P.S. Yes, I will continue to make jokes about the Cultural Revolution. No, that's probably not appropriate. Yes, I'm going to keep doing it anyway.