The book is divided into five chapters. Chapter 1, "Introduction", tells the historical background of Shaanxi from the late Ming Dynasty to the middle of the Qing Dynasty. Chapter 2, "Space", describes the spatial structure of cities, government offices, temples, etc. in prefectures and counties. Chapter 3, "From Chongzhen to Qianlong", starts with the crisis of the late Ming Dynasty and the combination of disasters and wars, and details the life of the people in prefectures and counties during the change of dynasties. Chapter 4, "Power, Wealth and Reputation", details the officials, scholars, gentry, and common people in prefectures and counties. Chapter 5, "The Struggle of the Bottom", tells the fate of loyal ministers, filial sons and chaste women in ancient times, and reflects on the values of "loyalty, filial piety, chastity and righteousness" upheld in the feudal era.
全书共分为五章。第一章《引言》，讲述由明末到清中叶的陕西的历史背景。第二章《空间》，描绘了州县的城池、公署、祠庙等空间结构。第三章《从崇祯到乾隆》，从明末危局的灾兵交加讲起，详述了在朝代更替当中州县民众生活的遭遇。第四章《权力、财富和声名》，详细讲述了州县之中的官吏、士人、绅富、齐民几类人。第五章《底层的挣扎》，讲述了古时忠臣、孝子和节妇的命运，对封建时代所秉持的“忠孝节义”价值观进行了一定的省思。
全书共分为五章。第一章《引言》，讲述由明末到清中叶的陕西的历史背景。第二章《空间》，描绘了州县的城池、公署、祠庙等空间结构。第三章《从崇祯到乾隆》，从明末危局的灾兵交加讲起，详述了在朝代更替当中州县民众生活的遭遇。第四章《权力、财富和声名》，详细讲述了州县之中的官吏、士人、绅富、齐民几类人。第五章《底层的挣扎》，讲述了古时忠臣、孝子和节妇的命运，对封建时代所秉持的“忠孝节义”价值观进行了一定的省思。
