
Set in the bustling towns of the Song dynasty, the story follows a charismatic yet reckless young man named Ximen Qing. Inheriting a modest family drug shop, he quickly surrounds himself with a colorful troupe of friends—gamblers, courtesans, and opportunists—who share his love of wine, gambling, and lavish entertainments. Their gatherings are marked by witty banter, bold schemes, and the constant pursuit of pleasure, giving a vivid portrait of a world where wealth and desire intertwine.
As Ximen’s fortunes grow, so does his appetite for influence and indulgence. He begins to forge uneasy alliances, arranging elaborate feasts and secret pacts with his comrades, while his household expands to include a host of women, each embodying different facets of allure and ambition. The narrative captures the intoxicating allure of power and the subtle moral compromises that accompany it, inviting listeners to glimpse the fragile line between opulence and ruin.
Language
zh
Duration
~13 hours (757K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2016-05-31
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

Best known as the pseudonymous author traditionally linked to Jin Ping Mei, one of the most famous novels of late Ming China. The real person behind the name remains unknown, which has only deepened the book’s mystery and reputation.
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