
In the bright reign of Emperor Kangxi, a diligent scholar named Peng is appointed magistrate of the modest Sanhe County. Fresh from his imperial examinations, he departs his modest home with his loyal servant, preparing for the duties of governance while caring for his pregnant wife and aging steward. The journey takes him through bustling market towns and a lively temple fair, where the rhythms of daily life intertwine with whispers of unrest.
At the festival, Peng witnesses a clash between a well‑dressed young woman and a group of ruffians led by the brash Zhang Hong. Before the situation spirals, a striking figure in a blue robe—known as White‑Horse Li—intervenes, his reputation as a champion of the oppressed preceding him. Their brief encounter hints at the tangled web of local power, corruption, and the quest for justice that will test Peng’s resolve as he steps into his new role.
Language
zh
Duration
~15 hours (904K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2008-10-20
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
An enigmatic late-Qing storyteller, this pseudonymous writer is best known for sprawling courtroom adventures full of crime, justice, and larger-than-life heroes. Very little is known about the person behind the pen name, which only adds to the appeal.
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