active 1675-1695 Renhu Chu

Renhu Chu, also known as Chu Renhuo (褚人穫), was an early Qing-era Chinese writer active in the late 17th century. He is chiefly remembered for Romance of the Sui and Tang (Sui Tang Yanyi), a long historical novel traditionally dated to around 1675 and first published in 1695.

The novel retells the turbulent transition from the Sui dynasty to the Tang dynasty, blending political upheaval with stories of famous warriors, rulers, and legendary figures. It became a major work in the Chinese historical-fiction tradition and helped shape later retellings of the same period.

Some reference works also describe him as a scholar and publisher, but surviving personal details appear limited in the sources readily available. What stands out most clearly is the reach of his writing: he took a vast stretch of Chinese history and gave it drama, momentum, and memorable human stories.