
A wandering scholar drifts into a vivid dream, where a discarded stone from the heavens awakens with a whisper of spirit. Guided by two enigmatic monks, the stone transforms into a brilliant jade and begs to be taken into the bustling world of mortals. This fantastical framing sets the stage for a tale that blurs the line between illusion and reality, inviting listeners into a realm where destiny is written in both crystal and dust.
From that opening, the story turns to the modest household of a learned gentleman and his delicate daughter, introducing the tangled lives of the women who inhabit a grand, yet fragile, aristocratic circle. Their whispered loves, rivalries, and quiet rebellions unfold against a backdrop of poetry, music, and the ever‑present pull of fate. The narrative weaves together humor, melancholy, and keen observation of society, offering a richly textured portrait of a world where every gesture may conceal a deeper secret.
Language
zh
Duration
~15 hours (897K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2008-01-12
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1715–1763
Best known as the author of Dream of the Red Chamber, this Qing dynasty writer created one of the most admired novels in Chinese literature. His work blends family drama, social observation, and deep feeling in a way that still draws readers in centuries later.
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by Tanmengdaoren