
A humble flower‑seller from a quiet village becomes an unlikely conduit for an ancient, otherworldly manuscript called the “Twelve‑Fate Jade Toad Record.” While tending his chrysanthemums, he overhears a wandering scholar reciting verses that hint at a hidden cosmic order where loyalty, betrayal, and retribution are woven together by celestial beings. The narrative blends the rustle of rural life with the whisper of immortal sages, inviting listeners into a world where history’s great heroes and villains are judged by unseen forces.
As the story unfolds, the protagonist—dubbed the “Tranquil Man”—finds himself drawn into the mysterious workings of the immortal “Tong Yuanzi,” a being who claims to edit fate itself. Their discussions touch on infamous episodes from Chinese dynasties, questioning the justice of past punishments and the lingering echoes of grudges. With lyrical poetry, vivid ritual scenes, and a cast of spectral judges, the tale offers a meditation on destiny, moral balance, and the quiet power of a simple life observing grand histories.
Language
zh
Duration
~1 hours (94K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2008-04-24
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Known only by a pen name, this elusive Qing-era storyteller is remembered for a single surviving work, a sprawling popular novel full of revenge, romance, and the supernatural.
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