
A wandering scholar, Cen Xiu, retreats to the quiet countryside after a life of travel, finding solace in simple pleasures—fishing by the stream, sharing humble meals with his wife and children, and contemplating the ancient teachings that once inspired great historians. His modest home becomes a haven where the rhythms of nature echo the timeless moral lessons of loyalty, filial piety, and the inevitable balance of karma.
Within this tranquil world, a colorful cast of characters emerges: the steadfast yet gentle Snow sister, the charismatic Moon maiden, and the ethereal Plum girl, each embodying distinct virtues and quirks. Their interactions weave together tales of honor, love, and the subtle mysteries of fate, while the narrator’s reflective voice offers insights into the moral fabric of the era.
Through vivid storytelling and a blend of poetic elegance and robust humor, the novel invites listeners to explore the complexities of human nature, the weight of ancestral duty, and the quiet heroism found in everyday deeds.
Language
zh
Duration
~4 hours (259K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2008-10-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
An elusive figure from 18th-century China, this author is remembered today mainly through sparse catalog records and public-domain listings. Very little biographical detail appears to survive, which makes the work itself the real point of entry.
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