Mirror-Maze Journey Through Strange Lands

Author: Li Ruzhen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-05-01
Features: The classificatory records of novelists claim that they originate from the "barbarian officials" (historians specializing in folk tales), as noted by Zhu Chun. The king, desiring to understand the customs of the streets and alleys, established such officials to narrate these tales—this is the ancient meaning. However, the (miscellaneous books) circulated in markets often arbitrarily label them as the "top geniuses," with their descriptions merely portraying the crude and uncouth appearances of Hun Dun and Qiong Qi. Even when they praise virtuous deeds or embellish leisurely sentiments, they resemble dusty and tasteless food, leaving a bland aftertaste. I once called them "unworthy geniuses," and it seems not an exaggeration. In the past, Wang Linchuan replied to Zeng Nanfeng in a letter, stating that one must read all kinds of novels to understand the bigger picture. Moreover, the "Continued Records of Literature and Arts" in the "Bibliography" section also included "The Pipa" and "The Jingsha," which were not deemed unsuitable. Could it be because their words praised filial piety and loyalty, were suitable for both the masses and the elite, corrected moral corruption, and strengthened customs, aligning with the ancient purpose of the "barbarian officials"? The book "Mirror of Flowers and Fragrant Dreams" is said to have been completed by the Li family in Beijing over a decade of effort, and readers all agree that it is beneficial to moral cultivation. Unfortunately, there was no engraved version, and after long years of hand-copied transmission, errors multiplied. Recently, fellow enthusiasts compiled and published it in printed form. This book borrows no words from others and avoids the clichés of predecessors. It draws from the classics and histories, collects the brilliance of scholars, encompasses all trades, and touches upon various performing arts. With unparalleled intelligence, it opens up extraordinary realms. Even if one drinks the thousand-li wine of Chengxiang, holding this book in hand, they will surely dispel drowsiness. Even though Bao Xianshu would laugh at the clearest river, reading it would undoubtedly make him laugh out loud. In summary, its style is close to humor but its purpose is to promote virtue. Moreover, its knowledge is profound and extensive, enriching one's understanding. In the past, people praised it as being neither overly scholarly nor overly fantastical, possessing a unique perspective and style, and as a work that broke new ground among the "Nine Hundred Stories of Yu" (a classic collection of folk tales), appealing to both the refined and the common. Truly insightful! I hereby record these words to present to the true geniuses of the world who enjoy this book. Written by Shihua, the scholar "Huixiu."