Seven Heroes and Five Righteousness

Author: Shi Yuquan [Qing Dynasty]
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: The book consists of one hundred and twenty chapters, which can be divided into three parts. The first twenty chapters introduce the story of "The Cat Swaps the Prince" as a prelude, narrating Bao Zheng's growth, entry into official service, handling of cases, clearing of injustices in the palace, and the return of the "Empress Mother." It concludes with the punishment of Li Bao. From the twenty-eighth chapter to the sixty-eighth chapter, the story follows the rivalry between the "Southern Hero" and "Imperial Cat" Zhan Zhao and the "Brocade-Furred Rat" Bai Yutang, one of the "Five Righteous Ones." It depicts the "Five Righteous Ones" joining Bao Zheng and how Bao Zheng, along with other heroes and righteous individuals, protects young officials like Fan Zhongyu and Yan Chansan, while fighting against the villain Pang Taisi and his henchmen. The last fifty-two chapters center on Yan Chansan's inspection tour of Xiangyang, depicting the struggle between the heroes and the rebellious Prince of Xiangyang and his allies. The book effectively portrays the upright and fearless images of officials like Bao Zheng and Yan Chansan, vividly depicting the qualities of the heroes and righteous individuals who uphold justice and detest evil. At the same time, it exposes the darkness and reactionary nature of feudal rule from a negative perspective.