Three Heroes and Five Righteous Ones

Author: (Qing) Shi Yuquan narrated
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-05-01
Features: The Three Heroes and Five Righteous Ones originally titled The Story of Loyal and Righteous Heroes, was published in the fifth year of the Guangxu reign (1879) by Beijing Juzhen Tang in movable-type printing. The cover author was listed as "Shi Yuquan narrated." Shi Yuquan, styled Zhenzhi, was from Tianjin; due to residing in Beijing for a long time and making a living through storytelling, he was mistakenly thought to be a native of Beijing. He was a renowned storytelling artist in both the inner and outer courts of the capital during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty. Shi Yuquan integrated and innovated various previous stories and legends about Bao Zheng, whether in stage plays, storytelling, or written historical records, novels, and tales. As a result, his storytelling of The Bao An Case was exceptionally vivid and rich in content, with intricate and lively plots, enhanced by his extraordinary storytelling artistry. It quickly became popular in the capital. This book is not Shi Yuquan's original work; his The Dragon Chart Divided into Cases should have been a script for storytelling. The Three Heroes and Five Righteous Ones is a martial arts novel enjoyed by both the refined and the common, and it has been widely favored by readers. The first half primarily depicts Bao Zheng during his tenure as an official in the Song Dynasty, fearless of power and determined to right wrongs and protect the people. The latter half narrates the heroic deeds of virtuous and righteous heroes who subdue villains and restore peace, with righteous hearts and fervent spirits. Unlike typical absurd and supernatural novels, it features passionate and exhilarating writing, vivid descriptions, and a strong artistic impact, capable of moving and inspiring readers deeply. This is also the primary reason why The Three Heroes and Five Righteous Ones has remained deeply loved by the common people for over a century since its popularity.