Look at the picture and read "Bao Gong Case" (2)

Author: Wei Yi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-06-01
Features: To promote the national culture of our motherland and help readers understand this detective novel, we have selected ten stories from it and illustrated them in "Reading 'Bao Gong An' Through Pictures" (Volume 2). This illustrated book features concise text that remains faithful to the original spirit; the illustrations are lifelike and vivid, reflecting the ideological content and artistic characteristics of the original. It is suitable for both primary school students and adults to read. We hope that readers will develop an interest in reading and appreciating 'Bao Gong An' and other detective novels through this book.
'Bao Gong An' (originally titled 'Longtu Gong An') is a classical detective novel that has been widely circulated and deeply influential in China. Its protagonist is based on Bao Zheng, the upright and incorruptible Lord of the Dragon Pavilion in the Northern Song Dynasty, who was deified as a superhuman capable of ruling the mortal world by day and visiting the underworld by night. He solves cases with the help of divine dreams, supernatural manifestations, and extraordinary powers. Although the novel's Bao Gong essentially serves the interests of the ruling class, his ability to empathize with the common people, resolve injustices, and punish corrupt officials and local tyrants has shaped the image of a just and incorruptible official. This reflects the people's hopes and has earned him recognition and acceptance among the common folk, contributing to the novel's enduring popularity. It has had a profound influence on later storytelling, novels, opera, and society. As for its superstitious elements, they are a product of historical and class limitations and require readers to discern them.