Read the Notes from the Weimo Study

Author: Zhong Lei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Record of Miscellaneous Observations from the Willow Garden is a classical Chinese narrative written in the late years of Ji Yun. The entire book primarily records stories of foxes, ghosts, and supernatural beings, all in the form of short. However, it is not merely the tedious work of "recording old tales to pass the time," as the author described in the preface to Listening to What You Please. His intention was to "not deviate from the moral teachings of the time" and "be beneficial for admonition and punishment." As a result, the book heavily emphasizes the moral teachings of feudal ethics and the of cause and effect. This perfectly aligns with the needs of the ruling class. Additionally, the book possesses the strengths of simple and elegant language, blending solemnity with humor. Consequently, each completed manuscript was eagerly copied and printed by relatives and friends, spreading widely among the upper class and achieving the same esteemed reputation as Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin and Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio by Pu Songling.