Ming and QingHistory--Wanjin Qinglin

Author: Mount Sanren Scholar
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-05-01
Features: This book consists of multiple novellas. The contents of the upper volume include: Strange Encounters at Huayang, Zhang Yuhu’s Tale (also published in Yanju Notes under the title Zhang Yuhu Stays at Ziyuan Temple). Other items in this volume include: Record of Wanjiang Pavilion (also known as Record of Liu Qiqing at Wanjiang Pavilion), Record of the Lotus Screen, Record of the Interconnected Trees, Lingyan’s Encounter with a Fairy, and Record of Jujing Garden. The contents of the second volume include: Pei Hang’s Encounter with a Fairy, Record of Qiu Xiang Pavilion, Couple Becoming Immortals, Tian Zhu’s Encounter with Xue, Record of Listening to the Sutra by Monkeys, Heaven’s Arranged Continuation of Fate, and Xiu Niang’s Lake Tour (a storytelling text; the main text’s title is Record of Xiu Niang’s Night Tour of West Lake). The contents of the third volume include: Su Dong’s Three Passes, Record of Shameful Tomb Pavilion, The Wife’s Transformation into a Snake, Record of Lianfang Pavilion, Wang Sheng’s Strange Fate, Record of Ganjie Pavilion, and Meeting the True Love. The contents of the lower part of the first volume include: Passionate Beauties Collection. The contents of the second volume include: Bai Sheng’s Three Excellencies. The contents of the third volume include: Record of Seeking Lotus. The contents of the fourth volume include: Three Wonders of Zhejiang and West Lake, and Fateful Union of Love and Virtue. The contents of the fifth volume include: Heaven’s Fateful Encounters. The contents of the sixth volume include: Elegant Collection of Romances.
Content of the book: Passionate Beauties Collection:
In those days, the world was at peace, and the people thrived. For a century, there was no sound of war drums, no sight of alarm flags of war. Truly, it was an era of great order, a time of peace. Alas, in life at this time, lacking the longevity of Mount Nan, one must seek leisure with the cup of Beihai. One might believe that life is but light dust and weak grass, yet one must not waste the beauty of the seasons. With autumn dew and spring flowers, relax your worries and don’t sigh. Recite a few poems to ease worldly concerns, and drink three cups of wine to pass the days gracefully. Knock on chess pieces for joy, and slowly play the jade zither for delight. There’s no need to worry too much, and you may as well make love and leisure your life.
There was once a man named Gu, whose name is omitted here. Originally from Qiongzhou, Guangdong. He was a man of extraordinary appearance and noble bearing, well-versed in classics and history, able to dominate the literary circles—truly a standout among scholars.