Chinese gang history

Author: Liu Lianke
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-10-01
Features: "The activities of the 'gongfu' (clans) can be considered a revolution, though without the name, yet with the substance. Among the members of the 'gongfu,' there are indeed scoundrels, but there are also many who possess knowledge, thoughts, ambition, and courage. They prioritize 'yi' (righteousness) and dare to act. The complexity of Chinese society is profound and inscrutable. Reading the history of 'gongfu' may help us rediscover those lost memories. Whether one is inexperienced or deeply experienced, whether one values loyalty or not, whether one admires traditional culture, or whether one wants to understand or not understand Chinese society—reading The History of Chinese Gongfu can be enlightening.
The author of The History of Chinese Gongfu, Mr. Liu Lianke, himself belonged to the 'gongfu' as a 'comrade.' He is knowledgeable, ambitious, courageous, and willing to take responsibility. He knows too much about the 'gongfu.' After more than thirty years of joining the 'gongfu' and following the 'Hongmen' (a secret society) elders, Mr. Liu Lianke broke away from everything and devoted himself to writing this 'history of the gongfu,' unveiling the long-mystery veil of the 'gongfu' to us.
The 'gongfu' has 'feudal and backward characteristics,' and some have even become 'reactionary organizations.' However, during the democratic revolution led by Sun Yat-sen, it played a positive role. Later, on the battlefield of the Anti-Japanese War, it also made tremendous sacrifices in blood.
The history of the 'gongfu' is said to date back to the late Ming Dynasty. Li Zicheng's army is considered one of the earliest and largest groups among the 'gongfu' to rise in rebellion. From the perspective of the Qing court, the 'gongfu' were labeled as 'riff-raff' and 'treacherous rebels.' But from the perspective of the Han people, the actions of the 'gongfu' can be seen as a revolution—a revolution without the name but with the substance."