Qin Shi Huang

Author: Ran Yunfei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-10-01
Features: Recently, China's first large-scale series of online commentaries, Big Talk About Ancient Famous Figures, is about to be launched by Bashu Book Society. The book selects historically significant and influential figures with distinct personalities, such as Wu Zetian, Qin Shi Huang, Yongzheng, Cao Cao, Zhuge Liang, and Zeng Guofan, and features critiques by influential literary critics in the country. On April 10, a network reading discussion session was held by several renowned writers and cultural figures in Sichuan to explore the seven completed sample drafts of Big Talk About Ancient Famous Figures. Attendees unanimously agreed that it was a unique and distinctive commentary series, with its standout features being the rich and distinctive storytelling, the incisive and fluent language of the critics, and the fresh perspective it offered readers. The literary critics and writers in attendance also engaged in an in-depth discussion of the book's themes. Xu Kang (Vice President of the Sichuan Writers' Association and Executive Deputy Director of the Ba Jin Literary Institute), the title Big Talk About Ancient Famous Figures is well-chosen, particularly because the term "big talk" leaves ample room for interpretation. "Big talk" sits between solemnity and satire, encompassing both storytelling and commentary. The critiques are delivered in a relaxed, playful, and humorous tone, evaluating historical figures through contemporary perspectives, offering readers insights and leaving them with space for reflection and endless fascination. Most historical-themed books on the market today merely objectively introduce historical figures, whereas this book presents Wu Zetian, Qin Shi Huang, and Zeng Guofan, among others, in a different light, revealing aspects that are not easily perceived. Their personalities, true natures, inner thoughts, and the hidden sorrow, melancholy, and pain in their hearts are vividly captured by the critics, allowing readers to clearly see that even the once-dominant emperors and powerful ministers in history possessed ordinary human qualities. Wu Li (a renowned critic) said, "When we talk about Big Talk About Ancient Famous Figures, I believe it's not simply about writing history or praising or criticizing historical figures. It's also not about making readers reinterpret Cao Cao and Zeng Guofan's history through this series. We chose these historical figures to critique because their personalities are exceptionally vivid and distinctive, enabling them to transcend conventional norms. Through 'big talk' commentary, readers can understand these figures' precious personalities, which in turn reveal their true natures and allow readers to reflect on the present. Traditional Chinese history has long suppressed the expression of individuality, yet historical figures have successfully asserted their own personalities. We want readers to clearly understand their bold and assertive personalities. For example, Wu Zetian personally killed her own son, showcasing her ruthlessness. Yet, she also demonstrated her compassion by appointing her rival, Shangguan Wan'er, to a high position, revealing her soft and benevolent side. The combination of ruthlessness, compassion, and other facets of Wu Zetian's personality inevitably sparks endless reflections, offering valuable lessons for modern people on how to live. Yuan Jiliang (Deputy Director of the Creative Research Office of the Sichuan Writers' Association) mentioned that seeing this series made him think of Croce's quote: "All history is contemporary history." When cultural figures discuss ancient figures, it allows us to stand in a new, modern perspective to freely recognize and evaluate historical figures. Using today's thoughts and perspectives to critique them means that in history, they were emperors or powerful ministers, but now, we view them simply as ordinary people for the purpose of critique. "Big talk" aims to highlight distinctive qualities, dissecting the personalities of historical figures and presenting them to modern audiences, offering fresh insights, prompting deeper reflection and leaving a lasting impression. The atmosphere of the discussion session was, and when this book is presented to readers, it is hoped that they will engage in in-depth discussions online and through other media, continuing to explore deeper layers of meaning. The book selects historically significant and influential figures with distinct personalities—such as Qin Shi Huang—and features critiques by highly influential literary critics. Written in a light and playful tone, it evaluates Qin Shi Huang's personality, true nature, and inner thoughts through contemporary perspectives, with its distinctive and engaging storytelling, incisive and fluent language, and vivid and dynamic ideas, offering readers a fresh and enlightening experience.