Rough Draft of a Novel

Author: Han Bangqing Jin Xinqi Hong Dianji
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: This novel primarily depicts the life in brothels in Shanghai during the late Qing Dynasty, involving the officialdom, business circles, and the interconnected social layers of the time. The author, with seemingly restrained brushwork, portrays the stark contrast between the rich and poor, and the clear distinctions of social hierarchy. In the 23rd chapter, a young girl named Aqiao, around 14 years old, accidentally breaks a glass cover while lighting a cigarette, enduring much scolding. In the 52nd chapter, courtesan Sun Xiulan and singing girls Qiguan and Yaoguan talk late at night, sharing their respective misfortunes. There are also the senior courtesans who must endure the vulgar and cruel humiliation of clients during their social engagements. Those courtesans, unfortunate enough to fall into brothels due to poverty, struggle to earn a living by selling their smiles, enduring shame and humiliation. In stark contrast to the lives of these courtesans and servants who suffer silently and endure hardships, are the lives of the clients who live in debauchery and revelry. They indulge in gambling and excessive, spending vast sums of money. For example, the entire life of the probationary official Wang Liansheng revolves around lying on a smoking couch, smoking opium, while mistreating two courtesans. The Story of Shanghai Flowers vividly portrays the various characters who frequent brothels in late Qing Shanghai, holding significant value for understanding the true nature of social life during that era.