Selected Prose Works of Zhang Zhongxing

Author: Xu Bairen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: Zhang Zhongxing's writing about people and recording events resembles that of a Taoist. His observations of cultural figures differ neither from general academic criticism nor from the unrestrained nature of some literary essays. With those he knows well, he always maintains a "historical" perspective, much like appreciating cultural relics and antiques, where the taste between meaning and sentiment reminds one of the retired, old-fashioned literati in the mountains and forests. Here, there is the impartial, calm observation of a historian, as well as the wit of a miscellaneous essayist. His portrayal of Gu Hongming is, as if admiring, yet also reflective, capturing the essence of the character in just a few strokes. The Doctor Hu, Qi Gong, Liu E, and Old Lady Gu can be considered masterpieces of character sketches. The style is so extraordinary that it leaves one in awe. Zhang Zhongxing writes about cultural figures, but does not look up to them. While respect is evident in his writing, it is more reflected by the power of "history" and "philosophy." When writing about ordinary people, he shows a deep sense of compassion. His portrayal of Old Lady Wang is a masterpiece of writing about ordinary folk, with its simplicity, sincerity, and depth, leaving a lingering aftertaste. Deep down, Zhang Zhongxing instinctively rejects worldly fame. His closest associates in life were not only culture and cultural figures but also ordinary people. His depiction of the simple spirit of the Chinese people is similar to that of Shen Congwen and Ba Jin. The small characters, especially women, in his writing often radiate elegance and charm. Mr. Zhang writes about the world of women with reverence and sanctity, such as in his portrayals of Liu E and Ding Jianhua, revealing his values and aesthetic inclinations. These diverse characters are placed against a broad cultural background and the interests of human relationships. He treats people with ordinary kindness, loves them with human compassion, and reflects on them from an academic perspective, stripping away the mundane and the ordinary. Reading his character sketches, I find that in their calm and composed tone, they reveal profound insights into life. They awaken, linger, and lead one to turn abruptly from the secular to a tranquil, transcendent state. Excerpt: Taking the title at face value, this is inappropriate. First, it carries a male-centric tone. If this were the early 20th century or earlier, it would not be an issue, as even women then believed that a husband's success was. However, now, as the 20th century nears its end, with the doors of society open to all, women have stepped out of their homes, sharing the same buses with men, dancing with them, and singing and accompanying them—this is truly outdated. Second, the scope is too broad. Even without considering unofficial histories or notes, just in official histories, the "Biographies of Virtuous Women" at the end, alongside the Taoist and Buddhist sections, contain a significant number of entries. Moreover, the "virtuous" are of various types, and sorting, categorizing, and praising them is no easy task. Therefore, if the title is to be truthful, it should be changed to: "On Certain Types of Women Whose Virtue in the Old Times Deserves Mention." If annotations are allowed, it would be best to clarify: 1. "The old times" refers to the past; modern women need not concern themselves with this. 2. This is my personal opinion, and in the spirit of freedom of thought, it is acceptable to express what moves one. 3. This refers only to certain types, not all virtuous women, so it is inevitable to overlook some, but it does not mean other types are unworthy of praise. 4. Adding "so-called" before "virtuous wife" indicates that the term is borrowed from the secular; whether it is appropriate or not is not the main concern. But according to some written or unwritten rules, not only annotations but even titles are not allowed to be this verbose—what can one do? The title must remain simple for now, so let me add some explanation here. The "virtuous wives" mentioned in this essay refer to those of a modest and retiring type. Perhaps influenced by the Confucian ideals of "The sky is strong, and the nobleman should persevere without rest" and "Knowing what is impossible yet acting anyway," even women who were traditionally expected to sigh over spring and autumn in seclusion were like Xingtian, dancing with drums and shields, with an indomitable spirit. This spirit was also evident before marriage. A lowly father, disdaining poverty and favoring wealth, even considered breaking off the engagement. The lovely bride, with her cleverness and sense of justice, helped her maid give gold to the scholar in a moonlit garden, urging him to pursue success. And indeed, heaven rewards the diligent—soon after, he passed the imperial examinations and returned in glory, winning the praise of his family and neighbors, while his father was left in shame. In short, she achieved success through perseverance. After marriage, more victories came from her efforts, such as the wife of Yue Yangzi, who even cut the silk threads on the loom to drive her husband back to his studies, and later, he too achieved success and fame.