Zhī Yànzhāi Jiǎ Xū chāo yuè chóng píng Shítoujì

Author: Cao Xueqin (Qing Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-04-01
Features:
[The Meaning of Dream of the Red Chamber. The book has many titles, and Dream of the Red Chamber is the overarching name. It is also called Mirror of Wind and Moon, warning against indulging in romantic affairs. It is also called Story of the Stone, referring to the events recorded by the stone. These three names have already been pointed out in the book. For example, when Baoyu dreams, there is a song titled Twelve Dreams of the Red Chamber in the dream, which is the point of Dream of the Red Chamber. Another example is when Jia Rui is ill, a crippled hermit brings a mirror inscribed with the words Mirror of Wind and Moon, which is the point of Mirror of Wind and Moon. Yet another example is when the hermit personally sees a story inscribed on the stone, which is the record of the stone's interactions, the point of Story of the Stone. However, the book is also called Twelve Beauties of Jinling, and upon careful examination, it is clear that there are far more than twelve women in the book. If it is said that there are twelve, it is not explicitly stated which ones. In the chapter Dream of the Red Chamber, a roster of the twelve beauties of Jinling is revealed, along with twelve songs to examine.][When the book mentions Chang'an, it uses the ancient literary term, while the common speech of ordinary couples and women is called Zhongjing, avoiding specific directions. This is because the capital, being the center of the empire, should be considered supreme, and the four directions—southeast, southwest, northeast, and northwest—are deliberately avoided.][The book focuses on women's lives, so its depiction of such matters is detailed, while external affairs are briefly touched upon, not considered unbalanced.][The book does not dare to interfere with the court. When it must mention court affairs, it does so briefly, not daring to use the language of courtly matters to disrespect the emperor. Yet it is not incomplete.][The book begins with the first chapter, where the author states, "Having experienced a dreamlike journey, I have hidden the truth and written this Story of the Stone. Thus, it is said that 'Zhen Shiyin Recognizes the Spirit Stone through Dreams.'" But what events are recorded in the book, and why was it written? The author says, "Now I am busied with worldly affairs, achieving nothing. Suddenly, I recall the women of that time and examine them one by one, realizing that their actions and wisdom surpass mine. How can the noble men be inferior to these women? The side note reads: 'How is this not a dream? How is this not spiritual?' The author's words must have their own reasons. The breath of life is the same for all, regardless of gender. I am filled with shame but not regret, and there is nothing I can do. At that time, I wanted to record the past when I was favored by heaven and ancestors, when I wore fine clothes and ate delicacies, when I repaid my parents' education and my master's teachings, but now I have achieved nothing and spent half my life in disgrace. I will compile a record to tell all the world. Although my faults cannot be avoided, the women of the inner world are vividly portrayed, and I cannot let them be forgotten because of my inadequacy. The side note reads: 'Writing for them is also writing for me.' Even now, in my humble abode with thatched roofs and wicker walls, my life is not harmed by the wind, moon, or the willows and flowers in the courtyard. Why not use fictional language to weave a story to delight people's ears and eyes? Thus, it is said that 'A Scholar in the Dust Hides a Beauty.'" This is the essence of the first chapter's outline. Since it begins with "A Scholar in the Dust Hides a Beauty," it is clear that the author's original intention was to record the lives and emotions of women, not to complain about the world. Although it touches on worldly matters at times, it is not its main purpose, and readers must remember this. The poem reads:]
[What is the point of all this suffering in life? Grand feasts and elegant banquets will eventually end.][Joy and sorrow are all like illusions, a dream of ancient and modern times.][Do not speak of the tears of women in red sleeves, for there are even more who bear long grievances.][Every word is written with blood, ten years of hard work were not in vain.]