Ling window strange grass

Author: Changbai Haogezi (Qing Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: To measure the emotions of ghosts and gods, to reveal the hidden depths of human life, to read stories of fox spirits and demons, and the dreamlike "Fortress Besieged." The Strange Tales of the Lantern Window consists of 3 volumes, 12 chapters, and 138 stories, signed by Changbai Haogezi of the Qing Dynasty. Changbai Haogezi's birth year and life story remain unknown. Some say he is Yin Qinglan, as the Shanghai Progressive Publishing House's stone-printed edition is signed as written by Yin Sichen. The Strange Tales of the Lantern Window is another classical Chinese anecdotal novel with great achievement and influence after Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio. In terms of social content and creative purpose, The Strange Tales of the Lantern Window inherits the tradition of Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, while also demonstrating a certain originality in carrying forward and innovating. The stories in The Strange Tales of the Lantern Window mostly describe strange and extraordinary events from the late Ming Dynasty to the early Qing Dynasty. The work broadly depicts various aspects of social life, particularly the living conditions of middle and lower-class citizens, with many chapters exposing to some extent the darkness of society. Most of the stories in The Strange Tales of the Lantern Window involve fox spirits, ghosts, and demons. Although these supernatural beings are of a different kind, their thoughts and emotions are close to ordinary people, even more empathetic than real humans. Despite their supernatural powers, they always obey the rules of society at the time, which can be seen as an extension of the illusion of a human comedy. The stories in The Strange Tales of the Lantern Window often revolve around romantic themes between men and women, with most works reflecting the reasonable desire of young men and women to pursue marriage autonomy. For example, the protagonists in stories like Green Zither, Peach Blossom Woman, Picking Green, and Willow Smoke all possess a certain sense of rebellion, daring to pursue personal happiness boldly and showing little regard for the strict gender boundaries imposed by feudal etiquette. These artistic portrayals and the author's tolerant attitude toward them clearly held progressive significance for that era. In the process of editing this book, we have adopted a respectful attitude toward history. Except for some obvious printing and proofreading errors, we have generally made no changes. Regarding some chapters that are tinged with superstition and outdated ideas, especially the fatalistic belief in karma and the pessimistic thoughts of life's impermanence, we believe readers will easily recognize and resist them.