Record of Autumn Rain and Autumn Lantern. Record of Night Tales

Author: Xuan Ding
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Measure the emotions of ghosts and gods, reveal the hidden depths of the human world, read the stories of fox spirits and demons, and the dreamlike [Fortress Besieged]. The Night Rain and Autumn Lantern Records is a renowned work in late Qing dynasty anecdotal fiction. Previous critics praised it as "When describing strange events, it can be astonishing and shocking; when recording eccentric behaviors, it can be sorrowful and lamenting; when discussing social issues, it can be mocking and satirical; when depicting romantic tales, it remains detached yet intimate." The Night Rain and Autumn Lantern Records narrates many supernatural, eerie, and mysterious stories. Through these tales, the author reflects on social realities, portrays human emotions, expresses life's sentiments, and spreads the message of doing good. Opening the book reveals a world of beauty at every turn, captivating the eyes; closing the book leaves a lingering echo, with the spirit still lingering. The most moving stories in The Night Rain and Autumn Lantern Records are those of the "women in bamboo baskets." These stories can be broadly categorized into two types: those centered on love and marriage, and those centered on wisdom, courage, and chastity.
The Random Records of Night Talk, written by He Bang'e, a Manchu from the Qing dynasty. He Bang'e, styled Xianzhai and known as the owner of Jiyuan, has an uncertain birth and death date. Some scholars speculate he was born in the 13th year of the Qianlong reign and died in the Qianlong-Jiaqing era or slightly later. In the Preface to this book, the author explicitly states that "only the strange is recorded," explaining that people perceive things as strange due to their rarity and lack of understanding of the principles behind them. "The sages have exhausted the principles of all things in heaven and earth, and what people see as strange, they would consider ordinary if they understood." This reveals the author's purpose in recording strange tales—to broaden knowledge and seek truth. Readers need not be alarmed by the strangeness. The book primarily features fox spirits, ghosts, and supernatural beings. While strange, a closer examination reveals that none of these tales are without reflection on reality, portrayal of life, or critique of societal flaws. Therefore, a careful reading of this book can lead one from initial bewilderment to a profound realization, ultimately understanding that what seems strange is not so strange after all.