Classics of Ancient Novels Series -- Heroes of the Nation

Author: Ning Dewei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1996-07-01
Features: Popular fiction has always originated from the common people and circulated in the streets, finding it difficult to gain entry into the halls of elegance. However, The Legend of the Heroes (Liè Yīng Zhuàn) emerged from the Ming Dynasty court, a product of Prince Guo Xun's political ambitions to please the emperor and manipulate public opinion. The Legend of the Heroes portrayed the history of the Ming court's founding in the form of a novel, opening a forbidden territory for historical fiction in the Ming Dynasty. Since Guo Xun set this precedent, other works followed in quick succession. It can be said that The Legend of the Heroes pioneered the trend of Ming courtiers writing novels about their own era in Chinese literary history, making a significant contribution. The Legend of the Heroes officially represents the general level of historical fiction before the mid-Ming Dynasty. During the Wanli era, it was slightly refined, but there was no substantial artistic progress. It is like an uncut jade, uncarved, and if it had been meticulously polished and masterfully crafted by renowned figures such as Feng Menglong or Chu Renhuo, it would have become a dazzling gem.