Fenglong Quan Chuan (Popular Library of Chinese Classical Novel Masterpieces)

Author: Wu Xuan and Yan Yan (Qing Dynasty), edited and annotated by Wu Xuan and Yan Yan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-06-01
Features: "The Complete Story of Feilong" consists of sixty chapters. Although it depicts a founding emperor, the main focus is on Zhao Kuangyin's rise to power during his youth before becoming emperor, showcasing a vivid and fleshed-out image of a streetwise hero to the readers. The author embodies various qualities of an ideal figure recognized by the urban class in his character: bold, rough, daring, righteous, protective of the weak and punitive of the strong, loyal, trustworthy, and valuing promises above all. This image has a strong flavor of folk literature and is directly inherited from the image of the heroes in "Water Margin." In contrast to Zhao Kuangyin's character, Zheng En and Tao Sanchun have a comedic tone. Zheng En is rough, straightforward, gluttonous, loves wine, fearless, and a bit cunning and witty. Tao Sanchun is a new female character, though unattractive in appearance, she has a kind heart, immense strength, is bold and unrestrained, and is very endearing, becoming a significant figure on the later stage of traditional Chinese opera.