Damn (Illustrated Edition) (Illustrated Edition)

Author: Zhang Tanfeng
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-01-01
Features: The novel originally titled "When Spring Binds the Flower in the Harem" () was more lyrical. Later, it was renamed "Failure" for its directness. Eventually, it was named "Damn It" () after being inspired by a poem titled "A New Ode to Spring · On History" (·) by Mr. Qigong. In the book "China Rising: A Popular History," I came across Mr. Qigong's poem — "Looking Back at Ancient History from the Beginning. Thousands of years, rise and fall, success and failure, bewildering. How many kings and how many thieves, all are doomed. All turned into nothing but dust. A tangled mess like water flowing in a stream, with electronic machines, it’s hard to count from the beginning. Yet, there are several volumes. The characters in the book are countless. If you (break them down), those who die naturally are less than half. So, where do the others go? Their necks are cut. Yet, they still argue bit by bit. Mosquitoes flying under the eaves are born and die without knowing why they circle endlessly. Who can solve this mystery? This poem seems to perfectly match the content of my novel, making me unable to contain my joy. Changing the title to "Damn It," I must especially thank Mr. Qigong. "Damn It" is not long, but I have put my full effort into describing it. I want readers to experience with me the conditions of feudal Chinese society and taste the impermanence of life. At the same time, I depict the vitality of ancient people. Let’s consider it a short flute for the voices that have vanished. The old is gone, and the new keeps coming. Ultimately, we still have to bless the future! Zhang Fang wrote in late autumn at Chengdu, Sichuan University, Tanfeng Tower.
Pain of those castrated, joy of those who castrate others—minds fractured, walking through the ages alone. A story of a rogue eunuch!