Water Margin

Author: Yu Wanchun
Publisher:
Publication Date: 1999-01-01
Features: Since the classics and histories have been passed down, any words written to be recorded in books contain meaning. Even folk tales and unofficial histories are no different. However, their writing styles vary—some directly express emotions, some subtly convey truths, some clarify the right and wrong of events, and some reveal the subtleties of their meanings. It is valued that readers in later generations can discern the original intent behind their writing, recognize the purpose of their words, and then grasp the entire context, with the essence fully revealed. As for Laoni's Water Margin, it became popular in various regions. Above, scholars and officials all read and appreciated it, understanding its essence; below, even commoners like merchants and laborers would talk and draw about it, claiming to have seen and heard it. Yet, this is a general statement. While everyone reads the book similarly, their interpretations differ. In truth, Laoni's original purpose was to expose the deceitful practices of those who falsely claim virtue and manipulate others, but he did not state this directly. Instead, he described their cunning and tricks, hoping they would realize it themselves. With this intention, even if few are wise, over time, people will reflect and understand the true meaning. Truly, this is writing that is curved yet straight.
I alone do not understand Luo Guanzhong, who presented falsehood as truth, glorified treachery and disgraced the state, leaving a harmful legacy in print. His continuation of Laoni's work, like a dog's tail appending to a precious robe, has made later generations skeptical and confused, mistaking it for fact. He is indeed Laoni's (culprit) and a disgrace to moral teachings. Later, Shengtan emerged, not afraid to speak at length, dissecting the book layer by layer. Although the deceitful nature of the villains is evident, their ultimate fate remains unclear. Those who enjoy discussing events and seeking the truth still find little solid evidence. I, living in seclusion in my old age, often feel indignant when discussing this. In the winter of Gengxu, my old friend Zhonghua's heir, Bolong, came to visit and presented his ancestor's unfinished manuscript of Water Margin. I had long known Zhonghua had written such a book but had never asked to see it. Now, upon reading it, I found it aligned with Laoni's style. I advised Bolong: Water Margin is indeed your ancestor's legacy, but why not call it Concluding Water Margin? With this book published, I know it will be appreciated by those who care about society. It will be published, and I dare to write this preface. The time is the first year of Xianfeng, the spring month of the Gengxu year, inscribed and written by the Old Man of Gu Yue.
One Water Margin made "robbers" seem lovable and respectable, while the court and officials appeared hateful and contemptible. It proclaimed that morality lay not with the rulers who ruled the heavens but with those who rose up in rebellion. Like (floods and fierce beasts) that could not be stopped, this novel emerged during the Qing Daoguang era, opposing itself as a novel that subverted other novels. It followed Shengtan's "waking from a nightmare" intent, evolving into a story of attacking and eliminating the leaders of Liangshan. Its political propaganda in service of feudal economics ultimately proved futile. However, in weaving the story and creating fictional plots, it contains many vivid and interesting passages. In terms of writing techniques—structure, diction, and scene-setting—it ranks among the best in old novels.
Excerpt: Concluding Water Margin
A Taoist from Shanyin, Yu Wanchun, the son of Zhonghua, wrote this book, titled Water Margin.
Ladies and gentlemen, you ask why this book was written? It is because Laoni's Water Margin did not portray Song Jiang as loyal and righteous. Just look at his writing—every word depicts Song Jiang's treachery and evil. The reason he is called loyal and righteous is precisely because he claims loyalty and righteousness while harboring the heart of a robber, making his great treachery and evil even more apparent. Shengtan pointed this out clearly: Where is the loyalty? Where is the righteousness? In short, if one is loyal and righteous, they cannot be robbers; if one is a robber, they cannot be loyal and righteous.
Yet Luo Guanzhong suddenly wrote a Post-Water Margin, claiming Song Jiang was truly loyal and righteous. From then on, robbers everywhere looked to Song Jiang as their model: with the heart of a robber but the mouth of a loyal and righteous man. Murdering and looting were called loyalty and righteousness; robbing homes and villages were called loyalty and righteousness; assassinating officials, resisting arrest, and attacking cities were also called loyalty and righteousness.
Ladies and gentlemen, what kind of words is this? Truly, it is heretical and (lewd words), corrupting people's minds and causing endless harm. If such books are allowed to remain in the world, what kind of chaos would it create? Do not think that novels and trivial books are unimportant. In fact, the more trivial they are, the faster they spread. In teahouses, taverns, by lamplight and moonlight, everyone loves to talk about them.
Since this book has already been published, I cannot stop its circulation. I recall that in the past, Song Jiang never accepted the imperial pardon or defeated Fang La. There was only one sentence: he was captured and executed by Zhang Sunye. Now, he has falsely created lies and erased the truth. Why not then reveal the truth and debunk his lies, so that later generations can clearly distinguish between robbers and loyal and righteous people, without any room for ambiguity? Moreover, having received a (instruction) in a dream from the divine, I cannot help but write under the lamplight.
Ladies and gentlemen, know this: this book is the Concluding Water Margin, a sequel to Laoni's Water Margin, and has nothing to do with Luo Guanzhong's Post-Water Margin. The intention is clear. Please read the main text.