Beijing Dreams

Author: Sun Guangxian compiled, Jia Erqiang edited
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-10-01
Features: Since the chaos and dispersion of the Tang dynasty following the rebellion of Guangming, the secret archives were lost and scattered. After Emperor Wuzong, there was silence and obscurity, with the merits of the court and the people remaining unheard. I was born in Min'e and served in Jingyi. I always felt ashamed of my ignorance regarding the stories of Chang'an. During my travels, I dedicated myself to extensive research. Recently, I met the former Fengxiang Yangbing, the younger prefect, who often spoke of the old tales of Qin. These stories have been etched in my memory. Later, I met Yuan Cheng, the middle, in Zhou Palace, and our friendly conversations confirmed these tales. Yuan said to some young members of the old aristocracy, "Those of you who were born in Chang'an have heard more than those in Fuchun. This is because of the great benefits of inquiring about the past." After that, whenever I heard a story, I dared not believe it alone. I would triple-check and cross-reference before putting pen to paper. Not only did I want to preserve these stories in words, but also to use them as a means of warning. Over three years, I collected these notes, and now, with my retirement, I have compiled them. First, I listed the words and deeds of the wise of the Tang dynasty in conversation. Those with similar themes, from the Tang to the Later Tang, as well as the states of Liang, Shu, and Jiangnan, were appended at the end. In total, I compiled thirty volumes. The Book of Yu says, "In the dream of Yun, the land was tilled," and there is a record of "hunting in the Jiangnan dream." As I worked in the north of Jingjiang, I titled it "North Dream Fragments." The fragments are small and can be easily understood. Though not a grand work, I hope to inspire my descendants to look up to the past, as it is like weaving silk and hemp. Those who are knowledgeable should not mock it too much.