Cao Xueqin

Author: Wang Yongquan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Cao Xueqin and Shi Yan were childhood sweethearts and first cousins, both becoming fallen princes due to palace struggles. Cao Xueqin told Shi Yan that he had written the prosperity and decline of his family into Dream of the Red Chamber, asking her to complete the book with him. Determined to abandon the wealth and glory of the palace, Shi Yan resolved to live in seclusion with Cao Xueqin in the mountains to complete a great work.
"Awakened! Awakened!" The girl's joyful shout echoed from the boat cabin. Outside, an old fisherman with a flowing silver beard removed his bamboo hat and took off his raincoat, quickly pushing open the curtain and bending over to enter the cabin. The girl said to the old fisherman, "Father, he's awake!"
Lying in the cabin was a young man in his early thirties, tall and thin, dressed in white mourning clothes. His newly opened eyes were filled with red blood vessels, and his gaze flashed with astonishment. He asked, "Where... where am I?"
The old fisherman replied kindly, "On a fishing boat."