Roulin Wai Shi

Author: Wu Jingzi (Qing Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-10-01
Features: "When Wu Jingzi's Rulin Waishi was published, he upheld justice, pointed out the flaws of the times, and his satire was particularly aimed at the scholarly class. His writing was both moving and humorous, subtle yet full of irony. Thus, Rulin Waishi became the first work in fiction that could truly be called satirical." Rulin Waishi was written by Wu Jingzi, a prominent figure during the Kangxi and Qianlong reigns. Wu Jingzi (1701–1754), styled Minxuan, also known as Liren, and later known as Wumen Laoren, was from Quanjiang, Anhui. He came from a family of distinguished officials across generations. At the age of 18, he passed the county-level examination and was recommended by the Anhui Provincial Governor in the first year of the Qianlong reign (1735) to compete for the prestigious imperial examination, but he declined on the grounds of illness. In addition to Rulin Waishi, he also wrote Wumen Shanfang Ji. Rulin Waishi reflects Wu Jingzi's personal experiences and observations, embodying his high moral values of valuing literary and ethical conduct while despising worldly fame and wealth. It is a satirical novel and a vivid portrayal of society. As Xingyuan Tuishi said, it depicts worldly human nature as if casting bronze Tripitakas to represent various creatures, with all the demons and spirits fully revealed within its pages. It also features several virtuous figures who uphold moral integrity and revitalize social education. When writing about gentlemen, he portrays them as if one were witnessing their noble demeanor and hearing their wise sayings; when writing about petty men, he delves into their souls and captures their mannerisms, with his pen achieving what even paintings cannot.
The preface to the Wo Nao Cao Tang edition remarks: "Beware of reading Rulin Waishi—after finishing it, you will find that every aspect of daily life is filled with Rulin Waishi." This demonstrates that Rulin Waishi, with its vivid and lifelike writing, accurately reflects society. Because of this, scholars have compared the characters in the book to real historical figures, deducing their artistic prototypes. Some even went to teahouses to experience reality, calling it "revisiting Rulin Waishi." All of this illustrates the success and greatness of Rulin Waishi.
Due to Wu Jingzi's profound literary cultivation and rich social experience, he was able to delve deeply into the essence of his time. He refined folk language into simple, humorous, and authentic prose, depicting the corruption and darkness of the imperial examination system, the vulgarity and absurdity of pedantic scholars and fake literati, and the cruelty and despicable nature of corrupt officials—all with precision. His satire was neither harsh nor vulgar, avoiding the moral degradation often found in poor-quality fiction.
In terms of artistic structure, Rulin Waishi lacks a central protagonist and unfolds in stages, as Lu Xun remarked, "like collecting scattered brocade pieces into a patchwork album. Though not a grand work, it occasionally reveals rare gems." This structure greatly influenced late Qing fiction, with works like Hai Shanghai Lie Zhuan and Guan Chang Xian Xing Ji imitating Rulin Waishi.