Sure, here is the translation of the provided content into English: "" Note: The name "" (Zhuge Liang) is transliterated as "Zhuge Liang" in English. If you need a more detailed translation or context, please provide additional information.

Author: Ran Yunfei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-10-01
Features: Recently, China's first large-scale series of online commentaries, Talking About Ancient Famous Figures, is about to be officially launched by Bashu Book Press. The book selects historically significant and influential figures with distinct personalities, such as Wu Zetian, Qin Shi Huang, Yongzheng, Cao Cao, Zhuge Liang, and Zeng Guofan, and features critiques by influential literary critics in China. On April 10, a network manuscript review meeting was held in Sichuan, where renowned writers and cultural figures discussed the seven completed sample chapters of Talking About Ancient Famous Figures. Attendees unanimously agreed that this was a unique and distinctive series of commentaries, notable for its rich and distinctive story selections, sharp and fluid critiques, and vivid and lively perspectives, offering readers a fresh and engaging experience. The literary critics and writers in attendance also engaged in an in-depth discussion of the book's themes. Xu Kang (Vice President of the Sichuan Writers' Association and Executive Deputy Director of the Ba Jin Literary Institute) that the title Talking About Ancient Famous Figures is well-chosen, particularly because the term "talking" provides ample space. "Talking" straddles the line between seriousness and satire, encompassing both storytelling and commentary. The critiques are delivered in a relaxed, playful, and humorous tone, evaluating historical figures through modern perspectives, offering readers insights and leaving room for reflection. Currently, most history-themed books on the market objectively introduce historical figures, whereas this book presents Wu Zetian, Qin Shi Huang, and Zeng Guofan from a different angle, revealing aspects that are not easily perceived. Their personalities, true natures, inner thoughts, and the hidden sorrow, melancholy, and suffering in their hearts are vividly captured by the critics, allowing readers to clearly see that even the once-powerful emperors and ministers in history possessed ordinary human qualities. Wu Li (a renowned critic) said that "talking about ancient famous figures" is not simply about writing history or praising or criticizing historical figures. It is also not about letting readers re-examine the history of figures like Cao Cao and Zeng Guofan. The reason we chose these historical figures for commentary is that they have exceptionally distinct personalities and unique achievements, capable of transcending conventional norms. Through "talking" commentary, readers can understand these figures' valuable personalities, which in turn reveal their true natures and allow readers to reflect on reality. Traditional Chinese history has long suppressed the expression of individuality, yet historical figures successfully asserted their own personalities. We want readers to clearly understand their bold and assertive personalities. For example, Wu Zetian personally killed her own son, revealing her ruthlessness. Yet she also employed her rival, Shangguan Wan'er, with magnanimity, showcasing her gentleness. The combination of ruthlessness, cruelty, gentleness, and kindness in Wu Zetian's personality naturally sparks endless reflections, offering valuable lessons for modern people on how to live. Yuan Jiliang (Deputy Director of the Creative Research Office of the Sichuan Writers' Association) mentioned that seeing this series reminded him of Croce's quote: "All history is contemporary history." When cultural figures discuss ancient famous figures, it allows us to stand from a new, modern perspective to freely recognize and evaluate them. Using today's thoughts and perspectives to critique them means that in history, they were emperors or ministers, but now, we view them simply as ordinary people for the purpose of critique. "Talking" aims to highlight distinctive qualities, dissecting the personalities of historical figures and presenting them to modern audiences, offering new insights, prompting deeper reflection and leaving a lasting impression. The atmosphere of the meeting was very lively. When this book is presented to readers, it is hoped that they will engage in in-depth discussions online and through other media, continuing to explore deeper layers of meaning.