Water Margin Original and Author Research

Author: Luo Ergang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-01-01
Features: Today, after reviewing this collection, I recalled that I began exploring the original version of Water Margin in the 1920s, even earlier than my research on the history of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. After fifty years, I started writing on it in the late 1970s, and it took over a decade to complete. Among the research topics in the history of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom that I have studied, none have required such a long duration. I couldn’t help but ask myself why? Professor Gu Jiguang once commented on this humble work of mine: "Comrade Luo Ergang is good at independent thinking, and his research on Water Margin is a typical example of achieving remarkable success by daring to break through conventional boundaries through independent thought." While I may not speak of achievement, the pursuit of knowledge and truth remains my motivation. The reason I tirelessly explored this topic is nothing more than this. In handling this complex subject, I adopt the approach of starting with the big picture and delving into the details. This is the way our ancient Chinese scholars handled matters. Even the anti-revolutionary leader of modern history, Zeng Guofan, once said, "After years of military experience, I have come to understand that handling matters in the world should begin with the big picture and proceed from the small." When I researched the original version of Water Margin, starting with the exploration of the true meaning of "Shuihu" was taking the big picture; after identifying the various aspects of the topic, I conducted detailed and in-depth research step by step, which was delving into the details. After completing "Identifying the Forger’s Alterations to Luo Guanzhong’s Water Margin through Comparative Analysis" in 1988, I concluded the paper with the following: "When researching the fundamental issue of the original version of Water Margin, we must not only argue from the big picture but also investigate from the small details. The results obtained from the small details often provide irrefutable evidence for the arguments from the big picture. The comparative analysis between Yuan Wuya’s edition of the 120-capter Complete and Loyal Water Margin and the 100-capter Water Margin added by others clearly illustrates this point." These words reflect my insights in handling this topic. Among the research topics in the history of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom that I have studied, none have been as complex as this, requiring such a method to address. These seven studies in this collection use the traditional Chinese comparative analysis method. This method is used to determine whether a book is genuine or forged and who its author is. It is a scientific method, just like the "fingerprint identification method" recently used by British police to solve cases, or the "style identification method" employed by three experts at the University of Edinburgh to expose a forged Sherlock Holmes detective novel. They are of the same nature. However, China’s traditional comparative analysis method is simpler and clearer, requiring no calculations. With a single comparison, it becomes immediately apparent whether a book is genuine or forged, who the author is, what style is used, and what handwriting is employed. It includes even the so-called "style identification method." I have used this method to expose the major forged book, Notes from Jiangnan Spring Dream Studio, which was widely believed to be a historical source of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. Younger scholars researching the history of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom have also used this method to expose several other forged historical sources. All seven studies in this collection, Research on the Original Version and Author of Water Margin, are based on this comparative analysis method to solve problems.