Rulin Wai Shi

Author: Wu Jingzi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-12-01
Features: The Story of the Scholars is the masterpiece of Wu Jingzi. The author intentionally set the stories in the Ming Dynasty, while in reality, they depict the extensive social life of the Qing Dynasty, reflecting the misfortunes of scholars of his time under the corrupt imperial examination system. As revealed by his close friend Cheng Jifang in Poems on Deceased Friends: "The annals record the scholars, their portrayal so vivid; I pity these men, yet they are immortalized in folk tales!" The Story of the Scholars begins with two old scholars who have endured hardships—Zhou Jin, who bangs his head against the examination hall plaque, and Fan Jin, who goes mad upon passing the exam. The scenes are laughable at first glance but hide a tragic essence. As a scholar himself, Wu Jingzi keenly observes the intricacies, exposing their ugliness with profound depth. His characters are vividly portrayed, possessing an artistic power that is deeply moving.