Water Margin - [One of the Four Great Classical Novels of China]

Author: Shi Nai'an
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: The novel depicts the story of the 108 heroes of Mount Liang rebelling against the imperial forces and helping the poor at the expense of the rich. The story is divided into two parts based on Song Jiang's acceptance of the imperial pardon. Before the pardon, it is the process of the heroes of Mount Liang growing stronger and resisting the court. After the pardon, it is the tragic tale of the rebel army serving the nation and being nearly annihilated. The novel features a storyline, vivid language, and distinct character personalities, making it a classic in the genre of heroic legends. This book is a children's edition tailored for young readers. In the rewriting process, the editors strove to retain the original characteristics to the greatest extent possible while removing irrelevant content and difficult colloquialisms or literary language to fully meet the reading needs of children. Water Margin is one of China's Four Great Classical Novels, written by Shi Nai'an, a literary figure of the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties, over several years. The book describes the political corruption and moral decay of the Southern Song court in its final years, as corrupt ministers like Cai Jing and Gao Qi seized power, dominated the government, persecuted loyal officials, exploited the people, and acted recklessly. Led by Song Jiang, the 108 heroes faced relentless persecution from the authorities and, under duress, took refuge on Mount Liang, raising the banner of "Serving Heaven and Pacifying the Nation" to tell the legendary story of the heroes of Mount Liang, which has been passed down through generations.