Classical Chinese Masterpieces: Three Words and Two Lines - Warn the World and Pass on Knowledge

Author: (Ming) Feng Menglong, edited by Chen Honghan, annotated by Chen Honghan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1998-12-01
Features: The term "Three Words" refers to the collective title of the three books—A Collection of Stories to Enlighten the World (Yushi Mingyan), A Collection of Stories to Warn the World (Jingshi Tongyan), and A Collection of Stories to Awaken the World (Xingshi Hengyan). The editorial formats, narrative styles, and layout requirements of the three books are consistent. From them, one can see how much effort Feng Menglong put into compiling this collection of stories. Imagine the number of "cihua" (quasi-narrative tales) from the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties far exceeds the 120 tales included in the "Three Words"—how to select, revise, and edit them is beyond the capabilities of ordinary people. From the historical records of the numerous "cihua" of that time, Feng Menglong's "Three Words" can be seen as the cream of the crop, leaving nothing to be desired. The stories in the "Three Words" are mostly passed down from folk traditions, even if they are based on historical facts recorded in official histories, they have been reprocessed by the people and carry a legendary quality. This, in turn, provides later generations with an opportunity to glimpse the social values and folk culture of the Ming Dynasty. However, it also leaves behind some outdated, backward, or even decadent ideas and cultural elements for posterity. Adopting a critical inheritance approach has always been the attitude and method toward cultural heritage. It is believed that readers will each draw their own insights.