An Yiru · Back Then, It Was Just an Ordinary Day

Author: An Yiru
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Modern Interpretation of Classical Sentiments, A Timeless Ode to Love, The Splendid Sorrow, and the Elegant Melancholy of the Nalan Ci. Reading the Nalan Ci, one would discover that magnanimity is the outward spirit, while sorrow is the inner essence.
● Nalan Xingde, a Qing Dynasty literary genius. Known as the "Poet of the Early Qing," Nalan Xingde shares remarkable similarities in both character and poetry with Li Yu of the Southern Tang, earning him the title "Liu Houzhu of the Qing Dynasty." Kind-hearted and sensitive, he is considered a model of a devoted lover. His "Yin Shui Ci" once sparked a craze, with households competing to sing his songs. His style is elegant and refined, with high artistic standards and profound charm, praised by Zheng Zhenduo as "intimate and graceful, unmatched in contemporary poetry." Despite his limited number of works, his identity and experiences constrained his worldview. Yet, this does not hinder the Nalan Ci from embodying genuine emotions and sharp insights, directly addressing the heart. Especially in love (funeral) poems, they are poignant and moving, resonating deeply with readers.
● A Sensual Interpretation of Nalan's Love Story. As a renowned literary figure, Nalan's romantic life has been the subject of much speculation and rumor. In his short life of thirty-one years, Nalan Xingde came from a noble family, possessed extraordinary talent, had a deeply cherished first love, a beautiful and intelligent confidante, a virtuous and generous wife, and a gentle and affectionate concubine. Additionally, he had a circle of close friends. Nalan was passionate but not indiscriminate, sorrowful but not unfeeling, making love a major source of inspiration for his poetry. His sentimental, romantic, and deeply moving words express the fervent desire for life and the unwavering commitment to true love that many modern people deeply cherish in their hearts.
● The Essence of the Essence of the Nalan Ci. The Nalan Ci consists of 348 poems, covering themes such as love, friendship, frontier regions, Jiangnan landscapes, odes to objects and history, and miscellaneous reflections. This book carefully selects over 80 must-read poems from "Yin Shui Ci," offering emotional commentary in its broad and brilliant talent and elegant, refined style. This allows readers to glimpse the lively and charming aspects of the Nalan Ci, as well as the life experiences and rich inner emotions of Nalan Xingde, without the need to read through all his works in a rigid manner.