Roulin Wai Shi (Illustrated Textbook, Complete Two Volumes)

Author: Wu Jingzi (Qing Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-07-01
Features: The Story of the Scholars is a satirical novel and a vivid portrayal of social life. As Xing Yuan Tuishi said, it depicts the worldly wisdom and human emotions as if casting a bronze tripod to represent objects, with all kinds of spirits and monsters appearing in the picture. It also features several virtuous figures who stand firm like pillars in turbulent times, reviving the moral teachings of society. When describing the noble, it is as if one sees their dignified demeanor and hears their profound maxims; when depicting the petty, it reveals their innermost thoughts and portrays their mannerisms, going beyond what paintings can achieve. The Wo Xian Grass Hall edition comments: "Do not read The Story of the Scholars; after reading it, you will realize that in all your daily interactions, it is as if you are living in The Story of the Scholars." This shows that The Story of the Scholars uses vivid and lifelike brushwork to accurately reflect society. For this reason, scholars once compared the characters in the book to real historical figures, deducing their artistic prototypes. Some even went to teahouses to experience the setting firsthand.