Qin Shi Huang -- A Tall Tale About an Ancient Celebrity

Author: Ran Yunfei (Commentary and Writing)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-10-01
Features: Recently, China's first large-scale series of online commentaries, Talking About Ancient Famous Figures, is about to be officially launched by Bashu Bookstore. The book selects historically significant and influential figures with distinct personalities, such as Wu Zetian, Qin Shi Huang, Yongzheng, Cao Cao, Zhuge Liang, and Zeng Guofan, and is reviewed by influential literary critics in the country. On April 10, a network manuscript reading seminar was held in Sichuan, where renowned writers and cultural figures discussed the seven completed sample chapters of Talking About Ancient Famous Figures. Attendees unanimously agreed that it was a unique and distinctive commentary series, characterized by its personalized and engaging story selections, as well as sharp, fluid, and thought-provoking reviews that offered readers a fresh perspective. Literary critics and writers in attendance also delved into the book's themes in depth. Xu Kang (Deputy Chairman of the Sichuan Writers' Association and Executive Deputy Director of the Ba Jin Literary Institute) remarked that the title Talking About Ancient Famous Figures was well-chosen, particularly because the term "talking" provides ample space. "Talking" lies between solemnity and satire, encompassing both storytelling and commentary. The reviews, delivered in a relaxed, playful, and humorous tone, use contemporary perspectives to evaluate historical figures, offering readers insights and room for reflection, with endless charm. Most history-themed books on the market objectively introduce historical figures, whereas this book presents Wu Zetian, Qin Shi Huang, and Zeng Guofan from a different angle, revealing aspects that are less easily perceived. Their personalities, essence, inner psychology, and the hidden sorrow, melancholy, and suffering in their hearts are vividly captured by the reviewers, allowing readers to clearly see that even the once-dominant emperors and powerful ministers in history possessed ordinary human qualities. Wu Li (a renowned critic) stated that "talking about ancient famous figures" is not simply about writing history or praising or criticizing historical figures, nor is it about letting readers reinterpret Cao Cao and Zeng Guofan's history through this series. The reason we chose these historical figures for commentary is that they have exceptionally distinct personalities and unique achievements, capable of transcending conventional norms. Through "talking" commentary, readers can understand these figures' valuable personalities, which in turn reveal their essence and allow readers to reflect on reality. Traditional Chinese history has long suppressed the expression of individuality, yet these historical figures successfully asserted their own. We want readers to clearly understand their assertive personalities. For example, Wu Zetian personally killed her own son, showcasing her ruthlessness. Yet she also employed her rival, Shangguan Wan'er, with magnanimity, revealing her gentleness. The combination of ruthlessness, gentleness, and other facets of Wu Zetian's personality inevitably sparks endless reflection, offering contemporary people valuable insights and serving as a cautionary tale about how to live. Yuan Jiliang (Deputy Director of the Creative Research Office of the Sichuan Writers' Association) mentioned that seeing this series reminded him of Croce's quote: "All history is contemporary history." When cultural figures discuss ancient figures, it allows us to stand from a modern perspective and freely recognize and evaluate them. Using today's thoughts and perspectives to comment on them means that in history, they were emperors or powerful ministers, but now, we view them simply as ordinary people for the purpose of commentary. "Talking" aims to highlight distinctive qualities, revealing the personalities of historical figures to modern audiences and offering new insights, prompting deeper reflection and leaving a lasting impression. The seminar was filled with enthusiasm. When this book is presented to readers, it is hoped that they will engage in in-depth discussions online and through other media, continuing to explore deeper layers of thought. The book selects historically significant and influential figures with distinct personalities—such as Qin Shi Huang—and is reviewed by highly influential literary critics. Written in a relaxed and playful tone, it uses contemporary perspectives to evaluate Qin Shi Huang's personality, essence, and inner psychology. The material is rich in personality and uniqueness, with sharp and fluid commentary, vivid and dynamic ideas, offering readers a fresh and engaging experience.