Wild Man's Revelations (Volume 1, 2, 3) -- Popular Library of Chinese Classical Novel Masterpieces

Author: Xia Jingqu (Qing Dynasty), edited by Wen Qiang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: Not available
Features: The Wild Man’s Revelations was written by Xia Jingqu in his later years. The novel is set against the backdrop of the Chenghua and Hongzhi reigns of the Ming Dynasty, narrating the heroic achievements of Wen Bai’s life. Wen Bai, styled Suchen, was a man of both literary and martial prowess, with lofty ambitions. He was described as a "truly righteous scholar with great courage, unswayed by the fickleness of the times" (Chapter 1), who, witnessing the tyranny of eunuchs and the arrogance of monks, the declining state of the nation, embarked on a journey across the land. Along the way, he suppressed bandits, brought peace to the people, and helped the destitute and the oppressed. He rescued the beautiful and talented women Xuan Gu, Su E, and Xiang Ling, who later became his concubines. Upon entering the capital, he cured the emperor and the prince, demonstrating miraculous healing powers. The crown prince respected him as a teacher and granted him the title of Hanlin Academician. He was summoned to suppress the Miao rebellion in Guangxi, achieving great success. Soon after, he heard of a plot by the Prince of Jing to rebel in the capital and immediately rode alone to rescue the crown prince. He then went to Leifu in Shandong to guard the emperor and eliminate the rebellious faction. Upon the crown prince’s accession to the throne, Suchen was appointed as the Grand Secretary of the Huagai and Jingshen Halls, as well as the Minister of Personnel and War, and was given a princess as his left wife. Suchen further achieved glory in suppressing pirates in Zhejiang and won new honors, earning the title of "Sufen" from the emperor. He built a grand mansion, with his two wives and four concubines residing in six separate towers. Suchen then pursued his ambitions, suppressing Buddhism and Taoism, conquering Japan to the east, pacifying the Mongols in the north, and subduing India to the south, making all Buddhist countries adopt Confucianism. His descendants flourished, all achieving high positions and wealth. The novel ends with a dream on New Year’s Eve, in which Suchen’s four generations dream together, implying that he should be ranked among the sages, no less esteemed than Han Yu.