Wu Zetian--A Tall Tale About Ancient Famous Figures

Author: Sun Jianjun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-10-01
Features: Recently, China's first large-scale series of online commentaries, Talking About Ancient Famous Figures, is about to be launched by Bashu Publishing House. The book selects historically significant and influential figures with unique personalities, such as Wu Zetian, Qin Shi Huang, Yongzheng, Cao Cao, Zhuge Liang, and Zeng Guofan, and features critiques by influential literary critics in China. On April 10, a network reading discussion session was held in Sichuan, where renowned writers and cultural figures discussed seven sample chapters that had been completed for Talking About Ancient Famous Figures. Attendees unanimously agreed that it was a distinctive and unique series of commentaries, characterized by its engaging and personalized story selections, as well as sharp, fluent, and thought-provoking critiques that offered readers a fresh perspective. The literary critics and writers in attendance also engaged in an in-depth discussion of the book's themes. Xu Kang (Vice President of the Sichuan Writers' Association and Executive Deputy Director of the Ba Jin Literary Institute), the title Talking About Ancient Famous Figures is well-chosen, particularly because the word "talking" leaves ample room for interpretation. "Talking" sits between solemnity and satire, encompassing both storytelling and commentary. The critiques are delivered in a lighthearted, teasing, and humorous tone, evaluating historical figures through modern perspectives, offering readers insights and leaving them with room for reflection and endless fascination. Most historical books on the market objectively introduce figures, but this book presents Wu Zetian, Qin Shi Huang, and Zeng Guofan from a different angle, revealing aspects that are often overlooked. Their personalities, true natures, inner thoughts, and the hidden sorrow, melancholy, and pain in their hearts are vividly captured by the critics, allowing readers to clearly see that even the once-powerful emperors and ministers in history possessed ordinary human qualities. Wu Li (a renowned critic) said, "Talking About Ancient Famous Figures" is not simply about writing history or praising or criticizing historical figures. It is not meant to make readers reinterpret Cao Cao and Zeng Guofan's history. We chose these figures because of their distinct personalities and exceptional achievements, which transcend conventional norms. Through "talking" critiques, readers can understand these figures' valuable traits, which in turn reveal their true natures and help readers reflect on reality. Traditional Chinese history has long suppressed individuality, but these historical figures successfully expressed their own personalities. We want readers to clearly understand their bold and expressive traits. 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 strength in Wu Zetian evokes endless reflections, offering valuable lessons for modern people on 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." Discussing ancient figures from a modern perspective allows us to freely recognize and evaluate them with today's thoughts and values. In history, they were emperors or ministers, but now, we view them simply as ordinary people. "Talking" aims to highlight their unique traits, revealing the personalities of historical figures to modern audiences and inspiring new insights, deeper reflections, and lasting impressions. The discussion session was, and when this book reaches readers, it is hoped that they will engage in in-depth online and media discussions, continuing to explore its deeper meanings.