Continuation of Xiao Wu Yi -- Classical Popular Fiction Library

Author: Shi Yuquan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-11-01
Features: "The Little Five Righteous," "The Continued Little Five Righteous," and "The Three Rituals and Five Righteous" are collectively known as "The Story of Loyal and Righteous Heroes," representing the pinnacle of Chinese martial-arts detective fiction. "The Continued Little Five Righteous" follows the plot of "The Three Righteous and Five Righteous" (also known as "The Seven Righteous and Five Righteous" and "The Little Five Righteous"). It continues the story where the heroes smash the bronze net formation, the hidden escape of Prince Xiangyang, and the remaining heroes continue to eliminate bandits, fight against the "Tiger's Lair," break the Peach Blossom Stronghold, steal the Fish Blade Sword, capture White Chrysanthemum, and finally apprehend Prince Xiangyang. The emperor rewards the heroes for their merits, and the story concludes with all the righteous heroes being enfeoffed. In terms of artistic achievement, "The Continued Little Five Righteous," like "The Little Five Righteous," is slightly inferior to "The Three Righteous and Five Righteous," but its style remains largely consistent. First, the plot is intricate and compelling, full of twists and turns, effectively gripping the reader's suspense. Second, the language is colloquial and accessible, incorporating numerous regional dialects, with narrative and character portrayals executed to perfection. Lu Xun once remarked, "The Three Righteous and Five Righteous and its sequels excel in vivid descriptions and depictions, much like vernacular storytelling." For nearly a century, "The Continued Little Five Righteous" has been alongside "The Three Righteous and Five Righteous" and "The Little Five Righteous," enduring in popularity. Its stories have been adapted into numerous theatrical and television dramas, demonstrating its enduring value. Naturally, this book has become one of the preferred selections in our published "Classical Popular Fiction Library."