Harmonious Echoes

Author: Shen Qifeng
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-12-01
Features: This book is one of the outstanding examples of Qing Dynasty note-style fiction. The Qing Dynasty literary journal Qing Deng Xuan Kaitan commented: "Among the books after Liaozhai, few can match 'Xie Du.'" The author, Shen Qifeng, was a versatile writer renowned for his poetry, opera, classical Chinese, and fiction during his time. The title "Xie Du" implies delivering moral lessons through humorous conversations. For instance, the story "Ghost Hand in the Coffin" satirizes corrupt officials; "Tao Tian Village" exposes the prevalence of bribery and the reversal of right and wrong in society at the time; and "Village Maiden's Sharp Tongue" mocks the new top scholar's use of wealth and power to lure others. All these elements contributed to the book's widespread popularity in society.