Water Margin - A Treasure Copy of a Famous Classical Chinese Novel

Author: Shi Nai'an
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: The novel depicts the story of the 108 heroes of Mount Liang rebelling against the imperial army and helping the poor at the expense of the rich. The story is divided into two parts based on Song Jiang's acceptance of the imperial pardon. Before the pardon, it is the process of the heroes of Mount Liang growing stronger and resisting the court. After the pardon, it is the tragic tale of the rebel army serving the country with loyalty but being nearly annihilated. The novel features intricate plots, vivid language, and distinct character personalities, making it a classic in the genre of heroic legends. This book is a children's edition tailored for young readers. In the rewriting process, the editors have strived to retain the original characteristics to the greatest extent possible while removing irrelevant parts and difficult colloquialisms or literary language to fully meet the reading needs of children.
Introduction: Water Margin (or Outlaws of the Marsh) is one of China's four great classical novels, written by Shi Nai'an, a litterateur from the late Yuan Dynasty and early Ming Dynasty. The book describes the political corruption and tyranny of the Southern Song Dynasty in its final years, where the villains Cai Jing and Gao Qiu seized power, dominated the court, persecuted loyal officials and generals, and exploited the common people, engaging in all sorts of misdeeds. Led by Song Jiang, the 108 heroes repeatedly suffered persecution from the authorities and, out of desperation, took refuge on Mount Liang, raising the banner of "carrying out the Mandate of Heaven and aiding the state in peace," thus creating the legendary story of the heroes of Mount Liang that has been passed down through generations. The novel depicts the 108 heroes of Mount Liang rebelling against the imperial army and helping the poor at the expense of the rich. The story is divided into two parts based on Song Jiang's acceptance of the imperial pardon. Before the pardon, it is the process of the heroes of Mount Liang growing stronger and resisting the court. After the pardon, it is the tragic tale of the rebel army serving the country with loyalty but being nearly annihilated. The novel features intricate plots, vivid language, and distinct character personalities, making it a classic in the genre of heroic legends.