Water Margin (Vol. 1 & 2)

Author: Yu Wanchun (Qing Dynasty), edited and annotated by Dai Hongsen
Publisher:
Publishing Date: Not available
Features: A "Water Margin" that portrays "bandits" as lovable and respectable, while depicting the imperial court and officials as hateful and contemptible, suggesting that morality lies not with the rulers who govern the empire but with those who rise up in rebellion. Faced with relentless disasters like floods and beasts that persist despite prohibition, the Qing Daoguang era gave birth to this novel that subverts the novel, "Dangkou Zhi." It embodies the intention of Jin Shengtan to "startle from a nightmare" and evolves into a storyline of attacking, killing, and eliminating the leaders of Liangshan. Its political propaganda that serves the feudal economy ultimately proved futile. However, in weaving the story and fabricating plotlines, it contains many vivid and interesting segments. The writing techniques in terms of narrative structure, language, and scene-setting can also be considered among the best in old novels.