North Dream's Random Talk

Author: Sun Guangxian (Five Dynasties)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: Not Available
Features: Since the chaos of Guangming in the Tang Dynasty, historical records were lost and scattered. After Emperor Wuzong, there was a period of silence and obscurity, with the memories of the court and the people remaining unheard. I was born in Min and Emei and served in Jing and Ying. I always felt ashamed of my ignorance regarding the stories of Xianjing. During my travels, I dedicated myself to extensive research. Recently, I met the former Vice Prefect Yang Pin of Fengxiang, who often spoke of the old tales of Qin. These stories have been etched in my memory. Later, I met Yuan Cheng, the Chief Censor of Zhou Palace, and we engaged in friendly conversations that aligned with Yang Pin's accounts. Yuan Gong said to some descendants of the old aristocracy, "Those of you who were born in Chang'an have heard more than those in Fuchun. This is because of the great benefits of inquiring and seeking knowledge." After that, whenever I heard a story, I dared not take it at face value. I would verify it multiple times before putting pen to paper. Not only did I want to preserve these stories in words, but also to use them as cautionary lessons. For three decades, I collected these tales, and now, thanks to my retirement, I have compiled them. First, I listed the words and deeds of the wise in the Tang Dynasty. Then, I added those with similar themes from the Tang to the Later Tang, the Later Liang, Shu, and Jiangnan kingdoms, which I had heard of. In total, I compiled thirty volumes. The Book of Yu says, "In the dream of the land, the Yi was created." The transmission mentions, "Hunting in the Jiangnan dream." As I work in the north of Jingjiang, I titled this work "North Dream Fragments." The fragments are detailed and self-explanatory. Though not a grand work, I hope to inspire future generations to look up to the past. It is like weaving silk and hemp. Those who are knowledgeable should not mock it too much.