Ranting About Ancient Famous Figures: Qin Shi Huang

Author: Ran Yunfei (Commentary and Authorship)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-10-01
Features: Recently, China's first large-scale series of online commentaries, Big Talk About Ancient Famous Figures, is about to be launched by Bashu Book Society. The book selects historically significant and influential figures with strong personalities, such as Wu Zetian, Qin Shi Huang, Yongzheng, Cao Cao, Zhuge Liang, and Zeng Guofan, and is reviewed by highly influential literary critics in China. On April 10, a network manuscript review meeting was held in Sichuan, where renowned writers and cultural figures discussed the seven completed sample manuscripts of Big Talk About Ancient Famous Figures. Attendees unanimously agreed that it was a unique and distinctive commentary series, with its standout features being the rich and distinctive story selections, as well as the sharp, fluent, and vivid language of the reviewers, which offered readers a fresh perspective. Literary critics and writers in attendance also engaged in an in-depth discussion of the book's themes. Xu Kang (Vice President of the Sichuan Writers' Association and Executive Deputy Director of the Ba Jin Literary Institute), the title Big Talk About Ancient Famous Figures is well-chosen, particularly because the term "big talk" leaves ample room for interpretation. "Big talk" sits between seriousness and satire, encompassing both storytelling and commentary. The commentary, delivered in a relaxed, playful, and humorous tone, uses contemporary perspectives to evaluate historical figures, offering readers enlightenment and space for reflection, with endless charm. Currently, most history-themed books on the market merely objectively introduce historical figures, whereas this book presents Wu Zetian, Qin Shi Huang, and Zeng Guofan from a different angle, revealing aspects that are less easily perceived. Their personalities, true natures, inner thoughts, and the hidden sorrow, melancholy, and hardship in their hearts are vividly captured by the reviewers, allowing readers to clearly see that even the once-dominant emperors and powerful ministers in history possessed ordinary human qualities. Wu Li (a renowned critic) said, "Big Talk About Ancient Famous Figures" is not simply about writing history or praising or criticizing historical figures. It is also not about letting readers re-examine the history of figures like Cao Cao and Zeng Guofan. The reason we chose these historical figures for commentary is that they have exceptionally distinct personalities and unique achievements, capable of transcending conventional norms. Through "big talk" commentary, readers can understand these figures' valuable personalities, which in turn reveal their true natures and allow readers to reflect on reality. Traditionally, Chinese historical culture has suppressed the expression of individuality, yet historical figures have successfully asserted their own personalities. We want readers to clearly understand their bold and assertive personalities. For example, Wu Zetian personally killed her own son, showcasing her ruthlessness. However, she also demonstrated her leniency by employing her rival, Shangguan Wan'er, again highlighting her soft and benevolent side. The combination of ruthlessness, softness, and benevolence in Wu Zetian's personality inevitably sparks endless reflections, offering contemporary people valuable insights into how to live. Yuan Jiliang (Deputy Director of the Creative Research Office of the Sichuan Writers' Association) mentioned that seeing this series made him think of Croce's quote: "All history is contemporary history." When cultural figures discuss ancient famous figures, it allows us to stand from a new, modern perspective to freely recognize and evaluate historical figures. Using today's thoughts and perspectives to comment on them. That is to say, in history, they were emperors or powerful ministers, but now, we only see them as ordinary people to comment on. "Big talk" aims to highlight distinctive elements, dissecting the personalities of historical figures and presenting them to modern audiences, offering new insights, prompting deeper reflection and leaving a lasting impression. The atmosphere of the meeting was very lively. When this book is presented to readers, it is hoped that they will engage in in-depth discussions online and through other media, continuing to explore deeper layers of thought. The book selects historically significant and influential figures with strong personalities—such as Qin Shi Huang—and is reviewed by highly influential literary critics in China. Written in a relaxed and playful tone, it uses contemporary perspectives to evaluate the personality, essence, and inner psychology of Qin Shi Huang. The material is rich in personality and distinctive, with sharp and fluent commentary language, vivid and active ideas, offering readers a fresh and engaging experience.