Talking About Ancient Famous People: Yongzheng

Author: Wu Taishang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-10-01
Features: Recently, China's first large-scale series of online commentaries, Talking About Ancient Famous Figures, is about to be launched by Bashu Book Publishing House. 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 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 sample manuscripts that have been completed for Talking About Ancient Famous Figures. Attendees unanimously agreed that it was a unique and distinctive series of commentaries, characterized by its personalized and distinctive story selections, as well as sharp, fluent, and vivid reviews that give readers a fresh perspective. The 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) believes that the title Talking About Ancient Famous Figures is well-chosen, particularly because the term "talking" offers broad scope. "Talking" lies between seriousness and satire, encompassing both stories and reviews. The reviews are delivered in a relaxed, playful, and humorous tone, using contemporary perspectives to comment on historical figures, offering readers insights and leaving them with room for reflection and endless fascination. Most historical books on the market objectively introduce figures, but this book presents Wu Zetian, Qin Shi Huang, Zeng Guofan, and others from a different angle, revealing aspects that are not easily perceived. Their personalities, essence, inner psychology, and the hidden sorrow, melancholy, and suffering 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 had ordinary human qualities. Wu Li (a renowned critic) said, "When we talk about ancient famous figures, it's not just about writing history or praising or criticizing historical figures. It's also not about letting readers rediscover the history of Cao Cao and Zeng Guofan through this series. We chose these figures to review because they have exceptionally distinct personalities and unique achievements, capable of transcending conventional norms. Through 'talking' reviews, readers can understand these figures' valuable personalities, which can reveal their essence and reflect on reality. Traditional Chinese history has long suppressed the expression of individuality, but these historical figures 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, showing her ruthlessness. Yet, she also employed her rival, Shangguan Wan'er, with magnanimity, demonstrating her kindness. The combination of ruthlessness, kindness, and assertiveness in Wu Zetian inevitably sparks endless reflections, offering modern 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 reminded him 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 them. Using today's thoughts and perspectives to review them means that in history, they were emperors or powerful ministers, but now, we view them simply as ordinary people. "Talking" is about expressing distinctive qualities, analyzing the personalities of historical figures, and presenting them to modern audiences, offering new insights, deeper reflections, and leaving a lasting impression. The atmosphere of the meeting was very lively. When this book is presented to readers, we hope they will engage in in-depth discussions online and through other media, continuing to explore deeper layers of thought.