Ranting About Ancient Famous Figures: Zeng Guofan

Author: Yuan Jiliang
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 officially launched by Bashu Book Press. The book selects historically significant and influential figures with unique personalities, such as Wu Zetian, Qin Shi Huang, Yongzheng, Cao Cao, Zhuge Liang, and Zeng Guofan, and features critiques by influential literary critics in China. On April 10, a group of renowned writers and cultural figures in Sichuan held an online manuscript review meeting to discuss the seven completed sample chapters of Talking About Ancient Famous Figures. Attendees unanimously agreed that it was a distinctive and unique series of commentaries, with its standout features being the rich and distinctive story selections, the incisive and fluent language of the critics, and the fresh perspective they offered to readers. 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) remarked that the title Talking About Ancient Famous Figures was well-chosen, particularly because the term "talking" provides ample space for creativity. "Talking" sits between solemnity and satire, encompassing both storytelling and commentary. The critiques are delivered in a relaxed, playful, and humorous tone, evaluating historical figures through contemporary perspectives, offering readers insights and leaving them with room for reflection and endless fascination. Most historical books on the market today merely objectively introduce figures, whereas 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, true natures, inner thoughts, and the hidden sorrow, melancholy, and pain in their hearts are vividly captured by the critics, allowing readers to clearly see that even the once-powerful emperors and ministers in history possessed ordinary human qualities. Wu Li (a renowned critic) stated that "talking about ancient famous figures" is not simply about writing history or praising or condemning historical figures. It is also not about making readers reinterpret Cao Cao and Zeng Guofan's history through this series. The reason we chose these historical figures to critique is that they have exceptionally distinct personalities and achievements, transcending conventional norms. Through "talking" commentary, readers can understand these figures' valuable personalities, which in turn reveal their true natures and allow readers to reflect on reality. Traditional Chinese history has long suppressed the expression of individuality, yet these historical figures successfully asserted their own. We want readers to clearly understand their assertive personalities. For example, Wu Zetian personally killed her own son, showcasing her ruthlessness. Yet she also employed her rival, Shangguan Wan'er, with magnanimity, revealing her gentleness. The combination of ruthlessness, gentleness, and other facets of Wu Zetian's personality sparks endless reflection, offering valuable lessons for modern people on 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 figures, it allows us to approach them from a modern perspective, freely recognizing and evaluating them. Using today's thoughts and perspectives to critique them means that in history, they were emperors or ministers, but now, we view them as ordinary people. "Talking" aims to highlight their unique qualities, revealing the personalities of historical figures to modern audiences, offering fresh insights, prompting deeper reflection, and leaving a lasting impression. The atmosphere of the meeting was, and 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 meaning.