The Hundred Great Classical Novels of China include "Fisherman's Tale", "The Peach Blossom Fan", "Six Records of a Floating Life", and five others.

Author: (Qing) Anonymous
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1995-09-01
Features: This book is a collection of five Qing Dynasty romantic novels: "Bi Mu Yu" (The Fish with Two Eyes), "Yan Zi Jian" (The Swallow's Fan), "Jin Xiang Ting" (The Brocade Fragrance Pavilion), "Tao Hua Shan" (The Peach Blossom Fan), and "Fu Sheng Liu Ji" (Six Records of a Floating Life).
"Bi Mu Yu" (The Fish with Two Eyes) is divided into two parts. The first part, titled "Xia Zhong Xia" (Play within a Play), depicts the love story between Liu Miao Gu and Tan Chu Yu, spanning seven chapters. The second part begins with Liu Miao Gu and Tan Chu Yu drowning themselves in a suicide pact out of love. They are miraculously saved by the divine intervention of Yan Gong in the water and rescued by Mo Yu Wang, a fisherman. The two then marry. With Mo Yu Wang's help, Tan Chu Yu passes both the county and provincial examinations, earning the position of Magistrate of Tingzhou. On their way to assume office, the couple encounters Liu Miao Gu's mother in the town where they had drowned themselves and are reunited. Later, Tan Chu Yu achieves merit in suppressing bandits and is appointed as the Military Commissioner of Zhangnan, avenging Mo Yu Wang (Muyongshi). After resigning from office, the couple retires to Yanling, where they live out their days in harmony with Muyongshi.
"Yan Zi Jian" (The Swallow's Fan) narrates the passionate love story between the Tang Dynasty scholar Huo Du Liang and the courtesan Hua Xing Yun. The plot is intricate and vivid, with lively and engaging language.
"Tao Hua Shan" (The Peach Blossom Fan) is a condensed adaptation of Kong Shangren's classic play "The Peach Blossom Fan." It highlights the tragic romance between Hou Chaozong and Li Xiangjun, exposing the Ming Huoguang regime's indulgence in pleasure and music even as the nation faced collapse. It portrays a historical scene where "one would rather kowtow to the northern invaders' horses than test the southern rebels' swords."
"Jin Xiang Ting" (The Brocade Fragrance Pavilion) tells the story of Zhong Jingqi, the new top scholar during the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty, who falls in love with Ge Mingxia at first sight and secretly marries her. Due to the An Lushan Rebellion and the machinations of treacherous officials, the couple is separated but eventually reunites after enduring numerous hardships. The novel uses major historical events as the backdrop for a love story, blending tender romance with heroic spirit, combining historical romance and the "talented scholar and beautiful woman" genre. The writing is elegant and clear, with exquisite details.
"Fu Sheng Liu Ji" (Six Records of a Floating Life) is a memoir written by Shen Fu during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty. The entire book is written in lyrical prose, with profound emotional depth. It devotes significant space to describing the domestic life of Shen Fu and his deceased wife, Chen Yun. The couple, once a blissful pair, ends in tragedy. Shen Fu contrasts joy and sorrow, painting a poignant and moving picture. The image of his deceased wife, Chen Yun, is described by Lin Yutang as "the most lovable woman in Chinese literature." Yu Pingbo also praises the book, saying, "Though perfectly crafted like a sculpture, it shows no trace of artificiality. It is like a natural landscape, yet every detail seems to fit perfectly with human artistry."