Wenmu Tang -- Infant Qi Transmission

Author: Shi Jiepeng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Following Ting Chang Xiao Wu, Shi Jiepeng ignites a new wave of New Historicism. Professor Kong Qingdong of Peking University praised this book as surpassing the works of Er Yue He. The protagonist, Ying Qi, originally served as a follower of Xiao Wu. After Xiao Wu's death, Ying Qi rises to prominence by chance and becomes entangled in the complex political struggles, eventually retiring after several twists and turns. The author, with the passion of artistic creation and rich imagination, revitalizes the familiar Han Dynasty literature and classics, successfully shaping the typical life of a Han Dynasty figure through elegant and simple language. His struggles and successes reflect all aspects of Han Dynasty society.
In the fourth year of the Zhenghe era, Emperor Wu accused the crown prince of rebellion and ordered the Imperial Seal to crush the prince's army. The crown prince committed suicide. The Chief Minister of Jingzhao, Shen Wu, leapt to his death from a cliff to assist the crown prince. Shen Wu's follower, Ying Qi, and others were arrested but later pardoned. Ying Qi returned to his hometown, Yuzhang County. Due to a rivalry with the son of the wealthy Yan Lesheng, Yan Changnian, over the love of Ying Qi's sister, Ajun, the county magistrate, Yan Changnian committed suicide in public disgrace. Yan Lesheng harbored deep hatred for Ying Qi and vowed to avenge his son. He bribed the Governor of Yuzhang, Zhao Guangguo, manipulated the law, and forced Ying Qi's uncle, Ying Qingji, to death under the pretext of legal provisions. He also confiscated Ying Qi's family property, leaving Ying Qi destitute.