On the Problem of Traitors

A lot of friends have told me, "No matter what you write, just don't write about a traitor to China, or people will curse you out." I always tell them that this isn't actually a book about a traitor, nor is the character the author wants to portray a traitor.

First of all, I believe there are many definitions of a traitor in Chinese history. For one, the Qing regime itself is highly controversial. Some Han officials who were loyal to the Qing would have been considered loyal ministers by people of their time, yet looking back through history, we see them as traitors. Why? Because most people today do not recognize the Qing regime.

Secondly, in the late Qing dynasty, the Self-Strengthening Movement faction was once accused of treason, too. The mainstream view at the time was: "Let loyalty and righteousness be our shields, and etiquette and propriety our armor, and the great powers will destroy themselves!" Those who said or agreed with this might have thought the words sounded quite noble. But in that era, who cared about loyalty, righteousness, or etiquette? If they were stronger than you, you could forget about...

This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental. Do not imitate.