The True Story of Confucius

Written by Li Xuebin, The True Story of Confucius is a full-length historical biographical novel compiled in Qufu, Confucius’s hometown. The traditional culture writer Li Xuebin, pen name Zhui Meng Lao Xue Sheng, studied historical documents in Qufu, examined historic sites, and explored stories of the past. Drawing on classic texts such as The Analects, The Zuo Tradition, Records of the Grand Historian, and The Family Sayings of Confucius, he follows the principles of “grounded in evidence, measured in detail, and centered on people.” Told chronologically, with a balanced perspective, plain language, and an eye for everyday life, the novel artistically portrays Confucius, the great thinker and educator who founded the Confucian school. It recounts his life, from his birth on Mount Ni and studies in Que Li to founding a private school, serving as an official, traveling among the states, returning to Lu, organizing the classics, and finally growing old and passing away. It explores the depth and greatness of his thought and culture, bringing to life a vivid, multifaceted portrait of Confucius.