A New Translation and Reading of Three Words and Two Beats

The Three Words and Two Slaps is a comprehensive collection of classical Chinese vernacular short stories. It includes the Three Words, compiled by Ming dynasty literary master Feng Menglong: Stories to Caution the World, Stories to Awaken the World, and Stories to Enlighten the World; as well as the Two Slaps, compiled by master storyteller Ling Mengchu: Slapping the Table in Amazement at the First Cut and Slapping the Table in Amazement at the Second Cut. Together, the Three Words and Two Slaps contain two hundred classic vernacular short stories, encompassing the finest works of the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties. Every story is a compelling work in its own right, full of twists and turns. Familiar Chinese classics such as The White Maiden Forever Imprisoned at Leifeng Pagoda, Du Shiniang Sinks Her Treasure Chest in Anger, and Yu Boya Smashes His Zither in Tribute to a Kindred Spirit all come from the Three Words and Two Slaps. So do such famous sayings as “Only those who endure the greatest hardships can rise above others” and “You can paint a dragon or a tiger, but not its bones; you can know a person's face, but not their heart,” which have profoundly shaped Chinese values. The extraordinary people and events of a thousand years of everyday life are all here in the Three Words and Two Slaps. Two hundred classic short stories reveal every facet of human life! This edition has been adapted into modern vernacular Chinese. Enjoy reading.