"The Record of the Setting Sun" is set in the Chongzhen period, and through Feng Huaijin's perspective, it shows the epitome of an era and the persistence and growth of individuals. Feng Huaijin came to the capital with fame and salvation ideals in mind, but he witnessed the fraud in the imperial examination, the greed of officials, the suffering of the people, and his life was in trouble. In this difficult situation, he met the kind-hearted Liu Yi, and her kindness gave him warmth.
Feng Huaijin struggled to survive in the capital. He witnessed the government's excessive taxation and inability to respond to the epidemic. His attempts to write a letter to express his opinions were met with failure and even attracted retaliation. In despair, he met his mysterious father-in-law by chance, who took him deep into the folk and allowed him to see the mutual assistance and skills among the people. He inspired him with the words "a drop of water penetrates a stone" and "a spark of fire can start a prairie fire", making him understand that change can be small but continuous.
Inspired by his father-in-law, Feng Huaijin changed his mind and began to run "free schools" in slums to teach children knowledge, assist Liu Yi in epidemic prevention, and organize production cooperation for unemployed handicraftsmen. Although these actions were small, they formed a community and contrasted with official indifference. However, Zhou Tongzhi wanted to annex or destroy their achievements.
As the external environment deteriorates, the peasant army approaches, the court is in chaos, Zhou Tongzhi frames Feng Huaijin and others, the father-in-law's identity may be exposed, and Liu Yi's life or death due to the plague is uncertain. Feng Huaijin finally left the capital with knowledge manuscripts, prescriptions, and a list of children, feeling sad but more determined. He understands that real change is long and difficult and requires the sustained efforts of countless people. "Record of the Setting Sun" records this period of history and thinking, conveying the power of hope and persistence.
