"Xue Family General Ping Xi Zhuan" is a historical romance novel written by Ming Dynasty writer Zhong Xing. It takes the Xue Rengui family of the Tang Dynasty as the main line, interspersed with the stories of many emperors, generals, concubines and foreign enemies in the Tang Dynasty.
The novel was written from the time of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty and went through the dynasties of Gaozong, Wuzhou, Zhongzong, Ruizong, and Xuanzong. It revolves around the heroic deeds of Xue family generals such as Xue Rengui, Xue Dingshan, and Xue Jinlian, and shows multiple plots such as conquering the West and putting down chaos, court intrigues, and harem battles.
The work combines historical facts and fiction. While describing three generations of the Xue family who served the country bravely, it also intersperses major historical events such as Wu Zetian's usurpation of the throne, Yang Guifei's favor, and An Lushan's rebellion. It has a grand structure and many characters.
In terms of language, it inherits the tradition of classical romance, with twists and turns in the plot, full of mythology and romantic imagination, such as a tour of the underworld, a battle between immortals and other surreal descriptions, which enhances the legendary nature and readability of the story.
