Records of Zixu, Written by Wang Oushang, Edited by Qingyang and Xiaoming

Zi Xu Ji is a monumental 2.3-million-character novel in the tanci style, written by Wang Oushang, a woman author from Xuyi County, Anhui, in the Qing dynasty (now part of Jiangsu Province). It is one of the Four Great Tanci Novels of China and is hailed as “a magnificent heroic epic of the East.”

Set in the reign of the Ming Emperor Xiaozong, Zi Xu Ji tells the story of Wen Yulin, a model loyal subject and filial son, and Zhao Xiangxian, a rebellious heroine. Wen Yulin is skilled in both civil and military affairs, combining wisdom and courage, strength and gentleness, authority and virtue. When Liu Xiong rebels, the Tang Prince rises in revolt, the Ying Prince usurps the throne, and Yunchang invades, the Xiaozong court is beset by turmoil. Wen Yulin supports the crumbling state, turns the tide when all seems lost, restores order throughout the realm, and revives the Ming dynasty. He is rewarded with a dukedom and made a chancellor, rising to the highest ranks of the court. Zhao Xiangxian is beautiful and intelligent, clever and daring, capable and decisive. Disguised as a man, she takes the imperial examinations and wins first place, becoming the top scholar. As an imperial commissioner, she tours the realm by imperial decree and overturns unjust verdicts. During the nation’s crisis, she helps govern, recruits talent, and fights corrupt officials, earning great distinction. After Emperor Xiaozong regains the throne, she is appointed chief minister and ennobled as a marquis. When her identity is eventually revealed, she refuses the imperial edict ordering her to resume her female appearance and marry, and dies by refusing food. Zhao Xiangxian’s tragic ending breaks with the traditional fates assigned to Meng Lijun in the sequels to Zai Sheng Yuan and to Jiang Dehua in Bi Sheng Hua, giving the story significant intellectual value and artistic appeal. The book encompasses more than twenty families and portrays over 150 characters. Its principal characters each have distinct personalities and vivid presence. The novel is cleverly and well structured, its scenes grand and sweeping, its plot lively and full of twists, and its language graceful and flowing.

Theme: Thoughtful and ambitious