Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
The one teaching Hu Ruoyun about Chinese Ancient Literature was a middle-aged man named Min Zhengkai. It was said that he graduated from the university's Chinese department and stayed on as a faculty member, progressing from assistant, to lecturer, to associate professor. However, he never managed to reach the level of full professor. As he approached fifty, he decided to abandon his aspirations for further advancement and instead devoted himself to teaching and researching ancient literature.
When this old man lectured, he showed no signs of the "decorum" one might expect from someone of his age. His teaching style was unique, and his content often strayed from convention. While discussing Tang and Song poetry, he explained the concept of the bold and unrestrained school versus the realist school by dramatically slamming an eraser onto the desk:
"One day, the great poets Li Bai and Du Fu met for drinks. Li Bai brought a jug of wine, while Du Fu contributed two dishes. They chatted about life, shared poetry, and enjoyed their drinks to the fullest. As they reached a pleasant buzz, Du Caotang suddenly lifted the wine jug and shook it lightly, then frowned and said: 'Brother Li, there is still wine left!'
Li Bai took the jug, opened it to take a look, and exclaimed: 'No worries, there’s still a little left! How delightful!'"
As he spoke, he mimicked Du Fu's melancholy and Li Bai's carefree spirit, causing the students to laugh heartily.
In conclusion, he remarked: "Some say that after heavy rain, there are two types of people: one looks up at the sky and sees a vast expanse of blue and beauty; the other looks down at the ground and sees mud and despair.
If your heart is filled with sunshine, even rainy days can feel romantic; if your heart is filled with rain, even sunny days can feel gloomy.
The same environment can evoke different attitudes towards life. If you hold beauty in your heart, everything will be beautiful.
In life and work, never lose your direction. There are no useless people in this world; no nameless grass grows on this earth. Believe that dreams are the source of value; believe that vision determines everything about the future; believe that the quality of life comes from unwavering conviction!"
When discussing "Water Margin," one of the Four Great Classical Novels, the old man asked everyone: "Who would like to share their thoughts on this work? What have you learned or understood from this book?"
Class monitor Ji Hongmin said: "Firstly, it has profound ideological value; it stands out as an artistic gem among Chinese classical novels."
Miao Shujie added: "'Water Margin' is one of China's Four Great Classical Novels, based on peasant uprisings during the Northern Song Dynasty. It denounces the dark political scene while highly praising the greatness of laborers. The entire book conveys the idea that 'water can carry a boat but can also capsize it,' beautifying the spirits of Song Jiang and the 108 heroes while elevating the meaning of loyalty and righteousness to another level. It serves as a warning to feudal rulers that when treacherous officials are in power, even heroes will rebel—a historical truth."
"It is a literary masterpiece celebrating peasant resistance against feudal rule in both Chinese and world literature!"
"It vigorously promotes the political thought and fighting spirit of 'acting on behalf of heaven to uphold justice and protect the people' against feudal oppression!"
...
Seeing that everyone had shared their thoughts, the old man waved his hand: "What you’ve all mentioned is likely just a summary of common interpretations. Let me share my understanding of this work.
Firstly, I feel that the world depicted by the author in 'Water Margin' is dark and chaotic.
Do you really think characters like Timely Rain Song Jiang or Baozitou Lin Chong are noble heroes who act for justice?
They are not; these so-called heroes are merely a group of bandits who rob homes and kill for profit—thugs who bully good people.
Caiyuanzhang Qing and Mother Nightshade Sun Erniang run black shops engaged in murder and robbery; brothers Chuan Huo Er Zhang Heng and Lang Li Bai Tiao Zhang Shun extort passing merchants along the banks of Xunyang River...
Their values are distorted. Song Jiang and his companions killed Qin Ming's entire family and many innocent citizens in town just to cut off Qin Ming's escape route so they could recruit him to Liangshan."
Most people among the 108 heroes only know the phrase "eating meat and drinking wine in large quantities," and do not have a clear understanding of the "GM Meaning." Furthermore, many view their banditry on Liangshan as a last resort, even feeling disdain for it deep down.
Qing Mian Shou Yang Zhi, a descendant of the Five Marquis Yang Linggong, comes from a prestigious background. He was supposed to pass the martial examination and become a military officer, having always been part of the system. He hoped to showcase his skills on the battlefield to earn a title and honor his ancestors. However, misfortune struck when he was tasked with escorting Hua Shigang, only to capsize in the Yellow River. Later, he was robbed by Chao Gai and others while transporting Liang Zhongshu's precious Shengchen Gang. With no other choice, he joined Lu Zhishen in becoming an outlaw on Er Long Shan before eventually returning to Liangshan Marsh. Did Song Jiang's acceptance of amnesty not fulfill the brothers' wishes?
As for Mei Yan Gong Zhu Tong, in Water Margin, Zhu Tong is portrayed as a good buddy who first helped Song Jiang escape after he killed Yan Poxie and later let Lei Heng go on their way to Jeju. Thanks to the Cangzhou Prefect's recognition, he was tasked with caring for his four-year-old son, only to have Li Kui kill Xiao Yanei, severing Zhu Tong's path home and forcing him onto Liangshan. What was Song Jiang thinking that left Zhu Tong in such a predicament?
Then there’s Lu Junyi, who initially had no ties to Liangshan but was dragged into their troubles; Pili Huo Qin Ming, like Qing Mian Shou Yang Zhi, was also part of the system but was framed by Liangshan, leading to his family's ruin and forcing him into their ranks.
Thus, those on Liangshan were either originally outlaws or compelled by circumstances. Most importantly, Song Jiang adhered to the principle of "opposing corrupt officials but not the court," which directly influenced his brothers' resolve.
Song Jiang is known as "Timely Rain," but I cannot agree with this title. If he were truly righteous, he should have killed Gao Qiu to avenge Lin Chong's deep-seated grudge; if he were truly compassionate, he would not have allowed Black Whirlwind Li Kui to drink poison while following him loyally.
After discussing these matters extensively until class ended, the old man summarized: "What is the meaning of studying? If you only follow the understanding of so-called sages without forming your own opinions, then you might as well not read at all—just read reviews instead! What I say may not always be correct; therefore, I expect everyone here as university students—now adults—to possess independent thinking skills."
He then talked about four critical life milestones: being born, taking college entrance exams, choosing a job, and finding a partner. Among these milestones, being born is too complex for most people to influence. During college entrance exams, many simply follow their parents and teachers without knowing what they truly want.
Only when it comes to choosing a job and finding a partner do individuals start to have their own thoughts and some control over their decisions. Of course, those who start dating in elementary school are excluded from this calculation.
In reality, the only thing one can genuinely consider is choosing a job. For those who are perfect ten candidates—not even talking about jobs but about people—there’s nothing available. Therefore, when choosing a job, most people seek two things: either they learn a skill despite low pay and rough work because they believe that enduring for a few years will eventually lead them to success or they pursue money with hard work for ten years so that one day they can make their partner willingly cry while sitting in their Donkey Cart.
The classmates first burst into laughter and then applauded him warmly.
Comment 0 Comment Count