This answer was written on Zhihu around 2015, when I was about 18 years old. Reading it now, I feel quite moved, and I reckon that some of the poems and verses in it are things I could no longer write today; my attainment in classical literature has been dwindling by the day. To be honest, much of what I wrote at eighteen is completely unreadable now, but this piece turned out surprisingly decent, perhaps because of how much I loved both of these formative works. Preserved here in its entirety, I hope it offers you a glimpse of who I was when I was a little younger.
·-- -- Late night, October 2022, Wu Changxing
#Assuming the poster wants to see Three Kingdoms in the style of Dream of the Red Chamber~ #I'm quite familiar with both books~ #It might be somewhat difficult to pull off, #after all, I have no experience writing full-length novels~
Chapter 1: In the Dust of the World, Liu Xuande Pledges Brotherhood in the Peach Garden; Through an Illusory Realm, Celestial Master Zhang Is Bestowed the Heavenly Scripture
This is the opening chapter of the book. The author states: Having lived through turmoil, upheaval, and dramatic shifts of fortune, I have concealed the true events, borrowing a romance to narrate the tale of the Three Kingdoms, to serve as a diversion for fishermen and woodcutters along the riverbanks, as well as for market folk and noble scions, over tea and after meals, using those days of crouching tigers and devouring leviathans to wash down their wine. Hence the name 'Liu Bei' [meaning 'prepared and reserved'] and so forth.
He also says: 'Now in our present dynasty, which has received Heaven's favor and prospered, its glorious virtue transforming all, weapons have been stored away and peace reigns across the land. Reflecting on those days when heroes arose together, I, a man of seven feet, achieved not the slightest merit with blade or spear. Recalling those several men who served with me in the pseudo-dynasty—though ignorant of the Mandate of Heaven and unable to recognize a true lord, their conduct and discernment were indeed far superior to mine—yet alas, the world's path was hard to tread, and a worthy master hard to find, so that the pearl lost its luster and half their lives were spent down on their luck. When speaking of those bygone times, there was indeed many a day of helpless despair.'
'In these days, I wish to compile into a single volume the story of those turbulent times when warlords roamed unchecked, the Divine Land lay desolate, and the people suffered amidst devastation—confessing my guilt in betraying the Late Emperor's thirst for talent and failing the virtue of my teachers' and friends' admonitions, which led to my achieving nothing to this day and ending up a vagrant in the mountains and forests—so as to proclaim it to the world.'
Through a narrow aperture of understanding and peering through a reed, one speaks of governance in troubled times, the employment of scholars, and how strategists assessed the times and seized the hour. Hence the name 'Kongming' and so forth. Furthermore, the writer, in his indignation over these events, used the rustic vulgarities of 'Cao' and '操' [a coarse curse word] as names; this too constitutes the underlying intent of this book, serving to alert and remind the reader.
Gentle reader, whence do you suppose this book came? Although preposterous, on closer contemplation it is quite intriguing. Now, back when Emperor Gaozu of Han slew the white serpent to rise in revolt, at Mount Luanshi and by the banks of the Wujing River, he battled the great white snake for three days and three nights in blinding darkness. Using an ancient sword that split mountains and severed waters, he subdued the white snake. But the treasured sword became defiled by the serpent's blood and was cast away among the wild weeds. Who would have thought that this sword, having absorbed the essence of heaven and earth, attained spiritual sentience? It could grow large or small, and transform into sabers, spears, swords, halberds, axes, battle-axes, hooks, and sickles. Seeing other divine weapons slay enemies, purge evil, and receive worship, while it alone lacked the merit to be employed by mankind, it fell into feelings of self-shame and self-reproach.
One day, just as it was sighing and lamenting, it encountered an old man with jade-green eyes and a youthful countenance, holding a goosefoot staff, who came wandering from afar. As he walked, he sighed over the wicked and treacherous of the world, and rambled on about immortal mountains overseas and mist-shrouded peaks. It so happened that the sword overheard him; it transformed into a Seven-Star Sword inlaid with multicolored gemstones, and speaking in a human voice, begged the old man to carry it down to the mortal realm to achieve honor and merit.
The old man held the sword in his hand and smiled, saying, "Although the battlefield on earth is exciting, it is difficult to achieve great success, especially with the eight characters of 'hardship at the beginning of the entrepreneurial journey.' When you reach an unsatisfactory point, it will not be as enjoyable as being carefree under the Qinggeng Peak like we are now." Unfortunately, despite the sword's repeated requests, the old man sighed and said, "Forget it, forget it. This is also destined. Let's go down to the mortal world together, and I will let you enjoy it. When the disaster is over, we will return to this place. Do you agree?" The sword was grateful and repeatedly thanked him.
The old man then took the sword and went on his way.
Let's talk about the time after Pangu's creation, when the Three Emperors ruled, and the Five Emperors established their ranks. Tang Yao, Yu Shun, Xia, Shang, and Zhou all followed the will of heaven to govern. In the end of the Zhou dynasty, seven states were divided and united under Qin, and Chu and Han fought for supremacy before being unified under the Han. It is clear that the trend of the world is that what has been divided must be united, and what has been united must be divided. When the dust suddenly rises, people cannot predict the future.
So in the central plains of that time, there was a family surnamed Zhang. They were originally feudal lords from the end of the Zhou dynasty, but due to years of warfare, they led their clan to move to a deep mountain in Julu County, where they fished, hunted, farmed, and studied medicine. They also established family rules that prohibited them from leaving the mountain to avoid the troubles of the world, and they lived happily from generation to generation.
Time flies. In the blink of an eye, it was the end of the Han dynasty. The Zhang family was a large one, with members living in several places. Among the three brothers who lived in Taiping Mountain, the eldest was named Zhang Jiao. He had followed his father to practice medicine for many years, while the other two brothers often went up the mountain to collect herbs.
When snow covered the mountains and the springs were frozen, the three brothers would bring a pot of wine and talk about ghosts, monsters, wolves, insects, and foxes for fun. It is uncertain what they were really discussing.
On this day, when the mountains were covered with falling leaves and the autumn breeze was blowing, Zhang Jiao saw the beautiful scenery and said to his younger brother, "We have had good luck with hunting and herb collecting these past few days, and the weather is good today. Let's not go hunting or collecting herbs. Let's enjoy the beauty of the mountains and have fun today. Tomorrow, we can sell the game we caught and buy some wine to enjoy ourselves for a few days. What do you think?" His two brothers agreed.
So Zhang Jiao took out a spear, carried it on his back, and thought to himself that there was a cave in the western part of Taiping Mountain that he had never been to before. There were Qianghu and Mishun herbs that could be collected there, and a few pieces of dragon bones could be picked up to sell. He stepped forward and went towards the western part of Taiping Mountain.
He greedily admired the flowers and rocks, followed the Green Creek, and listened to the sounds of the rocks. He reached a place where there were autumn orchids, strange rocks, apes and cranes. The pine and bamboo were verdant and lush. It was really a place where no one had been to in a while, and there was hardly any dust there. Just when he was enjoying himself and admiring the scenery, a pair of deer suddenly appeared from the north. Zhang Jiao was so thrilled that he chased after them with a spear in one hand and a steel fork in the other.
The deer ran back and forth, and Zhang Jiao could not catch up, but when they got closer, he threw a fork at them. The two deer leaped and ran behind a huge rock.
Zhang Jiao went after them. There was a cave behind the rock that flickered with light. Just as he was about to explore it, he heard someone singing:
"People always say that immortals are good, but they can't forget fame and position. Heroes have already passed away, and everywhere the mountains and grass are gone."
英雄逝水已东尽，处处青山草没了；
Everyone says that immortals are good, only success and failure cannot be forgotten;
Cutting down enemy generals and snatching flags only give bragging rights, dying in vain is nothing more than a laughing stock;
Everyone says that immortals are good, only grudges cannot be forgotten;
Snails quarrel over the tips of their horns, but soon it's all forgotten;
Everyone says that immortals are good, only the ancestral temple cannot be forgotten;
Bones pile up like mountains in the competition for surnames, turning back to change one's name for the world;
Zhang Jiao looked up and saw a Taoist coming out of the cave, with only one eye and one leg, wearing a white wicker hat and a lazy green robe, holding a cane, his demeanor and aura was very different from ordinary people. There was a poem that said:
Do not pay homage to the Son of Heaven; do not visit the nobles.
Avoiding the cage and hiding away, leaving the mundane world to cultivate the truth.
Enjoying the woods and springs and forsaking reputation and gain, hiding in the mountain valleys and forgetting insults and honors.
Wearing a star crown and shining like the sun, wearing a cloth robe and extending the spring.
Sometimes with disheveled hair and bare feet, sometimes with a topknot and a head cloth.
Picking fresh flowers and wearing a hat, picking wild grasses to spread on the ground.
Drinking sweet springs to rinse the teeth, chewing pine and cypress to extend longevity.
Singing and clapping, dancing and sleeping on the clouds. When meeting immortal guests, they seek mysteries and ask for the Tao;
When meeting fellow Taoists, they talk poetry, wine, and culture.
Laughing at luxury and filthy wealth, enjoying the freedom of poverty and simplicity.
No attachments whatsoever, no entanglements whatsoever.
Sometimes three by three to discuss the profound mysteries of the Tao, sometimes two by two to investigate ancient times and modern issues.
Investigating ancient times and modern issues, sighing for the rise and fall of the former dynasties, discussing the Tao to investigate the root cause of life and nature.
Enduring the changes of heat and cold, following the paths of the tortoise and hare.
The youthful face turns young, the white hair turns black.
Carrying a bamboo basket to the market to beg for alms, just to fill the belly; carrying a flower basket to the mountain forest to collect medicinal herbs, to help others in times of need.
Benefiting people and aiding things, sometimes reviving the dead. Immortal cultivators have strong and delicate bones and the most spiritual divine aura of all the aged immortals.
Discerning good and bad fortunes through divination, investigating blessings and misfortunes through scrutiny of people's hearts. Explaining the Taoist teachings, promoting the true doctrines of the Highest Heaven; writing spells and incantations, banishing the demonic influences of the world. Paying respect to the flying gods at the emperor's palace, stepping into the thunder gate and riding the astral force.
Shutting the black portal, darkness falls; tapping the earth door, spirits cry and gods kneel.
Capturing the essence of heaven and earth, harvesting the essence of the sun and moon.
Balancing Yin and Yang to refine one's inner self, nourishing water and fire to create a solid foundation.
The fading of Yin at twenty-eight, as if in a trance; the growth of Yang at thirty-nine, as if reaching the depths of the unknown. Following the seasons and collecting the necessary ingredients, refining the Nine Turns to create the elixir. Riding on the back of the Blue Phoenix, charging straight into the Purple Palace, riding on the White Crane, wandering all over the Jade Capital.
Zhang Jiao already had some innate wisdom, and upon hearing this song, he immediately understood it thoroughly. He laughed and said, "This is great! Great is also good. Daoist, please let me explain this song to you." The Daoist laughed and said, "You explain it." Zhang Jiao then said:
"The ghostly phosphorous fire was once a magnificent golden lamp;
The desolate thicket and broken stems were once precious jade trees.
What's the point of having 3,000 followers and 100,000 troops, only to be driven away by one's enemy?
The falling star humbles even the most capable minister; on this day, I think of my wise lord.
Laughing at others for losing battles, not realizing that I will suffer the same fate myself.
Entering the Heavenly Palace, I may become a hegemon on this land; alone in both civil and military affairs, it will be difficult to achieve greater success.
If you ask where the noble leader Longju is now, the aging flowers fall as the spring days wane, and I stop my carriage to gaze at the distant Tanxi Road.
It is a spectacle to see the city walls below without waves; it is a waste of time to wallow in this worldly turmoil. The vastness of fate is inescapable."
After hearing this, the hunchbacked Daoist clapped and laughed heartily. He then handed over a few books and a treasure sword, saying, "These three Heavenly Books are given to you. Learn from them and assist whoever deserves your help, to ease the chaos of the current time." Zhang Jiao asked in a hurry, "What is the name of the man you mentioned? What does he look like? Where does he live? In such a vast world, where should I search for him?" The Daoist chuckled and said, "He sits with hands crossed over knees and looks far and wide. When the time is right, you will know who he is."
After speaking, the Daoist threw the books and walked away. Zhang Jiao hurriedly chased, but the Daoist seemed to walk leisurely in front of him, and Zhang Jiao couldn't catch up. He only heard a few words in his ear: "Remember, when heat reaches an extreme, it becomes wind; when obstruction reaches an extreme, it becomes open. Endure through winter and spring, and you will thrive; rise and fall repeatedly, with no end in sight. After thirty cycles of reincarnation, I will meet you under the Green Ridge Peak."
Suddenly, a thunderous sound was heard, and two deer appeared, charging straight towards Zhang Jiao's chest. Zhang Jiao was frightened and yelled, falling to the ground.
Looking closely, there were no deer or Daoists to be found, only the scorching sun and a gentle mountain breeze by the stream. He found the three books tucked in his arms.
2015.10.24 update - 2 likes? Someone is reading this. Let me write a little more. 2016.02.14 update - 10 likes? There are still readers. Let me write a little more.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The beginning of the Red Chamber must convey a sense of etherealness, making one feel a sense of boundlessness~ Writing this requires a lot of brainpower.
I wrote this last year, and my thoughts have disconnected somewhat from this year. It seems that my previous idea was to give the sword to Liu Xuan De and make it a pair with the Green Dragon and the Moon Blade. Zhang Fei, Zhang Song, Zhang Wen, and Zhang Lu were also members of the Zhang Jiao family, assisting Liu Bei. Following the literary style of "A Marriage Agreement in Wood and Stone," Zhang Zhao, Zhang Liao, and Zhang He were also members of the Zhang Jiao family, opposing Liu Bei?
It seems that there was also a previous idea to write a story from the perspective of Cao Cao, where he presents the sword to assassinate Dong Zhuo. That is, this Seven-Star Sword, and then to write a story from the perspective of Cao Cao, revealing the power struggle within the Han dynasty. Ultimately, the world is divided between Han and Wei, revealing the theme of how others are making a dress for someone else?
Today, when I wrote this, I wanted to start from Zhang Song's plan because, at this point, the Three Kingdoms have basically begun to take shape, the plot is stable, and Zhang Song's plan summarizes the fundamental situation of the Three Kingdoms, which is equivalent to Daiyu entering the Jia Mansion? (Zhang Song entered the Liu Mansion?)
It's easy to say but hard to write. It's probably like the saying in calligraphy: "The mind can match, but the hand cannot." After all, it's difficult to shoulder such a large framework, and it'll be even more difficult to continue. I'll write a couple more sentences if I'm interested.
.
Trapped amidst the chaos of the world, the ten feet of red dust entangling me with humanity, sigh... (Please... please don't throw eggs. I won't pretend to be cool again...)
2017.01 update - 11 bookmarks and 40 likes. Thank you to 30 readers.