Author Description

"Du Shiniang Sinks Her Jewel Box in Anger" (), originally written by Feng Menglong (, 1574-1646, a Ming Dynasty writer, thinkers, and opera artist), is one of the most outstanding short stories in the history of ancient Chinese literature. Its ideological content and artistic achievements occupy the peak of ancient Chinese short stories. The story, with its delicate brushstrokes, portrays Du Shiniang (), a female figure, who is persistently pursuing the good wishes in her own heart, and has achieved extraordinary and outstanding artistic milestones. Du Shiniang, a famous prostitute in Beijing, pursued true love in order to redeem her life, and entrusted her life to Li Jiasheng (), a college student and the rich son of Shaoxing (). However, Li Jiasheng was weak and selfish. Although he was truly in love with Du Shiniang, he succumbed to the social and family ethics. No matter how hard Du Shiniang would try, she couldn't escape the shackles of her tragic fate. Li Jiasheng turned his back on her faith, and eventually, coupled with Sun Fu's () instigation, he sold Du Shiniang. Under all disillusionment, Du Shiniang scolded Sun Fu, scolded Li Jiasheng, and threw a jewel box, treasured for many years, into the river, and finally she as well jumped in the rolling waves. Kindle Edition: www.amazon.com/dp/B087D33FVV Paperback Edition: www.amazon.com/dp/B087FGZ3MH The book has 11 chapters in the following order: Chapter 1: Falling into the Dust () Chapter 2: Indifference () Chapter 3: True Love () Chapter 4: Farewell to the Friends () Chapter 5: Meeting Sun Fu () Chapter 6: The Matter was Decided () Chapter 7: Angry Treasure Chest () Chapter 8: Future Generations () Chapter 9: Repaying Virtue () Chapter 10: More Analysis () Chapter 11: Nine Songs of Yongmei () The current book volume, Chinese Short Stories 11, is a Level 1 Chinese reading practice book. It would introduce you to the famous Chinese s