Author
Jianren Wu
1866-1910
Jianren Wu (1866-1910) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Jianren Wu
["Bizarre Happenings Eyewitnessed Over Two Decades","二十年目睹之怪現狀"]
"二十年目睹之怪現狀" by Jianren Wu is a novel serialized in the early 1900s and published in book form in 1909. Through a collection of anecdotes, the work chronicles strange and bizarre happenings observed over a twenty-year period. Originally serialized in Liang Qichao's magazine "New Fiction," the novel presents a unique perspective on its era through episodic storytelling. The work's distinctive plot structure has drawn scholarly attention for its innovative use of connected anecdotes to portray the peculiar events of its time.
二十年目睹之怪現狀
"二十年目睹之怪現狀" by Jianren Wu is a novel serialized in the early 1900s and published in book form in 1909. Through a collection of anecdotes, the work chronicles strange events and happenings observed over twenty years. Originally appearing in Liang Qichao's magazine "New Fiction," the novel captures peculiar occurrences and social phenomena of late Qing China. Scholars have analyzed its distinctive plot structure, noting how Wu weaves together episodic stories to create a panoramic view of his era's oddities and anomalies.
九命奇冤
"九命奇冤" by Jianren Wu is a murder mystery novel published in 1906. Set during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng, the story follows the Liang family's quest for justice after the powerful Ling family orchestrates a deadly arson that kills eight people. When local authorities fail them through corruption and bribery, the survivors take their case to Beijing, hoping the emperor will intervene. The novel uses ancient crime stories to critique contemporary corruption while employing innovative flashback techniques influenced by foreign literature.
情變
"情變" by Jianren Wu is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, presenting tales interwoven with themes of love, betrayal, and societal expectations through the lives of its main characters, particularly focusing on寇四爺 and他的妻子, as well as the intertwined lives within their community. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to the world of寇四爺, a man skilled in the arts of illusion and martial prowess, and his wife,寇四娘, who is equally talented. Set against the backdrop of a year of famine, the couple decides to leave their village to perform in the cities, hoping to earn a living in a time of scarcity. Their journey provides insights into their thoughts, aspirations, and the social dynamics of the people they encounter, including a brief introduction to秦相公, who comes from a humble background but possesses ambitions for his family. As the narrative unfolds, it hints at deeper connections and future developments that will shape both their fates significantly. The opening establishes an engaging mix of folklore and personal story, enticing readers into reflecting on the relationships that define their characters' lives.
胡涂世界
"胡涂世界" by Jianren Wu is a novel written during the late 19th century. The book appears to delve into the intricacies of官場 (the officialdom) in Hu’nan, centered around three main characters: 任承仁, 俞洪寶, and 李才雄, who navigate the complexities of bureaucratic life while dealing with personal challenges and moral dilemmas. The opening of the story introduces the three characters in a provincial official context, where 任承仁 visits 俞洪寶, and they discuss the distressing situation of 李才雄, who is financially struggling after a recent personal loss. They formulate a plan to help him secure a job that will stabilize his financial situation, illustrating the intertwining of personal lives and official business in their interactions. As they strategize, tensions arise due to financial negotiations and ethical implications, showcasing a theme of loyalty amidst the struggles of survival in the competitive bureaucratic world.
恨海
"恨海" by Jianren Wu is a novel published in 1906. Set during the chaos of the Boxer Uprising of 1900, it follows two couples whose arranged marriages unravel tragically—one groom dies from opium addiction while his brother's bride-to-be becomes a prostitute. The story explores the conflict between traditional marriage duties and personal survival as young people face impossible choices between family honor and their own lives. One of the decade's bestsellers, it responds to attacks on Chinese marriage customs.
瞎騙奇聞
"瞎騙奇聞" by Jianren Wu is a fictional novel written in the late 19th century. The book delves into themes of superstition and the obsession with fortune-telling, examining the lives of characters who rely on the guidance of soothsayers. The story focuses on Zhao Zechang, a wealthy landowner, who desperately longs for a child and becomes entangled in the often ridiculous and destructive world of fortune-telling. The opening of the novel introduces Zhao Zechang, a prosperous landowner in Shandong Province, who has been unable to father a child despite having been married for over thirty years. Desperate for offspring, he becomes increasingly invested in fortune-telling, seeking out a renowned soothsayer named Zhou to learn about his future. Zhou predicts that Zhao will have a son soon, prompting Zhao and his wife, Qiannai, to embrace this prophecy. In a comical twist, they concoct a scheme to bring in an adopted child to satisfy Zhao's yearning for a son, leading to further complications and engaging interactions that lay the groundwork for the novel’s exploration of human folly and superstition.