Jingzi Wu

儒林外史

"儒林外史" by Jingzi Wu is a Chinese novel published in 1750 during the Qing dynasty. Set in the Ming period, this satirical work exposes the follies of academic scholars obsessed with fame and the imperial examination system. Through loosely connected stories, Wu portrays hypocritical intellectuals who sacrifice morality for glory, while also presenting ideal Confucian models who resist corruption. The novel's caustic wit and innovative narrative structure established it as a classic, pioneering vernacular Chinese prose and influencing generations of satirical fiction.