Anonymous
海公案
"海公案" by Anonymous is a Qing dynasty novel written in the early 19th century. This work intricately weaves the life story of the virtuous official Hai Rui, who is celebrated for his integrity and dedication to justice. The narrative explores themes of filial piety, morality, and the complexities of human relationships within the backdrop of imperial China. The opening portion of the novel introduces the main character, Hai Rui, alongside his wife, who initially struggles with the couple's childlessness due to her advancing age. After a series of strange occurrences involving a supernatural beast, Hai Rui's wife unexpectedly becomes pregnant, leading to the birth of their son, also named Hai Rui. As the narrative unfolds, we see the young Hai Rui grow up to be a virtuous and intelligent child, reflecting the values of righteousness as he navigates familial expectations and societal pressures. The beginning establishes a blend of realism and fantastical elements, setting the stage for the trials and moral dilemmas that the characters will face throughout the story.