TY - BOOK AU - Tongyuanzi TI - 玉蟾記 AV - PL PY - 2008/// CY - Salt Lake City, UT PB - Project Gutenberg KW - Chinese fiction -- Qing dynasty, 1644-1912 N1 - Release date is 2008-04-24; Produced by Yu-Ren Su; Original publication data not identified N2 - "玉蟾記" by Tongyuanzi is a historical fantasy tale likely written during the Ming dynasty. This narrative intertwines the supernatural with the lives of its characters, reflecting on themes of loyalty, betrayal, and divine justice in the context of historical events. The story introduces several key figures, including the protagonist 通元子 (Tongyuanzi), who is depicted as a celestial being navigating the human world while addressing the issues of karma and retribution. At the start of the story, we are introduced to the character known as 恬淡人 (the tranquil man), a flower seller from a small village. He articulates his love for literature and poetry while echoing his frustrations over historical injustices he recalls from studying history. Through his reflections, he becomes intrigued by a newly released book titled "十二緣玉蟾記," which evokes his interest in the themes of fate and destiny. As he prepares to share this tale with the literati of his village, he delves into the underlying narratives concerning loyalty and betrayal that implicate prominent figures from history, particularly during the tumultuous Ming dynasty. The opening sets the tone for a blend of social commentary, poetic musings, and mystical elements, hinting at the rich tapestry the story will weave as it unfolds. (This is an automatically generated summary.) UR - https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25137 ER -