The Seven Killings Stele 4
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Summary
Within the city of Sichuan there are four great rivers—Ba, Luo, Lu, and Min—hence the name Sichuan. The province abounds in heroes, and this novel chiefly concerns the seven heroes of southern Sichuan at the end of the Ming dynasty: Yang Zhan, the Earl of Huayang; Chen Yaoshuang, the Snow-Clad Maiden; Yu Jinwen, the Female Flying Guard; the monk-hero Qibao Heshang Xirong; the beggar-hero Chen Denghao, known as Iron Soles; the merchant-hero Yu Fei; and Liu Daozhen, called the Rival of Bowen. Together they rise up and range across southern Sichuan, resisting Zhang Xianzhong and saving countless lives. Because Zhang Xianzhong was repeatedly thwarted by the seven heroes of southern Sichuan, he set up a stele and swore an oath; the Seven Killings Stele is the inscription vowing to kill the seven heroes.
Editor's review
As one volume in Zhu Zhenmu's wuxia series, this book continues the ensemble narrative set in southern Sichuan in the late Ming, weaving together the struggles of seven heroes: Yang Zhan, Chen Yaoshuang, Yu Jinwen, Qibao Heshang, Chen Denghao, Yu Fei, and Liu Daozhen. The author excels at unfolding Jianghu loyalty within the cracks of history; each character has distinctive skills and temperament, and fights and battles of wits interweave at a brisk pace. In the series this volume advances the plot and ties off some threads, offering a relatively concentrated presentation of the origin of the Seven Killings Stele oath and the predicament of the seven heroes. Readers who enjoy the flavor of traditional serialized wuxia and lively scenes of many heroes fighting side by side will find it a brisk read. It suits continuous reading in leisure time and also serves as a sample for understanding the lineage of old-school Republican-era wuxia. Note that the depiction of Zhang Xianzhong's side carries a pronounced stance; readers may compare it with historical facts and appreciate the difference between the novelist's craft and historical narrative.
Who it's for
A good fit for
- Readers who like traditional serialized wuxia and prefer ensemble heroes fighting side by side
- Readers interested in the combination of late-Ming southern Sichuan historical background and Jianghu legend
- Readers who want to understand the style of old-school Republican-era wuxia and read genre literature
- Readers who have read earlier books in the series and wish to follow the fate of the seven heroes
Not a good fit for
- Readers who prefer modern fast-paced web novels with strong suspense
- Readers sensitive to pronounced partisan depictions in historical fiction and who require neutral narration
- Readers unaccustomed to serialized language and old-fashioned wuxia expression
Reading tips
- It is advisable to read earlier books in the series first and clarify the origins of the seven heroes before entering this volume's plot.
- While reading, note the seven heroes' skills and relationships to better follow the shifts in the ensemble.
- When encountering passages about Zhang Xianzhong, compare them with late-Ming historical sources and appreciate the difference between fiction and fact.
- If the serialized language feels distant, read one or two chapters first to adjust to the tone, then continue.
Contents
- 作者简介
- 第十八章 五毒手
- 第十九章 铁琵琶的韵律
- 第二十章 疑云疑雨
- 第二十一章 且食蛤蜊休问天
- 第二十二章 卖荷包的家
FAQ
Can I read this directly without having read the previous volumes?
You can, but this volume has many characters, most of whom appeared in earlier books; starting directly may leave you unfamiliar with the seven heroes' relationships and grudges. It is best to at least skim a synopsis of the earlier books, or read the previous volumes first and then return; the reading experience will be more complete.
What is the nature of the Seven Killings Stele in the book?
According to the sources, Zhang Xianzhong was repeatedly thwarted by the seven heroes of southern Sichuan and therefore set up a stele swearing to kill all seven; the inscription is the Seven Killings Stele. It is the core symbol driving the novel's conflict and links the narrative threads of the two sides' confrontation; it is not a historical textual study of a real stele inscription.
Is this book suitable as a history book?
It is a wuxia novel; the historical background is only a stage. The depiction of late-Ming southern Sichuan and Zhang Xianzhong carries fictional elements and the novel's stance. To learn historical facts, consult late-Ming historical sources separately; it should not be taken directly as historical evidence.
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About the author
Zhu Zhenmu
Author · Chinese · 1895–1955
Zhu Zhenmu (1895–1955), originally named Zhu Zhenyuan and styled Shizhuan, was a native of Shaoxing, Zhejiang, and a modern Chinese wuxia novelist who was also skilled in painting and seal carving. He is grouped with Huanzhulouzhu, Bai Yu, Zheng Zhengyin and Wang Dulu as the "Five Masters of the Northern School." His wuxia fiction draws on a variety of subjects, often weaving together feuds of the jianghu, exotic romances and frontier customs into intricate plots with vivid characters. Thirty-one of his works are held in the collection, including such representative titles as Hu Xiao Long Yin, Qi Sha Bei, Miaojiang Fengyun and Yulong Gang. Hailed as the "forefather of the new-school wuxia novel," he exerted a profound influence on later wuxia writing. He died in Tianjin in the winter of 1955 from asthma complicated by heart disease.
