Ill-natured Jesting

Chen HengqingNanhai Publication Company · ChinaSep 2023

2.6

Word count: 361 words
Chapters: 2

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Summary

This book is E Xue (Malicious Jest), by Chen Hengqing.

Editor's review

E Xue announces an unruly air from its title: a malicious jest is not a simple joke but an expression that uses mockery as a blade, roaming between offense and provocation. In this work Chen Hengqing turns his gaze to the destructive and adhesive power of words, showing readers the power relations, emotional undercurrents, and relational fissures that may hide behind "just kidding." The work's strength lies in its sense of measure: it does not rush to moral judgment, nor does it reduce the jester to a mere clown, but lets the scenes, targets, and consequences of the jesting present themselves. The narration leans on detail and dialogue, giving a sense of immediacy; it suits segmented reading on a commute or before bed, and also shared reading with friends followed by discussion of "what jokes must never be told." Note that the book involves offensive language and uncomfortable scenes; readers sensitive to verbal violence and interpersonal conflict should choose cautiously. It is not a book that teaches you to be funny but one that makes you re-examine "the boundaries of humor."

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers interested in language, interpersonal power, and boundary issues
Literary readers who enjoy dialogue-driven narration with strong scene presence
People willing to examine the line between "jokes" and "offense" through reading
Book club members looking for texts with controversial topics to discuss

Not a good fit for

Readers sensitive to offensive language and interpersonal conflict scenes
Those hoping for a gentle, healing style
Readers expecting clear moral conclusions or behavioral guidance

Reading tips

When you reach a jesting scene, note your first reaction before reading on to the consequences
Categorize the different characters' "jokes" and observe differences in targets and occasions
Read the same chapter with friends and exchange the moments each of you finds "over the line"
After finishing, write a hundred-word mini-review discussing only measure, not stance

About the publisher

Nanhai Publication Company China · Founded in 1988

Nanhai Publication Company is a comprehensive publisher known for its literature and arts titles, covering fields such as classical poetry, martial arts fiction, and folk literature. Judging from the more than 1,600 books in the database, the company has released classical poetic works including the Nineteen Old Poems and the Nine Songs, as well as multiple volumes of Huanzhulouzhu's series The Swordsmen of Mount Shu, along with related writings by authors such as Guan Hanqing, Qu Yuan, Zuo Si, and Wang Zhihuan. Its publishing character lies in balancing the organization of classic texts with the dissemination of popular literature, placing poetry anthologies alongside long martial arts novels and presenting a relatively diverse literary profile. Public information is limited, and further details about its editorial practices and series planning remain to be supplemented.

版权信息
恶谑

FAQ

What exactly does "malicious jest" in the title refer to?

From the text, it points to offensive expression carried out through mockery, including jokes, teasing, and irony. The book focuses on how such speech occurs within specific relationships and how it is accepted or rebuffed, rather than defining "malicious jest."

Does the book contain uncomfortable content?

It involves offensive language and interpersonal conflict scenes as part of the subject matter itself, not for sensational effect. Readers sensitive to verbal violence or conflict are advised to skim some chapters before deciding whether to read it through.

Is it suitable to recommend to teenagers?

Use caution. The book discusses the boundary between jokes and offense and involves fairly complex interpersonal power relations, making it more suitable for readers with some social reading experience. If given to teenagers, adult companionship and discussion are recommended.

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About the author

Chen Hengqing Author · Chinese · 1844–1920

Chen Hengqing (1844–1920), courtesy name Zijiu, was a native of Weixian in Shandong (present-day Weicheng District, Weifang). A late Qing official and scholar, he passed the provincial examination in 1873 and the metropolitan examination in 1886. He served successively as a secretary in the Ministry of Works, rising through the Waterways, Construction, and Colonization Departments, and later held posts as Supervising Censor of the Ministry of War, Investigating Censor of the Henan Circuit, and Chief Supervising Censor. In 1908 he was appointed prefect of Jinzhou. He retired at sixty and wrote works including Jianshu Xian Notes (also known as Jili Qingtan) and Unofficial Gleanings of the Late Qing. His extant writings are considerable, with 154 titles held in our collection, many drawing on folk literature and Eastern philosophy. They touch on modern upheavals such as the militia conflicts, the Boxer movement, and the Nian rebels, as well as rural tales and social types like foxes and swindlers, and social issues such as Manchu-Han differences, bearing the documentary flavor of note-style historiography. Public information is limited, and his literary standing and influence await further study.