海公案

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

54494

Title

海公案

Language

zh

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A tragic tale of loyalty and betrayal, this story follows the loyal servant Mo Cheng and his wife Xue Ni as they face persecution by corrupt officials. Despite their innocence and deep devotion, political intrigue leads to their deaths, leaving a legacy of unwavering integrity that critiques the corruption of the era.

Summary up to 500 words

The narrative centers on Hai Gong (Sea Official), a loyal official who faces catastrophic misfortune due to political intrigue and the treachery of his superior, Yan Huang. After being falsely accused and stripped of his rank, Hai Gong is forced into exile. His wife, Xue Nu, demonstrates unwavering loyalty by hiding his jade cup for their return and enduring severe punishment rather than abandoning him or betraying his secrets to save herself. Despite the cruelty of officials who discard their child and mistreat her, she survives with the help of loyal servants. The story culminates in a tragic revelation: Yan Huang, driven mad by guilt and illness, commits suicide, leaving behind only his red burial shroud. Emperor Zhang honors Hai Gong's loyalty posthumously, restoring his reputation and providing financial support for his widow and child. The text serves as both a historical record and a moral allegory, contrasting the fleeting nature of power with the enduring value of fidelity. Through poetic verses interspersed throughout, the author critiques the corruption of the court and celebrates those who maintain integrity despite adversity. The tale emphasizes that true virtue often goes unrecognized in one's lifetime but is vindicated by history. It also explores themes of fate, resilience, and the harsh realities faced by officials serving a flawed regime. Ultimately, the story functions as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind obedience to corrupt rulers while extolling the virtues of loyalty, self-sacrifice, and moral courage in the face of injustice.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54494.epub.noimages

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data/epubs/pg54494.epub

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Categories

• Fiction