Tales of Magistrate Bao and His Valiant Lieutenants

Book excerpt: Murder, mystery, and courtroom drama -- Chinese style! "Sanxia wuyi" (later revised and called "Qixia wuyi") is a semi-historical narrative of adventure, crime-detection, and courtroom drama. It revolves around the famed Song dynasty magistrate, Bao Zheng (999-1072), who is more commonly known as Magistrate Bao (Bao Gong) and is the quintessential incorruptible government official. This novel, derived from the oral narrative attributed to the Qing storyteller Shi Yukun (fl. 1870s), was first published in 1879, after undergoing a complex and fascinating textual evolution. The non-historical component of narrative, which represents the creative genius of the storyteller and his tradition, revolves around a group of compelling heroes and gallants -- foremost among them are Zhan Zhao, Hero Par Excellence, Jiang Ping, Diplomat Supreme and Unparalleled Underwater Genius, Ai Hu, Youngest of the Tried and True, and the beloved Bai Yutang, Gallant of Incomparable Elegance and Passion.