The first part of Liu Sifen's historical novel trilogy, "Qillows of the White Gate", titled "Romance in the Setting Sun", is the opening work and won the fourth Mao Dun Literature Prize. Set in 1642 (the fifteenth year of the Chongzhen Emperor's reign), the story depicts the Ming Dynasty's internal and external troubles, and the fierce power struggle between the Donglin Party and the remnants of the former eunuch faction. Qian Qianyi, the leader of the Donglin Party, secretly deals with Zhou Yanru, the Grand Secretary, in an attempt to manipulate members of the Fushe (Restoration Society) to support the return of Ruan Dacheng, a remnant of the eunuch faction. This causes a rift within the Fushe, with young scholars like Huang Zongxi upholding their ideals of resistance against the Qing Dynasty, creating a stark contrast to Qian Qianyi's political maneuvering. The novel portrays the extravagance and crisis within Nanjing: scholars engage in empty talk about national affairs, brothels host constant banquets, and events such as the abduction of Chen Yuanyuan by the Emperor's father-in-law, Tian Hongyu, reflect the turmoil of the late Ming Dynasty.
Track Book Series
Qillows of the White Gate I: Romance in the Setting Sun (Part 1 & Part 2)
