The China International Exhibition Center in Beijing was brimming with visitors over the past weekend. The eagerly awaited 35th Beijing Book Fair marked its return after the pandemic-induced gap. The event showcased more than 400,000 types of books, brought in by an impressive 700 exhibitors. The diverse audience consisted not only of dealers and bookstore owners but also a significant number of readers and passionate book lovers.
In the midst of bustling stalls and busy booths, a particular book reading session magnetically drew in a crowd. Enthusiasts stood captivated, listening to excerpts from “Qingfeng Zhihua” (translated as “The Shine of Integrity”) which delved into the life of Wang Jie, a seemingly ordinary minister from the Qing Dynasty era, spanning 1644-1911. Unlike other eminent historical figures, Wang Jie was a minister whose legacy wasn’t carved prominently in history’s annals.
Author Bu Jian, a distinguished historian and previous director of the National Codification Committee of Qing Dynasty History, was the voice narrating these passages. His profound admiration for Wang Jie’s character emanated in his words. “The power of admiration is infinite,” he remarked during the reading session, highlighting Wang Jie’s ethical and moral character that made him stand out.
The culmination of eight rigorous years of research, field visits, and poring over numerous historical documents, Bu’s work delved deep into the life of Wang Jie. He was the sole national champion from Northwest China’s Shaanxi Province in the imperial examinations during the Qing Dynasty. Throughout his research journey, Bu became increasingly inspired by Wang Jie’s unwavering integrity, his transparent honesty, and his commendable administrative prowess.
Although Wang Jie served during the eras of the well-known Qianlong and Jiaqing emperors, and eventually attained the prestigious position of a grand secretary, his legacy seemed rather subdued when compared to other iconic figures from China’s extensive history.
To understand this unusual prominence at the Book Fair for a seemingly ‘ordinary’ historical figure, one must delve into Bu’s perspective. He emphasizes that while history often paints political figures in broad strokes, such as “clean”, “corrupt”, “capable”, or “mediocre”, these generalized labels may sometimes overshadow the intricate layers of a person’s character. Wang Jie, in Bu’s account, appears as a unique official who consciously evaded the limelight, choosing to lead with humility and authenticity.
By shunning the limelight and avoiding the formation of self-benefiting cliques, Wang Jie differentiated himself from his contemporaries. Instead of penning down his personal emotions or showcasing his feelings, he maintained a sense of detachment, an ethos which Bu astutely captured in “Qingfeng Zhihua”.
Using Wang Jie’s character as a lens, Bu delves into the intricate political environment of the Qianlong-Jiaqing period, shedding light on various facets including the employment system, judicial protocols, tax systems, and methods of societal governance prevalent during that era.
The book uniquely merges the vast canvas of dynastic politics with the detailed intricacies of Wang Jie’s life, highlighting his unwavering commitment to integrity. Readers get a glimpse of Wang’s steadfastness, exemplified by his refusal to indulge in corrupt practices even at the peak of his power.
Bu remarks that Wang Jie’s commitment to traditional values and his unparalleled sense of integrity resonate not just within the annals of history but find echoes in contemporary times as well. This timeless appeal, combined with a fresh perspective on history, is what has captured the imagination of many readers, particularly the younger generation.
With the reading session concluding, numerous young attendees rushed forward, eager to get their copies signed by Bu. The success of “Qingfeng Zhihua” and its reception at the Book Fair underscores a prevailing trend in the literary world: history books, especially those that provide fresh insights and connect the past with the present, continue to garner significant attention. Readers are often in search of narratives that resonate across ages, allowing them to draw parallels and insights from past events and figures. And in this search, “Qingfeng Zhihua” has emerged as a beacon of understanding and inspiration.
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