The theme of the rise and fall of dynasties is prevalent. Imperial China had many dynasties that rose and fell over time. Historical fictions often describe how a dynasty starts with great ambitions and prosperity but then declines due to various reasons like corruption, internal strife and external invasions. Also, the role of the common people in imperial China is a theme. How they lived, their sufferings and their small acts of resistance are sometimes shown in these fictions.
They often have complex family and social hierarchies as a major part of the story. For example, in 'The Dream of the Red Chamber', the Jia family's complex relationships are central. Another characteristic is the use of historical events as backdrops. In 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms', the real - life power struggles between different kingdoms are the foundation of the story.
Sure. 'The Dream of the Red Chamber' is a very famous one. It vividly depicts the life of the noble families in imperial China, with complex characters and a profound exploration of human nature. Another is 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms', which is based on the historical events of the Three Kingdoms period, full of strategies, battles, and heroic figures.
One of the well - known imperial China historical fictions is 'Romance of the Sui and Tang Dynasties'. It tells the stories of many heroes and events during the Sui and Tang Dynasties. Also, 'Water Margin' is set in the Song Dynasty of imperial China, showing the lives of a group of outlaws and their fight against corruption. These books are all very interesting and can help you understand imperial China better.
It often combines real historical events and figures with fictional elements. The stories usually provide a vivid portrayal of the past and offer insights into different aspects of that era.
They often have complex plots. For example, 'Dream of the Red Chamber' has numerous storylines and characters. The social hierarchy is a key aspect, showing different classes from the imperial family to servants.
In ancient China, the ranking of the imperial examination was generally arranged according to the order of the examination results from high to low. However, the admission criteria for the imperial examination were very strict. Not only did one have to pass the examination, but they also had to consider the candidate's political morality, knowledge, physical fitness, and many other aspects. Therefore, the ranking of the imperial examination was not a simple ranking of results, but a comprehensive evaluation process.
The candidates with the best results in the imperial examination could enter the "Dengke" stage, also known as "Dengdi", which marked that they had officially become officials. Other candidates could only enter the "Gongshi" stage and had to enter the officialdom through other methods. In ancient times, tribute scholars had to take various examinations such as the Ministry of Rites 'general examination and the palace examination before they could finally become officials.
The final standard of ranking in the Imperial Examination was the official's position and status. In ancient times, the results of the imperial examination were directly related to the salary, status, and power of officials. Therefore, the ranking of the imperial examination was very strict and complicated. It was not a simple ranking of results.
In ancient China, the titles of the imperial family included emperor, empress, royal family, emperor empress, princess, prince, princess consort, and so on. The emperor was the highest ruler, and the empress was the highest ruler among the consorts. The royal family, including the emperor and his descendants, referred to the relationship between the emperor and the empress. The princess and prince were the emperor's biological sons and grandchildren, and the princess consort was the emperor's consort.
One great 'China historical fiction book' is 'The Three - Body Problem' by Liu Cixin. It combines science fiction elements with China's historical and cultural background in an innovative way. It not only tells a thrilling story about the search for extraterrestrial intelligence but also reflects on China's history, human nature, and the future.
Wu Cheng'en is also well - known for 'Journey to the West'. This novel is full of imagination, with vivid descriptions of the adventures of the Monkey King and his companions, and it has had a great influence on Chinese and world literature.