The Dawn Fortress/天明寨

<p>Mandarin Ducks and Butterflies School & Representative Bestsellers of Republican China</p><p>鸳鸯蝴蝶派代表作品</p><p></p><p>The Dawn Fortress is one of the masterpieces by Zhang Henshui a renowned figure in modern Chinese literature. Set against the turbulent backdrop of late Qing and early Republican China the novel follows a group of outlaws in Tianming Zhai (Dawn Fortress) as they resist oppression and fight for justice. With intricate plots and vivid characters the story blends heroic idealism with profound reflections on human nature and national identity during chaotic times. Zhang Henshui's elegant yet accessible prose brings this tale of rebellion and social transformation to life.</p><p>《天明寨》是中国现代文学大师张恨水的经典小说之一，以清末民初动荡社会为背景，讲述了一群绿林豪杰在天明寨中反抗压迫、追求正义的故事。小说情节曲折，人物形象鲜明，既有江湖侠义的热血豪情，又深刻反映了乱世中的人性挣扎与家国情怀。张恨水以其细腻的笔触和生动的叙事，再现了那个时代的民间抗争与社会变迁。</p><p></p><p>The story of The Dawn Fortress takes place in the winter of the second year of the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty. The Tianping Heavenly Kingdom army attacked a rural area in Qianshan County Anhui Province without any obstacles along the way. Local officials were busy accumulating wealth and escaping smoking cigarettes. Meanwhile the gentry led by Li Fengchi stepped forward to defend their hometown and brought the elderly young and women into Tianming Village. The men were stationed in a dangerous place and were eventually forced to surrender under the siege of the Long Hair Army. The article reveals the reality of the Tianping Heavenly Kingdom's clearly defined military hierarchy and indiscriminate killings while also reflecting the corrupt and incompetent officialdom of the Qing Dynasty. Under the dual pressure of government and war civilians could only pick up weapons to defend their own interests.</p><p>《天明寨》故事发生在清咸丰二年的一个冬天，天平天国军打到安徽潜山县的一个乡村，一路上毫无阻拦，地方官忙着敛财逃跑、抽大烟，而以李凤池为首的乡绅站出来保卫自己的家乡，将老幼妇都转入天明寨内，男丁踞险要地方把守，最终在长毛军的围困下被迫投降。文中揭露了天平天国军队等级分明、杀人如麻的现实，同时也反映了清朝腐败昏庸的官场情况，平民在官府和战乱的双重夹击中，只能自己拿起武器保卫自己的利益。</p>