"Dreams of Taoan" Author: [Ming] Zhang Dai / Annotated by Lin Bangjun Publisher: Shanghai Ancient Books Publishing House

Sinologist Jonathan Spence said: "When the Ming Dynasty fell, Zhang Dai was 48 years old. He then had to face a cruel fact: the glorious Ming Dynasty, which allowed him to live a colorful life, was torn apart by various competing forces of brutality, ambition, despair, and greed, and collapsed and ended in shame. The more he thought about it, the clearer it became, like a path shrouded in fog, reappearing before his eyes, and many forgotten whispers also roared..."

The noisy whispers are Zhang Dai's way of narrating; the roars are the feelings after careful reflection behind the words.

"Prosperity and splendor, all gone in vain", the author wrote in the preface of "Dreams of Taoan" a desolate murmur that set the tone of the whole book. However, the eight-volume "Dreams of Taoan" is all about his past happy experiences, such as drinking tea, appreciating flowers, watching plays, visiting ancient sites, feasting, and gatherings... The luxurious yet elegant scenes show all kinds of worldly affairs in front of people. The past is not like smoke. In his narration, Zhang Dai entrusts his sorrow for his homeland and the pain for his homeland.