| Abstract |
As previous research on Shishuo Xinyu failed to focus on the internal consistency and logics of the stories presented in the chapters of Shishuo Xinyu, the framework of the Confucian culture was often wrongly used to interpret the examples and the stories. Moreover, the previous research ignored the background of a particular time and space setting. As a result, conflicts and wide discrepancies among stories occurred, and people started to question Liu Yiqinq’s improper classification of chapters of Shishuo Xinyu. Among all, Chapter Fang Zheng was criticized most by Ming and Qing scholars. This paper attempts to escape from the old interpretations and look at the original texts in a more understanding, empathetic manner, which in turn puts the scholars of Wei and Jin Dynasties in a “right” perspective. This paper discusses the following issues: a. Are the viewpoints in Chapter Fang Zheng an old continuation or a new change? b. What are the real historical faces, spiritual dimensions, and historical significance of Chapter Fang Zheng? and c. How did Liu Yiqing show the spirit of Chapter Fang Zheng?
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