玉雙魚

A novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the lives of a learned man, 昌全 (Chang Quan), his wise wife, 杜氏 (Du Shi), and their gifted son, 昌谷 (Chang Gu), whose remarkable talents and early education set the stage for significant events. The narrative explores themes of familial love, societal expectations, and the intersections of fate that bind characters together. The opening of the novel introduces the characters and their circumstances, emphasizing 昌全's dedication to his son’s education after the loss of his parents. As they navigate daily life, the family attends a lively event that showcases local talent and culture. This outing leads to an impromptu matchmaking moment when 昌谷 impresses onlookers with his poetic ability, and an elder proposes a marriage between 昌谷 and another child, signifying the intertwining of their lives. The beginning establishes a rich community setting, hinting at the confluence of personal aspirations and societal pressures that will unfold in the story.