Le Dragon Impérial

Le Dragon Impérial, published in 1893 by Judith Gautier, is a novel set in imperial China that follows the lives of Ta-Kiang, an ambitious laborer, and Ko-Li-Tsin, a playful poet. The narrative explores themes of ambition, fate, and the tension between tradition and individuality as Ta-Kiang dreams of a life beyond his humble origins. Their journey towards the capital, accompanied by Ta-Kiang's fiancée Yo-Men-Li, reveals the complexities of their relationships and personal quests. This work is notable for its rich depiction of Chinese culture and societal challenges during the late 19th century.