Wu Jingzi, a native of Quanjiao County in the Qing Dynasty, authored “The Scholars”, which was the first satiric novel in the history of Chinese literature. The book relentlessly anatomizes the ethical and cultural outlook of all kinds of intellectuals at a time when advancement was not based on individual ability or achievements but on the result of the imperial examinations. The book reflected the author's radical thought of opposing the system and despising those who sought officialdom, wealth and fame.
PREVIOUS