Idle Talk under the Bean Arbor

Robert E. Hegel is Liselotte Dieckmann Professor of Comparative Literature and professor of Chinese at Washington University. The translators are Lane J. Harris, Robert Hegel, Li Fang-yu, Li Qiancheng, Mei Chun, Lindsey Waldrop, Annelise Finegan Wasmoen, Alexander C. Wille, Xu Yunjing, and Zhang Jing.

Acknowledgments

Introduction | Gossip and Exaggeration in Aina’s Short Stories / Robert E. Hegel

Terms of Measurement and Titles

Chronology of China’s Historical Periods (Dynasties and States)

Preface: Dashed off by Whistling Crane of the Empty Heavens / Translated by Li Qiancheng

Foreword written by Aina the Layman from Shengshui, with Commentary by Ziran the Eccentric Wanderer from Yuanhu / Translated by Li Qiancheng

Session 1: Jie Zhitui Sets Fire to His Jealous Wife / Translated by Mei Chun and Lane J. Harris

Session 2: Fan Li Drowns Xishi in West Lake / Translated by Li Fang-yu

Session 3: A Court-Appointed Gentleman Squanders His Wealth but Takes Power / Translated by Alexander C. Wille

Session 4: The Commissioner’s Son Wastes His Patrimony to Revive the Family / Translated by Li Fang-yu

Session 5: The Little Beggar Who Was Truly Filial / Translated by Zhang Jing

Session 6: The Exalted Monks Who Faked Transcendence / Translated by Zhang Jing

Session 7: On Shouyang Mountain, Shuqi Becomes a Turncoat / Translated by Mei Chun and Lane J. Harris

Session 8: With a Transparent Stone, Master Wei Opens Blind Eyes / Translated by Alexander C. Wille

Session 9: Liu the Brave Tests a Horse on the Yuyang Road / Translated by Annelise Finegan Wasmoen

Session 10: Freeloader Jia Forms a League on Tiger Hill / Translated by Robert E. Hegel and Xu Yunjing

Session 11: In Death, Commander Dang Beheads His Enemy / Translated by Lindsey Waldrop

Session 12: In Detail, Rector Chen Discourses on the Cosmos / Translated by Robert E. Hegel

Afterthoughts on Stories

Historical and Cultural References

Notes

Glossary of Chinese Characters

Bibliography

Contributors