Book Title: Haoqiu Zhuan|The Fortunate Union|The Pleasing History
Author: Mingjiaozhongren (A Man of the Confucian School)
Book Synopsis
The Fortunate Union: A Classic Chinese Tale of Chivalry, Virtue, and Romance
(Original Title: Haoqiu Zhuan / 好逑传)
In this 18th-century masterpiece—one of the first Chinese novels ever introduced to the West—a noble scholar and a virtuous beauty navigate a world of corruption, danger, and strict societal codes.
Tie Zhongyu is a courageous scholar with a fierce sense of justice. Shui Bingxin is a brilliant beauty defending her family’s honor against powerful, predatory villains. When their paths cross, a legendary partnership is born. As they face scheming officials and narrow escapes, they must balance their growing passion with the rigid demands of Confucian propriety.
Experience a captivating blend of heroism and romance where integrity is the ultimate weapon.
Main Characters in Haoqiu Zhuan: The Fortunate Union
The book focuses primarily on the two protagonists, with supporting roles for family members, antagonists, and imperial figures.
- Tie Zhongyu (鐵中玉 / Tiě Zhōngyù) The male protagonist: a handsome, talented scholar who is also strong, chivalrous, and skilled in martial arts. Son of the imperial censor Tie Ying. Known for his sense of justice, he rescues others from injustice and seeks to avenge wrongs against his family.
- Shui Bingxin (水冰心 / Shuǐ Bīngxīn) The female protagonist: a beautiful, intelligent, and virtuous young woman deeply committed to Confucian morals. Daughter of a high official (often described as from the Ministry of War). She refuses improper advances, seeks justice for her family, and maintains strict propriety even in difficult circumstances.
- Tie Ying (鐵英 / Tiě Yīng) Father of Tie Zhongyu; an imperial censor (御史) who suffers injustice, prompting his son’s actions.
- Shui Bingxin’s Father A high-ranking official (soldier/servant in the Ministry of War or similar); wronged or deceased, leading to plots against his daughter and family property.
- Shui Bingxin’s Uncle A relative who conspires with villains to seize family property and force her into an unwanted marriage.
- Guo Qizu (過其祖 / Guò Qízǔ) Son of the servant/official Guo Longdong; a lustful antagonist who attempts to abduct Shui Bingxin after his marriage proposal is rejected.
- Guo Longdong (過隆棟 / Guò Lóngdòng) Father of Guo Qizu; a high-ranking servant/official involved in corruption.
- Sha Wu (沙武 / Shā Wǔ) Son of the Duke Zhen Guohou Sha Li; another antagonist who becomes infatuated with Shui Bingxin upon seeing her.
- Sha Li (沙利 / Shā Lì) Duke Zhen Guohou; father of Sha Wu, whose household is involved in wrongdoing.
- Han Yuan (韓愿 / Hán Yuàn) A poor scholar whose wife and daughters are kidnapped and held by the Sha household; rescued by Tie Zhongyu.
- The Emperor The ruling monarch who ultimately intervenes, rewarding virtue and punishing vice.
- The Empress Involved in verifying Shui Bingxin’s virtue and supporting the resolution of the story.
Translator’s Note:
This new English edition is a fresh translation of the Qing dynasty classic Haoqiu Zhuan (attributed to Mingjiaozhongren). While based on public domain records, this version has been carefully edited for modern readability while preserving the philosophical depth of the original text.
The full novel is now available on Amazon. Read the first three chapters below!
