{"product_id":"the-story-of-the-stone-9781513268927","title":"The Story of the Stone","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFor generations, the Jia family is held in high esteem but when they lose favor with the emperor, their luxury lifestyle comes to an end.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003eThe Story of the Stone\u003c\/i\u003e focuses on internal and external conflicts that arise as they adjust to their unexpected plight.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eJia Baoyu is heir to a prestigious family, that's held multiple imperial titles throughout the years. Despite their history and social standing, they are targeted by the emperor who strips them of their land and personal fortune. As the family's wealth wanes, the young Jia struggles with his affection for his cousin Lin Daiyu, as he's already engaged to Xue Baochai. It's a compelling romance drama set against the family's economic decline.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRevered for centuries, \u003ci\u003eThe Story of the Stone\u003c\/i\u003e is one of the Four Classic Novels in Chinese literature. It's a depiction of pre-modern times that is both bleak and illuminating. Cao Xueqin delivers a piercing commentary on the duplicity of the social and political structure.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWith an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of \u003ci\u003eThe Story of the Stone\u003c\/i\u003e is both modern and readable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eXueqin, Cao:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCao Xueqin (1715-1763)\u003c\/b\u003e was born into a wealthy family that thrived during the Qing Dynasty. Following their patriarch's death, the family lost their fortune and moved to Beijing. It's there that Xueqin began creating his greatest work, \u003ci\u003eThe Story of the Stone\u003c\/i\u003e, also known as \u003ci\u003eDream of the Red Chamber\u003c\/i\u003e. Hand-copied versions were already circulating before its initial printing in 1791. It is a beloved novel and masterpiece within Chinese literature that gained massive acclaim after Xueqin's death.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mint Editions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50444495552786,"sku":"9781513268927","price":30.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_4baf3186-345d-4591-a488-9fc92fe0f2f4.jpg?v=1754896337","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-story-of-the-stone-9781513268927","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}