Nan Gongbo. Li Qingzhao. Chapters VІІ–VIІІ / Translation from Chinese, Introductory Article and Commentaries by H. Dashchenko

This publication presents the Ukrainian translation of chapters VIІ–VІІІ (episodes 82–101) of the historical novel “Li Qingzhao” (“李清照”) written by the Hong Kong writer Nan Gongbo (南宮搏, 1924–1983). These episodes were published from July 22 to August 11, 1960 in Taiwan in the Central Daily News (中央日報). The events depicted in this part of the novel took place between 1126 and 1129. Nan Gongbo describes the Jurchen conquest of north China and the escape of main heroes to the south where the Song imperial court moved its capital. In these chapters, the author uses two ci by Li Qingzhao and a shi by Du Mu as well as certain lines from three poems written during the Warring States period and Tang dynasty. The correspondence of historical events to their representation in the novel is examined in the introductory article. The discussion among Chinese researchers in the late 20th and early 21st centuries regarding Zhao Mingcheng’s concubines is highlighted. The notes provide explanations of terms and realities as well as brief information about historical characters mentioned in the text.