Smoke in Beijing is a novel, a history book and a philosophy book. This book is based on the protagonist Yao Mulan. She grew up step by step in the destruction of China from the turmoil with the Boxer Rebellion to the all-round war of resistance, and described her life experiences and those around her in detail. The existence of her father, Yao Sian, makes the book full of Lao zi and Zhuang zi's thoughts, which is thought-provoking everywhere.

Beginning with the Boxer Rebellion, the book narrates heroic scenes such as Eight-Nation Alliance's invasion of China, the Republic of China Revolution, Yuan Shikai's coming to power, the May 4th Movement, the betrayal and slaughter of Duan Beiyang's government, the Northern Expedition of the Republic of China, the Japanese smuggling and drug trafficking in China, the fall, the August 13th Battle of Shanghai, and the national escape. It is not only a chronicle, but also shows the devastation of war on the people, the abomination and shamelessness of Japan, the mourning for the victims and the longing for the future of the country.

At the same time, there are celebrities and bachelors from all walks of life in the book, such as painters Qi Baishi, educators Fu Zengxiang, translators Lin Qinnan, and political elites such as Chiang Kai-shek and Zhang Xueliang. Their appearance enhances the authenticity, literariness and readability of the works.

Fortunately, Mr. Lin Yutang did not translate A Dream of Red Mansions, but created such a wonderful novel by himself, which added a bright stroke to the history of modern literature in China.

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