On“Studies of LUO Guan-zhong”: A Perspective of Such Proposition by DU Gui-chen

Compared with the proposition of “Studies of CAO Xue-qin”, the “Studies of LUO Guan-zhong” was first put forward by DU Gui-chen and has universally been accepted in academic circle. This seems accidental, but in fact, it is the outcome out of consideration of various aspects. LUO once participated in the creation of two great works. The “Studies of LUO”, “Studies of Three Kingdoms” and the “Studies of Outlaws of the marshes” have formed their own system, but are closely related with each other. Possibly due to the place involved, the study of LUO cannot be separated from the regional culture. Only the combination between the two can contribute the real study. The “studies of SHI nai-an” also needs to be called the special study. LUO and SHI were related closely, so the studies of the two also were connected. The three branches of studies of CAO, LUO and SHI and the “Studies of CHIN Ping-mei” which appeared later have formed the unique scene in the study of ancient Chinese novels.