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Nine Cloud Dreams
墨書 Inktalez
"Nine Cloud Dreams," a Korean classical novel, first gained public attention due to the 2014 Korean drama "My Love from the Star," where the male lead, Do Min-jun, recommends the "Book of Life," which is "Nine Cloud Dreams."
Completed in 1689, "Nine Cloud Dreams" consists of 81,000 characters in classical Chinese. Among the brilliant stars of Korean literature, "Nine Cloud Dreams" shines uniquely, illuminating the path of classical novel development. As a masterpiece of Kim Wan-chung, this novel holds a significant position in Korean literary history and leaves an indelible mark on East Asian and even world literature.
According to the comparative analysis and summary collected by the translator, the status of "Nine Cloud Dreams" in literary history can be summarized as follows:
- The world's first long-form fantasy novel, predating the recognized progenitor of fantasy novels, "The Count of Monte Cristo," by about 150 years, although they belong to different types of fantasy.
- The world's first long-form breeding novel.
- The world's first long-form harem novel, completely devoid of female rivalry.
- The first long-form romantic novel in classical Chinese literature (the first short-form romantic novel is "The Tale of Yingying," with a word count of 10,000; the first long-form vernacular romantic novel is "Jin Ping Mei").
Kim Wan-chung (1637–1692), styled Chong-shu and known as Xi Pu, was a literary giant during the late Joseon Dynasty. He was born into the prestigious Gwangsan Kim family and received traditional Confucian education from a young age, exploring fields such as astronomy, geography, mathematics, and music, showcasing his multifaceted talents. Despite facing political setbacks and exile throughout his life, he achieved remarkable literary success.
There are two legendary accounts regarding the creation of "Nine Cloud Dreams." One suggests that Kim Wan-chung wrote this novel during his exile in the South Sea to comfort his distant mother, pouring his talents and emotions into it. The other account states that he hastily penned this work in Korean on the eve of leaving home, which was later translated into classical Chinese by his grandson Jin Chun-zhe (1670–1717), allowing it to spread more widely.
The title "Nine Cloud Dreams" does not refer to nine dreams but rather narrates how the protagonist Yang Shaoyou possesses not only Cao Zijiang's talent but also Guan Zhong's and Zhuge Kongming's strategies, harboring aspirations akin to clouds and dreams. Set against the backdrop of China's Tang Dynasty, it tells the story of Seongjin, a disciple of Master Liuguan from India, who encounters the Eight Fairies of Mount Heng and develops feelings for them. Consequently, they are banished to the mortal realm to experience life's trials. Seongjin is reborn as Shao You in Huainan's Daoxiu Prefecture at Yang the Recluse's home. The Eight Fairies are reborn as Qin Caifeng, Gui Chan Yue, Di Jinghong, Zheng Qiongbai, Jia Chunyun, Princess Lanyang, Shen Niao Yan, and Bai Lingbo—each exceptionally talented and intelligent with their own strengths.
The novel centers on Yang Shaoyou's experiences in study tours, civil service examinations, and official life while detailing his encounters and love affairs with these eight extraordinary women. It highlights Yang Shaoyou's achievements in diplomatic missions to vassal states and military campaigns against Tubo. He is depicted as both literarily capable of stabilizing the nation and militarily adept at securing it—gaining the ruler's favor while earning public trust—ultimately reaching a high position with eight wives living harmoniously. At the peak of his family's prosperity, Yang Shaoyou suddenly feels the impermanence of worldly affairs and seeks enlightenment through Zen Buddhism alongside his nine wives.
"Nine Cloud Dreams" showcases vivid language, romantic plots, and rigorous structure that reflect the author's profound literary foundation and unique literary perspective. The novel integrates Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism while conveying philosophical reflections on life being like a dream through Yang Shaoyou's journey—leaving a lasting impact on future generations.
The original classical Chinese version of "Nine Cloud Dreams" employs ornate language and allusions that may seem somewhat showy—perhaps indicating to readers at that time in Central Plains that Korean scholars also possessed exceptional proficiency in classical Chinese. This might explain why this novel did not spread as widely as many contemporary vernacular novels or those mixing classical and colloquial styles. "Nine Cloud Dreams" is regarded as Korea's "Dream of Red Mansions," an essential read for Koreans; however, they read it in its Korean version. The translator has some basic knowledge of Korean and previously used software to translate portions for comparison. Although retaining many elements of Chinese poetry and cultural imagery, there are significant differences between the Korean version and the classical Chinese version.
In this vernacular version of "Nine Cloud Dreams," we strive to maintain the original work's literary charm—especially its unique qualities—while making it more accessible to modern readers' reading habits. Throughout the translation process, we aim for precise understanding of terms and references within the text to faithfully convey its language style and essence. After careful consideration and revision of minor errors found in the original classical text, we hope this classic literary treasure can be revitalized.
To better suit online dissemination rhythms, this vernacular edition has restructured the original sixteen chapters into forty-three chapters.
"Nine Cloud Dreams" is not only a literary work but also a cultural treasure. It witnesses the transition of Korean literature from classical to modern times while reflecting cultural exchanges among China, Korea, and Japan. Through this work, we glimpse an era's character and feel a nation's spirit. We hope that this vernacular translation will serve as a new node for cultural exchange among China, Korea, and Japan—for instance, allowing native Korean speakers to learn Chinese through this text.
Hereby we pay tribute to Mr. Kim Wan-chung for leaving us such a precious cultural heritage. We also recommend this vernacular version of "Nine Cloud Dreams" to all literature lovers who cherish tradition—may it lead everyone into a dreamlike literary world for an enriching feast for both heart and mind.
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