“Green Phoenix” 《清风》 Intro

This book was written by Yuehua Liu (of “Integrated Chinese” fame) and Chengzhi Chu, with Qin Xie.   Part of the “Chinese Breeze” graded Chinese readers book series, it is well suited for Level 2 learners, those who have a solid working knowledge of 500 Chinese characters.

How I benefitted from reading “Green Phoenix” 《清风》

Recently I quickly read several Level 1 books published by “Mandarin Companion” and I found this Level 2 book to be a bit of a challenge for me.  I was frequently using my Pleco app to look up words, or even typing sentences into Google Translate to make certain I got the big idea.

This book is actually an adaptation of a book written by Pu Songling (1640-1715) who lived during the Qing dynasty.   His book 《聊斋志异》（Liáozhāi zhì yì） “Strange Tales” is based on many folk stories and legends from Chinese culture.  With a name like “Strange Tales”, it makes me think he’s the Chinese version of Edgar Allen Poe.

So, with the story of 《清风》I’m getting a simplified version of something that Chinese readers should be familiar with.  That gives the student of the language a deeper insight than just learning new vocabulary and grammar.

Another feature of the story is a vingnette as the plot begins.   There’s a brief account of king 大禹， a king from an old Chinese myth who was believed to found the Xia Dynasty (2070 BC-1600BC).   He is famous for his work in flood control (治水) which benefitted people because he helped make their lives safer.   So, this book throws in a little bit of history(?) for free!

The Big Picture of the Story of “Green Phoenix” 《清风》

The main character of the story,  Gěng Qùbìng, (去病）comes from a wealthy family who owns several houses.   One of these houses was abandoned and drew some attention because doors would inexplicably open and shut.   One day, Geng Qubing decided to see what was happening.

He snuck upstairs to discover talking, singing, and laughter.   He met a family, the Hu family, eating and drinking.  One of the members of the family, a lovely girl named Qīngfèng (清风)  became the focus of Geng Qubing’s attention.  It was love a first sight.

What Geng Qubing didn’t realize is that this entire family were fox spirits; beings that could transform from human form into fox form and vice versa.

At one point in the story, it appeared that  Geng Qubing and Qingfeng were going to develop a deeper friendship, but her father intervened and they disappeared for several years.

One day, Geng Qubing is returning from visiting the family tombs during Tomb Sweeping Day (清明节 －Qīngmíng Jié).  He spotted two white foxes being chased by a large dog.  One fox headed off in one direction.   Geng Qubing chased off the big dog and took pity on the other little tired white fox.

He took the fox home with him and poof!  Long lost Qingfeng appeared.   They were happily reunited and since she was presumed to be dead by her family, and she stayed with Geng Qubing.

Geng Qubing was able to help out her father and restore their relationship, but you’ll have to get the book to find out how.

Features of “Green Phoenix”

The index of this book has a list of key words used in the book.   It also has review questions from each chapter to make certain the reader understands the story.  There is even a vocabulary review section to make certain you retain those key words.

My biggest language weakness is listening comprehension.   The book contains a CD with a fast and slow narration of the story.   I suggest that you listen to it while you are driving or even as you read the book for a second or third time.

I enjoyed reading “Green Phoenix” and if you’re serious about mastering the language of the Middle Kingdom, give this book a try!

“Green Phoenix”, 2nd edition, is more colorfully illustrated than the first.