Xiaoshuo and Elements of Its Literary Style

Chinese narrative literature has a time-honored tradition. As early as the Warring States Period (475–221 BCE), there were Discourses of the States (Guoyu) and Intrigues of the Warring States ( 战国策) (Zhanguo ce) in the documentary style as well as Zuo Commentary ( 左传) (Zuozhuan), which is so ingenious in its recording of events and depictions of people.