東京夢華錄   By: Yuanlao Meng (fl. 1126-1147)

"東京夢華錄" by Yuanlao Meng is a fascinating novel that transports readers to the vibrant and bustling city of Tokyo. The author's vivid descriptions paint a vivid picture of the city, immersing readers in its sights, sounds, and culture. The story follows the lives of several characters as they navigate the complexities of modern urban life, grappling with love, loss, and ambition. Meng's writing is lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into the emotional landscape of his characters. The novel offers a unique and insightful glimpse into the lives of Tokyo residents, exploring themes of identity, family, and the pursuit of one's dreams. Overall, "東京夢華錄" is a deeply moving and thought-provoking read that will linger in readers' minds long after they have turned the final page.

First Page:

東都外城 東都外城，方圓四十餘里。城壕曰護龍河，闊十餘丈，濠之內外，皆植楊柳，粉牆朱戶 ，禁人往來。城門皆甕城三層，屈曲開門，唯南薰門、新鄭門、新宋門、封丘門皆直門 兩重，蓋此係四正門，皆留御路故也。新城南壁，其門有三：正南門曰南薰門；城南一 邊，東南則陳州門，傍有蔡河水門；西南則戴樓門，傍亦有蔡河水門。蔡河正名惠民河 ，為通蔡州故也。東城一邊，其門有四：東南曰東水門，乃汴河下流水門也，其門跨河 ，有鐵裹窗門，遇夜如閘垂下水面，兩岸各有門通人行路，出拐子城，夾岸百餘丈；次 則曰新宋門；次曰新曹門；又次曰東北水門，乃五丈河之水門也。西城一邊，其門有四 ：從南曰新鄭門；次曰西水門，汴河上水門也；次曰萬勝門；又次曰固子門；又次曰西 北水門，乃金水河水門也。北城一邊，其門有四：從東曰陳橋門；（乃大遼人使驛路） ；次曰封丘門（北郊御路）；次曰新酸棗門；次曰衛州門（諸門名皆俗呼。其正名如西 水門曰利澤，鄭門本順天門，固子門本金耀門）。新城每百步設馬面、戰棚，密置女頭 ，旦暮修整，望之聳然... Continue reading book >>