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On my path to becoming a member in academia, many peo-ple offered important support. I thank Professor Ellis Joffe for his early guidance when I first entered the China studies field. Professor Eric Dey and Professor Sylvia Hurtado offered me important financial support in graduate school. At the National University of Singapore, Professor Wang Gungwu, Professor John Wong, Professor Dali Yang, Professor Ern Ser Tan provided great support. Professor Doh Shin always followed my growth. Professor Christian Welzel offered his invaluable advice. Ms. Ying Yang provided important editorial assistance. Thanks also to Ms. Toni Tan and staff at Cambria Press for their patience and assistance.
It is normal practice to dedicate a book to someone special to the author. Should this book be dedicated to anyone, it would be to my parents. I am ever thankful for their faith in my course and their patience in my effort. Nevertheless, I am not making such a dedication—I know they will be happy with anything I do. I take this step because I hope my work, starting with this book, will serve a higher purpose.
Most educated Chinese know the name Qian Zhongshu (
), and many have read his novel Wei Cheng (
Fortress Besieged) or have seen its TV version. This masterful book, characteristically, does not have a dedication page. The author has a point. Dedication, he says, is like knives released without ever leaving the magician’s hands.