The Medicine Merchants of the Realm/天下药商 [Chinese]

By 新华书店北美网

The Medicine Merchants of the Realm is a full-length historical novel centered on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Set against the grand backdrop of the late Ming and early Qing dynasties-a time marked by frequent natural disasters, rampant plagues, and prolonged warfare-the novel takes as its theme the development of TCM in Zhangshu (ancient Linjiang Prefecture), Jiangxi Province, known as the "Chinese Capital of Medicine." The story follows Hou Ji Ren Pharmacy, a medicine shop guided by the ancient principles of benevolence, justice, and healing the world. Through free clinics, winter coat distributions, well-digging, and fuel donations, the small pharmacy gradually grows into a century-old establishment with branches spread across the land. The novel profoundly illustrates the traditional role of TCM in saving lives and benefiting society, while also showcasing the spirit and character of TCM practitioners in the Chinese capital of medicine throughout history-their courage to innovate, sense of proportion, unyielding perseverance, and commitment to win-win cooperation. At the same time, the narrative skillfully weaves in depictions of the region's world-famous traditional handcrafted medicine-making processes, highlighting the beauty of Chinese medicinal materials. Faithful portrayals of local customs and folk traditions further promote traditional culture. Although set against a grand historical era, the novel focuses on ordinary people as its protagonists, creating vivid, full-bodied characters with flesh and blood. It reveals the remarkable qualities of TCM practitioners: resilience, drive, a healing spirit, and a commitment to the greater good. With a clear theme, a tightly woven yet dramatically compelling plot, fluent and polished language that seamlessly integrates narrative, description, and emotion, and masterful, vivid character portrayals, the book achieves a grand, heroic sweep while remaining exquisitely detailed and lively. It is a powerful work of literature that captures the profound depth and life-saving, world-healing traditions of traditional Chinese medicine. 《天下药商》是一部以中医药为主题的长篇历史小说。该书以"中国药都"江西樟树（古临江府）的中医药发展为主题，以明末清初天灾频发、瘟疫肆虐、战乱绵延的局势为大时代背景，讲述了以仁义、济世为古训的药铺侯济仁栈，设义诊、施寒衣、修水井、助柴薪......一步步从小药铺发展为百年老店，并且分号遍布天下的故事。深刻展示了中医救人、济世的传统，也展现了中国药都历史上的中医人勇于创新、进退有度、百折不挠、合作共赢的精神和风貌。同时巧妙穿插展现当地闻名于世的传统手工制药过程，突显了中药材之美，另有民风民俗的还原性刻画，大力弘扬了传统文化。作品以大时代为背景，却以小人物为主角，塑造了一个个有血有肉、立体丰满的人物形象，展现了中医人的坚韧、奋发、救人、济世的卓越品质。该书主题鲜明、故事环环相扣又跌宕起伏，语言流畅、练达、叙事写景容情，人物刻画精妙传神，整体气势恢宏又细腻生动，是一部用文学的形式，展现中医药文化的博大精深和济世救人的传统精神的力作。

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: Chinese
• ISBN: 7539677546
• ISBN13: 9787539677545
• Release Date: January 2023
• Publisher: China National Publications Import & Export C
• Length: 728 Pages
• Weight: 3.87 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.1" x 6.7" x 9.6"