The Name and Reality of the Concept of “Xiaoshuo” in the Ming Dynasty Viewed through Listings

During the Ming Dynasty,the criteria and concepts for recording Xiaoshuo(“小说”) often adhered to many of the traditional theories and studies of Xiaoshuo .Even though a certain number of popular Xiaoshuo works were recorded,the key factors defining Xiaoshuo did not necessarily include narrative and literary qualities,showing significant differences from modern conceptions of Xiaoshuo.On the other hand,contemporary scholars recognize that some works of Xiaoshuo were recorded by Ming scholars in various non-Xiaoshuo categories，demonstrating the intricate interplay between ancient and modern concepts of Xiaoshuo,as well as the discrepancy between name and reality.Statistical analysis of nearly 500 local gazetteer catalogs from the Ming Dynasty indicates that due to their orthodox stance,these gazetteer catalogs did not include a specific category for Xiaoshuo.Even if some Xiaoshuo works were recorded,they were not necessarily classified as Xiaoshuo,but rather as historical texts,philosophical texts,or miscellaneous texts.Therefore,their recording of Xiaoshuo works does not effectively reveal new developments in Ming Dynasty concepts of Xiaoshuo.The most reflective of the era-specific characteristics of Ming Dynasty Xiaoshuo concepts are the critical recordings of Xiaoshuo by figures such as Hu Yinglin,Li Zhi,and Yuan Hongdao outside of official and private book catalogs.It can be observed from these records that popular Xiaoshuo was not despised due to its popular nature.Furthermore,Xiaoshuo was no longer considered a subordinate of the Jingshi Zishu(“经史子书”) but gained recognition in its own right.Even more, due to its outstanding literary qualities,Xiaoshuo could be included in the categories of “excellent literary works” and “talented writers’ works”, thereby elevating the status of Xiaoshuo through the praise of its literary merits.