Decoding the Dream of the Red Chamber

Unveiling the veil of Dream of the Red Chamber. What emerges are two historical events: first, Cao Xueqin and others poisoning Emperor Yongzheng, occurring on the day after the new empress's birthday; second, Emperor Qianlong exterminating the Cao family, happening on the Lantern Festival of the 13th year of Qianlong's reign. The Lantern Festival mentioned in the first chapter of Dream of the Red Chamber does not refer to Yongzheng's confiscation of property, but to Qianlong's atrocity. Cao Xueqin narrowly escaped and took refuge in a temple. The author hides all details of historical events within Dream of the Red Chamber, and we will explain chapter by chapter.