Tsao hsueh chin biography of christopher

Chinese novelist and poet (1710–1765)

In this Chinese name, the family name is Cao.

Cao Xueqin ([tsʰǎʊ ɕɥètɕʰǐn]tsow sh'weh-chin; 4 April 1710 – 10 June 1765^[a][1][2][3]) was a Chinese novelist and poet during the Qing dynasty.

He is best known as the author of Dream of the Red Chamber, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. His given name was Cao Zhan (曹霑) and his courtesy name was Mengruan.

Family

Cao Xueqin was born to a Han Chinese clan^[4] that was brought into personal service (as booi aha or bondservants of Cigu Niru) to the Manchu royalty in the late 1610s.^[5] His ancestors distinguished themselves through military service in the Plain White Banner of the Eight Banners and subsequently held posts as officials which brought both prestige and wealth.^[6]

After the Plain White Banner was put under the direct