It doesn’t matter.
The TV series said that Ji Xiaolan and He Shen had a battle of wits and courage, and then discovered the book "A Dream of Red Mansions". Actually that's not true. Ji Xiaolan is 26 years older than He Shen. At that time, He Shen was the editor-in-chief of "Sikuquanshu" and Ji Xiaolan was the deputy editor-in-chief and his direct subordinate.
According to historical records and research by Red Mansologists, "A Dream of Red Mansions" was called "The Story of the Stone" at the time and was a banned book.
He Shen went to pay his respects to the Queen Mother every day, and each time he only told her a story from "Dream of Red Mansions". The Queen Mother listened more and more to her liking, and thought it was a good book, so she asked He Shen to bring the book. , He Shen had no choice but to say awkwardly, this book cannot be taken out because it is a banned book.
As a result, the filial Emperor Qianlong certainly could not oppose the Queen Mother's opinion. During the Qianlong period, "Dream of Red Mansions" was finally published publicly, allowing "Dream of Red Mansions" to be preserved.
He Shen served as Minister of the Lifan Yuan in 1780 and was responsible for the diplomatic affairs of the Qing government. He had received envoys from North Korea, Britain, Annan, Siam, Burma, Ryukyu and Nanzhang. minister.
Especially during the Qianlong period, the diplomatic affairs between Britain and the Qing government were almost entirely handled by Heshen. With his wit and language talent, he accomplished the diplomatic affairs brilliantly.
Extended information:
In the Qing Dynasty, the literary inquisition was very serious. Even the poems left by masters like Li Bai were changed a lot by Ji Xiaolan. It can be seen that the literary inquisition in the Qing Dynasty was serious. How serious.
The situation of "A Dream of Red Mansions" was also very dangerous at that time. Emperor Qianlong revised the so-called "Sikuquanshu" and banned as many as 3,100 kinds of books, more than 150,000 volumes. The Red Mansions criticized the society at that time and were almost banned.
He Shen happened to be the main person in charge of the "Sikuquanshu". He knew that this was a shocking masterpiece, so he did everything possible to preserve it.
He Shen not only found a way to preserve it, but also found two literati, Cheng Weiyuan and Gao E, to rename "The Story of the Stone" to "A Dream of Red Mansions" and collected some remaining manuscripts of the last 30 chapters of Cao Xueqin's work. , carried out detailed repairs, and was finally published by Wuying Palace, truly preserving "A Dream of Red Mansions".
Although He Shen was relatively greedy throughout his life, he was eventually sentenced to death by Jiaqing. But He Shen is not without merit. This man is definitely not confused in major matters. Otherwise, Qianlong would not have used him. Moreover, "Dream of Red Mansions" can be spread in the world, thanks to the protection, collection and arrangement of He Shen, a famous minister of the Qing Dynasty.
Baidu Encyclopedia-Ji Yun
Baidu Encyclopedia-Dream of Red Mansions
Baidu Encyclopedia-He Shen (historical figure of the Qing Dynasty)