Cao Xueqin

Cao Xueqin was a Qing Dynasty Chinese writer born in 1715 or 1724 and died in 1763 or 1764.

He is renowned as the author of Dream of the Red Chamber, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.

Cao's given name was Zhan Cao, and his courtesy name was Mengruan, meaning "Dream about Ruan" or "Dream of Ruan." His masterpiece, Dream of the Red Chamber, is semi-autobiographical, reflecting elements of Cao's own life and the decline of his family's fortunes.

The novel's intricate portrayal of Qing Dynasty society and its exploration of human nature have cemented Cao's place as one of China's greatest literary figures.