A Clarification on the Historical Issues within the Book...

I see some people have brought up the issue of currency.

Emmmm...

It is probably better to explain.

Xiao Mo looked up the information and knows that the currency used during the Shang Dynasty seemed to be seashells. That was the Bronze Age, and pieces like the Simuwu Ding are representative works of that time, with weapons also being made of bronze...

However, this book is a xianxia novel of Gods and Devils, not a true historical novel.

The genres of novels are divided into realistic and fantastical.

Undoubtedly, what Xiao Mo is writing is the latter; the stories within are basically fictional, and fiction means it is not real.

Investiture of the Gods was written in the Ming Dynasty, and since gold, silver, and copper coins were in circulation then, the author wrote them in, even though the Shang Dynasty did not actually have these.

As for why the author wrote it that way, Xiao Mo dares to guess that the intention might have been to make it easier for readers at the time to understand the story, rather than to teach everyone historical knowledge.

Everyone reads novels for the sake of the story, not with the mindset of studying history, right? Otherwise, wouldn't reading a history book be more formal and educational than reading a novel?

Xiao Mo writing this way carries the same meaning: to make it easier for everyone to understand and read. There is really no need to get serious with me about historical knowledge in a xianxia novel.

Although I check materials before writing, it is inevitable that there will be some historical errors and omissions, and I can only hope that those who know better will be understanding.

Furthermore, there are some issues that are truly unavoidable, because if they were changed, the story could not be written.

Take currency, for example!

In the original text, the currency used is copper coins, gold, and silver. When Jiang Ziya tells fortunes for others, or when King Wen divines, they toss copper coins. If I were to change that to seashells...

Would they have to toss a few seashells like children when divining?

You can imagine that scene—don't you think it would be quite comical?

Of course, if there are inaccuracies in the book or if you have any suggestions, you are welcome to leave a comment in the review section. As long as it is not mindless flaming or abuse, Xiao Mo will definitely correct errors and carefully consider suggestions.