1. Cao Xueqin (about May 28, 1715 - about February 12, 1763), named Zhan, named Mengruan, named Xueqin, also named Qinxi, Qinpu, the author of the Chinese classic Dream of the Red Chamber, whose ancestral home is Tieling, Liaoning, was born in Jiangning (today's Nanjing). Cao Xueqin was born in the Zhengbai Banner Baoyi Family of the Qing Dynasty's Interior Ministry. He is the grandson of Cao Yin, the weaver of Jiangning, and the son of Cao Wan.
2. In his early years, Cao Xueqin experienced a rich and elegant life in the Jiangning Weaving Mansion in Nanjing. In the sixth year of Yongzheng's reign (1728), Cao Xueqin's family was found guilty of losing money and was copied. Cao Xueqin moved back to the old house in Beijing with his family.
3. Later, he moved to the western suburbs of Beijing and made a living by selling calligraphy and painting and helping friends. Since then, the Cao family has been in decline. After a major turning point in his life, Cao Xueqin felt deeply the inconstancy of the world and had a clearer and deeper understanding of the feudal society.
4. With indomitable perseverance and many years of hard work, he finally created a great work of great ideological and artistic value - A Dream of Red Mansions
5. In the 27th year of Qianlong's reign (1762), when his youngest son died, he was too sad and distressed to get up in bed. On the New Year's Eve (February 12) of the 28th year of Qianlong's reign (1763), he died of poverty and disease without a doctor.