Li Gongzuo

Li Gongzuo (李公佐) (fl. 789-805) was a Chinese writer of the Tang dynasty, best known for his chuanqi tales. Very little is known about his life. He likely came from Longxi (隴西, in modern Gansu province). He served as a secretary in the imperial library, held other minor official posts, and traveled widely.

His most famous work is the chuanqi tale Nanke Taishou Zhuan (南柯太守傳), or "The Governor of the Southern Branch", also sometimes translated as "The Story of the Governor of South River County," or "The Story of the Governor of the Southern Bough". This story recounts the dream of Chun Yufen, who enters an ant kingdom through a locust tree and becomes a governor, only to awaken and find that it was all a dream. This story is credited with the creation of the Chinese idiom "Nanke Yimeng" (南柯一夢), meaning a fleeting dream or illusion of glory.

Other works attributed to Li Gongzuo include Xie Xiao'e Zhuan (謝小娥傳) ("The Story of Xie Xiao'e"), a tale of revenge, and potentially Lushi Zhuan (盧氏傳) ("The Story of Lady Lu"). His stories are characterized by vivid descriptions, intricate plots, and often explore themes of illusion, reality, fate, and moral retribution.