History novel writer counts anti-graft chief among fans

Writer Ling Jiefang, better known by his pen name February River, has a large number of readers and fans. Among them is Wang Qishan, head of the top anti-graft watchdog.

Ling, 70, a deputy to the National People's Congress, is famous for his novels based on the history of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). He attracted further attention last March when he met Wang during the NPC's annual session.

"I have read his books about Chinese emperors carefully," Wang told NPC deputies when the two spoke. "I know him, more than he knows me."