“Dream of the Red Chamber,” also known as “The Story of the Stone,” is a Chinese classic novel written by Cao Xueqin during the 18th century Qing Dynasty. It is considered one of the greatest works of Chinese literature and is often referred to as a pinnacle of Chinese fiction. The novel revolves around the lives of the Jia family, whose declining fortunes mirror the decline of the Qing Dynasty itself. Set against the backdrop of a wealthy aristocratic family, the story explores themes of love, morality, societal norms, and the transient nature of life and wealth.