Classical Fiction · LT605

Qing Tales of Wonder

Sophisticated literary ghost stories and allegories satirizing society.

5works

1dynasties

1authors

Qing

1636–19125 works
  1. Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio · Nie XiaoqianPu SonglingNing Caichen was magnanimous and incorruptible, spotless in moral purity. Xiaoqian sighed: 'I have encountered countless men, yet none is pure as unyielding gold like you!' With swordsman Yan Chixia's magic sword pouch, they slew the demon, redeeming Xiaoqian to return to human life as his virtuous wife.
  2. Strange Tales · The Taoist of Mount LaoPu SonglingScholar Wang aspired to the Dao, ascending Mount Lao to study immortality, but unable to bear the toil of cutting firewood, he begged only for the art of walking through walls before returning home. Boasting to his wife, he charged headlong into the solid wall, falling backward with a swelling lump like an egg on his brow. The Chronicler sighs: 'How foolish is the vain charlatan!'
  3. Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio · Painted SkinPu SonglingHe beheld a hideous demon with green face and jagged teeth like saws, spreading human skin upon the bed and painting it with colored brushes; throwing down the brush, it shook the skin like robes and donned it, instantly transforming into a fair maiden. The Chronicler remarks: 'How foolish are mortals, mistaking obvious demonic evil for alluring beauty!'
  4. Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio · YingningPu SonglingYingning laughed enchantingly without ceasing, holding plum blossoms and laughing: 'This young man's eyes burn bright as a thief!' The Chronicler remarks: 'Beholding her innocent laughter, where under Heaven could one find such an exquisite speaking blossom!'
  5. Strange Tales · Xi Fangping's Quest for JusticePu SonglingXi Fangping endured the fiery bed and being sawn in half, his body split in two, yet remained unbroken through searing agony. When the underworld judge sneered: 'Dare you file suit again?' he gasped: 'Until great injustice is avenged, my beating heart dies not, and I shall sue to the end!' Ultimately the Sovereign of Heaven punished the corrupt officials and vindicated justice.