Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio

Author: Pu Songling
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2003-01-01
Features: A family achieves fame, but in order to fool the officials, their beloved son dies tragically. After his death, the son transforms into a cricket, becomes invincible, and is later presented to the emperor, leading to a sudden rise in wealth for the family. (Story of the Cricket) Ye Sheng, "whose writings and eloquence surpassed his time," failed the examinations repeatedly and died in frustration. After his death, his ghost took human form and taught his life's studies to Gongzi Ding, who then passed every examination and became the second-ranked scholar. (Story of Ye Sheng) The son of Wang Taichang, Yuanfeng, was mentally retarded. The fox spirit Xiaocui was beautiful and intelligent. To repay an debt, she willingly married him. Xiaocui devised a plan to rid the Wang family of a curse and cured Yuanfeng's illness. However, Wang's family dismissed Xiaocui in a petty manner. Yuanfeng then married another woman who bore a striking resemblance to Xiaocui. (Story of Xiaocui) A female ghost used a skin as a mask to transform into a beautiful woman. Wang Sheng was bewitched and eventually had his heart and liver eaten by her. Fortunately, Wang's wife sought help from a Taoist and an extraordinary person, who banished the ghost and saved Wang from death. (Story of the Skin-Slapping Ghost) This book is composed of a series of such fascinating stories.