Strange Stories From A Chinese Studio.

Summary

In Baoding, a student aiming for a county magistrate position falls ill but receives a visit from Gong Sun Xia, who offers financial assistance. The student hesitates but eventually follows the guest's advice, leading to an encounter with the Emperor. During this meeting, the Emperor criticizes his poor writing and orders punishment for selling ranks, resulting in the student's humiliation and injury. He later learns of his concubine A Lian's death and laments her loss as he recovers from his wounds. The narrative reflects on the disparity between those with power and the common folk, highlighting the consequences of ambition and the harsh realities of life and death.

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