Strange Stories From A Chinese Studio.

Summary

In Shaanxi, Liu Gong, a magistrate, receives a Kitsu tree from a Taoist priest as a birthday gift for his daughter. The girl cherishes the tree, which flourishes and bears fruit before the family moves away. Years later, she marries Zhuang, who becomes magistrate and discovers the tree has thrived. However, after three fruitful years, it withers when Zhuang is dismissed. This leads to speculation about the tree's connection to the girl, suggesting that its fruiting symbolizes gratitude and its decline reflects sorrow, highlighting the deep emotional bonds between beings and objects.

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