Strange Stories From A Chinese Studio.

Summary

A wealthy official in Yang Zhou, seeking a concubine, was disappointed until an old woman offered her beautiful daughter for sale. The official paid a significant amount but was shocked to discover that the girl was actually a well-groomed boy. The old woman had orchestrated this deception and vanished by dawn, leaving the official confused and regretful. A visiting scholar learned of the situation and, pleased with the boy, bought him for the same price. The Chronicler Of Odd Histories commented on the value of genuine connections over false illusions, questioning the old woman's motives.

Full content