Strange Stories From A Chinese Studio.

Summary

In the Wanli era, Licheng's magistrate, Meng Chenghuang, summoned eight Human Books, marking and burning their names in a temple, leading to their deaths by nightfall. Nearby, at a tavern, the Zao Li conversed with a servant about guests. Upon realizing the Person Of had died, Zao Li entered the temple, finding a wine bottle untouched. However, upon checking his money, he found only ashes. The magistrate ordered likenesses of the deceased to be created, mandating that all servants pay their respects, with the threat of punishment for noncompliance.

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