Strange Stories From A Chinese Studio.

Summary

Wang Shi, a humble merchant, is captured by ghostly minions and taken to the underworld to dredge the polluted Nai River. Despite his pleas to return home, he learns that the new King Yama punishes salt smugglers harshly. After enduring grueling labor, Wang Shi awakens to find he has returned to life, but his body is severely damaged. The story highlights the injustices faced by the poor and how corrupt officials exploit the law to target them while turning a blind eye to greater crimes. The narrative critiques the treatment of salt merchants and the systemic corruption that leaves good citizens suffering.

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