“Huang Jiulang” from Liaozhai Zhiyi(Strange Tales from Liaozhai) recounts the tale of He Zixiao, a scholar from Zhejiang with an attraction to men.
One evening, he encounters an elderly woman on a donkey and Huang Jiulang, a beautiful 15-year-old youth. Scholar He becomes infatuated with Huang, and after repeated interactions, they develop an intimate relationship.
After an encounter, Huang criticizes the scholar’s behavior but forgives him. Needing He’s help to buy medicine for his ailing mother, Huang maintains their bond. Later, to protect He’s health, Huang suggests He marry his female cousin. However, soon after, scholar He falls ill and dies.
Scholar He later reincarnates into the corpse of a recently deceased historian but faces persecution from the historian’s enemies. Upon learning of He’s return, Huang visits him. When scholar He proposes intimacy again, Huang refuses and reiterates the marriage arrangement. They devise a plan and scholar He successfully marries Huang’s cousin.
To save scholar from persecution, the cousin proposes that Huang seduce the corrupt official (scholar’s enemy) using his allure. Huang disguises himself as a woman, dances at a banquet, and is bought by the official as a concubine. Six months later, the official dies of excessive indulgence, freeing scholar He from threat.
Finally, Huang returns with the official’s wealth to the scholar and his cousin. The fox family joins them, living in prosperity.
Allegorical Analysis
The Power and Peril of Desire:
Scholar He’s obsession with Huang illustrates desire’s dual nature — bringing both joy and suffering. Unchecked passion leads to health crises and social turmoil.
Morality Beyond Labels:
Though a fox spirit (traditionally “evil”), Huang repeatedly aids the scholar, proving “good and evil are not absolute.” His actions challenge supernatural stereotypes.
Wisdom Over Confrontation:
Huang outwits the corrupt official through strategy and disguise, showcasing how intellect triumphs over brute force.
Supernatural as Social Critique:
Blending human struggles (corruption, persecution) with fox spirits reflects traditional literature’s use of fantasy to expose real-world injustices.
Moral Caution:
He’s suffering — death, rebirth, and persecution — serves as a warning: unbridled desire invites destruction.
In essence, Huang Jiulang transcends a same-sex romance, exploring desire, redemption, and the cunning required to navigate a corrupt world.
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