The father is kind to his children. The children are filial to their parents. Elder brothers cherish younger brothers, who in tum respect their elder brothers. Even if such conduct reaches the acme of perfection, it is no more than what ought to be done; it is not a matter of gratitude.
In Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio – Liaozhai: Bai Yuyu, the gifted scholar Wu Qing’an (also named Wu Jun) attracts attention in his youth for literary talent. A court historian promises his daughter’s marriage if Wu succeeds in imperial exams. After failing the county-level examination, Wu perseveres in studies.
Strange Tales from Liaozhai Studio’s “Chopping the Python” (Hacking the Boa) recounts the ordeal of two Hu brothers in remote mountains.