“The Willow Scholar” is a symbolic short story from Strange Tales from Liaozhai. Blending myth, fable, and social concern, it explores the relationship between humans, nature, and spirits through the resolution of a locust plague.
Once I saw a man travelling on foot at Lvliang. He saw a boat, and offered the boat-owner fifty coins to take him to Pengmen.
The Zhen bird (a mythical poisonous bird)) met a venomous snake on the road and advanced to peck at it.
Wukong comforted the two elders and said: “There’s no need to be sad. Gladly would I trade my life for that of your son. This will allow your family name to endure for generations and generations. I am willing to be offered to that Great King you have spoken of.”
The pilgrims resumed their usual life of travelers—walking by day, resting by night, drinking when thirst overtook them, and eating when hunger struck.