Strange Tales from Liaozhai (a Chinese Studio): Lian Cheng tells a poignant love story between the talented scholar Qiao and the wealthy maiden Lian Cheng. Though Lian Cheng admires Qiao’s brilliance, her father, Shi Xiaolian, rejects their union due to Qiao’s poverty, instead betrothing her to Wang Huacheng, son of a rich salt merchant.
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.
In Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio(Liaozhai): Lian Suo, scholar Yang Yuwei moves to a residence by the banks of the Sishui River. His study faces desolate wilderness. One night, by dim candlelight, he hears a mournful poem whispered in a woman’s voice.
“Huang Jiulang” from Liaozhai Zhiyi(Strange Tales from Liaozhai) recounts the tale of He Zixiao, a scholar from Zhejiang with an attraction to men.