systemic corruption

  • Chivalry and tragic heroism in “Tian Qilang”

    “Tian Qilang” is a classic tale from Pu Songling’s Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio (Liaozhai Zhiyi), exploring themes of loyalty, gratitude, and social injustice through the relationship between the impoverished hunter Tian Qilang and the aristocrat Wu Chengxiu.

  • Rotten Sleeve

    A corrupt official wanted to show that he was pure and honest. So, before assuming office, he took an oath in public, saying, “If my right hand accepts bribes, let it fester; if my left hand accepts bribes, let it fester, too.”

  • Which was the more handsome?

    Lord Zou Ji of the state of Qi was six feet tall and a fine figure of a man. One morning he dressed himself smartly, and studied himself in the mirror.