Original Text
He Shican, styled Zixiao, had his study on the eastern bank of the Tiaoxi River, with a stretch of open wilderness beyond his door. One evening, He happened to step out and saw a woman riding a donkey approach, followed by a young man. The woman was about fifty years old, with a graceful and refined bearing that was quite striking. Looking at the young man, he appeared around fifteen or sixteen, exceedingly handsome, even more beautiful than a maiden. He had always harbored a fondness for male companions, and upon seeing this youth, his soul seemed to flee his body. He stood on tiptoe, watching them until they vanished from sight, and only then did he return. The next day, He waited early at the same spot. As the sun set behind the western hills and dusk deepened, the youth passed by again. He approached with a smiling face, doing his utmost to ingratiate himself, asking where he came from. The youth replied, "I am returning from my maternal grandfather's house." He invited the youth to rest a while in his study, but the youth declined, saying he had no time. He tugged and pulled insistently, and only then did the youth follow him inside. After sitting for a short while, the youth rose to take his leave, and no matter how He tried to detain him, it was to no avail. He then took the youth's hand as he saw him off, earnestly urging him to visit often. The youth nodded in agreement and departed. From that day on, He yearned for the youth with an insatiable longing, spending all his time at the doorway, gazing into the distance without a moment's respite.
One day, as the sun was half-sunk behind the western hills, the youth suddenly arrived. He Sheng was overjoyed and invited the youth into his study, ordering a servant to set out wine. When asked his name, the youth replied, "My surname is Huang, the ninth in birth order, still young and without a given name." He Sheng then inquired, "Why do you pass by here so often?" Ninth Lang said, "My mother resides at my maternal grandfather's home and is often ill, so I frequently visit her." After a few cups of wine, Ninth Lang prepared to leave. He Sheng seized his arm, blocked his way, and begged him to stay, locking the door. Ninth Lang had no choice but to blush deeply and sit down again. They talked by lamplight, and Ninth Lang was as gentle as a maiden; whenever the conversation turned to flirtatious matters, he would fall silent with shame and turn his face to the wall. After a while, He Sheng wished to share a bed with Ninth Lang, but Ninth Lang claimed he slept poorly and was unwilling. Only after He Sheng repeatedly pressed him did Ninth Lang remove his outer robe and lie down in his trousers. He Sheng extinguished the candle, and after some time, shifted over to share the pillow with Ninth Lang, embracing him tightly with one arm around his neck and the other on his thigh, earnestly begging for homosexual relations. Ninth Lang said angrily, "I associated with you because you were a refined scholar, but this behavior is truly beastly!" After a while, the morning stars twinkled and the sky gradually brightened, and Ninth Lang departed straightaway. He Sheng, fearing that Ninth Lang would cut off all contact, still waited for him by the roadside near the gate, pacing back and forth in anxious anticipation, his longing gaze piercing the Northern Dipper.
After several days had passed, Jiulang finally showed his face again. He Sheng joyfully welcomed him, apologized for his previous rudeness, and forcibly pulled him back into the study, where they sat knee to knee, chatting and laughing without cease. He Sheng secretly rejoiced that Jiulang bore no grudge for past offenses. Before long, they once again removed their clothes and shoes and lay down on the bed. He Sheng caressed Jiulang and pleaded for intimacy. Jiulang said, "Your deep and lingering affection is already engraved upon my heart, but since we are so close and without reserve, why must we engage in such acts?" He Sheng coaxed him with sweet words, begging only to touch his skin, and Jiulang consented. When Jiulang fell asleep, He Sheng secretly took liberties with him. Jiulang awoke with a start, threw on his clothes, rose abruptly, and fled away into the night. From that time on, He Sheng grew melancholy and despondent, as if he had lost something precious, reaching a state where he neglected food and sleep, daily growing weaker and more haggard, left only to have his page boy keep watch and inquire after him.
One day, Ninth Lang was passing by He Sheng's gate and intended to walk straight on, but the page boy tugged at his sleeve and led him into the study. When Ninth Lang saw how emaciated He Sheng had become, he was greatly startled and stepped forward to inquire. He Sheng told him the truth, and as he spoke, tears streamed down his face. Ninth Lang said softly, "My original thought was that our love would bring me no benefit and would only harm you, so I was unwilling to proceed. But since you are so fond of me, what have I to begrudge?" He Sheng was overjoyed at this. After Ninth Lang left, He Sheng's illness immediately began to ease, and within a few days, he was completely recovered. Ninth Lang indeed came again, and after they had shared the joys of love, he said, "Today I have yielded to your request under duress; do not take this as a regular practice." Then he added, "I wish to ask a favor of you; would you be willing to exert yourself for me?" When He Sheng asked what it was, he replied, "My mother suffers from heart pain, and only the Innate Elixir of the imperial physician Qi Yewang can cure her. You are acquainted with him, so you can surely obtain it." He Sheng agreed. As Ninth Lang was leaving, he repeated his request. He Sheng then went to the city to procure the medicine and gave it to Ninth Lang that evening. Ninth Lang was overjoyed and raised his hands in thanks. He Sheng wished to be intimate with him again, but Ninth Lang said, "Please do not press me further; I will find you a beautiful woman far superior to me." When He Sheng asked who that might be, Ninth Lang said, "I have a cousin of peerless beauty. If you are interested, I will act as your matchmaker." He Sheng smiled but did not reply. Ninth Lang took the medicine and departed. Three days later, Ninth Lang came again for more medicine. He Sheng reproached him for being so late, his words carrying a tone of blame. Ninth Lang said, "I could not bear to bring calamity upon you, so I sought to distance myself. Since you cannot appreciate my good intentions, I hope you will not regret it." From then on, they met every night without interruption.
Every three days, Ninth Lang would inevitably request a dose of medicine. Physician Qi, puzzled by He Sheng's frequent visits for such a remedy, asked, "This medicine has never required more than three doses to cure an ailment. Why is this patient not recovering after such a long illness?" He then wrapped three doses together and handed them to He Sheng. Turning back, he said to He Sheng, "Your complexion is dim and lackluster—are you ill?" He Sheng replied, "I have no illness." Physician Qi then took He Sheng's pulse and exclaimed in alarm, "You have a ghostly pulse; the malady lies in the Shaoyin meridian. If you are not careful, the danger will be grave." He Sheng returned home and recounted these words to Ninth Lang. Ninth Lang sighed and said, "Truly a skilled physician! I am in fact a fox spirit. If this continues for long, I fear it may bring harm to you." He Sheng suspected he was deceiving him, so he hid the medicine and did not administer it all at once, fearing that Ninth Lang might not return thereafter. Before long, He Sheng indeed fell ill and summoned Physician Qi for treatment. Physician Qi said, "You did not speak the truth before; now your soul's essence has already fled your body. Even a master healer like Qin Huan could do nothing to save you." Ninth Lang came daily to visit and attend to him, saying to He Sheng, "Had you heeded my words from the start, you would not have come to this pass!" Soon after, He Sheng died of his illness, and Ninth Lang departed weeping bitterly.
Previously, there was a Hanlin academician in the county who, in his youth, had been a close schoolmate of He Sheng. At seventeen, he became a Hanlin. At that time, the local official in Shaanxi was greedy and brutal, and because he had bribed court officials, no one dared to expose him. The Hanlin submitted a memorial exposing his crimes, but was instead accused of overstepping his authority and dismissed from office. Later, the Shaanxi official became the governor of that province and spent every day seeking revenge against the Hanlin. The Hanlin, known from youth for his heroic spirit, had once been favored by a rebellious prince. The governor then acquired old letters exchanged between the Hanlin and the prince, using them to threaten the Hanlin. Fearing for his life, the Hanlin committed suicide, and his wife also hanged herself. A day later, the Hanlin suddenly revived, proclaiming, "I am He Zixiao." When questioned, he answered only matters concerning the He family, and thus everyone realized that He Sheng had borrowed the corpse to return to life. Unable to detain him, he fled to He Sheng's home. The governor, suspecting trickery, remained intent on framing him and sent someone to demand a thousand taels of silver. The Hanlin outwardly agreed, but inwardly he was consumed with worry and despair.
Suddenly, a servant announced that Jiu Lang had arrived. The Hanlin scholar, overjoyed, engaged him in conversation, their emotions mingling sorrow and joy. Soon after, he sought to consummate their union. Jiu Lang said, "Do you have three lives to spare?" The Hanlin replied, "I truly regret being alive in this world; living is too burdensome, and death would be more peaceful." He then poured out his grievances. Jiu Lang, hearing this, grew anxious and fell into deep thought. After a moment, he said, "Fortunately, we have met again in the mortal realm. You still have no wife. The cousin I mentioned to you before is intelligent, beautiful, and resourceful; she can surely help share your troubles." The Hanlin wished to meet this cousin. Jiu Lang said, "That is not difficult. Tomorrow, I will fetch her to accompany my mother, and we must pass this way. You should pretend to be my sworn brother, and I will feign thirst and ask for water. If you say, 'The donkey has run away,' that will be our signal." Having settled their plan, Jiu Lang departed.
At noon the next day, Ninth Lang indeed passed by the Hanlin's gate, following behind a young lady. The Hanlin, with clasped hands, engaged Ninth Lang in rambling conversation, stealing a glance at the lady, whose brows were clear and eyes bright, her elegance and beauty truly like that of a celestial maiden. Ninth Lang expressed a desire for tea, so the Hanlin invited them inside. Ninth Lang said to his cousin, "Third Sister, do not take offense; this is my sworn brother, and it is fitting for you to rest here a while." So he helped her down from the donkey, tied the beast at the door, and they all entered the chamber. The Hanlin rose to brew tea, and taking the opportunity, glanced at Ninth Lang and said, "What you spoke of earlier did not fully capture her beauty. To possess her, I would die without regret." Third Sister seemed to overhear that they were discussing her, so she stood up and said in a delicate, soft voice, "Let us go." The Hanlin looked toward the door and said, "The donkey has run off!" Hearing this, Ninth Lang rushed out at once. The Hanlin embraced Third Sister, seeking to consummate the act; her face flushed crimson, she was greatly distressed, like a captive prisoner, crying out "Ninth Brother," but no one answered. She then said to the Hanlin, "You have a wife of your own; why do you thus ruin another's virtue?" The Hanlin claimed he had no wife. Third Sister said, "If you can swear by the mountains and rivers, promising never to abandon me hereafter, then I will submit to your will." The Hanlin swore an oath to heaven, and Third Sister no longer resisted. After the deed was done, Ninth Lang returned. Third Sister angrily reproached him, but Ninth Lang said, "This He Zixiao is a former scholar of renown and now a Hanlin. He is a close friend of mine, a man worthy of trust. Even if your mother were to hear of this, she would surely not blame you." As evening fell, the Hanlin begged Third Sister to stay, not allowing her to leave. Third Sister feared her aunt would scold her, but Ninth Lang stepped forward, willing to bear the responsibility alone, and rode off on the donkey. A few days later, a woman passed by the gate with a maidservant; she was about forty years old, her demeanor and features much like Third Sister's. The Hanlin called Third Sister out to see, and indeed it was her mother. The mother, catching sight of her daughter, asked in surprise, "How is it that you are here?" Third Sister, too ashamed to answer, remained silent. The Hanlin invited her inside, bowed to her, and explained the situation. The mother smiled and said, "Ninth Lang is too childish; why did he not consult with me further?" Third Sister herself went to the kitchen, prepared a meal, and after her mother had eaten, she departed.
The Hanlin academician, having obtained a beautiful wife, was greatly delighted, yet the lingering dark thoughts within his breast often betrayed a worried expression. The third sister asked him what troubled him, and the Hanlin recounted the entire affair from beginning to end in full detail. The third sister smiled and said, "This matter can be resolved by Ninth Brother alone; why should my husband be so anxious?" The Hanlin asked her what she meant. The third sister replied, "I have heard that the governor is deeply addicted to hounds, horses, music, and women, and is also fond of male companionship—all of which are Ninth Brother's special talents. You can cater to his tastes by presenting Ninth Brother to him; thus his resentment will be dispelled, and your vengeance will be achieved." The Hanlin feared that Ninth Brother would not agree. The third sister said, "Just go and beseech him." The next day, when the Hanlin saw Ninth Brother arrive, he prostrated himself on the ground and crawled to greet him. Ninth Brother asked in astonishment, "You and I share a bond across two lifetimes; if there is any need of me, I shall gladly serve, even through fire and water without hesitation. Why do you suddenly treat me with such deference?" The Hanlin then told him of the third sister's scheme, and Ninth Brother's face showed reluctance. The third sister said, "Who was it that caused me to lose my virtue to him? If he should unfortunately die in middle age, what would become of me?" Ninth Brother, seeing no alternative, had no choice but to consent.
The Hanlin academician then consulted with Ninth Lang and sent a letter to Grand Historian Wang, with whom he had always been on good terms, dispatching Ninth Lang to him. Understanding the academician's intent, Grand Historian Wang hosted a grand banquet and invited the provincial governor to attend. He had Ninth Lang disguise himself as a young woman and perform the Heavenly Demon Dance, appearing as beautiful as a maiden. The governor was utterly captivated by Ninth Lang and earnestly begged Grand Historian Wang to sell him at a high price, fearing he might not obtain him. Grand Historian Wang deliberately feigned deep thought to whet his appetite. After hesitating for a long while, he finally revealed the academician's desire to present Ninth Lang to the governor. The governor was overjoyed, and all previous grievances were completely forgiven. From the time he obtained Ninth Lang, the governor kept him by his side at every moment, regarding his dozen or so former concubines as worthless as dirt. Ninth Lang's food and utensils were on par with those of a prince, and he was granted tens of thousands of taels of silver. Half a year later, the governor fell ill. Ninth Lang knew his death was near, so he loaded carts with gold, silver, and silk, took leave on the pretext of a family matter, and returned to the academician's home. Soon after, the governor died. Ninth Lang used the money to build a house, furnish it, and hire servants and maids, settling his mother and maternal uncle's family together with him. When Ninth Lang traveled, his carriage and retinue were splendid, and no one knew he was a fox spirit.
I wrote a humorous verdict and recorded it here as well.
When men and women live together and become husband and wife, it is a crucial aspect of human relations; the differences in moisture and dryness between male and female organs are the natural pathways for the union of yin and yang. Secret romantic trysts are still ridiculed as licentious, and same-sex relations are even more inevitably deemed utterly disgraceful. A man must be robust and strong for the vagina to open to him; the anus is not a proper passage, so how can that thing be mistakenly inserted? Nowadays, some willingly engage in base acts, delighting in them and forgetting to return, abandoning the proper path. Before the clouds and rain have arisen, one should arouse one's wife; but perverting yin and yang, they even collude in treachery within and without. They leave the vagina unused, falsely claiming to be as pure and desireless as a monk; the barren land of the "barbarian cave" allows the one-eyed general to dominate. They tether the red hare at the camp gate, as if about to shoot an arrow at the halberd; they draw the bow at the treasury gate, as if about to storm the pass. Some say a certain student dreamed of an eel burrowing into his buttocks, but in truth it was an old lover visiting the night before; and when Wang Rong sold plums, he would bore out the pits to prevent them from sprouting again. Dressed in armor, riding a great horse, frequently visiting the dark pine forest, one can indeed find temporary peace; but if the tides of the Yellow Dragon Palace suddenly surge, how can they be withstood? One should cut off the root of this piercing mischief and block the passage for coming and going.
Commentary
This story recounts a tale of male homosexual love.
Although Huang Jiulang was a male fox spirit, he had romantic involvements with two men. One was He Zixiao, a scholar from Tiaoxi in Zhejiang, merely an ordinary student of letters. The other was the Governor of Shaanxi, a high-ranking official of the upper echelons. From this, one can glimpse how widespread and flourishing the custom of homosexuality was in those days. In this volume, tales such as "Shang Sanguan," "Male Childbirth" in Volume Eight, "Male Concubine" and "Master Wei" in Volume Eleven, and "Zhou Sheng" in Volume Twelve all reflect from various angles the prevalent fashion of male beauty in that era. "Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio" excels in depicting romantic affairs between men and women, and from this story, it is evident that Pu Songling was equally adept in his portrayal of same-sex love.
In the late Ming and early Qing dynasty vernacular novel "The Nodding Stone," the fourteenth chapter, "Pan Wenzi's Union in the Tomb of Mandarin Ducks," introduces in its prologue the state of male homosexuality in society at that time: "The path of male beauty has existed since ancient times. Among scholars, it is generally termed 'Hanlin breeze and moonlight,' but local dialects vary greatly: in the north, they call it 'stirring the tender shoots'; in the south, 'beating the lotus'; in Huizhou, 'pressing bean curd'; in Jiangxi, 'casting the brazier'; in Ningbo, 'goodness'; in Longyou, 'playing with scallions'; in Cixi, 'sporting with toads'; in Suzhou, 'exhausting the master'; in the 'Great Ming Code,' it is recorded as 'inserting the male organ into another's anus for lewd play.' Though the words differ, the scene is the same." This can serve as background material to be read in conjunction with this tale.