Original Text
Huo Huan, styled Kuangjiu, was a native of Shanxi. His father had once served as a county magistrate but died early. Huo Huan was the youngest son, exceptionally intelligent. At the age of eleven, he passed the imperial examination and entered the county school, earning the title of child prodigy. His mother doted on him excessively, forbidding him to leave the house, so that at thirteen he still could not distinguish between uncles, nephews, or maternal relatives. In the same village lived a man named Wu, a judge who delighted in the Way of Daoism and had entered the mountains to cultivate immortality, never returning home. He had a daughter named Qing'e, fourteen years old, of extraordinary beauty. As a child, Qing'e had secretly read her father's Daoist texts and admired the conduct of the Immortal He Xiangu. After her father retreated into the mountains, she resolved never to marry, and her mother could do nothing to change her mind. One day, Huo Huan happened to see Qing'e outside his gate. Though young and ignorant, he felt an intense fondness for her, though he could not express it. Returning home, he told his mother directly, asking her to send a matchmaker to propose. Huo's mother knew this was impossible and was greatly troubled, leaving Huo Huan deeply dejected. Fearing to thwart her son's wishes, she entrusted someone acquainted with the Wu family to tentatively broach the matter, but it was indeed refused. Huo Huan could think of nothing else, yet he could devise no plan.
One day, a Taoist priest happened to arrive at the gate, holding a small spade in his hand, barely over a foot in length. Huo Huan borrowed the spade to examine it and asked, "What is this spade used for?" The priest replied, "This is a tool for digging herbs; though small, it can cut through hard stone." Huo Huan did not believe him. The priest then used the spade to dig at the stone on the wall, and the stone crumbled like rotted matter, falling away at the touch. Huo Huan was greatly astonished, fondling the spade with such delight that he could not bear to let it go. The priest smiled and said, "Since you, young master, take such pleasure in it, I shall give it to you." Huo Huan was overjoyed and offered money in thanks, but the priest declined and departed. Huo Huan took the spade home and tested it on bricks and stones several times, each time cutting through them with ease. Suddenly, it occurred to him that if he used the spade to bore a hole through the wall, he could see Qing'e, though he did not realize that such an act was unlawful.
After the night watch had been sounded, Huo Huan leaped over the wall and left his home, making his way directly to the Wu family's outer gate. He broke through two walls before reaching the main courtyard. Seeing a light still burning in a small side chamber, he crouched down to peer inside and observed Qing'e removing her evening makeup. Shortly thereafter, the lamp was extinguished, and all fell silent without a sound. Huo Huan passed through the wall into the room, where Qing'e had already fallen asleep. Gently removing his shoes, he quietly climbed onto the bed, fearing that if he startled Qing'e awake, he would face scolding and expulsion. Thus, he crept softly and lay down beside Qing'e's quilt, faintly catching the fragrance of her body, and his heart's desire was fulfilled. But having been busy for half the night, he was utterly weary, and no sooner had he closed his eyes than he fell asleep without realizing it. When Qing'e awoke, she heard the sound of breathing and, opening her eyes, saw light streaming in through a hole in the wall. Startled, she quickly rose, secretly unlatched the door bolt, and slipped out of the room. She tapped on the window to rouse a serving woman, and together they came with a lamp and a club into Qing'e's chamber. There they saw a youth with two topknots sleeping soundly on Qing'e's bed. Upon closer inspection, they recognized him as Huo Huan. They shook him awake, and he sat up with a start, his eyes bright and piercing, glancing around at each person without much fear, though somewhat embarrassed, and he spoke not a word. The crowd cursed him as a thief and shouted harshly at him. Then he wept and said, "I am no thief; truly, it is because I adore the young lady and wished to draw near to her." The crowd suspected that breaking through several walls was no feat for a mere child. Huo Huan produced the small spade and explained its miraculous nature. They tested it on the spot and were astonished, deeming it a gift from the immortals. The crowd wished to report the matter to the lady of the house, but Qing'e lowered her head in thought, as if she did not consent. Perceiving her intent, the crowd said, "This boy's character, learning, and family standing are in no way a disgrace to our household. It would be better to let him go and have him send a matchmaker to propose marriage. At dawn, we can tell the old lady that there was a thief—what say you?" Qing'e made no reply. The crowd urged Huo Huan to leave quickly. He asked for his spade. The crowd laughed and said, "Silly boy! You still won't forget to take your weapon?" Huo Huan secretly glanced at the pillow, where a phoenix hairpin lay, and he slipped it into his sleeve. A young maid saw this and quickly told Qing'e, who neither spoke nor grew angry. An old serving woman patted Huo Huan's neck and said, "Don't call him a simpleton; his heart is sharp as a needle." Then she dragged him out through the hole in the wall.
When Huo Huan returned home, he dared not tell his mother the truth, only begged her to send a matchmaker once more to the Wu family to propose marriage. Huo's mother, unable to bear refusing him outright, reluctantly engaged several matchmakers to find another suitable bride for him as quickly as possible. When Qing'e learned of this, she grew deeply anxious and secretly sent a trusted servant to convey her feelings to Huo's mother. Huo's mother was overjoyed and immediately dispatched a matchmaker to propose. At this time, a young maidservant in the Wu household leaked the events of that night, and Lady Wu, feeling deeply insulted, became furious. The matchmaker's arrival only inflamed her anger further; leaning on her staff, she cursed Huo Huan vehemently, even including his mother in her abuse. The terrified matchmaker fled back and recounted the scene. Huo's mother, also angered, said, "I knew nothing of this unworthy son's deeds. But why such insolent abuse? When they lay together, why not slay both the wanton boy and the shameless girl?" From then on, whenever she met any relative of the Wu family, she would recount the tale. When Qing'e heard of this, she was mortified nearly to death. Lady Wu, too, was filled with regret, yet she could not stop Huo's mother from speaking. Qing'e secretly sent someone to gently explain the truth to Huo's mother, swearing that she would marry no other, her words filled with sorrow and earnestness. Huo's mother was moved and ceased her gossip, but the matter of the marriage proposal was set aside and never mentioned again.
At this time, it happened that Lord Ou of Shaanxi came to serve as the county magistrate, and upon seeing Huo Huan's writings, he held him in high regard, frequently summoning him to the yamen and treating him with utmost favor and kindness. One day, Lord Ou asked Huo Huan, "Have you married?" Huo Huan replied, "Not yet." Lord Ou then inquired further into the reasons, and Huo Huan answered, "Formerly, I was betrothed to the daughter of the former Vice Judge Wu, but due to some minor misunderstandings, the matter was delayed." Lord Ou asked, "Are you still willing?" Huo Huan was too embarrassed to reply. Lord Ou smiled and said, "I shall arrange this matter for you." He then commissioned the county constable and the instructor to deliver betrothal gifts to the Wu family. Lady Wu was overjoyed, and the marriage was settled. After a year, Qing'e was brought into the household. Upon entering, Qing'e cast the small spade to the ground and said, "This is a thief's tool; take it away!" Huo Huan smiled and replied, "Do not forget the matchmaker," and he kept it close to him at all times, treasuring it without parting.
Qing'e was gentle and kind by nature, taciturn and reserved; each day, aside from greeting her mother-in-law thrice at morning, noon, and evening, she would shut herself in her chamber and sit in stillness, paying little heed to household affairs. Yet if her mother-in-law went to visit relatives or friends for weddings or funerals, Qing'e would take charge of everything, managing each matter with perfect order. After a year or more, she bore a son named Mengxian, but she entrusted all care of the child to wet nurses and servants, showing no particular fondness for him. Another four or five years passed, when suddenly she said to Huo Huan: "Our bond of loving union has now lasted eight years. But now the days of parting are long, and the days of meeting are short—what is to be done?" Huo Huan, startled, asked what she meant, but Qing'e fell silent again. She adorned herself carefully, paid her respects to her mother-in-law, and returned to her own room. Huo Huan pursued her inside to question her, only to find her lying supine on the bed, already breathless. Mother and son were overcome with grief, and they purchased a fine coffin to bury Qing'e.
Mother Huo, advanced in years and frail in health, whenever she held her grandson would think of her daughter-in-law, her grief piercing her heart and liver until she fell ill and took to her bed, unable to rise. She had no desire for food, only wishing to drink a little fish broth, yet there were no fish nearby, and none could be obtained except from a distance of a hundred li. At that time, all the servants and horses had been sent away on errands; Huo Heng, being filial by nature and unable to bear delay, took money and set out alone, traveling day and night without rest. On his return, as he passed through the mountains, the sun had already sunk in the west, and his feet were so blistered and lame that he could scarcely drag himself forward a few paces. Presently an old man approached and asked, "Your feet are likely blistered, are they not?" Huo Heng assented repeatedly. The old man then bade him sit by the roadside, struck flint to kindle a fire, wrapped some medicinal powder in paper, lit it, and fumigated Huo Heng's feet. After the fumigation, he told him to try walking; not only was there no pain, but his steps became even more vigorous. Huo Heng thanked him profusely. The old man asked, "What urgent matter drives you so?" Huo Heng told him of his mother's illness and recounted the whole story from beginning to end. The old man inquired, "Why do you not take another wife?" Huo Heng replied, "I have found no suitable one." The old man pointed to a mountain village in the distance and said, "There is a fine girl here; if you can come with me, I will act as your matchmaker." Huo Heng said his mother was ill and awaiting the fish, so he had no time for the moment. The old man clasped his hands in farewell, urging him to come later to the mountain village and simply ask for Old Wang; then he took his leave and departed. Huo Heng returned home, prepared the fish for his mother, who ate a little, and after a few days recovered from her illness. Thereupon Huo Heng took a servant and rode out on horseback to seek the old man.
Huo Huan arrived at the place where he had parted with the old man, but could not find the village he sought. He wandered and searched for a long while, as the setting sun gradually descended westward. The valley was rugged and complex, and he could see no distant landmarks, so he and his servant split up to climb the mountain, hoping to find a hamlet. But the mountain paths were steep and uneven, unfit for riding, so they had to proceed on foot, and by then the twilight had already shrouded everything. Huo Huan walked with small steps, gazing all around, yet still could not locate any village. Just as he was about to descend the mountain, he lost his way again, and his heart grew agitated as if burning with fire. While searching for a path among the wild grass, in the darkness he fell from a sheer cliff. Fortunately, a few feet below the precipice there was a protruding stone ledge, and he landed upon it. The ledge was barely enough to hold him, and when he looked down, the depth was unfathomable. Huo Huan was terrified and dared not move a muscle. He was further relieved that the edge of the cliff was covered with small trees, which shielded his body like a railing. After a while, Huo Huan noticed a small cave opening near his feet. Secretly delighted, he leaned his back against the rock wall and wriggled into the cave like a grub. Only then did his heart settle, and he hoped for dawn so he could call for help. Before long, he saw a faint light deep within the cave. Step by step, he moved toward the brightness, and after walking about three or four li, he suddenly came upon a dwelling. There were no lamps or candles, yet it was as bright as day. A beautiful woman emerged from the room, and Huo Huan saw that it was Qing'e. When Qing'e saw Huo Huan, she exclaimed in surprise, "How could my lord have come here?" Huo Huan, without a word, seized her sleeve and sobbed mournfully. Qing'e urged him to stop crying and asked about his mother and son. Huo Huan told her of the family's hardships, and Qing'e was deeply grieved. Huo Huan asked, "You have been dead for over a year now; is this perhaps the underworld?" Qing'e replied, "This is not the underworld, but a fairy realm. I was never dead; what was buried was merely a bamboo staff. That my lord has come today is also due to immortal destiny." With that, she led him to see her father. A long-bearded old man sat in the room, and Huo Huan quickly stepped forward to pay his respects. Qing'e said, "Huo Lang has arrived." The old man rose in surprise, took Huo Huan's hand, and exchanged a few pleasantries, saying, "It is excellent that my son-in-law has come; you should stay here." Huo Huan said that his mother was waiting at home and he could not linger long. The old man replied, "I know this as well. But what harm is there in delaying three or four days?" So he set out wine and dishes to entertain Huo Huan and ordered a maidservant to prepare a bed in the western chamber, spread with brocade quilts. After the meal, Huo Huan returned to the room and urged Qing'e to share his bed. Qing'e refused, saying, "What place is this, to allow such frivolous behavior?" Huo Huan grasped her arm and would not let go. Outside the window, the maidservants giggled, and Qing'e grew even more ashamed. As they were struggling, the old man entered and scolded, "You mortal wretch have defiled my grotto! Leave at once!" Huo Huan, always proud, felt deeply humiliated and changed his expression, saying, "The affections between man and woman are unavoidable; how can an elder spy and interfere? It is not difficult for you to send me away, but you must let your daughter come with me." The old man had no reply and called for his daughter to follow. He opened the back door to see them out, but once Huo Huan was tricked outside, the father and daughter shut the door and went back inside. Huo Huan turned around and saw only steep cliffs and sheer walls, without even a crack. He stood alone, not knowing where to go. Gazing at the sky, the slanting moon hung high, and the stars were sparse. Huo Huan was despondent for a long time, his sorrow turning to anger. He shouted loudly at the cliff, but no one answered. In a fury, he drew a small spade from his waist and began to chisel at the rock wall, advancing as he cursed. Soon he had dug in three or four feet, and faintly heard someone say, "What a wicked fate!" Huo Huan dug even more fiercely. Suddenly, two doors opened at the bottom of the cliff, and the old man pushed Qing'e out, saying, "Go! Go!" The cliff then closed again. Qing'e complained, "Since you love me and took me as your wife, how could you treat my father this way? What old Daoist gave you this weapon, to torment people to death?" Huo Huan, having regained Qing'e, was fully content and did not argue further. He only worried about the difficult and perilous road home. Qing'e broke off two branches, and each rode one; the branches immediately turned into horses, and they galloped along, reaching home in no time. By then, Huo Huan had been missing for seven days.
At first, after Huo Huan became separated from his servant, the servant could not find Huo Huan and returned home to inform Huo's mother. Huo's mother sent people to search throughout the mountains, but there was not a single trace. Just as she was anxious and distressed, she heard that her son had returned on his own, and joyfully went out to welcome him. When she looked up and saw Qing'e, she was nearly frightened to death. Huo Huan briefly recounted the circumstances, and his mother became even more delighted. Qing'e, fearing that her unusual appearance might arouse suspicion, requested that they move, and Huo's mother agreed. It happened that they had another residence in a different prefecture, so they chose an auspicious day and moved away, and no one knew of it. They lived together for another eighteen years, and had a daughter, who was married to a man of the Li family in the same county. Later, Huo's mother passed away. Qing'e said to Huo Huan, "In our family's thatched field, a pheasant has laid eight eggs; this land is suitable for burying your mother. You and your son may escort the coffin back for burial. Our son has grown up and should remain there to guard the grave, and need not return." Huo Huan followed his wife's words, and after burying his mother, he returned alone. After more than a month, their son Mengxian came back to visit his parents, but found neither at home. When he asked the old servant, the servant said, "They went to bury the old lady and have not yet returned." Mengxian knew in his heart that the matter was strange, and could only heave a long sigh.
Meng Xian was an excellent writer and quite famous, but his success in the imperial examinations was not smooth, and by the age of forty he had still not passed. Later, he participated in the Shuntian Prefecture provincial examination as a tribute student by special selection, and encountered a fellow candidate in the same examination cell, about seventeen or eighteen years old, with a spirited and elegant demeanor. Meng Xian took a liking to him. Looking at his examination paper, it noted that he was a stipend student of Shuntian Prefecture named Huo Zhongxian. Meng Xian widened his eyes in surprise and told him his own name. Huo Zhongxian also found it strange and asked Meng Xian where he was from, and Meng Xian told him everything. Zhongxian said joyfully, "When I was entering the capital, my father instructed me that if I met someone named Huo from Shanxi in the examination hall, we would be of the same clan, and I should treat him warmly. Now it has indeed come to pass. But why are our names so similar?" Meng Xian then asked about Zhongxian's great-grandfather, grandfather, father, and mother's names, and after hearing them, he exclaimed in shock, "These are my parents!" Zhongxian doubted the age discrepancy, but Meng Xian said, "Our parents are both immortals; how can one judge their age by their appearance?" Then he recounted the past events, and only then did Zhongxian believe him. After the examination, without resting, the two brothers rode home together in a carriage. Just as they reached the gate, a servant came forward to report that last night the master and mistress had disappeared without a trace. The two were greatly alarmed. Zhongxian entered the house to ask his wife, who said, "Last night we were still drinking together, and Mother said, 'You young couple are inexperienced in affairs. Tomorrow when your elder brother arrives, I will be at ease.' In the morning, when I went into Mother's room, she was already gone." Upon hearing this, the two brothers stamped their feet in grief. Zhongxian intended to go in pursuit, but Meng Xian considered it futile and so they did not search. In this examination, Zhongxian passed as a provincial graduate. Because the ancestral graves were all in Shanxi, he followed his elder brother back to Shanxi. They still hoped that their parents were alive in the world, so they inquired everywhere, but ultimately found no trace.
The Chronicler of the Strange remarks: To bore through a wall and enter a chamber, lying down beside a young lady—this man was indeed too infatuated; to chisel open a wall and curse his father-in-law—his conduct was also too reckless. The immortals brought them together as husband and wife, only to grant them eternal youth as a reward for their filial piety. Since they had already mingled among mortals, married and borne children, what harm would there be in dwelling there forever? Yet within thirty years, they repeatedly abandoned their own offspring—what was the reason for this? How exceedingly strange!
Commentary
Although this tale is titled after Qing'e, she does possess some shining aspects of character, such as being "gentle, virtuous, and taciturn." When she discovered Huo Huan entering her embroidered bed, she "neither spoke nor grew angry." After marrying Huo Huan, "upon entering the household, she cast the spade to the ground, saying, 'This is a thief's tool—take it away!'" In daily life, she "kept the door closed and sat in silence, not paying much heed to household affairs." Yet the character who stands out with far greater vividness is the male protagonist, Huo Huan. The tale describes him as "exceptionally clever and surpassing others," so that "at eleven years of age, he entered the county school as a child prodigy." His mother, overly protective, forbade him from leaving the courtyard, and thus "at thirteen, he still could not distinguish between uncles, aunts, nephews, or grandsons." After obtaining a small spade from a Taoist, he dug through a wall into Qing'e's boudoir and lay down on her embroidered bed. When discovered, "his eyes sparkled like shooting stars, showing little fear, but he merely blushed and spoke not a word." The crowd "pointed at him as a thief and scolded him harshly. Only then did he shed tears and say, 'I am no thief; truly, it is because I love this young lady, and wished to draw near her fragrant presence.'" Later, when his father-in-law detained Qing'e and would not let her return with him, "he drew the spade from his waist, chiseled at the stone wall to advance, and as he chiseled, he cursed." This is likely the first time in Chinese literature that the temperament of a gifted youth, isolated from society, was depicted—and such brilliant portrayal stems from the observations of Pu Songling, who long engaged in educational work.
The latter half of this tale seems somewhat hastily and abruptly written, drawing considerable criticism. Feng Zhenluan, a commentator on Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, remarked: "When I first read this in my youth, I immediately felt that this passage contained a flaw in the narrative. How did Zhongxian suddenly appear? Earlier, both parents had vanished, and the funeral journey had not yet concluded, nor was there any foreshadowing. Could it be that Kuang Jiu and Qing'e suddenly arrived together in Shuntian, had a son, and named him Zhongxian? Without prior hints, this addition becomes superfluous, lacking emotional resonance. There is a technique of hidden writing in literature, but this is not an example of it. Even if the events are not real, they must be pieced together with reason."