Original text and translation of "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio: King Liulang"
Introduction: "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio", referred to as "Liao Zhai", commonly known as "Ghost Fox" "Biography" is a collection of short stories written by Pu Songling, a famous novelist in the Qing Dynasty of China. Below is the original text and translation of "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio" that I brought to you. I hope it will be helpful to you.
Original text
The surname Xu comes from Beiguo, Zizi [1], and is engaged in fishing. Every night, why not bring wine with you, drink and fish. If you drink it, you will be in trouble [2], Zhuyun [3]:? The ghost drowned in the river will drink. ? Take it for granted. Others have fished, but have caught nothing, and only promised to have a full basket. One night, while Fang was drinking alone, a young man came and wandered beside him. Let him drink, and drink together with emotion. Since I didn't catch a fish all night, I was quite disappointed. The young man stood up and said: "Please go to the lower reaches and drive them away for you [4]." ? Then he went away. After a while, he came back and said, "The fish has arrived." ?The result is that there is a sound [5]. He lifted the net and got several heads, all of which were more than a foot long. I am very happy and thank you[6].
When he wanted to return, he gave him a fish as a gift, but he refused. If you don’t give it up, you should think it has long ears[8]. ?Xu said: ?How can I say it again and again? If I am willing to look forward to it forever, I sincerely wish to do it; but I am ashamed that I have no sympathy. When asked about his surname, he said: "The surname is Wang, which has no character [9]. When you meet him, you can call him Wang Liulang." ? Then farewell. Tomorrow, I will buy fish and sell wine[10]. When we arrived at the river bank[11] late in the evening, the young man was already there, so we had a drink with him. After drinking several cups, I often drive fish for Xu.
It’s been like this for half a year. Suddenly he told Xu: "I know Qingyang [12], my love goes beyond flesh and blood." But it’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other again. ?The words are very sad. Asked in surprise. When he was about to speak, he stopped and said: "We are in such good love, so don't be surprised if you say it. We are about to say goodbye now, so you might as well tell me clearly: I am really a ghost." He was addicted to alcohol and drowned to death. He had been here for several years. The former king caught fish that was better than others, and all his servants secretly drove him away to repay him. Tomorrow, when the karma is completed[13], there will be a successor who will be reincarnated. We only get together tonight, so we can’t be indifferent. ?Xu was horrified when he first heard about it; but after having been intimate for a long time, he was no longer frightened. Because he also thought about it, he said: "Liu Lang drinks this, don't feel sad." When we meet unexpectedly, we are sad and sad, but our karma is full of calamities [14]. It is appropriate to congratulate each other, but it is unethical to be sad [15]. ?So they had a drink. Because he asked: "Who is the representative?" He said: "Brother looked at it from the riverside. Pavilion Wu [16], there was a woman crossing the river and drowned. This is the case." ?Listen to the village chickens singing, and say goodbye with tears in your eyes. Tomorrow, I will wait by the river to take a look at its differences. Suppose a woman came with a baby in her arms and fell into the river. The child was thrown onto the shore [17], raised his hands and feet and cried. The woman was ups and downs many times, and suddenly she climbed the bank to get out in the shower. She borrowed the ground for a short rest, and walked away with her son in her arms. When a woman drowns, her conscience cannot bear it and she wants to save her, but then she thinks that she is Liu Lang's replacement, so she stops and does not save her. When the woman comes out, she doubts her words. Arrive at dusk and fish in the old place. The young man came back and said, "Now we are together again, and we don't want to say goodbye." ?Ask why. Said: "The girl has already taken over. The servant took pity on the baby in her arms and took the place of her younger brother. As a result, she lost two lives, so she gave it up." I don’t know when it will be updated. Maybe the relationship between the two of us is not over yet? Xu sighed and said: "The heart of this kind man can reach God." ?Since then we have reunited as before. A few days later, I came to say goodbye again. It is suspected that there will be another generation. Said: ?No. The previous thought of compassion[18] reached the emperor's heaven. The land is now granted to Wu Town in Zhaoyuan County [19], and he will take up his post in Japan. If you don't forget your old friend, you should go explore it and don't be afraid of repairing obstacles [20]. ?Xu He said: ?Your integrity is a god, which is very comforting to people's hearts. But if there is a road between humans and gods, don't worry about repairing the obstacles. What will happen? The young man said: "Just go, don't worry." ?Leave after repeated warnings.
Xu Gui wants to go eastward. The wife smiled and said: "A few hundred miles away, there is a place. I'm afraid the earth will not be able to speak [21]." ?Xu refused to listen and actually arrived at Zhaoyuan. When I asked about the people who lived there, I found Wu Zhen. After finding the place, he stopped his journey and asked where the temple was. The host was surprised and said, "No guest's surname is Xu." Xu said, "Yes." How do you know? He also said: "The city of Wu Ke is Zi?" He said: "Of course." How do you know? The master didn't answer and rushed out. Suddenly, the husband was holding his son, and the daughter-in-law peeked at the door, and they came in a crowd, like a wall. Xu Yi was surprised. The crowd then told: "A few nights ago, the dream god said: Xu friends from Zichuan will come immediately and can help with the ax [23]." It has been a long time coming [24]. Xu Yiyi was surprised, so he went to offer sacrifices in the temple and said: "Farewell to the queen, I will not let go of my heart [25], and I will keep my promise far away." I was also told in a dream that I was pregnant with the seal characters [26]. As expected, there is no shameless food [27], only wine [28]; if you don’t give it up, you should be like drinking on the river. ?After congratulations, burn money and paper.
After I saw the wind taking its seat, it started to rotate and then dispersed. The young man in Night Dream comes, well-dressed, very different from usual. Xie said: "Advisor Yuanlao [29], I am happy and weeping." But I hold a small position, it is inconvenient to meet, and the mountains and rivers are so close [30], I feel very sad. If you live in a small country, you will be given a gift, and it will be a good reward [31]. If you are due to return home, you should go and see him off. ?Stay here for a few days and hope to return. Everyone is attentive, inviting guests in the morning and evening, and counting the masters every day. Xu Jian resigned and wanted to go. The crowd gathered together to fold the cassocks and hold the blankets[32], and competed to bring the gifts[33]. They did not end the dynasty[34], but gave away the remaining things. The Cangtou children gathered together[35], and Zu sent them out of the village[36]. There was a wind blowing from a sheep's horn [37], which followed him for more than ten miles. Xu Zaibei said: "Liu Lang, take care of me! Don't bother to travel far." A king's heart is benevolent and kind, and he can benefit one side without any need for advice from old friends. ?The wind lingers for a long time and then goes away. The villagers also returned in surprise. After Xu returned home, his family was a little rich, so he stopped fishing. Later, when someone from Zhaoyuan asked about it, his response was like a ringing cloud [38]. Or: it is Zhangqiu Shikeng Village. Unknown which one is. Yishi said: "When you are in the blue clouds [39], you never forget your poverty and lowliness. This is why you are so spiritual." Today, Guijie in the car [40], would you rather meet Dai Li again [41]? There are people in the woods in Yuxiang [42], and their families are poor [43]. There are Tongzhijiao [44] and Ren Feizhi [45]. Those who make plans must look at each other. I tried my best to prepare my clothes and traveled thousands of miles, but I was disappointed. I only managed to return home after I had to empty my bag and ride on [46]. The younger brother of his tribe was very humorous and mocked him as follows: "It's the same month, my brother has arrived, the marten hat is untied, the umbrella canopy is not open, the horse turns into a donkey, and the boots start to make no sound [47]." ?Reading this can make you smile. ?
Notes
[1] Zi Zhi Bei Guo: refers to the northern suburbs of Zichuan County. Zi, Zichuan County, now belongs to Zibo City, Shandong Province. Guo,
Outer city, here refers to the suburbs of the city. The word "river" below should refer to the Xiaofu River flowing through Zichuan.
[2] 酹(l?i雷)地: Pour wine on the ground to offer sacrifices to ghosts and gods. What is said below, "酹典", has the same meaning.
[3]Wish: Pray.
[4]Downstream: the lower reaches of the river.
[5]唼呷(z?xiā偝 shrimp): the sound of fish swallowing food.
[6] Shen Xie: Thank you. Shen, statement, expression.
[7] Tao (tāo Tao): a humble word expressing acceptance.
[8] Consider yourself a leader: it means you will often drive fish away for him. To be, to be. Long, usually.
[9] word: table word. In ancient times, a man was given a name when he was young, and when he was about twenty years old, he was crowned with another name. "Book of Rites Tan Gong Shang": "Young name, crown character," Zhou Daoye. ?
[10]Yigu Wine: Buy more wine. Benefit, increase. Sell, buy.
[11] River stem: river bank. "Poetry, Wei Feng, Cutting Sandalwood": "The river is dry." ?Qian, Yaan.
[12] Qingyang: The praise of a person’s appearance is still rich and colorful. "Poetry? Won Feng? Gentlemen grow old together": "The clearness of the son is the result of his elegant appearance." ?Zhu Xi's note: ?Qing means clear vision; Yang means eyebrows are wide; Yan means full forehead. ?
[13] Karma is full: Buddhist saying means that karma has been full. Karma, karma, means that good and evil deeds will be repaid accordingly. This refers to bad karma, which is offset by suffering and doing good deeds, which means the karma is fulfilled. [14] Calamity escape: Calamity is difficult to escape. Jie, the abbreviation of Sanskrit transliteration "Jie Bo". Buddhism has different explanations for "tribulation"; most people use it to refer to a destined disaster that is difficult to escape.
[15] Unethical: It is unreasonable to be happy and sad at the same time.
[16] Tingwu, noon, noon.
[17] Er was thrown on the shore: According to the twenty-four volumes of manuscripts, there was no original word "上".
[18] A thought of compassion: a little sympathy. Compassion, sympathy, pity. "Mencius Gongsun Chou": When people today see a child about to fall into a well, they all feel a sense of fear and compassion. ?
[19] Land of Wu Town, Zhaoyuan County: Zhaoyuan County, now part of Shandong Province. Wu Zhen, the name of the village.
Land, the god of land, was called "the god of society" in ancient times. "Popular Collection of Gods and Ghosts": Nowadays, all social gods call upon the land. ?In old customs, villagers worship the land god and pray for good harvests.
[20] Don’t be afraid (dāndan) to repair obstacles: Don’t be afraid that the road will be long and difficult. Afraid, afraid. If you repair obstacles, the road will be long and difficult.
[21] Soil puppet: Clay statue of a god.
[22] Stop traveling and stay in a hotel. To rest one's shoulders, to put down the burden on one's shoulders, means to stop. On the reverse side of the journey, the place where guests are welcomed and stopped is the inn. To go against, to welcome.
[23] Capital: travel expenses. "Book of Changes": Wherever you go, you will find your resources. ?
[24] Only Hou: Gong Hou.
[25] I still miss you day and night. 夤, when you wake up; 椤, when you fall asleep. "Poetry, Zhou Nan, Guan Ju": "A graceful lady, I long for her."
[26] Feelings of gratitude: Keep the gratitude in your heart. Seal, engraving. center.
[27] 腆 (tiān fill): a generous gift. Shy, rich.
[28]卮wine: wine one 卮. Zhi, a wine vessel, with a capacity of four liters.
[29] Consultant: Come and visit in person.
[30] The rivers and mountains are so close: they are so close, as if they are separated by rivers and mountains.
[31] Su (s? Su) is good, old friend; refers to the good relationship in the past.
[32] Fold the card and hold the gift: holding the gift card and hugging the gift. Cambodia, generally simple. Zhijian, that is, a piece of paper broken into half, means a note, used to write etiquette notes. Then he cut the paper and wrote a letter. This refers to cutting paper. 襆, baggage, refers to the package of letters.
[33] Zhizhen (j?n出): send off and give gifts. "Mencius: Gongsun Chouxia": "Those who travel must pay their dues." ?Zhang, giving gifts of property to those who travel.
[34] Bu Zhongchao (zhāo move): Not even a morning. Morning.
[35] Cang Tou: This refers to the old man.
[36] Zushuang: farewell farewell. Ancestors, names, sacrifices to road gods before traveling. "Poetry Daya Han Yi": The Marquis of Han was born in Tu. Show your father a farewell meal and have a hundred pots of clear wine. ?It is extended to a farewell toast.
[37] Horned Wind: Cyclone. "Zhuangzi Xiaoyaoyou": "The person who flies up to the ram's horn is ninety thousand miles away." ?Superstitious belief is that ghosts and gods travel in whirlwinds, which means Rokuro is seeing him off invisibly.
[38] Ling Ying Ru Xiang: It means very efficacious and responsive to all requests. Ring, respond, echo.
[39] Being in the blue clouds: This refers to Wang Liulang’s promotion to the god of the land. "Historical Records: Biography of Fan Ju and Cai Ze": "Xu Jia suddenly mentioned the crime of death for the first time, saying: "Jia did not expect that you could reach the top of the blue clouds by yourself. ?Qingyun refers to the high sky, metaphorically referring to the display of high-ranking officials.
[40]Guisuke: A big shot with a noble status. "Zuo Zhuan: The Twenty-Sixth Year of Duke Xiang": "The prince surrounds the noble king and introduces his younger brother." ?Introduction, big.
[41] Dai Li people: refers to old friends who made friends when they were poor and humble. Dai Li refers to a person in a poor and humble position. Zhou Chu's "Records of Fengtu": Yue is a simple person, and when he first makes friends with others, he is polite. He seals the earth altar, sacrifices dogs and chickens, and wishes: "Although you are riding in the car, I will wear a hat. When you get off the car the day after tomorrow, I will bow to you: I will walk." You are riding in the car, and I will meet you tomorrow.
[42] Linxia people: refers to people who live in the countryside and are not official.
[43] Qi (qīqi) poverty: very poor. Qi, very.
[44] Tongzhijiao: Friends made in childhood.
[45] Fat rank: Fat lack. Rank used to refer to the official's salary, but also to the rank of the official.
[46] Riding a horse (j? Send): Empty your wallet and sell your mount. Bag refers to the money bag.
[47]? Make a monthly order? Seven sentences: Monthly order, the title of the "Book of Rites", describes the seasonal orders, administration and related things in the twelve lunar months of each year. The writing style of "Yue Ling" is imitated here, and the ridiculous experience of this forest man is written in a humorous and satirical way. ?The mink hat is unfastened and the umbrella canopy is not open? means feeling ashamed and depressed and no longer showing off. "The horse turned into a donkey", indicating that Panchuan was not enough, so he had to sell the horse and replace it with a donkey to ride back. "The boots began to close up", and from then on, they stopped going out to pray with their boots on.
Translation
There is a man named Xu who lives in the north of Zichuan County and makes a living by fishing. He always takes wine to the river every evening, drinking and fishing at the same time. And before drinking, they always pour a cup as a memorial and pray: "Drowning ghosts in the river, please come and have a drink!" This becomes normal. Others tend to catch very little fish, but he catches baskets full of fish every day.
One evening, Xu was just drinking alone when he saw a young man walking around and walking around him. Xu asked him to drink with him, but the young man did not refuse, and the two started drinking together. That night, Xu was unable to catch even a single fish, which made Xu very frustrated. The young man stood up and bowed and said: "I will go downstream to catch fish for you." ?After that, he walked drifting downstream. After a while, the boy came back and said: "A large school of fish is coming!" Sure enough, I heard the sound of many fish eating bait. Xu then cast a net and caught more than ten large fish in one net. He was very happy and deeply grateful to the young man. The young man wanted to leave, so he promised to give him a fish, but the young man refused, and said: "I drink your good wine many times, how can I say thank you for such a small thing? If you don't mind the trouble, I will come to you often." ?Xu said: ?We only met for one night, how can we say so many times? You came to help me as you wished, which I couldn't ask for, but how can I repay your kindness? So I asked the boy his name. The young man said: My surname is Wang. I don’t have a given name. When you meet me, just call me Wang Liulang. ?After that, he said goodbye and left.
The next day, Xu sold the fish and bought some more wine. That night, when Xu came to the river, Liulang was already waiting, and the two of them drank happily. After drinking a few drinks, Liulang caught fish for Xu. So half a year passed. One day, Rokuro suddenly said to Xu: "You and I know each other and we are brothers, but we are about to be separated." ?It’s very sad to say. Xu was very surprised and asked Liulang why he was like this. Liulang thought about it again and again before saying: "Since you and I are as close as brothers, you don't have to be surprised when I say it." Now that we are about to say goodbye, you might as well tell the truth: I am actually a ghost. I drank too much during my lifetime and died of drowning after being drunk for several years. In the past, the reason why you caught more fish than others was because I secretly helped you catch them as a reward for the libation. Tomorrow my time limit has expired, someone will replace me, and I will be reborn in the human world. It is only tonight that you and I can get together, so I can't be calm. ?Xu was very scared at first after hearing this. However, after being together for a long time, he no longer felt scared, but became sad instead. So, he poured a full glass of wine, held it in his hand and said: "Mukuro, I offer you this glass of wine! I hope you don't feel sad after drinking it." Although it is very sad that you and I can no longer see each other, you have escaped the disaster and I should congratulate you. Instead of being sad, you should be happy!? So the two of them continued to drink. Xu asked Liulang: "Who will replace me?" Liulang said: "Brother, you can wait in the shade by the river tomorrow. At noon, a woman crossed the river and drowned. She is the person who will replace me." ?When the two heard the crow of village chickens, they parted in tears.
The next day, Xu secretly watched by the river to see what would happen. At noon, a woman with a baby in her arms fell into the water when she reached the river. The baby was thrown on the shore, raising his hands and kicking his feet and crying. The woman floated up and down several times, and finally climbed onto the river bank dripping with water. After sitting on the ground to rest for a while, she picked up the baby and left.
When Xu saw the woman falling into the water, he couldn't bear it and wanted to save her. However, he gave up the idea of ??saving her when he thought that this was Rokuro's stand-in. . When he saw that the woman had not drowned, he suspected that what Liu Lang said was ridiculous.
That night, Xu went to the same place to fish, but Liulang was already there, saying: "Now we are together again, but we can't talk about separation for now." Xu asked Liu Lang what happened during the day, and Liu Lang said: "Originally, that woman was for me, but I pitied the baby in her arms and couldn't bear to hurt two people's lives just for myself." Therefore, I decided to give up this opportunity, but I don't know when there will be another substitute. Maybe it's because our fate is not over yet.
?Xu said with emotion: ?Your kind heart can always move God. ?From then on, the two of them continued drinking and fishing.
A few days later, Liu Lang came to say goodbye to Xu again, and Xu thought there was another person to replace Liu Lang. Liulang said: "No, my kindness before was really moved by God, so he recruited me to be the land of Wu Town, Zhaoyuan County." I'm going to take up my post tomorrow. If you don't forget our friendship, don't worry about the long journey and go to Zhaoyuan to see me. ?Xu congratulated him and said: ?My good brother behaved uprightly and became a god. I am very pleased. But there is a long distance between man and God. Even if I am not afraid of the long journey, how can I see you? Liulang said: Just go, don't worry. ?Leave after repeated instructions.
When Xu returned home, he had to pack up and go east to Zhaoyuan. His wife smiled and said: "Even if we go hundreds of miles, even if there is this place, I'm afraid I won't be able to talk to a clay idol." ?Xu refused to listen and went to Zhaoyuan. Asking local residents, it turns out there is a Wu town. When he found Wu Zhen, he checked into an inn and asked the owner where the Tutu Temple was. The owner said in surprise: "Could the guest's surname be Xu?" Xu said: "Yes, but how do you know?" The owner asked again: "Could the guest be from Zichuan?" Xu said: "Yes, but how did you know that?" Know? The shop owner didn't answer and walked out quickly. After a while, I saw the husband holding the baby, the eldest daughter and the young daughter-in-law peeking outside the door. People from the village came one after another to look at Xu, like a wall surrounding him. Xu was even more surprised. Everyone told him: "A few nights ago, I dreamed that a man of God came to tell me: A man named Xu from Zichuan is coming here and he can provide some assistance." So I have been waiting here for a long time. ?Xu was very surprised, so he went to the Tutu Temple to worship Liulang and prayed: ?Since I separated from you, I have kept it in my heart in my sleep. For this reason, I came all the way to keep the appointment in the past. I asked you to tell the people in the village in a dream, and I am very grateful. I am ashamed that I have no big gift to give, only a thin glass of wine. If you don’t mind it, I should drink it together like we did by the river in the past. ?After praying, I burned some paper money. Immediately, I saw a whirlwind rising from behind the throne, spinning for a long time before dissipating.
That night, Xu dreamed that Rokuro arrived, well-dressed, very different from the past. Liulang thanked him and said, "Thank you for coming all the way to visit me. It makes me happy and sad at the same time." But now that I have a job, it is inconvenient for me to meet you. You are so close, but you feel like you are far away, and I feel very sad in my heart. People in the village have meager gifts to give to each other, so I can repay my old friends on my behalf. When you go back, I will come to see you off. ?
Xu stayed for a few days and planned to go home. Everyone tried hard to persuade him to stay, and took turns to be the host every morning and evening to give Xu a farewell party. Xu said goodbye resolutely, and the people in the village rushed to send him many gifts to enrich his luggage. Within a day, bags were filled with gifts, and men, women, old and young gathered to enter and leave the village. Suddenly a whirlwind blew up and followed Xu for more than ten miles. Xu bowed to the whirlwind and said: "Liu Lang takes it very seriously, don't send it away far away." If you have benevolence in your heart, you will naturally be able to benefit the people of your area. You don't need any advice from your old friend. ?The whirlwind circled for a long time before leaving. The people in the village also sighed and returned.
Xu returned home and his family was a little better off, so he stopped fishing. Later, I met people from Zhaoyuan and asked them about the situation of the land. It was said that it was as effective as the legend and it was famous far and near. ;