平妖傳

A historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds during the Song Dynasty and revolves around the life of a prosperous merchant named 胡員外 (Hu Yuanwai) and his wife, who are desperate for a child. Their fortune takes a dramatic turn after an encounter with a mysterious painting that reportedly brings supernatural abilities, intertwining themes of fate, wealth, and the mystical. The opening portion introduces 胡員外, a wealthy man who, despite his riches, is troubled by and desires offspring. To resolve this, he and his wife visit a shrine to pray for a child and soon receive a magical painting from a mysterious stranger. This painting not only captivates Hu but is said to invoke the appearance of a beautiful spirit at night. As the narrative unfolds, tensions rise when Hu’s wife discovers him with the spirit, leading her to burn the painting in a fit of rage, setting off a chain of events that drastically change their fortunes. The story introduces themes of desperation, desire, and the consequences of one's actions, establishing a foundation for the magical and mystical explorations that follow.