子不語

A collection of Chinese tales written in the 18th century. The work encompasses a series of supernatural anecdotes that intertwine the themes of the paranormal with moral lessons. The stories often feature a mixture of human emotions and the consequences of one's actions, all portrayed through a lens of fantastical and strange occurrences. At the start of ''子不語,'' the author introduces the philosophical underpinning of the tales, emphasizing a focus on the unexplained and the spectral elements of existence. The narrative opens with a brief preface that discusses the role of the supernatural in human affairs, hinting at the characters' interactions with ghosts and spirits. The first story features a wealthy official who dies young, examining the profound impact of his premature death on his loyal servant and concubines, along with a mysterious Taoist who promises to resurrect him at a grave cost. This blend of moral reflection and fantasy sets the tone for the subsequent anecdotes, which explore various encounters with the supernatural, revealing deeper truths about human nature and responsibility.