Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio: A Virtuous Wife, Ya Tou, and a Shared Quest for the Mysteries

After transmigrating to ancient Chu, Zhang Yang worked hard to change his status as a commoner, studying diligently in the hope of passing the imperial examinations. But a wealthy classmate with ulterior motives schemed against him, hoping to destroy his ambition with a beautiful woman.

Zhang Yang sensed something was amiss. He had intended to emulate Liu Xiahui, remaining unmoved by temptation and honing his willpower.

But then a girl entered through the door. Her eyes were alluring, her gaze full of feeling, and her manner graceful and gentle, like a celestial maiden. She bowed and said:

"This humble girl is Yatou. Greetings, young master..."

Zhang Yang said, "Yatou? That's quite an appetizing name."

Yatou said, "Please don't make fun of me, young master. My name uses the character for crow, not the one for duck."

Zhang Yang said, "Yatou? That name sounds familiar."

Yatou asked in surprise, "I have not yet been initiated, and my name is not well known. How did you know it, young master?"

Zhang Yang furrowed his brow in thought, then suddenly realized: Wasn't this Yatou the heroine of the story 'Yatou' in Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio?

There were many virtuous wives in Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, but when it came to bringing good fortune to their husbands, Yatou was surely among the best.

Take Wang Wen, the scholar in the story. He had nothing to his name, but after he successfully eloped with Yatou, she helped him build a thriving merchant business. Master Pu Songling wrote plainly in the original:

"She made shoulder covers and embroidered lotus pouches, earning a surplus every day and enjoying fine food and drink. After more than a year, she could afford to keep a maid and an old servant..."

What's more, Yatou was a fox spirit, with magical powers and access to the path of immortality.

If so, then this kind of "fall from grace" might not be such a bad idea...