耳食錄

A lively anthology of strange and wondrous tales, this work gathers the whispered legends, love intrigues, and uncanny encounters that have lingered in the margins of Chinese folklore for centuries. Its compiler, a keen observer of the world’s hidden corners, presents each story with a blend of scholarly curiosity and vivid storytelling, letting listeners taste the fleeting humor, melancholy, and the occasional chill of the supernatural. The collection feels like a lantern-lit walk through forgotten alleys, where ordinary lives brush against the odd and the mysterious.

The opening story follows a young scholar from a modest family, whose early loss and relentless study lead him into an unexpected marriage proposal. As he navigates the delicate dance of courtship, he encounters enigmatic figures, strange dreams, and hints of an otherworldly presence that blurs the line between reality and legend. The narrative weaves tenderness with an eerie undercurrent, inviting listeners to wonder what lies just beyond the visible world.