Tian Qilang

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Tian Qilang is a short story by Pu Songling, first published in 1740 in Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio. It tells of Wu Chengxiu, a man who longs for a loyal friend, and his unlikely bond with Tian Qilang, a young hunter who lives with his mother in a shabby cottage.

Wu tries to befriend Tian. He offers gold, buys some animal hides, and urges Tian to stay with him, but Tian refuses; his mother fears trouble for her son. Tian later brings Wu a perfect tiger hide and feels he’s done Wu wrong by selling inferior hides. Wu then tries to host Tian, even changing his ragged clothes to look nicer. In return, Tian sends Wu meat regularly but never visits Wu’s home.

Things take a darker turn when Tian is found guilty of manslaughter against another hunter. Wu supports Tian’s family and uses his influence to help him get released after about a month. Tian’s mother reminds him that Wu saved his life and that he owes him a debt.

Soon after, a servant of Wu commits a crime and hides with Wu’s brother, the Censor’s, who becomes furious. Tian learns of the rogue servant, hunts him down, and the servant is found dead in the woods. In retaliation, the Censor’s brother has Wu’s uncle beaten to death, and Tian flees.

In court, a woodcutter (who is actually Tian in disguise) arrives and beheads the Censor’s brother. The magistrate tries to escape, but Tian is surrounded and dies by suicide. A strange turn follows: Tian’s body seems to come back to life and destroys the magistrate.

Tian’s mother and his son flee. Wu holds a grand funeral for Tian. Tian’s son changes his name to Tong, grows up to become a high-ranking military official, and later returns with Wu to Tian’s grave. The story ends with a reflection on loyalty, heroism, and the idea that a true friend is worth more than money or status.

Tian Qilang is praised as a heroic example of the saying that a gentleman dies for the one who knows him. The tale draws on classic stories of loyalty and revenge, and it has influenced later plays, films, and television.