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Strange Stories From Liao Zhai Season 2

Liao Zhai Zhi Yi, also known as Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, is a compilation of close to five hundred predominantly supernatural stories that were released in the early Qing Dynasty. This 36 episode series focuses on six of these tales.

At the age of 8, Kang Xi became emperor after Shun Zhi decided to become a monk due to the passing of his favorite concubine. With the assistance of Grand Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuang, Kang Xi successfully navigated a challenging power struggle against Ao Bai and eventually established his own control over the nation. Over the course of his 61-year reign, the longest in Chinese history, Kang Xi defeated rebellious former Ming generals Wu Sangui, Shang Kexi, and Geng Jinmao, incorporated Taiwan into the empire, and emerged victorious over Ge ErDan, leading to a period of unparalleled growth and prosperity in the country.

Li Wei, a young county magistrate who lacked formal education, rose to prominence as one of the key officials in the Qing dynasty of the 18th century.

"Liao Zhai Zhi Yi", also known as "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio", is a compilation of around five hundred mostly supernatural stories that were published in the early Qing Dynasty. In the selection "Liao Zhai Qi Nv Zi", four stories are featured, narrating the lives of some exquisite and extraordinary women. In "Lian Cheng", two rival families in a town had daughters named Lian Cheng and Bin Niang, who took their rivalry to the extreme when they both fell in love with the same man, Qiao Sheng. They fought fiercely for his affections, even beyond death. Yet, they eventually realized that true love was not about possession and were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for each other. In "Xin Shi Si Niang", a beautiful fox demon named Xin Shi Si Niang found joy in aiding others and sought spiritual enlightenment to escape the typical fate of fox demons. However, her encounter with Feng Sheng changed her destiny. "Huan Niang" tells the story of upper-class lady Zhao Huan Niang and talented stage actor Wen Ru Chun, who believed the only way to be together was through a joint suicide. Only Huan Niang perished, returning as a ghost to discover the truth. Lastly, in "Xia Nv", Xu Mu E disguises herself as a boy to learn martial arts secretly, despite her mother's wishes. After getting injured during an adventure, she meets young doctor Gu Xiang Ru, with whom she starts developing feelings. However, Xiang Ru's heart belongs to Lin Yue Fu, the governor's ailing daughter.

In the third part of the series, the Grand Empress returns to confront the gang once again. Displeased with Yong Qi's failure to produce an heir, she forces him to marry another woman in hopes of having a son who could potentially become the emperor in the future. Xiao Jian, the brother of Xiao Yan Zi, is in love with Qing Er, but holds a grudge against the emperor for the past murder of their parents. Qing Er's fate lies in the hands of the Grand Empress, as she is favored by her. To allow Qing Er and Xiao Jian to be together, Yong Qi decides to marry the other woman. Yong Qi selflessly sacrifices himself to ensure the happiness of Qing Er and Xiao Jian. Meanwhile, the neighboring nation is on the brink of war, leading to Er Kang being drafted. During a significant battle, Er Kang loses his memory and falls in love with another woman. The question remains: will Er Kang reunite with Zi Wei, and will Yong Qi develop feelings for his second wife?

In the historical comedy-drama's second season, the spotlight is on Li Wei, a county magistrate who lacked literacy but rose to prominence as a respected official in the Qing dynasty of the 18th century.

For the past century, the Tang empire has thrived since its establishment. However, challenges and risks often accompany times of prosperity. An ancestor of the well-known Taoist group, Xuan Xin Zhen Zong, once came across a large stone cave in a remote mountain range. Inside the cave was a stone slab inscribed with ancient writings. These inscriptions accurately predicted events dating back to the Tang Dynasty's inception, including the identities of future emperors and the timing of disasters. Of particular concern was the final message on the slab, which foretold a dark future: when the constellation of the Prince of Darkness clashes with the Seven Malignant Stars, a pair of estranged lovers from seven lifetimes will be reborn. The demon sect plans to exploit the power generated by the star-crossed lovers to seize control of the world and turn it into a nightmarish realm. The slab also revealed the specific time and place where the estranged couple would be born, in the hopes that a chosen individual would discover it and devise a plan to protect the population.

The narrative follows the adventures of Wu Xin, a monster hunter, and the malevolent spirit Yue Qi Shan, who find themselves reawakened two decades later in Shanghai during the Republican Era.

Upon their births, Lian Cheng and Heng Tai were switched, leading them down very different paths in life. Lian Cheng found herself living on the streets and working in brothels, while Heng Tai grew up in the luxurious Wei general's residence. Through a series of mysterious events, Lian Cheng and Heng Tai cross paths and develop feelings for each other, prompting Lian Cheng to return to her rightful place in the general's mansion. However, their love faces many challenges and is not easily accepted by others.

Taking place in Beijing during the early 1900s, three apprentice friends experience tumultuous lives

This period drama series from China follows the story of a well-known merchant family involved in the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine towards the end of the Qing dynasty

An You Yu is a compassionate individual who has a deep love for animals. While exploring the mountains one day, he comes across three river deers being pursued by Xiong Da Cheng, the son of the local magistrate. An You Yu rescues the deer spirits, who are actually Hua Gu Zi and her family. Grateful for his kindness, Hua Gu Zi seeks ways to repay him, leading to a tragic love story between a human and a spirit. (DramaWiki)

The defiant Crimson Blossom Alliance, headed by the captivating Chan Gar Lok, endeavors to eliminate Emperor Qian Lung of the Ching Dynasty. Despite preparations by Chan and his comrades to fulfill their mission, an unexpected revelation results in a intense confrontation, leading to Chan's banishment to the western border where he meets the renowned Princess Fragrance. Collaborating with the nomads, Chan orchestrates a bold comeback to the imperial city and devises a daring scheme to finally seize control of Qian Lung.

The latest Gong drama unfolds a fresh romantic tale during the Yongzheng era. Lian Er pleads with her father to allow her entry into the palace to meet the seventeenth prince, Yun Li. The two develop feelings for each other and plan to wed. However, when Yun Li's mentor, Alinga, faces trouble, Yun Li is compelled to marry Alinga's daughter to rescue him. A devastated Lian Er strives to protect herself within the palace, yearning to lead a normal life outside its walls. Unforeseen to her, she becomes entangled in a power struggle orchestrated by influential figures and betrayed by someone she once considered a sister. Alliances are forged, debts are incurred, and just as Lian Er is on the brink of despair, she unintentionally attracts the attention of Yongzheng and is appointed as one of his consorts. Everything suddenly becomes more complex - if she stops now, she will suffer, but she fears losing herself if she persists. She opts to have faith in the light and trust that her determination will guide her through the turmoil.

Based on the literary work "Feng Shen Yan Yi" written by Xu Zhong Lin and Lu Xi Xing.

A sweeping story of war and a timeless romance set in the midst of conflict in ancient China's Tang Dynasty. (Viki)

Since his youth, Ko Tin Po had developed a deep understanding of food and flavors. However, a family crisis forced him and his loyal companion Lee Wai to sell buns on the streets. Through his encounters with various individuals such as street entertainer Kei Mo Suet, the beautiful Lin Yeuk Bik, and chef Mai Siu Yue, Tin Po's fate took a turn when he was recommended to work as a palace chef by the Fourth Royal Prince Yan Chan. Little did he know that this opportunity would lead to confrontations with his old rival Choi Hok Ting and entangle him in the evil schemes of the Eighth Royal Prince Yan Yik.

While on his delivery route, Ning Cai Chen encountered a lovely woman named Xiao Qian in the forest. She invited him to spend the night with her, which he agreed to. Little did he know, Xiao Qian was actually a fox demon who lured men in to steal their souls while they slept. Luckily, Ning was saved from this fate by the Maoshan Taoist priest, Yan Chi Xia. Despite his close call, Ning still developed feelings for Xiao Qian and sought to rescue her. He discovered that Xiao Qian was under the control of Lao Lao, a tree demon who used her to gather souls. When Xiao Qian failed to claim Ning's soul, Lao Lao punished her by arranging a marriage to Heshen Lao Yao, a formidable skeleton demon. Determined to save Xiao Qian, Ning enlisted the help of Yan to disrupt the wedding ceremony.

A regular boy unknowingly becomes entangled in a dispute between two factions of spiritual agents. He is surprised to learn about the "Qi Ling," a set of 7 ancient weapons that can turn into lovely girls for combat. Additionally, one of his acquaintances may not be who she claims to be. He faces numerous perilous situations and struggles to confide in his worried family and friends.

Taking place at the end of the Qing Dynasty, the series follows the Chinese National Industry and Commerce as they push back against Western influences. Under the rule of Guangxu, the Zhang family oversaw the Zhangku Avenue of the Northern Silk Road, which thrived and expanded towards the Russian trading route. However, everything changed one fateful day. Lu Junjie, a member of the Zhang family, faced a significant upheaval and was forced to flee to the grasslands. Despite his desire for a fresh start, the Zhai family, who had stolen his family's assets, continued to pursue him, even enlisting bandits to attempt his murder. Lu Junjie's loyal supporters valiantly defended the Zhangku Avenue, rallying more individuals to his cause. Together, they worked on repairing railways, establishing commercial radio stations, and significantly boosting the country's trade. Following the Japanese invasion, Lu Junjie confronted the Zhai Tribe in a final battle, achieving vengeance for his family. With his enemies vanquished, Lu Junjie remains hopeful that the former glory of the Zhangku Avenue will be resurrected.

When two princes vie for the throne, the situation becomes complicated. While one prince appears innocent, the other presents a facade of kindness that may hide his true motives.

The drama primarily narrates the journey of a prince through various challenges and triumphs amidst the tumultuous period of the late Qing dynasty.

The play narrates the tale of an intelligent pig striving to transform into a human. Despite facing numerous challenges and difficulties, he eventually achieves his goal. Throughout his journey, he develops feelings for Little Dragon Maid.

Derived from the tale "Painted Skin" within the compilation "Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio" by Pu Song Ling.

The series depicts historical events in China from the late 1800s to early 1900s, which resulted in the downfall of the Qing dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China. It covers significant occurrences during the late Qing dynasty and Republican period, including the First Sino-Japanese War, the Hundred Days' Reform, the Boxer Rebellion, and the Xinhai Revolution. Various factions, including monarchists, reformers, and revolutionaries, offer different solutions to the Qing dynasty's worsening situation, all aiming towards a common objective of restoring China as a sovereign, international, and independent nation.

The epic follows the adventures of Qiao Feng, Duan Yu, and Xu Zhu, whose individual tales eventually converge at the climax of the story. Qiao Feng is on a journey to uncover his true identity and solve the mystery of his orphanhood from 30 years ago. Duan Yu discovers multiple half-sisters he never knew existed, thanks to his father's adventurous past, and faces off against Duan Yuan Qing for control of Dali. Xu Zhu, a humble Shaolin Monk, becomes entangled in the internal conflicts of the powerful Care Free Sect. Set against the backdrop of the Northern Song Dynasty, their stories unfold across the warring kingdoms of Song, Liao, Dali, and Western Xia.

Season 4 of The Eloquent Ji Xiaolan includes the stories: Xiaoyue's Homecoming, The Revolution that Wasn't, The Written Conversation Case, and Loyalty Temple. Ji Xiao Lan, a wise scholar who upholds justice fairly, Emperor Qian Long from the Kangxi-Qianlong era, and the corrupt He Shen, who accepts bribes and twists the law, once again engage in hilarious yet profound tragicomedies. (Ruyi Films)

Inspired by a historical figure, Ji Xiao Lan narrates the tale of an intelligent scholar serving as a top official under Emperor Qian Long in the Qing Dynasty. Ji Xiao Lan, known for his modesty and integrity, strives to aid the people affected by unfair treatment from heartless and dishonest government officials. He often clashes with the corrupt yet affable He Shen, a fellow official of the same rank but with more connections and resources. The series delves into various challenges faced by the Qing Dynasty government, such as famine, natural disasters, rebellion, censorship, murder cases, and widespread corruption. While the show primarily offers humor with wordplay, jokes, and absurd arguments, it also includes moments of serious and emotional drama. Emperor Qian Long occasionally joins the duo as their "third brother" during his secret travels across the country. Each season features loosely connected storylines comprising five to six narratives or arcs.

Lin Sui Sui finds herself in the fragmented narrative of My Fair Princess, where she takes on the role of a maid in the Empress’s palace. In order to go back to her own world, she is tasked with mending the storyline, but unforeseen challenges posed by an enigmatic guard jeopardize her efforts.

In 1938, Fong Kwok Wah and Yamamoto Ichifu find themselves in another confrontation, catching the attention of Cheung San, the original vampire. Cheung San is about to turn the two men into vampires when Ma Dan Na intervenes and drives him away. Fong then agrees to help Ma track down and defeat Cheung San. Despite trapping him momentarily, Cheung San manages to escape and bites Fong and a nearby boy named Fuk Sang, transforming them into vampires. Fong and Fuk Sang remain unchanged physically since then, surviving until the 1990s. Fong already had a son, resulting in a grandson named Fong Tin Yau. After Fong Tin Yau's tragic death in England, Fong Kwok Wah assumes his identity. He meets Ma Siu Ling, a descendant of Ma Dan Na, who comes from a family of ghostbusters dedicated to fighting evil supernatural beings. Fong and Ma develop a romantic relationship. The second season of the story is a reimagining of the first season, with similar main characters and some new additions to the cast and plotlines.

The story follows the challenges faced by a feudal family in China as the country undergoes significant transformations in the past century. Lu Tian En, born into a noble family during the late Qing Dynasty, recalls his grandmother Lady Lu with admiration as a princess. As the sole male heir, Tian En carried the weight of restoring his family's former prestige from a young age. Despite his desire to explore opportunities abroad and pursue a career as a bureaucrat, he was restricted by his family. The Lus eventually relocated to Shanghai, where Tian En struggled to adapt to the shifting societal norms. Witnessing the Japanese invasion and civil unrest, Tian En sought refuge in Taiwan in 1949 in search of solace for his troubled heart and a better future for his loved ones.

During the 1930s in Chengdu, the Gao family held significant power and influence as a feudalistic household. Jue Xin, the eldest grandson, faced pressure to abandon his love for cousin Mei Fen and marry Rui Jue, a woman chosen by his parents. Following his father's passing, Jue Xin was tasked with continuing the family business as per tradition, a challenging responsibility that stirred up jealousy and deceit among other family members. Despite his grandfather's attempts to arrange a marriage with Mr. Feng's granddaughter, Jue Min defied expectations by running away. Meanwhile, Jue Hui and servant girl Ming Feng, who shared a deep connection from childhood, found themselves torn apart when Grandfather decided to give Ming Feng to Mr. Feng as a concubine.

The tale unfolds in the Qing dynasty under the rule of Emperor Yong Zheng. His severe policies provoke widespread dissatisfaction and discord among the populace. Meanwhile, a clandestine group of assassins, known as the flying guillotine, roams the land eliminating the emperor's foes. The young heir to the throne, Hong Li, disguises himself as a commoner and embarks on a journey to Jiangnan for inspection. During his travels, the prince narrowly escapes several attempts on his life orchestrated by ambitious nobles aiming to seize power. Moreover, he uncovers a startling revelation about his true lineage. Along the way, he forges friendships with two young women, Lu Si Niang and Yu Niang.

Da Yu Er, a notable woman in the early Qing Dynasty, played a key role in overseeing three changes of power. Originally a carefree princess exploring the Mongolian grasslands, she harbored hopes of marrying Dorgon, her true love. However, she ultimately wed his sibling, Hong Tai Ji, in a strategic marriage alliance. Throughout her life, she faced a constant internal battle between following her heart and fulfilling her obligations to her family.

Derived from the book "Journey to the East".

A tale of court intrigues and power struggles among the royal family members and officials during the Kang Xi era is depicted in the drama. After Princess Yi Dan's secret affair with her cousin, Emperor Kang Xi, led to her leaving the palace in shame, she gave birth to Han Xiang before being killed by a schemer. Han Xiang, searching for her origins and her mother's killer, grew up and snuck into the palace disguised as a servant. While there, she became caught up in the palace's rivalries and ambitions. Prince Ge Tai, despite the societal taboos, developed feelings for her and Han Xiang couldn't resist falling for him in return.

The drama narrates the tale of Pu Yi, the final emperor of China

In the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, the counties of Yellow River and Chaocheng experienced devastating floods, leading to widespread poverty and illegal salt trading. Despite the challenges, the court appointed Zheng Ban Qiao, a 50-year-old veteran, as the county magistrate of Fang County. Zheng Ban Qiao took swift action to address the issues, including cracking down on illegal salt trade, repairing dikes, and aiding disaster relief efforts. His dedication to serving the people and upholding justice earned him a reputation for diligence, honesty, and compassion.

In Beijing, during the Qing dynasty, a formidable empress ascended to the throne. The narrative revolves around four distinct households. One of them is the Chai family, led by Chai Hok Yan, who was betrayed by fellow officials resulting in the family being condemned to death. The sole survivor, Chai Pak Chuen, managed to escape thanks to the loyal assistance of a trusted aide who swapped identities with him. Renamed Fan Chi Chai, Pak Chuen relocated to a different city to start afresh. It was there that he crossed paths with the Kiu family, headed by successful business banker Kiu Bun Yip. Despite his prosperity, Bun Yip faced adversaries, including the Cho family. Bun Yip welcomed Pak Chuen to his banking establishment, Ding Fung Shing, to impart knowledge about banking. Simultaneously, Pak Chuen forged a close friendship with Cheung Shung Man.

The narrative is set during the Qing Dynasty and focuses on the Sung and Leung clans. Kwan Wai Lan runs a small enterprise with her eldest son, Leung Jing Yiu, her second son, Leung Jing Hong, her third daughter, Leung Sau Man, and her youngest daughter, Leung Sau Yin. Yiu used to work at the Jiujiang brewery before a calamity drastically changed the destinies of both the Leung and Sung families.

In the era of the Republic of China, Chen Mu Kun, a skilled imposter, posed as a Taoist priest to escape trouble and sought refuge in Wuzufang Town. Using the identity of the immortal Lu Dong Bin for fraudulent activities, Mu Kun caught the attention of Lu Zu, prompting him to descend to Earth for punishment. However, an unforeseen event caused Dong Bin to lose his powers and remain in the mortal realm. Taking on the guise of Lei Shi, Dong Bin guided Mu Kun towards the right path, resolving various peculiar cases in the village. Along the way, they encountered Bai Xue Hua, a prostitute, leading to a complicated relationship. Upon Mayor Xin Hu's resignation, Mu Kun discreetly thwarted Jin Shi Hao's mayoral bid. The new mayor, Xin Zheng Yi, initiated reforms influenced by Shi Hao's past, triggering a series of disruptions in Wuzufang Town.

Thirteen Traditional Chinese Stories: 1. "White Cloud Pavilion" (Parts 1-3) 2. "The Emerald Hairpin" (Parts 4-6) 3. "Rose Pavilion" (Parts 7-10) 4. "Reminiscences of the Zither" (11-12) 5. "Fifteen Coins" (Parts 13-17) 6. "Four Scholars" (Parts 18-20) 7. "Plum Blossom Fan" (Parts 21-24) 8. "Wang Laohu's Qin" (Parts 25-26) 9. "The Romance of the West Chamber" (Parts 27-29) 10. "Spring in the Jade Hall" (Parts 30-32) 11. "Reunion After Separation" (Parts 33-34) 12. "Yan Zhi" (Parts 35-36) 13. "Dou'E's Garden" (Parts 37-39)