Zhuangzi shi qi

Summary

Philosopher Chuang Tzu encounters a woman fanning her dead husband's grave, yearning to remarry, prompting him to test his own wife's devotion by faking his death. His wife is consumed by grief, and as funeral preparations unfold, a handsome young suitor emerges, seeking her hand in marriage. However, the young man falls ill, and his servant reveals that the only cure lies in obtaining a human brain, plunging the story into a darker, more sinister realm. Through this test, Chuang Tzu probes the boundaries of fidelity, love, and the human condition, raising profound questions about the nature of relationships and the consequences of one's actions.

Synopsis

Philosopher-eccentric Chuang Tzu comes across a woman fanning the newly built grave of her dead husband because she desires to marry again. On returning home, Chuang Tze decides to put his wife to the test - he fakes his own death; the wife is grief-stricken and goes into mourning. While funeral arrangement are in progress, a handsome young man come to call on Chuang Tze. Later, there is talk of marriage between Chuang Tze's wife and the man. However, the young man falls ill; his servant says that taking the human brain is the only medicine to cure him ...