Xingjian Bai

李娃傳

"李娃傳" by Xingjian Bai is a short novella written during the Tang dynasty. A tribute student named Zheng arrives in Chang'an and becomes infatuated with Li Wa, a famous courtesan. He squanders his fortune pursuing her affections and neglects his imperial examination studies. After his money runs out, Li Wa abandons him, setting off a downward spiral that leads to family disgrace and destitution. Their paths cross again unexpectedly, opening the possibility of redemption and transformation for both characters in this influential tale of love and social hierarchy.