何典
"何典" by Nanzhuang Zhang is a work of fiction, likely written in the late 19th century. The narrative may center around the lives of ghosts, particularly focusing on a character known as 活鬼 (living ghost) and his struggles, including the pursuit of parenthood and the consequent challenges he faces in the underworld. As the story unfolds, it intertwines elements of humor, social commentary, and ghostly interactions. The opening portion introduces us to 活鬼 and his wife, who yearn for a child. After hearing from a recently deceased individual about a deity that can grant them this wish, they decide to undertake a journey to a temple to seek divine favor. With their friend, 形容鬼 (an aesthetic ghost), they navigate through humorous and whimsical challenges, setting a tone that blends supernatural elements with a playful critique of societal norms surrounding family and fortune. The initial chapters establish the characters' motivations and the whimsical nature of their world, hinting at further adventures and misadventures that they will encounter.