The series Horror Stories of Tang Dynasty Ⅱ(唐朝诡事录之西行), a part of the " Horror Stories of Tang Dynasty" trilogy, takes audiences on an investigative journey steeped in the culture and lore of the Tang Dynasty. This fictional narrative features the detective duo Su Wuming (苏无名), a protégé of the legendary Di Renjie (狄仁杰), and Lu Lingfeng (卢凌风), a fictionalized son of Princess Taiping. While the historical accuracy of these characters may be debatable, the series excels at breathing life into the grand and enigmatic tapestry of Tang-era China through supernatural elements, social observations, and intricately designed mysteries.
Penned by Wei Fenghua (魏风华), a writer deeply inspired by classical Chinese folklore, the series weaves ancient texts like Youyang Zazu (酉阳杂俎) and Records of Anomalies (述异记) into its narrative fabric. The result is a hybrid of detective fiction and supernatural storytelling. Mythical creatures like the Tongtian Rhinoceros (通天犀) and occult rituals populate its episodes, captivating viewers with an eerie yet enchanting rendition of historical China.
Folklore, Forensics, and Tang-era Realities
The genius of Horror Stories of Tang Dynasty Ⅱ lies not only in its supernatural elements but also in its commitment to historical and cultural detail. Each episode draws attention to the overlooked aspects of Tang society—its customs, professions, and struggles. A standout is "The Death of the Coroner," a case that illuminates the life of Tang-era morticians, or wuzuo (仵作). Despite their critical role in death investigations, wuzuo were marginalized, denied the right to sit for civil service examinations, and subjected to social stigma.
This storyline follows the mysterious death of a coroner named Dugu Xin (独孤信), whose corpse is found in his burial goods shop, clutching a sword held by a clay figurine. The suspects range from his grief-stricken wife, Chun Tiao (春条), to a greedy magistrate, and various local merchants. The drama shines in its portrayal of two women: Chun Tiao, initially scorned as dishonorable, eventually emerges as the inheritor of her husband's profession, while Dugu Xin's elderly mother serves as a reminder of resilience and tradition.
A particularly fascinating element in this arc is the white plum pastry forensic method, an ancient technique said to reveal concealed injuries on a corpse. By applying heated pastry dough infused with herbs to the body, investigators could detect signs of pre-mortem trauma. This ingenious method is historically accurate yet rarely seen in modern storytelling, adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative.
A Supernatural Detective Journey
Each episode of Horror Stories of Tang Dynasty Ⅱ attempts to balance detective work with supernatural intrigue. The opening story, "The Demon Transformation," is inspired by the tale of The Hell Transformation (地狱变) by Tang Dynasty painter Wu Daozi (吴道子). Here, the competition between two Buddhist temples becomes the backdrop for a sinister plot involving a haunting mural and political scheming. While the episode successfully recreates the eerie atmosphere of a ghostly painting come to life, it also highlights the series' tendency to rely on visual spectacles over logical deductions.
What makes Horror Stories of Tang Dynasty Ⅱ so captivating is its ability to bridge the supernatural with grounded historical realities. While detective work forms the narrative spine, the series explores the fragile equilibrium between human understanding and the mystical forces that seem to govern their world. For instance, the titular "Tongtian Rhinoceros" in one case is a mythical creature tied to spiritual beliefs, but its inclusion also reflects the era’s fascination with relics and omens. These elements do more than add drama—they offer insights into the Tang Dynasty's complex worldview, where science, superstition, and religion coexisted.
Such details remind viewers that the Tang Dynasty, while celebrated for its cosmopolitan splendor, also had its shadows. Rituals, relics, and ghostly folklore were not mere entertainment but integral to understanding life, death, and power dynamics. By embedding these elements into its mysteries, the series effectively creates a cultural tapestry that feels both fantastical and authentic.
The Duality of Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng
At the heart of Horror Stories of Tang Dynasty Ⅱ is the partnership between Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng, which evolves as both a professional alliance and a study of complementary personalities. Su, the astute detective, relies on his intellectual prowess and deep understanding of human nature. His calm demeanor often contrasts sharply with Lu, whose fiery personality and martial skills make him the enforcer.
What’s intriguing is how their dynamic grows throughout the series. Su’s role as a mentor slowly gives way to a more equal partnership as Lu matures, taking on a more active role in solving cases. This progression not only adds depth to their characters but also reflects the theme of growth—both in skill and in understanding the world’s complexities.
The duo’s evolving relationship mirrors a larger trend in detective fiction, where collaboration often surpasses individual brilliance. By portraying their strengths as complementary rather than competing, Horror Stories of Tang Dynasty Ⅱ highlights the importance of unity in solving problems, a theme deeply resonant with Tang-era ideals of harmony and order.
While Horror Stories of Tang Dynasty Ⅱ may not yet rival classics like Judge of Song Dynasty (大宋提刑官) or Shentan Di Renjie (神探狄仁杰) in narrative sophistication, it has carved out a unique niche as a genre-defying series. By blending detective fiction with folklore, martial arts, and horror, it has created a formula that appeals to a wide audience.
More importantly, it has sparked renewed interest in Tang Dynasty culture and lesser-known aspects of its history. The meticulous recreation of artifacts, rituals, and even forensic techniques like the white plum pastry method demonstrates the creators’ dedication to authenticity. This commitment has led to discussions about how history can be presented in engaging, unconventional ways without sacrificing depth.
Additionally, the show’s focus on underrepresented professions, like coroners and artisans, resonates in an era where audiences are seeking stories about everyday people rather than just historical elites. By humanizing these roles and showing their struggles and triumphs, the series offers a fresh perspective on history as lived by ordinary individuals.
