Judge Lu

A statue becomes a visitor

Judge Lu is a literary character in Pu Songling's Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio. Challenged by friends, the scholar Zhu Erdan carries a judge's statue from a temple of the Ten Kings to a gathering and invites it to drink. The judge later appears at his home. An intimidating temple image thus enters the ordinary world of conversation and friendship.

Appearance and temperament

The tale describes a green face and red beard, but its guest can smile, drink heartily, and discuss writing. The contrast between frightening appearance and generous companionship defines the character. Wanlingsi keeps these colors and an old official's costume while using an approachable cartoon treatment.

Talent, bodies, and identity

Lu changes Zhu's heart to improve his literary ability; a later replacement of a head produces further confusion over identity. These extraordinary transformations allow the tale to explore talent, beauty, and altered fortune. They are literary marvels, not medical records or practical explanations of success.

Names added afterwards

In the story Lu supplies his surname without a definite personal name. The popular name Lu Zhidao and his appointment to an investigative department must therefore be treated as later arrangements. Reading him beside Judge Cui and Wei Zheng reveals how different texts borrow the underworld official, rather than proving all three belonged to one ancient organization.