In the Xia dynasty of ancient China, a secret club was established for gay men to meet and hopefully find a lifelong lover: the Peng Society for Gentlemen. A man could provide a self-portrait, some personal information, and a mailing address (along with a subscription fee) to be listed in The Pengornisseur, a discreet monthly publication mailed to subscribers via pigeon post.
Wu Xingzi is a gay government official without money, status, or hope. Thoroughly miserable, he decides to end his life ...