Author Topic: Chinese Fable Stories  (Read 1936 times)

Lorenzo

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Chinese Fable Stories
« on: July 22, 2013, 02:28:08 AM »
Some fable stories from China. Enjoy the read!

8)

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Lorenzo

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Re: Chinese Fable Stories
« Reply #1 on: July 22, 2013, 02:29:39 AM »
Two Ugly Imperial Concubines : Wu Yan and Su Liu




In ancient China most men chose their wives by appearance, let alone the emperors. But during the Spring and Autumn Period, two ugly but virtuous and able women became imperial concubines in succession in a kingdom called Qi.

It is said there was a girl so ugly that her eyes sank deep in her face, sparse hair could hardly cover her head, and her skin was as dark as pitch. Born in Wu Yan, she was called after the place. Since she was so bad looking, she lived alone until her 40. At that time wars surged up between the kingdoms from time to time. One day Wu Yan summoned up courage and went to see the Emperor Xuan. When she was presented at court, she said, 'Your majesty, I would like to be at your service since our country is in great danger.' Of course, she was asked to explain why, 'It is in a chaotic state at home with two strong kingdoms, Qin and Chu, surrounding us. But your majesty haven't sensed the slightest danger at this moment of life and death.' The emperor was struck dumb with her words and gave up his luxurious life and put himself in efforts to make the country prosperous. Wu Yan was not only the spouse, but also a straight friend to the emperor.

Things came not singly but in pairs. Several generations later there lived in Qi another ugly girl. Since she had a tumor in her neck, she was named Su Liu. It was goiter in fact. Because of it, people kept away from her. Once Emperor Min went on a sightseeing tour to the suburbs. All the people crowded along the road while Su Liu concentrated on picking mulberry leaves. As she was called before the emperor, she explained she was doing her job wholeheartedly and not noticing things else. Emperor Min thought her a virtuous woman and wanted to take her back. And unexpectedly, she refused and said she should ask her parents' permission first. The emperor respected her will and held a grand marriage for her. Later she assisted in governing the country and brought peace and prosperity to people.



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Lorenzo

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Re: Chinese Fable Stories
« Reply #2 on: July 22, 2013, 02:34:55 AM »
The Donkey of Guizhou



Once upon a time there was no donkey in Guizhou. So someone officious shipped one there, but finding no use for it, he set it loose at the foot of the mountain.

A tiger ran out from the mountains. When he saw this big tall thing, he thought it must be divine. He quickly hid himself in the forest and surveyed it from under cover. Sometimes the tiger ventured a little nearer, but still kept a respectful distance.

One day the tiger came out again. Just then the donkey gave a loud bray. Thinking the donkey was going to eat him, the tiger hurriedly ran away. After a while he sneaked back and watched the donkey carefully. He found that though it had a huge body it seemed to have no special ability.

After a few days the tiger gradually became accustomed to its braying and was no longer so afraid. Sometimes he even came near and circled around the donkey.

Later the tiger became bolder. Once he walked in front of the donkey and purposely bumped it. This made the donkey so angry that it struck out his hind legs and kicked wildly.

Seeing this the tiger was very gleeful, 'Such a big thing as you can do so little!' With a roar he pounced on the donkey and ate it up.

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Re: Chinese Fable Stories
« Reply #3 on: July 22, 2013, 02:37:08 AM »
A Wily Hare Has Three Burrows

 In the Warring States Period, the Prime Minister, Meng Changjun, of the Qi State, supported and fed many people at his home. One of them was called Feng Xuan. One day, Feng Xuan was sent to collect what the tenant farmers owed to the landlord (Meng Changjun). When he got to the place, he declared self-assertively to the farmers that all the tenancy contracts would be demolished at once. Cheers burst out among the happy farmers; they owed great gratitude to Meng Changjun, their landlord.

When Feng Xuan returned to the host and told about what he did, Prime Minister, Meng Changjun was not very happy about it. "Why did you do that?" the minister asked. "Well, though I had not brought you some fortune by doing that, I really won the morale of your farmers. That is more important to you." The minister reluctantly accepted his explanation.

Meng Changjun was dismissed from office the next year, so he decided to go back to his home town. When he arrived to his demesne, he was surprised of seeing the farmers were on both sides of the road welcoming him warmly. At the sight, Meng Changjun felt very puzzled as well as greatly moved, and he asked Feng Xuan for the reason. "That is out of question. This is the reward for your charities." Meng Changjun took a tumble at the words since he already forgot the matter happened last year. Feng Xuan continued, "A wily hare which has three burrows can keep itself safe. But now you have only one. So you must struggle to get the other two. You should pay a visit to the State of Wei and canvass for your ideas to the king there. When the king want to retain you for his minister's position, refuse him. This would get the attention of the king of the Qi State. And he would think more about you." As expected, the king of the Qi State felt very worried when he heard that his former Prime Minister could take a position in the hostile Wei State. So he acted quickly to reappoint Meng Changjun as the prime minister of the state.

In order to express his honesty, the king of Qi promised him some advantages. All were refused according to Feng Xuan, except for being the heres of a sacrificial utensil from the royal ancestor and the permission of building another temple in his demesne, which was considered the safe guard for the people there.

When the temple completed, Feng Xuan said to Meng Changjun, his master, "Now, all the three burrows have been built, and you should be safe now!" It was said Meng Changjun to have held the post for the rest of his life and his tenants were all living in peace.

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Re: Chinese Fable Stories
« Reply #4 on: July 22, 2013, 02:38:31 AM »
A Mantis Trying to Stop a Chariot



 When somebody overrates himself, he is often warned: "Don't be a mantis trying to stop a chariot." The saying comes from a legend dated back to the Spring and Autumn Period.

One day, the King of Qi went out for a hunting with his men. The carriages were going along, when suddenly a mantis stood in the middle of the road with its sickle-like forelegs opened. It was obvious that he was trying to fight against the carriage to hold it back. Surprised at the case, the King of Qi ordered to stop and asked what creature it was. When he was told it was called mantis, and it would go well up to bridle decisively when it was challenged. The King sighed with exclamation at its braveness. He mused a moment and added: "It's a great pity that it is not more than an insect. If it were a man, he must be the bravest warrior in the world!" Then the King ordered his carriages turn around it to leave the mantis there standing martially.

When the persons around heard the King's words, they were well touched and determined to devote themselves to the country.

As time passed, the meaning of the phrase changed to its opposite. Now it means that someone overrates oneself and try to hold back an overwhelmingly superior force.

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