One of the ancient Chinese folklore books, Yijianzhi (《夷坚志》), recounts a fascinating and surprising story about a mysterious red cat. This tale captures the imagination with its blend of mystery, deception, and ingenuity.
The Humble Vendor and His Precious Cat
In the bustling city of Lin’an, a humble vendor named Sun San lived in a small alley with his wife. Every morning, they would prepare freshly cooked meat to sell in the marketplace. Sun San, however, seemed unusually protective of their pet cat, often issuing stern warnings to his wife:
“Take good care of that cat; there’s no other cat like it in the entire capital. Don’t let anyone see it. If it gets out, it will surely be stolen. Remember this well.”
Despite their reserved nature and limited interaction with neighbors, his repetitive warnings attracted attention. Some locals speculated:
“It’s probably just a tabby cat. They were rare before, but now they’re not worth much.”
A Red Cat Like No Other
One day, the inevitable happened. The cat managed to break free from its leash and dashed to the doorway. Though his wife quickly retrieved it, several neighbors caught a glimpse of the creature. To their astonishment, the cat was unlike anything they had ever seen:
- Entirely deep red, from its tail to its paws.
- Even its whiskers were red.
Those who saw it were captivated, unable to hide their admiration.
When Sun San returned, he scolded his wife harshly for letting the cat be seen. This incident, however, sparked rumors that eventually reached the palace attendants.
The Emperor’s Interest and a Lucrative Deal
Hearing of the extraordinary red cat, the emperor’s attendants sent representatives to purchase it. Sun San, initially reluctant, declared:
“I regard this cat as important as my life; how could I bear to sell it?”
Despite his resistance, the attendants persisted and finally convinced him to part with the cat—for the exorbitant price of 300,000 coins.
A Red Cat Turned White: The Emperor’s Disappointment
Elated, the attendants presented the magnificent cat to the emperor, hoping to earn his favor. However, within just half a month, the cat’s vibrant red color began to fade. Before long, it was revealed to be an ordinary white cat.
Suspicious, the attendants revisited Sun San’s home, only to find it abandoned. The truth soon surfaced:
- The couple had been dyeing the cat red, using a technique typically reserved for coloring horse manes.
- The warnings, the secrecy, and even Sun San’s scolding of his wife were all part of an elaborate ruse.
A Tale of Cunning and Perception
This curious story from Yijianzhi offers a playful yet thought-provoking commentary on human ingenuity, deception, and the value we place on appearances. Sun San’s clever scheme not only fooled his neighbors but even the imperial court.
What do you think? Is this tale a cautionary story or a celebration of wit?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Keywords:
Chinese folklore, Yijianzhi, red cat, Lin’an, ancient stories, mysterious animals, deception in history, imperial court tales