Flutes

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Lv Xiangyun(呂鄉筠), a merchant from Dongting(洞庭), often traded Dongting fish and shrimp for miscellaneous goods in Jiangxi. He took one-tenth of the profit and, with surplus earnings, supported poor relatives and friends, helping the needy thereafter. He never saved money for himself. Lv Xiangyun was skilled at playing the flute. Whenever he encountered beautiful landscapes, he would sail and enjoy the scenery, playing his flute.

Once, on a mid-spring night, Lv Xiangyun’s boat was moored near Junshan Island. 

A Brotherly Divide and Nature’s Surprise

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In the capital, the three brothers of the Tian family in Jingzhao, after deliberating on the division of their wealth, decided to share their resources equally. However, there was a purple catalpa tree in the courtyard, and they planned to each take a portion of it. The next day, when they went to cut it, the tree withered immediately, resembling the appearance of being burned. Terrified, Tian went to inspect it and exclaimed to his brothers, “This tree originally shared the same root. 

Good Bye, My Concubine

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Cui Shensi(崔慎思), a man from Boling(博陵). During the mid-reign of Emperor Dezong in the Tang Dynasty, he participated in the imperial exams. Without a residence in the capital, he rented a small courtyard. The landlady, a woman in her thirties without a husband, lived there with two maids. Cui Shensi wanted to marry the woman, but she said, ‘I am not a scholar; we are not suitable. You will regret this.’ 

Loach/Li-Yu/鱧魚

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Loach(鱧魚), a creature in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, that’ll surprise you with its unique abilities. It can climb trees, make sheep-like sounds, and is found in a mountain rich with gold.

Seventy li to the west is a mountain called Ying. On the mountain grow many locust trees and catalpa trees. To the north of the mountain there is much iron, and to the south there is much red gold.

 

Two Jade Belts

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The Tang Dynasty’s Chancellor, Duke Pei Du of Jin(裴度), was thin and small in stature, lacking the distinguished appearance that hindered his success in the realm of achievements and fame. Perplexed by this, he sought guidance.

Fortuitously, there was a renowned physiognomist in Luoyang, highly esteemed by scholars and officials. Pei Du purposely visited him, seeking insight into his fate. Upon scrutinizing Pei Du’s countenance, the physiognomist remarked, “Sir, your appearance exudes an extraordinary aura. 

The Endless Murder

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Du Bo(杜伯), also known as Heng, was a senior official of the Zhou dynasty. The king’s concubine, Nv Jiu(女鸠), wanted to have an affair with Du Bo, but Du Bo refused. Nv Jiu was angry and one day told the king, “Du Bo is secretly trying to seduce me.” The king believed her and imprisoned Du Bo in Jiaodi. He sent Xuefu(薛甫) and Sikong Qi(司空锜) to kill Du Bo.

Du Bo’s friend, Zuo Ru, tried to persuade the king not to kill Du Bo nine times but failed.