Strange Stories From A Chinese Studio.

Summary

Yang Da Hong, a once-renowned Confucian scholar, faced despair upon realizing he was not among the top scorers in the imperial examination. A painful ailment ensued after he choked on his food. Despite the community's support, he struggled until a dream guided him to a Taoist healer. The Taoist, dismissing his healing abilities, played melodies instead. Yang Da Hong, seeking help, offered gold, which the Taoist tossed into the river, leading him to discover it again. A playful interaction with the Taoist resulted in Yang Da Hong's illness vanishing, revealing that his earthly attachments held him back from achieving greatness. The Chronicler reflects on his life, pondering the value of earthly wisdom over celestial immortality.

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