Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio

Author: Pu Songling
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Saying that, he opened the lid of the box and took out a bunch of rope, about dozens of zhang long. He grabbed one end of the rope and threw it fiercely into the sky. Haha, the rope was suspended in the air in an instant, as if something in the sky had hung it up. In no time, the rope rose higher and higher, seemingly disappearing into the clouds, and the rope in his hand was also thrown to the top.
The rope stood in the air, and the father sighed again, "Son, I'm too old and lack strength, and my body is heavy. It seems I can't climb up anymore. You'd better do it." He handed the rope end to his son.
The son grabbed the rope end and showed a look on his face, saying, "Father, you're too foolish. This thin, thread-like rope—how can I climb up to the ten-thousand-foot-high sky with it? If the rope breaks midway, won't I be crushed to pieces?"
The father coaxed him, "Hmph, I've already made bold promises and can't regret it now. Please go to the Peach Garden for me. Don't be afraid of danger. If you really steal the peaches, you'll surely receive great rewards. Maybe you'll even be given a beautiful and pretty wife."
The son then smiled and grabbed the rope, spiraling upward. His hands moved constantly, and his legs leaped up and down, climbing swiftly. In no time, he entered the clouds and disappeared from sight.
After a long time, thud—a peach fell from the sky, bright red and as big as a rice bowl. The magician was very happy and quickly presented the peach.
The officials sitting on the bench examined the peach for a long time but couldn't tell whether it was real or fake.
As they were discussing, suddenly, the rope hanging in the sky fell down. The magician immediately panicked, shouting, "Oh no, oh no! Someone in the Heavenly Palace cut my rope! What will my son use to come down?"
The onlookers also grew anxious. Just then, something fell from the sky. Everyone was stunned to see that it was the boy's head.
The magician said, "This must have happened because the guardian spirit of the peach garden discovered him while he was stealing the peaches. My son is finished. Son, it's all because of me!"
The magician was in deep sorrow when suddenly, another foot fell from the sky. Then, limbs fell one after another, a scene too tragic to behold.
The magician was even more heartbroken. Crying, he picked up his son's limbs one by one and placed them into a small bamboo box.
After finishing, he covered the lid and sighed, saying, "I only have this precious son, who has always traveled with me. Today, while performing for the officials, I never expected such a misfortune. Alas, there's nothing I can do. I'll have to find a place to bury my poor son!"