DRAGON LONGZE FALLS IN LOVE (BOST ORIGINAL STORY, 2026 PART 3)

Fortunately, resourceful Brenda had tracked Berdis’s (Longze’s) residual scent and found her elder sister still unconscientious, having reverted back to human form, though naked and collapsed (slumped) on the dirt ground of a huge cave.  And fortuitously still, Brenda had the mindfulness to have brought along some coins (funds) and also, some of Berdis’s clothes with her. 

01- LONGZE AND BRENDA  (6) JP

Later on, when Berdis (Longze) had regained her consciousness, because of temporary amnesia brought on by her ordeal (trauma), she could not at first recollect what had happened the previous night- her reckless consumption of realgar wine and the resultant consequence; thankfully, her younger sister Brenda was there to, while helping her dress, clarify not all, but some of the previous night’s incidents (events, instances) for her, till Berdis’s full memory was restored.

For speedier return home, they charted a boat, using three coins of the funds which Brenda had brought along. They used the other two coins for purchasing some raisin hot buns and two waterskins filled with refreshing brew (beverage, orange juice) from one of the food stalls, as breakfast to be consumed while on board.

Subsequently, as the boat negotiated the choppy waters, for it was rather overcast and windy that day, to lessen the impact, Brenda after momentary hesitation, choosing her words carefully, with apt sensitivity told Berdis (Longze) the regrettable, far graver consequence of her irresponsible act, that had unfortunately begotten (caused) the death of her husband Jedrik.

Mercifully, Brenda had forgotten her money purse and having returned abruptly, made that grim discovery. She (the fairy) had not disturbed anything, simply locked up the house, deposited few essential pieces of clothing just in case in a bundle (residence, abode) and before the residue trace went cold, had hastened out, eventually discovering Berdis in the depths of the huge cave.

Though Brenda had done her best to console her elder sister, to her consternation Berdis had remained irresponsive and frozen; simply beyond reach, she’d with a blank expression stared into the void from then on. Alarmingly, she had stayed that way, eerily silent, till she had reached home.

Grief-stricken and heart palpitating wildly, Berdis had then rushed back to her bedroom at once, and finding her husband’s lifeless body covered by a cloth, slowly pealed the cover to kneel by his body, and cupping her face, only then, came the flood of tears. She’d tragically wept and wept.

02-JEDRIK NENZO (93)JP

Eventually setting aside her grief, Berdis (dragon Longze) and Brenda (Green Snake, the fairy), moved Jedrik’s lifeless body onto the bed and set him up as though he was simply asleep; then seated by the hearth (fireplace), they wrecked their brains to find the means to reverse this tragedy. Berdis (Longze) you see, would not surrender to loss that easily. Berdis deciding on what course to take (process to utilize), she then locked herself into her bedroom leaving Brenda to stand guard at hallway, as it was essential, all during her trance state (meditation, séance) she was not disturbed.

 Longze sat cross-legged on the floor; her eyes focused on the flickering flame of the tall candle before her, her breathing regulated, she then willed herself to enter a deeper meditative state. Her mind penetrating the deeper subconscious (subliminal, near unconscious) state next, the manifest vision showed her the interior of the, now all locked up and abandoned wooden cabin in the dense forest, where once Longze had happily dwelled.

Subsequently, Longze’s ethereal (otherworldly, ghostly) form with her intact retentive memory, telepathically (clairvoyantly) transported to the very cabin, she figuratively speaking, began rampaging through the dust ridden, shelved books. Finding nothing useful there, she next sought to retrieve the more pertinent (relevant, apposite) ones stored in the cavity behind a false wall. Even Haskell did not know of this hiding place. The secret wall panel now pushed aside, Longze, reached in and withdrew (fetched) her old, personal diary carefully concealed at the very bottom of the stacked pile, untouched for many years. The lock now with a click opened, inside pages flipped by as she quickly perused the documented entries one by one.

03- PERUSING THROUGH DIARY

In those days, when the Immortal Haskell was often gone absent from the cabin, she had braved many a time and sneak peaked (sneakily gleaned) at the information from the pages of Immortal Haskell’s closely guarded ancient book which he had hidden in his luggage. Longze’s photographic, acute memory had permanently stored it all where it lay at the back of her mind; however, some of it had been carefully recorded (documented, registered) in her diary. She needed to ascertain (discover) that pertinent, forbidden knowledge, akin to one she now desperately sought, to reverse this tragedy.  And then… there it was…Lo and behold, she finally came across it, exactly the information she sought!

                                                                                    ~

Her first (previous night’s) transformation into a dragon, after her drinking the realgar wine, had been a flux; however, she’d also obtained the precise knowledge now from her entries in the journal; more importantly, that there was a sure reliable way to achieve this aim. Long forgotten memories rushed back to make her smile:

Her ability to transform into a dragon, had been, long ago gleaned (picked up, espied, learned) when once in her playful mood, she’d quietly snuck close behind, and peered into the ancient book Immortal Haskell had intently been reading. Though, when questioned, fearing master Haskell’s ire, she’d vehemently denied seeing anything at all; nevertheless, she had a keen, retentive memory, which at present came very useful. An impish (naughty) smile for a fleeting moment lifted the corners of Longze’s lips, as she, furthermore, recollected all her other mischievous ways in those days spent with Immortal Haskell; so much had changed since then… Berdis (Longze), abruptly dismayed, could not help but heave a deep sigh.

                                                                                ~

04- IMMORTAL HASKELL (34)

Perhaps the certain fact should be revealed at this point, that Immortal Haskell was far more than what he’d led on. He was in fact, the fifth appointed secret ornery (willful, crabby) custodian (guardian) of Longze. His meeting, and thence subtle interference with Longze, was by no means coincidental; nor was his supposed careless conveying of immortal pills; or the accidental transmission of key (strategic) knowledge from that forbidden book, that proved invaluable to Longze- so that he could endure and eventually succeed his subsequent, various dire ordeals.

                                                                                             ~

 

At the successful conclusion of her meditation, Berdis had succinctly appraised Brenda of her intent. Once more Brenda was left behind to care for her husband Jedrick’s corpse and to keep him secure; Berdis (Longze), armed with the vital knowledge, in her dragon form thence, before she reached her full size flew (lunged, escaped) from the open window.

05- BERDIS (lONGZE )FLIES OUT THE WINDOW  AT NIGHT (7)JP

 Berdis (Longze)speared through the clouds, and then in lightening speed sliced through the upper atmosphere; she arrived at the Islet magic mountain Mount Hellmar, permanently hidden (from all mortal eyes) by the miasmic (mephitic, vaporous) clouds, in midst of a vast ocean.

06- THE MAGIC ISLAND

 

The instant Longze’s feet, touched the soil, she reverted to human form then; by carefully (noting) observing the secret tracks, she soon reached the massive (colossal) obsidian rock of a steep incline (gradient). She patiently waited for the precise moment, when the light of the (eclipsed) second moon streaming down for a spell, two minutes to be exact, revealed the secret, celestial (consecrated, sacred) doorway on the obsidian boulder (rock, sarsen).  Longze, standing before it, invoked the specific incantation she’d long ago gleaned from the Immortal Haskell’s book and then pressed her right palm over the configuration of the eye (outline, shape etched) on the surface of the rock.  With an aery sound the jet-black obsidian door slid opened, though for only one second; she hastily entered it, therefore, trespassing into the hidden unworldly realm.

In that pitched darkness, acting purely on instinct, Longze carefully advanced further into the interior, at times negotiating the perilously narrow, full of shard, ledges (projections).  Suddenly a hairy claw gripped at her left leg, she yanked it free, then with the quick flip of the forefinger and thumb, which produced a flame, she found herself staring at the most hideous monster.

07- THE MONSTER IN THE CAVE

The monster however was chained to the wall of the cave, and when she, getting a grip on her fear, moved away from his reach, he whimpered, showing fangs but desperately clawing the empty air. Longze’s initial fears jettisoned (discarded, dumped), she studied the hideous creature more intently; there was no real malice but instead, an unmistakable pain and misery registered in those pupils. His chest heaved painfully each time he inhaled and there were obvious burn marks festering, some of it black, where the silver metal of the (links) chain touched his skin. How long had he been imprisoned there in the pitch, ranched, sulfurous, suffocating air, forced to endure such anguished existence, without end? Longze could not help pitying the poor creature.

Subsequently, she did something that might have seemed unwise, but she felt perfectly right about it in her heart.

“I’m not going to hurt you... I simply wish to help.” She approached him tentatively.

He stopped his low growl resonating in his throat and then, inclining his head, almost with aghast hope, he simply stared at her.

 Longze’s razor sharp gaze, thoughtfully for a time perused (examined) the chains constraining the monster; then, she smiled at him placatingly and placed her free hand (palm) on the thickest part of the chain- which held a tiny almost indiscernible, strange (marking) engraving on it- binding (fastening) his chest.

Subsequently, in a clear voice which resonated in the air, she invoked the ancient spell (an incantation), one of the few ones she’d learned from Immortal Haskell. For few seconds silence reigned, and then, with a ear-splitting crackling sound all the chains binding the monster, one after the other shattered into bits and cascaded onto the dirt floor that hungrily swallowed it all.

08- RAVEN PRINCE THORSTEN JARL

More remarkable still, that very instant the hideous monster was no more; in its stead stood a handsome, vigorous, stout young man, with long straight black hair down to his shoulders, brilliant blue eyes, clad in black garments  and was of about twenty years in age, who looked to be of royal descent (pedigree, lineage). He also had projected from his back, magnificent, jet-black wings. With tearing eyes, he at once fell on his knees and bowing his head, thanked her most profusely, for her mercy and for his rescue.

Longze dismissing it, urged him to rise to his feet; after the formal introductions, she’d then learned succinctly that he was an immortal crown prince named Thorsten Jarl from an ancient Raven Kingdom (raven-elf, fairy land), who’d been maliciously deceived by an evil entity (the devil) Nihasa, that coveted his beloved wife and his kingdom. 

09-RAVEN CROWN PRINCE THORSTEN JARL AND WIFE JUYIN (26) JP

Four days prior, when the Crown Prince Thorsten Jarl was to be crowned as the new Sovereign, the Prince had been shrewdly lured to this magic island, then after a desperate struggle (battle), was cunningly vanquished (defeated). Nihasa then, while the Prince Thorsten was rendered helpless and in semi-conscious state, had uttered an antediluvian (ancient) incantation which had transformed the demon into the prince’s exact replica (likeness, facsimile). Before the culprit Nihasa had left the island, however, he’d additionally spun another two primordial spells, one which transformed Prince Thorsten’ into a hideous monster, the other, that magically imprisoned (confined) him there, till he torturously perished. Thorsten Jarl had been nearing the end of his life, when Longze, his benevolent saviour, had provided him this rare chance of, return and retribution. 

Thorsten Jarl had naturally asked if at present he could be of any help, however, Longze had sweetly refused and urged him instead, to in haste return and re-claim his kingdom.  And so, after his sincere declaration that he would thereon forever be in Longze’s debt, and that one day he would fully repay her for her kindness, they had quickly parted ways.

                                                                                       ~

Longze then going the opposite direction and, further inward of the pitch, abysmal cave, had encountered many more hazards; nonetheless, she traversed (crossed) the sometimes unstable, shifting, rock bridges, followed through several subterranean caves, and braved countless other reticent (taciturn) or hostile phantom beings (that flew, floated or slithered), to eventually, steal the magical, glowing purple mushroom, in the centre of an islet (island, isle), surrounded by fast flowing, swirling (whirlpooling, eddying) molten lave.

10- MAGIC MUSHROOM

Returning home, she at once set to work, to concoct (produce) the medicine (remedy, cure): she shielded her breath with a cloth, for the purple mushroom as it was being crushed let out toxic vapours; contents reduced to a pulp, it was then boiled, to make tea with it; when it cooled, the liquid was carefully poured (in trickles) down Jedrik’s forced open mouth.

Once ingested (consumed, downed, drunk), the color gradually returned to Jedrik Nenzo’s pallid face and so, he was swiftly restored back to life. Naturally, this fact had been kept from him.  (Meanwhile, Heaven had taken notice and Longze later on, would have to answer for this breach/violation.)

As it were, though Jedrik had fully, blessedly recovered, unfortunately thenceforth a strange alienation dogged their marriage. Inwardly terrified that his wife was not human and being ignorant of her heroic efforts to save his life, Jedrik from then on shunned any intimacy with Berdis and this further strained their relationship.

Desperate to regain his trust, Berdis one day played a rather ingenious ruse on her husband. Her white silk sash was turned to a small scale living white dragon and, with this as a plausible explanation; Jedrik was led to believe that the scarf was what had frightened him.

Gradually, over time their mutual affection was regained, until that is, when one day Jedrik again chanced one the spiritualist Khronos in the border marketplace.

11-KHRONOS (17)JP

Latter still harboring intense envy and odium (hatred) for his old nemesis, with the black heart Khronos again planted the seed of suspicion in Jedrik’s heart, hinting that his wife was not above playing dirty tricks on him. Terrified, Jedrik was then given a possible solution to his dilemma: “Become a monk and live at the temple; that’s one place (built on a sanctified, hallowed ground) the demon that is your wife, won’t be able to reach (touch) you.”

At first Jedrik had remained reticent, as he’d been torn between the love he felt for his wife and the fear of her.  Subsequently, with his head and his heart still at war; his ambivalence seemingly eternal, he decided to defer any decision till later.

“All right,” Khronos acquiesced. “But since we are here, you might as well see the place. It might help you reach an apt decision, should the need arise in future.”

12- MONASTERY ON AN ISLAND

And so, on the wily urging of Khronos, Jedrik and Khronos boarded the craft. Together they crossed over to the river island where the sanctuary, the temple that housed many monks, was built more like a fortress. Jedrik was shown his possible accommodations (lodgings); before Jedrik, who had then questioned his choice, could react, he had unfortunately found himself essentially incarcerated (gaoled, imprisoned).

13- JEDRIK NENZO (39)

“This is for your own good.  You should be thanking me for saving your life,” Insisted Khronos, as he turned the key to Jedrik’s cell door.

As it were, the vindictive Khronos had earlier on dispensed some funds, all the while spinning a convincing yarn, therefore eliciting the cooperation of the abbot and monks of this sanctuary.  They were led to believe, they were doing this for the salvation of Jedrik’s wayward, doomed soul. They actually were convinced of the fact Jedrik had been for some time now, without his knowing, been enslaved (his core life force and human soul was being slowly ingested, siphoned off, devoured) by the evil incarnate, the demon white serpent that was also the demon white dragon, one and the same.

                                                                               ~

Four days had passed and Jedrik had not returned from his short business trip to the border marketplace. An in dept inquiry revealed Jedrik’s last known position and the specifics (particulars) of a companion he’d been seen with. The details of that contact (acquaintance, fellow) left no room for doubt. By then Berdis was worried and anticipating the grievous outcome, she shared her intentions with her sister Brenda.

On the following night Berdis, intent on breaking her oath (of never transforming into a dragon) to Jedrik, she stood in a small clearing (a field) with her sister Brenda beside her. Subsequently, under the canopy of stars, a gentle breeze caressing her cheeks, she gazed briefly at the crescent moon, then invoked the ancient spell which summoned her inner force and instantly transformed her into her innate (inborn) self, which was the white dragon.

Brenda alighted (perched) on her back, the two set off on the projected (expected) rescue mission. Unfortunately, Khronos had anticipated (predicted) this move and additionally spun an incantation detrimental to dragons; moreover, he then awaited at the ramparts with an armed, sizeable force of monks, purportedly to eliminate this menace once and for all.

14- KHRONOS WAITED WITH THE MONKS EXPECTING STRIKE (37)

Emboldened by the solid defenses in place, “Vile Demon!” Khronos, grinding his teeth, bellowed from behind an impenetrable shield. “You cannot feast on this human. It is our solemn duty to protect unsuspecting humans from one such as you!”

“I have harmed no one and helped many,” protested dragon Longze, projecting it in human vernacular. “Surely the demon is he who deliberately and maliciously separates (divides) man and wife!”

“Save your breath sister, he won’t listen to any reason!” Brenda (the fairy, the green snake) interceded. “Force is our only recourse; he has duped them all, and unfortunately nothing short of violence will get through their solid defenses!”

Longze was averse to violence; she’d hoped to rescue her husband through peaceful means (sensible negotiation) and without resorting to pugnacity (aggression) or bloodshed. Brenda had come along, hoping to be dropped off at a strategic spot, where she could unseen penetrate within and reaching Jedrik, and if possible, release him from captivity. However, Berdis (Longze) had soon found herself under heavy bombardment of relentless hostile assault.

15- MONKS ON THE OFFENSIVE (27)

Constrained by present circumstance, the lovely and courageous Berdis (Longze) and Brenda (riding on top), through evasive maneuvers, sought to bypass the defenses and reach her husband and when that failed, Longze was forced to launch her fiery breath, still careful however, to aim it as means of deterrent attack. Longze could have incinerated them at one stroke, but she chose not to do this.

16- LONGSE FIGHTS ALSO (36)

She was on a mission of rescue not punitive campaign. Furthermore, the incantation, had severely restricted Longze’s powers. Wishing not to bring harm to misled army of monks, Berdis (Longze) and Brenda in the end capitulating (yielding), flew away; however, resolved to endeavor (strive, attempt) fresh rescue on another day.

From within the temple cell meanwhile, Jedrik had heard all that seemingly endless commotion of the battle. Upon discovering that it was his wife’s attempt at his rescue he became adamant to at least stand by her. When things had died down, and many chose to gain some (albeit temporary) respite: Jedrik using his wits, eventually succeeded in escaping from his captivity and securing a moored boat, quietly left the island.

17-JEDRIK NENZO (41)

At long last reaching his wife, both embraced and shed tears, then discussed their future plans involving escaping to obscurity, at lengthy, breathless, talk (conversation).

“I now understand how you’ve suffered for my sake.” Teary eyed Jedrik hugged his wife again and again and same time begged her forgiveness.

“Human or dragon, I shall love you for all eternity. “He uttered (declared) his solemn promise, as he held her in a tight embrace.

18- BERDIS AND JEDRIK NENZO (58)jp

The reunited lovers subsequently, covertly moved to a border town, far, far away. Shortly after, Berdis (Longze), gave birth to a healthy human (mortal) son, Kelby.

Their well-deserved happiness would have been everlasting, had it not been for the despicable, adamant foe Khronos who, unfortunately, again resurfaced to, this time permanently destroy all that Berdis (Longze) held dear.

When the deadly surprise, the potent assault occurred, the fairy Brenda fought intrepidly alongside her elder sister Berdis (Longze) to defend both Jedrik and Kelby. During the fiercest part of the onslaught (attack, offensive, blitz), Brenda (the green serpent, the fairy) heroically, at one crucial point had even thrown herself Infront of Longze, and therefore, suffered the extreme brunt of the projectile (missile, rocket) that had been designed specifically to annihilate dragon Longze.

19-  KHRONOS'S DEADLY INCANTATION (52) JP

Consequently, the supreme impact had instead, utterly decimated (annihilated) Brenda’s true being (form).

Berdis (Longze),  letting out an earth shattering cry, had  instantly reverting back to her human form, had held on to her little sister in a tight embrace, urging her to hold on, to stay with her; but Brenda had sadly shook her head, then peacefully,  just dissolved into million bits of glittering little stars that dissipated (dissolved, vanished) into the air.

Dragon Longze, her fury unleashed, did avenged all her losses; and Khronos, though he’d appealed to Heaven, bit too late, in a desperate plea to be saved- well, he aptly got his just due!

20- LONGZE PUNISHES CHRONOS (71)

He was burned to an ash by the indomitable (invincible) dragon fire.

Unfortunately, Longze, was never the same again, and she flew straight to the top of the permanently snow-capped peaks of the highest mountain range, to spend the remainder of her days, in self imposed solitary confinement, till her sentence was served and she was allowed to naturally pass away.

21- LONGZE FLIES TO THE NORTH (3)

What Longze did not know however, was that all had not been lost to her; Kelby, her son (carrying dragon genetic markers) had survived and was carried away to safety by none other than the Immortal Haskell.

Moreover, through the interference of some immortals who secretly held Longze in high regard, they and Immortal Haskell had cared for Kelby, as well, enabled him to have a long, fruitful life.

Best of all, Kelby did, one faithful day, meet up with his reincarnated parent Longze!  But that’s another story.

The End  

 JUDGE LU PAN (REVISED 2025) 

Scholar Zhu Erdan ((courtesy name Xiaoming), who lived in Lingyang, was an easy going, good natured, friendly, handsome young man who was studying diligently for the local exams. But due to his honest nature and slow wit, furthermore, not knowing how to fawn (flatter, toady) on the haughty (arrogant) opulent and influential officials or gentry, he had never attained any academic distinction. 

01-CHU ERHTAN - JP 7

Once a study mate dared him to sneak into the Ten Kings Temple in the middle of the night and carry out the statue of the menacing looking judgement god, Judge Lu Pan. Having successfully completed the dare, Zhu Erdan won a feast from his friend, got very drunk and went home.

02- ENJOYING DRINKING WITH FRIENDS JP  16

The next day, when he remembered what he had done the night before, he felt so bad that he, erroneously, tried to drawn his sorrow by indulging in spirits; while Zhu was having a drink in the pagoda, for it was quiet and peaceful there, especially at night, a gust of wind suddenly broke open the door and in came Judge Lu Pan. Zhu jumped up with his heart pounding in fear of his life, and exclaimed, “I committed a great sacrilege last night. For that, I deserve death. You are here to take my life, aren’t you? “

But the judgement god grimaced then shook his head. “Not necessarily. And I accept your inherent (natural, genuine) invitation, from the heart; I was feeling a bit restless tonight, so I came to share a drink or two with you." Zhu felt relieved and at once set to preparing some drinks; Zhu and the judgement god, hence, drank happily that night, landing an ear to the cacophony of insects and the harmonious sounds of other such nocturnal animals. From then on, Judge Lu visited Zhu frequently. In time they become good friends, so much so that they "sometimes slept together with the soles of their feet touching." However, much to Zhu’s dismay, the judge constantly criticized Zhu's essays for being "good for nothing". 

03- JUDGE LU PAN-  JP 1

One night Zhu was startled awake from his deep sleep, because of an unusual, though somewhat annoying pain emanating (originating) from his chest and gut.  Upon opening his eyes, his gaze sharpened, he was shocked to find Judge Lu Pan there, bent over his stomach and rearranging his internal organs. Naturally, Zhu became hysterical and with a trembling voice, asked for the reason for this perceived injury and harm, begging for Judge Lu to stop.

Judge Lu, however, just smiled and said, “You don't write your essays very well. That's because there is a blind spot in your heart. I’ve replaced it with a good one which I found in the world of the living."

04- JUDGE LU   PAN - JP 7

A few days later, Lu returned to review Zhu's latest essays; putting the papers aside, Lu opined (pronounced) that Zhu will be a successful but not outstanding scholar.  Nevertheless, from then on Zhu did make tremendous progress in his studies and not long afterwards even attained first place in the local exam. In autumn he also passed the national exam. His study and drinking mates, meanwhile, were all very surprised, especially when they learn that it was all due to Judge Lu Pan. 

05- STUDY AND DRINKING BUDDIES JP  7

Naturally they all wanted to meet Judge Lu in person, hoping also to gain some favor; and so, they pestered (pressured) Zhu till he acquiesced to take them along, the next time he would go and have a shared drink with Judge Lu Pan.

06--JUDGE LU  PAN- JP 8

However, upon seeing the green-faced, red-bearded Judge Lu and looking into his blazing eyes, everyone was so terrified that they all took to their’ heals (fled, ran away) in sheer panic.

Zhu, feeling responsible, apologized profusely to Judge Lu for their rudeness, then invited him to have another session of drinking with him at his humble abode. Along the way, pressed to speak about the concern on his mind Zhu finally said, "My wife is a good sort, but, as you shall see presently for yourself, is rather plain looking; now that I have achieved a more prominent position, her unattractive (disagreeable) appearance and clumsy demeanour (image, bearing) has become somewhat a liability; can you do anything about it?" 

07- PLAIN LOOKING WIFE JP 11

Judge Lu was silent for a while, then he smiled and said," It so happens that your wife’s life span is nearing an end, and within three days she shall expire because of a freak accident. But there is an error in the books, she wasn’t supposed to die. I think I have a way to remedy this situation. And since you ask so contritely (almost penitently, ashamedly), I shall, therefore, honor your request."

As predicted, two days later Zhu’s wife was suddenly deceased, after having stepped on a carelessly discarded banana peel on the cobble-stoned garden path; Zhu forestalling her funerary arrangements, allowed her body to (albeit temporarily) lie peacefully in repose on her bed, as if in deep sleep.  A day later, expectantly at dusk, Judge Lu manifested in Zhu’s study carrying with him the decapitated head of a beautiful woman and asked to be taken to Zhu ‘s wife's bed chamber. Once there, Judge Lu without delay, took out a sharp knife and severed her head from the keck then adroitly (proficiently, capably) replaced it with the beautiful woman's head. After careful alignment, he mended the cut with his fingers and placed the head back on the pillow.

In the morning, Zhu’s wife suddenly coming to life, opened her eyes, got up and, remembering nothing, was about to comb her hair, when she suddenly found herself looking at a stranger in the mirror. Zhu told her the whole story of how Judge Lu had changed her head. Zhu then took a closer look at his wife. Ah, she was like an enchanting beauty in a silk painting!

08- BEAUTIFUL GIRL - JP 2

It so happened that, the local Magistrate Wu’s daughter’s corpse, was discovered few days prior; she’d been murdered and decapitated in a meadow (field), among the tall grasses (bullrushes), at the edge of town, some distance away from the Magistrate Wu’s posh dwelling.  Previously, Magistrate Wu had been away on urgent business in the capital, this discovery upon his return, greatly perturbed him. There were no clues as to who her assailant (killer, slayer) might be, but in his grief, Magistrate Wu would not listen to any reason and instead, suspected that his daughter had been secretly abducted and murdered by Zhu's black magic, so he filed suit against Zhu, and Zhu was captured and interrogated.

But due to lack of evidence, the court couldn't pass a sentence and released Zhu temporarily. That night, drinking together at his study, Zhu politely asked Judge Lu, curious now, to learn of the details how he’d procured (come by) his present wife’s head. Nodding in understanding, Judge Lu then succinctly recounted the beautiful girl’s somewhat tragic story:

 She’d once been the beloved daughter of Magistrate Wu and beautiful though she’d been, she had remained single, till passed (her prime,) of marriageable age; because some time ago, both of her fiancés had died, rather ominously, before the appointed matrimonial date. Disheartened, she had from then on refused any would be suitors.  Once during a Lantern Festival, the lovely girl had visited the Chamber of Horrors and had been followed back home by a man who first tried to rape her and then beheaded her. When her corpse had been found, but the culprit was still unknown and at large, the grief-stricken family, prolonging (extending) her funeral (burial), had placed her head next to her body, in the hall. And when Lu had taken the head, Magistrate Wu’s family, for reasons known only to them, had concealed this fact, while they determinedly continued with their search of the culprit that had so brutally slayed (murdered) her.

“Now, I understand, “Zhu nodded, when Lu fell silent. “Still, this has landed me in an inexplicable (bizarre, enigmatic) fix. Though I am temporarily freed from castigation (criticism, scolding) and incarceration (jail, captivity) at present, I suspect Magistrate Wu, in his desperation, will persist (remain, continue) in his adamant course of persecuting me. How can we remedy this?”

"It's quite simple, “said Judge Lu. "Tonight, I'll have the Magistrate Wu's daughter’s spirit explain everything to him (her father) to clear away his suspicion."

09- MAGISTRATE WU-  JP  1

That night, the magistrate had a dream, in which, his daughter appeared before him and said, “I was murdered by that brute Yang Tanien of Suhsi. It had nothing to do with Zhu. Zhu was dissatisfied with his wife's looks, so Judge Lu Pan used my head to replace hers; therefore, my body is deceased (departed), but at least my head now lives on. And in this way, I can exist as the wife of a respectable, gentle, thoughtful Zhu. Please don't make any more trouble or hold anything against him. If you must, go after Yang Tanien and avenge my wrongful death."

10 -BEAUTIFUL GIRL - JP 5

Sure enough, more indebt investigation revealed that there was an affluent merchant Yang Tanien in Suhsi, with questionable, debauched (wicked, decadent) innate attributes, living in a rather large mansion, in the adjacent town. He had several lucrative medicinal stores, two of which was established in Magistrate Wu’s town. After being captured and interrogated, Yang Tanien admitted to the crime of kidnapping and murdering Miss Wu, after she’d refused all his painstaking efforts to woo her, saying nothing of, his many improper advances disguised as business transactions.

With the case satisfactorily solved, Magistrate Wu brought gifts to Zhu's house to apologize and found Zhu's wife identical to his deceased daughter. He immediately adopted her as his own daughter, and Zhu acknowledged the magistrate as his father-in-law.

11- MAGISTRATE WU-  JP 5

Thirty years passed in a blinking of an eye, and Zhu, who was still happily married, furthermore, had a young son named Wei, was content. One night during a drinking bout (session) with Judge Lu, however, Lu abruptly turning to face him, with a somber look, informed Zhu: "Your life span is almost over dear friend; and unfortunately, you have five more days left to live."

Zhu, at first aghast, exhaled a long slow breath, then asked: "Is there a way out of this?”

Judge Lu frowned and shook his head; he was rather displeased by this request. "One's life is predetermined. How can I, out of personal favor, save someone who is destined to die? Besides, an intelligent person should feel natural to death; why do people celebrate life only and fear death? “

Zhu thought that made a lot of sense, so he went on to prepare for his own funeral. But of course, the story of Zhu and his friendship with Judge Lu, does not end here.

The day after his death, Zhu visited his wife as a ghost and told her that he was now working for the judge Lu. Subsequently, he continued to visit his family regularly and, moreover, taught Wei how to read and write. Some time after Wei's fifteenth birthday, however, Zhu told his wife that he had been assigned to Mount Hua as its "mountain god" and hence, must bid his family, a final farewell.

Years later, Wei, then aged twenty-five, became an "inspecting commissioner”. He was sent to Mount Hua to perform a series of rituals. On his way there, he was met by Zhu, who praised him for his accomplishments. Before disappearing, Zhu handed his son a sword, on whose blade was inscribed: "Be bold, but cautious; round in disposition, square in action." 

Wei eventually fathered five children: Chen, Qian, Mi, Hun, and Shen. In a dream, Zhu told Wei to give the sword to Hun. Wei complied, and Hun then became a celebrated official.

Finally, let conclude this post with the original author Pu Songling’s famed inscription (verses, stanzas) in his postscript: "To chop short the crane's legs and stretch the duck's is the folly of artificiality, but grafting a flower to a tree is a marvel of creativity." 

He, furthermore, added: "Is Master Lu of Lingyang still around? Does his supernatural power still work as of old? I would like nothing more than to serve, whip in hand, as his charioteer."

Fin

PS- This is an intriguing (fascinating) story, just in time for the Hungry Ghost Period and the Halloween. Judge Lu is a short story originally written by Pu Songling (1640- 1715) and first published in 1766 in Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio. Fortuitously, I chanced upon this remarkable book, and thence (thereafter), these Strange Tales, had made me permanently unafraid of ghosts, goblins and other supernatural phenomenon. 

Dealing with Grief

Dealing with Grief

A loss can be many things, such as loss of ideals, job, house or status. A loss of a being and the resulting grief has to be one of life’s hardest experiences however, that every human without exception sooner or later must undergo. The bereavement period and the steps of grief leading towards recovery may vary for each individual. In this information age there are ample resources that are readily available to all, particularly those that have, albeit temporarily, lost their bearing and are in need of some healing compass. It may be that they are an introvert or a loner who do not wish to share this hard experience with anyone. What needs to be done then?

It’s fair to say that this angst, the depth of sorrow and the length of its endurance is far too complex an emotional journey for it be pigeonholed or categorized. However here are some tell-tale signs of grief. When identified it may help one towards resolution, acceptance then desired inner peace:

It may be that the aggrieved would feel shocked, feel fear. This type of loss can often trigger fears of one’s own mortality, of facing life without that person and the added responsibilities that need handling all by one self. With this feeling of anxiety and fear one could have difficulty in concentrating or one could feel numb, lack energy and motivation or have a hard time feeling any emotions at all. 

Some may feel like they are "going crazy". They therefore begin questioning religious beliefs, experience guilt or remorse (feeling guilty about things one did or didn’t say or do).

It’s normal to feel frustrated or misunderstood.

The feeling of sadness, that profound sadness, is probably the most universally experienced symptom of grief. Additionally one could experience wounding feelings of emptiness, despair, yearning, or deep loneliness.

Let us not discount the feeling of anger... Yes anger; even when the loss was nobody’s fault, one may feel angry with oneself, God, the doctors, or even at the deceased for abandoning them. The need to blame someone for the perceived injustice is very real.

Long after the loss, the mind may persist in being confused and muddled way past the initial stages. Or one may feel relief or peace after a loss. Yes, that too is a possibility.

Then the period where disbelief sets in or the time-frame in which the aggrieved can only focus on the manner of loss, focus incessantly on how other died, or the life that was spent together before the loss.

Even those that are blessed with many supportive family members and friends need to be patient in the face of the well-intentioned onslaught of advice or words such as, "Be strong!”, “It’s part of life”, “We all sooner or later undergo this,” or "Yours is not to question The Will of God!" or "Get on with your life!”, “Don’t waste what precious time you have left!” Patience and tolerance is to be exercised here even though all one needs is to be given time and the gentle nudge towards allowing one to have one’s grief to run its natural course.

The hardest to bear will be the milestones, specials markings of time, celebrations and so forth. Time is an effective healer however, the intensity of which, will gradually abate over time. Also, whilst lives are often transformed by grievous loss, it does not necessarily need to be for the worse. Focus instead on dealing effectively and positively with grief as it is essential to one’s recovery process and one’s ability to continue on with a fulfilling life in future.

Physical reactions such as upset stomach or intestinal disturbances like frequent diarrhea are to be expected. Responding to grief may manifest in the form of tightness in one’s throat, heaviness across one’s chest and sudden onset of breathing difficulties, or pain in heart region. Headaches and feeling of vacillating body temperatures, hot or sudden chill could also occur. One may undergo changes in one’s behavior, such as excessive need to sleep or lack of it and then there is that sudden wakefulness at odd hours. One may experience strange dreams or frightening nightmares. During the day one may be perpetually uneasy driving oneself to initiate one project after another or be cast into mere distractions just to avoid handling deep thoughts. Some may deal with it by sitting idly by and with a blank face staring into space and doing nothing for extended periods.

Usually grieving people opt to spend more time alone. They’re drawn to the quiet and in so doing seek safety in the experience. This could be their way of dodging other people and groups; for crowds and any size gatherings make them feel ill at ease. Some however are driven to crowds craving to be in midst of multitudes more than before. Once lost in a crowd however, an odd sensation of jealousy may materialize, being envious of people around who aren’t grieving. Then resentment may set in observing how callously others take so much for granted when nothing should ever be taken for granted. One may become even critical in ways that are uncharacteristic and mean spirited. Fortunately, this shift in character and outlook is usually temporary.

Let us not overlook those supernatural happenings that many may also experience. Such as going about usual routine only to have an auditory or visual experience of the dear departed close by. During meditation or in a dream sequence the departed may offer a special message. Rest assured, these phenomenons are far more common than one might think. Usually this is a person’s way of assimilating advice that the departed person would have given in life but now resides only in that person’s memory.

In summary, a healthy grief has many possible outlets. Some people are naturally more feeling-oriented as they grieve, while others are more cerebral. Some respond outwardly, while others keep it to themselves. Some want to have a close network of friends around them, and others prefer to be independent. Each individual’s experience is unique therefore one should not expect to have a "one-size-fits-all grief". It’s common to feel listless and lifeless, discouraged and sometimes depressed long after this process of grief and many strong emotions can still resurface. But then after a while there comes a time when the pain ceases in intensity, gradual reawakening takes root and then eventually the lost energy is renewed and reinvigorated along with hope and the new transformed life.

It is said that through this process of grief, that one has traversed the difficult path to reach eventual healing. 

Finally, here are some succinct points for overcoming grief:

-Connect with caring and supportive people.

-Offer support to other loved ones who are grieving also; this is sometimes the best way to overcome personal grief.

-Give yourself enough time. Everyone reacts differently to a loss.

- Allow yourself to feel sadness, anger, or whatever you need to feel. Find healthy ways to share your feelings and express yourself, such as talking with friends or writing in a journal.

-Recognize that your life has changed. You may feel less engaged with work or relationships for some time. This is a natural part of loss and grief.

-Holidays and other important days can be very hard. Consider new traditions or celebrations that support healing.

-Take care of your physical health.

-Be honest with young people about what has happened and about how you feel, and encourage them to share their feelings, too.

-Work through difficult feelings like bitterness and blame. These feelings can make it harder to move forward in your life.

-Make a new beginning. As the feelings of grief become less intense, return to interests and activities you may have dropped and think about trying something new.

-Think about waiting before making major life decisions. You may feel differently as your feelings of grief lose their intensity, and the changes may add to the stress you’re already experiencing.

A Letter to a Dying Man

Bassui wrote the following letter to one of his disciples who was about to die:

"The essence of your mind is not born, so it will never die. It is not an existence, which is perishable. It is not emptiness, which is a mere void. It has neither color nor form. It enjoys no pleasures and suffers no pains."

"I know you are very ill. Like a good Zen student, you are facing that sickness squarely. You may not know exactly who is suffering, but question yourself: What is the essence of this mind? Think only of this. You will need no more. Covet nothing. Your end which is endless is as a snowflake dissolving in the pure air."

(Zen Koan)

                                                               ~~~~~

Nothing is for certain. Nothing lasts forever therefore one must make the most of what one has and truly appreciate life’s precious gifts.

What is life? What is its purpose? Answering these questions might motivate us to live a more meaningful existence and investigate the deeper truths of life. 

The End