The Righteous Man and the Greedy Ghost

Post on:Nov 6, 2023|Last edited: Nov 7, 2023|
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In the backyard of Chen Qingsun's house, there was a tree where miraculous events often occurred. Many people came here to pray for peace and good fortune, and eventually, a temple called the "Temple of the Heavenly Deity" was built to worship this sacred tree. Chen Qingsun owned a magnificent black ox, a treasured possession with lustrous fur and sharp horns, known for its incredible strength.
One day, he heard a voice from the heavens saying, "I am the Heavenly Deity, and I greatly admire your ox. If you do not give it to me, on the twentieth day of the next month, I will take your son's life." Chen Qingsun, however, was skeptical. He replied, "Life and death are predetermined, not within your control. As a heavenly deity, you should protect all living beings. How can you covet my ox?"
On that fateful day, his son indeed passed away suddenly, without any warning. The Heavenly Deity spoke again, "If you do not give me your ox, I will take your wife's life in May." Chen Qingsun was heartbroken, but he remained steadfast. He said, "You have taken my son's life, and I am already grieving. If you take my wife as well, do you wish for my utter devastation? Your actions are courting divine retribution, aren't you afraid of the consequences?"
Come May, his wife also met a tragic end, struck by lightning while lying in bed. The Heavenly Deity returned, saying, "If you do not give me your ox, I will take your life in the fall." Chen Qingsun, however, was fearless, stating, "You have taken my wife, and I have nothing left to lose. Even if you seek my life, you cannot make me submit. As a heavenly deity, you should uphold justice. Are you not concerned about facing consequences?"
Autumn arrived, but he did not die. Instead, his health improved, and his household thrived. A ghost came to apologize, saying, "You are a person of integrity and have earned great blessings. Please do not disclose this matter to others. If the heavens and the earth discover it, I will be severely punished. In truth, I observed a little ghost gaining control over human lives, and he informed me that your wife and son were nearing the end of their lives. I saw an opportunity to deceive you into giving me your ox to eat. Please forgive me. Your lifespan is eighty-three years, and your family will be blessed. Spirits and deities will watch over you. I am willing to serve you as your servant." With these words, Chen Qingsun heard a bowing sound.
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