The verse — “With flowers and wine, spring ever stays; Without lamp or candle, night self-illumines” — originates from Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio: The Examination for the Post of City God (Kao Cheng Huang or Candidate for the City God).
Literally, it suggests that where flowers and wine exist, the spirit of spring endures regardless of season. Though devoid of artificial light, the moon’s radiance suffices. These lines were composed by Scholar Zhang as a farewell poem to Song Tao, urging him to transcend worldly attachments and preserve inner clarity. The poet also consoles himself: despite failing imperial exams, one may still live with unrestrained grace. This embodies Scholar Zhang’s tranquil, optimistic, and resilient spirit.
Through this verse, Pu Songling outlines his ideal of “exemplary character”:
- Unswayed by material lack or abundance;
- Anchored by inner fulfillment and moral lucidity;
- A state where “spring resides where mind blooms, / Darkness brightens where heart illuminates”.
This ethos applies equally to the City God (an underworld magistrate) and ordinary people, revealing true moral nobility lies in composure born of spiritual autonomy.
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