Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
•
King Hui of Liang, weary from years of military defeats and dwindling influence, sat in his palace with an unusual humility. After hearing Mencius speak of benevolent governance and the futility of comparing himself to neighboring rulers – “fifty paces laughing at a hundred” – the king finally lowered his royal pride.
•
The conflict between Wu Chengxiu (representing “merchants” and the wealthy class) and the censor’s younger brother (representing “officials” and power networks) in Strange Tales from Liaozhai: Tian Qilang may seem to stem from a servant’s misconduct, but it actually tears away the cruel veil of “struggles between officials and merchants” in feudal society.