Kai Lung’s Golden Hours · Chapter
The Encountering of Six Within a Wood explained
Kai Lung, a traveling storyteller, rests in a wood on his way to Yu-ping and meets two maidens, one of whom is Hwa-mei.
What happens
Kai Lung, a traveling storyteller, rests in a wood on his way to Yu-ping and meets two maidens, one of whom is Hwa-mei. After they flee, he shares a meal with Li-loe, a sandal-maker who warns him of the dangerous Mandarin Shan Tien and his adviser Ming-shu. Li-loe, revealed as the keeper of the yamen doors, takes three strings of cash from Kai Lung in exchange for future protection. As the Mandarin's procession passes, Hwa-mei, from her chair, drops a red blossom at Kai Lung's feet.
Themes in this chapter
The Power of Storytelling and Art
Kai Lung's profession as a storyteller is central; he discusses the art of tailoring stories to different audiences and offers to tell the tale of Princess Taik.
Survival and Resilience
Kai Lung and Li-loe share a meager meal and discuss strategies to survive the threats posed by Shan Tien and the turbulent times.
Characters to notice
- Kai Lung
The storyteller, resting in the wood on his way to Yu-ping, meets Hwa-mei and later Li-loe.
- Hwa-mei
The maiden who converses with Kai Lung in the wood and later drops a red blossom from her chair.
- Li-loe
A sandal-maker and keeper of the yamen doors who shares a meal with Kai Lung and takes three strings of cash.
- Ming-shu
Mentioned as having the right ear of Shan Tien, a threat to Kai Lung.
- Shan Tien
The Mandarin whose procession passes through the wood, heading to Yu-ping to suppress discontent.
Key passages
“The occupation is a dignified one, being to no great degree removed from that of the Sages who compiled The Books.”
Storytelling is a noble craft, almost as respected as the work of the ancient sages.
Hwa-mei praises Kai Lung's profession, elevating it to a scholarly level.
“Every rope has two ends, and tomorrow is yet to come.”
Every situation has two sides, and the future is still uncertain.
Kai Lung's philosophical response to Li-loe's warning about danger.