# The Story of Lao Ting and the Luminous Insect explained — Kai Lung’s Golden Hours

> Chapter companion for Kai Lung’s Golden Hours by Ernest Bramah.

## What happens

Lao Ting, a poor but studious scholar, struggles to prepare for the imperial examinations due to lack of light and resources. He devises a hole in a neighbor's wall to borrow light, but is thwarted. He then meets Chun Hoa-mi, inspiring him to strive for greatness. A rival, Sheng-yin, bribes him to leave town during the exams, but the exams are delayed due to an omen. Lao Ting returns in time to pass, while Sheng-yin fails and later commits suicide, cursing Lao Ting. Lao Ting marries Hoa-mi and eventually achieves modest success, commemorating his journey with the image of a luminous insect.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wisdom and Cunning

Lao Ting's resourcefulness in boring a hole to steal light and his clever handling of Sheng-yin's bribe demonstrate cunning and adaptability.

### Fate and Destiny

The delayed exams due to an omen and Lao Ting's eventual success despite Sheng-yin's plot highlight the role of fate and destiny.

### Love and Devotion

Lao Ting's devotion to Chun Hoa-mi inspires his ambitions, and he ultimately marries her, showing love as a motivating force.

## Character check-ins

### Lao Ting

The impoverished scholar who uses a hole in the wall to study by a neighbor's light, meets Chun Hoa-mi, and ultimately passes the examinations after overcoming Sheng-yin's scheme.

### Chun Hoa-mi

The entrancing woman Lao Ting meets while walking at dusk; she inspires his ambitions and later becomes his wife.

### Sheng-yin

A rival scholar who bribes Lao Ting to leave town before the exams, but fails himself and commits suicide, cursing Lao Ting.

### Wang Ho

Mentioned as Wang-san, the top candidate in the examinations.

### Yin Ho

Mentioned as the second-place candidate in the examinations.

## Key lines

> He who can grasp Opportunity as she slips by does not need a lucky dream.

A person who seizes chances as they appear does not rely on fortune or luck.

_This proverb introduces Lao Ting's story, emphasizing the value of seizing opportunities._

> A well-filled purse is a trusty earth anchor.

Having money keeps one grounded and secure.

_Reflects Lao Ting's poverty and the stability that wealth provides._

> The crocodile opens his jaws; the rattrap closes his; keep yours shut.

Be cautious and keep your mouth shut to avoid danger.

_Sheng-yin's warning to Lao Ting about discretion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kai_lung_s_golden_hours_se/chapters/the-story-of-lao-ting-and-the-luminous-insect
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kai_lung_s_golden_hours_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kai_lung_s_golden_hours_se/chapters