# Not Concerned with Any Particular Attribute of Those Who Are Involved explained — Kai Lung’s Golden Hours

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

## What happens

Kai Lung meets Hwa-mei at the shutter, where she updates him on the shifting political situation: Ming-shu is away on a mission, but Shan Tien has become dangerously superstitious after interpreting a story's omen. Hwa-mei warns that Shan Tien will summon Kai Lung to advise on the essential virtue of a burial robe. Kai Lung is indeed summoned, and in the Mandarin's presence tells the story of Wang Ho and the Burial Robe, a tale about a fortune-teller, a disputed robe, and the unexpected consequences of greed and compromise.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wisdom and Cunning

Kai Lung uses his storytelling wisdom to navigate the dangerous situation, while the tale of Wang Ho illustrates cunning in business and negotiation.

### Fate and Destiny

Shan Tien's superstitious interpretation of omens and the belief in the efficacy of burial robes highlight themes of fate and predestination.

### Social Class and Hierarchy

The story of Wang Ho and the dealings between Shen Heng and Cheng Lin reveal the dynamics of merchant class, officialdom, and social climbing.

## Character check-ins

### Kai Lung

Meets Hwa-mei at the shutter, learns of Ming-shu's absence and Shan Tien's superstitious turn, then is summoned to tell the story of Wang Ho.

### Hwa-mei

Warns Kai Lung about Shan Tien's credulity and the upcoming consultation about the burial robe; she is anxious but devoted.

### Shan Tien

Summons Kai Lung to advise on the virtue of a burial robe; he is superstitious and has accepted the Luminous Insect as an omen.

### Li-loe

Reluctantly brings Kai Lung the summons from Shan Tien, feigning concern and hinting at hidden wine.

### Ming-shu

Is away on a secret mission to Hing-poo, temporarily out of the immediate plot.

## Key lines

> Seven marble tombstones are lifted from off my chest!

A great weight of anxiety has been removed from me.

_Kai Lung expresses relief upon seeing Hwa-mei safe._

> He who believes in gambling will live to sell his sandals.

A person who trusts in luck will end up destitute.

_Kai Lung reflects on the proverb that Shan Tien should have heeded._

> Sooner or later it will certainly devolve upon this person to condemn you to a violent end.

Eventually I will have to sentence you to death.

_Shan Tien speaks ominously to Kai Lung, though not immediately threatening._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kai_lung_s_golden_hours_se/chapters/vii-not-concerned-with-any-particular-attribute-of-those-who-are-involved
- 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