Kai Lung’s Golden Hours · Chapter
XI: Of Which It Is Written: “In Shallow Water Dragons Become the Laughingstock of Shrimps” explained
Kai Lung is brought to judgment before the Mandarin Shan Tien and the scheming Ming-shu.
What happens
Kai Lung is brought to judgment before the Mandarin Shan Tien and the scheming Ming-shu. Ming-shu declares his guilt proven by a special procedure, but Kai Lung cleverly confesses to a false crime of rejoicing on a day of mourning for the Emperor, which forces Shan Tien to avoid scandal. Kai Lung negotiates a punishment of banishment, a safe-conduct, five hundred taels of silver, and a horse to escape, ultimately turning the tables on Ming-shu, who is led away with the cang.
Themes in this chapter
Wisdom and Cunning
Kai Lung uses his wit to confess a false crime, turning the tables on Ming-shu and securing his freedom.
Justice and Injustice
The trial is rigged by Ming-shu to ensure a guilty verdict, but Kai Lung's cleverness subverts the unjust process.
Characters to notice
- Kai Lung
Brought to judgment, he confesses to a false crime of impiety to outmaneuver Ming-shu and secures his release with a safe-conduct and silver.
- Ming - shu
The scheming recorder who plots Kai Lung's downfall but is outwitted and ends up being led to prison with the cang.
- Shan Tien
The Mandarin presiding over the trial; he is pressured by Kai Lung's confession and ultimately agrees to the storyteller's terms.
Key passages
“In Shallow Water Dragons Become the Laughingstock of Shrimps”
When powerful figures are placed in a weak position, they become the object of mockery by those who are normally beneath them.
The chapter title foreshadows how Kai Lung, though a prisoner, outwits his captors.
“Committer of every infamy and inceptor of nameless crimes”
You who have committed every disgraceful act and started unspeakable offenses.
Ming-shu's opening accusation against Kai Lung.
“Your ruling shall keep straight my bending feet”
Your decision will guide my uncertain steps.
Kai Lung's deferential response to Shan Tien.