# XI: Of Which It Is Written: “In Shallow Water Dragons Become the Laughingstock of Shrimps” explained — Kai Lung’s Golden Hours

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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- 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