Kai Lung’s Golden Hours · Chapter
The Out-Passing Into a State of Assured Felicity of the Much-Enduring Two with Whom These Printed Leaves Have Chiefly Been Concerned explained
Kai Lung and Hwa-mei rest under an ancient arch during their journey.
What happens
Kai Lung and Hwa-mei rest under an ancient arch during their journey. At Hwa-mei's request, Kai Lung tells the story of Ten-teh, a cormorant fisherman whose loyalty to the deposed imperial line is tested during the usurpation of Fuh-chi. The story follows Ten-teh's misfortunes, his encounter with a mysterious figure named Hoang, and his subsequent loss of livelihood due to a corrupt mandarin. The chapter concludes with Kai Lung and Hwa-mei arriving at a humble hut where an aged patriarch welcomes them, and Hwa-mei prepares their evening rice.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
Ten-teh's unwavering loyalty to the deposed imperial line contrasts with the betrayal and corruption of officials like the mandarin who oppresses him.
Justice and Injustice
The chapter explores the failure of justice under a corrupt regime, as Ten-teh's plea for redress is met with resignation and the headman's cynical advice.
Survival and Resilience
Ten-teh endures repeated misfortunes—failed harvests, loss of his raft and cormorants—yet continues to seek justice and maintain his integrity.
Fate and Destiny
Kai Lung and Hwa-mei's journey culminates in their arrival at the patriarch's hut, suggesting a destined resolution; the story of Ten-teh also involves fateful encounters.
Characters to notice
- Kai Lung
Narrates the story of Ten-teh to Hwa-mei under the ancient arch; arrives with Hwa-mei at the patriarch's hut.
- Hwa-mei
Rests with Kai Lung under the arch and requests a story; later enters the patriarch's hut to prepare rice.
- Ten-teh
Protagonist of the embedded story; a cormorant fisherman who remains loyal to the deposed Emperor Tung Kwei and his son Kwo Kam.
- Hoang
Mysterious figure who appears to Ten-teh in a storm, revealing himself as a messenger of Kwo Kam and entrusting Ten-teh with a secret mission.
- Kwo Kam
Rightful heir to the throne, son of Emperor Tung Kwei; leads the Army of the Avenging Pure and is later crowned emperor.
- Fuh-chi
Usurper who seized the throne after Tung Kwei's death; oppresses the land and sets a reward for the capture of Kwo Kam.
- Tung Kwei
Deposed emperor whose reign ended in treachery; his memory is honored by loyalists.
Key passages
“Let us remain another space of time... will you not, out of an emotion of gratitude, relate a story for my ear alone, weaving into it the substance of this ancient arch whose shade proves our rest?”
Hwa-mei asks Kai Lung to stay longer and tell a story inspired by the arch under which they rest.
Hwa-mei's request prompts Kai Lung to narrate the tale of Ten-teh.
“Your wish is the crown of my attainment, unearthly one”
Kai Lung agrees to tell the story, honoring Hwa-mei's wish.
Kai Lung's deferential response to Hwa-mei.
“Devotion to the Emperor—”
The story begins with a theme of loyalty to the emperor.
Opening of the embedded story of Ten-teh.
“If two lean and insignificant carp encountered a voracious pike and one at length fell into his jaws, by what means would the other compel the assailant to release his prey?”
The headman uses a parable of fish to explain that Ten-teh cannot fight the corrupt mandarin.
The headman's allegorical advice to Ten-teh about seeking justice.
