In the bustling capital city, amid its crowded streets, stood a popular inn named “Xin Cheng.” This inn was always brimming with travelers and merchants from various regions, serving as a hub for those on their journeys.
One day, an elderly man dressed in humble attire entered the inn with a sense of urgency. He inquired about a wealthy merchant from Shanxi and eventually found his servant. However, the servant coldly dismissed the old man, leaving him to wait helplessly at the inn’s entrance.
The merchant, an affluent figure dressed in fine clothing and riding an equally impressive horse, was known for his luxurious lifestyle and success in acquiring a minor government post through donations mandated by the court. When he finally appeared, his attitude toward the elderly man was indifferent. He offered no greeting, only instructing a servant to provide the man with a cup of hot tea.
A history of kindness and betrayal
As the elderly man pleaded for help, his story unfolded. Years ago, the old man had been an official, while the merchant was a penniless youth. Taking pity on the young man, the official had repeatedly offered him food and shelter, helping him survive desperate times. Over the years, this generosity culminated in the official giving the young man 100 taels of silver to start a business.
With this support, the merchant prospered, rising from poverty to wealth. Meanwhile, the official fell from grace, losing his position and eventually becoming destitute. Upon hearing that the merchant was in the capital, the old man saw a glimmer of hope. He believed the merchant might repay his past kindness and help him return to his hometown.
But the merchant dismissed the man’s request, claiming he barely had enough money to cover his own expenses. The elderly man, stunned by this response, turned to the inn’s guests, tearfully recounting how he had sacrificed so much for him and now only sought repayment of the original 100 taels — enough to clear his debts and return home.
A mysterious benefactor intervenes
The heartfelt tale silenced the lively inn, and many guests sympathized with the old man. Just then, a man of striking demeanor stepped forward, introducing himself as Yang from Jiangxi. Yang asked the merchant if the old man’s story was true. Reluctantly, he admitted it was, but reiterated that he could not repay the debt.
Yang proposed a solution: “You’re about to take office as an official, so borrowing money shouldn’t be a problem. If someone lends you 100 taels, interest-free for one year, will you repay this man?” After some hesitation, the merchant agreed.
Yang then produced 100 taels of silver from a shabby box and handed it to the merchant, who begrudgingly passed it to the old man. To formalize the agreement, Yang had the merchant write a promissory note. Later, Yang hosted a banquet for the old man and invited the merchant as well. Yet, even during the feast, he showed no gratitude.
Justice revealed
Sometime after this event, the merchant noticed a chest in his possession was lighter than usual. Upon inspecting it, he discovered it was missing 100 taels of silver. Curiously, the chest’s lock and seals were untouched. Moreover, a piece of clothing—a vest—was also gone, replaced by a pawn ticket bearing the words “2,000 coins.”
As it turned out, Yang was no ordinary man but a skilled magician. Moved by the old man’s plight, Yang used his abilities to retrieve the 100 taels from the merchant’s own stash. The banquet expenses were covered by pawning his vest.
News of this event spread quickly among the inn’s patrons, who took great satisfaction in the outcome. The merchant, deeply ashamed, eventually disappeared, his whereabouts unknown.
Translated by Elaine
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