At the base of Phoenix Mountain in Fenghuang County, a young scholar named Shanmin lived. Having lost his father early in life, his devoted mother earned a living by weaving on her loom. She worked tirelessly day and night to ensure her son received a quality education. Shanmin didn’t waste his intelligence and diligently immersed himself in the Four Books and Five Classics, excelling in literature and poetry.
The young scholar begins his journey
That year, the prestigious imperial examination was announced once every three years. With great anticipation, Shanmin bid his mother farewell and embarked on the arduous journey to the capital, traversing mountains and rivers with unwavering determination.
One afternoon, as he rested beneath a camphor tree that towered over a three-way crossroads near Golden Rooster Ridge, he noticed a tightly wrapped bundle nestled in the grass. Curiously, he picked it up and started unraveling its layers. Enclosed inside the yellow silk was a small wooden box, intricately carved with a coiled dragon and bearing the inscription “Imperial Bestowal.” Inside, he discovered a luminous, radiant, and translucent pearl.
Shanmin hesitated, as delaying his journey even a day could cost him the chance to sit for the examination, yet leaving such a precious object unclaimed was equally unthinkable. He decided to wait for the rightful owner.
As the hours passed and the day turned to night, no one came searching for the lost treasure. Since Shanmin stopped to rest in such a desolate area, he had no option but to spend the night under the tree. The following morning, with hopeful anticipation, he watched for any approaching traveler. As the sun started to dip below the horizon, a man on horseback approached Shanmin, his expression frantic as his eyes scanned the roadside.
The rider dismounted and urgently asked: “Sir, have you found a lost item?” Shanmin studied the man before responding, “What kind of item?” “A small bundle,” the man replied. And what was inside?” Shanmin pressed further. “A luminous pearl,” the rider answered. “The late emperor bestowed it.” Satisfied with the man’s precise knowledge, Shanmin smiled and retrieved the bundle, stating: “I have waited here for two days and a night in the hope of returning this to its rightful owner.” Shanmin extended both hands to pass the parcel to the young man.
The rider eagerly opened the package and confirmed the presence of the pearl. He fell to his knees and said gratefully: “You are a man of true honor! Your virtue outweighs even Mount Tai!” Shanmin quickly helped him up, stating: “The pearl was never mine, and returning it is simply the right thing to do!” The rider, deeply moved, offered silver as a token of appreciation, but Shanmin firmly declined. Pressed for time, he bid a swift farewell and resumed his journey.
Upon reaching the capital, he was disappointed — the examination had already begun, and the gates were closed. With no other options, he had to wait another three years. He found lodging at a modest inn and supported himself by copying texts and selling calligraphy while continuing his studies.
Two years later, the imperial court underwent a significant political shift. Corrupt officials were banished, and loyal ministers were restored. The newly enthroned emperor called for recommendations in his search for talented scholars. The Minister of Personnel, impressed by Shanmin’s literary talent, personally recommended him for the palace examination. Passing with distinction, Shanmin was appointed magistrate of Fenghuang County.
Before his departure to the county, his mentor hosted a farewell banquet and made a request. “My dear disciple, I ask one thing of you.” “Please state your wish, and I shall fulfill it,” Shannon replied respectfully. “Near Golden Rooster Ridge, a great camphor tree stands at a three-way crossroads. I ask that you build a pavilion beside it.” Shanmin was intrigued. “Master, may I know the reason for this request?”
His mentor sighed and said: “It is a long story. I was falsely accused of hiding a national treasure — the luminous pearl two years ago. My only hope was to send my son to bring proof of my innocence. But on his way to the capital, he lost it. At stake was not only this priceless pearl but more importantly, it concerned the lives of my entire family. By great fortune, a noble-hearted traveler found the pearl and waited two days and a night to return it. This virtuous man refused any reward, and my anxious and foolish son never asked for his name! To honor such righteousness, I wish to build a pavilion at that very place.”
A year later, the minister returned to find that the pavilion had not been built. He stormed into Shanmin’s office and exclaimed: “My disciple! Was my request meaningless? Why haven’t you fulfilled my wish?” Shanmin hesitated, struggling to find the right words. The minister turned to his son in frustration. “You were careless to lose the pearl, but even more so for not asking your benefactor’s name! Incredibly, you have so much to learn!”
Just then, the minister’s son glanced at Shanmin and froze. He stared at a small red mole on Shanmin’s right ear, his eyes widening in recognition. “Father, he…” The son’s voice trembled. “He is your senior,” the minister replied. “No!” the son exclaimed. “He is the man who found and returned the pearl!” The minister gasped. “Is this true?” Shanmin, ever humble, replied: “Perhaps you are mistaken.” “No mistake!” the young man insisted. “That day, I saw that very mole on his ear! Now I remember!” Overcome with emotion, the minister clasped Shanmin’s hands. “My dear disciple, my great benefactor — I nearly maligned you. I never imagined that your integrity was so noble!”
Deeply moved, the minister personally oversaw the construction of a magnificent octagonal pavilion at the site. Inside was the story of a scholar whose virtue, selflessness, and unwavering integrity would be left for generations to be remembered. It was named the “Pearl-returning Pavilion” — a tribute to ‘selfless honor’ that stood as a beacon that outshone even a priceless luminous pearl.
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