Chinese Ghost Fables 1 Read Free

an
example. In short, she was innocent and broad-minded. These are two of the best qualities
a pure soul could possess. That earned her high score in our world. On the other hand,
selfishness is the sole cause of all troubles. Even the most prominent scholars often could
not understand this simple fact. For short-term personal gain, numerous "smart" persons
are perfectly willing to pull a fast one on others. Not believing there could be any negative
consequences, they thought they could outwit the Almighty. With similar egocentric
philosophy, the victims will retaliate, avenge or trick their opponents to get 'even.' What is
'even' anyway? For those that have artificial fairness and are self-centered people foolishly
waste their limited energy and precious time over those futile and tedious tasks of intrigue.
It's a vicious cycle and eventually everybody lose. She always forgave her adversaries.
This is a rarity among "street-wise" people. This lady is so selfless that even the Almighty
would respect her. That's the reason why my master greeted her with courtesy and
decorum."
    With a little puzzlement and disbelief, Mr. Zhan sneaked back to the underworld court. He
observed a formally-dressed county judge arrogantly strode in the middle of the hall.
Gulping a cup of water, he, with displeasure, impatiently announced his titles, vigorously
demanding that he must be accompanied up to heaven, immediately, "This is a mistake. As
a high-ranking official and faultless gentleman, I am the epitome of virtue and my residence
is in paradise. Why should I be here, facing such an undeserved humiliation?"
    Irritated and perplexed, he indignantly demanded an explanation, proclaiming, with pride
and arrogance, "I had never embezzled a penny and never mistrial any single case in my
whole life. My record is spotless. How much more can you expect?"
    The ghost-master
beamed a smile and calmly asked, "Spotlessness isn't equal
to
perfection. Why people want a county judge instead of a wooden figurine? The later will
never make any false step. Actually, it won't move at all. If no embezzlement is equal to
honesty, why people wouldn't raise a wood figurine instead, who will never even drink a
cup of water?"
"Well," The county judge contemplated it for a while. In stammer, with a trace of
uneasiness, he argued, "I, at least, didn't misjudge any cases. It counts for something."
    "You may say so," The ghost-master grinned contemptuously and mentioned, "But you are
too selfish to confront with really challenges. For maintaining a vague reputation of integrity,
you shied away from dealing with tough issues. On a certain case, due to its complexity,
you deliberately ignored some key evidence. On another case, dodging responsibilities,
you reduced the number of witnesses to fit in your time schedule. On a certain date, for
evading mistrial, you prematurely discharged a complaint. In short, you focused on
feathering your own nest. Justice became a sideshow. You are paid to assist your citizens,
not to pursue a vague fame for yourself. Are those people expecting you to short-change
them? Does this a county judge suppose to be?"
Sweating all over his body, the county judge lowered his head in silence.
    "Don't worry," The ghost-master smiled and consoled him, "You are not evil-minded and will
not be detained in hell. Being merely mediocre and timid, you are designated to return to
earth. I will send you back there without any delay."
Mr. Zhan was flabbergasted by this decree and suddenly, awakened within. He narrated
this episode to his folks.
    From those two incidents, I learned that the Almighty comprehends what we are doing.
He has a different moral yardstick in measuring our performance. Disregarding the
outcomes, He weights our value basically on our initial intentions, metering out his
judgment accordingly. Wealth and fame are favorable indications of "success", only in
human society. They have absolutely no impact in the underworld court. How you