The Reward

The Legacy of a Father

In ancient China, there lived a wealthy landlord whose only child was a son named Tong. “My son, when I die, feed the people of our village sumptuously. Build a beautiful monument in my memory. Do you promise to do so?” the landlord would often ask Tong.

“I promise, father,” Tong would reply eagerly. “That is like a good boy,” the landlord would say, reflecting on the words of his own father and grandfather, who had often mentioned that a son devoted to his father would be loved by the nymphs. “However, I hope to leave enough wealth for you to fulfill my wishes,” he would add.

This exchange occurred when Tong was still a child. By the time the landlord passed away, Tong had matured into a young man. Unfortunately, the landlord’s fortunes had suffered, and he died a pauper.

A Son’s Duty

“It was my father’s fond desire that all the people of our village be fed and a monument erected in his honor. I will fail in my duty if I do not fulfill his wish,” Tong expressed to his friends.

“It is foolish of you to say so now that you are a poor man,” his friends replied skeptically. However, Tong was undeterred. He wrote down his own price for anyone willing to take him on as a lifelong servant, attached it to his chest, and sat in the slave market.

The price he demanded was quite high, attracting many potential buyers; yet, no one was willing to purchase him.

The Nobleman’s Choice

As the day drew to a close, a nobleman happened to pass through the market. He noticed Tong and read the pricing on his board. Understanding from Tong’s features that he was a truthful young man, the nobleman instructed his clerk to pay the price Tong had set and booked him as his servant.
<pWith the nobleman’s permission, Tong returned to his village, fulfilled his father’s last wishes by hosting a feast, and constructed the monument in his memory. Afterwards, he left for the nobleman’s home. The villagers mourned the departure of such a dutiful young man, who was now bound to serve as a lifelong slave.

A Mysterious Nurse

The nobleman was immensely satisfied with Tong’s work. However, after a year of hard labor, Tong fell ill. He lived in a small, deserted house behind his master’s mansion. One night, when he was half-awake, he felt someone nursing him and singing to him. The melody would revive him, but upon opening his eyes, he dismissed the charming figure by his bedside as a hallucination.

Eventually, Tong recovered completely and realized that a beautiful young lady had been nursing him.

A Surprising Proposal

“Who are you?” he asked respectfully. “I am one who is meant to be your wife, if you have no objection,” she replied.
Tong stood speechless, then stammered, “Are you sure of what you are saying? I am only a poor slave; I can hardly provide you with food and clothing!”

“You are not a poor slave, but a noble young man. In any case, you won’t have to worry about my needs; I can manage them,” said the young lady. Tong took her hands into his own and stood speechless again. They eventually went to the village temple and got married.

New Beginnings

The Return to Freedom

“How? Am I not a lifelong slave?” Tong asked, remorseful.

“You are no longer a slave,” said his wife, revealing a document signed by his master that released him from servitude.

“Is this true? Is this true?” Tong exclaimed, ecstatic, and ran to his master to confirm.

“Yes, dear Tong, your wife has secured your release by paying the lawful amount,” the nobleman gently assured him.

A Bittersweet Farewell

“What do you mean?” Tong asked, bewildered.

“I am a nymph sent to reward you for your devotion to your father. Now that I have given birth to a human child, my return to my realm is necessary. Take care of the child and lead the life of a good man,” said the nymph, her luminous form gradually losing all human traits. As Tong knelt before her, she vanished with a kind and gentle smile.