
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
A young prodigy, orphaned and vulnerable, is thrust from his family’s estate into the austere world of a remote monastery. There, his sharp mind and restless spirit clash with the rigid expectations of the monks, leading to a series of witty rebellions and absurd mishaps that reveal both his cleverness and the absurdities of monastic routine. His skeptical view of scripture and ritual soon draws the attention of the temple’s stern master, while his unconventional antics stir tension among the resident clergy.
The story follows his early days at the temple, where a simple act—like swapping water for wine or slipping on discarded watermelon rinds—spirals into chaotic comedy. Through these episodes, the narrative explores themes of familial betrayal, the struggle for personal autonomy, and the thin line between reverence and ridicule. Listeners are invited into a vivid, humor‑laden portrait of a boy caught between duty and desire, navigating a world where every gesture can become a subtle act of resistance.
Language
zh
Duration
~52 minutes (50K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
Jan 15, 2008
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
A little-known Chinese fiction writer from the late Ming–early Qing period, remembered through two surviving works rather than a well-documented life. Writing under the pen name Yunyangchichidaoren, this author is associated with moral satire and storytelling meant to warn, amuse, and provoke reflection.
View all books
by active 17th century-18th century Yunyangchichidaoren

by Vinceslas-Eugène Dick

by Philippe Aubert de Gaspé

by Royall Tyler

by Abraham Cahan

by Eliza Fowler Haywood

by Lady (Sydney) Morgan

by Laure Conan