| In which an introductory...: |
One day at noon, just as Wang Mian was returning from his mother's grave, he saw a dozen horsemen entering the village. The leader of the band wore a military cap and flowered silk costume. He had a clear complexion, his beard was fine, and he looked every inch a king. When this man reached Wang Mian's door, he alighted from his horse, saluted and said, 「May I ask where Mr. Wang Mian lives?」
「I am he,」 replied Wang Mian, 「and this is my humble house.」
「I am in luck then,」 said the stranger, 「for I have come specially to pay my respects.」 He ordered his followers to dismount and wait outside, and they tethered their horses beneath the willows by the lake. |
