The Legend of Zhong Kui

In the Tang Dynasty, at the foot of Mount Zhongnan, lived a scholar named Zhong Kui with his beloved sister Lihua. Though their family was poor, Zhong Kui possessed extraordinary talent and an heroic spirit. He traveled far and wide to study under renowned masters, acquiring both literary wisdom and martial prowess. The siblings depended on each other, bound by deep familial love that would define Zhong Kui's character throughout his legendary tale.

Despite his talents, Zhong Kui's poverty prevented him from traveling to the capital for the imperial examinations. His fellow townsman and dear friend Du Ping, moved by loyalty and friendship, generously provided him with silver for travel expenses. In gratitude for this tremendous kindness, Zhong Kui made a solemn promise: he would give his sister Lihua in marriage to Du Ping. This vow would become a sacred debt that would haunt him beyond death itself.

Setting off for the capital with high hopes, Zhong Kui traveled day and night. However, misfortune struck when he fell gravely ill on the road. In his weakened state, he stumbled upon what appeared to be an abandoned temple, seeking shelter. Unknown to him, he had wandered into a den of demons. The evil spirits tormented him mercilessly, leaving his once-handsome face hideously disfigured. Humiliated and scarred, yet unbroken in spirit, Zhong Kui continued his journey to the capital.

Despite his disfigured appearance, Zhong Kui's brilliant intellect shone through in the imperial examinations. His essays demonstrated such profound wisdom and literary excellence that he achieved the highest score, rightfully earning the title of top scholar. His academic triumph proved that true worth lies not in physical beauty but in the strength of one's character and the depth of one's knowledge.

When the time came for the palace examination before the Emperor, Zhong Kui's hideous appearance caused the ruler great displeasure. Overcome by disgust at his disfigured face, the Emperor refused to grant him the title of top scholar. More cruelly still, he accused Zhong Kui of deceiving the court with his appearance and sentenced him to death. Unable to bear this ultimate humiliation and injustice, Zhong Kui flew into a righteous rage and struck his head against the palace steps, dying instantly in a final act of defiant dignity.

Zhong Kui's death caused such upheaval in the underworld that it reached the ears of the Jade Emperor in Heaven. Upon hearing the tragic tale of this wronged scholar, the divine ruler was moved by Zhong Kui's integrity and righteous character. As recognition of his pure heart and scholarly virtue, the Jade Emperor bestowed upon him the title 'Great General Who Quells Demons and Eliminates Evil,' granting him command over ghostly armies from all five directions. Thus, the wronged scholar became a powerful deity of justice.

Even in death, Zhong Kui remembered his sacred promise to Du Ping. Haunted by the thought that he had 'received great kindness without repaying it, and his sister had come of age without securing her future,' he resolved to personally escort his sister to her wedding. On New Year's Eve, Zhong Kui led a grand procession of demons and spirits from the underworld to his old home at Mount Zhongnan. He first sent his demon soldiers, disguised as humans, to explain the situation to Lihua. Then Zhong Kui himself helped dress his sister for the ceremony and presented her with a demon-slaying sword, symbolizing 'protection of home and family.' With great ceremony, he delivered Lihua to Du Ping, thanking his friend for past kindness and the care of his earthly remains. After entrusting his sister with the words 'treat my sister well, do not betray my heart,' and seeing the marriage rites completed, Zhong Kui laughed heartily three times and departed with his ghostly retinue, having honored his word even beyond the grave.