The Shepherd’s Lute: A Chinese Folktale
By: Natalie Stewart
Long ago in a medieval village, a wealthy but bitter farmer named Chao employed an affable shepherd named Jiang, who truly enjoyed playing the lute. Jiang’s instrument was simple and plain, crafted from the wood of a native bamboo tree. Despite its modest appearance, the lute brought Jiang much joy. He created appealing music that lured the other villagers out to listen to him. Having an audience made Jiang feel accepted, and he quickly formed an important bond with the poor villagers.
Chao, however, didn’t like Jiang. He hated Jiang’s lute playing and the way the villagers admired Jiang. Although Jiang was an excellent person and a hard worker, Chao fired Jiang from his job and smashed the lute into pieces.
Miserable and brokenhearted, Jiang hung his head as he walked through the forest. Good fortune soon came to him, however, when he bumped into a compassionate old man who felt sorry for Jiang’s loss.
The story MOST LIKELY takes place in
Responses
A Australia.Australia.
B China.China.
C Djibouti.Djibouti.
D India.