初刻拍案驚奇

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

57248

Title

初刻拍案驚奇

Language

zh

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A tale of destiny and fortune, this story follows Li Jun, a talented but impoverished official who discovers a mysterious book of prophecies. Guided by its cryptic instructions, he navigates financial schemes, social climbing, and personal crises, ultimately achieving wealth and high office while questioning the nature of fate versus human agency.

Summary up to 500 words

The story of Li Jun, a talented official who repeatedly failed to secure promotion despite his merits, centers on his encounter with a mysterious hermit who claims to be a Daoist adept. Frustrated by years of stagnation and the mockery of peers, Li Jun consults the hermit, who reveals a prophecy: a sudden crisis will open the third volume of a sacred book containing a salvation method. When a severe illness strikes Li Jun, he opens the third volume, which contains only five characters: 'Place the family matter here.' Realizing the hermit's foresight, Li Jun accepts his fate, understanding that his previous wealth and status were merely temporary illusions destined to end in death. The narrative explores themes of destiny, the futility of worldly ambition, and the acceptance of life's inevitable conclusions. Li Jun's journey from frustration to enlightenment underscores the Daoist perspective that true wisdom lies in recognizing the predetermined nature of events and finding peace within one's fate. The story concludes with Li Jun's resignation to his destiny, reflecting on the inevitability of death and the transient nature of success and failure. Through this tale, the author illustrates that even the most talented individuals cannot alter their fate, and that accepting one's lot is the path to inner tranquility. The story serves as a cautionary tale against excessive ambition and a reminder of the importance of humility and acceptance in the face of life's uncertainties.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg57248.epub

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2026-08-13 20:00 UTC

Categories

• Classics
• Fiction