Original article:半屏山
Located at the intersection of Zuoying and Nanzih Ddistricts in Kaohsiung City, Half Screen Mountain is extraordinary due to one side of its ridge appearing as if it were smoothly sliced by a knife, thus earning it the moniker "Half Screen Mountain."
Legend has it that the immortal Han Zhongli sought a virtuous disciple in the human realm and arrived near Half Screen Mountain. Using his magical fan, he lightly waved it towards a mountain, causing one side to be flat as if it were sliced. The soil and rocks that fell became delectable glutinous rice dumplings.
Disguised as a rice dumpling vendor, Han Zhongli roamed the streets, loudly proclaiming, "Fresh and delicious rice dumpling! One for a penny, two for two, three for free!" His goal was to find a worthy disciple among the crowd.
Pedestrians flocked to Han Zhongli's cart, eager to enjoy the complimentary rice dumplings. Some, driven by greed, continued indulging in the free treats until they could eat no more, departing without a word of thanks.
Several days passed, and Han Zhongli encountered only greedy individuals who took advantage of his free rice dumplings. Disheartened, he wondered when he would find an ideal disciple. Just then, a young man named Honoré approached, expressing his intent to buy a rice dumpling and promptly paying a penny.
As Honoré found the rice dumpling irresistibly delicious, he requested another, willingly paying another penny. This continued until he had consumed five rice dumplings, each time paying the corresponding amount.
Intrigued, Han Zhongli asked, "Young man, why eat one at a time when others enjoy three for free? What sets you apart?"
Honeré replied, "I appreciate the free rice dumplings, but considering your age and effort in making them, you deserve to earn a living. I cannot let you run a loss, so I choose to buy them." Touched by Honeré's honesty and filial piety, Han Zhongli decided he had found the perfect disciple.
Then, Han Zhongli explained his true identity to everyone, including Honeré, and proposed to take Honeré as his disciple. "I am a deity, and I want to find a person with excellent character to be my disciple by selling rice dumplings. Throughout these days, only you have honestly paid for eating rice dumplings, so I want to take you as my disciple, imparting divine arts to you. Are you interested?"
"I am very willing to become your disciple, but I need to go home and discuss with my parents," Honeré replied.
Han Zhongli was very pleased, believing that this young man was not only honest but also filial to his parents, making him a promising disciple.
So, Han Zhongli and Honeré went home. After seeking his parents' approval, he joyfully took Honeré with him and left.
Encountering those who had earlier exploited the free rice dumplings, now aware of Han Zhongli's divine status, they sought forgiveness and offered to pay for learning immortal arts.
Han Zhongli, with a knowing smile, directed their attention to the mountain they had flattened and explained that the missing chunks were the rice dumplings in their stomachs. Suddenly, their stomachs ached, a consequence of their greed.
Meanwhile, Han Zhongli, accompanied by his new apprentice Honoré, ascended to the immortal realm, leaving behind a lesson in honesty, selflessness, and virtue for all.
Children, Honoré earned the recognition of the immortal Han Zhongli through honesty, gaining the opportunity to learn immortal arts. In contrast, those who sought to exploit others' generosity suffered consequences for their greed. Remember, honesty, contentment, and not taking advantage of others are crucial virtues!
Written by Linlin
Sponsored by Mei-Hua Hall