The Mushroom Fable (Part 1)
During China’s first imperial age, a minor official named Zhang purchased some land. It was a beautiful plot dominated by tall limestone spires covered in flowing vines. At the center was a natural spring that was shaded my Formosa trees.
Water from the spring and other sources had carved caves both large and small throughout Zhang’s property. The largest he found them completely by accident while searching for his lost dog. Noises from strange croaking noises from inside drew Zhang’s attention and after getting his lantern he went inside.
An unusual plant grew thick along the cave’s shaded belly. It was narrow at the base with a large cap on top much like the hats rice farmers wear to keep the sun off their heads. They were soft to the touch and came free with an easy tug. Zhang took a few and returned home.
The next day, Zhang took the strange plants to a friend who was one of the palace cooks. The cook tried the plant with several of his regular dishes and found their mellow taste delightful. Once it was determined that they were safe to eat, he used some for the Emperor’s evening meal.
The Emperor was so delighted by the tasty meal that he ordered the cook before him. “What was it that you added to the snow peas and peppers? I wish to enjoy them with every meal.”
“Great lord,” began the cook. “I procured them from a minor bookkeeper named Zhang.”
The Emperor had Zhang brought before him. “You will continue to bring my chef these strange plants. If you do so, I will promote you and see to it you are made a wealthy man.”
Zhang did so and from that day, his life became much improved. He was given silk and gold to wear, his former coworkers tried to win his favor, and his family prospered.
Every evening on the seventh day, Zhang would take a lantern and walk into the cave harvesting these strange plants as he went. Each time he needed to journey farther and farther into the cave to find them.
The Emperor was pleased. He doubled Zhang’s land and offered his sons wives from noble houses. “But,” he warned, “Should you fail me in any regard, I will see that your name and seed is removed from the earth.”
Zhang began returning to the cave more often. He kept its location a secret to prevent anyone from finding the source of his favor. Each time he needed to push further into the cave to find the plants he wanted.
Finally, he found his way in past the point where he could see the mouth of the cave. Zhang was sure he would loose his way in the darkness if he went in too far.
The basket was almost completely full when Zhang heard a slapping noise on the rocks in front of him. He brought the lantern’s light up and was startled to discover a huge toad covered in gold scales and ruby red eyes staring back.
It was as large as most dogs with thick forearms to match its strong rear legs. Thin braided strands of gilded hair grew from both sides of its nose and chin. The scales on its belly were smaller and finer than those along its sides and back.
It split its broad mouth wide. “My name is Kiye and you are a trespasser sir.”
Zhang screamed and fell back. His basket landed on its side sending his green mushrooms rolling all about. Yet, he kept the lantern light on the wondrous creature.
“You…you speak!”
“That’s right, as well as you do. You are collecting a harvest of mushrooms that you did not plant on land that is not yours.”
Zhang regained his feet. “That’s not true. I purchased this land months ago. It belongs to me. These mushrooms, as you call them, have won favor with the Emperor and will make me a rich man.”
“Wherever the sun strikes belongs to you but this cave is a different world.” The toad adjusted its weight allowing it to point to the spilled mushrooms with a large webbed right foot. “And the mushrooms you have taken are the result of my own labor. If they are so precious to you, what will you pay me for them?”
Zhang sat up and began refilling his basket. “Tell me then. What is your price?”
Kiye spun his beard with his webbed toes. “I will take a gold coin per mushroom.”
“An talon of gold for each! That’s too much money and I will not pay!” Zhang took a step back to the mouth of the cave.
“Wait! More amazing things grow in the deeper parts of the cave. Your gold also wins the right to see these amazing places. If your master has rewarded you for these paltry mushrooms, he will give you a anything your heart desires for the wonders further below!”
Zhang turned around and studied the golden toad. It returned his stare rocking back and forth on its strong legs and wide feet.
“Very well.” Zhang took three gold coins out of the purse he always carried with him. “This is all the money I have now. The rest I will pay you at a later date. Now, show me the wonders of your home.”
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