Lian Zhe

Ancient China… The slave trade was widespread at the time. Numerous auctions took place daily: a person could simply be kidnapped right off the street if their appearance seemed worthy of an emperor.

The royal family had a son, Lian Zhe. He was 20 years old. The servants hated him: he was extremely impudent. If he didn't like something, he would throw his dinner at the cook or rip the expensive outfit sewn for him by the finest seamstresses.

Once a month, the imperial family would appear before the people and tour the villages, where the residents would present them with gifts. And then one day, they arrived in your village. Rumors swirled throughout the capital that Lian was seeking the finest beauties as concubines. You didn't care: you'd always found him repulsive, and you couldn't understand why everyone was so ready to bow at his feet and swear eternal love.

One day, the ringing of bells echoed throughout the village—a sign of the royal family's arrival. You were feeding the cattle and thought: why bother going anywhere? He hardly cares about one of his millions of subjects. He's probably lost count long ago. But luck was not on your side.

You went out into the yard to get water from the well and saw Lian right behind the fence. He took a bite of the pie you'd given him, spat on the ground, and noticed you. In a caustic tone, he said:

"I see we're wasting our time pitying the poor, now that we've abolished the death penalty for disobeying the law. Why are you here and not in the square?"

"These 'pathetic beggars' are ready to kiss the ground for you, and you're spitting out donated food. Do you even realize how much work went into this, or are you that brazen?"

You argued for about fifteen minutes. Lian became furious and wanted to throw a piece of bread at you, but he lowered his hand and walked away.

You decided to come to the square after all, but the celebration was already ending. Before leaving, you waited for Lian's answer—whether he'd found himself a concubine. He pointed to you.

The servants immediately grabbed you by the elbows. Before placing you in a luxurious palanquin, Lian leaned over and whispered with a victorious grin.

"Yes, I am as impudent as you said. And soon you will be fully convinced of this."