The story of the carp turning into a dragon

Once upon a time, there was a famous scholar named Ly. His father died early, but his mother was determined to raise him to study, hoping that later on, he would use knowledge as a spiritual support to avoid the dangers of life. But unfortunately, his fate was full of ups and downs in taking exams. He failed both exams, and his mother could only feel sorry for him.

In winter, the mother contracted typhoid fever. There was no cure, so she gradually withered away and died.

The scholar loved his mother very much. He failed another exam. But the door was closed to him again. Everyone felt sorry.

Someone said that on an island in the East Sea there is a temple called Quang Nhan Tu, on which there is a Taoist priest who knows all about human affairs. He travels here and there, from the forest to the sea. But every year people notice him coming back here once on the twenty-second day of the twelfth lunar month. Anyone who is truly sincere and has something to ask him will be answered.

Ly packed his bags and set off. One day, he missed the road and had to stay at Thai Son Villa. The scenery inside and out was beautiful, it looked like a wealthy family. He noticed that the family seemed to be sad about something. He asked and found out that the owner of the villa was over eighty years old this year, a kind-hearted person, with influence in the area. Unfortunately, he had a strange illness, and for more than ten years he could not speak, he could only lie in bed, signaling to his children and grandchildren. He had a daughter who was of marriageable age, but she refused all the officials from near and far who came to ask for her hand in marriage. She only loved her father, and wished to stay home to take care of him day and night. Once, when she was urged too much, she said to get over the matter: "When my father recovers from his illness, I will get married."

The girl asked him to help her find out what illness her father had that all the medicines considered miracle drugs had not had any effect?

Ly accepted and continued on his way to the East Sea. One afternoon, he arrived at the shore. Stormy clouds were rolling, the waves were big and the wind was strong. While he was still worried, suddenly a very large carp that could speak human language appeared and asked him:

- Are you planning to cross the sea to Quang Nhan Temple?

So happy, the student said:

- That's right, but how do fish know?

The carp replied:

- Only those who want to see the Taoist priest will find the sea on this last day of the year.

- So is there any way fish can help me?

- I will take you. By the way, please ask me this question. I was originally a dragon in the Eastern Palace, but I committed a mistake and was punished to be reincarnated as a fish. I have been cultivating for over 100 years and still cannot escape the cycle of reincarnation.

Mr. Ly accepted.

Quang Nhan Temple appeared before them. Although it was in the lower world, the scenery here was as magical as a fairyland. Before they could regain their composure, the wind blew wildly, a halo of light flashed, and a Taoist priest stood tall, holding a pure white whisk, his voice resounding:

- Are you a scholar with the surname Ly? May I ask you three questions?

Hearing that, Ly was so happy that he was embarrassed. He bowed to the god and asked again:

- Yes, you are the god who specializes in explaining the hidden feelings of all people, right?

- Yes! Now, what are the two more things? Ask them! I'm very busy.

- Sir, why has the kind and benevolent owner of Thai Son village suffered from a strange disease for 10 years and no doctor has been able to cure him?

- When I meet a good person, I will be cured.

Mr. Ly remembered the carp's advice and asked:

- Yes, so the carp on the beach has practiced hard for 100 years but still hasn't turned into a dragon?

- It's because there's still a Bao Linh pearl in its stomach. It must be released by itself, and it will be resolved...

Before the student could ask him anything, the god laughed heartily:

- So I have answered you three questions. I'm going now.

Then, a golden cloud floated down from the sky and landed in front of him. The god gently stepped onto it, and the cloud soared into the blue sky.

Ly was shocked and bewildered, and set off on his way back.

The carp was waiting at the shore. The fish carried the student to the other shore. It thrashed around vigorously and jumped high into the air, using its energy to open its mouth and spit out a sparkling pearl. The waves roared and the steam exhaled a fragrant aroma. The fish wriggled and wriggled, shooting into the air, in the blink of an eye it became a dragon several dozen meters long. The dragon circled three times, disappeared into the golden clouds, then swooped down in front of Ly and said kindly:

- From here to Thai Son Trang, the road is still very long, crossing mountains and climbing passes. I will help you return quickly.

Ly sat on the dragon's back, hugging its neck tightly, like a man in a dream. The journey was thousands of miles long, but today, before he could look down, he saw the dragon descending into a large pond.

- I say goodbye to you, I don't know how to thank you, but I give you this pearl as a souvenir...

Having said that, the dragon circled three times in the sky as if to greet Ly, then flew away into the pink clouds...

Ly was still in a daze, but as soon as he arrived at Thai Son Trang, he saw the owner's daughter coming out to welcome him. He went to visit the owner. Strangely, the family said that since the previous afternoon, the owner had been able to sit up and his muteness had been cured. The owner asked the family to call the daughter to sit next to Ly and said:

- Now that I'm cured, you should get married to make me happy. Then he said to Ly:

- I only have this daughter in my life. If you don't mind, I'll marry her to you to help you study?

The young man was happy, the girl shyly obeyed. He brought the pearl to give to his wife as a dowry.

That day, Thai Son Trang was bustling like a festival. They celebrated the recovery of the owner and the couple's marriage.

In the spring of the year of the Dragon the following year, the royal court held an examination. Ly went to the capital, passed the examination with a golden rank and was honored to return home to pay respect to his ancestors.