The Chinese myth of the meddling monk

Xu Xian ignored a warning from his wife, Bai Su Zhen, a snake spirit, and went to a temple where he was confronted by a monk named Fa Hai.

The monk attempted to keep Xu Xian from leaving, claiming he needed to cleanse his soul for consorting with a demon.

Bai Su Zhen, pregnant and sensing trouble, went to the temple, leading to a conflict where her powers accidentally harmed humans.

Her gods’ favor lost, Bai Su Zhen was nearly trapped by Fa Hai but was saved by a glow from her unborn child.

Xu Xian accepted an alms bowl from Fa Hai for his newborn son, but it trapped Bai Su Zhen and she was buried beneath a pagoda.

Their son, Shi Lin, excelled in academics and freed his mother with a tribute on an iron tree, reuniting the family.

This tale of loyalty, love, and the consequences of actions gives us a window into the impact of spirituality and morals at play in a captivating Chinese myth.

Who knew shrimp soldiers and crab generals would be part of a story that ends with wisdom uniting a family? 🦐