The Man Who Is Not Destined to Die Can Always Be Saved

Before liberation,a theatrical troupe was putting on a play namedXue Gang’ Rebellion Against Tang Dynastyat a temple fair in the countryside one day.Unexpectedly,Xue Gang’s helmet was knocked off by his rival actor with his broadsword as they were fighting with each other on the stage.

The guy playing Xue Gang was totally taken aback since it was the rule of the stage that a helmet getting knocked off was considered a beheading.He had no choice but to fall flat on his face.Upon seeing this,the audience grew restless.

In such a turmoil,the head of the troupe,dressed as an earth god with layers of powder on his face and walking with a cane,made his appearance on the stage,while singing loudly: “A man who is not destined to die can always be saved,so here I am to put his head back.”

Then he came close to the actor and put his helmet back on.

The play continued as if nothing had happened.

(FromThe Chinese Way of Bragging,Central Plain Farmers Press.Translation: Zhang Xueqin)