Asking Zhuangzi to Restore Justice

NMH

13-10-2025

Created by ChatGPT

The Sparrow family faces a great crisis. Whenever a sparrow grows plump, it will be caught in a net. From young to old, villagers around Bird Village will seize any free moment to go sparrow hunting.

Knowing that Zhuangzi is a respected sage whose words can move people, Big Sparrow goes to see Kingfisher for help.

Big Sparrow: “Please speak to Zhuangzi on our behalf, so he may persuade the villagers to stop hunting sparrows. Our family will be forever grateful.”

Kingfisher: “That’s a difficult request. Zhuangzi is a man beyond worldly affairs; he dislikes getting entangled in human matters.”

Big Sparrow: “Then please, at least lead me to him.”

Moved by compassion, Kingfisher agrees. He also advises: “If Zhuangzi listens, that’s half the battle won. If he actually agrees to go, your family can celebrate already.”

Kingfisher leads Big Sparrow to find Zhuangzi, who is half-asleep by the riverbank, his stomach growling louder than the sound of the flowing water.

Awakened by their voices, Zhuangzi listens as Big Sparrow recounts their misery and pleads for help.

Zhuangzi: “Why do the villagers catch sparrows?”

Big Sparrow: “To bring them to restaurants.”

Zhuangzi: “For forced labor?”

Big Sparrow cries bitterly: “No, to make drinking snacks, Master.”

Zhuangzi’s expression grows solemn. “What kind of drinking snacks?”

Remembering Kingfisher’s words—that having Zhuangzi listen meant half the victory—Big Sparrow tries to stay calm and describes it in detail:

“After roasting, they pluck the feathers, clean the birds, and fry them until crispy and fragrant, sprinkle with lime leaves, and serve with chili salt. With wine, the villagers drink until they forget their way home.”

Zhuangzi ponders. “Are these restaurants open all day?”

Kingfisher: “Yes, all day. Right now, they’re at their busiest.”

Big Sparrow: “If you go now, Master, you’ll see how bad it is.”

Zhuangzi rises and declares: “Then I shall go to the village at once.”

Kingfisher and Big Sparrow rejoice, urging him to hurry. But as Zhuangzi prepares to leave, he pauses.

Kingfisher: “Is there something you need before we go?”

Zhuangzi leans close and whispers: “A jug of wine.”

References

[1] Vuong QH. (2024). Wild Wise Weird. https://books.google.com/books?id=N10jEQAAQBAJ

[2] Zhuang Zhou. (1964). Zhuangzi.

[3] Nguyen MH. (2025). Kingfisherish Wandering. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FVLLLXNW/