《冥府考卷》中集 | 八字考題定乾坤，孝心感動冥府眾神【曉萌講故事】因果傳奇系列【聊齋動感繪本】

《冥府考卷》中集 | 八字考題定乾坤，孝心感動冥府眾神【曉萌講故事】因果傳奇系列【聊齋動感繪本】

“The Netherworld Examination” Part Two Greetings, everyone, and welcome back to Simone Story Lounge To recap, Song Tao is a filial stipend student Who labors diligently in teaching to sustain himself and his mother He suddenly contracted a strange illness And while delirious with high fever Was chosen by the netherworld to participate in the city god selection examination On his journey to the netherworld Upon seeing a poor old man waiting to cross the river He secretly left his own passage token for the other The clerk witnessed this entire event His gaze revealing a special warmth Last time we told of Song Tao following the mysterious clerk across the River of the Dead Finally arriving before the gates of the netherworld Those towering city walls reaching into the clouds Emanating a faint luminescence Above the gate, the two characters “Netherworld” written with bold and powerful brushwork Like dragons and serpents in dance The clerk pushes open the city gate Gesturing for Song Tao to enter this mysterious city of the underworld A cold wind blows toward them Song Tao involuntarily shivers He follows the clerk through a long corridor Arriving at a spacious plaza The plaza bustles with moving figures There are clerks wearing official robes As well as departed souls of various forms And some beings whose faces cannot be clearly seen Only vague outlines can be discerned The clerk leads Song Tao across the plaza To the front of a magnificent palace At the palace entrance stand two rows of imposing guards Holding long spears, eyes fixed straight ahead “The Netherworld Council Hall,” The clerk explains “Today there are important matters for deliberation, many deities have come.” Song Tao’s heart fills with awe Not daring to ask more questions They pass through multiple palace gates Turn through several corridors Finally arriving before a smaller side hall “This is the examination hall,” The clerk says, “Inside there is already one candidate Who has been waiting for some time.” Song Tao takes a deep breath Straightens his clothing Following the clerk into the hall The hall’s furnishings are simple In the center sits a wide sandalwood table Upon which are neatly arranged brush, ink, paper, and inkstone Before the table are two meditation cushions One already occupied by a person That person appears to be in his early thirties With lean features An air of scholarly refinement between his brows Seeing Song Tao enter He nods slightly in acknowledgment But does not speak “This is Scholar Zhang, your fellow candidate.” After introducing the two, the clerk withdraws outside the hall “Both candidates please wait I shall take my leave Palace attendants will provide guidance.” Scholar Zhang, observing Song Tao’s scrutiny Takes the initiative to speak “I too was born a stipend student in life We may consider ourselves kindred spirits, Brother Song.” “Brother Zhang is too kind,” Song Tao bows with cupped hands “May I ask where Brother Zhang hails from?” “Changshan County,” Scholar Zhang replies calmly “My father once served as county magistrate I had aspirations for official service, but alas…” He does not continue But a flash of pain crosses his eyes Song Tao senses there must be hidden circumstances And refrains from further inquiry Song Tao sits upon the other cushion as instructed Quietly observing the hall’s environment High above the hall hangs a plaque Inscribed with four large characters: “Just and Impartial” Below the plaque is a row of chairs, still unoccupied Soon a palace attendant enters the hall Speaking softly to the two men “The lords will arrive shortly, are you prepared?” Scholar Zhang nods His expression calm As if long prepared for all this Song Tao feels somewhat nervous His palms unconsciously beginning to perspire Scholar Zhang suddenly speaks His voice gentle “Do not worry, it is merely an examination.” Song Tao cannot help but ask “What is the examination about?” “The office of city god.” Scholar Zhang answers briefly Song Tao’s heart skips a beat City god is that not the deity who governs both the underworld and mortal realm? He is merely an ordinary stipend student How could he possibly… Just as his thoughts wander Footsteps echo from outside the hall The palace attendant stands solemnly to one side, saying softly “The lords have arrived, please rise and pay respects.” Song Tao and Scholar Zhang quickly stand Bowing respectfully The hall doors slowly open More than ten figures in official robes file in Their presence commanding Making Song Tao dare not look directly at them He can only lower his head Catching glimpses from his peripheral vision of one figure, tall and imposing With stern countenance, wearing golden armor It is precisely that clerk who brought him to the netherworld But now his bearing is completely different Majestic and sacred As if he were an entirely different person All take their seats in order In the central seat Sits a figure of great authority Wearing a ceremonial crown Dressed in dragon robes Face like polished jade Eyes like bright stars Every gesture radiating imperial majesty “Rise,” that person speaks Voice like a great bell, “All be seated.” Song Tao and Scholar Zhang sit down again The atmosphere becomes unusually solemn “Today we have summoned you both here,” The imperial figure continues “To select for the position of Henan City God.” He waves his hand A scroll of paper floats down to land Upon the table before Song Tao and Scholar Zhang “There is but one question ‘One person, two persons; with heart, without heart’ Each of you shall answer Time limit: one incense stick’s burning.” Song Tao picks up the scroll Seeing indeed only the eight characters written: “One person, two persons With heart, without heart” Nothing else besides What does this mean? He is completely bewildered Having no idea how to respond He glances at Scholar Zhang Who has already prepared ink and lifted his brush Seeming confident and prepared Song Tao’s heart grows increasingly uneasy Beads of perspiration gradually forming on his forehead Time passes unknowingly The imperial figure reminds them “Half the time has elapsed.” Song Tao panics He still has not decided what to write Seeing the incense already half burned He forces himself to calm down Closing his eyes to think “One person, two persons; with heart, without heart…” He repeatedly contemplates these eight characters in his mind Suddenly inspiration strikes Does this not speak of the good and evil of human hearts? A person’s intentions determine the good or evil of their actions He lifts his brush to write “With heart for good, though good, no reward Without heart for evil, though evil, no punishment” But the moment his brush tip touches the paper A strange sensation wells up in his heart He seems to see countless scenes flashing before his eyes Those who do good may not immediately receive blessings Yet they distance themselves from misfortune Those who do evil may not immediately face punishment Yet they have already lost their good fortune The characters under his brush unknowingly become “When one does good, though fortune may not yet arrive, misfortune has already departed When one does evil, though misfortune may not yet arrive, fortune has already departed.” Song Tao finishes writing this sentence Feeling surprised himself This was not what he originally intended to write Yet it seems to be An insight welling up from the deepest part of his heart That phrase he once read in the “Spring and Autumn Annals” Now flows involuntarily from his brush The incense burns to ash The imperial figure waves his hand in signal “Time is up, submit your papers.” An attendant steps forward to collect both men’s answer sheets Respectfully presenting them to the lords for review Song Tao waits anxiously Fearing his answer does not meet requirements The answer sheets pass among the assembled figures Some nod Some frown Some whisper among themselves When the paper reaches the goldenarmored divine general His eyes clearly brighten Then he whispers a few words to the imperial figure “Song Tao,” the imperial figure suddenly speaks “Do you know why you are here?” Song Tao startles Answering carefully “Replying to Your Lordship, this humble student does not know.” “The position of Henan City God has been vacant for long Requiring a virtuous and capable person to assume the role Your answer sheet shows considerable insight Combined with your good deed at the River of the Dead Demonstrating your benevolent heart and kind intentions These are precisely the qualities a city god requires.” The imperial gaze burns like torches Looking directly at Song Tao Song Tao is greatly shocked So his act of helping that elder at the River of the Dead Was also part of the test? He cannot help but feel ashamed At that time he acted purely on instinct Not deliberately planning it “We have deliberated and decided,” The imperial figure continues “To appoint you as Henan City God, effective immediately You shall be responsible for the yinyang order of the Henan region Presiding over netherworld judgments Protecting the peace of one territory.” “This…” Song Tao’s heart fills with shock Not knowing how to respond City god is a deity governing yin and yang of one region What a lofty position! What virtue or ability does he, Song Tao, possess To shoulder such great responsibility? However, amid this shock A more urgent thought surfaces in his mind His aged mother at home If he remains in the netherworld to take office What will become of his mother? Who will care for her in her twilight years? Moreover, if he suddenly “dies” What a devastating blow that would be to his mother! Thinking of this Song Tao summons his courage Bowing deeply “This humble student is deeply grateful for such favor And infinitely thankful in heart But this humble student has an aged mother at home She is advanced in years Depending entirely on this humble student alone for care If this humble student suddenly passes away Not only would mother lose her support She would also suffer the pain of whitehaired parent burying blackhaired child I fear she could not bear it And her very life might be in danger This humble student… this humble student dares not accept.” The hall falls into complete silence The assembled deities exchange glances Clearly not expecting anyone to refuse Such a glorious position The goldenarmored divine general suddenly speaks “How much mortal lifespan does your mother have remaining?” Song Tao lowers his head and answers, “This humble student does not know…” The divine general turns to the emperor, “Your Majesty Might we consult Song’s mother’s longevity records?” The emperor nods Commanding a longbearded judge To retrieve and examine the Book of Life and Death “Reporting to Your Majesty,” the judge reports after examination “Song’s mother, Lady Li, has nine years and three months of mortal life remaining.” The divine general, upon hearing this Considers briefly, then suggests “How about this arrangement: let Scholar Zhang Temporarily serve as Henan City God for nine years After Song’s mother’s natural death Song Tao can then assume the position. What think you?” The emperor deliberates for a moment Looking toward Scholar Zhang, “Are you willing?” Scholar Zhang immediately kowtows “This humble official is willing to serve faithfully For nine years temporarily.” The emperor then looks at Song Tao “Song Tao, what are your thoughts?” Song Tao is moved to tears of gratitude Hastily kowtowing in thanks “Many thanks for Your Lordship’s compassion! This humble student will surely report for duty punctually after nine years Not disappointing the expectations of all Your Lordships!” “Granted!” The emperor strikes the table decisively “Song Tao may return to the mortal realm for nine years to fulfill filial duty After nine years, report for duty punctually Scholar Zhang temporarily serves as Henan City God To hand over after nine years.” The assembled deities nod in agreement Expressing approval for this arrangement Particularly that goldenarmored divine general A flash of approval crosses his gaze Seeming quite appreciative of Song Tao’s filial devotion “Song Tao,” the emperor continues “Though you temporarily do not assume the city god position You still need to familiarize yourself with netherworld duties After your return to life, you will possess special abilities To see underworld matters, which you should use wisely As preparation for taking office nine years hence.” Song Tao respectfully replies “This humble student will remember these teachings carefully.” The emperor waves dismissively, “You may withdraw The judge will arrange your return to the mortal realm.” Song Tao kowtows in thanks again Withdrawing from the great hall Outside the hall, the clerk waiting there approaches Leading him toward the return journey After bidding farewell to Scholar Zhang The clerk guides Song Tao along the homeward path Passing by the River of the Dead Song Tao discovers That elder he had helped Is no longer there Song Tao cannot help but ask “Did he cross the river?” The clerk nods “Thanks to Scholar Song’s passage token He has safely crossed and gone to reincarnation.” Upon hearing this Song Tao feels a wave of relief Being able to help a lost soul achieve reincarnation This joy is beyond words “Brother Song,” Scholar Zhang suddenly says “I can understand your filial devotion to your mother I had similar regrets in life.” “Brother Zhang…” “My father was an upright official Who offended local tyrants And was falsely accused of corruption To clear my father’s name, I ran about everywhere But encountered bandits on the road And unfortunately perished.” Scholar Zhang’s voice is calm But Song Tao can feel the pain within “When I died, my father was still in prison My mother also fell ill from worry…” Song Tao is moved, “Brother Zhang…” “So I understand what filial piety means What righteousness means,” Scholar Zhang looks at Song Tao “During these nine years as deputy, I will not disappoint And after nine years, handing this position to you I will also be at peace.” “Scholar Song, please wait.” Just as he is about to embark on the return journey The clerk calls to him “What further instruction does the lord clerk have?” “Keep this object safe,” The clerk hands him a small scroll “This is a transit pass between yin and yang realms With it, in the future Traveling to and from the netherworld will be much more convenient Furthermore, it can help you recognize spirits And see underworld matters.” Song Tao respectfully receives the scroll, carefully storing it “Many thanks for this gift, Your Lordship.” “Remember your promise,” The clerk says solemnly “After nine years, I will come to fetch you.” Song Tao nods gravely “This humble student will surely keep the appointment punctually.” With that, he steps forward The scenery before his eyes gradually blurs His consciousness also becomes increasingly hazy… “Thump… thump… thump…” Urgent knocking sounds from within the coffin Startling everyone keeping vigil beside it Song’s mother suddenly stands up Trembling as she lifts the coffin lid Only to see Song Tao slowly opening his eyes “Mother…” he calls weakly, “I have returned…” Chapter Three: Returning to Life to Fulfill Filial Duty The surroundings immediately erupt in commotion People cannot believe their eyes Some cry out that this is “returning from the dead” Others mutter quietly about “ill omens” But Song Tao no longer cares about these things He only knows he bears a great mission And before that He must properly accompany his mother Through her final nine years of life “Little Tao! Little Tao!” Song’s mother’s voice carries tears Echoing in Song Tao’s ears He struggles to lift his heavy eyelids Seeing his mother’s tearstreaked face close at hand “Mother, don’t cry…” Song Tao speaks with difficulty His voice so hoarse it can barely be heard Song Tao has finally returned from the dead But what mysterious abilities has he brought back? During the nine years of filial devotion How will he use the transit pass between yin and yang realms? And those special abilities to see underworld matters What kind of changes will they bring To his and his mother’s life? Today’s story ends here I look forward to meeting you again In the next installment of “The Netherworld Examination”!

宋燾進入冥府考場，遇見同考張生。冥府眾神出題「一人二人，有心無心」八字考驗二人。宋燾靈光一閃，寫下「人為善，福雖未至，禍已遠離；若為惡，禍雖未至，福已遠離」的感悟。眾神對答案讚賞有加，決定任命宋燾為河南城隍。然而宋燾卻以母親年邁無人照料為由，婉拒神職。冥府查閱生死簿發現其母尚有九年陽壽，最終決定讓張生代職九年，待宋母壽終後宋燾再接任。眾神被其孝心感動，賜予他陰陽通行證和特殊能力，讓他還魂歸來繼續盡孝。

改變你對聊齋是恐怖故事的刻板印象！奇幻是陪襯，劇情纔是主角。

創作靈感
在這個競爭激烈的時代，我們經常聽到「機會難得」、「錯過就沒有了」這樣的話。然而宋燾卻在最高榮譽面前，毫不猶豫地選擇了母親。這不是愚孝，而是大智慧。真正的成功，不是擁有多高的地位，而是能夠問心無愧地面對自己的良心。宋燾的選擇告訴我們：世間最珍貴的不是權力和地位，而是親情和責任。當我們面臨人生重大抉擇時，什麼才是最重要的？

原著與改編
原著《考城隍》出自《聊齋誌異》，原文中宋燾直接被選為城隍並獲得九年假期。我們在改編中大幅豐富了考試過程，詳細描寫了冥府的莊嚴肅穆、考題的深奧玄妙，以及宋燾與張生的互動。特別增加了宋燾主動拒絕神職的情節，突出了他的孝心之純真。

故事表面寫的是神鬼選官，實質探討的是價值觀的選擇。在功名利祿與親情責任之間，宋燾毫不猶豫地選擇了後者。這種選擇在當時是驚世駭俗的，在今天依然震撼人心。真正的智慧不在於抓住機會，而在於知道什麼才是真正重要的。冥府眾神被感動，說明連神靈都認可這種純真的孝心。張生的代職之義，更體現了君子之交淡如水的深厚友誼。

宋燾的還魂之路才剛剛開始，更多謎團正在展開：他將獲得什麼樣的神奇能力？如何運用陰陽通行證幫助世人？九年孝親時光中又會發生什麼奇遇？

#曉萌講故事 #聊齋誌異 #蒲松齡 #冥府考卷 #城隍 #孝道 #還魂 #神職 #生死簿 #母子親情 #義氣 #友誼 #價值觀 #人生抉擇 #陰陽兩界 #冥府傳說 #中國古典文學 #人生智慧 #ChineseFolklore #LearnChinese

【學習語言】 本視頻配有中英文字幕，適合：

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【冥府考卷】聊齋志異經典篇章全新演繹。曉萌帶你解讀聊齋，揭開隱藏的人生智慧。點擊觀看，一起探索這個充滿懸念的奇幻故事！

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聊齋原文
《考城隍》 予姊丈之祖宋公，諱燾，邑廩生。一日病臥，見吏人持牒，牽白顛馬來，云：「請赴試。」公言：「文宗未臨，何遽得考？」吏不言，但敦促之。公力病乘馬從去，路甚生疏，至一城郭，如王者都。移時入府廨，宮室壯麗。上坐十餘官，都不知何人，惟關壯繆可識。簷下設幾、墩各二，先有一秀才坐其末，公便與連肩。幾上各有筆札。俄題紙飛下，視之有八字，云：「一人二人，有心無心。」二公文成，呈殿上。公文中有雲：「有心為善，雖善不賞。無心為惡，雖惡不罰。」諸神傳贊不已。召公上，諭曰：「河南缺一城隍，君稱其職。」公方悟，頓首泣曰：「辱膺寵命，何敢多辭？但老母七旬，奉養無人，請得終其天年，惟聽錄用。」上一帝王像者，即命稽母壽籍。有長須吏捧冊翻閱一過，白：「有陽算九年。」共躊躇間，關帝曰：「不妨令張生攝篆九年，瓜代可也。」乃謂公：「應即赴任，今推仁孝之心，給假九年。及期當復相召。」又勉勵秀才數語。二公稽首並下。秀才握手，送諸郊野，自言長山張某。以詩贈別，都忘其詞，中有「有花有酒春常在，無燭無燈夜自明」之句。

公既騎，乃別而去，及抵裏，豁若夢寤。時卒已三日，母聞棺中呻吟，扶出，半日始能語。問之長山，果有張生於是日死矣。後九年，母果卒，營葬既畢，浣濯入室而沒。其岳家居城中西門裡，忽見公鏤膺朱幩，輿馬甚眾。登其堂，一拜而行。相共驚疑，不知其為神，奔詢鄉中，則已歿矣。公有自記小傳，惜亂後無存，此其略耳。