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The Filial Son
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The Filial Son : The Field of Reeds
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"The Field of Reeds" is a scene from the Ming drama "The Filial
Son". ?In this story, Jiang Shi, a scholar in the Eastern Han
Dynasty (25-225 A.D.), was known for his filial piety. He lived
with his mother, wife, and a seven-year-old son. His wife, Pang
Sanniang, was a virtuous woman. However, his mother was a
hard-to-please old lady.
On the birthday of Jiang Shi's mother an obnoxious neighbor came
to borrow some items that she had no intention to return, as had
been the case with her. Pang Sanniang declined her request. To
avenge herself on Pang, the neighbor secretly lied to Jiang's
mother about how Pang bought things on behalf of the old lady
but kept them to herself, and how Pang had been setting up
tables in the back yard to pray for the old lady's early death.
Jiang's mother believed the neighbors stories, and was taken by
illness immediately. Without clarifying the truth, she ordered
Jiang to divorce Pang and chased her out.
The story of "The Field of Reeds" takes place after Pang
Sanniang is thrown out. One day she hears her ex-mother-in-law
wished to eat some fish. She immediately buys a fish with her
entire savings and wants to cook it for her. She goes to a field
of reeds to pick firewood needed for the cooking. There she runs
into ex-husband Jiang Shi. She beggs him to take her home but he
refuses. Not only will Jiang not believe her explanation, but he
also wonders why she is in the field by herself. After learning
about her intent and seeing the collected firewood, Jiang
finally believed in Pang's innocence. He realizes what a
virtuous wife he has and wishes to take her back. However, being
a filial son, he does not dare disobey his mother. He promises
Pang that he will go home and plea to his mother to let her
back. After the heart- breaking reunion, the couple part sadly
from the field of reeds.
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