In the southern coastal regions of China, where the sea glimmered like sheets of jade and fishing boats drifted gently across rolling waves, people often told stories of the Dragon King’s palace beneath the waters. They said its walls glowed with pearls, its gardens shimmered with coral, and its halls were filled with both mystery and wisdom. Among those who lived there was the Dragon King’s daughter, a gentle and compassionate spirit known for her kindness toward mortals.
One quiet evening, a poor scholar named Wen Xi was walking along the rocky shoreline. He had been traveling in search of knowledge, yet poverty followed him wherever he went. His clothing was worn, and his stomach often growled from hunger, but his mind was bright and determined. That evening he sat by the water, wondering if his fortunes would ever change.
As Wen Xi dipped his hand into the cool waves, the sea began to shimmer. A graceful young woman rose from the surface of the water as though ascending from mist. Her clothing flowed like silk made of moonlight and her eyes carried the calm of deep oceans. Wen Xi, though startled, felt no fear. Her presence was gentle and warm.
She asked softly why he looked troubled. Wen Xi explained his hardships, his long journey, and his struggle to continue his studies. The young woman listened with compassion. After a moment, she reached into her sleeve and revealed a small pearl glowing with soft blue light. She placed it in Wen Xi’s hand and told him it would bring good fortune and guide him through difficult times.
Wen Xi bowed gratefully, but before he could ask her name she stepped back into the sea and disappeared beneath the waves. The scholar walked away wondering if he had met a spirit or dreamed the entire encounter.
The pearl proved magical. Wherever Wen Xi went, people welcomed him with generosity. When he needed shelter, a kind family offered him a place to rest. When he needed food, strangers shared their meals. Scholars admired his intelligence and teachers noticed his dedication. With each passing day, his path grew clearer, as though guided by an unseen hand.
One night while studying in a dimly lit room, Wen Xi heard a soft tapping at the window. When he opened it, the same young woman from the sea stepped inside. She explained that she was the Dragon King’s daughter and that she had been watching over him. She told him that the pearl continued to shine because his heart remained pure, and its light would fade only if he ever acted with greed or cruelty.
Wen Xi promised to remember her words. She smiled, and for a brief moment the room glowed with the gentle radiance of the sea. Before departing, she gave him another pearl, larger and brighter than the first, saying it would help him in moments of great need.
Years passed. Wen Xi achieved success as a respected scholar and official. Despite his achievements, he never forgot the Dragon King’s daughter. Whenever he saw the sea, he wondered whether she still watched over him. He treated the people with fairness and kindness, remembering the blessings she had given him.
One year, a severe drought struck the region. Rivers dried up, crops failed, and people suffered greatly. Wen Xi knew he had to act. He took the larger pearl the Dragon King’s daughter had given him and placed it in a bowl of clear water. The moment the pearl touched the water, the surface began to glow. Clouds gathered where the sky had been empty and soon rain poured down upon the barren fields.
The people rejoiced, and Wen Xi silently thanked the Dragon King’s daughter for her continuing kindness. That night, as he stood by the sea, she appeared once more rising from the waves like a vision of moonlit water. She said she was glad to see him using the pearl to help others rather than himself. She reminded him that true fortune comes from kindness and that their bond would last for as long as compassion guided his heart.
Wen Xi bowed deeply. When he looked up again, she had already slipped beneath the sea, leaving only gentle ripples, as though the water itself smiled.
From that day on, the villagers believed that Wen Xi was protected by the daughter of the Dragon King. They said the sea often glowed faintly on nights when Wen Xi walked along the shore, as though she were always near watching over her friend.
Discover more East Asian Folktales from the lands of dragons, cherry blossoms, and mountain spirits.
Moral Lesson
True fortune arises from kindness and good intentions. Generosity given with a pure heart returns in unexpected and blessed ways.
Knowledge Check
- Who is the Dragon King’s daughter?
She is a compassionate water spirit from the Dragon King’s underwater palace who helps Wen Xi. - What does the first pearl represent?
It symbolizes guidance, kindness, and the good fortune that follows a pure heart. - Why does Wen Xi receive a second pearl?
The Dragon King’s daughter gives it to him for moments of great need so he may continue helping others. - How does Wen Xi use the pearls?
He uses them to improve his life, bring rain during a drought, and help the people around him. - What does the story say about water deities?
It reflects the belief that water spirits and dragon beings show deep generosity toward worthy humans. - What lesson is Wen Xi taught?
He learns that true destiny and good fortune come from compassion, humility, and kindness toward others.
Source
Adapted from Taiwan Ministry of Culture – Digital Folklore Archive, 2018.
cultural origin : Southern coastal Chinese folklore.
