The Enchanted Paintbrush
Once upon a time, in a small village in China, lived a poor boy named Ming. Desaturated of colors and full of ordinary people, the village where he lived was just as modest as his life. However, what set Ming apart was his extraordinary talent for painting. He would paint with rudimentary tools, depicting scenes of surreal beauty and delicate portraiture on the walls of the village.
One day, the Jade Emperor, the ruler of Heaven, gazed upon Earth and noticed Ming's raw talent and his earnest heart. Moved by the boy's artistry and his lack of means to fulfill his potential, the Emperor decided to gift him a special tool - a magical paintbrush.
The next morning, while cleaning the temple, Ming found a magnificent paintbrush laying on the altar. With a handle made of delicate jade and bristles of the finest sable, it was unlike anything he'd ever seen. Beside it lay a scroll, inscribed, 'To the humble artist, with his heart in his work'. He picked up the brush and painted a bird. To his amazement, the bird sprang to life and flew off the canvas. Ming quickly realized the brush was enchanted.
Soon word spread about the boy with the magical paintbrush. People began coming from far and wide, asking Ming to paint for them. Despite the increasing demands, Ming remained humble. He only painted for the poor and needy, bringing joy to those who couldn't afford any.
One day, the corrupt local magistrate heard about Ming’s talent and summoned him. Ming was forced to appear before him. The powerful man desired untold riches and demanded Ming to paint him gold mountains filled with silver rivers. Ming refused, stating his brush was meant for the needy, not for greed. Enraged, the magistrate threw Ming in prison, taking the brush to paint by himself.
However, the brush wouldn't work as it did for Ming. Angry and desperate, he dragged Ming out of the cell and ordered him to paint the desired riches. Seeing no other way, Ming decided to teach the greedy magistrate a lesson. He carefully started to paint a sea around the gold-laden mountain. Turning back to the magistrate, he said he would only bring the picture to life if released. Keen on his riches, the magistrate promptly freed Ming. However, as soon as Ming finished the painting, instead of the picture coming to life, a giant wave emerged, engulfing the magistrate and his men, washing away their ill-gotten wealth.
When the water receded, the villagers found Ming unharmed, holding the paintbrush, with the humble magistrate kneeling beside him. From that day forth, Ming was revered not only for his supernatural gift but also for teaching a powerful lesson to the greedy. He continued painting, spreading joy, and enriching his humble village with vibrant colors, grateful for the Jade Emperor's magical gift.
Ming's story remains, just like the vivid brush strokes in his vibrant paintings, a testament to his exceptional talent, humble heart, and the magical paintbrush which brought his creations to life.