The Lotus Lantern
In the golden era of an ancient empire, there lived a humble craftsman named Li Wei. He was known far and wide for his unique creation: the Lotus Lantern. Despite its popularity, Li Wei treasured the blueprint of his creation and had never shared it with anyone, making the lantern enigmatic and priceless.
Li Wei resided on the outskirts, away from the bustling city, in a quaint little house by the riverbank. Every morning, he awakened to the gentle murmuring of the flowing waters and adored the tranquility nature bestowed him. Over the years, Li Wei's heart was tainted with loneliness, immersing himself into building his Lotus Lanterns filled the void.
One day, as the sun traded places with the moon, a visitor came—an old, frail man barely able to stand upright. He had heard tales of Li Wei's Lotus Lantern and was desperate to purchase one for himself. Li Wei, with his generous heart, agreed. He retreated to his workshop and began his intricate work.
Throughout the week, he poured his soul into this lantern, creating a masterpiece more breathtaking than ever. The petals of the lotus delicately folded around the light source, and each of them was crystalline, reflecting myriad colours. The tired but satisfied Li Wei presented the lantern to the elderly man.
The old man, astounded by the splendid piece of work, immediately summoned his guards from the outside. To Li Wei's shock, he professed himself as the Emperor who had been living undercover. The Emperor rewarded Li Wei handsomely for the lantern, offering him a high-ranking position in his court.
But Li Wei, the humble man he was, declined, preferring his quiet life on the riverbank. Instead, he proposed that his lantern be a symbol of hope and tranquility for the people, releasing an illuminated lotus into river every year around harvest time, a tribute to the hardworking farmers.
The Emperor was taken aback by Li Wei's humility. Impressed, he agreed. The tradition was set and it brought about a sense of unity among the Empire's people. This event, known as the Lotus Lantern Festival, brought people from across the Empire together to celebrate with joy, spreading peace and harmony.
Years passed and the elderly Li Wei felt life departing him. Before his final breath, he disclosed the secret of his Lotus Lantern to his trusty apprentice, Yan. As Li Wei bade his farewell, he felt content, knowing that his tradition will continue to bring unity and hope.
The following years bore witness to the Empire's growing unity, prosperity, and delight. Even in his absence, Li Wei's name lived on in every corner of the Empire. His Lotus Lantern became a beacon of hope, bringing people together regardless of class or status. The Lotus Lantern was not only a product of his artistic craftsmanship but also a reflection of his humble and loving soul.
In the end, though Li Wei had lived away from the limelight, his legacy as the craftsman of the Lotus Lantern was etched in golden letters in the annals of the Empire's history, underpinning the potent blend of creativity, humility, and the unfettered spirit of unity.
Even today, as we partake in the Lotus Lantern Festival around harvest time, we remember the legend of the humble man, Li Wei, and his beacon of unity, symbolizing the harmony that persists among us.