ABSTRACT
This tale is taken from the Truyen Ky Man Luc which was written by Nguyen Du in the middle of the sixteenth century. This particular text was written by its Vietnamese author in classical Chinese, but not long thereafter was rendered into the Vietnamese vernacular script, thus increasing its accessibility to local audiences. In all likelihood, many would have heard it read aloud, given extremely limited literacy in sixteenth-century Vietnam, and its translation into the vernacular would have facilitated its popularization. The story told here illustrates the powerful hold of the world of the spirits and divine figures believed to have control over people's lives and fates. The concluding comments of the king in adjudicating the crime reflect both idealized views of governance and the expectations of women. The ruler notes the officials failings, notably not using his position to uphold virtuous rule but rather following the path of debauchery.
