The tale of the sad Queen
Once upon a time there was a great king of China. This king had everything he wanted. He had rare treasures, a beautiful palace, fine horses, the bravest warriors and a people who loved him. But one thing the king lacked. He didn’t have a wife. So one day he gathered seven of his most trusted warriors, saddled his strongest horse, and departed in search of a wife. They travelled many moons and called in at all the great palaces and cities on their way, and met many beautiful princesses and great ladies, but nowhere did the king see a lady who made his heart beat faster.
After a long days’ ride the party arrived at a lake, and the king decided to halt there and make a camp for the night. As he was taking his supper he heard the faint strains of a tune coming from the direction of the lake. He got up and walked towards the water. There he saw a boat drifting by, and on the boat the figure of a woman.
By the light of the moon he saw her face and he knew immediately that here was he woman he had set out to find. He called his warriors, and they waded into the water and pushed the craft to the shore. The king helped the lady step onto the land and introduced himself.
He asked the lady to be his guest and join him for some supper. The king stated the purpose of his quest, and asked the lady if there was any reason why she could not travel back with him to his palace to be his wife. The poor woman was taken somewhat aback, You wish to marry me, she asked, when I am a complete stranger to you?