Red Lanterns,the story of Dou'E

Once upon a time, in a small village in ancient China, there lived a young woman named Dou E. She was known for her kindness and her beautiful voice, which she used to sing songs and tell stories to the children in the village.

One day, Dou E's family was accused of a crime they did not commit. They were sentenced to death by the corrupt magistrate of the province, who had been bribed by a wealthy landowner to get rid of them.

Dou E was devastated by the news of her family's impending execution. She pleaded with the magistrate to spare their lives, but he refused to listen to her. Desperate to save her family, Dou E decided to sell red lanterns to raise money to bribe the magistrate and buy her family's freedom.

Dou E made the red lanterns herself, using scraps of colorful fabric and bamboo sticks. She worked tirelessly every day, making as many lanterns as she could and selling them in the village and nearby towns.

At first, Dou E's efforts seemed futile. The magistrate was stubborn and refused to accept her bribes or listen to her pleas. But Dou E was determined to save her family, and she continued to sell the red lanterns, even when she was exhausted and discouraged.

One day, a group of travelers stopped in the village and saw Dou E selling her lanterns. They were moved by her story and her dedication, and they decided to help her. They bought all of her lanterns and gave her enough money to bribe the magistrate and buy her family's freedom.

Dou E was overjoyed and grateful to the travelers. She hurried to the prison to release her family, but when she arrived, she was too late. Her family had already been executed.

Dou E was heartbroken, but she was also filled with a fierce determination to seek justice for her family. She went to the imperial court and demanded that the corrupt magistrate be punished for his crimes.

The emperor was impressed by Dou E's bravery and her devotion to her family. He ordered an investigation into the magistrate's actions and found him guilty of corruption and abuse of power. The magistrate was stripped of his title and wealth, and Dou E was hailed as a hero for her courage and determination.

From that day on, the people of the village celebrated Dou E's bravery by hanging red lanterns outside their homes every year on the anniversary of her family's execution. The red lanterns became a symbol of hope and justice, and Dou E's story inspired generations of people to stand up for what is right and fight against corruption and oppression.

"It is a tragedy that your family had to suffer such injustice, Dou E," said one of the travelers, as they hung a red lantern outside their home. "But your bravery and determination have inspired us all. You have become a symbol of hope and justice for all those who face oppression and injustice."

Dou E smiled, tears in her eyes. "Thank you," she said. "I only wish my family could be here to see how much their sacrifice has meant to so many people."

The story of Dou E and the red lanterns is a classic tale of Chinese folklore that has been passed down for generations. It is a story of bravery, determination, and the power of community to overcome corruption and injustice.

In many versions of the story, Dou E is described as a young woman with a beautiful singing voice and a kind heart. Her love for her family and her desire to save them from an unjust death drives her to sell the red lanterns, even when all hope seems lost.

The red lanterns themselves also have symbolic significance in Chinese culture. They are often used to celebrate important events like weddings and festivals, and they are believed to bring good luck and happiness. In the story of Dou E, the red lanterns become a symbol of hope and justice, and they inspire the people of the village to come together and support Dou E in her quest for justice.

The story of Dou E and the red lanterns has been retold in many forms over the years, including in plays, operas, and movies. It is a beloved tale in Chinese culture and has become a symbol of the power of community to overcome adversity and fight for justice.