This is Randi Hacker with another Postcard from Asia from the KU Center for East Asian Studies.

Here is a story from the Ming, a dynasty which lasted from 1368 until 1644. The Emperor Shizong was on the throne. One day, while reciting some sacred texts, the emperor picked up a hammer to strike a stone chime. He must’ve lost his balance or something because he swung wide, missing the chime completely. His young concubines all looked away in discomfort and fear. All except one who couldn’t help it: she burst out laughing. Everyone waited for the Emperor to order her execution. But he didn’t. Instead, he favored her and adored her. He gave her the title The Beautiful Lady Shang and, later, the even more exalted title The Consort of Longevity. Which just goes to prove that there is a time to laugh and there is a time not to laugh and it’s hard to tell which is which.

With thanks to Keith McMahon for this text, rrom the KU Center for East Asian Studies, I’m Randi Hacker. Wish you were here.