The Tale of the Drunken Pines Wang Sheng of Pine Bend, a man devoted to drink, often stumbled home through th…
The Tale of the Drunken Pines
Wang Sheng of Pine Bend, a man devoted to drink, often stumbled home through the dense pine forest. One night, amid the towering trees, he heard rustling behind him. Turning, he saw only his shadow under the moonlight and dismissed the sound as a mouse. But the rustling grew louder and closer. A chill ran down his spine, sobering him enough to flee. Behind him, eerie laughter chased him through the woods. In his panic, he dropped his wine pouch. Safely outside, Wang Sheng glanced back to see a shadowy, otherworldly figure licking the spilled wine before dissolving into a wisp of smoke.
Elders say the spirit is that of a drunken man who died in the forest, his soul forever bound to the wine he loved, now dwelling in an ancient pine. Though fearsome in form, it harms no one, and is only driven by its thirst. By leaving his wine behind, Wang Sheng unknowingly granted the spirit's longing.
From then on, travelers crossing the pine forest at night offer a sip of wine to honor the restless spirit within the ancient trees.