A Yuan Play: Bao Gong and His Dream of Butterflies

Bao Gong, commonly known as Justice Bao, was a legendary Song Dynasty official who consistently demonstrated impartiality, honesty, and uprightness in his decisions in court. Sun Mingguo/The Epoch Times

Among the plays of the Yuan Dynasty, there was one called “The Dream of Bao Gong Examining the Butterflies Three Times”. It was written by Guan Hanqing (1225–1320), a famous playwright.

In the play, a man by the surname of Wang goes to the market to get some paper and brushes for his three sons. While he is taking a rest, he unwittingly offends Ge Biao, an influential man who is distantly related to the emperor. The latter beats Wang to death in a fit of pique.