Translation of Making an argument (Luxun, 1925)

Making an argument (Luxun, 1925):

I dreamed that I was preparing a composition in the lecture hall of the elementary school, asking the teacher for advice on how to make an argument.

　　 "Very hard!" The teacher shot me a look, askance from the edge of his glasses. "Here's a story for you—"

　　 "A family gave birth to a boy, and the family was extremely happy. When the full moon came, they took him out and showed him to the guests. Presumably to get some auspicious tidings.

　　"One said: ‘This child will grow up to be rich.’ So he got a lot of thanks.

　　"One said: ‘This child will grow up to be a government official.’ So he obtained a few compliments.

　　"One said: ‘This child will grow up to die.’ So he was beaten up by everyone else.

　　 "Death is certain, while saying he is certainly going to be rich and noble are hopeful lies. But those who lie are paid well, and those who talk of certainties are beaten. You see..."

　　 "I am willing to neither lie nor to be beaten. So, teacher, what should I say?"

　　 "Then, you have to say: ‘Ahhhhh! This kid! You see! So... Ah! Haha! Hehe! he, hehehehe!’"

　　 July 8, 1925.

Four mice and one cat

A sad story by Zheng Yuanjie. Originally published as 四只老鼠和一只猫的故事.

There were four little mice, living in constant fear and loathing of a cat named Lina. Lina was very fierce towards them and often bullied them to a corner.

One day, the little mice came upon a puppet dog from the puppet theater company, and they decided to disguise themselves as a dog to frighten Lina. They had seen Lina being scared of dogs.

They got into the body of the puppet dog like lion dancers. Two rode on the necks of the other two, and the pair at the back grabbed the tails of the pair at the front. Just like that, the puppet dog stood up.