What did everyone do in the city?
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:
“What is the fourth thing?” asked the Mandarin.
The Wise men shrugged. “We can pray to the Great Cloud Dragon to help us.”
“That seems most practical,” said the Mandarin
So the gongs were beaten, and the smoke of sweet incense rose up while everyone in the city prayed.
The next morning, as Han was sweeping the road under the gate, a small, fat man came walking up the hill. He had a long white beard and a shiny baldhead, and he leaned on a long staff
“Goodmorning,”he said
Han bowed.” I hope your honourable stomach is happy sir,” he replied, politely
“Will you take me to the ruler of the city?” said the little fat man.
“I’ll take you to him,” said Han, “but he is very busy this morning. We are expecting the enemy, and the Mandarin is praying to the Great Cloud Dragon for help.”
“I know,” said the little man. “I am the dragon.”
Han opened his eyes very wide. “You don’t look like one,” he said
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“No,” said Han.
“Now that you mention it, I haven’t,”
“Well, then?”
“Well then,” said Han, “please come this way, Honourable Dragon.”
He led the little fat man to the palace. There sat the Mandarin with his councilors. They had just finished a huge bowl of rice and six dozen duck eggs for breakfast and they were drinking their tea.
The Mandarin looked at the little fat man with a frown.
“Who is this person and why have you brought him here?” he asked Han.
“Sir,” said Han, “he is a dragon.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” said the Mandarin. “He’s a fat man who is tracking dirt on my fine carpets. What do you want here, old man?”