In the early Qing Dynasty, the famous scholar and historian Wan Sitong participated in compiling the important historical work Twenty-Four Histories. However, when he was young, he was actually a very mischievous child.
Because of his playful behavior, Wan Sitong once embarrassed himself in front of guests and was criticized by them. In anger, he overturned the guests’ table and was locked in the study by his father as punishment.
At first, Wan Sitong strongly disliked studying and felt full of resentment. Later, while reflecting quietly in the study, he found inspiration in The Classic of Tea and gradually began to devote himself to reading.
More than a year passed in the blink of an eye. During that time, Wan Sitong read a great number of books in the study. His father eventually forgave him, and Wan Sitong also came to understand his father’s good intentions.
Through years of diligent and dedicated study, Wan Sitong eventually became a renowned scholar with extensive knowledge of history and literature. He later participated in the compilation of the History of Ming, one of the works included in the Twenty-Four Histories.