There was a man who had a knack for flattering the powerful. One day, he visited a government official and began to compliment him:
– Yesterday, I had a dream that you lived for a thousand years. I was so pleased that I rushed here to share the news with you.
Upon hearing this, the official appeared more sorrowful than joyful, contrary to what the man expected. He replied:
– It is said that dreaming of living means one will die, and dreaming of dying means one will live. This is because humans belong to the Yang, while sleep belongs to the Yin; they are opposites. If you dreamt such a thing, it puts my well-being at risk!
The man, filled with fear, quickly tried to correct himself:
– My apologies, I must have been mistaken! In fact, I dreamed that you died but only for a day!