Once, there was a scholar who spent his days studying and writing in solitude.
从前，有一位学者，终日独自研究和写作。
One night, while observing the world by candlelight, his shadow stretched against the wall.
一天夜里，他在烛光下观察世界，看到自己的影子投射在墙上。
The shadow grew curious about the world outside and decided to separate from the scholar.
影子对外面的世界产生了好奇，决定脱离学者而独立。
It slipped away, leaving the scholar to live without it.
它悄悄离开了，学者从此失去了自己的影子。
Years passed, and the scholar continued his quiet life. One day, the shadow returned.
多年过去，学者依旧过着平静的生活。一天，影子回来了。
It was no longer a simple shadow but a man of wealth and influence.
它不再是一个简单的影子，而是变成了一位富有且有权势的人。
The shadow told the scholar that it had traveled the world and gained power.
影子告诉学者，它周游世界并获得了权力。
It offered to help the scholar live a better life but at a cost: the scholar must now serve the shadow.
它愿意帮助学者过上更好的生活，但条件是学者必须成为它的仆人。
At first, the scholar agreed, but he soon realized the shadow was cruel and manipulative.
起初，学者同意了，但很快他发现影子冷酷而狡诈。
When he tried to resist, the shadow accused him of madness and had him executed.
当他试图反抗时，影子诬陷他精神错乱，并将他处死。
The shadow took over completely, living as a respected figure, while the scholar’s life and identity were erased.
影子完全接管了学者的生活，成为一个受人尊敬的人，而学者的生命和身份被彻底抹去。
The story reveals how the darker sides of ambition can consume a person, leading to destruction.
这个故事揭示了内心阴暗的一面如何吞噬一个人，最终导致毁灭。
