A Chinese girl named Shen is given a magic brush and told to never paint for wealthy folk, only the poor. By drawing a pot full of seafood, she feeds her hungry family. She goes on to paint and create objects for many poor people. But then the emperor hears of her gift and orders her to paint him a tree with golden coins for leaves. She refuses and is imprisoned. But of course she merely has to paint a key to unlock the prison door and a horse to escape on. The emperor's soldiers follow, but Shen quickly paints a deep river as well as a dragon. When she asks the emperor if he really wants her to finish the dragon painting which will bring it to life, he realizes he is defeated and departs. ( )