Mist gathered around the purple hills, weary crows returned home, and travelers sought refuge in distant inns along the road. Fresh geese settled at the water's edge on sandy shores, and the Milky Way revealed itself, prompting the night watch to hasten its rounds.
The solitary village's lamplight shimmered without a flame. A gentle breeze wafted through the temple courtyard, where incense smoke mingled with clarity. Dreamers of butterflies remained unseen by passersby. As the moon shifted, casting floral silhouettes upon the railing, the scattered stars danced, the rhythm of the hourglass changed, and before anyone realized it, the deep night had already reached its halfway mark.
The Dragon King of the Jing River didn't return to his watery palace. Instead, he remained in the sky. As the time approached midnight, he gathered the clouds and cleared the mist, then headed straight for the gates of the imperial palace.
At that moment, Emperor Tang was strolling outside the palace, bathed in the moonlight and the shadows of flowers.
Suddenly, the Dragon King transformed into a human form, approached, and knelt before the emperor. "Your Majesty, save me, save me."
Emperor Taizong asked, "Who are you? I shall help you."
The Dragon King replied, "Your Majesty is a true dragon, while I am a mere karma dragon. I have violated celestial laws and will be executed by your wise Minister, Wei Zheng. I've come here to beg for your help. Please, Your Majesty, save me."
Emperor Taizong said, "Since my Minister Wei Zheng will carry out the execution, I can grant you amnesty. Go with assurance."
The Dragon King was overjoyed, expressed his gratitude, and departed.
After Emperor Taizong woke from his dream, he pondered over it repeatedly in his heart. It was already the third hour of the morning, around five o'clock, and he convened a court assembly, gathering both civil and military officials. The scene was as follows::
Amidst mist-clad palace towers, fragrant blooms entwine,
Radiant gates swing open, clouds caress the jade design.
Monarchs and ministers, like Yao and Shun of old,
In harmony, their virtues shine, traditions steadfastly uphold.
Attendants with lanterns, palace maidens with fans,
In pairs, they reflect resplendence, like rainbows in sky spans.
Peacock screens unfold, halls with mythical beasts adorned,
Eternal praises resound, a thousand autumns reborn.
Three times, a hushed whip cracks, ceremonial robes bow,
Palace blossoms exude celestial scents, melodies bestow.
Pearl curtains glisten, emerald curtains sway,
Upon dragon-carriages, treasures gently convey.
Scholars shine in brilliance, valiant heroes stand,
Rankings on the imperial path, the glory of the land.
Golden seals and purple sashes, mounted on three beasts,
Through ages long, prosperity grows, as far as the eye feasts.
After the officials finished their morning greetings, they divided into groups. Emperor Tang, with keen and observant eyes, scanned each one carefully. Among the civil officials were Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Xu Shijie, Xu Jingzong, Wang Gui, and others. The military officers were Ma Sanbao, Duan Zhixuan, Yin Kaishan, Cheng Yaojin, Liu Hongji, Hu Jingde, Qin Shubao, and more. Each one displayed an air of solemnity and dignity, but Prime Minister Wei Zheng was nowhere to be seen.
Emperor Tang summoned Xu Shijie to the throne and said, "Last night, I had a peculiar dream. I dreamt of a person who came to me, bowed respectfully, and claimed to be the Dragon King of the Jing River. He said he had violated heavenly laws and the Minister of Justice Wei Zheng would execute him. He begged for my intervention, and I agreed. Yet today, before the court assembly, I don't see Wei Zheng. What's the reason?"
Xu Shijie replied, "This dream seems to be accurate. You must summon Wei Zheng to the court, Your Majesty, and do not allow him to leave the palace. By doing so for just one day, you can save the dragon from within the dream."
Emperor Tang was greatly pleased and immediately issued an edict, commanding the imperial messenger to summon Wei Zheng to attend the court assembly.
Now, let's talk about Prime Minister Wei Zheng. At his residence, he was observing the celestial signs during the night while fragrant incense burned.
Suddenly, a crane's cry from the Ninth Heaven announced the arrival of a celestial envoy bearing a decree from the Jade Emperor himself. The order commanded him to execute the old dragon of the Jing River in a dream at the third quarter of noon.
Grateful for the divine favor, the Prime Minister fasted, bathed, and practiced his sword skills in his residence, which is why he hadn't attended court.
When the herald from the imperial court arrived to deliver the summons, he felt both anxious and obligated. He hastily dressed and accompanied the envoy to the court, where he bowed and apologized to the emperor.
Emperor Tang reassured him, saying, "You are pardoned of any wrongdoing."
At that time, the courtiers from the morning assembly had not yet dispersed. However, Emperor Tang commanded the curtains to be drawn and dismissed the court. He retained only Wei Zheng, ushering him into the adjacent hall. There, they discussed strategies to ensure the nation's stability and plan for its future.
As the afternoon approached, just before noon, the emperor instructed, "Fetch the large chessboard[1]. I shall play a game with you, esteemed Minister."
The palace attendants promptly brought the chess set and arranged it on the royal table.
Wei Zheng expressed his gratitude and sat down to play a game of chess with Emperor Tang. Move by move, they set up their pieces, arranging their formations on the board.
This scene aligned perfectly with the words of the "Scroll of the Torn Bamboo Classic":
In the art of playing chess, precision is of utmost importance. The skilled player focuses on the center, secures the edges, and strategically occupies the corners – these are the common tactics of the game.
The principle is: "Better to lose a piece than to lose initiative." Attack left, consider right; strike from behind, anticipate ahead. Sometimes it's about sacrificing now to gain later; other times, it's about delaying to seize the initiative.
Don't sever connections prematurely, and ensure your groups are living. Maintain the right spacing, not too loose, not too cramped. Instead of desperately protecting every stone for survival, sacrificing and securing a victory is often wiser. Rather than making isolated moves without a plan, fortifying and consolidating is better. When facing more opponents, prioritize your own survival; when having the numerical advantage, focus on expanding your influence.
True mastery lies in not contesting needlessly. A skilled formation requires no direct confrontation. A masterful fight leads to no defeat, and a graceful defeat avoids chaos. The game begins with balanced moves and concludes with extraordinary victories. Those who make unnecessary self-reinforcements show signs of encroachment; those who abandon small gains for larger strategies have ambitious intentions.
Players who move impulsively lack foresight; those who respond without thought tread the path of defeat. As the ancient "Book of Songs" says, "Nervously cautious, as if on the edge of a valley."
This is the essence of it all.
In chess, the board is Earth's embrace, pieces play in skies above,
Colors blend in yin and yang, creation's dance of cosmic love.
Navigating profound mysteries, where transformations hum and spin,
With a laugh, extol the ancient sages, their wisdom akin to deities within.
The monarch and his advisor were deeply engrossed in their chess game. The board depicted an unfinished position as the game progressed towards three o'clock in the afternoon.
Suddenly, Wei Zheng lowered himself onto the table's edge and began to doze off, emitting soft snores.
Emperor Taizong chuckled, remarking, "Truly, your devoted efforts in upholding the nation and shaping its destiny have wearied you to the point of dozing off."
Amused by the scene, Emperor Taizong allowed Wei Zheng to continue his slumber, refraining from waking him.
After a short while, Wei Zheng awoke and prostrated himself on the floor, exclaiming, "I deserve ten thousand deaths, ten thousand deaths! I was merely overcome by fatigue and drowsiness, unaware of my actions. I beg Your Majesty's pardon for my unintended disrespect."
Emperor Taizong responded, "What disrespect have you committed? Rise, clear the remnants of the game, and let us start anew."
Stolen story; please report.
Wei Zheng expressed his gratitude and had just picked up a piece when the sounds of clamor and commotion suddenly entered the court gates.
It turned out to be Qin Shubao, Xu Maogong, and other officials carrying a blood-soaked dragon head. They presented it to the emperor. "Your Majesty, we've heard of shallow seas and dry rivers, but such a bizarre occurrence is unheard of."
Emperor Taizong and Wei Zheng stood up, and the former inquired, "Whence comes this object?"
Qin Shubao and Xu Maogong explained, "At the southern end of the Thousand-Step Corridor, at the intersection of the Cross Street, a dragon head fell from the sky. Your humble officials could not help but report it."
Emperor Taizong, puzzled, turned to Wei Zheng and asked, "What do you make of this?"
Wei Zheng turned around, bowed, and replied, "It was the dragon I beheaded in my recent dream."
The emperor was greatly astonished and exclaimed, "But you were dozing off, and you didn't move or touch anything. Moreover, you had no sword or blade. How could you have severed this dragon's head?"
Wei Zheng reported, "Your Majesty, here I stand, yet in my dream, I transcend your kingdom. As I faced the incomplete game before you, my eyes were clouded; but in the dream, I rode celestial clouds, fully focused. On the Executioner's Platform, a dragon was bound by celestial soldiers. I declared, 'You have violated heavenly principles, deserving of death. I am here on a divine mission to end your wretched existence.' The dragon heard my stern words, and I steeled my resolve. Humbly, the dragon accepted its fate, and its scales receded as it bowed to death. I, resolute in spirit, raised my blade with determined steps. With a swift slash, the dragon's head fell into the void."
A mix of joy and sorrow filled Emperor Taizong's heart. He was pleased that Wei Zheng was such a loyal and capable minister, a stalwart figure in his court. Yet, he couldn't help but feel a sense of sorrow, realizing that he had promised to save the dragon in his dream, only to bring about its demise unintentionally. Determined, he composed himself and issued a proclamation for General Shubao to display the dragon's head at the marketplace while informing the Chang'an citizens. As the court officials dispersed, Emperor Taizong rewarded Wei Zheng for his deeds.
Upon returning to the palace that evening, a sense of unease filled Emperor Taizong's heart. The dragon in his dream had pleaded for its life with tears and sorrow, yet fate can be unpredictable, leading to unexpected troubles. Lost in thought for a long while, he began to feel mentally and physically fatigued.
Around two in the early morning, cries of lamentation echoed outside the palace gates, further unsettling Emperor Taizong. In a half-awake state, he saw once more the dragon from the River Jing, holding his blood-soaked head and shouting, "Emperor of Tang, return my life! You promised to save me last night, yet why did you send the official of the netherworld to slay me at dawn? Come out, face me, and we shall appeal our case before the Judge of the Dead!"
The dragon grasped Emperor Taizong, persistently clamoring. He wouldn't let go.
Emperor Taizong struggled, his body drenched in sweat, unable to utter a word.
Amidst this perplexing situation, a remarkable display occurred. From the southern horizon, a cloud of fragrant mist emerged, accompanied by colorful vapors. A woman of ethereal grace stepped forward, gently waving a willow branch. Wailing mournfully, the headless dragon veered northwestward and departed.
It turned out to be Guanyin Bodhisattva, following the Buddha's decree. She had come to the Eastern Land in search of a scripture-seeker and found herself in the temple of Chang'an. Upon hearing the cries of spirits and gods, she intervened to drive away the vengeful dragon and save the Emperor.
The dragon then made its way to the underworld, its fate there left unspoken.
However, as Emperor Taizong woke up, he could only exclaim, "There are ghosts! There are ghosts!"
This sent the three empresses, six palace concubines, and even the eunuchs by his side into a panic, trembling with fear throughout the night, unable to sleep.
Unbeknownst to them, it was already three in the morning.
The entire court of officials, both civil and military, had gathered outside the palace gates, waiting for the morning court session. As the sky began to brighten, there was still no sign of the Emperor attending court. This caused anxiety and hesitation among them, each one filled with fear.
By midday, an edict was finally issued: "Due to the Emperor's discomfort, officials are excused from the morning court session."
Days passed in the blink of an eye, leaving the officials anxious and unsure. They were on the verge of rushing to the palace doors to inquire about his well-being when a decree from the Empress Dowager arrived, summoning the imperial physicians to the palace for treatment.
As the officials waited outside the palace gates, the imperial physicians emerged after a while. Immediately, the officials bombarded them with questions about the Emperor's condition.
The physician explained, "The Emperor's pulse is irregular, weak, and rapid. He's been deliriously speaking of seeing ghosts. His bodily functions have declined significantly, and his vital organs lack vitality. I fear it may not be long, perhaps within a week."
After hearing this diagnosis, the officials were struck with shock and dismay.
Amidst their anxiety, news arrived that the Empress Dowager had summoned Xu Maogong, the Guardian of the State Qin Shubao[2], and General Yuchi Gong[3] to an audience. The three high-ranking officials swiftly made their way to the palace hall.
After paying their respects, Emperor Taizong's expression turned serious as he addressed them, "Esteemed ministers, since I was nineteen, I've led armies, campaigned in the south and the north, fended off foes from the east and west, enduring countless battles. Never have I encountered any hint of the supernatural, but today I am haunted by spirits."
Yuchi Gong replied, "Your Majesty, you've built a prosperous empire and taken many lives. Why fear spirits now?"
Emperor Taizong retorted, "You lack belief. Outside my sleeping quarters, once night falls, bricks are tossed, tiles are hurled, and eerie cries and wails resound. It's a truly unsettling situation. It's manageable during the day, but the nights are unbearable."
Qin Shubao chimed in, "Your Majesty, worry not. Tonight, General Jingde and I will guard the palace gates, and we'll see if any supernatural forces dare to show themselves."
Emperor Taizong approved their plan. Xu Maogong expressed gratitude and took his leave.
As the evening fell, Qin Shubao and General Jingde both got dressed up. With armor and weapons in hand, they stood guard outside the palace gates. Take a look at these valiant generals, see how they're dressed:
Their heads were adorned with gleaming golden helmets, their bodies draped in armor resembling dragon scales.
A protective mirror reflects auspicious clouds on their chests, lion buckles tightly fastened, and embroidered belts adorned with vibrant rainbows.
One with phoenix-like eyes gazes at the stars above, unafraid, while the other's eyes shine like lightning, reflecting the light of the moon.
Once heroic and esteemed ministers, now known as palace guards for centuries to come, timeless protectors of the gate.
The two generals stood guard by the palace gates all night, and when dawn broke, not a hint of supernatural activity was seen.
That night, Emperor Taizong was peacefully asleep without disturbance. At daybreak, he summoned the two generals, expressing his gratitude and saying, "I have been unwell for a few days, unable to find restful sleep. Tonight, under the watch of you two, the atmosphere felt very secure. Take a break for now and rest, and later tonight, you'll guard once again."
The two generals thanked him and left.
Their watch was peaceful and calm for the next couple of nights. However, Emperor Taizong's health was deteriorating as he ate less. He couldn't bear to see the two generals working so hard, so he summoned General Shubao and General Jingde, along with Dukes Du and Fang, into the palace. He said, "Although I have been safe these past days, I know that General Shubao and General Jingde have been tirelessly guarding throughout the night. I plan to summon skilled artists to paint your true likenesses and have them posted on the doors, sparing you from the toil. What do you think?"
The courtiers agreed with the suggestion. They selected two adept artists and had General Shubao and General Jingde dress up as before. The artists skillfully painted their portraits, which were then affixed to the doors. And just like that, the nights passed without any disturbances.
For the next couple of days, they heard a series of banging noises coming from the back gate, like the sound of bricks and tiles clashing.
At dawn, the emperor summoned his courtiers and said, "For several days, we've been fortunate that there have been no disturbances at the front gate. Yet tonight, there's noise at the back gate. It seems I'm at risk of being startled again."
Xu Maogong stepped forward and reported, "The front gate is secure under the protection of Generals Jingde and Shubao. Wei Zheng should attend to the issue at the back gate."
Emperor Taizong approved the suggestion and ordered Wei Zheng to guard the back gate for the night.
Wei Zheng accepted the order. That night, he stood guard at the back gate with his attire in perfect order. He held the sword that had slain the dragon, a true hero indeed. How did he look? He wore a deep blue silk headband, a silk brocade robe, and a jade belt hanging at his waist. His cloak billowed like floating frost in the wind, adding to his imposing presence. His boots were sturdy, and his sleeves fluttered in the wind. With a stern expression and his keen eyes scanning all around, no evil spirit dared to approach him.
The night passed without any disturbances or apparitions. Despite the quietness at both the front and back gates, there was a growing heaviness in the emperor's body.
One day, the Empress Dowager summoned the court officials again to discuss the arrangements for the funeral.
Emperor Taizong also called upon Xu Maogong, instructing him on matters of state and expressing his desire for a smooth transition, similar to how Liu Bei entrusted his orphaned son in the Shu Kingdom. After speaking, he bathed, changed clothes, and waited for the appointed time.
Beside him, Wei Zheng stepped forward, tugging at his dragon robe. "Your Majesty, please ease your mind. I have a matter that can ensure your longevity."
Emperor Taizong replied, "My illness has reached a critical stage; my life is in danger. How can you guarantee my well-being?"
Wei Zheng said, "I have a letter to present to you, which, when taken to the underworld, will be delivered to Judge Cui in Fengdu."
Emperor Taizong asked, "Who is Judge Cui?"
Wei Zheng replied, "Judge Cui was an esteemed official before the late Emperor, initially serving as a local magistrate and later promoted to Assistant Minister of Rites. We were close friends, having exchanged eight formal bows in our days, and shared a deep bond. He has since passed away and now serves as the Judge of Life and Death Records in Fengdu, a city in the underworld. He often appears in my dreams. If we were to deliver this letter to him, he would surely consider my modest request and ensure Your Majesty's safe return. He will guide your soul back to the mortal realm, restoring your royal presence."
Emperor Taizong accepted the letter, tucked it into his sleeve, and closed his eyes. Thus, he passed away.
The three empresses, six consorts, empress dowager, crown prince, ministers, and military officials all mourned deeply, showing their respect for the late Emperor.
The Zhaoling Mausoleum held his remains, and the details beyond this are not recounted here. We have yet to tell how Emperor Taizong was revived.
Stay tuned for the following chapter to find out what happens next.
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[1] They are playing Chinese “Chess”. It’s called Go. It’s tradition to translate it as “chess”. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_(game)
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qin_Shubao AKA Guardian of the State AKA Qin Qiong
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuchi_Gong AKA Weichi Gong AKA General Jingde