Let's now delve into the events during the Tang Dynasty.
Acting on the emperor's orders, a group of capable officials, including Xu Maogong, Qin Shubao, General Jingde, Duan Zhixuan, Ma Sanbao, Cheng Yaogong, Gao Shilian, Xu Shijie, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Xiao Yu[1], Fu Yi, Zhang Daoyuan, Zhang Shiheng, Wang Gui, and others, assembled to safeguard the Crown Prince and the Empress. This included attending to the needs of concubines, palace maids', and courtiers' mourning within the White Tiger Hall. Because they were well-versed in governance and warfare, a discourse emerged regarding the proclamation of mourning aimed at notifying the entire realm. Additionally, they discussed the necessary preparations to support the Crown Prince's elevation to the throne.
At this moment, Wei Zheng stepped forward. "Hold on, everyone. It's not advisable, not advisable at all. If we create a disturbance in the provinces, it might lead to unpredictable consequences. Let's wait another day. I'm confident that our sovereign will return to life."
Xu Jingzong interjected, "Prime Minister Wei's words are quite absurd. As the saying goes, 'Spilt water is hard to retrieve, and the departed do not return.' How can you still speak such fanciful words and confuse people's minds? It makes no sense."
Wei Zheng replied, "I'm not hiding anything, Xu Jingzong. I've been schooled in the arts of the immortals since I was young, and my divination skills are unmatched. I assure you, His Majesty did not die."
While they were in the midst of their discussion, they suddenly heard loud cries coming from the coffin. "Are you trying to suffocate me?! Are you trying to suffocate me?!"
A wave of panic went through the civil and military officials, and even the empress and concubines were terrified. Each person's face turned pale, like autumn leaves fading, and their bodies quivered, resembling willow branches in spring.
The Crown Prince's legs grew weak, making it difficult to hold his mourning staff as he expressed his grief.
The courtiers were so startled that they couldn't even wear their ceremonial caps properly, and the palace attendants stumbled and leaned to the side, their appearance reminiscent of wilting lotus flowers after a sudden rain.
The atmosphere was ripe with fear and trepidation, with everyone's bones feeling weak and their muscles numb. Trembling with unease, they were at a loss for words. The once majestic White Tiger Hall seemed as fragile as a crumbling bridge, and the mourning platform appeared as unstable as a collapsing temple.
At this moment, the palace attendants had all fled in a panic, none daring to approach the coffin. Thanks to the upright Xu Maogong, the rational Prime Minister Wei, the courageous Qin Shubao, and the resolute Jingde, they stepped forward to support the casket. They called out, "Your Majesty, if you have any worries on your mind, please share with us. Have mercy and don't haunt us or torment your family."
Wei Zheng spoke up, "This isn't a ghost. His Majesty has been brought back to life. Quickly fetch some tools."
They opened the coffin, revealing Emperor Taizong sitting inside and exclaiming, "I nearly died! Who saved me?"
Xu Maogong and the others rushed forward to help him up. "Your Majesty, you've awakened. Don't be afraid. We're here to protect you."
Finally, the emperor opened his eyes and said, "I was in so much pain just now—escaping the evil spirits of the Underworld was no easy feat, and then I faced a disaster in the water."
The courtiers inquired, "Your Majesty, please don't worry. What kind of water disaster did you encounter?"
"I was riding my horse by the banks of the Wei River when I saw a pair of two-headed fish playing. General Zhu took advantage of my trust and pushed me off my horse, causing me to fall into the river. I nearly drowned."
Wei Zheng remarked, "Your Majesty, the lingering ghostly influence hasn't fully faded."
The court immediately called for the royal physician to administer a calming elixir and arrange a nourishing meal. After several doses and some rest, the emperor gradually regained his senses and memory. In a cunning twist, he appeared to have passed away, spending three days and nights in the realm of the deceased before emerging back into the living world as a ruler.
There's a poem to capture this extraordinary event:
Throughout the ages, empires rise and fall,
History's tapestry weaves a varied thrall.
From Zhou to Qin, Han, and Jin so grand,
None like Emperor Taizong, reborn in this land.
As it grew late, the ministers urged the emperor to rest for the night, and one by one, they dispersed. The following day, they shed their mourning attire, donned colorful clothing, wearing red robes and black hats, and fastened purple sashes with gold insignias. They gathered outside the palace gates, eagerly awaiting the summons.
But let's talk about Emperor Taizong. After taking the soothing elixir to calm his mind and settle his spirit, and sipping on several bowls of broth, he was assisted by his servants to his bedroom. He slept soundly through the night, rejuvenating his energy, until dawn broke. Now, he rose from his slumber, exuding a commanding presence:
Crowned high, a soaring soul,
In saffron robe, noble role.
Azure belt with jade so bright,
Steadfast shoes for paths of light.
Majestic presence, rivaling time,
Strength and honor in every climb.
Oh, a great Tang monarch wise and fair,
And Li, reborn, with destined care.
Emperor Tang ascended to the grand Golden Hall, gathering the court's literary and martial figures. The mountain calls had concluded, and everyone was arranged according to their ranks. The order was given: "Step forward to report matters, and if there are none, you may leave the court."
From the eastern side, figures like Xu Maogong, Wei Zheng, Wang Gui, Du Ruhui, Fang Xuanling, Yuan Tiangang, Li Chunfeng, and Xu Jingzong emerged. From the western side, there were Yin Kaishan, Liu Hongji, Ma Sanbao, Duan Zhixuan, Cheng Yaotou, Qin Shubao, Hu Jingde, and Xue Rengui, among others. They all approached the white jade steps, prostrating themselves, and asked, "Your Majesty, why did it take so long for you to awaken?"
Emperor Taizong replied, "A few days ago, I received a letter from Wei Zheng. I felt my spirit leaving the hall, and suddenly, the Imperial Guards requested my presence for a hunt. While on the way, everyone disappeared, and I witnessed a dispute between my late father and older brother. Just as I was puzzled, a man in a black robe and black hat, who turned out to be Judge Cui, stepped forward and silenced my brother. I handed him Wei Zheng's letter. While reading, I saw a figure in blue clothing holding banners, guiding me inside. We arrived at the Hall of Myriad Spirits, where I sat down with the ten Kings of the Underworld. They informed me about the false accusation made by the Jing River Dragon, claiming that I turned a rescue into a killing. I then recounted the situation.
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"The three censors had already reviewed my case and urgently ordered the Book of Life and Death to be brought forth to examine my allotted years. Just then, Judge Cui presented the records to King Yanluo. After perusing them, King Yanluo informed me that the heavens granted me a thirty-three-year-long reign. I had ruled for thirteen years, which meant I still had twenty years left. He commanded General Zhu and Judge Cui to escort me back. I bid farewell to the Ten Kings, and as a token of gratitude, I agreed to offer them fruits.
"Leaving the Hall of Myriad Spirits, I saw within the Underworld those who lacked loyalty and filial piety, those who disregarded proper conduct, those who violated the five grains, those who practiced deceit in broad daylight and darkness, those who manipulated scales unfairly, those who engaged in deception and theft, and those who indulged in wickedness and deceit. They suffered the pains of grinding and pounding, enduring the torture of scalding and flaying. There were countless, countless souls in anguish, a sight too sorrowful to fully comprehend.
"Moving on through the City of Unjust Deaths, I encountered numerous restless spirits, all victims of bandits from the sixty-four regions and rebels from the seventy-two quarters. They blocked my passage, hindering my way forward. Thankfully, Judge Cui vouched for me, securing the help of an older man from Henan who provided a treasury of gold and silver. We purchased the spirits' release and thus continued on our journey.
"Judge Cui instructed me to return to the mortal world and organize a grand Water and Land Assembly to help the ownerless lonely souls find peace, and I was urged to remember these words. After leaving behind the cycles of reincarnation, General Zhu emerged, inviting me to mount a horse. We sped along, making our way to the banks of the Wei River. There, I noticed fish with two heads frolicking on the water's surface. Just as I was feeling delighted, he suddenly grabbed my foot and pushed me into the water. It was then that I regained my life."
Upon hearing this account, the assembled courtiers couldn't help but offer their congratulations. And so, this tale spread far and wide, becoming a celebration throughout the land, with officials from various provinces and counties sending joyful reports to the capital.
Let's talk about Emperor Taizong, who once again issued a decree to pardon all the petty criminals in the realm. Then, he reviewed the cases of those imprisoned for severe offenses. The examining officials from the Ministry of Justice had brought forward more than four hundred individuals sentenced to death by hanging or beheading. Emperor Taizong granted them a respite, allowing them to return home. They were allowed to bid farewell to their parents, siblings, and kin, entrusting their belongings to relatives and children. On this same day next year, they were to report to the authorities and accept their rightful punishments.
The grateful convicts expressed their thanks and departed.
Moreover, he released a list for assisting orphans. He also reviewed the three thousand young and old palace maids and issued orders to arrange their marriages with soldiers. Everything was harmonious and well from then on, inside and outside the palace. A poem was composed to commemorate this, which goes:
In Tang's vast domain, benevolence does flow,
Like Yao and Shun, prosperity aglow.
Four hundred prisoners find freedom's embrace,
Three thousand women, released from their space.
Officials in unity wish longevity's reign,
Ministers celebrate, dragon's ascent again.
With one virtuous thought, heaven's favor is shown,
Seventeen generations, blessings shall be known.
With the release of palace maids and the pardoning of death-row inmates completed, Emperor Taizong went a step further by issuing an official proclamation widely disseminated throughout the realm. The proclamation read:
The universe is vast, with the sun and moon illuminating distinct paths,
The cosmos is boundless, not accommodating deceitful factions.
Let your intentions guide your actions, for karma's fruits are in this life,
Goodness in simple deeds, blessings gained without talk of the afterlife.
A thousand clever schemes pale before being true to oneself,
Ten thousand brash contenders can't match a life lived with frugality.
Kindness and charity in your heart, no need to strain over scriptures,
But harboring ill intentions, even reading countless Buddhist texts, is fruitless!
From that moment on, it seemed like everyone in the realm was engaged in acts of kindness. Simultaneously, a quest notice was issued to invite virtuous individuals, calling for them to bring offerings of fruits to the Underworld.
At the same time, the emperor opened the treasury and dispatched a vast store of gold and silver. Carrying the treasures, Yuchi Gong and Hu Jingde traveled to Kaifeng Prefecture in Henan, on a mission to seek out Xiang Liang for the purpose of repaying debts.
After a few days since the quest was posted, a virtuous man named Liu Quan from Junzhou stepped forward to fulfill the call. He was wealthy, having amassed a considerable fortune. The incident began when his wife, Li Cuilian, gave a gold hairpin to a monk at their doorstep. An argument erupted between Liu Quan, his wife, and the monk, accusing each other of not following proper roles.
Li Cuilian couldn't bear the humiliation and chose to end her own life by hanging herself. Left behind were their two young children, who cried day and night.
Overwhelmed with grief, Liu Quan could no longer bear the situation. He made a heart-wrenching decision: he abandoned his own life, severed his family ties, and left his children behind. Willingly, he offered his life in exchange for a chance to enter the Underworld. He unsealed the imperial quest, and with it in hand, he presented himself before Tang Emperor.
In response, the emperor ordered him to the Golden Pavilion. He was instructed to wear a pair of pumpkins on his head, carry yellow coins in his pocket, and put poison in his mouth.
After Liu Quan had consumed the poison, he passed away. With just a trace of his spirit left, he arrived at the Underworld's gates, a pair of pumpkins still resting on his head.
The gatekeeper spirit sternly questioned, "Who dares to approach this place?"
Liu Quan responded, "I come on the orders of Emperor Taizong of the Great Tang, bearing fruits as an offering to the Ten Underworld Kings."
The gatekeeper spirit welcomed him warmly, guiding Liu Quan inside.
The delivery man walked straight to the Hall of Myriad Spirits and came face to face with King Yanluo. Presenting the fruits, Liu Quan declared, "I bring forth these fruits on the decree of Emperor Taizong as a gesture of gratitude for the mercy of the Ten Kings."
King Yanluo was greatly pleased and exclaimed, "What a trustworthy and virtuous fellow is Emperor Taizong!"
And so, the fruits were collected as offerings. The Ten Kings then inquired about the name and origin of the person who brought the fruits.
Liu Quan responded, "I am a citizen of Junzhou City, Liu Quan by name. After my wife, Li, passed away by hanging, leaving our children unattended, I abandoned my family and sacrificed myself for the country. I present these fruits as a tribute to our emperor, expressing gratitude for the great kindness of the Ten Kings."
Upon hearing his words, the Ten Kings ordered an investigation into Li, Liu Quan's wife.
Quickly, the gatekeeper spirit brought Li's spirit before the Hall of Myriad Spirits, reuniting her with Liu Quan. After recounting their story, they thanked the Ten Kings for their mercy.
King Yanluo then checked the Book of Life and Death and found that both Liu Quan and his wife were meant to live long lives. Anxious to rectify the situation, he dispatched the gatekeeper spirit to return them.
The gatekeeper asked, "Since Li Cuilian's remains have long been lost, where should her spirit attach?"
King Yanluo responded, "Li Yuying, a princess of the Tang dynasty, is due to depart the mortal realm soon. You can borrow her body and allow Li Cuilian's spirit to be reincarnated within her."
The gatekeeper spirit obeyed the order, enabling Liu Quan and his wife's spirits to return to the world of the living, departing the realm of the Underworld together.
Yet, we remain uncertain about how the husband and wife were brought back to life. Let's find out in the next chapter.
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[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xiao_Yu AKA Shiwen, AKA Duke Zhenbian of Song