Once upon a time, Chang'an was an extraordinary place. This ancient city had always been a favorite of emperors. Dynasties like Zhou, Qin, and Han all established their capitals here, with the city and its surroundings flourishing in splendor. Eight rivers flowed around the city, and there were thirty-six bustling streets and seventy-two music pavilions, making it a truly prosperous metropolis. Now, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty had been in power for thirteen years, having changed the era name to Zhenguan. Around him were many talented individuals, each a hero capable of stabilizing the nation.
Outside Chang'an, by the banks of the Jing River, lived two old friends: a fisherman named Zhang Shao and a woodcutter named Li Ding. Although they hadn't passed the imperial exams, they were literate and knowledgeable. One day, after selling their wood and fish in the city, they went to a tavern for a drink. Slightly tipsy, they each took a bottle of wine and leisurely strolled along the Jing River. Zhang Shao remarked, "Brother Li, I see that those who chase fame and fortune often end up poorly. We live amidst these green mountains and clear waters, carefree and content with our lot. Isn't that wonderful?" Li Ding laughed, "Brother Zhang, you're right, but your waters can't compare to my mountains." Zhang Shao retorted, "Your mountains can't match the beauty of my waters."
Zhang Shao then recited a poem: "A small boat drifts on endless waves, quietly resting under a solitary canopy, as if hearing the song of Xi Shi. With a mind free of distractions and indifferent to fame and fortune, I idly cling to the reeds and rushes. A few sandpipers frolic on the water, while my family laughs along the willow-lined shore. I sleep soundly, untroubled by wind and waves, truly free from honor, disgrace, and worries."
Li Ding, unwilling to concede, replied: "Your waters can't compare to my mountains. I have a poem too: 'Amid the clouds and forests, pine flowers carpet the ground, silently listening to the orioles' song, as melodious as string instruments. Spring is warm, with red flowers and green leaves; summer arrives swiftly, and time flies by. Autumn brings fragrant flowers, and winter approaches quickly, with the cycle of seasons unrestrained.'"
Fisherman Zhang Shao, not to be outdone, recited another: "In the land of clouds and waters, I find my sustenance, my boat and oar my home. Fresh fish caught and eaten, purple crabs and red shrimp readily available. Green reed shoots, water lily sprouts, and water chestnuts are delicacies. Tender lotus roots, celery leaves from old lotus plants, and water caltrops are delicious."
Woodcutter Li Ding replied quickly: "Your waters can't compare to my mountains. Listen to my poem: 'Majestic mountains reach the sky, my grass hut my home. Pickled chicken and goose surpass crab and turtle, while deer and rabbit outshine fish and shrimp. Fragrant toon leaves, yellow elm buds, bamboo shoots, and mountain tea are delicacies. Purple plums, red peaches, ripe apricots, sweet pears, sour dates, and osmanthus flowers.'"
Zhang Shao continued: "Brother Li, your mountain life can't compare to my carefree water life. Listen to my 'Heavenly Immortal': 'A small boat drifts at will, unafraid of endless waves. Casting lines and nets for fresh fish, without sauce, yet flavorful, my old wife and young children gather happily. With plenty of fish to trade for money, I buy good wine in Chang'an and drink heartily. My raincoat serves as a blanket on the autumn river, snoring like thunder, carefree and unburdened, uninterested in worldly honor and wealth.'"
Li Ding, not to be outdone, replied: "Your water life can't compare to my leisurely mountain life. Listen to my 'Heavenly Immortal': 'A few huts built at the foot of the mountain, pine, bamboo, plum, and orchid are truly lovely. Through forests and over hills, I seek dry wood, no one to blame, selling at my leisure, more or less as fate allows. With the money earned, I buy wine to drink, earthenware and porcelain cups, life without worry. Drunk, I lie under the pine trees, unburdened by concerns, indifferent to worldly rise and fall.'"
Finally, Fisherman Zhang Shao said: "Brother Li, your mountain life can't match my joyful water life. Listen to my 'Moon Over the West River': 'Red smartweed flowers look especially beautiful under the moonlight, yellow reed leaves sway in the wind. The azure sky is clear and distant, the Chu River vast and empty, reflecting a pool of starlight. Large fish caught in nets, small perch in clusters, cooked to perfection, laughing at the world, living like an immortal.' Woodcutter Li Ding, not to be outdone, replied: "Brother Zhang, your water life can't compare to my carefree mountain life. Listen to my 'Moon Over the West River': 'Fallen leaves and withered vines cover the path, broken branches and old bamboo fill the mountains. Wild vines and dry brambles entangle, gathered for ropes and burdens. Worm-eaten hollow elm and willow, wind-broken pine and cedar. Life in the mountains, joy within.'"
The woodcutter Li Ding and the fisherman Zhang Shao each found joy in their respective lives—one in the mountains, the other on the water. Fisherman Zhang Shao said, "Your mountain life may be nice, but it can't compare to the leisure I enjoy on the water. Listen to my 'Immortal by the River': As the tide recedes, I row my small boat away slowly, stopping only when night falls. Wearing a raincoat under the waning moon, it's truly peaceful. Even the roosting birds are not disturbed, as the clouds at the horizon gradually disperse. I sleep on a reed-covered isle, waking only when the sun is high. I arrange my life as I please—how can the ministers waiting for the court clock compare to my ease and freedom?"
Li Ding was not to be outdone: "Your leisurely water life can't match the elegance of my mountain life. Listen to my 'Immortal by the River': In the crisp autumn air, I carry my axe up the mountain, returning with firewood in the cool evening. Wildflowers adorn my hair, adding a unique charm. I part the clouds to find my way, returning home only when the moon rises. My wife and children greet me with smiles, and I rest comfortably on a grass bed with a wooden pillow. Steamed pears and millet are served hot on the table, and the freshly brewed wine is just right, truly refreshing!"
Zhang Shao continued: "These are our livelihoods, but you don't have the leisure I enjoy in my free time. Listen to my poem: In my spare time, I watch white cranes fly against the sky, anchoring my boat by the stream and closing the door of my small cabin. I lean against the boat's canopy, teaching my children to twist fishing lines, and with my wife, I hang nets to dry. Only when my heart is still do I realize the waves are calm; only when my body is settled do I feel the gentle breeze. Wearing a green raincoat and a straw hat anytime, anywhere, is better than donning the purple robe of a court official."
Li Ding was equally undeterred: "Your leisurely pursuits can't compare to mine. Listen to my poem: In my spare time, I watch the ethereal white clouds drift, sitting alone in my thatched hut with the bamboo door closed. I teach my children to read when there's nothing to do and play chess with guests occasionally. When I'm happy, I sing in the flower path with a cane in hand, and when inspired, I take my zither up the mountain. Wearing straw shoes, a hemp belt, and coarse cloth, I feel more comfortable than in fine silk."
Zhang Shao laughed and said, "Li Ding, we're truly kindred spirits, needing neither gold goblets nor fine wine. Let's exchange verses and see how our fisherman's and woodcutter's lives compare." Li Ding replied, "Well said, Brother Zhang, please start." Zhang Shao began: "The boat rests in green waters amidst misty waves, home is deep in the mountains and wilderness. I particularly love the spring waters rising at the creek bridge, and the morning clouds shrouding the cliffs. Fresh carp from Longmen is often cooked, while worm-eaten dry firewood burns daily. Fishing nets can support the elderly, and carrying ropes suffice for life."
Li Ding continued: "In the wilds, I feign madness, an old man proud of the rivers and lakes. I find contentment in leisure and freedom, enjoying peace without gossip. On moonlit nights, I sleep soundly in my thatched hut, under a light raincoat when the sky darkens. Forgetting worldly ties, I befriend pines and plums, happily allied with gulls and egrets." The two exchanged words, vividly portraying their fisherman's and woodcutter's lives, truly enviable.
Long ago, two old friends lived—one was the woodcutter Li Ding in the mountains, and the other was the fisherman Zhang Shao by the water. Both led self-sufficient lives, content in their ways. Li Ding said, "In my mountains, the seasons are distinct, and I can enjoy nature's pleasures anytime. Gathering firewood for winter feels almost like a sage's life; fishing brings no worldly troubles. The wildflowers outside are fragrant, and the green water at the boat's prow sparkles. Living steadily, I have no thought of high office, my heart at ease, better than living in the bustling city."
Zhang Shao was not to be outdone: "Your mountain life may be nice, but my life on the water is even more carefree. Listen to my poem: 'In the mountains, I let my nature roam with the eight festivals, in the lake, I indulge my feelings through the four seasons. Gathering firewood has the charm of a sage's life, fishing lacks any worldly guise. The wildflowers outside are fragrant, the green water at the boat's prow is calm. Settled, I speak not of high office, my nature at peace, better than living in the bustling city. The high city walls guard against orders, the high office hears proclaimed voices. Enjoying mountains and waters is rare, thanking heaven, earth, and the divine.'"
As the two friends walked and chatted along the way, they reached a fork in the road and bid each other farewell. Zhang Shao jokingly said, "Brother Li, be careful on your way! Watch out for tigers in the mountains. If anything happens, there will be one less friend in the market tomorrow." Li Ding, not pleased, retorted, "You heartless guy! Good friends should support each other, how can you curse me like that? If I really encounter a tiger, then you are bound to face a storm and capsize your boat!" Zhang Shao laughed and said, "How could I possibly capsize?"
Li Ding, unconvinced, replied, "The weather is unpredictable, and misfortune can happen at any moment. How can you be sure nothing will happen to you?" Zhang Shao confidently said, "Brother Li, you might not know, but I know a fortune-teller in Chang'an. I give him a golden carp every day, and he reads my fortune with unfailing accuracy. Today he told me to cast my nets east of the Jing River Bend and fish from the west bank, and I'll surely return with a full catch. Tomorrow I'll go to the city to sell fish, and we can meet again."
After they parted ways, their conversation was overheard by a water patrol demon. The demon hurried back to the Jing River Water Palace and reported to the Dragon King, "Your Majesty, there's trouble! I overheard a conversation between a fisherman and a woodcutter by the river. The fisherman mentioned a fortune-teller in Chang'an whose predictions are incredibly accurate. He gives the fortune-teller a golden carp daily, and in return, he's told exactly where to catch fish without fail. If this continues, our aquatic creatures will be wiped out!"
The Dragon King, upon hearing this, was furious and prepared to take his sword to Chang'an to confront the fortune-teller. The dragon sons and grandsons, along with the shrimp soldiers and crab generals in the palace, quickly advised, "Your Majesty, please calm down. As the saying goes, 'Hearing is not as good as seeing.' If you rashly go to Chang'an, it will surely cause a commotion, disturb the people, and bring blame from the heavens. Why not transform into a mortal and investigate first?"
The Dragon King found this advice reasonable, so he put down his sword and transformed into a refined gentleman, exuding elegance and poise, and headed straight to the west gate of Chang'an. The streets were bustling with people, all discussing the fortune-teller. The Dragon King pushed through the crowd and saw a sign at the fortune-teller's stall that read "Master of Divine Divination, Yuan Shoucheng." It turned out that this master was the uncle of Yuan Tiangang, the current Director of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau.
The Dragon King entered, greeted Yuan Shoucheng, and sat down. Yuan Shoucheng asked, "What would you like to have divined, sir?" The Dragon King replied, "I want to know about tomorrow's weather changes." Yuan Shoucheng calculated with his fingers and said, "Tomorrow, clouds will gather at the hour of the dragon, thunder will sound at the hour of the snake, rain will fall at the hour of the horse, and stop at the hour of the goat, with a total rainfall of three feet, three inches, and forty-eight points."
The Dragon King laughed, "If tomorrow unfolds as you say, I'll give you fifty taels of silver; otherwise, I'll tear down your sign and drive you out of Chang'an!" Yuan Shoucheng confidently replied, "Rest assured, come back after the rain tomorrow." With that, the Dragon King left.
After the Dragon King bid farewell to Yuan Shoucheng, he hurriedly left Chang'an and returned to his underwater palace. The various water deities gathered around him and asked, "Your Majesty, how did it go with the fortune-teller?" The Dragon King, with a dismissive expression, replied, "Oh, there really is such a person! But he's just a smooth talker. I asked him when it would rain, and he confidently detailed: tomorrow at the hour of the dragon, clouds will gather; at the hour of the snake, thunder will sound; at the hour of the horse, rain will fall; and at the hour of the goat, the rain will stop, with a total of three feet, three inches, and forty-eight points of water. I made a bet with him—if he's right, I'll give him fifty taels of silver; if he's wrong, I'll tear down his sign and drive him out of Chang'an!"
The aquatic creatures laughed heartily, "Your Majesty, you are the overseer of the eight rivers, governing wind, rain, thunder, and lightning. How dare he speak nonsense? He is sure to lose this time!"
While everyone was laughing, a voice suddenly echoed from above, "Jing River Dragon King, receive the decree!" Looking up, they saw a golden-armored warrior holding an edict from the Jade Emperor, heading straight for the water palace. The Dragon King quickly tidied his attire, burned incense, and received the decree.
After the golden-armored warrior left, the Dragon King opened the edict and was instantly terrified. The Jade Emperor's command was for him to make it rain the next day according to Yuan Shoucheng's predicted times and amounts, exactly as the fortune-teller had said. The Dragon King was dumbfounded, thinking, "There truly are people in this world who can see through heaven and earth! It seems I am really going to lose to him."
At this moment, Advisor Shi offered a suggestion, "Your Majesty, don't worry. It's not difficult to win. We just need to intentionally alter the timing and amount of rain during the rainfall, making his prediction inaccurate. Then you can tear down his sign and drive him away." The Dragon King found this idea reasonable and felt slightly more at ease.The next day, the Dragon King, accompanied by the Wind Lord, Thunder Duke, Cloud Boy, and Lightning Mother, arrived above Chang'an. He deliberately delayed the cloud gathering until the hour of the snake, thunder until the hour of the horse, and only started the rain at the hour of the goat, stopping it at the hour of the monkey, with the rainfall intentionally short by three inches and eight points. After the rain, the Dragon King, satisfied, returned to the ground, transformed back into the refined gentleman, and went to Yuan Shoucheng's fortune-telling stall, where he smashed the sign, ink, and other items without a word.
Yuan Shoucheng, however, remained as steady as a mountain, sitting in his chair without moving. The Dragon King, enraged, swung a door plank at him, cursing as he did, "You charlatan, spouting nonsense and disturbing people's minds! Today's rain timing and amount were all wrong, yet you dare sit here! Leave now, or I won't spare you!"
Yuan Shoucheng, unfazed, looked up and laughed coldly, "I'm not afraid! I'm not afraid! I have no guilt, but you do! I recognize you; you're not a scholar but the Jing River Dragon King. You violated the Jade Emperor's decree by altering the timing and amount of rain, breaking heavenly law. You might not escape death at the Dragon Execution Platform, yet you curse me here?"
Upon hearing this, the Dragon King was terrified, dropping the door plank, tidying his clothes, and bowing in front of Yuan Shoucheng, pleading for mercy, "Sir, please don't be angry. I was just teasing you earlier, not expecting it to become real and violate heavenly law. Please save me! Otherwise, even in death, I won't let you go."
Yuan Shoucheng calmly replied, "I cannot save you, but I can point you to a path for rebirth." The Dragon King quickly asked, "Please, sir, enlighten me." Yuan Shoucheng said, "Tomorrow at three-quarters past the hour of the horse, you should go to Minister Wei Zheng for execution. If you want to save your life, quickly seek help from Emperor Taizong of Tang. Wei Zheng is the prime minister of the Tang court; only he can save you."
The Dragon King thanked him and left, feeling anxious. As the sun set and night fell, the scene was as follows: mist shrouded the purple mountains, tired crows returned to their nests, travelers from afar sought lodging, new geese rested on the sandbanks, and the Milky Way stars twinkled. In the deep of night, only the faint flicker of village lights remained.
The Jing River Dragon King dared not return to his water palace, instead wandering in the air, waiting until around midnight. He then gathered his clouds and mist and headed straight to the palace gates. At this time, Emperor Taizong was dreaming, finding himself outside the palace, strolling among the moonlit shadows of flowers. Suddenly, the Dragon King, in human form, approached, knelt, and cried out, "Your Majesty, save me!"
In the dream, Taizong asked, "Who are you, and why do you seek my help?" The Dragon King replied, "Your Majesty is a true dragon, and I am a dragon of karma. I violated heavenly law and am sentenced to execution by Wei Zheng. I have come to beg for your mercy!" Taizong said, "Since Wei Zheng is to execute you, I can save you. Rest assured and go."
The Dragon King was overjoyed, expressed his gratitude, and left. After Emperor Taizong awoke, the dream lingered in his mind. By dawn, at the third watch, Taizong held court and summoned all civil and military officials. The scene was as follows:
Mist enveloped the Phoenix Pavilion, and fragrance lingered in the Dragon Tower. Sunlight shone on the vermilion screens, and clouds brushed past the emerald banners. The harmony between the ruler and his ministers was akin to that of Yao and Shun, while the solemnity of rituals and music mirrored that of the Han and Zhou dynasties. Attendants carried lanterns, and palace maids held fans, both reflecting the colorful light; peacock screens and qilin halls glowed with brilliance. Shouts of "Long live" echoed, bestowing blessings for a thousand autumns. Three ceremonial whips cracked, and officials bowed in unison. The palace flowers were radiant, heavenly fragrances wafted, the willows by the embankment swayed gently, and imperial music played melodiously. Pearl and jade curtains hung high; dragon and phoenix fans, along with mountain and river fans, adorned the imperial carriage. The civil officials were handsome, and the military officers were formidable. They lined the imperial path and arranged themselves on the vermilion steps. Golden seals and purple ribbons symbolized eternal prosperity.
After the officials paid their respects, they returned to their positions. Emperor Taizong glanced over the civil and military officials, noticing among the civil officers Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Xu Shiji, Xu Jingzong, and Wang Gui, and among the military officers Ma Sanbao, Duan Zhixian, Yin Kaishan, Cheng Yaojin, Liu Hongji, Hu Jingde, and Qin Shubao. However, Wei Zheng was conspicuously absent. He summoned Xu Shiji to the hall and asked, "Last night, I had a peculiar dream. I dreamt that the Jing River Dragon King came to see me, saying he had violated heavenly law and was to be executed by Wei Zheng. He begged me to save him, and I agreed. Why hasn't Wei Zheng appeared in court today?"
Xu Shiji replied, "Your Majesty's dream is indeed accurate. Wei Zheng will arrive shortly. Your Majesty only needs to keep him in the palace to save the Dragon King from your dream today." Emperor Taizong was delighted and immediately issued an order to summon Wei Zheng to court.
At that moment, Wei Zheng was in his residence observing celestial phenomena, burning incense, and praying. Suddenly, the cry of a crane echoed from the nine heavens—it was a celestial envoy delivering the Jade Emperor's decree, instructing him to execute the old Dragon King of Jing River in a dream at three-quarters past the hour of the horse. Wei Zheng expressed his gratitude, fasted, bathed, tested his sword, and focused his mind, which delayed his arrival at court. Upon receiving the emperor's summons, he was fearful yet dared not disobey, so he hurriedly dressed and went to court, kneeling before the emperor to plead for forgiveness. Emperor Taizong pardoned his tardiness.
Before the court had fully dispersed, Emperor Taizong ordered the curtains drawn and dismissed the court, leaving only Wei Zheng to discuss state affairs in the side hall. As it approached the end of the hour of the snake and the beginning of the hour of the horse, Emperor Taizong ordered a chessboard to be brought, saying, "Let us play a game of chess, my worthy minister." The concubines brought the chessboard and set it on the imperial desk. Wei Zheng thanked the emperor and began playing chess with him.
As for the outcome of the chess game, that will be revealed in the next installment.
