It is said that Ximen Qing, Wu Daju, and Ying Bojue were drinking, and Ximen Qing asked Han Daoguo, "When will our ship depart? We should get the goods packed." Han Daoguo said, "Someone came by to talk yesterday; we will probably set sail on the 24th." Ximen Qing said, "After the 20th, finish reciting the scriptures, then pack." Bojue asked, "How many people are going this time?" Ximen Qing replied, "All three of us are going. Next year, let Brother Cui take a cargo ship to Hangzhou first, and he will go to Songjiang with Lai Bao to bring back some cloth to sell. There are still plenty of satin, silk, and cotton at home." Bojue said, "Brother, you are really thoughtful! As the saying goes, you need everything to do business." While they were talking, it was time for the shift change. Wu Daju stood up and said, "Brother-in-law, you have worked hard these days. We have also drunk enough. We will take our leave first, so you can rest well." Ximen Qing refused and kept them, letting the young performers sing and drink. They were only allowed to leave after each person had drunk three cups. Ximen Qing gave the young performers four taels of silver each, but they hesitated to accept, saying, "We were sent by Mr. Song. How can we accept your reward?" Ximen Qing said, "Although it is official business, this is my reward to you. What are you afraid of?" The four young men then kowtowed in thanks and accepted the reward before leaving. Ximen Qing went back to the back room to rest.
Early the next morning, Ximen Qing went to the yamen, and Wu Daoguan had already sent a disciple and two assistants to neatly set up the altar in the hall. When Ximen Qing saw this, he let the disciple and assistants have a meal before sending them on their way. He then had Wen Xiucai write invitations to invite Qiao Dahuzi, Wu Daju, Wu Erzhu, Hua Dazu, Shen Yifu, Meng Erzhu, Ying Bojue, Xie Xida, Chang Zhijie, and Wu Shunchen, as well as other relatives and friends, to come the next day to chant the scriptures. The kitchen staff were busy preparing vegetarian meals, so we won’t go into detail.
At early dawn the next day, the Taoist priests arrived, entered the altar, lit candles, burned incense, beat gongs and drums, and chanted the scriptures. Long banners were hung across the gate, notices were displayed, and a pair of couplets were pasted on yellow paper flanking the door.
In the east, the compassionate immortal rises with the dawn and ascends to the Purple Pavilion; in the south, there is forgiveness of sins and purification of souls, ascending directly to the Vermilion Tomb. On that day, Master Huang donned a grand red robe, arrived in a sedan chair, wearing a golden belt, with attendants flanking him, and arrived well after the sun had risen high in the sky. Daoist Wu led everyone to welcome him to the altar and performed the ritual, and Ximen Qing, dressed in plain clothes, paid his respects to Master Huang and offered tea. Next to the altar stood the scripture platform and ceremonial seat, adorned with a large red and gold embroidered table, with flower-patterned chair cushions, and two Daoist attendants standing on either side. As he presented documents, Ximen Qing offered a piece of golden satin; when ascending the altar, he donned a Nine Yang Thunder headdress and a large red golden cloud and white crane ceremonial robe. First, the purpose of the fast was explained, and the fasting official washed his hands and lit incense. Then Master Huang purified the altar by burning incense, recited spells to invite the gods, opened various documents and talismans, made a report to the heavenly court, and swore oaths to the land gods. Once the three offerings were completed, gongs and drums were struck, money was burned, and incense was presented. Ximen Qing and Chen Jingji followed with incense burners, with attendants holding four golden umbrellas and three pairs of tassels both in front and behind. After honoring the officials overseeing the fast, music was played again, and prayers and offerings were made in front of Li Ping'er's spirit, worshipping the Jade Emperor, preparing a feast beside it, and listening to scriptures and enlightenment. At noon, the senior Daoist donned ceremonial robes, tread the celestial path, submitted documents, dispatched divine generals, and descended to the underworld. Master Huang appeared to be around thirty years old, remarkably handsome, and when attired, he resembled a true immortal when presenting documents at noon.
The crown of stars adorns jade leaves, the crane cloak is embroidered with golden threads. As divine and clear as the bright moon over the Yangtze, with an ancient visage reminiscent of the towering pines of Mount Tai. Stepping on the crimson shoes as one enters the Vermilion Sky, walking with an ethereal grace, surrounded by floating auspicious energy. Long beard, broad cheeks, cultivating to reach the realm of imperviousness; bright teeth, clear eyes, holding the command of the Five Thunders. At the third watch, the distant sound of the phoenix echoes, soaring on the back of a crane through thousands of miles of clouds. Even as immortal officials descend to the mortal realm, the true immortal bestows blessings.
After the afternoon incense was burned, a vegetarian meal was served in the tent. The finest seats were arranged in front of Master Huang, slightly less prestigious seats for Daoist Wu, and ordinary ones for the rest. Master Huang and Daoist Wu were rewarded with satin, cloaks, and silk, while the others were each given a piece of cloth. The finest seats were taken into the temple, and the gifts for the others were collected by their disciples, without delving into further details.
After having lunch, everyone went to play in the garden. Once the house was tidied up, they set up the vegetarian feast again and invited Uncle Wu and other relatives and friends to eat. Just as they were eating, someone suddenly came to report: "Master Zhai of the capital has sent a letter." Ximen Qing immediately went out of the hall to welcome the messenger. The messenger was wearing a blue robe with fitted trousers, a swastika headscarf, and yellow boots, dressed in formal attire, and stepped forward to pay his respects. Ximen Qing returned the greeting. The messenger took a letter from his bosom and handed it to Ximen Qing, along with another letter and ten taels of silver. Ximen Qing asked the messenger's name, and he replied, "My surname is Wang, and my given name is Yu. I was sent by Master Zhai to deliver this letter. I only learned about the funeral here after delivering the letter." Ximen Qing asked, "When did you arrive?" The messenger said, "I arrived in the capital in October. I was promoted to Langzhong at the Capital Water Bureau after completing a year of overseeing the royal timber project. Now I have been assigned to repair the river, and I won't be able to return to the capital until the project is finished." After clarifying, Ximen Qing invited the messenger to stay in the side room for a meal and instructed him to come back tomorrow to retrieve the letter. The messenger asked, "Where does Old Master Han live? I need to deliver a message to him, and I still have to go to Dongping Prefecture to deliver a letter." Ximen Qing immediately called for Han Daoguo to meet the messenger, and they finished their meal together before returning home.
After reading the letter, Ximen Qing was very pleased. He took the letter to the bamboo shed to show Scholar Wen, saying, "You write a reply to him according to this meaning, and also include ten silk handkerchiefs, ten fine silk handkerchiefs, ten pairs of ivory chopsticks, and ten black lacquered wine cups as a return gift. He'll come back for the letter tomorrow." Scholar Wen took the letter and read it. It said:
To the honored family of my in-laws, Zhai Qian respectfully bows and writes: Since parting at the capital residence, I have not had the opportunity to converse with you at ease, and I am deeply sorry. The essence of your teachings has already been conveyed to my family elder. Recently, I received a letter from An Fengshan, and I learned that my esteemed in-law has expressed a lament, lamenting that I cannot share in your sorrow, alas! I kindly ask that you convey your condolences appropriately. I have prepared some gifts as a small token of my appreciation, hoping you will graciously accept them. I have long admired your virtuous leadership, as the people sing praises of your five virtues and your reputation of three honors in the region. This year’s evaluations will surely lead to your promotion. Yesterday, the divine favor was upon us, with two successful projects, and I have already mentioned my esteemed in-law’s name to the elder. Once the work is completed and the report submitted, there will surely be blessings, and my in-law will rejoice in being appointed to oversee justice. At the end of the year, Lord Xia's year-end report will certainly be sent to the capital for official appointments. I hereby inform you in advance, and I sincerely wish for your bright future, without public announcement.
P.S.: This letter should be kept confidential and not shared with anyone. Please keep it very confidential!
Furthermore: Lord Yang passed away in prison on the twenty-ninth of last month.
Written in the winter of the first month.
After reading the reply, Scholar Wen was about to put it away when Count Ying snatched it to read it again, then returned it to Scholar Wen, saying, “Old gentleman, this reply needs to be crafted with more care. The Zhai family is a prominent household with many talents; we cannot let them laugh at us.” Scholar Wen humbly replied, “My little talent is like a patch of mink, insufficient and a mere dog’s tail added to the mink; how could I dare to show off in front of such masters! It is merely to fulfill my duties.” Ximen Qing interjected, “Old Scholar Wen has his own ideas; what do you, you fool, understand!”
After a while, lunch was finished. Ximen Qing directed Lai Xing to deliver meals to relatives and neighbors. He also had Dai An distribute gift money to six courtesans: Li Guijie, Wu Yiner, Zheng Aiyueer, Han Chuaner, Hong Sier, and Qi Xianger. Each family received a piece of large cloth and one tael of silver.
In the afternoon, Ximen Qing summoned Li Ming, Wu Hui, and Zheng Feng, three actors, to attend to him. After a while, the Taoists began performing rituals, offering incense, performing repentance, observing the lanterns, and concluding the ritual. As the sky gradually darkened, when the ritual concluded, it was pitch dark outside. Uncle Hua was left behind by Ximen Qing, while Uncle Qiao, Uncle Shen, and Uncle Meng all bid farewell and went home. Only Uncle Wu, Er Jiu, Ying Bojue, Xie Xida, Wen Xiucai, Chang Zhijie, and some assistants stayed behind to watch the Taoists perform the ritual.
A high platform was set up in the hall, a colored bridge was erected, a water pool and fire basin were placed, and a banquet was arranged. Several tables were set up separately for Li Ping'er's memorial tablet, with offerings arranged in an orderly fashion. Three flags were inserted on the side, one reading "Suppressing Evil and Recommending Virtue," one reading "Receiving Refinement from Nangong," and one red.
First, the Taoists began to play music, with Taoists sitting on both sides holding ritual implements, and four Taoist attendants standing on either side. Huang Zhenren wore a gold crown and a Taoist robe, ascended the high platform, and recited the following incantation:
"The great benevolence of Taiyi descends; the night’s gorges and passes open one by one. The children lead in pairs, and the souls of the departed ascend the cloud steps to undergo refinement."
After finishing reading, they burned incense again and said, "I bow to the Mysterious Sovereign to expound the teachings, opening up the way to salvation for those in the dark paths; the Supreme Sovereign bestows knowledge, enabling refinement and ascension. Grace reaches the hidden realms, blessings cover the hungry and thirsty. Carefully using true incense, with sincere intent, I respectfully request the great compassionate and benevolent Taiyi Savior of Suffering, the Ten Directions Savior of True People and Holy Beings, relying on this true incense to come to the Dharma assembly. People are caught up in the mundane world, entangled in daily affairs, unaware of death, only desiring to cling to life. Rarely cultivating good karma, often falling into evil realms, ignorant and indulging in desires and anger. Thinking they are eternal, how can one not believe in impermanence and change! Once death comes, all things are empty. Karmic obstacles weigh heavily, leading to suffering in the underworld. Now, I respectfully offer prayers for the deceased Li's soul, who has long lingered in darkness after severing earthly ties. If not rescued from wrongdoing, one will surely face difficult retribution. I humbly beseech the Taiyi Savior to embody the compassion of granting life, to save those suffering in search of salvation. Sprinkling sweet nectar to nourish all beings, shining auspicious light to illuminate the dark paths. Requesting the Three Officials to review the records, ordering the Ten Courts to investigate thoroughly. Opening prisons and releasing the condemned souls, pardoning past sins. Each following their assigned roles, all will be released from the dark gates. All are to enter the pool of fire, completely purifying their forms. Those who achieve rebirth will return to the righteous path. Now, burning the spiritual treasures to refine their true forms, I hereby proclaim: The Great Microcosm raises the yellow flag, without the command of the spiritual banner, summoning the souls of the night, opening salvation to receive living souls." The Taoist priests first placed the soul banners in the water pool, burned the talismans, and replaced them with red banners; then burned the talismans in the fire basin and replaced them with yellow banners. Gao Gong recited, "Heaven is born of water, earth is born of fire, the fusion of water and fire refines, thus forming the true form." After the refinement was completed, they invited the deity to walk across the golden bridge, pay respects to the Jade Emperor, take refuge in the Three Jewels, bow to the Jade Pure, and everyone performed the five offerings together. After the five offerings were completed, Gao Gong said, "Since we have already taken refuge in the Three Jewels, let us now recite the Nine Precepts." After reciting the Nine Precepts, the Taoist priests played music, recited talismans, and prayed for ten types of wandering souls. After the refinement was completed, Huang Zhenren descended from the high platform, the Taoist priests played music and escorted the attendees outside, burning offerings.
The ritual was over, and the Taoists changed their clothes and gathered their things. Ximen Qing lit candles in the hall and set up a banquet. Three performers sang and played their instruments, while friends and family gathered in the hall. Ximen Qing first offered a toast to Master Huang, and beside him, someone presented a piece of sky-blue satin featuring a cloud crane pattern, a piece of colorful satin, and ten taels of silver. Ximen Qing bowed and thanked him, saying, "I’m truly grateful, and this small gift is just a token of my appreciation." Master Huang replied, "I’m just a Taoist priest; I don’t have any special powers. It is your filial piety that has moved Heaven, allowing your wife to transcend. I truly cannot accept this gift." Ximen Qing insisted, "The gift is too humble; I hope Master will graciously accept it!" Only then did Master Huang allow his disciple to accept it. Ximen Qing then offered another toast to Master Huang and another to Wu Daoguan, giving him a piece of gold satin, five taels of silver, and ten taels for expenses. Wu Daoguan only accepted the expenses and refused the rest, saying, "I have always received your care and have done my best to chant scriptures and help your wife transcend, as is my duty. I do not dare to accept more for the expenses, let alone these valuable gifts!" Ximen Qing said, "Master, you’re mistaken. The Master presided over the ritual, and you handled all the matters with great care. This gift is rightfully due to you as a reward; what is wrong with that?" Wu Daoguan had no choice but to take it, repeatedly expressing his gratitude. After Ximen Qing finished toasting all the Taoists, Wu Dajiu, Count Ying, and others came forward to toast him. Wu Dajiu offered a toast, the Count poured the wine, and Xie Xida handed over the dishes, all kneeling together. The Count said, "Sister-in-law is fortunate today to have invited the Master, and with Master Wu's efforts, she will naturally benefit. Although it is the Master who helps her transcend, it is primarily because of brother's filial piety and sister-in-law's good fortune." He then filled a cup of wine for Ximen Qing. Ximen Qing said, "I really appreciate all your hard work these past few days." With that, he downed the whole cup. The Count poured another cup and said, "Brother, drink two cups, don't just drink one." Xie Xida quickly handed over a pair of chopsticks with food. After Ximen Qing returned the toast to everyone, he sat down. The performers began to sing again, and the cooks started bringing out the dishes. That night, everyone played games, drank, and enjoyed themselves until the second watch, and Ximen Qing was already half-drunk when everyone finally took their leave. Ximen Qing tipped the performers three taels of silver before heading home.
In life, one should savor the wine; after all, not a single drop can follow us to the afterlife.
