Chapter ten
The old dragon king's folly defies celestial law.
The Wei chancellor sends letter to the underworld's officer.
lǎolóngwángzhuōjìfàntiāntiáo老龙王拙计犯天条wèichéngxiàngyíshūtuōmínglì魏丞相遗书托冥吏
How to read this chart:
Fisherman and Woodman's Poetic Exchange
Jing RiverTwo failed scholars, Zhang Shao (a fisherman) and Li Ding (a woodcutter), engage in a poetic debate about the merits of mountain vs. river life while drinking at an inn and walking along the Jing River. They exchange multiple lyric poems, each extolling the virtues of their chosen lifestyle (mountain vs. river), and compose a long linking-verse poem together.
Parting and Fortune Telling
Jing RiverAs they part, Zhang Shao jokes about tigers. This leads to a friendly argument about the risks of their trades. Zhang Shao reveals his fishing success is due to a fortune teller in Chang'an, who predicts the best times to fish. A yaksa overhears this and reports to the Dragon King of the Jing River.
Dragon King's Investigation and Rain Wager
Jing RiverThe Dragon King, alarmed, is advised to investigate in disguise. He transforms into a scholar and visits Chang'an. He meets Yuan Shoucheng, the fortune teller, and challenges him to predict the next day's rain. He wagers gold or destruction of the shop.
Rain Manipulation and Exposure
Chang'anThe Dragon King manipulates the rain to contradict the prediction. Yuan Shoucheng exposes his true identity and accuses him of defying Heaven's law.
Appeal to Emperor Taizong
Chang'anThe Dragon King learns from Yuan Shoucheng that he will be executed by Wei Zheng, the prime minister. He seeks help from Emperor Taizong, who promises to save him.
Court Recognizes Wei Zheng's Absence
Chang'anTaizong recounts his dream of the Dragon King pleading for his life. He notices Wei Zheng is absent from court. Xu Shizhi suggests summoning Wei Zheng and keeping him at court all day to save the dragon.
Wei Zheng is Summoned and Plays Chess
Chang'anWei Zheng, having prepared for the execution in his dream, is summoned to court. He apologizes for his absence. Taizong keeps Wei Zheng at his side, discussing state affairs. They begin a game of chess together. During the chess game, Wei Zheng falls asleep at the table.
Wei Zheng Falls Asleep and Executes the Dragon
Chang'anIn his dream, he executes the Dragon King on the dragon execution block as commanded by Heaven.
The Dragon's Head is Found at the Palace
Chang'anQin Shubao and Xu Mougong present a dragon's head, dripping with blood, found at the crossroads. Wei Zheng reveals he executed the dragon in his dream. Taizong is shocked and troubled by the supernatural event.
The Dragon's Vengeance and Guanyin's Intervention
Chang'anThe Dragon King’s ghost confronts Taizong for breaking his promise. Bodhisattva Guanyin intervenes, calming the spirit and saving the emperor.
Taizong's Illness and Seeks Advice
Chang'anTaizong, haunted by guilt and ghostly visions, falls gravely ill. The queen mother and ministers become anxious and consult a physician. The physician diagnoses his illness as caused by fear of ghosts. Taizong summons his trusted ministers for advice on how to deal with the disturbances.
Qin Shubao and Yuchi Jingde Guard the Palace
Chang'anQin Shubao and Yuchi Jingde volunteer to guard the palace gates at night to protect Taizong from ghosts. Their presence brings peace and allows Taizong to sleep. Portraits of the two generals are later made and posted on the doors as talismans, continuing to ward off disturbances.
Wei Zheng Guards the Rear Gate
Chang'anGhostly noises resume at the rear gate of the palace. Wei Zheng is assigned to stand guard at the rear gate, dressed in full regalia and holding his dragon-slaying sword. No further disturbances occur while he is on watch.
Taizong Entrusts State Affairs
Chang'anAs Taizong's illness worsens, the queen mother gathers the ministers to discuss funeral arrangements. Taizong summons Xu Mougong to his bedside, entrusting him with the affairs of state and the care of the crown prince, just as Liu Bei did with Zhuge Liang.
Wei Zheng Gives the Letter
Chang'anWei Zheng reassures Taizong, presenting him with a letter addressed to Cui Jue, the judge of the underworld. He explains that the letter will secure Taizong's return to life if he delivers it in the underworld.
Taizong Dies
Chang'anTaizong accepts the letter from Wei Zheng, closes his eyes, and dies. The court and family begin mourning, and the imperial coffin is laid in state at the Hall of the White Tiger.