Chapter eleven
Having toured the Underworld, Taizong returns to life.
Having presented melons and fruits, Liu Quan marries again.
yóudìfǔtàizōnghuánhún游地府太宗还魂jìnguāguǒliúquánxùpèi进瓜果刘全续配
How to read this chart:
Taizong's Soul Drifts Out
Chang'anTaizong's soul drifts out and follows imperial guardsmen on a hunting trip. The guards vanish, leaving him alone in desolate fields where he hears someone calling for him.
Encounter with Judge Cui Jue
UnderworldA man dressed as a judge (Judge Cui Jue) introduces himself, explaining that the Dragon Ghost of Jing River is suing Taizong. He reveals his role in Death's Capital and receives a letter from Wei Zheng pleading for Taizong's return to life.
Wei Zheng's Letter
UnderworldJudge Cui reads a letter from Wei Zheng requesting mercy for Taizong. He promises to ensure Taizong's return to life, citing their past friendship and gratitude.
Arrival at the Region of Darkness
UnderworldTaizong and Judge Cui are summoned by blue-robed boys to the Gate of Spirits in the Region of Darkness. At the gate, Taizong is attacked by his deceased family members (Li Yuan, Li Jiancheng, Li Yuanji) until a demon intervenes and drives them away.
Audience with the Ten Kings
UnderworldTaizong meets the Ten Kings of the Underworld, including King Qinguang. They address accusations about the Dragon Ghost's execution but ultimately apologize for causing Taizong inconvenience.
The Ten Kings Review Taizong's Fate
UnderworldThe Ten Kings examine Judge Cui's records and learn that Emperor Taizong was destined to live 33 years. Judge Cui alters the Book of Life and Death, ensuring Taizong has 20 more years to live. King Yama reassures him and orders his return to the World of Light, accompanied by Judge Cui and Grand Marshal Zhu.
Taizong's Farewell and Promise of Melons
UnderworldBefore leaving, Taizong asks about the fate of those in his palace; the Ten Kings reveal that only his younger sister is fated to die soon. Taizong offers to send southern melons and fruit as thanks for their hospitality, which the Ten Kings gladly accept, noting they lack southern melons in the Underworld.
Journey Through the Region of Darkness
UnderworldThe group exits the Hall of Darkness, following a one-way path through the Region of Darkness. Judge Cui explains that the path leads to the Wheel of Transmigration for Taizong's reincarnation, and that he must tour the Underworld before returning.
Crossing Mountain of Perpetual Shade
UnderworldThey ascend the treacherous Mountain of Perpetual Shade, a desolate, demon-filled place. Taizong relies on Judge Cui's protection to survive the journey.
Encounter with the Eighteenfold Hell
UnderworldThe judge describes the Eighteenfold Hell and its punishments for various sins, including treachery, fraud, murder, and greed. Taizong is horrified by the suffering of damned souls and the presence of demons. Judge Cui urges him to remember these sights and use them as a warning to promote virtue upon his return.
Crossing No-Option Bridge
UnderworldTaizong witnesses the perilous No-Option Bridge, where damned souls suffer and demon guardians stand watch. He is gripped by fear at the horrors before him. Judge Cui warns of its dangers and instructs him to remember and record these sights to encourage virtue among the living.
Arrival at City of the Dead
UnderworldAt the City of the Dead, Taizong is confronted by vengeful spirits demanding their lives back. In terror, he begs Judge Cui for protection as they cross the No-Option River—learning the fate of those who suffer wrongfully, and the karmic consequences of injustice.
The Loan from Liang Xiang
UnderworldJudge Cui informs Taizong that they must borrow money from Liang Xiang in the World of the Living to appease the hungry spirits and pass through the ghosts. Taizong agrees and signs a note, leading to the distribution of gold and silver among the hungry spirits.
The Sixfold Path of Transmigration
UnderworldTaizong observes souls entering predestined paths based on their deeds. Judge Cui explains the karmic outcomes, emphasizing that good actions lead to favorable rebirths.
Departure and Return
Chang'anJudge Cui bids farewell to Taizong. Grand Marshal Zhu pushes the emperor into the Wei River, propelling him back to the World of Light.
The Emperor's Return to Life
Chang'anEmperor Taizong awakens after a prolonged illness, regains his strength, and resumes his reign. His court ministers celebrate his recovery as he dons imperial attire. Emperor Taizong recounts his soul's journey to the Underworld.
The Emperor's Virtuous Reign
Chang'anInspired by his harrowing journey in the realms of the dead, Taizong issues sweeping reforms: he amnesties prisoners, grants convicts time to settle affairs, and releases thousands of concubines, striving to promote virtue and avert further suffering.
Liu Quan's Tragic Departure
Chang'anAfter Li Cuilian hangs herself over a tragic misunderstanding about charity, Liu Quan, wracked with grief and guilt, volunteers to deliver the promised melons and fruit to the Underworld, both to make amends for her death and to fulfill the emperor’s vow.
The Imperial Preparation for Death
KaifengLiu Quan receives melons, money, and poison from the emperor to carry into death as part of his mission.
Arrival at the Gate of Spirits
UnderworldLiu Quan presents melons to King Yama and is questioned by the demon guardian about his mission.
Reunion Before the Ten Kings
UnderworldLiu Quan is reunited with his wife's soul. King Yama confirms their long life and orders Li Cuilian's return to life.
Li Cuilian's Rebirth
UnderworldKing Yama discovers that Li Cuilian's original body no longer exists, so he orders her soul to be revived by placing it into the soon-to-die body of the emperor's sister, Li Yuying, thus granting her a second life. The demon guardian escorts Liu Quan and Li Cuilian together out of the Underworld to return to life.