且不題光蕊盡職，玄奘修行。卻說長安城外涇河岸邊，有兩個賢人：一個是漁翁，名喚張稍；一個是樵子，名喚李定。他兩個是不登科的進士，能識字的山人。一日，在長安城裡賣了肩上柴，貨了籃中鯉，同入酒館之中，吃了半酣，各攜一瓶，順涇河岸邊，徐步而回。張稍道：「李兄，我想那爭名的，因名喪體；奪利的，為利亡身；受爵的，抱虎而眠；承恩的，袖蛇而走。算起來，還不如我們水秀山青，逍遙自在，甘淡薄，隨緣而過。」李定道：「張兄說得有理。但只是你那水秀，不如我的山青。」張稍道：「你山青不如我的水秀。有一《蝶戀花》詞為證。詞曰：
煙波萬里扁舟小，靜依孤篷，西施聲音遶。滌慮洗心名利少，閑攀蓼穗蒹葭草。數點沙鷗堪樂道，柳岸蘆灣，妻子同歡笑。一覺安眠風浪消，無榮無辱無煩惱。」
李定道：「你的水秀，不如我的山青。也有個《蝶戀花》詞為證。詞曰：
雲林一段松花滿，默聽鶯啼，巧舌如調管。紅瘦綠肥春正暖，倏然夏至光陰轉。又值秋來容易換，黃花香，堪供玩。迅速嚴冬如指撚，逍遙四季無人管。」
漁翁道：「你山青不如我水秀，受用些好物。有一《鷓鴣天》為證：
仙鄉雲水足生涯，擺櫓橫舟便是家。活剖鮮鱗烹綠鱉，旋蒸紫蟹煮紅蝦。青蘆筍，水荇芽，菱角雞頭更可誇。嬌藕老蓮芹葉嫩，慈菇茭白鳥英花。」
樵夫道：「你水秀不如我山青，受用些好物。亦有一《鷓鴣天》為證：
崔巍峻嶺接天涯，草舍茅庵是我家。醃臘雞鵝強蟹鱉，獐豝兔鹿勝魚蝦。香椿葉，黃楝芽，竹筍山茶更可誇。紫李紅桃梅杏熟，甜梨酸棗木樨花。」
漁翁道：「你山青真個不如我的水秀。又有《天仙子》一首：
一葉小舟隨所寓，萬疊煙波無恐懼。垂鉤撒網捉鮮鱗，沒醬膩，偏有味，老妻稚子團圓會。魚多又貨長安市，換得香醪吃個醉。簑衣當被臥秋江，鼾鼾睡，無憂慮，不戀人間榮與貴。」
樵子道：「你水秀還不如我的山青。也有《天仙子》一首：
茆舍數椽山下蓋，松竹梅蘭真可愛。穿林越嶺覓乾柴，沒人怪，從我賣，或少或多憑世界。將錢沽酒隨心快，瓦缽磁甌殊自在。酕醄醉了臥松陰，無掛礙，無利害，不管人間興與敗。」
漁翁道：「李兄，你山中不如我水上生意快活。有一《西江月》為證：
紅蓼花繁映月，黃蘆葉亂搖風。碧天清遠楚江空，牽攪一潭星動。入網大魚作隊，吞鉤小鱖成叢。得來烹煮味偏濃，笑傲江湖打鬨。」
樵夫道：「張兄，你水上還不如我山中的生意快活。亦有《西江月》為證：
敗葉枯藤滿路，破梢老竹盈山。女蘿乾葛亂牽攀，折取收繩殺擔。蟲蛀空心榆柳，風吹斷頭松柟。採來堆積備冬寒，換酒換錢從俺。」
漁翁道：「你山中雖可比過，還不如我水秀的幽雅。有一《臨江仙》為證：
潮落旋移孤艇去，夜深罷棹歌來。簑衣殘月甚幽哉，宿鷗驚不起，天際彩雲開。困臥蘆洲無個事，三竿日上還捱。隨心儘意自安排，朝臣寒待漏，怎似我寬懷。」
樵夫道：「你水秀的幽雅，還不如我山青更幽雅。亦有《臨江仙》可證：
蒼徑秋高拽斧去，晚涼擡擔回來。野花插鬢更奇哉，撥雲尋路出，待月叫門開。稚子山妻欣笑接，草床木枕攲捱。蒸梨炊黍旋鋪排，甕中新釀熟，真個壯幽懷。」
漁翁道：「這都是我兩個生意，贍身的勾當，你卻沒有我閑時節的好處。有詩為證。詩曰：
閑看蒼天白鶴飛，停舟溪畔掩蒼扉。倚篷教子搓鉤線，罷棹同妻晒網圍。性定果然如浪靜，身安自是覺風微。綠簑青笠隨時著，勝掛朝中紫綬衣。」
樵夫道：「你那閑時又不如我的閑時好也。亦有詩為證。詩曰：
閑觀縹緲白雲飛，獨坐茅庵掩竹扉。無事訓兒開卷讀，有時對客把棋圍。喜來策杖歌芳徑，興到攜琴上翠微。草履麻絛粗布被，心寬強似著羅衣。」
張稍道：「李定，我兩個真是微吟可相狎，不須檀板共金樽。但散道詞章，不為稀罕。且各聯幾句，看我們漁樵攀話何如？」李定道：「張兄言之最妙。請兄先吟。」
「舟停綠水煙波內，家住深山曠野中。偏愛溪橋春水漲，最憐岩岫曉雲蒙。龍門鮮鯉時烹煮，蟲蛀乾柴日燎烘。釣網多般堪贍老，擔繩二事可容終。小舟仰臥觀飛雁，草徑斜欹聽唳鴻。口舌場中無我分，是非海內少吾蹤。溪邊掛晒繒如錦，石上重磨斧似鋒。秋月暉暉常獨釣，春山寂寂沒人逢。魚多換酒同妻飲，柴剩沽壺共子叢。自唱自斟隨放蕩，長歌長嘆任顛風。呼兄喚弟邀船夥，挈友攜朋聚野翁。行令猜拳頻遞盞，拆牌道字漫傳鐘。烹蝦煮蟹朝朝樂，炒鴨爊雞日日豐。愚婦煎茶情散淡，山妻造飯意從容。曉來舉杖淘輕浪，日出擔柴過大沖。雨後披簑擒活鯉，風前弄斧伐枯松。潛蹤避世妝痴蠢，隱姓埋名作啞聾。」
張稍道：「李兄，我才僭先起句，今到我兄，也先起一聯，小弟亦當續之。」
「風月佯狂山野漢，江湖寄傲老餘丁。清閑有分隨瀟灑，口舌無聞喜太平。月夜身眠茅屋穩，天昏體蓋箬簑輕。忘情結識松梅友，樂意相交鷗鷺盟。名利心頭無算計，干戈耳畔不聞聲。隨時一酌香醪酒，度日三餐野菜羹。兩束柴薪為活計，一竿鉤線是營生。閑呼稚子磨鋼斧，靜喚憨兒補舊繒。春到愛觀楊柳綠，時融喜看荻蘆青。夏天避暑修新竹，六月乘涼摘嫩菱。霜降雞肥常日宰，重陽蟹壯及時烹。冬來日上還沉睡，數九天高自不寒。八節山中隨放性，四時湖裡任陶情。採薪自有仙家興，垂釣全無世俗形。門外野花香豔豔，船頭綠水浪平平。身安不說三公位，性定強如十里城。十里城高防閫令，三公位顯聽宣聲。樂山樂水真是罕，謝天謝地謝神明。」
且不题光蕊尽职，玄奘修行。却说长安城外泾河岸边，有两个贤人：一个是渔翁，名唤张稍；一个是樵子，名唤李定。他两个是不登科的进士，能识字的山人。一日，在长安城里卖了肩上柴，货了篮中鲤，同入酒馆之中，吃了半酣，各携一瓶，顺泾河岸边，徐步而回。张稍道：「李兄，我想那争名的，因名丧体；夺利的，为利亡身；受爵的，抱虎而眠；承恩的，袖蛇而走。算起来，还不如我们水秀山青，逍遥自在，甘淡薄，随缘而过。」李定道：「张兄说得有理。但只是你那水秀，不如我的山青。」张稍道：「你山青不如我的水秀。有一《蝶恋花》词为证。词曰：
烟波万里扁舟小，静依孤篷，西施声音绕。涤虑洗心名利少，闲攀蓼穗蒹葭草。数点沙鸥堪乐道，柳岸芦湾，妻子同欢笑。一觉安眠风浪消，无荣无辱无烦恼。」
李定道：「你的水秀，不如我的山青。也有个《蝶恋花》词为证。词曰：
云林一段松花满，默听莺啼，巧舌如调管。红瘦绿肥春正暖，倏然夏至光阴转。又值秋来容易换，黄花香，堪供玩。迅速严冬如指撚，逍遥四季无人管。」
渔翁道：「你山青不如我水秀，受用些好物。有一《鹧鸪天》为证：
仙乡云水足生涯，摆橹横舟便是家。活剖鲜鳞烹绿鳖，旋蒸紫蟹煮红虾。青芦笋，水荇芽，菱角鸡头更可夸。娇藕老莲芹叶嫩，慈菇茭白鸟英花。」
樵夫道：「你水秀不如我山青，受用些好物。亦有一《鹧鸪天》为证：
崔巍峻岭接天涯，草舍茅庵是我家。腌腊鸡鹅强蟹鳖，獐豝兔鹿胜鱼虾。香椿叶，黄楝芽，竹笋山茶更可夸。紫李红桃梅杏熟，甜梨酸枣木樨花。」
渔翁道：「你山青真个不如我的水秀。又有《天仙子》一首：
一叶小舟随所寓，万叠烟波无恐惧。垂钩撒网捉鲜鳞，没酱腻，偏有味，老妻稚子团圆会。鱼多又货长安市，换得香醪吃个醉。蓑衣当被卧秋江，鼾鼾睡，无忧虑，不恋人间荣与贵。」
樵子道：「你水秀还不如我的山青。也有《天仙子》一首：
茆舍数椽山下盖，松竹梅兰真可爱。穿林越岭觅干柴，没人怪，从我卖，或少或多凭世界。将钱沽酒随心快，瓦钵磁瓯殊自在。酕醄醉了卧松阴，无挂碍，无利害，不管人间兴与败。」
渔翁道：「李兄，你山中不如我水上生意快活。有一《西江月》为证：
红蓼花繁映月，黄芦叶乱摇风。碧天清远楚江空，牵搅一潭星动。入网大鱼作队，吞钩小鳜成丛。得来烹煮味偏浓，笑傲江湖打哄。」
樵夫道：「张兄，你水上还不如我山中的生意快活。亦有《西江月》为证：
败叶枯藤满路，破梢老竹盈山。女萝干葛乱牵攀，折取收绳杀担。虫蛀空心榆柳，风吹断头松柟。采来堆积备冬寒，换酒换钱从俺。」
渔翁道：「你山中虽可比过，还不如我水秀的幽雅。有一《临江仙》为证：
潮落旋移孤艇去，夜深罢棹歌来。蓑衣残月甚幽哉，宿鸥惊不起，天际彩云开。困卧芦洲无个事，三竿日上还挨。随心尽意自安排，朝臣寒待漏，怎似我宽怀。」
樵夫道：「你水秀的幽雅，还不如我山青更幽雅。亦有《临江仙》可证：
苍径秋高拽斧去，晚凉抬担回来。野花插鬓更奇哉，拨云寻路出，待月叫门开。稚子山妻欣笑接，草床木枕攲挨。蒸梨炊黍旋铺排，瓮中新酿熟，真个壮幽怀。」
渔翁道：「这都是我两个生意，赡身的勾当，你却没有我闲时节的好处。有诗为证。诗曰：
闲看苍天白鹤飞，停舟溪畔掩苍扉。倚篷教子搓钩线，罢棹同妻晒网围。性定果然如浪静，身安自是觉风微。绿蓑青笠随时着，胜挂朝中紫绶衣。」
樵夫道：「你那闲时又不如我的闲时好也。亦有诗为证。诗曰：
闲观缥缈白云飞，独坐茅庵掩竹扉。无事训儿开卷读，有时对客把棋围。喜来策杖歌芳径，兴到携琴上翠微。草履麻绦粗布被，心宽强似着罗衣。」
张稍道：「李定，我两个真是微吟可相狎，不须檀板共金樽。但散道词章，不为稀罕。且各联几句，看我们渔樵攀话何如？」李定道：「张兄言之最妙。请兄先吟。」
「舟停绿水烟波内，家住深山旷野中。偏爱溪桥春水涨，最怜岩岫晓云蒙。龙门鲜鲤时烹煮，虫蛀干柴日燎烘。钓网多般堪赡老，担绳二事可容终。小舟仰卧观飞雁，草径斜欹听唳鸿。口舌场中无我分，是非海内少吾踪。溪边挂晒缯如锦，石上重磨斧似锋。秋月晖晖常独钓，春山寂寂没人逢。鱼多换酒同妻饮，柴剩沽壶共子丛。自唱自斟随放荡，长歌长叹任颠风。呼兄唤弟邀船伙，挈友携朋聚野翁。行令猜拳频递盏，拆牌道字漫传钟。烹虾煮蟹朝朝乐，炒鸭爊鸡日日丰。愚妇煎茶情散淡，山妻造饭意从容。晓来举杖淘轻浪，日出担柴过大冲。雨后披蓑擒活鲤，风前弄斧伐枯松。潜踪避世妆痴蠢，隐姓埋名作哑聋。」
张稍道：「李兄，我才僭先起句，今到我兄，也先起一联，小弟亦当续之。」
「风月佯狂山野汉，江湖寄傲老余丁。清闲有分随潇洒，口舌无闻喜太平。月夜身眠茅屋稳，天昏体盖箬蓑轻。忘情结识松梅友，乐意相交鸥鹭盟。名利心头无算计，干戈耳畔不闻声。随时一酌香醪酒，度日三餐野菜羹。两束柴薪为活计，一竿钩线是营生。闲呼稚子磨钢斧，静唤憨儿补旧缯。春到爱观杨柳绿，时融喜看荻芦青。夏天避暑修新竹，六月乘凉摘嫩菱。霜降鸡肥常日宰，重阳蟹壮及时烹。冬来日上还沉睡，数九天高自不寒。八节山中随放性，四时湖里任陶情。采薪自有仙家兴，垂钓全无世俗形。门外野花香艳艳，船头绿水浪平平。身安不说三公位，性定强如十里城。十里城高防阃令，三公位显听宣声。乐山乐水真是罕，谢天谢地谢神明。」
Let us leave Guangrui attending to his duties and Xuanzang to his religious practice. Our story turns to the banks of the Jing River outside Chang’an, where there lived two worthy men: a fisherman named Zhang Shao and a woodcutter named Li Ding. They were graduates who had never passed the examinations, mountain recluses who knew their letters. One day, after selling the firewood from their shoulders and the carp from their baskets in Chang’an, they went into a wine shop together. When they were half drunk, each took a bottle, and they strolled slowly home along the Jing River. Zhang Shao said, “Brother Li, it seems to me that those who strive for fame lose their bodies for it; those who fight for gain lose their lives for it. To accept a title is to sleep with a tiger in your arms; to receive imperial favour is to walk with a snake in your sleeve. When all is reckoned, they are worse off than we are, with our lovely waters and green mountains, free and easy, content with plain fare and taking life as it comes.” Li Ding said, “Brother Zhang speaks sense. Only your lovely waters are no match for my green mountains.” Zhang Shao said, “Your green mountains are no match for my lovely waters. There is a lyric to the tune of ‘Butterflies love flowers’ to prove it. The lyric says:
A little boat on ten thousand miles of misty waves; quietly beneath its lonely awning, I hear Xi Shi’s voice around me.Care washed away, the heart cleansed, little thought of fame or gain;at leisure I reach for knotweed tassels and the reeds.A few sand gulls are enough to give me joy; by willow banks and reedy coves, my wife and children laugh with me.A peaceful sleep, and wind and waves subside;no glory, no disgrace, no troubles.”
Li Ding said, “Your lovely waters are no match for my green mountains. I too have a lyric to ‘Butterflies love flowers’ to prove it. The lyric says:
A stretch of clouded woodland thick with pine blossoms; silently I hear the oriole, its clever tongue as tuneful as a pipe.The red thins out, the green grows lush, and spring is warm;suddenly summer comes, and time has turned.Then autumn comes, another easy change; yellow flowers are fragrant, a pleasure to admire.Hard winter follows quickly, in a snap of the fingers;free through all four seasons, with no one to command me.”
The fisherman said, “Your green mountains are no match for my lovely waters, with all their good things to enjoy. There is a lyric to ‘Partridges in the sky’ to prove it:
Clouds and waters in this immortal land provide my living;I work the oar and moor my boat, and there is home.Fresh fish split open, green turtles cooked;purple crabs just steamed, red shrimps boiled.Green reed shoots, water-fringe buds; water caltrops and foxnuts deserve still greater praise.Tender lotus roots, ripe lotus seeds, soft celery leaves;arrowhead tubers, wild-rice stems and wuying flowers.”
The woodcutter said, “Your lovely waters are no match for my green mountains, with all their good things to enjoy. I too have a lyric to ‘Partridges in the sky’ to prove it:
Lofty, towering ridges reach the edge of Heaven;a grass hut, a thatched shelter, is my home.Salted chicken and goose are better than crab or turtle;water deer, wild boar, rabbit and deer beat fish and shrimp.Chinese toon leaves, yellow lian shoots; bamboo shoots and mountain tea deserve still greater praise.Purple plums, red peaches, ripe plums and apricots;sweet pears, sour dates and osmanthus flowers.”
The fisherman said, “Your green mountains really are no match for my lovely waters. Here is another, to ‘The heavenly immortal’:
A leaf of a boat is home wherever I go;ten thousand folds of misty waves hold no fear.I lower hooks and cast nets to catch fresh fish; no greasy sauce, yet plenty of flavour, as my old wife and young children gather round.When fish are plentiful, I sell them in Chang’an;with the money I buy sweet wine and drink my fill.My rain cape is my quilt as I lie on the autumn river; I sleep and snore, without a care, with no longing for the world’s honours and wealth.”
The woodcutter said, “Your lovely waters still cannot match my green mountains. I too have one to ‘The heavenly immortal’:
A few rafters and a thatch beneath the mountain;pines, bamboo, plum blossoms and orchids are truly lovely.Through woods and over ridges I seek dry firewood; no one objects, I sell as I please, more or less as the world allows.With the money I buy wine to please myself;earthen bowls and porcelain cups, how free and easy!Dead drunk, I lie beneath the pines; no ties, no stakes, no care for the world’s rise and fall.”
The fisherman said, “Brother Li, your work in the mountains cannot be as pleasant as mine on the water. There is a lyric to ‘The moon over the West River’ to prove it:
Thick red knotweed blossoms shine in the moonlight;yellow reed leaves toss in the wind.The blue sky is clear and far, the Chu River empty;a tug stirs all the stars in a pool.Great fish enter my net in shoals;little mandarin fish swallow my hooks in crowds.Cooked and boiled, their flavour is rich indeed;I laugh at the world, making merry on rivers and lakes.”
The woodcutter said, “Brother Zhang, your work on the water still cannot be as pleasant as mine in the mountains. I too have a lyric to ‘The moon over the West River’ to prove it:
Dead leaves and withered vines fill the path;broken branches and old bamboo cover the mountain.Hanging lichens and dry kudzu tangle and climb;I break them off, draw in my rope and bind my load.Elms and willows hollowed out by worms;pines and nanmu trees with tops snapped by the wind.I gather and stack them against winter’s cold;to trade for wine or money, as I please.”
The fisherman said, “Your mountains may compare well enough, but they still lack the quiet grace of my lovely waters. There is a lyric to ‘The immortal by the river’ to prove it:
The tide falls, and at once I move my lonely skiff;deep in the night I put up my oar and come home singing.A rain cape and a waning moon, how peaceful! The roosting gulls do not stir; coloured clouds open at the edge of Heaven.Weary, I lie on a reedy islet with nothing to do;the sun is three poles high, and still I linger.I arrange everything just as I please; court ministers wait in the cold for the water clock — how can they be as carefree as I?”
The woodcutter said, “The quiet grace of your lovely waters is no match for the still greater quiet of my green mountains. I too have a lyric to ‘The immortal by the river’ to prove it:
Down a green path in clear autumn I go, axe in hand;in the cool of evening I carry my load home.Wild flowers tucked at my temples, how splendid! I part the clouds to find the way out; by moonlight I call for the door to be opened.My young children and rustic wife greet me with happy laughter;I lounge on a bed of grass, a wooden pillow at my head.Pears are steamed, millet cooked, and all is soon laid out; the new brew in the jar is ready — truly it heartens a quiet soul.”
The fisherman said, “All this concerns our trades, the work by which we keep ourselves. But you have nothing to match the pleasures of my leisure. There is a poem to prove it. A poem says:
At ease I watch white cranes fly through the blue sky;I moor my boat beside the stream and close my plain door.Against the awning, I teach my son to twist a fishing line;my rowing done, I dry the nets with my wife.A settled nature is indeed like tranquil waves;a body at ease feels even the wind grow mild.Green rain cape, blue-green hat — I put them on as needed;better than a court robe hung with purple ribbons.”
The woodcutter said, “Your leisure is no match for mine either. I too have a poem to prove it. A poem says:
At ease I watch the drifting white clouds fly;alone in my thatched hut, I close the bamboo door.With nothing to do, I teach my son to open a book and read;at times I sit over a game of go with a guest.When joy comes, I take my staff and sing down scented paths;when the mood takes me, I carry my zither up the green slopes.Straw sandals, a hemp cord, a coarse cloth quilt;a heart at ease is better than a silken robe.”
Zhang Shao said, “Li Ding, the two of us can enjoy each other’s company with a little quiet verse; no need for sandalwood clappers or golden wine cups. But merely reciting separate lyrics is nothing special. Let us each add a few lines in turn and see what we can make of a fisherman’s talk with a woodcutter.” Li Ding said, “Brother Zhang’s suggestion is excellent. Please begin.”
“My boat rests on green waters among the misty waves;my home stands in the deep mountains, in the open wilds.I love most the spring water rising by a stream bridge;I cherish most the morning clouds veiling rocky peaks.Fresh carp from Longmen are often cooked and boiled;dry, worm-eaten firewood burns and glows each day.Nets and hooks of many kinds can keep me in old age;shoulder pole and rope, those two, can see me to my end.On my little boat I lie looking up at flying geese;beside a grassy path I lean and hear the wild geese cry.I have no share in the arena of disputes;in the sea of right and wrong, little trace is found of me.By the stream I hang my nets to dry like brocade;on a rock I hone my axe till its edge is keen.Under a gleaming autumn moon I often fish alone;in the silent spring mountains I meet no one.With plenty of fish I buy wine to drink with my wife;with wood to spare I buy a jar and gather with my children.I sing and pour my own wine, as freely as I please;I sing long, sigh long, and let my wild moods go.Calling brothers, calling friends, I invite my boatmen;bringing companions, bringing friends, I gather the old men of the wilds.With drinking games and finger-guessing, cups pass round and round;with split-word puzzles and word games, goblets travel at our ease.Shrimps cooked, crabs boiled, give joy each morning;ducks fried, chickens simmered, bring plenty every day.My simple wife brews tea, her spirit calm and easy;my rustic wife cooks rice, her mind at peace.At dawn I lift my pole and stir the gentle waves;at sunrise I carry firewood across the broad hollow.After rain I put on my cape and catch live carp;before the wind I swing my axe and fell dead pines.I hide my tracks, shun the world and play the fool;I bury my name, conceal my surname and act deaf and dumb.”
Zhang Shao said, “Brother Li, I took the liberty of beginning just now. This time let my brother begin with a couplet, and your younger brother will carry it on.”
“In wind and moonlight, a man of the mountain wilds feigns madness;on rivers and lakes, an old fellow scorns the world.Blessed with leisure, I live free and easy;hearing no disputes, I delight in peace.On moonlit nights I sleep secure in my thatched hut;when the sky grows dark, a light reed cape covers my body.With passions forgotten, I befriend the pines and plums;with a willing heart, I join the gulls and herons in a pact.My heart makes no calculations of fame or gain;my ears hear no clash of weapons.Whenever I please, a cup of fragrant wine;to pass each day, three meals of wild greens in broth.Two bundles of firewood are my livelihood;a rod and line are how I earn my bread.At leisure I call my young son to sharpen the steel axe;quietly I ask my simple child to mend the old net.When spring arrives I love to watch the willows turn green;in mild weather I delight in the blue-green reeds.In summer I escape the heat and tend new bamboo;in the sixth month I cool myself and pick young water caltrops.When frost falls, chickens are fat and often slaughtered;at the Double Ninth festival, crabs are plump and cooked in season.In winter the sun is high, and still I sleep soundly;through the nine nines, beneath a lofty sky, I feel no cold.Through the eight seasonal festivals I follow my nature in the mountains;through the four seasons I indulge my feelings on the lakes.Gathering wood has an immortal’s pleasure of its own;angling has none of the worldly air.Outside my door wild flowers are bright and fragrant;before my bow the green waters lie in level waves.With my body at ease, I do not speak of the Three Dukes’ posts;with my nature settled, I am stronger than a ten-li city wall.A ten-li city wall stands high, yet must heed the commander’s orders;the Three Dukes’ posts are lofty, but they must hear the summons.To delight in mountains and waters is a rare joy indeed;thanks to Heaven, thanks to Earth, thanks to the gods.”
他二人既各道詞章，又相聯詩句。行到那分路去處，躬身作別。張稍道：「李兄啊，途中保重，上山仔細看虎。假若有些凶險，正是『明日街頭少故人』。」李定聞言，大怒道：「你這廝憊懶！好朋友也替得生死，你怎麼咒我？我若遇虎遭害，你必遇浪翻江。」張稍道：「我永世也不得翻江。」李定道：「『天有不測風雲，人有暫時禍福。』你怎麼就保得無事？」張稍道：「李兄，你雖這等說，你還沒捉摸；不若我的生意有捉摸，定不遭此等事。」李定道：「你那水面上營生，極凶極險，隱隱暗暗，有甚麼捉摸？」張稍道：「你是不曉得。這長安城裡，西門街上，有一個賣卦的先生。我每日送他一尾金色鯉，他就與我袖傳一課，依方位，百下百著。今日我又去買卦，他教我在涇河灣頭東邊下網，西岸拋鉤，定獲滿載魚蝦而歸。明日上城來，賣錢沽酒，再與老兄相敘。」二人從此敘別。
他二人既各道词章，又相联诗句。行到那分路去处，躬身作别。张稍道：「李兄啊，途中保重，上山仔细看虎。假若有些凶险，正是『明日街头少故人』。」李定闻言，大怒道：「你这厮惫懒！好朋友也替得生死，你怎么咒我？我若遇虎遭害，你必遇浪翻江。」张稍道：「我永世也不得翻江。」李定道：「『天有不测风云，人有暂时祸福。』你怎么就保得无事？」张稍道：「李兄，你虽这等说，你还没捉摸；不若我的生意有捉摸，定不遭此等事。」李定道：「你那水面上营生，极凶极险，隐隐暗暗，有甚么捉摸？」张稍道：「你是不晓得。这长安城里，西门街上，有一个卖卦的先生。我每日送他一尾金色鲤，他就与我袖传一课，依方位，百下百着。今日我又去买卦，他教我在泾河湾头东边下网，西岸抛钩，定获满载鱼虾而归。明日上城来，卖钱沽酒，再与老兄相叙。」二人从此叙别。
The two had each recited their lyrics and then joined their verses in turn. When they reached the place where their paths parted, they bowed farewell. Zhang Shao said, “Brother Li, take care on the road, and watch for tigers when you go up the mountain. If anything nasty happens, it will be just as the saying goes: ‘One old friend fewer in the street tomorrow.’” Li Ding flew into a rage. “You miserable rascal! Good friends would die for each other — why are you cursing me? If a tiger kills me, a wave is bound to overturn your boat in the river.” Zhang Shao said, “My boat will never overturn, as long as I live.” Li Ding said, “‘Heaven has winds and clouds no one can foresee; a man has blessings and disasters that come in a moment.’ How can you guarantee you’ll be safe?” Zhang Shao said, “Brother Li, you may say so, but you have nothing certain to go on. My trade does, and I’m sure I won’t suffer such a thing.” Li Ding said, “Making your living on the water is horribly dangerous, with hidden perils everywhere. What certainty can you have?” Zhang Shao said, “You don’t know about it. On Ximen Street in Chang’an there is a gentleman who sells fortunes. Every day I give him a golden carp, and he works out a reading inside his sleeve for me. I follow the direction he gives, and I hit the mark a hundred times out of a hundred. I went to buy another reading today. He told me to cast my net on the east side of the bend in the Jing River and throw my hook from the west bank, and I’m certain to come home laden with fish and shrimps. Tomorrow I’ll go into town, sell them for money and buy wine, and meet my old brother again.” With that, the two said farewell.
這正是：「路上說話，草裡有人。」原來這涇河水府有一個巡水的夜叉，聽見了百下百著之言，急轉水晶宮，慌忙報與龍王道：「禍事了！禍事了！」龍王問：「有甚禍事？」夜叉道：「臣巡水去到河邊，只聽得兩個漁、樵攀話，相別時，言語甚是利害。那漁翁說：長安城裡，西門街上，有個賣卦先生，算得最準。他每日送他鯉魚一尾，他就袖傳一課，教他百下百著。若依此等算準，卻不將水族盡情打了？何以壯觀水府，何以躍浪翻波，輔助大王威力？」龍王甚怒，急提了劍，就要上長安城，誅滅這賣卦的。旁邊閃過龍子、龍孫、蝦臣、蟹士、鰣軍師、鱖少卿、鯉太宰，一齊啟奏道：「大王且息怒。常言道：『過耳之言，不可聽信。』大王此去，必有雲從，必有雨助，恐驚了長安黎庶，上天見責。大王隱顯莫測，變化無方，但只變一秀士，到長安城內訪問一番。果有此輩，容加誅滅不遲；若無此輩，可不是妄害他人也？」
这正是：「路上说话，草里有人。」原来这泾河水府有一个巡水的夜叉，听见了百下百着之言，急转水晶宫，慌忙报与龙王道：「祸事了！祸事了！」龙王问：「有甚祸事？」夜叉道：「臣巡水去到河边，只听得两个渔、樵攀话，相别时，言语甚是利害。那渔翁说：长安城里，西门街上，有个卖卦先生，算得最准。他每日送他鲤鱼一尾，他就袖传一课，教他百下百着。若依此等算准，却不将水族尽情打了？何以壮观水府，何以跃浪翻波，辅助大王威力？」龙王甚怒，急提了剑，就要上长安城，诛灭这卖卦的。旁边闪过龙子、龙孙、虾臣、蟹士、鲥军师、鳜少卿、鲤太宰，一齐启奏道：「大王且息怒。常言道：『过耳之言，不可听信。』大王此去，必有云从，必有雨助，恐惊了长安黎庶，上天见责。大王隐显莫测，变化无方，但只变一秀士，到长安城内访问一番。果有此辈，容加诛灭不迟；若无此辈，可不是妄害他人也？」
Truly: “Talk on the road, and there is someone in the grass.” Now the water palace of the Jing River had a patrolling yaksha who heard those words about hitting the mark a hundred times out of a hundred. He hurried back to the Crystal Palace and reported in alarm to the Dragon King: “Disaster! Disaster!” The Dragon King asked, “What disaster?” The yaksha said, “Your servant was patrolling the waters by the bank when I heard a fisherman and a woodcutter talking. As they parted, they said something most alarming. The fisherman said there is a fortune-teller on Ximen Street in Chang’an whose predictions are perfectly accurate. Every day he gives the man a carp, and the man works out a reading inside his sleeve, so that every attempt succeeds. If his predictions are so accurate, won’t all the water creatures be caught? How shall we lend splendour to the water palace? How shall we leap through the waves and churn the billows to support the Great King’s power?” The Dragon King was furious. He seized his sword and was about to go to Chang’an and kill the fortune-teller. But his dragon sons and grandsons, the shrimp ministers, the crab officers, Military Adviser Shad, Assistant Minister Mandarin Fish and Grand Steward Carp all stepped forward and addressed him together: “Great King, calm your anger. As the saying goes, ‘Do not believe everything that reaches your ears.’ If the Great King goes there, clouds are sure to follow and rain to attend you. We fear you will frighten the people of Chang’an and be blamed by Heaven. The Great King can appear and vanish beyond anyone’s reckoning, and your transformations know no limits. Simply turn yourself into a scholar and go into Chang’an to investigate. If such a fellow exists, there will still be time to kill him; if he does not, wouldn’t you be harming someone for nothing?”
龍王依奏，遂棄寶劍，也不興雲雨，出岸上，搖身一變，變作一個白衣秀士，真個：
丰姿英偉，聳壑昂霄。步履端祥，循規蹈矩。語言遵孔孟，禮貌體周文。身穿玉色羅襴服，頭戴逍遙一字巾。
龙王依奏，遂弃宝剑，也不兴云雨，出岸上，摇身一变，变作一个白衣秀士，真个：
丰姿英伟，耸壑昂霄。步履端祥，循规蹈矩。语言遵孔孟，礼貌体周文。身穿玉色罗襕服，头戴逍遥一字巾。
The Dragon King followed their advice. He put down his precious sword, raised neither cloud nor rain, and came ashore. With a shake of his body he became a scholar in white. Truly:
His bearing was fine and heroic,rising from the ravines to tower into the sky.His steps were composed,each movement proper and measured.His words followed Confucius and Mencius;his manners embodied King Wen of Zhou.He wore a jade-white gauze robe with a border at the hem,and on his head a carefree scholar’s kerchief, its fold a single straight line.
上路來，拽開雲步，徑到長安城西門大街上。只見一簇人，擠擠雜雜，鬧鬧哄哄。內有高談闊論的道：「屬龍的本命，屬虎的相沖。寅辰巳亥，雖稱合局，但怕的是日犯歲君。」龍王聞言，情知是賣卜之處。走上前，分開眾人，望裡觀看。只見：
四壁珠璣，滿堂綺繡。寶鴨香無斷，磁瓶水恁清。兩邊羅列王維畫，座上高懸鬼谷形。端溪硯，金煙墨，相襯著霜毫大筆；火珠林，郭璞數，謹對了臺政新經。六爻熟諳，八卦精通。能知天地理，善曉鬼神情。一槃子午安排定，滿腹星辰佈列清。真個那未來事，過去事，觀如月鏡；幾家興，幾家敗，鑑若神明。知凶定吉，斷死言生。開談風雨迅，下筆鬼神驚。招牌有字書名姓，神課先生袁守誠。
此人是誰？原來是當朝欽天監臺正先生袁天罡的叔父，袁守誠是也。那先生果然相貌稀奇，儀容秀麗；名揚大國，術冠長安。龍王入門來，與先生相見。禮畢，請龍上坐，童子獻茶。先生問曰：「公來問何事？」龍王曰：「請卜天上陰晴事如何。」先生即袖傳一課，斷曰：「雲迷山頂，霧罩林梢。若占雨澤，準在明朝。」龍王曰：「明日甚時下雨？雨有多少尺寸？」先生道：「明日辰時布雲，巳時發雷，午時下雨，未時雨足，共得水三尺三寸零四十八點。」龍王笑曰：「此言不可作戲。如是明日有雨，依你斷的時辰、數目，我送課金五十兩奉謝；若無雨，或不按時辰、數目，我與你實說：定要打壞你的門面，扯碎你的招牌，即時趕出長安，不許在此惑眾。」先生忻然而答：「這個一定任你。請了，請了。明朝雨後來會。」
上路来，拽开云步，径到长安城西门大街上。只见一簇人，挤挤杂杂，闹闹哄哄。内有高谈阔论的道：「属龙的本命，属虎的相冲。寅辰巳亥，虽称合局，但怕的是日犯岁君。」龙王闻言，情知是卖卜之处。走上前，分开众人，望里观看。只见：
四壁珠玑，满堂绮绣。宝鸭香无断，磁瓶水恁清。两边罗列王维画，座上高悬鬼谷形。端溪砚，金烟墨，相衬着霜毫大笔；火珠林，郭璞数，谨对了台政新经。六爻熟谙，八卦精通。能知天地理，善晓鬼神情。一槃子午安排定，满腹星辰布列清。真个那未来事，过去事，观如月镜；几家兴，几家败，鉴若神明。知凶定吉，断死言生。开谈风雨迅，下笔鬼神惊。招牌有字书名姓，神课先生袁守诚。
此人是谁？原来是当朝钦天监台正先生袁天罡的叔父，袁守诚是也。那先生果然相貌稀奇，仪容秀丽；名扬大国，术冠长安。龙王入门来，与先生相见。礼毕，请龙上坐，童子献茶。先生问曰：「公来问何事？」龙王曰：「请卜天上阴晴事如何。」先生即袖传一课，断曰：「云迷山顶，雾罩林梢。若占雨泽，准在明朝。」龙王曰：「明日甚时下雨？雨有多少尺寸？」先生道：「明日辰时布云，巳时发雷，午时下雨，未时雨足，共得水三尺三寸零四十八点。」龙王笑曰：「此言不可作戏。如是明日有雨，依你断的时辰、数目，我送课金五十两奉谢；若无雨，或不按时辰、数目，我与你实说：定要打坏你的门面，扯碎你的招牌，即时赶出长安，不许在此惑众。」先生忻然而答：「这个一定任你。请了，请了。明朝雨后来会。」
He set out, lengthening his cloudlike strides, and went straight to Ximen Street in Chang’an. There he saw a crowd, jostling and pushing, noisy and excited. From within it someone was holding forth: “For those born under the Dragon, it is their own natal sign; those born under the Tiger are in opposition. Yin, Chen, Si and Hai may be said to form a favourable combination, but beware a day that offends the Year God.” At these words the Dragon King knew this must be the diviner’s place. He went forward, parted the crowd and looked inside. This is what he saw:
All four walls shone with pearls and gems;the whole room glowed with brocade and embroidery.Incense never ceased in the precious duck-shaped burner;water stood so clear in a porcelain vase.Paintings by Wang Wei lined both sides;high above the seat hung a portrait of the Master of Ghost Valley.A Duanxi inkstone and golden-soot ink matched a great brush of frost-white hairs;the Fire-Pearl Grove, Guo Pu’s calculations and the new manual of the Astronomical Director were carefully checked against one another.He knew the six lines thoroughly,understood the Eight Trigrams completely.He could grasp the principles of Heaven and Earth,and read the feelings of ghosts and gods.Zi and Wu lay fixed upon a board;all the stars were clearly set within his mind.Truly, events to come and events long past he saw as in a moon-bright mirror;which houses would prosper, which would fall, he discerned like a god.He knew ill fortune, settled good fortune,pronounced death and foretold life.When he spoke, wind and rain sped forth;when his brush touched paper, ghosts and gods took fright.His surname and given name were written on the sign:Yuan Shoucheng, master of divine predictions.
Who was this man? He was Yuan Shoucheng, uncle of Yuan Tiangang, the present Astronomical Director in the Directorate of Astronomy. The gentleman was indeed remarkable in appearance and handsome in bearing; his fame spread through the great empire, and his skill surpassed all others in Chang’an. The Dragon King entered and greeted him. When the courtesies were over, the dragon was invited to the seat of honour, and a boy served tea. The gentleman asked, “What have you come to inquire about, sir?” The Dragon King said, “Please divine whether the sky will be cloudy or clear.” The gentleman worked out a reading inside his sleeve and pronounced: “Clouds veil the mountain tops; mist shrouds the forest tips. If you ask about a blessing of rain, it will surely come tomorrow.” The Dragon King said, “At what hour tomorrow will it rain? How many feet and inches of rain will there be?” The gentleman said, “Tomorrow clouds will gather in the Chen hour, thunder will sound in the Si hour, rain will fall in the Wu hour and be sufficient in the Wei hour: three feet, three inches and forty-eight points of water in all.” The Dragon King laughed. “These words are no joking matter. If it rains tomorrow at the hour and in the quantity you predict, I shall give you fifty taels of silver as your fee and my thanks. If there is no rain, or if the hour or quantity is wrong, let me tell you plainly: I shall smash your shopfront, tear your sign to pieces and drive you out of Chang’an on the spot. You shall not stay here deluding the people.” The gentleman answered cheerfully, “By all means, do exactly that. Farewell, farewell. Come and see me after tomorrow’s rain.”
龍王辭別，出長安，回水府。大小水神接著，問曰：「大王訪那賣卦的如何？」龍王道：「有，有，有。但是一個掉嘴口討春的先生。我問他幾時下雨，他就說明日下雨。問他甚麼時辰，甚麼雨數，他就說辰時布雲，巳時發雷，午時下雨，未時雨足，得水三尺三寸零四十八點。我與他打了個賭賽：若果如他言，送他謝金五十兩；如略差些，就打破他門面，趕他起身，不許在長安惑眾。」眾水族笑曰：「大王是八河都總管，司雨大龍神，有雨無雨，惟大王知之。他怎敢這等胡言？那賣卦的定是輸了，定是輸了。」
龙王辞别，出长安，回水府。大小水神接着，问曰：「大王访那卖卦的如何？」龙王道：「有，有，有。但是一个掉嘴口讨春的先生。我问他几时下雨，他就说明日下雨。问他甚么时辰，甚么雨数，他就说辰时布云，巳时发雷，午时下雨，未时雨足，得水三尺三寸零四十八点。我与他打了个赌赛：若果如他言，送他谢金五十两；如略差些，就打破他门面，赶他起身，不许在长安惑众。」众水族笑曰：「大王是八河都总管，司雨大龙神，有雨无雨，惟大王知之。他怎敢这等胡言？那卖卦的定是输了，定是输了。」
The Dragon King took leave, left Chang’an and returned to his water palace. The water gods, great and small, came to meet him and asked, “Great King, what did you find when you visited the fortune-teller?” The Dragon King said, “He’s there, he’s there, he’s there. But he’s only a glib fellow talking for a living. I asked when it would rain, and he said tomorrow. I asked at what hour and how much, and he said clouds would gather in the Chen hour, thunder would sound in the Si hour, rain would fall in the Wu hour and be sufficient in the Wei hour: three feet, three inches and forty-eight points of water. I made a wager with him. If it really turns out as he says, I shall give him fifty taels of silver in thanks. If it differs in the least, I shall smash his shopfront and drive him away. He won’t be allowed to delude the people of Chang’an.” The water creatures laughed. “The Great King is Chief Controller of the Eight Rivers, the great dragon god in charge of rain. Whether there is rain or none, only the Great King knows. How dare he talk such nonsense? That fortune-teller is bound to lose, bound to lose!”
此時龍子、龍孫與那魚卿、蟹士正歡笑談此事未畢，只聽得半空中叫：「涇河龍王接旨。」眾擡頭上看，是一個金衣力士，手擎玉帝敕旨，徑投水府而來。慌得龍王整衣端肅，焚香接了旨。金衣力士回空而去。龍王謝恩，拆封看時，上寫著： 敕命八河總，驅雷掣電行： 明朝施雨澤，普濟長安城。 旨意上時辰、數目，與那先生判斷者毫髮不差。諕得那龍王魂飛魄散。少頃甦醒，對眾水族曰：「塵世上有此靈人，真個是能通天地理，卻不輸與他啊！」鰣軍師奏云：「大王放心。要贏他有何難處？臣有小計，管教滅那廝的口嘴。」龍王問計，軍師道：「行雨差了時辰，少些點數，就是那廝斷卦不準，怕不贏他？那時捽碎招牌，趕他跑路，果何難也？」龍王依他所奏，果不擔憂。
此时龙子、龙孙与那鱼卿、蟹士正欢笑谈此事未毕，只听得半空中叫：「泾河龙王接旨。」众抬头上看，是一个金衣力士，手擎玉帝敕旨，径投水府而来。慌得龙王整衣端肃，焚香接了旨。金衣力士回空而去。龙王谢恩，拆封看时，上写着： 敕命八河总，驱雷掣电行： 明朝施雨泽，普济长安城。 旨意上时辰、数目，与那先生判断者毫发不差。諕得那龙王魂飞魄散。少顷苏醒，对众水族曰：「尘世上有此灵人，真个是能通天地理，却不输与他啊！」鲥军师奏云：「大王放心。要赢他有何难处？臣有小计，管教灭那厮的口嘴。」龙王问计，军师道：「行雨差了时辰，少些点数，就是那厮断卦不准，怕不赢他？那时捽碎招牌，赶他跑路，果何难也？」龙王依他所奏，果不担忧。
The dragon sons and grandsons, the fish ministers and crab officers were still laughing and talking about it when a voice called from the air: “Dragon King of the Jing River, receive the decree!” They all looked up. A strongman in golden robes was coming straight to the water palace, bearing an imperial decree from the Jade Emperor. In a fluster, the Dragon King straightened his clothes, composed himself and burned incense to receive it. The golden-robed strongman returned to the sky and departed. The Dragon King gave thanks for the imperial favour, broke the seal and read what was written:
至次日，點札風伯、雷公、雲童、電母，直至長安城九霄空上。他挨到那巳時方布雲，午時發雷，未時落雨，申時雨止，卻只得三尺零四十點。改了他一個時辰，剋了他三寸八點。雨後發放眾將班師。他又按落雲頭，還變作白衣秀士，到那西門裡大街上，撞入袁守誠卦舖，不容分說，就把他招牌、筆、硯等一齊捽碎。那先生坐在椅上，公然不動。這龍王又掄起門板便打，罵道：「這妄言禍福的妖人，擅惑眾心的潑漢！你卦又不靈，言又狂謬。說今日下雨的時辰、點數俱不相對。你還危然高坐，趁早去，饒你死罪！」守誠猶公然不懼分毫，仰面朝天冷笑道：「我不怕，我不怕。我無死罪，只怕你倒有個死罪哩。別人好瞞，只是難瞞我也。我認得你，你不是秀士，乃是涇河龍王。你違了玉帝敕旨，改了時辰，剋了點數，犯了天條。你在那剮龍臺上，恐難免一刀，你還在此罵我？」龍王見說，心驚膽戰，毛骨悚然。急丟了門板，整衣伏禮，向先生跪下道：「先生休怪。前言戲之耳，豈知弄假成真，果然違犯天條，奈何？望先生救我一救；不然，我死也不放你。」守誠曰：「我救你不得，只是指條生路與你投生便了。」龍曰：「願求指教。」先生曰：「你明日午時三刻，該赴人曹官魏徵處聽斬。你果要性命，須當急急去告當今唐太宗皇帝方好。那魏徵是唐王駕下的丞相，若是討他個人情，方保無事。」
至次日，点札风伯、雷公、云童、电母，直至长安城九霄空上。他挨到那巳时方布云，午时发雷，未时落雨，申时雨止，却只得三尺零四十点。改了他一个时辰，克了他三寸八点。雨后发放众将班师。他又按落云头，还变作白衣秀士，到那西门里大街上，撞入袁守诚卦铺，不容分说，就把他招牌、笔、砚等一齐捽碎。那先生坐在椅上，公然不动。这龙王又抡起门板便打，骂道：「这妄言祸福的妖人，擅惑众心的泼汉！你卦又不灵，言又狂谬。说今日下雨的时辰、点数俱不相对。你还危然高坐，趁早去，饶你死罪！」守诚犹公然不惧分毫，仰面朝天冷笑道：「我不怕，我不怕。我无死罪，只怕你倒有个死罪哩。别人好瞒，只是难瞒我也。我认得你，你不是秀士，乃是泾河龙王。你违了玉帝敕旨，改了时辰，克了点数，犯了天条。你在那剐龙台上，恐难免一刀，你还在此骂我？」龙王见说，心惊胆战，毛骨悚然。急丢了门板，整衣伏礼，向先生跪下道：「先生休怪。前言戏之耳，岂知弄假成真，果然违犯天条，奈何？望先生救我一救；不然，我死也不放你。」守诚曰：「我救你不得，只是指条生路与你投生便了。」龙曰：「愿求指教。」先生曰：「你明日午时三刻，该赴人曹官魏徵处听斩。你果要性命，须当急急去告当今唐太宗皇帝方好。那魏徵是唐王驾下的丞相，若是讨他个人情，方保无事。」
The next day he mustered the Wind Earl, the Thunder God, the Cloud Boy and the Lightning Mother, and went high into the sky above Chang’an. He waited until the Si hour to gather the clouds, sounded thunder in the Wu hour, let the rain fall in the Wei hour and stopped it in the Shen hour. There were only three feet and forty points of water. He had shifted everything by one two-hour period and cut the quantity by three inches and eight points. When the rain was over, he dismissed the generals and sent them home. Then he lowered his cloud, turned back into the scholar in white and went to Ximen Street. He burst into Yuan Shoucheng’s divination shop and, without allowing a word of explanation, smashed his sign, brushes, inkstone and everything else. The gentleman sat in his chair, quite unmoved. The Dragon King grabbed a door panel and swung it to strike, cursing him: “You sorcerer who lies about fortune and disaster! You scoundrel who dares delude the people! Your readings are worthless, your words wild nonsense. Neither the hour nor the quantity of today’s rain matched what you said. And still you sit there so grandly! Get out at once, and I’ll spare your life!” Shoucheng showed not the slightest fear. He tilted his face towards the sky and laughed coldly. “I’m not afraid, not afraid. I have done nothing deserving death. It’s you, I fear, who may have committed a capital offence. Others may be easy to deceive, but I am not. I know you. You are no scholar: you are the Dragon King of the Jing River. You disobeyed the Jade Emperor’s decree, changed the hours and reduced the quantity. You have broken Heaven’s laws. I fear you won’t escape the blade on the Dragon-Execution Terrace, and still you stand here abusing me?” At these words the Dragon King’s heart shook with terror and his hair stood on end. He dropped the door panel at once, straightened his clothes and knelt before the gentleman in a deep bow. “Sir, do not be offended. My earlier words were only a joke. How could I have known that make-believe would become real, and I would truly break Heaven’s laws? What am I to do? I beg you, sir, save me! Otherwise, even in death I won’t leave you alone.” Shoucheng said, “I cannot save you. All I can do is point out a way by which you might preserve your life.” The dragon said, “Please tell me.” The gentleman said, “Tomorrow, at the third quarter of the Wu hour, you are to appear before Wei Zheng, Officer of the Human Administration, to be beheaded. If you truly wish to live, hurry and appeal to the reigning Emperor Taizong of the Tang. Wei Zheng is the Tang Emperor’s chancellor. If you can win the Emperor’s favour, you may be kept safe.”
龍王聞言，拜辭含淚而去。不覺紅日西沉，太陰星上。但見：
煙凝山紫歸鴉倦，遠路行人投旅店。渡頭新雁宿汀沙，銀河現，催更籌，孤村燈火光無焰。風裊爐煙清道院，蝴蝶夢中人不見。月移花影上欄杆，星光亂，漏聲換，不覺深沉夜已半。
龙王闻言，拜辞含泪而去。不觉红日西沉，太阴星上。但见：
烟凝山紫归鸦倦，远路行人投旅店。渡头新雁宿汀沙，银河现，催更筹，孤村灯火光无焰。风袅炉烟清道院，蝴蝶梦中人不见。月移花影上栏杆，星光乱，漏声换，不觉深沉夜已半。
The Dragon King bowed farewell and went away in tears. Before he knew it, the red sun was sinking in the west and the Moon Star rising. This is what he saw:
Mist thickens, mountains darken purple, tired crows return;travellers on distant roads seek out their inns.Newly arrived geese sleep on sandy islets by the ferry; the River of Heaven appears, watch-calls hurry on, and lights in a lonely village glow without a visible flame.Wind curls the incense smoke in a quiet Daoist abbey;in the butterfly dream no one is to be seen.The moon shifts flower shadows up the railing; stars scatter their light, the water clock changes its note, and before one knows it the deep night is half gone.
這涇河龍王也不回水府，只在空中。等到子時前後，收了雲頭，斂了霧角，徑來皇宮門首。此時唐王正夢出宮門之外，步月花陰。忽然龍王變作人相，上前跪拜，口叫：「陛下，救我，救我。」太宗云：「你是何人？朕當救你。」龍王云：「陛下是真龍，臣是業龍。臣因犯了天條，該陛下賢臣人曹官魏徵處斬，故來拜求，望陛下救我一救。」太宗曰：「既是魏徵處斬，朕可以救你，你放心前去。」龍王歡喜，叩謝而去。
这泾河龙王也不回水府，只在空中。等到子时前后，收了云头，敛了雾角，径来皇宫门首。此时唐王正梦出宫门之外，步月花阴。忽然龙王变作人相，上前跪拜，口叫：「陛下，救我，救我。」太宗云：「你是何人？朕当救你。」龙王云：「陛下是真龙，臣是业龙。臣因犯了天条，该陛下贤臣人曹官魏徵处斩，故来拜求，望陛下救我一救。」太宗曰：「既是魏徵处斩，朕可以救你，你放心前去。」龙王欢喜，叩谢而去。
The Dragon King of the Jing River did not go home to his water palace but remained in the air. Around the Zi hour he drew in his cloud and gathered up the fringes of his mist, then went straight to the gate of the imperial palace. At that moment the Tang Emperor dreamed that he had stepped outside the palace gate and was walking by moonlight in the shade of the flowers. Suddenly the Dragon King took human form, knelt before him and cried, “Your Majesty, save me, save me!” Taizong said, “Who are you? We shall save you.” The Dragon King said, “Your Majesty is a true dragon; your servant is a dragon burdened by sin. I have broken Heaven’s laws and am to be beheaded by Your Majesty’s worthy minister, Wei Zheng, Officer of the Human Administration. That is why I have come to beg Your Majesty to save me.” Taizong said, “If Wei Zheng is to behead you, We can save you. Go now without fear.” The Dragon King was delighted, bowed his thanks and left.
卻說那太宗夢醒後，念念在心。早已至五鼓三點，太宗設朝，聚集兩班文武官員。但見那：
煙籠鳳闕，香藹龍樓。光搖丹扆動，雲拂翠華流。君臣相契同堯舜，禮樂威嚴近漢周。侍臣燈，宮女扇，雙雙映彩；孔雀屏，麒麟殿，處處光浮。山呼萬歲，華祝千秋。靜鞭三下響，衣冠拜冕旒。宮花燦爛天香襲，堤柳輕柔御樂謳。珍珠簾，翡翠簾，金鉤高控；龍鳳扇，山河扇，寶輦停留。文官英秀，武將抖擻。御道分高下，丹墀列品流。金章紫綬乘三象，地久天長萬萬秋。
却说那太宗梦醒后，念念在心。早已至五鼓三点，太宗设朝，聚集两班文武官员。但见那：
烟笼凤阙，香蔼龙楼。光摇丹扆动，云拂翠华流。君臣相契同尧舜，礼乐威严近汉周。侍臣灯，宫女扇，双双映彩；孔雀屏，麒麟殿，处处光浮。山呼万岁，华祝千秋。静鞭三下响，衣冠拜冕旒。宫花灿烂天香袭，堤柳轻柔御乐讴。珍珠帘，翡翠帘，金钩高控；龙凤扇，山河扇，宝辇停留。文官英秀，武将抖擞。御道分高下，丹墀列品流。金章紫绶乘三象，地久天长万万秋。
Now, when Taizong woke from his dream, he could not put it out of his mind. Soon it was the third watch-call of the fifth night watch, and he held court, assembling the civil and military officials in their two ranks. This is what they saw:
Mist veils the phoenix gates;incense hangs over the dragon towers.Light shimmers on the vermilion throne screen;clouds brush the kingfisher-feather banners as they stream.Ruler and ministers are at one, as in the days of Yao and Shun;rites, music and solemn majesty approach those of the Han and Zhou.Attendants’ lamps and palace maidens’ fans reflect their colours in pairs;peacock screens and qilin halls shine everywhere.The cry of ‘Long live the Emperor!’ rises like a mountain;blessings wish him a thousand autumns.Three cracks of the whip call for silence;officials in cap and robe bow before the beaded imperial crown.Palace flowers blaze with colour and give off heavenly fragrance;bank-side willows sway gently to songs of imperial music.Pearl curtains and kingfisher curtains hang high on golden hooks;dragon-and-phoenix fans and mountain-and-river fans surround the waiting imperial carriage.Civil officials are fine and cultivated;military officers stand alert and bold.The imperial way divides the high from the low;the vermilion steps hold the ranks in their order.Golden seals and purple ribbons accord with the three celestial emblems;may Heaven and Earth endure for ten thousand times ten thousand autumns.
眾官朝賀已畢，各各分班。唐王閃鳳目龍睛，一一從頭觀看，只見那文官內是房玄齡、杜如晦、徐世勣、許敬宗、王珪等，武官內是馬三寶、段志玄、殷開山、程咬金、劉洪紀、胡敬德、秦叔寶等，一個個威儀端肅，卻不見魏徵丞相。唐王召徐世勣上殿道：「朕夜間得一怪夢：夢見一人，迎面拜謁，口稱是涇河龍王，犯了天條，該人曹官魏徵處斬，拜告寡人救他，朕已許諾。今日班前獨不見魏徵，何也？」世勣對曰：「此夢告準。須喚魏徵來朝，陛下不要放他出門，過此一日，可救夢中之龍。」唐王大喜，即傳旨，著當駕官宣魏徵入朝。
众官朝贺已毕，各各分班。唐王闪凤目龙睛，一一从头观看，只见那文官内是房玄龄、杜如晦、徐世𪟝、许敬宗、王珪等，武官内是马三宝、段志玄、殷开山、程咬金、刘洪纪、胡敬德、秦叔宝等，一个个威仪端肃，却不见魏徵丞相。唐王召徐世𪟝上殿道：「朕夜间得一怪梦：梦见一人，迎面拜谒，口称是泾河龙王，犯了天条，该人曹官魏徵处斩，拜告寡人救他，朕已许诺。今日班前独不见魏徵，何也？」世𪟝对曰：「此梦告准。须唤魏徵来朝，陛下不要放他出门，过此一日，可救梦中之龙。」唐王大喜，即传旨，着当驾官宣魏徵入朝。
When the officials had offered their greetings, each took his place in the ranks. The Tang Emperor flashed his phoenix eyes and dragon gaze over them one by one. Among the civil officials were Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Xu Shiji, Xu Jingzong, Wang Gui and others; among the military men, Ma Sanbao, Duan Zhixuan, Yin Kaishan, Cheng Yaojin, Liu Hongji, Yuchi Jingde, Qin Shubao and others. Each stood solemn and dignified, but Chancellor Wei Zheng was nowhere to be seen. The Tang Emperor called Xu Shiji up into the hall. “We had a strange dream last night,” he said. “A man came before Us and bowed, saying he was the Dragon King of the Jing River. He had broken Heaven’s laws and was to be beheaded by Wei Zheng, Officer of the Human Administration. He begged Us to save him, and We promised. Today Wei Zheng alone is absent from the ranks. Why?” Shiji replied, “The warning in this dream is true. Summon Wei Zheng to court, and Your Majesty must not let him go outside. Once this day has passed, the dragon in the dream can be saved.” The Tang Emperor was delighted. He issued a decree at once, ordering an officer attending the throne to summon Wei Zheng to court.
卻說魏徵丞相在府，夜觀乾象，正爇寶香，只聞得九霄鶴唳，卻是天差仙使，捧玉帝金旨一道，著他午時三刻，夢斬涇河老龍。這丞相謝了天恩，齋戒沐浴，在府中試慧劍，運元神，故此不曾入朝。一見當駕官齎旨來宣，惶懼無任；又不敢違遲君命，只得急急整衣束帶，同旨入朝，在御前叩頭請罪。唐王道：「赦卿無罪。」那時諸臣尚未退朝，至此，卻命捲簾散朝。獨留魏徵，宣上金鑾，召入便殿，先議論安邦之策，定國之謀。將近巳末午初時候，卻命宮人：「取過大棋來，朕與賢卿對弈一局。」眾嬪妃隨取棋枰，鋪設御案。魏徵謝了恩，即與唐王對弈，一遞一著，擺開陣勢。正合《爛柯經》云：
博弈之道，貴乎嚴謹。高者在腹，下者在邊，中者在角，此棋家之常法。法曰：「寧輸一子，不失一先。」擊左則視右，攻後則瞻前。有先而後，有後而先。兩生勿斷，皆活勿連。闊不可太疏，密不可太促。與其戀子以求生，不若棄之而取勝；與其無事而獨行，不若固之而自補。彼眾我寡，先謀其生；我眾彼寡，務張其勢。善勝者不爭，善陣者不戰；善戰者不敗，善敗者不亂。夫棋始以正合，終以奇勝。凡敵無事而自補者，有侵絕之意；棄小而不救者，有圖大之心；隨手而下者，無謀之人；不思而應者，取敗之道。《詩》云：「惴惴小心，如臨于谷。」此之謂也。
詩曰：
棋盤為地子為天，色按陰陽造化全。下到玄微通變處，笑誇當日爛柯仙。
却说魏徵丞相在府，夜观乾象，正爇宝香，只闻得九霄鹤唳，却是天差仙使，捧玉帝金旨一道，着他午时三刻，梦斩泾河老龙。这丞相谢了天恩，斋戒沐浴，在府中试慧剑，运元神，故此不曾入朝。一见当驾官赍旨来宣，惶惧无任；又不敢违迟君命，只得急急整衣束带，同旨入朝，在御前叩头请罪。唐王道：「赦卿无罪。」那时诸臣尚未退朝，至此，却命卷帘散朝。独留魏徵，宣上金銮，召入便殿，先议论安邦之策，定国之谋。将近巳末午初时候，却命宫人：「取过大棋来，朕与贤卿对弈一局。」众嫔妃随取棋枰，铺设御案。魏徵谢了恩，即与唐王对弈，一递一着，摆开阵势。正合《烂柯经》云：
博弈之道，贵乎严谨。高者在腹，下者在边，中者在角，此棋家之常法。法曰：「宁输一子，不失一先。」击左则视右，攻后则瞻前。有先而后，有后而先。两生勿断，皆活勿连。阔不可太疏，密不可太促。与其恋子以求生，不若弃之而取胜；与其无事而独行，不若固之而自补。彼众我寡，先谋其生；我众彼寡，务张其势。善胜者不争，善阵者不战；善战者不败，善败者不乱。夫棋始以正合，终以奇胜。凡敌无事而自补者，有侵绝之意；弃小而不救者，有图大之心；随手而下者，无谋之人；不思而应者，取败之道。《诗》云：「惴惴小心，如临于谷。」此之谓也。
诗曰：
棋盘为地子为天，色按阴阳造化全。下到玄微通变处，笑夸当日烂柯仙。
Meanwhile, Chancellor Wei Zheng was at his residence. As he watched the heavens that night and burned fine incense, he heard a crane’s cry high in the sky. It was an immortal envoy sent from Heaven, bearing a golden decree from the Jade Emperor: at the third quarter of the Wu hour, he was to behead the old dragon of the Jing River in a dream. The Chancellor thanked Heaven for its favour, fasted and bathed, and remained at home testing his wisdom sword and setting his primal spirit in motion. That was why he had not come to court. When he saw the officer attending the throne arrive with the summons, he was deeply alarmed. Yet he dared not disobey or delay his sovereign’s command. He hurried to put his clothes and belt in order, followed the summons to court and bowed his head to the ground before the Emperor, begging pardon. The Tang Emperor said, “We pardon you; you are free of blame.” The ministers had not yet left court, but now he ordered the curtains rolled up and the audience dismissed. Wei Zheng alone was kept behind, called up to the Hall of Golden Chimes and summoned into a private hall. First they discussed ways to bring peace to the realm and make the state secure. As the Si hour drew to its end and the Wu hour began, the Emperor ordered the palace attendants, “Bring the large go board. We shall play a game with Our worthy minister.” The consorts brought the board and set it on the imperial desk. Wei Zheng thanked the Emperor for the honour, and they began to play, one move after another, forming their positions. It was just as the Scripture of the Rotten Axe Handle says:
The art of go prizescare and precision.The highest play is in the centre, the lowest along the sides, and the middle at the corners: this is the usual rule among players.The rule says,‘Better to lose one stonethan to lose the initiative.’Strike on the left, but watch the right;attack the rear, but look to the front.Sometimes the first move comes later,and sometimes the later move comes first.Do not cut two groups that can both live;do not connect groups that are already alive.An open position must not be too sparse;a close position must not be too cramped.Rather than cling to stones to keep them alive,sacrifice them to gain victory;rather than make an isolated move when nothing threatens,strengthen your position and repair its weaknesses.When the enemy is many and we are few,first plan how to live;when we are many and the enemy few,strive to extend our strength.One skilled in victory does not contend;one skilled in deployment does not fight.One skilled in battle does not lose;one skilled in defeat does not fall into disorder.Go begins with a straightforward engagementand ends with victory through the unexpected.An opponent who strengthens his position when nothing threatensintends to invade and cut us off;one who abandons a small group without rescuing ithas designs on something greater;one who puts down a stone wherever his hand fallsis a man without a plan;one who replies without thoughtis taking the road to defeat.The Book of Songs says,‘Trembling and cautious,as though at the edge of a ravine.’This is what it means.
A poem says:
The board is Earth, the stones are Heaven;their colours follow yin and yang, and all creation is complete.When play reaches the subtle depths where changes are understood,we laugh and boast of the immortal of the rotten axe handle.
君臣兩個對弈，此棋正下到午時三刻，一盤殘局未終，魏徵忽然俯伏在案邊，鼾鼾盹睡。太宗笑曰：「賢卿真是匡扶社稷之心勞，創立江山之力倦，所以不覺盹睡。」太宗任他睡著，更不呼喚。不多時，魏徵醒來，俯伏在地道：「臣該萬死，臣該萬死！卻才倦困，不知所為，望陛下赦臣慢君之罪。」太宗道：「卿有何慢罪？且起來，拂退殘棋，與卿從新更著。」
君臣两个对弈，此棋正下到午时三刻，一盘残局未终，魏徵忽然俯伏在案边，鼾鼾盹睡。太宗笑曰：「贤卿真是匡扶社稷之心劳，创立江山之力倦，所以不觉盹睡。」太宗任他睡着，更不呼唤。不多时，魏徵醒来，俯伏在地道：「臣该万死，臣该万死！却才倦困，不知所为，望陛下赦臣慢君之罪。」太宗道：「卿有何慢罪？且起来，拂退残棋，与卿从新更着。」
Ruler and minister played on until the third quarter of the Wu hour. The game had reached its final stages but was not yet over when Wei Zheng suddenly slumped forward beside the desk and fell asleep, snoring. Taizong smiled. “Our worthy minister has worn out his mind supporting the state and exhausted his strength establishing the realm. That is why he has dozed off without knowing it.” He let Wei Zheng sleep and did not call him. Before long Wei Zheng awoke, threw himself to the ground and said, “Your servant deserves ten thousand deaths, ten thousand deaths! Just now I was so weary that I did not know what I was doing. I beg Your Majesty to pardon your servant’s offence of disrespecting his sovereign.” Taizong said, “What disrespect have you shown? Get up. Clear away the unfinished game, and We shall begin another with you.”
魏徵謝了恩，卻才撚子在手，忽聽得朝門外大呼小叫。原來是秦叔寶、徐茂公等，將著一個血淋的龍頭，擲在帝前，啟奏道：「陛下，海淺河枯曾有見，這般異事卻無聞。」太宗與魏徵起身道：「此物何來？」叔寶、茂公道：「千步廊南，十字街上，雲端裡落下這顆龍頭，微臣不敢不奏。」唐王驚問魏徵：「此是何說？」魏徵轉身叩頭道：「是臣才一夢斬的。」唐王聞言，大驚道：「賢卿盹睡之時，又不曾見動身動手，又無刀劍，如何卻斬此龍？」魏徵奏道：「主公，臣的身在君前，夢離陛下。身在君前對殘局，合眼朦朧；夢離陛下乘瑞雲，出神抖擻。那條龍在剮龍臺上，被天兵將綁縛其中。是臣道：『你犯天條，合當死罪。我奉天命，斬汝殘生。』龍聞哀苦，臣抖精神。龍聞哀苦，伏爪收鱗甘受死；臣抖精神，撩衣進步舉霜鋒。扢扠一聲刀過處，龍頭因此落虛空。」
魏徵谢了恩，却才撚子在手，忽听得朝门外大呼小叫。原来是秦叔宝、徐茂公等，将着一个血淋的龙头，掷在帝前，启奏道：「陛下，海浅河枯曾有见，这般异事却无闻。」太宗与魏徵起身道：「此物何来？」叔宝、茂公道：「千步廊南，十字街上，云端里落下这颗龙头，微臣不敢不奏。」唐王惊问魏徵：「此是何说？」魏徵转身叩头道：「是臣才一梦斩的。」唐王闻言，大惊道：「贤卿盹睡之时，又不曾见动身动手，又无刀剑，如何却斩此龙？」魏徵奏道：「主公，臣的身在君前，梦离陛下。身在君前对残局，合眼朦胧；梦离陛下乘瑞云，出神抖擞。那条龙在剐龙台上，被天兵将绑缚其中。是臣道：『你犯天条，合当死罪。我奉天命，斩汝残生。』龙闻哀苦，臣抖精神。龙闻哀苦，伏爪收鳞甘受死；臣抖精神，撩衣进步举霜锋。扢扠一声刀过处，龙头因此落虚空。」
Wei Zheng thanked the Emperor for his favour and had just taken a stone in his fingers when shouting broke out beyond the audience gate. It was Qin Shubao, Xu Maogong and others, who came carrying a blood-dripping dragon’s head. They flung it before the Emperor and addressed him: “Your Majesty, we have seen the seas grow shallow and rivers run dry, but never heard of anything so strange as this.” Taizong and Wei Zheng rose. “Where did this thing come from?” they asked. Shubao and Maogong said, “This dragon’s head fell from the clouds at the crossroads south of the Thousand-Pace Corridor. Your humble servants dared not fail to report it.” The Tang Emperor asked Wei Zheng in alarm, “What does this mean?” Wei Zheng turned and bowed his head to the ground. “Your servant has just beheaded him in a dream.” The Tang Emperor was astonished. “While Our worthy minister slept, We saw neither your body nor your hands move. You had no sword or sabre. How could you have beheaded this dragon?” Wei Zheng replied, “My sovereign, your servant’s body remained before you, while my dream went away from Your Majesty. My body faced the unfinished game before my ruler, my closed eyes dim with sleep; my dream rode an auspicious cloud away from Your Majesty, my spirit forth and full of vigour. The dragon was bound on the Dragon-Execution Terrace by heavenly soldiers and generals. Your servant said, ‘You have broken Heaven’s laws and deserve death. By Heaven’s command, I shall cut short what remains of your life.’ The dragon heard and grieved; your servant gathered his spirit. The dragon heard and grieved, lowered his claws, drew in his scales and yielded to death; your servant gathered his spirit, lifted his robe, stepped forward and raised the frost-bright blade. With one sharp crack the blade passed through, and so the dragon’s head fell through the sky.”
太宗聞言，心中悲喜不一。喜者，誇獎魏徵好臣，朝中有此豪傑，愁甚江山不穩？悲者，謂夢中曾許救龍，不期竟致遭誅。只得強打精神，傳旨著叔寶將龍頭懸掛市曹，曉諭長安黎庶。一壁廂賞了魏徵，眾官散訖。
太宗闻言，心中悲喜不一。喜者，夸奖魏徵好臣，朝中有此豪杰，愁甚江山不稳？悲者，谓梦中曾许救龙，不期竟致遭诛。只得强打精神，传旨着叔宝将龙头悬挂市曹，晓谕长安黎庶。一壁厢赏了魏徵，众官散讫。
Taizong heard this with mingled sorrow and joy. His joy was in praising Wei Zheng as a fine minister: with such a hero at court, what need was there to fear that the realm might be insecure? His sorrow was that he had promised in his dream to save the dragon, only for the dragon to be killed after all. He could only rally his spirits and order Shubao to hang the dragon’s head in the marketplace and proclaim the matter to the people of Chang’an. At the same time he rewarded Wei Zheng, and all the officials dispersed.
當晚回宮，心中只是憂悶。想那夢中之龍，哭啼啼哀告求生，豈知無常，難免此患。思念多時，漸覺神魂倦怠，身體不安。當夜二更時分，只聽得宮門外有號泣之聲，太宗愈加驚恐。正朦朧睡間，又見那涇河龍王手提著一顆血淋淋的首級，高叫：「唐太宗，還我命來！還我命來！你昨夜滿口許諾救我，怎麼天明時反宣人曹官來斬我？你出來，你出來，我與你到閻君處折辨折辨。」他扯住太宗，再三嚷鬧不放。太宗箝口難言，只掙得汗流遍體。
当晚回宫，心中只是忧闷。想那梦中之龙，哭啼啼哀告求生，岂知无常，难免此患。思念多时，渐觉神魂倦怠，身体不安。当夜二更时分，只听得宫门外有号泣之声，太宗愈加惊恐。正朦胧睡间，又见那泾河龙王手提着一颗血淋淋的首级，高叫：「唐太宗，还我命来！还我命来！你昨夜满口许诺救我，怎么天明时反宣人曹官来斩我？你出来，你出来，我与你到阎君处折辨折辨。」他扯住太宗，再三嚷闹不放。太宗箝口难言，只挣得汗流遍体。
When he returned to the palace that evening, his heart was full of gloom. He thought of the dragon in his dream, weeping and begging for his life. Who could have known how fickle fate would be, and that he could not escape this calamity? After brooding for a long time, the Emperor began to feel weary in spirit and unwell in body. During the second night watch he heard wailing outside the palace gate and grew more frightened still. Half asleep, he saw the Dragon King of the Jing River again, carrying his own blood-dripping head in one hand and shouting, “Tang Taizong, give me back my life! Give me back my life! Last night you promised over and over to save me. Why did you summon the Officer of the Human Administration at dawn to behead me instead? Come out, come out! We’ll go before the King of the Underworld and argue this out.” He seized Taizong, shouted at him again and again and would not let go. Taizong could not open his mouth to speak. He struggled until his whole body ran with sweat.
正在那難分難解之時，只見正南上香雲繚繞，彩霧飄飄，有一個女真人上前，將楊柳枝用手一擺，那沒頭的龍悲悲啼啼，徑往西北而去。原來這是觀音菩薩領佛旨，上東土尋取經人，住此長安城都土地廟裡，夜聞鬼泣神號，特來喝退業龍，救脫皇帝。那龍徑到陰司地獄具告不題。
正在那难分难解之时，只见正南上香云缭绕，彩雾飘飘，有一个女真人上前，将杨柳枝用手一摆，那没头的龙悲悲啼啼，径往西北而去。原来这是观音菩萨领佛旨，上东土寻取经人，住此长安城都土地庙里，夜闻鬼泣神号，特来喝退业龙，救脱皇帝。那龙径到阴司地狱具告不题。
Just as the struggle seemed impossible to resolve, fragrant clouds curled up in the south and coloured mist drifted by. A female Perfected One came forward and waved a willow branch in her hand. The headless dragon went straight off to the northwest, sobbing miserably. This was the Bodhisattva Guanyin. She had come to the Eastern Land on the Buddha’s command to find someone to fetch the scriptures, and was staying in the temple of Chang’an’s chief earth god. Hearing ghosts weep and spirits howl that night, she had come expressly to drive away the sinful dragon and rescue the Emperor. The dragon went straight to the courts and hells of the Underworld to lodge his complaint; let us leave him there.
卻說太宗甦醒回來，只叫：「有鬼！有鬼！」慌得那三宮皇后、六院嬪妃，與近侍太監，戰兢兢，一夜無眠。
却说太宗苏醒回来，只叫：「有鬼！有鬼！」慌得那三宫皇后、六院嫔妃，与近侍太监，战兢兢，一夜无眠。
Now, when Taizong came to himself, he could only cry, “A ghost! A ghost!” The Empress in the three palaces, the consorts in the six courts and the eunuchs in close attendance were so frightened that they trembled and stayed awake all night.
不覺五更三點，那滿朝文武多官，都在朝門外候朝。等到天明，猶不見臨朝，諕得一個個驚懼躊躇。及日上三竿，方有旨意出來道：「朕心不快，眾官免朝。」不覺倏五七日，眾官憂惶，都正要撞門見駕問安，只見太后有旨，召醫官入宮用藥。眾人在朝門外等候討信。少時，醫官出來，眾問何疾。醫官道：「皇上脈氣不正，虛而又數，狂言見鬼。又診得十動一代，五臟無氣，恐不諱只在七日之內矣。」眾官聞言，大驚失色。
不觉五更三点，那满朝文武多官，都在朝门外候朝。等到天明，犹不见临朝，諕得一个个惊惧踌躇。及日上三竿，方有旨意出来道：「朕心不快，众官免朝。」不觉倏五七日，众官忧惶，都正要撞门见驾问安，只见太后有旨，召医官入宫用药。众人在朝门外等候讨信。少时，医官出来，众问何疾。医官道：「皇上脉气不正，虚而又数，狂言见鬼。又诊得十动一代，五脏无气，恐不讳只在七日之内矣。」众官闻言，大惊失色。
Soon it was the third watch-call of the fifth night watch, and all the civil and military officials were waiting outside the audience gate. Daybreak came, but still the Emperor did not appear. They were all frightened and at a loss. Only when the sun was three poles high did a decree come out: “We do not feel well. The officials are excused from court.” Five or seven days passed in a flash. The worried officials were on the point of forcing their way in to see the Emperor and ask after his health when the Empress Dowager ordered the medical officer into the palace to give him treatment. They waited outside the audience gate for news. Before long the medical officer came out, and they asked what the illness was. He said, “His Majesty’s pulse is irregular, weak and rapid, and he raves about seeing ghosts. On examination I also found a pause every ten beats, with no vital energy in the five organs. I fear that what we dare not name will occur within seven days.” At these words the officials turned pale with shock.
正愴惶間，又聽得太后有旨宣徐茂公、護國公、尉遲恭見駕。三公奉旨，急入到分宮樓下。拜畢，太宗正色強言道：「賢卿，寡人十九歲領兵，南征北伐，東擋西除，苦歷數載，更不曾見半點邪祟，今日卻反見鬼。」尉遲恭道：「創立江山，殺人無數，何怕鬼乎？」太宗道：「卿是不信。朕這寢宮門外，入夜就拋磚弄瓦，鬼魅呼號，著然難處。白日猶可，昏夜難禁。」叔寶道：「陛下寬心，今晚臣與敬德把守宮門，看有甚麼鬼祟。」太宗准奏。茂公謝恩而出。
正怆惶间，又听得太后有旨宣徐茂公、护国公、尉迟恭见驾。三公奉旨，急入到分宫楼下。拜毕，太宗正色强言道：「贤卿，寡人十九岁领兵，南征北伐，东挡西除，苦历数载，更不曾见半点邪祟，今日却反见鬼。」尉迟恭道：「创立江山，杀人无数，何怕鬼乎？」太宗道：「卿是不信。朕这寝宫门外，入夜就抛砖弄瓦，鬼魅呼号，着然难处。白日犹可，昏夜难禁。」叔宝道：「陛下宽心，今晚臣与敬德把守宫门，看有甚么鬼祟。」太宗准奏。茂公谢恩而出。
While they were still distraught, another command came from the Empress Dowager, summoning Xu Maogong, the Duke Who Protects the State and Yuchi Gong to see the Emperor. The three lords hurried into the palace, to the foot of the tower dividing its inner quarters. When they had bowed, Taizong forced himself to speak with a grave face. “Worthy ministers, We took command of troops at nineteen. We marched south and north, fought off enemies in the east and swept them away in the west. Through years of hardship We never saw so much as a trace of an evil spirit — and now We see ghosts.” Yuchi Gong said, “You founded the realm and killed countless men. Why fear a ghost?” Taizong said, “You do not believe Us. Outside Our bedchamber, as soon as night falls, bricks and tiles are hurled about and ghosts shriek and howl. It is truly hard to bear. By day it is tolerable; in the dark of night it is unbearable.” Shubao said, “Your Majesty, set your mind at rest. Tonight your servant and Jingde will guard the palace gate and see what ghosts dare come.” Taizong approved the proposal. Maogong thanked him for his favour and withdrew.
當日天晚，各取披掛，他兩個介冑整齊，執金瓜、鉞斧，在宮門外把守。好將軍！你看他怎生打扮：
頭戴金盔光爍爍，身披鎧甲龍鱗。護心寶鏡幌祥雲，獅蠻收緊扣，繡帶彩霞新。這一個鳳眼朝天星斗怕，那一個環睛映電月光浮。他本是英雄豪傑舊勳臣，只落得千年稱戶尉，萬古作門神。
二將軍侍立門傍，一夜天曉，更不曾見一點邪祟。是夜，太宗在宮，安寢無事。曉來宣二將軍，重重賞勞道：「朕自得疾，數日不能得睡，今夜仗二將軍威勢甚安。卿且請出安息安息，待晚間再一護衛。」二將謝恩而出。
当日天晚，各取披挂，他两个介胄整齐，执金瓜、钺斧，在宫门外把守。好将军！你看他怎生打扮：
头戴金盔光烁烁，身披铠甲龙鳞。护心宝镜幌祥云，狮蛮收紧扣，绣带彩霞新。这一个凤眼朝天星斗怕，那一个环睛映电月光浮。他本是英雄豪杰旧勋臣，只落得千年称户尉，万古作门神。
二将军侍立门傍，一夜天晓，更不曾见一点邪祟。是夜，太宗在宫，安寝无事。晓来宣二将军，重重赏劳道：「朕自得疾，数日不能得睡，今夜仗二将军威势甚安。卿且请出安息安息，待晚间再一护卫。」二将谢恩而出。
When evening came, each fetched his armour and weapons. The two, fully armed and helmeted, stood guard outside the palace gate, carrying golden melon-shaped maces and battle-axes. Fine generals! Look at how they were dressed:
Golden helmets glitter on their heads;dragon-scale armour clothes their bodies.Precious breastplate mirrors shimmer with auspicious clouds; lion clasps are fastened tight, embroidered sashes bright as fresh sunset clouds.One raises his phoenix eyes and frightens the stars;the other’s round eyes flash like lightning and gleam like floating moonlight.They were heroes, gallant men, old ministers of great service; their lot is to be called guardians of the household for a thousand years, and gods of the door for all eternity.
The two generals stood beside the gate until dawn without seeing the least trace of an evil spirit. That night Taizong slept peacefully in his palace, undisturbed. In the morning he summoned them and rewarded their service lavishly. “Since We fell ill, We have been unable to sleep for days,” he said. “Tonight, thanks to the might of you two generals, We have been quite at peace. Go now and rest a while. When evening comes, guard Us once more.” The two thanked him and withdrew.
遂此二三夜把守俱安。只是御膳減損，病轉覺重。太宗又不忍二將辛苦，又宣叔寶、敬德與杜、房諸公入宮，吩咐道：「這兩日朕雖得安，卻只難為秦、胡二將軍徹夜辛苦。朕欲召巧手丹青，傳二將軍真容，貼於門上，免得勞他。如何？」眾臣即依旨，選兩個會寫真的，著胡、秦二公依前披掛，照樣畫了，貼在門上。夜間也即無事。
遂此二三夜把守俱安。只是御膳减损，病转觉重。太宗又不忍二将辛苦，又宣叔宝、敬德与杜、房诸公入宫，吩咐道：「这两日朕虽得安，却只难为秦、胡二将军彻夜辛苦。朕欲召巧手丹青，传二将军真容，贴于门上，免得劳他。如何？」众臣即依旨，选两个会写真的，着胡、秦二公依前披挂，照样画了，贴在门上。夜间也即无事。
For two or three nights their guard kept everything peaceful. But the Emperor ate less and less, and his illness seemed to grow worse. Unable to bear the hardship he was causing the two generals, Taizong summoned Shubao, Jingde, Du, Fang and the other lords into the palace. “These last two days We have had peace,” he told them, “but only at the cost of keeping Generals Qin and Yuchi toiling all night. We wish to summon skilled painters to make true likenesses of the two generals and paste them on the doors, sparing them this labour. What do you think?” The ministers carried out the decree at once. They chose two painters skilled in likenesses and had Lords Yuchi and Qin put on the same armour as before. Their portraits were painted just as they stood and pasted on the doors. Again the night passed without trouble.
如此二三日，又聽得後宰門乒乓乒乓，磚瓦亂響。曉來即宣眾臣曰：「連日前門幸喜無事，今夜後門又響，卻不又驚殺寡人也。」茂公進前奏道：「前門不安，是敬德、叔寶護衛；後門不安，該著魏徵護衛。」太宗准奏，又宣魏徵今夜把守後門。徵領旨，當夜結束整齊，提著那誅龍的寶劍，侍立在後宰門前，真個的好英雄也。他怎生打扮：
熟絹青巾抹額，錦袍玉帶垂腰。兜風氅袖采霜飄，壓賽壘荼神貌。腳踏烏靴坐折，手持利刃兇驍。圓睜兩眼四邊瞧，那個邪神敢到？一夜通明，也無鬼魅。雖是前後門無事，只是身體漸重。
如此二三日，又听得后宰门乒乓乒乓，砖瓦乱响。晓来即宣众臣曰：「连日前门幸喜无事，今夜后门又响，却不又惊杀寡人也。」茂公进前奏道：「前门不安，是敬德、叔宝护卫；后门不安，该着魏徵护卫。」太宗准奏，又宣魏徵今夜把守后门。征领旨，当夜结束整齐，提着那诛龙的宝剑，侍立在后宰门前，真个的好英雄也。他怎生打扮：
熟绢青巾抹额，锦袍玉带垂腰。兜风氅袖采霜飘，压赛垒荼神貌。脚踏乌靴坐折，手持利刃凶骁。圆睁两眼四边瞧，那个邪神敢到？一夜通明，也无鬼魅。虽是前后门无事，只是身体渐重。
Two or three days passed like this, then banging broke out at the rear palace gate, with bricks and tiles clattering wildly. In the morning the Emperor summoned his ministers. “Happily, the front gate has been quiet these last few days,” he said, “but tonight the back gate began to bang. Once again We were nearly frightened to death.” Maogong stepped forward and said, “When the front gate was troubled, Jingde and Shubao guarded it. Now the back gate is troubled, Wei Zheng should guard it.” Taizong approved and summoned Wei Zheng to keep watch at the rear gate that night. Zheng accepted the command. That evening he dressed and equipped himself properly, took the precious sword that had slain the dragon and stood before the rear palace gate. Truly, a fine hero! Look at how he was dressed:
A blue kerchief of dressed silk binds his brow;a brocade robe and jade belt hang at his waist.Broad sleeves catch the wind, their colours fluttering like frost;his divine bearing surpasses Yulei and Shentu.Black boots with folded tops are on his feet;a keen blade in his hand makes him fierce and bold.His two eyes stare wide in every direction —what evil god would dare approach?All night until dawnthere were no ghosts.Though the front and rear gates were quiet,his illness only grew worse.
一日，太后又傳旨，召眾臣商議殯殮後事。太宗又宣徐茂公，吩咐國家大事，叮囑倣劉蜀主託孤之意。言畢，沐浴更衣，待時而已。傍閃魏徵，手扯龍衣，奏道：「陛下寬心，臣有一事，管保陛下長生。」太宗道：「病勢已入膏肓，命將危矣，如何保得？」徵云：「臣有書一封，進與陛下，捎去到陰司，付酆都判官崔珏。」太宗道：「崔珏是誰？」徵云：「崔珏乃是太上先皇帝駕前之臣，先受茲洲令，後陞禮部侍郎。在日與臣八拜為交，相知甚厚。他如今已死，現在陰司做掌生死文簿的酆都判官，夢中常與臣相會。此去若將此書付與他，他念微臣薄分，必然放陛下回來。管教魂魄還陽世，定取龍顏轉帝都。」太宗聞言，接在手中，籠入袖裡，遂瞑目而亡。那三宮六院、皇后嬪妃、侍長儲君及兩班文武，俱舉哀戴孝。又在白虎殿上，停著梓宮不題。
一日，太后又传旨，召众臣商议殡殓后事。太宗又宣徐茂公，吩咐国家大事，叮嘱倣刘蜀主托孤之意。言毕，沐浴更衣，待时而已。傍闪魏徵，手扯龙衣，奏道：「陛下宽心，臣有一事，管保陛下长生。」太宗道：「病势已入膏肓，命将危矣，如何保得？」征云：「臣有书一封，进与陛下，捎去到阴司，付酆都判官崔珏。」太宗道：「崔珏是谁？」征云：「崔珏乃是太上先皇帝驾前之臣，先受兹洲令，后升礼部侍郎。在日与臣八拜为交，相知甚厚。他如今已死，现在阴司做掌生死文簿的酆都判官，梦中常与臣相会。此去若将此书付与他，他念微臣薄分，必然放陛下回来。管教魂魄还阳世，定取龙颜转帝都。」太宗闻言，接在手中，笼入袖里，遂瞑目而亡。那三宫六院、皇后嫔妃、侍长储君及两班文武，俱举哀戴孝。又在白虎殿上，停着梓宫不题。
One day the Empress Dowager again issued a command, summoning the ministers to discuss the funeral and burial arrangements. Taizong called for Xu Maogong once more and entrusted him with the great affairs of state, charging him in the spirit of the ruler Liu of Shu entrusting his orphaned heir. When he had finished, he bathed and changed his clothes, and waited only for the hour. Wei Zheng stepped forward from beside him, caught hold of his dragon robe and said, “Your Majesty, set your mind at rest. Your servant has something that will surely preserve Your Majesty’s life.” Taizong said, “The illness has reached beyond all cure, and Our life is in danger. How can you preserve it?” Zheng said, “Your servant has a letter to give Your Majesty. Take it to the Underworld and deliver it to Cui Jue, Judge of Fengdu.” Taizong asked, “Who is Cui Jue?” Zheng said, “Cui Jue was a minister of the late retired Emperor. He was first appointed Magistrate of Cizhou, then promoted to Vice Minister of Rites. In life he and your servant became sworn brothers through the eight bows, and we were very close. Now he is dead and serves in the Underworld as Judge of Fengdu, keeping the registers of life and death. He often meets your servant in dreams. If you take this letter to him, he will remember his small regard for your humble servant and surely let Your Majesty return. Your soul is certain to come back to the world of the living; your imperial person will be restored to the capital.” Taizong took the letter and slipped it into his sleeve. Then he closed his eyes and died. The Empress and consorts of the three palaces and six courts, the attendants, the crown prince and both ranks of civil and military officials all raised their cries of mourning and put on mourning dress. His imperial coffin was laid in state in the White Tiger Hall; let us leave it there.
畢竟不知太宗如何還魂，且聽下回分解。
毕竟不知太宗如何还魂，且听下回分解。
But how did Taizong’s soul return to his body? To learn what happened next, read the next chapter.