詩曰：
百歲光陰似水流，一生事業等浮漚。昨朝面上桃花色，今日頭邊雪片浮。白蟻陣殘方是幻，子規聲切早回頭。古來陰騭能延壽，善不求憐天自周。
诗曰：
百岁光阴似水流，一生事业等浮沤。昨朝面上桃花色，今日头边雪片浮。白蚁阵残方是幻，子规声切早回头。古来阴骘能延寿，善不求怜天自周。
A poem says:
A hundred years flow past like water;a lifetime’s work is no more than floating foam.Yesterday peach blossoms coloured your face;today snowflakes drift about your head.The white ants’ ruined ranks reveal the dream;the cuckoo’s urgent cry bids you turn back early.Since ancient times, unseen good deeds have lengthened life;do good without seeking favour, and Heaven itself provides.
卻說太宗渺渺茫茫，魂靈徑出五鳳樓前，只見那御林軍馬，請大駕出朝採獵。太宗忻然從之，縹渺而去。行了多時，人馬俱無。獨自一個，散步荒郊草野之間。正驚惶難尋道路，只見那一邊，有一人高聲大叫道：「大唐皇帝，往這裡來，往這裡來。」太宗聞言，擡頭觀看，只見那人：
頭頂烏紗，腰圍犀角。頭頂烏紗飄軟帶，腰圍犀角顯金廂。手擎牙笏凝祥靄，身著羅袍隱瑞光。腳踏一雙粉底靴，登雲促霧；懷揣一本生死簿，注定存亡。鬢髮蓬鬆飄耳上，鬍鬚飛舞繞腮旁。昔日曾為唐國相，如今掌案侍閻王。
却说太宗渺渺茫茫，魂灵径出五凤楼前，只见那御林军马，请大驾出朝采猎。太宗忻然从之，缥渺而去。行了多时，人马俱无。独自一个，散步荒郊草野之间。正惊惶难寻道路，只见那一边，有一人高声大叫道：「大唐皇帝，往这里来，往这里来。」太宗闻言，抬头观看，只见那人：
头顶乌纱，腰围犀角。头顶乌纱飘软带，腰围犀角显金厢。手擎牙笏凝祥霭，身着罗袍隐瑞光。脚踏一双粉底靴，登云促雾；怀揣一本生死簿，注定存亡。鬓发蓬松飘耳上，胡须飞舞绕腮旁。昔日曾为唐国相，如今掌案侍阎王。
Now, Taizong drifted in a dim and boundless haze. His soul went straight out before the Five-Phoenix Tower, where he saw the troops of the Imperial Guard inviting him to leave court for a hunt. Taizong gladly followed them and floated away. They travelled for some time, then horses and men all vanished. He was alone, wandering through the grass and wilds beyond the city. Just as he grew frightened, unable to find his way, a man on one side shouted loudly, “Emperor of the Great Tang, come this way, come this way!” Taizong looked up at the sound. This is what he saw:
A black gauze cap upon his head,a rhinoceros-horn belt about his waist.Soft ribbons flutter from the black gauze cap;gold settings gleam upon the rhinoceros-horn belt.In his hand an ivory tablet gathers auspicious mist;on his body a gauze robe hides a blessed glow.A pair of white-soled boots upon his feet,he mounts the clouds and urges on the mist;a Register of Life and Death within his breast,he fixes who shall live and who shall die.His sideburns float above his ears;his whiskers fly around his cheeks.Once he served as a minister of the Tang;now he keeps the records for the King of the Underworld.
太宗行到那邊，只見他跪拜路旁，口稱：「陛下，赦臣失誤遠迎之罪。」太宗問曰：「你是何人？因甚事前來接拜？」那人道：「微臣半月前在森羅殿上，見涇河鬼龍告陛下許救反誅之故，第一殿秦廣大王即差鬼使催請陛下，要三曹對案。臣已知之，故來此間候接。不期今日來遲，望乞恕罪，恕罪。」太宗道：「你姓甚名誰？是何官職？」那人道：「微臣存日，在陽曹侍先君駕前，為茲州令，後拜禮部侍郎，姓崔名珏。今在陰司，得受酆都掌案判官。」太宗大喜，即近前，御手忙攙道：「先生遠勞。朕駕前魏徵有書一封，正寄與先生，卻好相遇。」判官謝恩，問書在何處。太宗即向袖中取出遞與。崔珏拜接了，拆封而看。其書曰： 辱愛弟魏徵頓首書拜大都案契兄崔老先生臺下：憶昔交遊，音容如在。倏爾數載，不聞清教。常只是遇節令，設蔬品奉祭，未卜享否？又承不棄，夢中臨示，始知我兄長大人高遷。奈何陰陽兩隔，天各一方，不能面覿。今因我太宗文皇帝倏然而故，料是對案三曹，必然得與兄長相會。萬祈俯念生日交情，方便一二，放我陛下回陽，殊為愛也。容再修謝。不盡。 那判官看了書，滿心歡喜道：「魏人曹前日夢斬老龍一事，臣已早知，甚是誇獎不盡。又蒙他早晚看顧臣的子孫，今日既有書來，陛下寬心，微臣管送陛下還陽，重登玉闕。」太宗稱謝了。
太宗行到那边，只见他跪拜路旁，口称：「陛下，赦臣失误远迎之罪。」太宗问曰：「你是何人？因甚事前来接拜？」那人道：「微臣半月前在森罗殿上，见泾河鬼龙告陛下许救反诛之故，第一殿秦广大王即差鬼使催请陛下，要三曹对案。臣已知之，故来此间候接。不期今日来迟，望乞恕罪，恕罪。」太宗道：「你姓甚名谁？是何官职？」那人道：「微臣存日，在阳曹侍先君驾前，为兹州令，后拜礼部侍郎，姓崔名珏。今在阴司，得受酆都掌案判官。」太宗大喜，即近前，御手忙搀道：「先生远劳。朕驾前魏徵有书一封，正寄与先生，却好相遇。」判官谢恩，问书在何处。太宗即向袖中取出递与。崔珏拜接了，拆封而看。其书曰： 辱爱弟魏徵顿首书拜大都案契兄崔老先生台下：忆昔交游，音容如在。倏尔数载，不闻清教。常只是遇节令，设蔬品奉祭，未卜享否？又承不弃，梦中临示，始知我兄长大人高迁。奈何阴阳两隔，天各一方，不能面觌。今因我太宗文皇帝倏然而故，料是对案三曹，必然得与兄长相会。万祈俯念生日交情，方便一二，放我陛下回阳，殊为爱也。容再修谢。不尽。 那判官看了书，满心欢喜道：「魏人曹前日梦斩老龙一事，臣已早知，甚是夸奖不尽。又蒙他早晚看顾臣的子孙，今日既有书来，陛下宽心，微臣管送陛下还阳，重登玉阙。」太宗称谢了。
When Taizong reached him, the man knelt by the roadside and bowed. “Your Majesty, pardon your servant for failing to come farther out to meet you.” Taizong asked, “Who are you? Why have you come to greet Us?” The man said, “Half a month ago, in the Hall of Universal Judgement, your humble servant saw the ghost of the Jing River dragon accuse Your Majesty of promising to save him, then having him killed instead. The Great King of Vast Qin, who rules the first court, at once sent a ghost messenger to summon Your Majesty for a hearing before the Three Administrations. Your servant knew of this and therefore came here to await you. I did not expect to arrive late today. I beg forgiveness, forgiveness.” Taizong said, “What is your surname and given name? What office do you hold?” The man said, “While alive, your humble servant served Your Majesty’s late father in the world of the living, first as Magistrate of Cizhou, then as Vice Minister of Rites. My surname is Cui, my given name Jue. Now, in the Underworld, I have been appointed Judge of Fengdu in charge of the records.” Taizong was delighted. He hurried forward and raised him with his own imperial hands. “Sir, you have troubled yourself to come a long way. Wei Zheng, who serves before Our throne, gave Us a letter for you. How fortunate that we have met!” The Judge thanked him for his favour and asked where the letter was. Taizong took it from his sleeve and handed it over. Cui Jue bowed as he received it, broke the seal and read. The letter said:
二人正說間，只見那邊有一對青衣童子執幢幡、寶蓋，高叫道：「閻王有請，有請。」太宗遂與崔判官並二童子舉步前進。忽見一座城，城門上掛著一面大牌，上寫著「幽冥地府鬼門關」七個大金字。那青衣將幢幡搖動，引太宗徑入城中，順街而走。只見那街傍邊有先主李淵、先兄建成、故弟元吉，上前道：「世民來了，世民來了。」那建成、元吉就來揪打索命。太宗躲閃不及，被他扯住。幸有崔判官喚一青面獠牙鬼使，喝退了建成、元吉，太宗方得脫身而去。行不數里，見一座碧瓦樓臺，真個壯麗。但見：
飄飄萬疊彩霞堆，隱隱千條紅霧現。耿耿簷飛怪獸頭，輝輝五疊鴛鴦片。門鑽幾路赤金釘，檻設一橫白玉段。牕牖近光放曉煙，簾櫳幌亮穿紅電。樓臺高聳接青霄，廊廡平排連寶院。獸鼎香雲襲御衣，絳紗燈火明宮扇。左邊猛烈擺牛頭，右下崢嶸羅馬面。接亡送鬼轉金牌，引魄招魂垂素練。喚作陰司總會門，下方閻老森羅殿。
二人正说间，只见那边有一对青衣童子执幢幡、宝盖，高叫道：「阎王有请，有请。」太宗遂与崔判官并二童子举步前进。忽见一座城，城门上挂着一面大牌，上写着「幽冥地府鬼门关」七个大金字。那青衣将幢幡摇动，引太宗径入城中，顺街而走。只见那街傍边有先主李渊、先兄建成、故弟元吉，上前道：「世民来了，世民来了。」那建成、元吉就来揪打索命。太宗躲闪不及，被他扯住。幸有崔判官唤一青面獠牙鬼使，喝退了建成、元吉，太宗方得脱身而去。行不数里，见一座碧瓦楼台，真个壮丽。但见：
飘飘万叠彩霞堆，隐隐千条红雾现。耿耿檐飞怪兽头，辉辉五叠鸳鸯片。门钻几路赤金钉，槛设一横白玉段。牕牖近光放晓烟，帘栊幌亮穿红电。楼台高耸接青霄，廊庑平排连宝院。兽鼎香云袭御衣，绛纱灯火明宫扇。左边猛烈摆牛头，右下峥嵘罗马面。接亡送鬼转金牌，引魄招魂垂素练。唤作阴司总会门，下方阎老森罗殿。
While the two were talking, a pair of boys in blue appeared, carrying banners and a precious canopy. They called loudly, “The King of the Underworld invites you! He invites you!” Taizong set out with Judge Cui and the two boys. Suddenly they saw a city, with a great board hung above its gate. On it, in seven large golden characters, was written: ‘The Ghost Gate of the Dark Underworld.’ The blue-robed boys waved their banners and led Taizong straight into the city and along its streets. Beside the street stood his late father, the former ruler Li Yuan, his dead elder brother Jiancheng and his dead younger brother Yuanji. They came forward, saying, “Shimin has come, Shimin has come!” Jiancheng and Yuanji lunged at him, grabbing and striking him, demanding his life. Taizong could not dodge them in time, and they caught hold of him. Fortunately Judge Cui called a ghost messenger with a blue face and protruding fangs, who shouted Jiancheng and Yuanji back. Only then did Taizong escape and go on. Before they had travelled a few li, they saw a lofty building roofed with green tiles, truly magnificent. This is what he saw:
Drifting banks of coloured clouds pile up in countless folds;a thousand threads of red mist faintly show.Bright beneath the flying eaves are heads of monstrous beasts;glittering in five tiers are pairs of roof tiles.Several rows of red-gold studs pierce the doors;one length of white jade forms the threshold.Windows catch the light and let out morning smoke;gleaming curtains and casements admit red lightning.Towers rise high to touch the azure sky;corridors run level into precious courts.Clouds of incense from beast-shaped burners brush the imperial robes;lamps behind crimson gauze light up the palace fans.On the left fierce Ox-Heads stand in ranks;on the right grim Horse-Faces crowd below.Golden tablets turn to greet the dead and send on ghosts;white streamers hang to guide spirits and summon souls.It is called the gathering gate of the Underworld:the old King’s Hall of Universal Judgement beneath the earth.
太宗正在外面觀看，只見那壁廂環珮叮噹，仙香奇異，外有兩對提燭，後面卻是十代閻王降階而至，是那十代閻君：秦廣王、初江王、宋帝王、仵官王、閻羅王、平等王、泰山王、都市王、卞城王、轉輪王。十王出在森羅寶殿，控背躬身，迎迓太宗。太宗謙下，不敢前行。十王道：「陛下是陽間人王，我等是陰間鬼王，分所當然，何須過讓？」太宗道：「朕得罪麾下，豈敢論陰陽人鬼之道？」遜之不已。太宗前行，徑入森羅殿上，與十王禮畢，分賓主坐定。
太宗正在外面观看，只见那壁厢环珮叮当，仙香奇异，外有两对提烛，后面却是十代阎王降阶而至，是那十代阎君：秦广王、初江王、宋帝王、仵官王、阎罗王、平等王、泰山王、都市王、卞城王、转轮王。十王出在森罗宝殿，控背躬身，迎迓太宗。太宗谦下，不敢前行。十王道：「陛下是阳间人王，我等是阴间鬼王，分所当然，何须过让？」太宗道：「朕得罪麾下，岂敢论阴阳人鬼之道？」逊之不已。太宗前行，径入森罗殿上，与十王礼毕，分宾主坐定。
Taizong was looking from outside when he heard jade pendants chime from one side and smelled a strange, heavenly fragrance. Two pairs of candle-bearers came first; behind them the Ten Kings of the Underworld descended the steps. These were the ten rulers: the King of Vast Qin, the King of the Chu River, the Song Emperor, the King of the Five Offices, the King of the Underworld, the King of Equality, the King of Mount Tai, the King of the Capital, the King of Bian City and the Wheel-Turning King. The Ten Kings came out of the Hall of Universal Judgement, bowed their backs and bent low to welcome Taizong. Taizong humbly held back, not daring to advance. The Ten Kings said, “Your Majesty is king of men in the living world; we are kings of ghosts in the world of the dead. These are our proper stations. Why insist on yielding?” Taizong said, “We stand accused before your officers. How dare We speak of the distinctions between the living and the dead, men and ghosts?” Still he kept yielding to them. At last Taizong advanced straight into the Hall of Universal Judgement. When he and the Ten Kings had exchanged their courtesies, they took their seats as guest and hosts.
約有片時，秦廣王拱手而進言曰：「涇河鬼龍告陛下許救而反殺之，何也？」太宗道：「朕曾夜夢老龍求救，實是允他無事。不期他犯罪當刑，該我那人曹官魏徵處斬。朕宣魏徵在殿著棋，不知他一夢而斬。這是那人曹官出沒神機，又是那龍王犯罪當死，豈是朕之過也？」十王聞言，伏禮道：「自那龍未生之前，南斗星死簿上已註定該遭殺於人曹之手，我等早已知之。但只是他在此折辨，定要陛下來此，三曹對案。是我等將他送入輪藏，轉生去了。今又有勞陛下降臨，望乞恕我催促之罪。」言畢，命掌生死簿判官急取簿子來，看陛下陽壽天祿該有幾何。崔判官急轉司房，將天下萬國國王天祿總簿，先逐一檢閱，只見南贍部洲大唐太宗皇帝註定貞觀一十三年。崔判官吃了一驚，急取濃墨大筆，將「一」字上添了兩畫，卻將簿子呈上。十王從頭一看，見太宗名下註定三十三年，閻王驚問：「陛下登基多少年了？」太宗道：「朕即位，今一十三年了。」閻王道：「陛下寬心勿慮，還有二十年陽壽。此一來已是對案明白，請返本還陽。」太宗聞言，躬身稱謝。十閻王差崔判官、朱太尉二人，送太宗還魂。太宗出森羅殿，又起手問十王道：「朕宮中老少安否如何？」十王道：「俱安，但恐御妹壽似不永。」太宗又再拜啟謝：「朕回陽世，無物可酬謝，惟答瓜果而已。」十王喜曰：「我處頗有東瓜、西瓜，只少南瓜。」太宗道：「朕回去即送來，即送來。」從此遂相揖而別。
约有片时，秦广王拱手而进言曰：「泾河鬼龙告陛下许救而反杀之，何也？」太宗道：「朕曾夜梦老龙求救，实是允他无事。不期他犯罪当刑，该我那人曹官魏徵处斩。朕宣魏徵在殿着棋，不知他一梦而斩。这是那人曹官出没神机，又是那龙王犯罪当死，岂是朕之过也？」十王闻言，伏礼道：「自那龙未生之前，南斗星死簿上已注定该遭杀于人曹之手，我等早已知之。但只是他在此折辨，定要陛下来此，三曹对案。是我等将他送入轮藏，转生去了。今又有劳陛下降临，望乞恕我催促之罪。」言毕，命掌生死簿判官急取簿子来，看陛下阳寿天禄该有几何。崔判官急转司房，将天下万国国王天禄总簿，先逐一检阅，只见南赡部洲大唐太宗皇帝注定贞观一十三年。崔判官吃了一惊，急取浓墨大笔，将「一」字上添了两画，却将簿子呈上。十王从头一看，见太宗名下注定三十三年，阎王惊问：「陛下登基多少年了？」太宗道：「朕即位，今一十三年了。」阎王道：「陛下宽心勿虑，还有二十年阳寿。此一来已是对案明白，请返本还阳。」太宗闻言，躬身称谢。十阎王差崔判官、朱太尉二人，送太宗还魂。太宗出森罗殿，又起手问十王道：「朕宫中老少安否如何？」十王道：「俱安，但恐御妹寿似不永。」太宗又再拜启谢：「朕回阳世，无物可酬谢，惟答瓜果而已。」十王喜曰：「我处颇有东瓜、西瓜，只少南瓜。」太宗道：「朕回去即送来，即送来。」从此遂相揖而别。
After a short while, the King of Vast Qin brought his hands together and addressed him. “The ghost of the Jing River dragon accuses Your Majesty of promising to save him, then having him killed instead. Why was this?” Taizong said, “We once dreamed at night that the old dragon begged Us to save him, and We did indeed promise that he would be safe. We did not expect that his offence called for execution, and that Our Officer of the Human Administration, Wei Zheng, was to behead him. We summoned Wei Zheng to play go in the hall, never knowing that he would behead the dragon in a dream. That was the Officer of the Human Administration appearing and vanishing by his mysterious powers; moreover, the Dragon King’s offence deserved death. How was it Our fault?” The Ten Kings bowed low when they heard this. “Before that dragon was even born, the Southern Dipper Star had entered in the register of deaths that he was to be slain by the Officer of the Human Administration. We knew this long ago. But he kept arguing his case here and insisted that Your Majesty come for a hearing before the Three Administrations. We have now sent him through the Wheel of Rebirth to be born again. We have troubled Your Majesty to come down here, and beg your pardon for summoning you so urgently.” When they had finished, they ordered the judge who kept the Register of Life and Death to fetch it at once, to see how much life and Heaven-granted rule His Majesty was allotted. Judge Cui hurried to the records office and first went through the general register of the reigns allotted to the kings of every country under heaven, entry by entry. He saw that Emperor Taizong of the Great Tang, in the Southern Continent of Jambudvipa, was allotted only thirteen years of the Zhenguan reign. Judge Cui started in alarm. He quickly took a large brush dipped in thick ink and added two strokes to the character for ‘one’, then presented the register. The Ten Kings read it from the beginning and found thirty-three years entered under Taizong’s name. The King of the Underworld asked in surprise, “How long has Your Majesty been on the throne?” Taizong said, “We have now reigned for thirteen years.” The King said, “Your Majesty may rest easy and have no fear. You have twenty more years of life in the living world. This visit has settled the case clearly. Please return to your body and to the living world.” Taizong bowed and thanked them. The Ten Kings appointed Judge Cui and Grand Commandant Zhu to escort him back to his body. As Taizong left the Hall of Universal Judgement, he again clasped his hands and asked them, “Are the old and young in Our palace safe and well?” The Ten Kings said, “They are all well, though we fear your imperial younger sister may not have long to live.” Taizong bowed once more in thanks. “When We return to the living world, We have nothing to offer in gratitude but melons and fruit.” The Ten Kings said happily, “We have plenty of winter melons and watermelons here, but no pumpkins.” Taizong said, “We shall send them as soon as We return, as soon as We return.” With that they bowed farewell to one another.
那太尉執一首引魂旛，在前引路。崔判官隨後保著太宗，徑出幽司。太宗舉目而看，不是舊路，問判官曰：「此路差矣？」判官道：「不差。陰司裡是這般，有去路，無來路。如今送陛下自轉輪藏出身，一則請陛下遊觀地府，一則教陛下轉托超生。」太宗只得隨他兩個引路前來。
那太尉执一首引魂旛，在前引路。崔判官随后保着太宗，径出幽司。太宗举目而看，不是旧路，问判官曰：「此路差矣？」判官道：「不差。阴司里是这般，有去路，无来路。如今送陛下自转轮藏出身，一则请陛下游观地府，一则教陛下转托超生。」太宗只得随他两个引路前来。
The Grand Commandant carried a soul-guiding banner and led the way, while Judge Cui followed behind to protect Taizong. They went straight out of the Underworld’s offices. Taizong looked around and saw that this was not their former road. “Have we taken the wrong way?” he asked the Judge. “No,” said the Judge. “This is how things are in the Underworld: there is a road onwards, but no road back. We are now taking Your Majesty out through the Wheel of Rebirth, both to let you see the Underworld and to bring you through to renewed life.” Taizong could only follow the two guides.
徑行數里，忽見一座高山，陰雲垂地，黑霧迷空。太宗道：「崔先生，那廂是甚麼山？」判官道：「乃幽冥背陰山。」太宗悚懼道：「朕如何去得？」判官道：「陛下寬心，有臣等引領。」太宗戰戰兢兢，相隨二人，上得山岩，擡頭觀看，只見：
形多凸凹，勢更崎嶇。峻如蜀嶺，高似廬巖。非陽世之名山，實陰司之險地。荊棘叢叢藏鬼怪，石崖磷磷隱邪魔。耳畔不聞獸鳥噪，眼前惟見鬼妖行。陰風颯颯，黑霧漫漫。陰風颯颯，是神兵口內哨來煙；黑霧漫漫，是鬼祟暗中噴出氣。一望高低無景色，相看左右盡猖亡。那裡山也有，峰也有，嶺也有，洞也有，澗也有；只是山不生草，峰不插天，嶺不行客，洞不納雲，澗不流水。岸前皆魍魎，嶺下盡神魔，洞中收野鬼，澗底隱邪魂。山前山後，牛頭馬面亂喧呼；半掩半藏，餓鬼窮魂時對泣。催命的判官，急急忙忙傳信票；追魂的太尉，吆吆喝喝趲公文。急腳子，旋風滾滾；勾司人，黑霧紛紛。太宗全靠著那判官保護，過了陰山。
径行数里，忽见一座高山，阴云垂地，黑雾迷空。太宗道：「崔先生，那厢是甚么山？」判官道：「乃幽冥背阴山。」太宗悚惧道：「朕如何去得？」判官道：「陛下宽心，有臣等引领。」太宗战战兢兢，相随二人，上得山岩，抬头观看，只见：
形多凸凹，势更崎岖。峻如蜀岭，高似庐岩。非阳世之名山，实阴司之险地。荆棘丛丛藏鬼怪，石崖磷磷隐邪魔。耳畔不闻兽鸟噪，眼前惟见鬼妖行。阴风飒飒，黑雾漫漫。阴风飒飒，是神兵口内哨来烟；黑雾漫漫，是鬼祟暗中喷出气。一望高低无景色，相看左右尽猖亡。那里山也有，峰也有，岭也有，洞也有，涧也有；只是山不生草，峰不插天，岭不行客，洞不纳云，涧不流水。岸前皆魍魉，岭下尽神魔，洞中收野鬼，涧底隐邪魂。山前山后，牛头马面乱喧呼；半掩半藏，饿鬼穷魂时对泣。催命的判官，急急忙忙传信票；追魂的太尉，吆吆喝喝趱公文。急脚子，旋风滚滚；勾司人，黑雾纷纷。太宗全靠着那判官保护，过了阴山。
After a few li they suddenly saw a high mountain. Dark clouds hung down to the ground, and black mist blinded the sky. Taizong said, “Master Cui, what mountain is that over there?” The Judge said, “It is Sunless Mountain in the Underworld.” Taizong asked in terror, “How can We cross it?” The Judge said, “Your Majesty, rest easy. Your servants are here to guide you.” Trembling and shaking, Taizong followed the two men up among the rocks. He raised his head to look. This is what he saw:
Its shapes are all hollows and humps;its slopes more rugged still.Steep as the mountains of Shu,high as the cliffs of Mount Lu.No famous mountain of the living world,but truly a perilous place of the dead.Thickets of thorns conceal ghosts and monsters;jagged stone cliffs hide evil demons.No cries of beasts or birds reach the ear;nothing but ghosts and demons moves before the eye.Cold winds hiss,black mist spreads.The hissing cold windsare smoke whistled from the mouths of spirit soldiers;the spreading black mistis breath blown secretly by lurking ghosts.Look across the heights and hollows: no fair scene;look to either side: all is wild and raging.There are mountains, peaks, ridges, caves and ravines;but the mountains grow no grass, the peaks do not pierce the sky, the ridges carry no travellers, the caves hold no clouds, the ravines run with no water.Before the banks stand goblins; below the ridges crowd spirits and demons; the caves collect wandering ghosts; the ravine bottoms hide evil souls.Before and behind the mountain,Ox-Heads and Horse-Faces shout in wild confusion;half concealed and half in hiding,hungry ghosts and destitute souls weep to one another.Judges who hasten deathhurry to send their summonses;commandants who pursue soulsshout and yell to speed their writs.Swift-footed runnersroll along in whirlwinds;officers who summon the deadswarm in black mist.Relying entirely on the Judge’s protection,Taizong crossed Sunless Mountain.
前進又歷了許多衙門，一處處俱是悲聲振耳，惡怪驚心。太宗又道：「此是何處？」判官道：「此是陰山背後一十八層地獄。」太宗道：「是那十八層？」判官道：「你聽我說：
吊筋獄、幽枉獄、火坑獄，寂寂寥寥，煩煩惱惱，盡皆是生前作下千般業，死後通來受罪名。酆都獄、拔舌獄、剝皮獄，哭哭啼啼，悽悽慘慘，只因不忠不孝傷天理，佛口蛇心墮此門。磨捱獄、碓搗獄、車崩獄，皮開肉綻，抹嘴咨牙，乃是瞞心昧己不公道，巧語花言暗損人。寒冰獄、脫殼獄、抽腸獄，垢面蓬頭，愁眉皺眼，都是大斗小秤欺痴蠢，致使災屯累自身。油鍋獄、黑暗獄、刀山獄，戰戰兢兢，悲悲切切，皆因強暴欺良善，藏頭縮頸苦伶仃。血池獄、阿鼻獄、秤杆獄，脫皮露骨，折臂斷筋，也只為謀財害命，宰畜屠生，墮落千年難解釋，沉淪永世不翻身。一個個緊縛牢拴，繩纏索綁。差些赤髮鬼、黑臉鬼，長槍短劍；牛頭鬼、馬面鬼，鐵簡銅鎚：只打得皺眉苦面血淋淋，叫地叫天無救應。
正是：
人生卻莫把心欺，神鬼昭彰放過誰？善惡到頭終有報，只爭來早與來遲。」太宗聽說，心中驚慘。
前进又历了许多衙门，一处处俱是悲声振耳，恶怪惊心。太宗又道：「此是何处？」判官道：「此是阴山背后一十八层地狱。」太宗道：「是那十八层？」判官道：「你听我说：
吊筋狱、幽枉狱、火坑狱，寂寂寥寥，烦烦恼恼，尽皆是生前作下千般业，死后通来受罪名。酆都狱、拔舌狱、剥皮狱，哭哭啼啼，凄凄惨惨，只因不忠不孝伤天理，佛口蛇心堕此门。磨挨狱、碓捣狱、车崩狱，皮开肉绽，抹嘴咨牙，乃是瞒心昧己不公道，巧语花言暗损人。寒冰狱、脱壳狱、抽肠狱，垢面蓬头，愁眉皱眼，都是大斗小秤欺痴蠢，致使灾屯累自身。油锅狱、黑暗狱、刀山狱，战战兢兢，悲悲切切，皆因强暴欺良善，藏头缩颈苦伶仃。血池狱、阿鼻狱、秤杆狱，脱皮露骨，折臂断筋，也只为谋财害命，宰畜屠生，堕落千年难解释，沉沦永世不翻身。一个个紧缚牢拴，绳缠索绑。差些赤发鬼、黑脸鬼，长枪短剑；牛头鬼、马面鬼，铁简铜锤：只打得皱眉苦面血淋淋，叫地叫天无救应。
正是：
人生却莫把心欺，神鬼昭彰放过谁？善恶到头终有报，只争来早与来迟。」太宗听说，心中惊惨。
They went on past many offices, each filled with cries of grief that shook the ears and terrible monsters that frightened the heart. Taizong asked again, “What place is this?” The Judge said, “These are the eighteen hells behind Sunless Mountain.” Taizong asked, “Which eighteen?” The Judge said, “Listen while I tell you:
The Hell of Hanging by the Sinews, the Hell of Dark Injustice and the Hell of the Fire Pit: desolate and lonely, tormented and troubled. All who come here committed a thousand kinds of evil in life and suffer their punishment after death.The Hell of Fengdu, the Hell of Tongue-Pulling and the Hell of Skinning: weeping and wailing, pitiful and miserable. They come through these gates for disloyalty and unfilial conduct that violate Heaven’s law, with a Buddha’s words on their lips and a serpent’s heart within.The Hell of the Millstones, the Hell of Pounding in Mortars and the Hell of Crushing by Carts: skin split and flesh torn, wiping their mouths and baring their teeth. They deceived their own consciences and acted unjustly, secretly harming others with clever words and flowery talk.The Hell of Ice, the Hell of Shedding the Shell and the Hell of Gut-Pulling: faces filthy, hair dishevelled, brows knit and eyes pinched. They cheated the simple and foolish with oversized measures and underweight scales, bringing calamity and trouble upon themselves.The Hell of the Oil Cauldron, the Hell of Darkness and the Hell of Knife Mountain: trembling and shaking, grieving and lamenting. For violence and oppression of the good, they hide their heads and shrink their necks, wretched and alone.The Hell of the Blood Pool, Avici Hell and the Hell of the Balance Beam: skin stripped and bones exposed, arms broken and sinews severed. For murdering to gain wealth, butchering animals and slaughtering living things, they fall for a thousand years with no release, sink for eternity and never rise again.Each is bound tight and fast,wound in ropes and tied with cords.Red-haired ghosts and black-faced ghostswield long spears and short swords;Ox-Head ghosts and Horse-Face ghostswield iron maces and bronze hammers.They beat them till their brows knit, their faces twist and blood streams down.They cry to earth and cry to heaven, but no rescue comes.
Truly:
In this life, never cheat your conscience;what man escapes the watchful gods and ghosts?Good and evil meet their recompense at last;the only difference is whether it comes soon or late.”Taizong listened,his heart appalled and full of dread.
進前又走不多時，見一夥鬼卒各執幢幡，路傍跪下道：「橋梁使者來接。」判官喝令起去，上前引著太宗，從金橋而過。太宗又見那一邊有一座銀橋，橋上行幾個忠孝賢良之輩，公平正大之人，亦有幢幡接引；那壁廂又有一橋，寒風滾滾，血浪滔滔，號泣之聲不絕。太宗問道：「那座橋是何名色？」判官道：「陛下，那叫做奈河橋。若到陽間，切須傳記。那橋下都是些：
奔流浩浩之水，險峻窄窄之路。儼如疋練搭長江，卻似火坑浮上界。陰氣逼人寒透骨，腥風撲鼻味鑽心。波翻浪滾，往來並沒渡人船；赤腳蓬頭，出入盡皆作業鬼。橋長數里，闊只三㪥，高有百尺，深卻千重。上無扶手欄杆，下有搶人惡怪。枷杻纏身，打上奈河險路。你看那橋邊神將甚兇頑，河內孽魂真苦惱。枒杈樹上，掛的是青紅黃紫色絲衣；壁斗崖前，蹲的是毀罵公婆淫潑婦。銅蛇鐵狗任爭餐，永墮奈河無出路。」
詩曰：
時聞鬼哭與神號，血水渾波萬丈高。無數牛頭並馬面，猙獰把守奈河橋。
进前又走不多时，见一伙鬼卒各执幢幡，路傍跪下道：「桥梁使者来接。」判官喝令起去，上前引着太宗，从金桥而过。太宗又见那一边有一座银桥，桥上行几个忠孝贤良之辈，公平正大之人，亦有幢幡接引；那壁厢又有一桥，寒风滚滚，血浪滔滔，号泣之声不绝。太宗问道：「那座桥是何名色？」判官道：「陛下，那叫做奈河桥。若到阳间，切须传记。那桥下都是些：
奔流浩浩之水，险峻窄窄之路。俨如疋练搭长江，却似火坑浮上界。阴气逼人寒透骨，腥风扑鼻味钻心。波翻浪滚，往来并没渡人船；赤脚蓬头，出入尽皆作业鬼。桥长数里，阔只三㪥，高有百尺，深却千重。上无扶手栏杆，下有抢人恶怪。枷杻缠身，打上奈河险路。你看那桥边神将甚凶顽，河内孽魂真苦恼。枒杈树上，挂的是青红黄紫色丝衣；壁斗崖前，蹲的是毁骂公婆淫泼妇。铜蛇铁狗任争餐，永堕奈河无出路。」
诗曰：
时闻鬼哭与神号，血水浑波万丈高。无数牛头并马面，狰狞把守奈河桥。
They had not gone much farther when a band of ghost soldiers, each holding a banner, knelt by the roadside. “The bridge envoys have come to meet you,” they said. The Judge ordered them to rise and move aside, then led Taizong over a golden bridge. Taizong saw a silver bridge nearby, crossed by a few loyal, filial and worthy people, just and upright men, who also had banners to greet and guide them. On the other side was yet another bridge, where cold winds rolled and waves of blood surged; the sound of weeping never ceased. Taizong asked, “What is that bridge called?” The Judge said, “Your Majesty, it is called the Nai River Bridge. When you return to the living world, be sure to tell people of it. Beneath that bridge there is nothing but:
Water rushing in mighty torrents, a perilous road narrow and steep.Like a strip of white silk laid across the Yangtze River, like a fire pit floating into the world above.The deathly air presses upon you, cold to the bone; the reeking wind assaults the nose, its stench piercing the heart.Waves heave and billows roll, with no ferryboat to carry anyone across;barefoot and dishevelled, all who enter and leave are ghosts burdened with evil deeds.The bridge is several li long, only three handspans wide, a hundred feet high, with a thousand depths below.Above are no handrails or balustrades; below are evil monsters that seize men.Bound in cangues and fetters, they are driven onto the perilous road over the Nai River.Look how fierce and brutal the spirit guards beside the bridge are, how tormented the sinful souls within the river.On the branching trees hang silken clothes of blue, red, yellow and purple;before the sheer cliffs crouch lewd and shrewish women who reviled their fathers- and mothers-in-law.Bronze snakes and iron dogs fight at will over their meals. Fallen forever into the Nai River, there is no way out.”
A poem says:
Often come the cries of ghosts and howls of spirits; muddy waves of blood rise ten thousand feet.Countless Ox-Heads and Horse-Faces fiercely guard the Nai River Bridge.
正說間，那幾個橋梁使者早已回去了。太宗心又驚惶，點頭暗嘆，默默悲傷。相隨著判官、太尉，早過了奈河惡水，血盆苦界。前又到枉死城，只聽哄哄人嚷，分明說：「李世民來了，李世民來了。」太宗聽叫，心驚膽戰。見一夥拖腰折臂、有足無頭的鬼魅，上前攔住；都叫道：「還我命來！還我命來！」慌得那太宗藏藏躲躲，只叫：「崔先生救我！崔先生救我！」判官道：「陛下，那些人都是那六十四處煙塵、七十二處草寇眾王子、眾頭目的鬼魂，盡是枉死的冤業，無收無管，不得超生，又無錢鈔盤纏，都是孤寒餓鬼。陛下得些錢鈔與他，我才救得哩。」太宗道：「寡人空身到此，卻那裡得有錢鈔？」判官道：「陛下，陽間有一人，金銀若干，在我這陰司裡寄放。陛下可出名立一約，小判可作保，且借他一庫，給散這些餓鬼，方得過去。」太宗問曰：「此人是誰？」判官道：「他是河南開封府人氏，姓相名良，他有十三庫金銀在此。陛下若借用過他的，到陽間還他便了。」太宗甚喜，情願出名借用。遂立了文書與判官，借他金銀一庫，著太尉盡行給散。判官復吩咐道：「這些金銀，汝等可均分用度，放你大唐爺爺過去，他的陽壽還早哩。我領了十王鈞語，送他還魂，教他到陽間做一個水陸大會，度汝等超生，再休生事。」眾鬼聞言，得了金銀，俱唯唯而退。判官令太尉搖動引魂幡，領太宗出離了枉死城中，奔上平陽大路，飄飄蕩蕩而去。
正说间，那几个桥梁使者早已回去了。太宗心又惊惶，点头暗叹，默默悲伤。相随着判官、太尉，早过了奈河恶水，血盆苦界。前又到枉死城，只听哄哄人嚷，分明说：「李世民来了，李世民来了。」太宗听叫，心惊胆战。见一伙拖腰折臂、有足无头的鬼魅，上前拦住；都叫道：「还我命来！还我命来！」慌得那太宗藏藏躲躲，只叫：「崔先生救我！崔先生救我！」判官道：「陛下，那些人都是那六十四处烟尘、七十二处草寇众王子、众头目的鬼魂，尽是枉死的冤业，无收无管，不得超生，又无钱钞盘缠，都是孤寒饿鬼。陛下得些钱钞与他，我才救得哩。」太宗道：「寡人空身到此，却那里得有钱钞？」判官道：「陛下，阳间有一人，金银若干，在我这阴司里寄放。陛下可出名立一约，小判可作保，且借他一库，给散这些饿鬼，方得过去。」太宗问曰：「此人是谁？」判官道：「他是河南开封府人氏，姓相名良，他有十三库金银在此。陛下若借用过他的，到阳间还他便了。」太宗甚喜，情愿出名借用。遂立了文书与判官，借他金银一库，着太尉尽行给散。判官复吩咐道：「这些金银，汝等可均分用度，放你大唐爷爷过去，他的阳寿还早哩。我领了十王钧语，送他还魂，教他到阳间做一个水陆大会，度汝等超生，再休生事。」众鬼闻言，得了金银，俱唯唯而退。判官令太尉摇动引魂幡，领太宗出离了枉死城中，奔上平阳大路，飘飘荡荡而去。
While they were talking, the bridge envoys had already gone back. Once more Taizong’s heart was frightened and unsettled. He nodded and sighed to himself, grieving in silence. Following the Judge and the Grand Commandant, he soon passed beyond the evil waters of the Nai River and the tormented realm of the blood basin. Ahead they reached the City of Wrongful Death. A roar of voices could be heard, plainly saying, “Li Shimin has come, Li Shimin has come!” At the sound Taizong trembled with terror. A band of ghosts dragging their waists, their arms broken, with feet but no heads, came forward to bar his way. They all cried, “Give me back my life! Give me back my life!” Taizong ducked and hid in panic, crying only, “Master Cui, save Us! Master Cui, save Us!” The Judge said, “Your Majesty, these are the ghosts of princes and leaders from the sixty-four rebel risings and the seventy-two bands of outlaws. All died wrongful deaths and are burdened with grievances. No one takes them in or looks after them; they cannot be reborn. They have no money for their expenses and are all lonely, destitute, hungry ghosts. Only if Your Majesty gives them some money can I save you.” Taizong said, “We came here with nothing. Where are We to get money?” The Judge said, “Your Majesty, a man in the living world has deposited a great deal of gold and silver here in our Underworld. Your Majesty can sign an agreement in your own name, and this humble judge can stand surety. Borrow one treasury from him for now and distribute it among these hungry ghosts; only then can you pass.” Taizong asked, “Who is this man?” The Judge said, “He comes from Kaifeng Prefecture in Henan. His surname is Xiang, his given name Liang. He has thirteen treasuries of gold and silver here. If Your Majesty borrows from him, you need only repay him when you return to the living world.” Taizong was delighted and willingly agreed to borrow in his own name. He drew up a document with the Judge, borrowed one treasury of gold and silver, and had the Grand Commandant distribute it all. The Judge gave the ghosts further orders: “Divide this gold and silver equally among yourselves for your expenses, and let your Great Tang grandfather pass. His life is far from over. I have received the commands of the Ten Kings to escort him back to his body and have him hold a Water and Land Assembly in the living world, to deliver you into rebirth. Make no more trouble.” When the ghosts heard this and received the gold and silver, they all murmured assent and withdrew. The Judge ordered the Grand Commandant to wave the soul-guiding banner and lead Taizong out of the City of Wrongful Death. They came onto a broad, level road and floated away.
前進多時，卻來到六道輪迴之所。又見那騰雲的，身披霞帔；受籙的，腰掛金魚。僧尼道俗，走獸飛禽，魑魅魍魎，滔滔都奔走那輪迴之下，各進其道。唐王問曰：「此意何如？」判官道：「陛下明心見性，是必記了，傳與陽間人知。這喚做六道輪迴：那行善的，昇化仙道；盡忠的，超生貴道；行孝的，再生福道；公平的，還生人道；積德的，轉生富道；惡毒的，沉淪鬼道。」唐王聽說，點頭嘆曰：「
善哉真善哉，作善果無災。善心常切切，善道大開開。莫教興惡念，是必少刁乖。休言不報應，神鬼有安排。」
前进多时，却来到六道轮回之所。又见那腾云的，身披霞帔；受箓的，腰挂金鱼。僧尼道俗，走兽飞禽，魑魅魍魉，滔滔都奔走那轮回之下，各进其道。唐王问曰：「此意何如？」判官道：「陛下明心见性，是必记了，传与阳间人知。这唤做六道轮回：那行善的，升化仙道；尽忠的，超生贵道；行孝的，再生福道；公平的，还生人道；积德的，转生富道；恶毒的，沉沦鬼道。」唐王听说，点头叹曰：「
善哉真善哉，作善果无灾。善心常切切，善道大开开。莫教兴恶念，是必少刁乖。休言不报应，神鬼有安排。」
After travelling on for a long time, they reached the place of the Six Paths of Rebirth. Taizong saw cloud-riders wearing capes of coloured light, and those entered in the registers wearing golden fish at their waists. Monks and nuns, Daoists and layfolk, beasts and birds, goblins and sprites all streamed towards the Wheel of Rebirth and entered their respective paths. The Tang Emperor asked, “What does this mean?” The Judge said, “Your Majesty, make your heart clear and understand your nature. Be sure to remember this and tell the people of the living world. These are called the Six Paths of Rebirth. Those who do good ascend by transformation to the path of immortals; those who give complete loyalty are reborn into the path of high rank; the filial are born again into the path of blessings; the just return to the path of human life; those who accumulate virtue are reborn into the path of wealth; the malicious sink into the path of ghosts.” The Tang Emperor listened, nodded and sighed:
“Good indeed, truly good!Do good, and no disaster follows.Let the good heart be ever earnest;let the good path open wide.Never let an evil thought arise;be sure to practise less deceit.Do not say there is no recompense:gods and ghosts have made their plans.”
判官送唐王直至那超生貴道門，拜呼唐王道：「陛下啊，此間乃出頭之處，小判告回，著朱太尉再送一程。」唐王謝道：「有勞先生遠踄。」判官道：「陛下到陽間，千萬做個水陸大會，超度那無主的冤魂，切勿忘了。若是陰司裡無報怨之聲，陽世間方得享太平之慶。凡百不善之處，俱可一一改過。普諭世人為善，管教你後代綿長，江山永固。」
判官送唐王直至那超生贵道门，拜呼唐王道：「陛下啊，此间乃出头之处，小判告回，着朱太尉再送一程。」唐王谢道：「有劳先生远踄。」判官道：「陛下到阳间，千万做个水陆大会，超度那无主的冤魂，切勿忘了。若是阴司里无报怨之声，阳世间方得享太平之庆。凡百不善之处，俱可一一改过。普谕世人为善，管教你后代绵长，江山永固。」
The Judge escorted the Tang Emperor all the way to the gate of the path of rebirth into high rank, then bowed and called to him. “Your Majesty, this is where you come out. This humble judge takes his leave; Grand Commandant Zhu will escort you a little farther.” The Tang Emperor thanked him. “Sir, We have troubled you to walk so far.” The Judge said, “When Your Majesty reaches the living world, be sure to hold a Water and Land Assembly to deliver those wronged souls who have no one to care for them. Do not forget. Only when no voices cry for vengeance in the Underworld can the living world enjoy the blessings of peace. Whatever wrongs there may be, correct them one by one. Proclaim to all the people that they should do good, and your descendants are certain to continue for generations and your realm to endure forever.”
唐王一一准奏，辭了崔判官，隨著朱太尉，同入門來。那太尉見門裡有一匹海騮馬，鞍韂齊備，急請唐王上馬，太尉左右扶持。馬行如箭，早到了渭水河邊。只見那水面上有一對金色鯉魚，在河裡翻波跳鬥。唐王見了心喜，兜馬貪看不捨。太尉道：「陛下，趲動些，趁早趕時辰進城去也。」那唐王只管貪看，不肯前行。被太尉撮著腳，高呼道：「還不走，等甚？」撲的一聲，望那渭河推下馬去。卻就脫了陰司，徑回陽世。
唐王一一准奏，辞了崔判官，随着朱太尉，同入门来。那太尉见门里有一匹海骝马，鞍韂齐备，急请唐王上马，太尉左右扶持。马行如箭，早到了渭水河边。只见那水面上有一对金色鲤鱼，在河里翻波跳斗。唐王见了心喜，兜马贪看不舍。太尉道：「陛下，趱动些，趁早赶时辰进城去也。」那唐王只管贪看，不肯前行。被太尉撮着脚，高呼道：「还不走，等甚？」扑的一声，望那渭河推下马去。却就脱了阴司，径回阳世。
The Tang Emperor approved each of these requests, took leave of Judge Cui and followed Grand Commandant Zhu through the gate. Inside, the Grand Commandant saw a bay horse with saddle and saddlecloth ready. He hurried to invite the Emperor to mount, supporting him as needed on either side. The horse sped like an arrow and soon reached the bank of the Wei River. On the water a pair of golden carp were churning the waves, leaping and playing. The sight delighted the Tang Emperor. He reined in his horse and watched so eagerly that he could not tear himself away. The Grand Commandant said, “Your Majesty, hurry a little. We must reach the city in good time.” But the Tang Emperor kept watching and would not go on. The Grand Commandant seized his foot and shouted, “Still not moving? What are you waiting for?” With a splash, he shoved him off the horse towards the Wei River. And so Taizong escaped the Underworld and went straight back to the world of the living.
卻說那唐朝駕下有徐茂公、秦叔寶、胡敬德、段志玄、馬三寶、程咬金、高士廉、李世勣、房玄齡、杜如晦、蕭瑀、傅奕、張道源、張士衡、王珪等兩班文武，俱保著那東宮太子與皇后、嬪妃、宮娥、侍長，都在那白虎殿上舉哀。一壁廂議傳哀詔，要曉諭天下，欲扶太子登基。時有魏徵在傍道：「列位且住，不可，不可。假若驚動州縣，恐生不測。且再按候一日，我主必還魂也。」下邊閃上許敬宗道：「魏丞相言之甚謬。自古云：『潑水難收，人逝不返。』你怎麼還說這等虛言，惑亂人心，是何道理？」魏徵道：「不瞞許先生說，下官自幼得授仙術，推算最明，管取陛下不死。」
却说那唐朝驾下有徐茂公、秦叔宝、胡敬德、段志玄、马三宝、程咬金、高士廉、李世𪟝、房玄龄、杜如晦、萧瑀、傅奕、张道源、张士衡、王珪等两班文武，俱保着那东宫太子与皇后、嫔妃、宫娥、侍长，都在那白虎殿上举哀。一壁厢议传哀诏，要晓谕天下，欲扶太子登基。时有魏徵在傍道：「列位且住，不可，不可。假若惊动州县，恐生不测。且再按候一日，我主必还魂也。」下边闪上许敬宗道：「魏丞相言之甚谬。自古云：『泼水难收，人逝不返。』你怎么还说这等虚言，惑乱人心，是何道理？」魏徵道：「不瞒许先生说，下官自幼得授仙术，推算最明，管取陛下不死。」
Meanwhile, the civil and military officials of the Tang court — Xu Maogong, Qin Shubao, Yuchi Jingde, Duan Zhixuan, Ma Sanbao, Cheng Yaojin, Gao Shilian, Li Shiji, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Xiao Yu, Fu Yi, Zhang Daoyuan, Zhang Shiheng, Wang Gui and the others — were all attending the crown prince of the Eastern Palace, the Empress, the consorts, the palace maids and the senior attendants as they mourned in the White Tiger Hall. They were also discussing a proclamation of mourning to notify the whole empire and planning to put the crown prince on the throne. Wei Zheng spoke from one side. “Gentlemen, wait. You must not, you must not. If you alarm the prefectures and counties, I fear unforeseen trouble may arise. Wait just one more day; our sovereign’s soul is certain to return to his body.” Xu Jingzong stepped out from below. “Chancellor Wei is gravely mistaken. As the old saying goes, ‘Spilt water cannot be gathered up; the dead do not return.’ Why do you still speak such empty words to confuse people’s minds? What sense is there in it?” Wei Zheng said, “To speak frankly, Master Xu, your humble colleague was taught the arts of immortals from childhood and is most skilled in calculation. I guarantee that His Majesty will live.”
正講處，只聽得棺中連聲大叫道：「渰殺我耶！渰殺我耶！」諕得個文官武將心慌，皇后嬪妃膽戰。一個個：
面如秋後黃桑葉，腰似春前嫩柳條。儲君腳軟，難扶喪杖盡哀儀；侍長魂飛，怎戴梁冠遵孝禮。嬪妃打跌，綵女欹斜。嬪妃打跌，卻如狂風吹倒敗芙蓉；綵女欹斜，好似驟雨沖歪嬌菡萏。眾臣悚懼，骨軟筋麻。戰戰兢兢，痴痴啞啞。把一座白虎殿，卻像斷梁橋；鬧喪臺，就如倒塌寺。
此時眾宮人走得精光，那個敢近靈扶柩。多虧了正直的徐茂公、理烈的魏丞相、有膽量的秦瓊、忒猛撞的敬德，上前來扶著棺材，叫道：「陛下有甚麼放不下心處，說與我等，不要弄鬼，驚駭了眷族。」魏徵道：「不是弄鬼，此乃陛下還魂也。快取器械來。」打開棺蓋，果見太宗坐在裡面，還叫：「渰死我了！是誰救撈？」茂公等上前扶起道：「陛下甦醒，莫怕，臣等都在此護駕哩。」唐王方才開眼道：「朕適才好苦：
躲過陰司惡鬼難，又遭水面喪身災。」
眾臣道：「陛下寬心勿懼，有甚水災來？」唐王道：「朕騎著馬，正行至渭水河邊，見雙頭魚戲。被朱太尉欺心，將朕推下馬來，跌落河中，幾乎渰死。」魏徵道：「陛下鬼氣尚未解。」急著太醫院進安神定魄湯藥，又安排粥膳。連服一二次，方才反本還原，知得人事。一計唐王死去，已三晝夜，復回陽間為君。有詩為證：
萬古江山幾變更，歷來數代敗和成。周秦漢晉多奇事，誰似唐王死復生？當日天色已晚，眾臣請王歸寢，各各散訖。
正讲处，只听得棺中连声大叫道：「渰杀我耶！渰杀我耶！」諕得个文官武将心慌，皇后嫔妃胆战。一个个：
面如秋后黄桑叶，腰似春前嫩柳条。储君脚软，难扶丧杖尽哀仪；侍长魂飞，怎戴梁冠遵孝礼。嫔妃打跌，彩女欹斜。嫔妃打跌，却如狂风吹倒败芙蓉；彩女欹斜，好似骤雨冲歪娇菡萏。众臣悚惧，骨软筋麻。战战兢兢，痴痴哑哑。把一座白虎殿，却像断梁桥；闹丧台，就如倒塌寺。
此时众宫人走得精光，那个敢近灵扶柩。多亏了正直的徐茂公、理烈的魏丞相、有胆量的秦琼、忒猛撞的敬德，上前来扶着棺材，叫道：「陛下有甚么放不下心处，说与我等，不要弄鬼，惊骇了眷族。」魏徵道：「不是弄鬼，此乃陛下还魂也。快取器械来。」打开棺盖，果见太宗坐在里面，还叫：「渰死我了！是谁救捞？」茂公等上前扶起道：「陛下苏醒，莫怕，臣等都在此护驾哩。」唐王方才开眼道：「朕适才好苦：
躲过阴司恶鬼难，又遭水面丧身灾。」
众臣道：「陛下宽心勿惧，有甚水灾来？」唐王道：「朕骑着马，正行至渭水河边，见双头鱼戏。被朱太尉欺心，将朕推下马来，跌落河中，几乎渰死。」魏徵道：「陛下鬼气尚未解。」急着太医院进安神定魄汤药，又安排粥膳。连服一二次，方才反本还原，知得人事。一计唐王死去，已三昼夜，复回阳间为君。有诗为证：
万古江山几变更，历来数代败和成。周秦汉晋多奇事，谁似唐王死复生？当日天色已晚，众臣请王归寝，各各散讫。
As they were speaking, repeated cries came from inside the coffin: “We’re drowning! We’re drowning!” The civil and military officials were thrown into panic, and the Empress and consorts shook with fear. Every one of them:
Faces like yellow mulberry leaves after autumn, waists like tender willow twigs before spring.The crown prince’s legs give way; he can hardly lean on his mourning staff to perform the rites of grief.The senior attendants are frightened out of their souls; how can they wear their ridged caps and observe the mourning forms?Consorts stumble, palace maidens sway.Consorts stumble like withered hibiscus blown down by a wild wind;palace maidens sway like delicate lotus buds bent sideways by sudden rain.All the ministers are terrified, bones weak and sinews numb.Trembling and shaking, dazed and speechless.The White Tiger Hall becomes a bridge with broken beams;the mourning platform is like a fallen temple.
By now all the palace servants had fled. Who dared go near the bier and steady the coffin? Fortunately, upright Xu Maogong, resolute Chancellor Wei, courageous Qin Shubao and fiercely headstrong Jingde went forward, held the coffin and called, “Your Majesty, what is there you cannot set your mind at rest about? Tell us. Do not play the ghost and frighten your family.” Wei Zheng said, “He is not playing the ghost. His Majesty’s soul has returned. Quickly, fetch tools.” They opened the coffin lid and indeed saw Taizong sitting inside, still crying, “We’re drowning! Who will pull Us out?” Maogong and the others helped him up. “Your Majesty has awakened. Do not be afraid. Your servants are all here to protect you.” Only then did the Tang Emperor open his eyes. “What suffering We have just endured!
We escaped the evil ghosts of the Underworld, only to face death on the water.”
The ministers said, “Your Majesty, rest easy and have no fear. What danger from water can there be?” The Tang Emperor said, “We were riding a horse and had just reached the Wei River, where We saw a pair of fish playing. Grand Commandant Zhu treacherously pushed Us off the horse into the river, and We nearly drowned.” Wei Zheng said, “Your Majesty is still under the influence of the dead.” He hurried to have the Imperial Medical Bureau bring a decoction to calm the spirit and settle the soul, and had rice gruel prepared. Only after taking it once or twice did Taizong return to himself and become aware of his surroundings. They reckoned that the Tang Emperor had been dead for three days and nights before returning to the living world to rule. There is a poem to prove it:
Through all the ages, how often hills and rivers change; dynasty after dynasty has known failure and success.The Zhou, Qin, Han and Jin saw many wonders — who was like the Tang Emperor, dying and coming back to life?It was late that day. The ministers asked the Emperor to retire to his bedchamber,and each went his way.
次早，脫卻孝衣，換了綵服，一個個紅袍烏帽，一個個紫綬金章，在那朝門外等候宣召。
次早，脱却孝衣，换了彩服，一个个红袍乌帽，一个个紫绶金章，在那朝门外等候宣召。
Early the next morning they took off their mourning clothes and changed into coloured robes. Each in a red robe and black cap, each with a purple ribbon and golden seal, they waited outside the audience gate to be summoned.
卻說太宗自服了安神定魄之劑，連進了數次粥湯，被眾臣扶入寢室，一夜穩睡，保養精神，直至天明方起，抖擻威儀，你看他怎生打扮：
戴一頂沖天冠，穿一領赭黃袍。繫一條藍田碧玉帶，踏一對創業無憂履。貌堂堂，賽過當朝；威烈烈，重興今日。好一個清平有道的大唐王，起死回生的李陛下。
却说太宗自服了安神定魄之剂，连进了数次粥汤，被众臣扶入寝室，一夜稳睡，保养精神，直至天明方起，抖擞威仪，你看他怎生打扮：
戴一顶冲天冠，穿一领赭黄袍。系一条蓝田碧玉带，踏一对创业无忧履。貌堂堂，赛过当朝；威烈烈，重兴今日。好一个清平有道的大唐王，起死回生的李陛下。
Now, after Taizong had taken the medicine to calm his spirit and settle his soul and had eaten rice gruel several times, the ministers helped him into his bedchamber. He slept soundly all night, restoring his strength, and did not rise until dawn. Then he gathered all his imperial majesty. Look at how he was dressed:
A crown soaring towards heaven on his head,a robe of ochre yellow on his body.A belt of green Lantian jade about his waist,a pair of shoes for founding a realm without care upon his feet.His bearing grand,surpassing his former days at court;his majesty fierce,renewed this very day.A fine Great Tang Emperor, peaceful and just in his rule;His Majesty Li, raised from death to life.
唐王上金鑾寶殿，聚集兩班文武，山呼已畢，依品分班。只聽得傳旨道：「有事出班來奏，無事退朝。」那東廂閃過徐茂公、魏徵、王珪、杜如晦、房玄齡、袁天罡、李淳風、許敬宗等；西廂閃過殷開山、劉洪基、馬三寶、段志玄、程咬金、秦叔寶、胡敬德、薛仁貴等，一齊上前，在白玉階前俯伏啟奏道：「陛下前朝一夢，如何許久方覺？」太宗道：「日前接得魏徵書，朕覺神魂出殿，只見羽林軍請朕出獵。正行時，人馬無蹤，又見那先君父王與先兄弟爭嚷。正難解處，見一人烏帽皂袍，乃是判官崔珏，喝退先兄弟。朕將魏徵書傳遞與他。正看時，又見青衣者執幢幡，引朕入內，到森羅殿上，與十代閻王敘坐。他說那涇河龍誣告我許救轉殺之事，是朕將前言陳具一遍。他說已三曹對過案了，急命取生死文簿，檢看我的陽壽。時有崔判官傳上簿子，閻王看了，道寡人有三十三年天祿，才過得一十三年，還該我二十年陽壽，即著朱太尉、崔判官送朕回來。朕與十王作別，允了送他瓜果謝恩。自出了森羅殿，見那陰司裡不忠不孝、非禮非義、作踐五穀、明欺暗騙、大斗小秤、姦盜詐偽、淫邪欺罔之徒，受那些磨燒舂剉之苦，煎熬弔剝之刑，有千千萬萬，看之不足。又過著枉死城中，有無數的冤魂，盡都是六十四處煙塵的草寇、七十二處叛賊的魂靈，擋住了朕之來路。幸虧崔判官作保，借得河南相老兒的金銀一庫，買轉鬼魂，方得前行。崔判官教朕回陽世，千萬作一場水陸大會，超度那無主的孤魂，將此言叮嚀。分別出了那六道輪迴之下，有朱太尉請朕上馬，飛也相似，行到渭水河邊，我看見那水面上有雙頭魚戲。正歡喜處，他將我撮著腳，推下水中，朕方得還魂也。」眾臣聞此言，無不稱賀。遂此編行傳報天下，各府縣官員上表稱慶不題。
唐王上金銮宝殿，聚集两班文武，山呼已毕，依品分班。只听得传旨道：「有事出班来奏，无事退朝。」那东厢闪过徐茂公、魏徵、王珪、杜如晦、房玄龄、袁天罡、李淳风、许敬宗等；西厢闪过殷开山、刘洪基、马三宝、段志玄、程咬金、秦叔宝、胡敬德、薛仁贵等，一齐上前，在白玉阶前俯伏启奏道：「陛下前朝一梦，如何许久方觉？」太宗道：「日前接得魏徵书，朕觉神魂出殿，只见羽林军请朕出猎。正行时，人马无踪，又见那先君父王与先兄弟争嚷。正难解处，见一人乌帽皂袍，乃是判官崔珏，喝退先兄弟。朕将魏徵书传递与他。正看时，又见青衣者执幢幡，引朕入内，到森罗殿上，与十代阎王叙坐。他说那泾河龙诬告我许救转杀之事，是朕将前言陈具一遍。他说已三曹对过案了，急命取生死文簿，检看我的阳寿。时有崔判官传上簿子，阎王看了，道寡人有三十三年天禄，才过得一十三年，还该我二十年阳寿，即着朱太尉、崔判官送朕回来。朕与十王作别，允了送他瓜果谢恩。自出了森罗殿，见那阴司里不忠不孝、非礼非义、作践五谷、明欺暗骗、大斗小秤、奸盗诈伪、淫邪欺罔之徒，受那些磨烧舂剉之苦，煎熬吊剥之刑，有千千万万，看之不足。又过着枉死城中，有无数的冤魂，尽都是六十四处烟尘的草寇、七十二处叛贼的魂灵，挡住了朕之来路。幸亏崔判官作保，借得河南相老儿的金银一库，买转鬼魂，方得前行。崔判官教朕回阳世，千万作一场水陆大会，超度那无主的孤魂，将此言叮咛。分别出了那六道轮回之下，有朱太尉请朕上马，飞也相似，行到渭水河边，我看见那水面上有双头鱼戏。正欢喜处，他将我撮着脚，推下水中，朕方得还魂也。」众臣闻此言，无不称贺。遂此编行传报天下，各府县官员上表称庆不题。
The Tang Emperor entered the Hall of Golden Chimes and assembled the civil and military officials. When their mountain-like cries of greeting were over, they took their places according to rank. A command was announced: “Those with business, step forward and report. If there is none, court is dismissed.” From the east came Xu Maogong, Wei Zheng, Wang Gui, Du Ruhui, Fang Xuanling, Yuan Tiangang, Li Chunfeng, Xu Jingzong and others; from the west came Yin Kaishan, Liu Hongji, Ma Sanbao, Duan Zhixuan, Cheng Yaojin, Qin Shubao, Yuchi Jingde, Xue Rengui and others. All advanced together and prostrated themselves before the white jade steps. “Your Majesty, why did it take you so long to wake from your dream at the last audience?” Taizong said, “The other day, after receiving Wei Zheng’s letter, We felt Our soul leave the hall. We saw the Imperial Guard inviting Us out to hunt. While We were travelling, horses and men vanished. Then We saw Our late father and Our dead brothers shouting and quarrelling. Just as We could find no way out, a man in a black cap and dark robe appeared. He was Judge Cui Jue, and he shouted Our brothers back. We handed him Wei Zheng’s letter. While he was reading it, blue-robed men appeared with banners and led Us inside to the Hall of Universal Judgement, where We sat and talked with the Ten Kings of the Underworld. They said the Jing River dragon had falsely accused Us of promising to save him and then having him killed. We set out all that We had said before. They said the case had been heard before the Three Administrations and hurriedly ordered the register of life and death brought to check Our remaining years in the living world. Judge Cui presented the register. The King of the Underworld read it and said We were allotted thirty-three years of rule by Heaven. Only thirteen had passed, so We still had twenty years of life. He then ordered Grand Commandant Zhu and Judge Cui to escort Us back. We took leave of the Ten Kings, promising to send melons and fruit in gratitude. After leaving the Hall of Universal Judgement, We saw in the Underworld those who had been disloyal or unfilial, had violated propriety and justice, wasted the five grains, cheated openly and deceived in secret, used oversized measures and underweight scales, committed adultery, theft, fraud and falsehood, or practised lewdness and deceit. They suffered grinding, burning, pounding and chopping, boiling, roasting, hanging and flaying. There were thousands upon thousands of them, too many to see them all. We then passed through the City of Wrongful Death, where countless wronged souls blocked Our way. They were the spirits of outlaws from the sixty-four rebel risings and rebels from the seventy-two bands. Fortunately Judge Cui stood surety, and We borrowed a treasury of gold and silver from old Xiang in Henan. Only after buying off the ghosts could We go on. Judge Cui urged Us over and over to hold a Water and Land Assembly when We returned to the living world, to deliver the lonely souls who have no one to care for them. We parted company as We came out from beneath the Six Paths of Rebirth. Grand Commandant Zhu invited Us onto a horse that flew along until We reached the Wei River. There We saw a pair of fish playing on the water. Just as We were enjoying the sight, he caught hold of Our foot and pushed Us into the water. Only then did Our soul return to Our body.” Every minister offered congratulations on hearing this. An account was then compiled and circulated throughout the empire, and officials of all prefectures and counties sent memorials of celebration; let us leave them there.
卻說太宗又傳旨赦天下罪人。又查獄中重犯。時有審官將刑部絞斬罪人，查有四百餘名呈上。太宗放赦回家，拜辭父母兄弟，託產與親戚子姪，明年今日赴曹，仍領應得之罪。眾犯謝恩而退。又出恤孤榜文。又查宮中老幼綵女共有三千人，出旨配軍。自此，內外俱善。有詩為證。詩曰：
大國唐王恩德洪，道過堯舜萬民豐。死囚四百皆離獄，怨女三千放出宮。天下多官稱上壽，朝中眾宰賀元龍。善心一念天應佑，福蔭應傳十七宗。
却说太宗又传旨赦天下罪人。又查狱中重犯。时有审官将刑部绞斩罪人，查有四百余名呈上。太宗放赦回家，拜辞父母兄弟，托产与亲戚子姪，明年今日赴曹，仍领应得之罪。众犯谢恩而退。又出恤孤榜文。又查宫中老幼彩女共有三千人，出旨配军。自此，内外俱善。有诗为证。诗曰：
大国唐王恩德洪，道过尧舜万民丰。死囚四百皆离狱，怨女三千放出宫。天下多官称上寿，朝中众宰贺元龙。善心一念天应佑，福荫应传十七宗。
Now, Taizong issued another decree pardoning offenders throughout the empire. He also reviewed the serious cases in prison. An examining official checked the Ministry of Justice’s prisoners condemned to hanging or beheading and submitted a list of more than four hundred names. Taizong gave them leave to go home, bid farewell to their parents and brothers, and entrust their property to relatives, sons and nephews. On this same day the following year, they were to return to the authorities and receive the punishment they deserved. The prisoners thanked him for his favour and withdrew. He also issued a proclamation for the relief of orphans. Then he counted the palace women, old and young, three thousand in all, and decreed that they should be married to soldiers. From then on, all was good within and without. There is a poem to prove it. A poem says:
The Tang Emperor’s kindness and virtue fill his mighty realm;his Way surpasses Yao and Shun, his people thrive.Four hundred condemned men leave their prison;three thousand lovelorn women leave the palace.Officials throughout the land drink to his long life;all the ministers at court congratulate the sovereign dragon.A single kindly thought wins Heaven’s protection;its blessings shall pass down through seventeen emperors.
太宗既放宮女，出死囚已畢，又出御製榜文，遍傳天下。榜曰：
乾坤浩大，日月照鑒分明；宇宙寬洪，天地不容姦黨。使心用術，果報只在今生；善布淺求，獲福休言後世。千般巧計，不如本分為人；萬種強徒，怎似隨緣節儉。心行慈善，何須努力看經；意欲損人，空讀如來一藏！
太宗既放宫女，出死囚已毕，又出御制榜文，遍传天下。榜曰：
乾坤浩大，日月照鉴分明；宇宙宽洪，天地不容奸党。使心用术，果报只在今生；善布浅求，获福休言后世。千般巧计，不如本分为人；万种强徒，怎似随缘节俭。心行慈善，何须努力看经；意欲损人，空读如来一藏！
After Taizong had released the palace women and let out the condemned prisoners, he issued a proclamation of his own composition and sent it throughout the empire. It read:
Heaven and Earth are vast;sun and moon shine clearly upon all.The universe is broad;Heaven and Earth give no shelter to the wicked.Resort to guile and schemes,and the recompense comes in this very life;give freely and ask little,and do not speak of waiting for another life to gain blessings.A thousand clever plansare no better than living honestly within your station;ten thousand deeds of forceare no match for accepting your lot and living frugally.With kindness in heart and deed,what need to labour at reading scriptures?If your purpose is to harm others,you read a whole canon of the Buddha in vain!
自此時，蓋天下無一人不行善者。一壁廂又出招賢榜，招人進瓜果到陰司裡去；一壁廂將寶藏庫金銀一庫，差尉遲恭、胡敬德上河南開封府，訪相良還債。
自此时，盖天下无一人不行善者。一壁厢又出招贤榜，招人进瓜果到阴司里去；一壁厢将宝藏库金银一库，差尉迟恭、胡敬德上河南开封府，访相良还债。
From that time, it seemed there was not a person under heaven who failed to do good. At the same time, the Emperor posted a notice calling for worthy volunteers to take melons and fruit to the Underworld. He also took a treasury of gold and silver from the imperial stores and sent Yuchi Gong, also known as Jingde, to Kaifeng Prefecture in Henan to find Xiang Liang and repay his debt.
榜張數日，有一赴命進瓜果的賢者，本是均州人，姓劉名全，家有萬貫之資。只因妻李翠蓮在門首拔金釵齋僧，劉全罵了他幾句，說他不遵婦道，擅出閨門。李氏忍氣不過，自縊而死。撇下一雙兒女年幼，晝夜悲啼。劉全又不忍見，無奈，遂捨了性命，棄了家緣，撇了兒女，情願以死進瓜，將皇榜揭了，來見唐王。王傳旨意，教他去金亭館裡，頭頂一對南瓜，袖帶黃錢，口噙藥物。
榜张数日，有一赴命进瓜果的贤者，本是均州人，姓刘名全，家有万贯之资。只因妻李翠莲在门首拔金钗斋僧，刘全骂了他几句，说他不遵妇道，擅出闺门。李氏忍气不过，自缢而死。撇下一双儿女年幼，昼夜悲啼。刘全又不忍见，无奈，遂舍了性命，弃了家缘，撇了儿女，情愿以死进瓜，将皇榜揭了，来见唐王。王传旨意，教他去金亭馆里，头顶一对南瓜，袖带黄钱，口噙药物。
The notice had been up for several days when a worthy man volunteered to give his life and present the melons and fruit. He was a native of Junzhou, surnamed Liu and named Quan, with a family fortune of ten thousand strings of cash. His wife, Li Cuilian, had taken a golden hairpin from her hair at their doorway and given it as alms to a monk. Liu Quan had scolded her, saying she had failed in a woman’s duty and left the women’s quarters without permission. Madam Li could not swallow her anger and hanged herself. She left two young children, who wept day and night. Liu Quan could not bear the sight. With no way out, he gave up his life, abandoned his household and left his children, willingly choosing death to present the melons. He took down the imperial notice and came before the Tang Emperor. The Emperor ordered him to go to Jinting Hall, carry a pair of pumpkins on his head, keep yellow paper money in his sleeve and hold the poison in his mouth.
那劉全果服毒而死，一點魂靈，頂著瓜果，早到鬼門關上。把門的鬼使喝道：「你是甚人，敢來此處？」劉全道：「我奉大唐太宗皇帝欽差，特進瓜果與十代閻王受用的。」那鬼使欣然接引。劉全徑至森羅寶殿，見了閻王，將瓜果進上道：「奉唐王旨意，遠進瓜果，以謝十王寬宥之恩。」閻王大喜道：「好一個有信有德的太宗皇帝！」遂此收了瓜果。便問那進瓜的人姓名，那方人氏。劉全道：「小人是均州城民籍。姓劉名全。因妻李氏縊死，撇下兒女，無人看管，小人情願捨家棄子，捐軀報國，特與我王進貢瓜果，謝眾大王厚恩。」十王聞言，即命查勘劉全妻李氏。那鬼使速取來在森羅殿下，與劉全夫妻相會。訴罷前言，回謝十王恩宥。那閻王卻檢生死簿子看時，他夫妻們都有登仙之壽，急差鬼使送回。鬼使啟上道：「李翠蓮歸陰日久，屍首無存，魂將何附？」閻王道：「唐御妹李玉英今該促死，你可借他屍首，教他還魂去也。」那鬼使領命，即將劉全夫妻二人還魂，同出陰司而去。
那刘全果服毒而死，一点魂灵，顶着瓜果，早到鬼门关上。把门的鬼使喝道：「你是甚人，敢来此处？」刘全道：「我奉大唐太宗皇帝钦差，特进瓜果与十代阎王受用的。」那鬼使欣然接引。刘全径至森罗宝殿，见了阎王，将瓜果进上道：「奉唐王旨意，远进瓜果，以谢十王宽宥之恩。」阎王大喜道：「好一个有信有德的太宗皇帝！」遂此收了瓜果。便问那进瓜的人姓名，那方人氏。刘全道：「小人是均州城民籍。姓刘名全。因妻李氏缢死，撇下儿女，无人看管，小人情愿舍家弃子，捐躯报国，特与我王进贡瓜果，谢众大王厚恩。」十王闻言，即命查勘刘全妻李氏。那鬼使速取来在森罗殿下，与刘全夫妻相会。诉罢前言，回谢十王恩宥。那阎王却检生死簿子看时，他夫妻们都有登仙之寿，急差鬼使送回。鬼使启上道：「李翠莲归阴日久，尸首无存，魂将何附？」阎王道：「唐御妹李玉英今该促死，你可借他尸首，教他还魂去也。」那鬼使领命，即将刘全夫妻二人还魂，同出阴司而去。
Liu Quan did indeed take poison and die. His little soul, carrying the melons on its head, soon reached the Ghost Gate. The ghost messenger guarding it shouted, “Who are you, daring to come here?” Liu Quan said, “I have been specially commissioned by Emperor Taizong of the Great Tang to present melons and fruit for the enjoyment of the Ten Kings of the Underworld.” The ghost messenger gladly ushered him in. Liu Quan went straight to the Hall of Universal Judgement, met the King of the Underworld and presented the melons and fruit. “By the Tang Emperor’s command, I have brought these from afar to thank the Ten Kings for their gracious mercy.” The King said in great delight, “What a faithful and virtuous ruler Emperor Taizong is!” He accepted the melons and fruit, then asked the bearer’s name and where he came from. Liu Quan said, “Your humble servant is registered as a commoner in the city of Junzhou. My surname is Liu, my given name Quan. My wife, Madam Li, hanged herself and left our children with no one to look after them. Your humble servant willingly abandoned his home and children and gave his life for his country, bringing this tribute of melons and fruit for our sovereign to thank the Great Kings for their great kindness.” The Ten Kings at once ordered an inquiry into Liu Quan’s wife, Madam Li. The ghost messenger quickly brought her before the Hall of Universal Judgement, and husband and wife were reunited. When they had recounted what had happened, they turned and thanked the Ten Kings for their mercy. The King of the Underworld looked in the Register of Life and Death and found that both were allotted lives long enough to attain immortality. He hurried to send a ghost messenger to escort them back. The messenger reported, “Li Cuilian has been in the world of the dead for some time. Her body no longer exists. What is her soul to inhabit?” The King said, “Li Yuying, the Tang Emperor’s younger sister, is due to die suddenly now. You may borrow her body and let this woman return to life in it.” The ghost messenger accepted the command and took Liu Quan and his wife out of the Underworld together to restore them to life.
畢竟不知夫妻二人如何還魂，且聽下回分解。
毕竟不知夫妻二人如何还魂，且听下回分解。
But how did husband and wife return to life? To learn what happened next, read the next chapter.