Chapter 10

Poem: Bright clouds of glory circle the Imperial capital; Fragrant orchids and iris reach the crimson court. From the Ninth Heaven, the vermilion decree descends afar; Steps lead toward Thunder Peak, ascending ever higher. Now let us tell how Xu Mengjiao, having taken leave of his uncle and aunt, set out from home to journey to the capital for the metropolitan examinations. On the road, he traveled by dawn and lodged by dusk, passing through prefectures and counties, until he reached the capital, where he found lodgings and settled down to study in preparation. When the examination session arrived, he entered the compound with the other candidates. After the three sessions were completed, truly every essay was brocade and every word a pearl. On the day the results were announced, Mengjiao had attained the highest rank of Metropolitan Graduate. When the news reached his lodgings, Mengjiao was overjoyed and hastily rewarded the messengers. Soon many attendants and officers arrived to serve him, whereupon Mengjiao changed into his cap and girdle, and with clerks and runners escorting him, left his lodgings to attend the Banquet of the Forest of Gems, pay respects to his examining master, and meet his fellow graduates — he was kept busy without respite. When the time came for the palace examination, the Son of Heaven presided in person at the hall, with the hundred officials standing in attendance, while the three hundred presented scholars gathered in orderly rows and prostrated themselves below the crimson steps. The herald called out in a loud voice: "The first place — Xu Mengjiao, Champion of the Realm and top scholar of the first order," followed by the second and third place candidates. Each was bestowed three cups of imperial wine, adorned with flowers and red silks, and by imperial decree granted a three-day procession through the streets, which was most glorious. All the people of the city, seeing the young and handsome Champion, could not cease their admiring exclamations. After the three-month procession was complete, the three Champions entered the court to express their gratitude, then withdrew from the Meridian Gate, and Mengjiao proceeded to assume his post as Compiler in the Hanlin Academy. Upon taking office, he compiled the full account of his parents' origins and his own upbringing in the Li household into a memorial. At the fifth watch he entered the court; as the bells of the Jingyang Tower sounded, the Son of Heaven ascended the throne, and after the hundred officials had completed their acclamations, Mengjiao prostrated himself upon the golden steps and said: "Your humble servant, the newly crowned Champion Xu Mengjiao, has a matter to report." The Son of Heaven asked: "What matter do you have to present?" Mengjiao presented his memorial upon the dragon desk, and the Son of Heaven perused it carefully from beginning to end. The memorial read: Your servant, Xu Mengjiao, newly crowned Champion and Compiler in the Hanlin Academy, respectfully memorializes, humbly imploring the imperial grace to grant posthumous honors, in reverent testimony to the grievous ordeals of my parents. Your servant has learned that sovereign and father are one in essence, and that a minister's duty admits of no duality; the state and the family are equally important, and filial devotion springs from the same heart. Your servant's father, Xu Xian, lost his parents in childhood and was raised in his elder sister's household. Your servant's mother, Lady Bai, cultivated the Way in the green mountains, dwelling in grottoes and cliffs, and wandering through the middle realm, she chanced to seek a companion. Thus they met at West Lake and formed a union without a matchmaker. They were wed for five years and bore grievances in two separate places. Your servant was but a month old when his mother suffered calamity beneath the pagoda — a loss truly mourned — while his father became a wanderer beyond the mundane world. Your servant's aunt, née Xu, pitying your servant's orphaned infancy, personally raised him; she not only curtailed her own means to instruct him in his studies, but also pledged him in marriage. Your servant, by imperial favor, holds a post in the Hanlin Academy, yet his parents have not received imperial commendation — thus his duty as a son is deficient, and his duty as a minister is incomplete. I therefore presume to implore the heavenly grace, to petition for an imperial decree to glorify my ancestors, and to beg permission for leave to return to my hometown to offer sacrifices to my parents, thereby slightly fulfilling a son's duty and not failing in a minister's obligation. Respectfully submitted. When the Son of Heaven had finished reading, his countenance beamed with pleasure, and he said: "So your honored parents have indeed undergone such tribulations — my heart is most gratified. I now confer upon your father the title of Grand Scholar of the Zhongji Hall, and upon your mother the title of Lady of Righteousness and Celestial Virtue. Your uncle Li Gongfu, for his success in instructing you, is conferred the title of Loyal and Righteous Gentleman; and your aunt Xu, for her merit in raising you, is conferred the title of Worthy and Virtuous Lady; to each shall be granted the appropriate imperial rescripts. I grant you one year's leave to return to your hometown to offer sacrifices to your parents, and after your wedding you may return to court to resume your duties. So be it." The Champion expressed his gratitude and withdrew from court, passing out through the Meridian Gate. He hastily returned to take leave of his fellow graduates and pack for his journey. With carriages and horses in great array, he left the capital, and along the entire route he enjoyed much splendor; at every prefecture and county he passed, both civil and military officials came out to welcome and see him off. The route took him through Zhenjiang, where the Champion was suddenly moved to recall the past. He ordered his carriages and horses to be settled at the post station, while he himself dressed as a scholar, taking only one attendant, and made his way toward Jinshan Temple. Upon arriving at the temple, he had no heart for viewing the scenic wonders, but entered the main hall to burn incense and pay reverence to the Buddha, then proceeded to the rear hall. A monk came out to welcome him, and they went together to the abbot's quarters, where they seated themselves as host and guest, and a young novice served tea, which they drank. The Champion then spoke, asking: "Master, are you the Chan master Fahai?" The monk replied: "Fahai is my master; he is now traveling abroad and has not yet returned." The Champion asked: "What is your own Dharma name, Master? What is your lay surname? Why did you leave the household life? I beg you to tell me in full." The monk said: "This poor monk's humble Dharma name is Daozong; my lay surname is Xu, given name Xian, courtesy name Hanwen, a native of Qiantang in Hangzhou." He then related in full, from beginning to end, how from childhood he had lived in the Li household, how he had later met and wed Lady Bai, the two ordeals he had suffered, the flooding of Zhenjiang, their return together to Qiantang, the birth of a son named Mengjiao, the betrothal agreed upon with his elder sister's family before the child's birth, and how on the day of the full-month celebration, Fahai had come to their home and confined Lady Bai beneath Leifeng Pagoda. "For this reason," he said, "this poor monk saw through the ways of the world, left the dust of mortality, shaved his head at Jinshan, took Fahai as his master, and has cultivated here in the temple. Now more than a decade has passed; my son was entrusted to my sister's household, and I do not know whether he has grown to adulthood or not." When the Champion heard this, he quickly fell to his knees, tears streaming down, and cried out: "Father, your unworthy son is none other than Xu Mengjiao." Hanwen was startled, rose, and looked at him closely; then he helped him up with a smile and said: "Layman, you are mistaken." Mengjiao said: "I am not mistaken." He then related how, while studying in the village school, he had been ridiculed behind his back by his schoolmates; how he had returned home and asked his aunt, who told him the full truth; how he had fallen ill from grief at missing his parents and had been cured; how he had later roused himself and passed the prefectural examinations; how he had passed successive examinations with top honors, gone to the capital for the metropolitan examinations, been graciously favored by imperial mercy and placed first among the presented scholars; and how he had now received imperial rescripts for his parents and been granted leave to return — all of this he detailed and explained. "Thus," he said, "as my route passed through Zhenjiang, I came specially to Jinshan to seek out my father, so that we might return together to Qiantang and I might in some measure offer filial care." When Hanwen heard this, he was overcome with both sorrow and joy. He exclaimed: "My son! If this is so, then I am indeed your father. I am delighted that Heaven has shown pity and that my son has achieved fame on the golden list. But your mother lies crushed beneath the pagoda — whenever I think of this, my dreams are troubled." With these words, he shed tears. The Champion, his face streaming with tears, cried out: "Father, you need not grieve. Your son has obtained imperial rescripts and has returned to pay homage at the pagoda and confer honors upon our mother. I beg you, Father, to come down the mountain with your son." Hanwen said: "My son, your father has now left the household life and was not willing to tread again in the dust of the world. But in consideration of your filial piety and earnest entreaty, I will go with you to pay homage to your mother, and then return to the mountain." The Champion was overjoyed. By this time, all the monks in the temple had heard that Mengjiao was the newly crowned Champion, and that Daozong was the Champion's father. Each one was struck with such terror that they seemed to piss and shit themselves in fright. They hastily donned their cassocks and monastic caps, and all gathered in the abbot's quarters, where they knelt and said: "We humble monks did not know that His Excellency the Champion had graced our humble mountain; we have failed to receive you properly — a capital offense! A capital offense!" The Champion raised them one by one and said: "Masters, why need you be so? My father has resided here on your precious mountain, and I am most grateful for your acceptance of him." Hanwen also said: "That you should prostrate yourselves so — how could my heart be at ease?" The monks were greatly delighted and all praised the Champion's magnanimity. Hanwen then explained the full circumstances to the monks, and they all pressed their palms together in congratulation. The Champion ordered his attendant to take twenty taels of silver and present them to the monks as an offering for incense. The monks hastily said: "How would we humble monks dare to accept such great generosity from His Excellency?" The Champion said: "It is of no matter; please accept it." The monks declined repeatedly but could not refuse, and so finally accepted. The Champion then invited his father to set out with him, and they left Jinshan Temple together, while the monks escorted them to the mountain gate — but of this we shall say no more. Now let us speak of the household of Gongfu. The postal report had already arrived that Mengjiao had been made Champion. Inside the house, drums and gongs resounded and music shook the earth; relatives and friends crowded the gates, carriages and horses blocked the doors; and the prefectural and county officials all came to offer congratulations. Gongfu and Xu Shi were as if they had ascended to heaven, leaping for joy, and Bilian's delight was beyond all words. Later, when they learned that the Champion had been granted leave to return home for ancestral sacrifices and marriage, they made advance preparations, refurbished the residence, and arranged everything in readiness. Not long after, the imperial procession of the new Zhuangyuan arrived. The prefectural and county officials went out of the city to receive him. When he reached the lane gate, he was welcomed into his new residence, where there was another commotion within the household. The Zhuangyuan paid his respects to his uncle and aunt. Gongfu and Madam Xu, seeing Hanwen return together with the Zhuangyuan, were even more delighted. The Zhuangyuan then related in full the story of how he had found Hanwen at Jinshan. Hanwen met his elder sister and brother-in-law, and all were overjoyed, unable to hold back their tears. At this time, the whole family was reunited, joy overflowing the doorways, and a great feast was laid out in celebration. Since Hanwen observed a vegetarian diet, separate vegetarian dishes were prepared for him, and the drinking continued until late into the night. The next morning, having risen early, the Zhuangyuan, with his full ceremonial retinue, left through the West Gate to offer sacrifices at the graves of his grandfather and grandmother. Upon returning, he brought out the imperial patent of investiture. Hanwen, Gongfu, and Madam Xu all donned their official caps and belts, faced the imperial palace, and gave thanks for the imperial favor. The Zhuangyuan then ordered gifts to be prepared and went to the West Lake to offer sacrifices at the pagoda. Arriving at the lake, beneath Leifeng Pagoda they arranged the sacrificial offerings. The Zhuangyuan knelt and read out the imperial edict, then wailed bitterly. Hanwen too gave way to grief, and Gongfu and Madam Xu both wept without end. Just as they were all lost in sorrow, they saw the Chan Master Fahai descending from the sky, who called out, "Excellent! Today the Zhuangyuan returns to his hometown to offer sacrifices at the pagoda, and today this old monk also comes to complete a good karmic bond." Gongfu and Hanwen, seeing him, hurriedly bowed in welcome, and said to the Zhuangyuan, "This is the great Chan Master Fahai." Upon hearing this, the Zhuangyuan knelt and begged the master to release his mother. The master hastily helped him up and said, "The Zhuangyuan is a noble minister of the imperial house—how could this old monk presume to accept such reverence? The honored lady, your mother, has now completed her term of tribulation. By the Buddha's decree, this old monk has come specifically to release her, so that she may meet with the Zhuangyuan." Hearing this, the Zhuangyuan was overjoyed. The master then silently intoned his true words, struck the pagoda once with his staff, and the pagoda immediately shook and moved to one side. The master called out in a loud voice, "Lady Bai, come forth quickly!" Thereupon a flash of white light burst out from below, and Lady Bai stood before them. The master struck the pagoda once more with his staff, and it returned to its original place. The Zhuangyuan stepped forward, knelt, embraced Lady Bai, and wept, saying, "Mother suffered this calamity, and I, your son, could not take it in your stead. Only today do I behold my mother's face." Having said this, he broke into loud sobs. Lady Bai stroked the Zhuangyuan, her face streaming with tears. She called out, "My son, how fortunate that you have gained fame on the gold list today, and obtained the imperial edict to return and rescue your mother—this fully shows your filial devotion." Hanwen called out, "My worthy wife, I thought that in this life I would never meet you again—who knew that today we would be reunited." Having said this, he gave way to grief. Lady Bai could not hold back her sobs, and said, "My lord, your unworthy wife committed offenses that caused you to take refuge in the monastery. Meeting today feels like a dream." Madam Xu and Gongfu stepped forward to greet her, and there was further conversation, which need not be detailed here. Truly: > There is no limit to the heart-breaking places in life— > They all lie in the moments of parting between life and death. The master, having listened for some time, called out, "Lady Bai, now your calamity has receded and your difficulties are resolved. You must not linger long in the mortal world. This old monk will ferry you to return early to the immortal ranks." Having said this, he took out a white kerchief, spread it on the ground, and called out, "Lady Bai, step onto this kerchief, and this old monk will ferry you to achieve the true fruit." Lady Bai quickly knelt, kowtowed to thank the Buddha's grace, rose, and stepped onto the kerchief. The master pointed at the white kerchief and gave a loud shout—the kerchief transformed into a white cloud, lifting Lady Bai up into the ninth heaven. The master then took out a green kerchief and spread it as before. He called out, "Worthy disciple Daozong, step onto this green kerchief, and this old monk will ferry you as well to the immortal ranks, to share in the blessings of carefree existence." Hanwen knelt, bowed his head to the ground, rose, and stepped onto the green kerchief. The master also gave a shout, and the green kerchief turned into a green cloud, lifting Hanwen up into the clouds. Then the whole sky was filled with auspicious colors and fragrant vapors, and the two auspicious clouds drifted slowly westward, vanishing in an instant. Having thus ferried the two to their ascent, the master immediately rose upon the clouds and returned to Mount Ling to report the fulfillment of the Buddha's decree. At this time, Gongfu, Madam Xu, and all the others knelt together, bowing toward the sky, while only the Zhuangyuan lay prostrate on the ground weeping. Gongfu stepped forward to help him up and consoled him, saying, "Nephew, your parents ascended to heaven in broad daylight—such a thing is rare in this world. This is a joyful occasion, so why grieve? Let us return together." The Zhuangyuan, unable to resist the persuasion, finally mounted his sedan and returned with them. After arriving home, the Zhuangyuan could not cease his longing, and had golden images of his parents made and enshrined in the hall, where he paid his respects morning and evening as if they were still alive. Truly: > He could only use his daily gaze of reverence > As a substitute for the times of asking after their health and serving their meals. The Zhuangyuan stayed at home for some time, but then reflected that the imperial deadline was pressing, and his marriage had not yet been completed. He was pondering this when the magistrate of Qiantang County came to call. The Zhuangyuan was greatly pleased and welcomed him inside. After they were seated, the Zhuangyuan spoke: "Your humble brother has a matter to entrust to the honored magistrate." The magistrate replied, "What matter does the Zhuangyuan have to commission me with? I shall naturally follow your command." The Zhuangyuan said, "Your humble brother, from childhood, was favored by my uncle, who agreed to betroth my cousin to me. By the emperor's gracious favor, I was granted leave to return and complete the wedding. I was just worrying that I had no matchmaker—may I presume to ask the honored magistrate to act as go-between? I wonder if you would consent?" The magistrate said, "So the Zhuangyuan has this happy affair—I would dare not refuse my services." Thereupon he went to see Gongfu, explained the intention, and Gongfu gladly consented, choosing the fifteenth day of the eighth month for the wedding. The magistrate returned to report, and the Zhuangyuan was overjoyed. He kept the magistrate for a light meal, and after drinking, the magistrate took his leave. When the auspicious day arrived, officials, relatives, and friends all came to offer congratulations. Gold flowers and ceremonial gifts filled the halls and courtyards. The Zhuangyuan, in his black gauze cap and great red robe, with flowers pinned to his hat and red silk draped over his shoulders, rode a fine steed, with drums and music resounding and his full ceremonial procession coming along the way. The magistrate, in his formal attire, also came to accompany him. On the other side, Bilian, adorned in gold and jade, with her cap and girdle, was dressed like a heavenly immortal. Gongfu and Madam Xu also put on their official robes and waited. In a short while, the Zhuangyuan arrived at the gate. After the formalities were completed, he was welcomed into the residence, where they bowed to Heaven and Earth, then to the spirit tablets of his parents, and then entered the bridal chamber together. Outside, a wedding feast was laid out to entertain the magistrate and all the relatives and friends. Everyone drank until late into the night and then dispersed—no more need be said. That night, within the nuptial curtains, the young couple shared boundless affection and all manner of tenderness. The next day, relatives and friends came again with congratulations—no need for detailed account. After the full month, the Zhuangyuan invited his father-in-law and mother-in-law to move in and share the new residence, enjoying prosperity and honor together. Truly: > Fame and success fulfilled his long-cherished wishes; > The whole family reunited to receive Heaven's bounty. After some time, since the imperial deadline had expired, the Zhuangyuan made preparations to return to the capital to report on his mission. He chose an auspicious day, packed up, and took his father-in-law and mother-in-law along to the capital. On the way, passing through Suzhou, he personally called on the old gentleman of the Wu family to express his gratitude for his past kindness. Upon arriving in the capital, he had his audience with the emperor, then resumed his post as Compiler in the Hanlin Academy. Later, he rose to the post of Chief Supervisor of the Imperial Household, after which he returned in glory to Qiantang and retired to a life of leisure. Lady Xu bore him two sons, and the Zhuangyuan gave his second son as heir to his father-in-law's line, to continue that branch. Later, Gongfu and his wife both lived to a great age and passed away peacefully without illness. The Zhuangyuan and his lady also both reached the age of seventy and died sitting upright without illness.