Chapter 11

The poem says: The quiet Xuanmen, fragrant with blue flowers, Yet how can the weight of transgressions reach the jade hall? Looking back, I cannot bear it—grief moves me to tears, In clear wind and cold dew, I remember Liu Lang. Now the tale tells that on that day, Chan Master Fahai had sent Hanwen back. Later, he learned that Hanwen had been beguiled again by the two demons' honeyed words along the way, and had once more acknowledged them and returned together to Qiantang. He could not help but sigh deeply. One day, while the Chan Master sat in meditation in his cloud chamber, within his samadhi he saw an honored arhat enter the cloud chamber, holding a yellow memorial slip. The arhat called out: "Fahai, I am an honored arhat of the Western Regions, sent by my Buddha with his golden decree. It is said that the Wenqu Star Official has now come into the world and will soon reach one full month. You are commanded to go to Qiantang, take your alms bowl to subdue the White Snake, and press her beneath Leifeng Pagoda, in fulfillment of the vow she made that day. Wait until twenty years hence, when the Wenqu Star Official has won fame and received imperial honors, and returns to offer sacrifice at the pagoda—then release her, and she may attain the true fruit." Having spoken, he rose slowly and departed. Within his samadhi, the Chan Master bowed in obeisance and received the Buddha's decree. He came down from his meditation seat, instructed the assembly: "I shall go down the mountain on a wandering journey and return before long. You must carefully keep the pure precepts and must not act recklessly." The assembly received his command. The Chan Master then took his alms bowl and staff, went down the mountain, mounted the clouds, and arrived at Qiantang, where he lodged at Lingyin Temple—of this we say no more. Time passed swiftly, and in the twinkling of an eye, Mengjiao had reached a full month. The household could not but prepare a festal banquet beforehand, to await the coming of relatives. That night, while Bai-shi held Mengjiao in her arms, she felt a sudden surge of her blood and heart, and immediately counted upon her fingers in divination. She was startled beyond measure, her soul nearly taking flight. She hurriedly called out: "Xiaoqing, tomorrow a great calamity shall befall me—what shall I do?" Xiaoqing said: "My lady has long mastered the arts of Dunjia. Why not use your magic to perform a ritual of aversion and see if it can dispel the misfortune?" Bai-shi sighed: "I fear that the decree of Heaven is inescapable; even rituals will be of no avail." Xiaoqing pleaded with her repeatedly. Bai-shi said: "You may go to the garden and set up an incense altar. I shall come and perform the rites of aversion." Xiaoqing acknowledged the order and went at once to arrange everything. Bai-shi bathed and changed her garments, came to the garden, let down her hair, wielded a sword, trod the Dipper steps, silently chanted true words, and burned incense in prayer. When the rites of aversion were completed, she burnt paper offerings and returned to the chamber with Xiaoqing. Truly: Fortune and misfortune are predetermined from former lives; Private prayers and supplications are but in vain. Come morning, relatives and friends all gathered to offer congratulations. Hanwen welcomed them joyfully, too busy to rest. While the hall was full of clamor and bustle, they saw a mendicant monk arrive at the gate. Hanwen looked intently and recognized him as Chan Master Fahai of Jinshan Temple. He hurriedly welcomed him inside and seated him in the hall. The Chan Master spoke: "Layman, do you still remember the words I urged upon you in the temple? You have been deluded by her once again. Now her great number has come due. This old monk has come specially today to rid you of the demon." Hanwen said: "Master, even if she is truly a demon, she has never done me any harm. Moreover, she is most virtuous—I cannot bear to abandon her. I beg the Master's forgiveness." The Chan Master said: "Since the layman is so stubbornly deluded, this old monk will now no longer concern himself with your right and wrong. But I have grown thirsty on my way here. If the layman has some clear tea, may I ask for a cup?" Hanwen quickly replied: "I have some." He was about to rise and go inside, when the Chan Master said: "Layman, I fear your teacups may not be clean. This old monk carries an alms bowl with me—you may take it and fetch the tea." He then handed the alms bowl to Hanwen. Hanwen had no idea of its mysterious power; he thought only that the Chan Master was being fastidious. So he took the bowl and turned to carry it inside. Bai-shi was at her toilette beneath the window, combing her hair, when she saw Hanwen enter carrying a glittering golden object. She was about to ask, when the alms bowl flew up out of Hanwen's hands, and myriad beams of rosy light enveloped Bai-shi's head. Bai-shi, trapped by the Buddha's sacred treasure, felt her soul scatter and her spirit dissolve. She fell to her knees and begged the Buddha to spare her life. Hanwen, greatly alarmed, rushed forward and embraced her, trying to pull the alms bowl away—but it seemed as if it had taken root, and he could not move it in the slightest. Tears streamed down Bai-shi's face like scattered pearls. She cried: "My lord, your handmaid has offended against the heavenly court, and now a great calamity is upon me. I must part from you. Our son Mengjiao may be entrusted to my aunt and uncle for care. My lord must take good care of himself and not grieve over me." When Hanwen heard this, his heart and bowels seemed to break, and he wept without ceasing. When Xiaoqing learned of this, she ran into the chamber, knelt before Bai-shi, and wept: "Your handmaid earnestly begged my lady to perform rites of aversion, hoping to dispel the calamity—but how could I have known that the appointed number could not be escaped, and that this great misfortune would still befall you?" Having spoken, she broke into bitter sobs. Bai-shi too wept: "Xiaoqing, I have long known that this calamity could not be escaped today. But I am grieved that you have followed me for years—though in name we are mistress and maid, in feeling we are sisters. To part from you today is truly hard. As for my son, my aunt and uncle will naturally care for him. You should now pack and return to my Qingfeng Cave. Do not linger in the mortal world, lest you suffer calamity as well." Xiaoqing wept bitterly for a while, then kowtowed and rose. She took leave of Hanwen, mounted the clouds, and returned to Qingfeng Cave, where she cultivated mind and spirit through bitter practice. Later she too attained the true fruit—of this the tale does not speak. Meanwhile, Gongfu and Xushi hurried over in alarm, and when they saw Bai-shi in such a state, they were greatly shocked and bewildered. Bai-shi wept: "Uncle, aunt, and my lord, listen to these words of mine: This handmaid is originally the White Snake of Qingfeng Cave on Mount Qingcheng in Sichuan. I cultivated for many years in the cave. Once, while roaming, I drank too much and lay drunk at the foot of the mountain. In my sleep, I revealed my true form and was seized by a beggar, who carried me to the market to sell. But it happened that my lord saw me, bought me with money, and released me into the mountains. I have ever held this kindness in my heart. Because my lord in this life was fated to lack heirs, I therefore came down the mountain to form a marriage bond with my lord, to bear him an heir and continue his lineage, in repayment for his life-saving grace. Seeing my lord's poverty, I stole silver and gave it to him—which caused him to suffer punishment in Gusu. I followed with Xiaoqing to Gusu, found a matchmaker, and brought about our marriage. I refined medicines and elixirs to aid my lord. Later, at the Dragon Boat Festival, my lord forced me to drink yellow wine, and I revealed my true form, frightening him near to death. I risked my own life a thousand times over and went to the Southern Pole's Immortal Mountain to obtain the reviving immortal herb, and brought my lord back to life. Fearing he would see through my true nature, I used magic to conceal it. I toiled early and late to help build up the household. Later, on the Patriarch's holy birthday, the assembled physicians, lacking good medicines, compelled my lord to pledge his head and display precious vessels. Fearing my lord would be distressed, I schemed with Xiaoqing, sparing no effort, and stole precious vessels from the prince's mansion to relieve my lord's worries. Later, on my lord's birthday, they were displayed in the hall, but servants of the prince's mansion seized them and brought my lord to trial. Fortunately, Prefect Chen of Suzhou was merciful and dealt with him lightly, banishing him to Zhenjiang. I consulted with Xiaoqing, gathered silver, and entrusted it to my uncle's household, then went to Zhenjiang to seek my lord. All this was due to kindness from a former life—and though my lord thrice cast me off and thrice abandoned me, I bore no resentment. Later, when my lord visited Jinshan Temple and was detained there by the Buddha, I could not bear to part with him, my husband, and went with Xiaoqing to the temple to seek him. I flooded the river and drowned Jinshan, inadvertently causing the deaths of many in Zhenjiang—a great offense. I had intended to wait until the child was a full month old, then return to my cave to cultivate in bitterness and atone for my former transgressions—but how could I have known the great number could not be escaped? As for our son Mengjiao, I earnestly beg my aunt to remember the bond of kinship and the affection of a half-daughter, and to raise him for me, so that he may grow to manhood and my lord's lineage may be secured. I beg you not to doubt me because I am of a different kind." When Gongfu and his wife heard these words from Bai-shi, they were exceedingly astonished. But since it was all revealed, they felt at ease. Xushi said with sorrow: "Aunt, we common folk could not recognize an immortal's countenance with our mortal eyes. As for the child, I shall care for him doubly—you need not worry. But may the Buddha be merciful and compassionate, and grant you reprieve from beneath the bowl." Hanwen said: "My good wife, let us go together to the hall and earnestly beg the Buddha's mercy." Bai-shi said: "The number is fixed by Heaven—entreaties will be of no avail." They clung to each other, unable to bear parting. At this time, the relatives and friends outside, having learned of this news, all dispersed, leaving only Monk Fa Hai sitting alone in the hall. After a long while without seeing Hanwen emerge, he struck the ground once with his monastic staff in hand. The alms bowl in the room immediately came down, and in that instant Lady Bai's form and shadow were gone. Hanwen stamped his feet in sorrowful weeping; Gongfu and Madam Xu also wept in somber silence. Hanwen raised the alms bowl with both hands, peered intently inside, and saw only a small white snake enclosed within. He reached his hand inside to retrieve it, but no matter how he reached and groped, he could not grasp it. Having no recourse, he carried the alms bowl out to the hall, went before the monk, knelt on both knees, and called out: "Master, have pity on this disciple whose family is torn asunder. I beg the Master to show mercy." The monk raised him up with both hands and said with a smile: "Layman, this was ordained by his destiny; this old monk merely acts in accordance with the Buddha's decree. Since the layman is so deeply grieved, once we reach West Lake, this old monk will call her out to let you see her once more." Hanwen bowed in thanks. The monk took up the alms bowl, raised his foot, and left the gate. Hanwen followed, and in one journey they arrived at the foot of Leifeng Pagoda by West Lake. The monk raised the alms bowl, silently intoned the true mantra, and cried out: "Lady Bai, come forth!" A ray of white light shot forth from within the bowl, manifesting Lady Bai's original form. Hanwen seized her by the sleeve and wailed aloud. As the two were in the midst of their anguish, the monk cried out: "Lady Bai, it is time for you to go down." Lady Bai hurriedly knelt and called out: "Buddha, this lowly creature goes down now—I do not know whether in days to come I may yet come out?" The monk said: "If you go down now and can cultivate your nature and cultivate your mind, then when your son has gained fame and received imperial honors, and returns to offer sacrifice at this pagoda, I will then come to deliver you and ascend to immortality. If you do not cultivate your mind and reform your errors, then even if the lake runs dry and the pagoda crumbles, you still shall not come out." Lady Bai kowtowed and said: "I reverently obey the Buddha's decree." The monk struck the pagoda once with his staff, and it immediately shifted aside, revealing vast surging waters below. He cried: "Lady Bai, go down at once!" Lady Bai leaped and plunged down into the pagoda. The monk then struck once more with his staff, and the pagoda at once closed back over its original spot. Having completed this case, the monk ascended into the clouds and returned straight to Jinshan. Thus it is said: 　　Husband and wife were once birds in the same wood; 　　When the great limit comes, each flies their own way. Hanwen wept until near death, but having no recourse, slowly made his way home. When he saw Mengjiao, he broke into weeping once more. Gongfu and Madam Xu urged and consoled him repeatedly. Hanwen stopped weeping and called out: "Brother-in-law, Sister, your younger brother has now seen through the vanities of this world. I now wish to go to Jinshan to seek the Master and shave my head to enter the monastic life. Jia'er is wholly entrusted to you, Brother-in-law and Sister, to raise. If he grows to manhood in the future, our ancestors shall have their reliance. All household goods and possessions are hereby entrusted to you, Brother-in-law and Sister." He then took some traveling clothes and a small amount of travel money, and went forth with a light step, heading for Jinshan Monastery in Zhenjiang to take the tonsure. Gongfu and Madam Xu were deeply grieved, wept bitterly, then gathered up all the household goods, carried Mengjiao home, and raised him with all their heart, surpassing even their own flesh and blood. Time passed swiftly, the sun and moon raced like a shuttle, and before they knew it, Mengjiao had grown to be a youth. He was endowed with a graceful and dashing bearing, and his manner was upright and dignified. Gongfu and Madam Xu treated him as their own child and sent him to school to study. He was exceptionally bright, able to recite anything after a single reading, and answered questions with fluency. After three years of schooling, he had thoroughly mastered the classics and histories. His teacher, seeing his extraordinary intelligence, held him in great esteem. His schoolmates and companions, because the teacher favored him, all harbored jealousy in their hearts and often picked quarrels with Mengjiao, but Mengjiao always paid them no heed. One day, when the teacher was absent, the group of companions whispered and laughed behind his back. One said: "He is not surnamed Li—he is surnamed Bai." Another said: "His mother was a demon spirit—they say she was captured and killed by a monk." Another said: "He is a snake-spawn, not like you or me. From now on, let us have nothing to do with him." Mengjiao heard every word and could not help but feel indignant in his heart. He ran home. At the door he called out: "Mother, open the door!" Madam Xu heard Mengjiao's voice, stepped forth, and opened the door. She called out: "My son, you are studying in the schoolroom—why have you returned so early?" Mengjiao followed Madam Xu inside, his eyes streaming with tears, and knelt on both knees. He called out: "Mother, your child has a word to say that may offend—I beg your forgiveness for your child's unfilial transgression." Madam Xu started in alarm and said: "My son, why are you acting thus?" Mengjiao wept and said: "Mother, today the teacher was absent, and the schoolmates spoke behind my back, saying that your child is not of Mother's own blood, but that I was born of some demon spirit. I beg Mother to tell me the truth of this." Madam Xu, hearing this question, could not help but let her tears fall in profusion. She called out: "My son, if you wish to know your parents' true origins, if I, your mother, do not tell you, how could you know? The telling is most pitiful." She then related the entire matter from beginning to end—the origins of Fa Hai, and the whole sequence of events concerning Hanwen and Lady Bai. When Mengjiao heard this, he let out a great cry and fell to the ground in a swoon. Madam Xu, seeing this, hurriedly took him in her arms and, through her tears, revived him. Mengjiao slowly regained consciousness and wept, saying: "Your child has been raised by Mother and instructed by Father, and now has grown to adulthood. This kindness and virtue—even if I ground my bones to dust, I could not repay it. But that my father and mother should suffer such misery—it breaks your child's heart. How can I ever see my father and mother face to face? If I could but see them once, your child would die content." Madam Xu said: "My son, you need not grieve so. In those days it was said that the monk declared: if in the future you, my son, should gain fame on the golden list and return with imperial honors, then there would yet be a day to see your mother. You must set your aspirations high, my son—perhaps in time you may yet be reunited with your mother." Mengjiao heard this, feeling both sorrow and joy, half-believing and half-doubting. From that time on, he thought day and night of his parents, grew lazy in his reading, and gradually became gaunt and haggard. Before long he fell ill in bed, gravely stricken, crying day and night for his father and mother, as if demented. Gongfu and Madam Xu were frantic and at a loss—they called for doctors and prayed to the spirits, but to no avail. Gongfu privately reproached Madam Xu: "You womenfolk truly lack judgment—you should never have told him the whole truth, causing him to fall ill from grief. If anything untoward should happen, would we not have failed in our younger brother's solemn trust? And all our ten years of toil would be poured out like water—would it not be a pity!" Madam Xu had no reply and could only sigh. Mengjiao raved and cried day and night. The two of them could think of no way out and could only watch over him in his room day and night. Thus it is said: 　　For longing for his parents he fell into a daze; 　　Yet there would come an immortal to deliver him in due time. Leaving aside the matter of Mengjiao's illness, let us speak of the Merciful Buddha of the South Sea, who was one day strolling in the Purple Bamboo Grove when something stirred in his mind. The Bodhisattva said: "Excellent! Now the Star of Literature is in distress, and medicine cannot cure him—I had better go and save him." The Bodhisattva at once left the Purple Bamboo Grove, mounted the auspicious clouds, and came to West Lake, where he transformed into a mendicant alms-collector, holding a wooden fish, and made his way along the road to Gongfu's gate, calling out: "Alms, please." Gongfu was just sitting in the hall feeling troubled when he heard the voice of someone begging for alms outside the gate. He stepped out and saw a Daoist priest wearing a Daoist robe, holding a wooden fish, treading in straw sandals, with an air of ethereal detachment. Gongfu hastily welcomed him into the hall, exchanged courtesies, and sat down. He asked, "Master, on which famous mountain is your abode? In which grotto-heaven do you dwell? I beg you to tell me in detail." The Bodhisattva said, "This poor Daoist has been a monk since childhood. At Tianzhu Monastery I encountered a remarkable man who transmitted to me immortal prescriptions and the art of refining elixirs. I roam the world, saving all living beings, and by chance have come to this honored place. Today I visit your distinguished mansion to seek a good karmic connection." Gongfu was overjoyed at this and said, "Master, your disciple has a son who now suffers from a deranged mind, crying out day and night, with no effect from medicine. Since you have immortal prescriptions, would you deign to save him?" The Bodhisattva smiled and said, "This poor Daoist devotes himself solely to benefiting others and succoring the world. Since the patron's young master is ill, it is only proper that I should exert myself for him." Gongfu was greatly pleased and immediately rose to invite the Bodhisattva into the chamber to examine the illness. The Bodhisattva said, "It is no great matter. Your son's condition is caused by injury from the seven emotions, resulting in a state of delirium. I have one elixir, (here nineteen characters are missing)." Having said this, the Bodhisattva untied his traveling bag, took out one elixir, and handed it to Gongfu. Gongfu received it with both hands, thanked him profusely, then handed the medicine to Xu, and accompanied the Bodhisattva out of the chamber. They sat in the hall and served a vegetarian meal in his honor. After the meal, the Bodhisattva took his leave and went out the gate, heading straight back to the South Sea. Xu mixed the medicine, lifted up Mengjiao, and poured it into his stomach. In no time, Mengjiao spat out much phlegm and saliva, and immediately his spirit became clear and his illness vanished completely. Gongfu and Xu were overjoyed beyond measure, and cried, "My child, you were so ill that you knew not day from night, and medicine was of no avail. Today, by heavenly fortune, you met a lofty master who came to save you; otherwise, we two old people would have been frightened to death by you. My child, from now on you must take care to be at ease in your heart, and not grieve as before." Mengjiao nodded and accepted their command. As he grew stronger day by day, Gongfu engaged a learned tutor to teach him at home. Because Mengjiao had heard Xu say that if he someday achieved distinction, the time for meeting again would come, he cast aside his thoughts of longing for his parents and devoted himself solely to diligent study, without pause in winter or summer. In no more than three or four years, he had already read so much that his breast held the seven Dippers of learning and his knowledge filled five wagons. That year, just as the educational commissioner issued the order for the annual examination, Mengjiao took the preliminary examination for child candidates and entered the local school. When the news reached home, Gongfu and Xu were infinitely delighted, and inevitably went through the ceremonies of wearing flowers and receiving guests; after several days of bustle, they finally had peace. In the blink of an eye, the autumn provincial examinations drew near. Mengjiao prepared to go to the provincial capital for the triennial examination. After the three sessions were completed, when the results were posted, Mengjiao had placed high, taking first place as the jieyuan. When the news arrived, he was also quite pleased. After the Deer's Cry Banquet, he paid respects to his examining master and his room examiner; all admired his youth and handsomeness. When his official duties were finished, he set out for home. At this time, relatives and friends all came to offer congratulations, and the festivities at home need not be described. When Mengjiao arrived home, he paid respects to his uncle and aunt. Gongfu and Xu were filled with joy. Xu said, "Nephew, we are delighted that you have now seized a high name with your own hands, not disappointing our ten-odd years of effort. But we hope you will next ascend the palace examinations; then, when you receive your imperial patent of honors, you may return and offer sacrifices to your mother, not forgetting the toil of her nurturing. But your parents once made a betrothal agreement with us, and the original token is still here. Later I gave birth to your younger cousin, and our two families were joined in marriage. Because after your mother left, you have lived in our home and addressed each other as brother and sister. Now your cousin has also grown up and is waiting in her chamber for a match. I wonder what you think of this, nephew?" Mengjiao said, "Your child has received such deep nurturing kindness from my aunt and uncle that it would be hard to repay even if I were ground to dust. That I have now gained a name by good fortune is all due to my aunt and uncle's teaching and fostering. If I am favored by heaven and win a modest reputation further, I must earnestly implore the imperial favor to obtain patents of honor to repay their toil. As for my cousin's marriage, since my aunt and uncle do not reject me, and my parents were the ones who arranged it, how would your child dare not obey? After the spring examinations are over, I will choose an auspicious day to solemnize the wedding." Gongfu nodded and said, "What my nephew says is reasonable." Inside, Bilian heard this and secretly rejoiced as well. After Mengjiao had settled all matters at home, he then made preparations to go to the capital for the metropolitan examination. Gongfu set up a feast to see him off, and Xu could not help exhorting him to be careful on the road, to rise early and retire late, with a few such words. Mengjiao accepted their instructions. Gongfu chose a steady old servant to accompany Mengjiao. On this journey, there was to be a teaching: he would take the foremost place on the Turtle's Head and make his name famous on the Golden List. If you wish to know what happened afterward, listen to the next chapter for the resolution.