For civil affairs there is a civil star,
For military affairs a military star.
As a matter of fact the Jade Emperor of Heaven, the great Taoist god had already sent two stars to assist this newborn infant in those affairs when he became Emperor.
The Civil Star was incarnated in Bao Zheng who later became a scholar of the Longtu Academy, and also Prefect of Kaifeng. The Military Star was incarnated in Di Qing who became commander-in-chief of the expedition to the Western Xia Kingdom in modern Gansu. These two worthy ministers assisted the Emperor Renzong for forty-two years. During the first twenty-seven years the crops were abundant, and there was general peace and prosperity. Robbery was rare, and the people could always leave their doors open even at night. In fact the people enjoyed abundant happiness in those years. But who could know that great happiness would be culminated in sorrow? In the 28th year a grave pestilence afflicted the Empire, and a flood of petitions inundated the capital like a heavy snowstorm.
In the Eastern Capital half of the people died. The Grand Secretary Bao Zheng offered a special medicine free, but with no effect. The pestilence spread, and increased its virility. The officials discussed the situation in the Council Chamber and when the Emperor gave audience they all entered the Grand Audience Hall where they all kowtowed together. The appointed minister asked what business there was to bring before the Emperor, and the Prime Minister Zhao Zhe, and the official Wen Yanbo stepped forward. The former spoke, “Just now there is a serious pestilence in this Capital, and a great many people have died. I request that in your benevolence an edict be issued pardoning all criminals, reducing all sentences for future crimes, and lessening all taxes. We also beg Your Majesty to offer prayers to Heaven to save the lives of your people.”
The Emperor at once agreed to this, and added to the edict that in all temples there should be special prayers to Heaven to stop this great calamity. Although this was done the pestilence still increased its ravages. When the Emperor was informed of this he summoned all ministers to discuss the matter, and during the meeting of the Grand Council Fan Zhongyan spoke, “This great calamity is inflicting the people who are on the verge of despair. I suggest that we send for the Taoist, Heavenly Teacher Zhang at Mount Longhu, Jiangxi province, to offer special prayers here for the cessation of the pestilence.”
The Emperor Renzong agreed, and ordered a Hanlin scholar to write the edict. He signed it with the vermilion brush, and handed it to Marshal Hong Xin to deliver it as the Imperial Envoy. Hong Xin fastened the edict on his back, held the Imperial incense in his hand, took about ten assistants, traveled by relays of horses, and soon reached Guixi County in Jiangxi province. He was met and welcomed outside the various towns he passed through by the local officials. A messenger had been sent in advance to advise Heavenly Teacher Zhang of the approaching envoy.
Upon reaching Mount Longhu he was received by a big crowd of Taoist priests, with much beating of drums and gongs, much burning of incense, fluttering banners, and music. The temple abbot conducted the envoy into the Hall of Three Purities where the Imperial edict was respectfully received. When the envoy, Marshal Hong Xin, asked for Heavenly Teacher Zhang the superintendent replied, “The Heavenly Teacher is known as “Xu Jing” who has a pure and lofty nature. He is averse to soliciting favor, and has retired to a straw hut on the summit of the mountain where he cultivates his spirit.”
“Then how can I see him about this important matter?” asked Hong Xin.
“We can leave the Imperial edict here unopened while we discuss that matter in another room,” replied the superintendent.
This was done, and the envoy took the seat of honor while attendants brought in tea and vegetarian food for all. After the meal the superintendent explained that the Heavenly Teacher had acquired the Tao and since he traveled on clouds, they never knew where he might be.43 They very seldom saw him at the temple so they thought it hardly worth while to advise him of the approach of the Imperial Envoy.
Hong Xin explained what the edict was about, and asked how he could meet the Heavenly Teacher.
The superintendent replied, “As the Emperor wishes to save the people you must carry out his orders. You must therefore purify yourself by fasting, dress in plain rough clothes, then go by yourself with the Imperial edict on your back, step by step up the mountain, and then you may have the chance of seeing the Heavenly Teacher. But if your heart is not truly sincere, that may spoil your chance of meeting him.”
“Since I left the capital,” said Hong Xin, “I have been a strict vegetarian so how could my intentions be other than absolutely sincere? Such being the case I will follow your advice and go up the mountain tomorrow.”
The following morning about 4 A.M. the priests prepared the fragrant water and invited the envoy to bathe. After bathing he put on new rough clothes and straw sandals; wrapped the Imperial edict in yellow silk and fastened it on his back; took a silver bowl with burning incense in his hands. He took leave of the priests and set off saying prayers as he walked. After some time the path became steeper, and he had to take hold of bushes and trees to pull himself up. He had traversed several summits, and began to feel extremely fatigued. It was now very hard walking, and he became hesitant as to whether to go forward or not. He thought of the pleasant, easy times he used to have in the Capital with rich varied food and comfortable beds. There he never wore rough clothes, and straw sandals, and was never tired like this. Why did they send him to experience such bitterness of soul? How could he find the Heavenly Teacher?
He struggled on for about fifty paces more, but was now panting for breath. A strong gust of wind blew down the ravine, and roared through the pines. Just then he saw a tiger rush out from the trees, and was so afraid and startled that he fell down. The tiger examined the envoy, walked round him, but after roaring returned to the forest. Hong Xin lay there, his teeth grinding and his heart beating like “a chain of buckets raising water from a well.” His sensation became numb, and he seemed paralyzed. His legs could not move, and seemed like a defeated cock after a fight. He began to whine about his fate.
But after a short time his spirits gradually revived, and he continued his walk. He was, however, still short of breath, and began again to complain of the hardness of the way. He muttered, “The Emperor gave me a very hard task,” but before he had finished this a very noxious wind burst forth. He stared round, and saw an enormous speckled snake rattling among some bamboos. He was startled and throwing away his bowl, fell down near a large stone, exclaiming, “I shall certainly die this time!” The snake glided towards him, and coiled up at his side. It showed a yellow light in its eyes, opened wide its mouth, and blew a poisonous vapor in his face. This so frightened him that he fainted, but the snake soon left him.
When he regained consciousness he saw that his body was as chilly as having been thrown into an icy river. He soliloquized, “I was almost frightened to death! I never suspected that priest of deceiving me. What a shock I had! If I don’t find the Heavenly Teacher, I shall have something to say to that priest when I get back.” He, however, picked up his incense bowl, put on his headdress, straightened his garments, and prepared to try again. He had taken only a few steps when he heard the sound of a flute which was being played somewhere among the trees. Looking round he saw an acolyte riding on a yellow ox playing a flute, with a smiling countenance.
Hong spoke to him, “Where do you come from? Do you recognize me?”
The boy did not reply, but continued playing the flute.
Hong asked the same questions several times, and at last the boy laughed and pointing his flute at him replied, “Have you come here to see the Heavenly Teacher?”
“As you are only a cowherd how is it that you know my affairs?”
“Early this morning I waited upon the Heavenly Teacher, and he told me that you had been commissioned by the Emperor to bring an edict here inviting him to go to the Capital to offer prayers to Heaven to stop the pestilence. He said that he was