Emperor Taizong of Tang's Return to Life from the Underworld

Emperor Taizong and Wei Zheng were playing chess in a side hall, moving pieces back and forth as they set up their positions. As stated in the Classic of the Rotted Axe Handle: The Way of Go lies in rigorous precision. Masters focus on the center, novices cling to the edges, and average players vie for the corners—this is the constant principle among Go players. The maxim says: "Better to lose one piece than forfeit the initiative." When attacking the left, watch the right; when assaulting the rear, observe the front. What seems first may be last; what seems last may be first. Do not sever two living groups; do not connect what is already alive. Spacing should not be too sparse, nor too cramped. Rather than clinging to stones to survive, abandon them to win. Rather than wandering aimlessly alone, fortify your position. When outnumbered, first seek survival; when superior, strive to expand. The master victor avoids petty fights; the master strategist avoids battle; the master warrior remains undefeated; the master loser keeps composure in defeat. A game begins with orthodox moves but ends with extraordinary victory. If an opponent fortifies without cause, he harbors aggressive intent; abandoning small stones signals grand ambition. Placing stones casually shows lack of strategy; responding without thought is the path to defeat. As the Book of Songs says: "Trembling with caution, as if standing by a deep ravine." This is its meaning. A poem attests:

The board is earth, the pieces heaven's sign, Black and white mirror creation's design. Reaching depths profound where mysteries align, Laughing praise recalls the Rotted Axe divine.

 

The sovereign and minister played until the hour of noon, with the game still unresolved. Suddenly, Wei Zheng slumped over the table, fast asleep and snoring. Emperor Taizong chuckled, "My worthy minister, your heart wearies from upholding the realm, your strength tires from founding this empire, hence this unintended slumber." Taizong let him sleep undisturbed. Shortly after, Wei Zheng awoke, prostrated himself, and pleaded, "Your servant deserves death ten thousand times! This drowsiness overcame me, I knew not what I did. I beg Your Majesty to pardon my offense of neglecting my sovereign." Taizong replied, "What offense have you committed? Rise, clear the board, and we shall start anew." Wei Zheng thanked the Emperor. Just as he picked up a piece, a great clamor erupted outside the court. Qin Shubao, Xu Maogong, and others rushed in, presenting a bloody dragon's head before the throne. "Your Majesty," they reported, "dried rivers and shallow seas have been seen, but such a marvel is unheard of!" Taizong and Wei Zheng rose, asking, "Where did this come from?"

Shubao and Maogong answered, "At the crossroads south of the Thousand-Step Corridor, this dragon head fell from the clouds. We dared not fail to report it." The Tang Emperor, alarmed, questioned Wei Zheng, "What is the meaning of this?" Wei Zheng turned and kowtowed, "It is the dragon I slew in my dream just now!" Stunned, Taizong asked, "Worthy minister, while you slept, you neither moved nor acted, nor held sword or blade. How could you slay this dragon?" Wei Zheng explained, "My lord, my body remained before you, but my spirit departed Your Majesty. My body sat before you over the unfinished game, eyes closed in drowsiness; my spirit, leaving Your Majesty, rode auspicious clouds, alert and vigorous. That dragon was bound on the Execution Altar by heavenly soldiers. I declared: 'You have violated celestial law and deserve death. By Heaven's command, I end your life.' The dragon lamented bitterly; I summoned my spirit. Hearing its sorrow, it tucked claws and scales, resigned to die; summoning my spirit, I lifted my robe, stepped forward, and raised my frost-bright blade—one stroke of the sword, and the dragon's head thus fell into the void." Hearing this, Taizong felt both sorrow and joy. Joy, for he praised Wei Zheng as a loyal minister; with such a hero in court, why fear instability? Sorrow, for he recalled promising to save the dragon in his dream, never expecting it to be executed. Forcing his spirits, he decreed that Shubao hang the dragon's head in the marketplace to warn the people of Chang'an, and he rewarded Wei Zheng before dismissing the court.

That night, returning to his palace, Taizong grew melancholy, thinking of the dragon weeping and pleading for life in his dream, unaware it was doomed. Deep in thought, he felt increasingly weary and unwell. Around the second watch, he heard wailing outside the palace gates. Taizong grew more fearful. In his drowsy state, he saw the Dragon King of the Jing River clutching his own bloody head, shouting, "Emperor Taizong of Tang! Return my life! Return my life! Last night you promised to save me, so why at dawn did you command the Human Official to behead me? Come out! Come out! I will dispute this with you before King Yama!" The dragon seized Taizong, clamoring relentlessly. Taizong, unable to speak, struggled until drenched in sweat. Just as the conflict seemed unresolvable, fragrant clouds and colored mists drifted from the south. A female immortal approached, waved a willow branch, and the headless dragon, wailing sorrowfully, flew northwest. This was Guanyin Bodhisattva, who, on Buddha's orders, was seeking a scripture pilgrim in the East. Staying at the City God Temple in Chang'an, she heard the ghostly wails and came to rebuke the karmic dragon and rescue the Emperor. The dragon went straight to the underworld to lodge his complaint, but that is another tale.

Taizong awoke crying, "Ghosts! Ghosts!" Terrifying the empress, consorts, and palace eunuchs, who spent a sleepless night trembling. By dawn, the officials assembled outside the court, growing anxious as the Emperor failed to appear. Only when the sun was high did an edict emerge: "The Emperor is unwell; court is dismissed." Five or seven days passed. The worried officials were about to force their way in to inquire after his health when the Empress Dowager summoned imperial physicians. The physicians emerged to report, "The Emperor's pulse is erratic—weak and rapid. He raves of seeing ghosts. His pulse shows ten beats with one missed, indicating his organs lack vitality. I fear... he may not last seven days." The officials paled in shock. Amidst the panic, an edict summoned Xu Maogong, the Duke Protector (Qin Shubao), and Duke Yuchi (Yuchi Jingde). The three lords hurried to the inner palace gate. After paying respects, Taizong, forcing composure, declared, "Worthy ministers, I led armies at nineteen, campaigning north and south, blocking east and west, enduring years of hardship without witnessing a single evil spirit. Yet now, I am haunted by ghosts!" Yuchi Gong retorted, "We founded an empire, killing countless foes. Why fear ghosts?" Taizong countered, "You do not believe. Outside my bedchamber, tiles crash and ghosts wail all night, making it unbearable. Day is tolerable, but night is dreadful."

Shubao said, "Set your heart at ease, Your Majesty. Tonight, Jingde and I will guard the palace gates and see what ghosts dare appear." Taizong approved. Maogong thanked him and left. At dusk, the two generals donned full armor, took up golden mallets and battle-axes, and stood guard outside the palace gates. What fine generals! Behold their appearance:

Gleaming golden helmets on their heads, Dragon-scale armor shielding their forms. Mirrored breastplates catching clouds' threads, Lion-buckle belts tightly drawn, Embroidered sashes bright as dawn. One with phoenix eyes daunting stars in the sky, The other, piercing orbs reflecting moonlight high. Heroes of old, valiant and bold, Now guardians for a thousand years untold, Eternal Door Gods, legends retold.

 

The two generals stood vigil all night without seeing a single specter. That night, Taizong rested peacefully. At dawn, he summoned and richly rewarded them, saying, "Since falling ill, I have not slept for days. Tonight, under your mighty protection, I rested well. Go now and rest. Return tonight to guard me again." The generals thanked him and withdrew. They guarded peacefully for two or three nights, but Taizong's appetite waned, and his illness worsened. Unwilling to burden the generals further, Taizong summoned Shubao, Jingde, Du Ruhui, Fang Xuanling, and others. He instructed, "Though I have rested well these nights, it pains me that Generals Qin and Hu (Yuchi) toil through the night. I wish to summon skilled painters to capture their likenesses, to be pasted on the doors, sparing them the labor. What say you?" The ministers obeyed, selecting two portraitists. The two lords donned their armor again, were painted as they stood, and their images were pasted on the doors. The nights remained peaceful.

After a few days, however, tiles began crashing wildly at the Rear Palace Gate. At dawn, Taizong urgently summoned his ministers: "The front gate was thankfully quiet, but last night the rear gate clamored, nearly frightening me to death!" Maogong stepped forward: "If the front gate was troubled, Jingde and Shubao guarded it. If the rear gate is troubled, Wei Zheng should guard it." Taizong approved and ordered Wei Zheng to guard the rear gate that night. Wei Zheng received the decree. That night, arrayed in full regalia, gripping the dragon-slaying sword, he stood guard at the Rear Gate—a truly heroic sight! Behold his appearance:

A dark silk headband bound his brow, Brocade robe, jade belt hanging low. His cloak's sleeves caught the drifting snow, Dwarfing even gods in splendor's glow. Black boots braced firm against the ground, A sharp blade held, fierce and profound. Eyes wide, scanning all around— What evil spirit dares be found?

 

The night passed without incident. Though both gates were quiet, Taizong's health deteriorated. One day, the Empress Dowager summoned the ministers to discuss funeral arrangements. Taizong summoned Xu Maogong, entrusting state affairs, echoing Liu Bei's entrusting of his orphan. After speaking, he bathed and changed clothes, awaiting his time. Suddenly, Wei Zheng stepped forward, grasping the dragon robe, and petitioned:

"Set your heart at ease, Your Majesty. Your servant has a plan to ensure your longevity." Taizong replied, "The illness has reached my vitals; my life is in peril. How can you preserve it?" Wei Zheng said, "I have a letter. Give it to the underworld, to Judge Cui Jue of Fengdu." Taizong asked, "Who is Cui Jue?" Wei Zheng explained, "Cui Jue was a minister under your late father, first Magistrate of Zizhou, later promoted to Vice-Minister of Rites. In life, he and I became sworn brothers, close friends. Now deceased, he serves as Judge of Fengdu, keeper of the Book of Life and Death. He often meets me in dreams. Take this letter to him. Remembering our bond, he will surely release you back to life, ensuring your soul returns to the world of light and your dragon countenance revives in the capital." Hearing this, Taizong took the letter, tucked it into his sleeve, closed his eyes, and passed away. The imperial household, crown prince, and all officials mourned in white, placing the coffin in the White Tiger Hall. But that is another tale.

Meanwhile, Taizong's soul drifted hazily out before the Five Phoenix Tower. He saw imperial guards inviting him on a hunt. Willingly, Taizong drifted away with them. After a long journey, the men and horses vanished. Alone, he wandered desolate wilderness. Fearful and lost, he heard a shout: "Emperor of Great Tang! This way! This way!" Looking up, Taizong saw a man:

A black gauze cap upon his head, A rhinoceros-horn belt cinched his waist. The cap's soft ribbons softly spread, The horn belt gleamed with golden grace. An ivory tablet held in hand, gathering auspicious haze, A silken robe adorned his frame, veiled in radiant rays. Boots of powdered sole touched clouds and mist, In his breast, the Book of Life and Death exists. Disheveled hair floated past his ears, A dancing beard framed his face with years. Once Tang's Prime Minister, wise and grand, Now serving King Yama, ledger in hand.

 

Approaching, the man knelt by the roadside, saying, "Pardon your servant's failure to welcome you from afar!" Taizong asked, "Who are you? Why come to greet me?" The man replied, "Fifteen days ago, in the Hall of Darkness, I saw the ghostly Dragon King of Jing River accuse Your Majesty of promising rescue yet causing his execution. King Qinguang of the First Court dispatched ghostly envoys to summon Your Majesty for a trial. Knowing this, I came to await you. Forgive my tardiness." Taizong asked, "Your name and office?" He answered, "In life, I served your late father as Magistrate of Zizhou, later Vice-Minister of Rites. My name is Cui Jue. Now in the underworld, I am Chief Judge of Fengdu." Delighted, Taizong stepped forward and helped him rise, saying, "You have traveled far, Sir. My minister Wei Zheng has a letter for you. How fortunate we meet!" The Judge thanked him and asked for the letter. Taizong retrieved it from his sleeve and handed it over. Cui Jue opened it and read:

"Your unworthy younger brother, Wei Zheng, bows and writes to Elder Brother Cui, Honorable Chief Judge of the Great Tribunal: I recall our friendship; your voice and face remain vivid. Years have passed without hearing your wise counsel. I offer simple sacrifices at festivals, hoping you partake. Honored by your visits in dreams, I learned of your lofty promotion. But Yin and Yang divide us, placing us under different skies, preventing face-to-face meeting. Now, because our Taizong, Emperor Wen, has suddenly passed, I presume he faces trial in the Three Courts and will surely meet you. I implore you, remembering our lifelong friendship, to show him kindness and release him back to life. I would be deeply grateful. Further thanks will follow. Incomplete."

 

After reading, the Judge was overjoyed: "I am well aware of Wei, Officer of Humans, slaying the old dragon in his dream, and praised him endlessly. He also tends to my descendants. Since he writes, set your heart at ease, Your Majesty. Your servant guarantees your return to life and the throne." Taizong thanked him.

As they spoke, two blue-robed boys holding banners and a jeweled canopy called, "King Yama requests your presence!" Taizong, Judge Cui, and the boys proceeded. Suddenly, they saw a city gate bearing a large plaque inscribed with seven golden characters: "Ghost Gate Pass of the Netherworld, Land of Darkness." The boys waved their banners, leading Taizong through the gate and down the street. Beside the road, Taizong saw his late father, Emperor Gaozu (Li Yuan), his deceased elder brother Jiancheng, and younger brother Yuanji, who cried, "Shimin is here! Shimin is here!" Jiancheng and Yuanji seized him, demanding their lives. Before Taizong could escape, Judge Cui summoned a blue-faced, fanged demon officer who drove them back, freeing Taizong. Shortly after, they saw a magnificent tower of green tiles:

Massed clouds of colored haze drift high, Faintly veiled by crimson mist. Beast-head eaves pierce the sky, Tile upon tile, like mandarin ducks kissed. The door studded with golden nails, The threshold a band of jade that never pales. Windows glow with dawn's first hue, Curtains shimmer, red light shining through. Towers soar, touching the azure dome, Corridors stretch, linking treasures' home. Incense from beast-shaped burners graced the royal robe, Crimson lanterns lit the palace fan's globe. Fierce Ox-Head stood stern on the left, Savage Horse-Face glared on the right. Tokens summoning souls, a golden plaque, Banners guiding spirits, a white silken track. This is the Netherworld's central gate, Below, King Yama's Hall of Darkness awaits.

 

As Taizong gazed, bells chimed and rare incense filled the air. Two pairs of lantern bearers appeared, followed by the Ten Kings of Hell descending the steps: Kings Qinguang, Chujiang, Songdi, Wuguan, Yanluo, Pingdeng, Taishan, Dushi, Biancheng, and Zhuanlun.

The Ten Kings welcomed Taizong with deep bows in the Hall of Darkness. Taizong modestly declined to enter first. The Ten Kings said, "Your Majesty is a Human King of the living world; we are Ghost Kings of the dead. Our stations differ naturally; no need for excessive courtesy." Taizong replied, "I stand accused before you; how dare I presume upon distinctions of Yin, Yang, man, or ghost?" After further protest, Taizong entered and took the guest seat.

After a moment, King Qinguang stepped forward, hands clasped: "The Dragon King of Jing River accuses Your Majesty of promising rescue yet causing his death. Why?" Taizong answered, "I dreamed the old dragon sought help and indeed promised him safety. Unaware he was condemned to die by my Officer of Humans, Wei Zheng, I summoned Wei Zheng to play chess, not knowing he would behead the dragon in his dream. This was the Officer of Humans' divine strategy, and the dragon's crime merited death. How is it my fault?" The Ten Kings bowed, "Before that dragon was born, the Book of Death in the Southern Dipper already decreed he should die by the Officer of Humans' hand. We knew this long ago. But he insisted on disputing it, demanding Your Majesty face trial. We have already sent him into the Wheel of Rebirth. Now, troubling Your Majesty to descend, we beg forgiveness for hastening you." They then ordered the Keeper of the Book of Life and Death: "Fetch the Register swiftly! See how long the Emperor's allotted life and heavenly blessings should be!" Judge Cui hurried to the records room. Scanning the General Register of Heavenly Blessings for Kings of All Nations Under Heaven, he saw: "Tang Emperor Taizong of South Jambudvīpa: Reign destined for thirteen years (Zhenguan 13)." Startled, Cui snatched a thick brush, dipped it in dark ink, and added two strokes to the "one" (一), turning "thirteen" (十三) into "thirty-three" (三十三). He presented the register. The Ten Kings read that Taizong was allotted thirty-three years. King Yama asked in surprise, "How long has Your Majesty reigned?" Taizong answered, "Thirteen years this day." King Yama said, "Set your heart at ease. You have twenty years of life remaining. This appearance has settled the case. Please return to life." Taizong bowed in thanks.

The Ten Kings ordered Judge Cui and Marshal Zhu to escort Taizong back to life. As Taizong left the Hall of Darkness, he clasped his hands and asked, "How fares my palace household?" The Ten Kings replied, "All are well, though we fear the Imperial Sister's life may not be long." Taizong bowed again in gratitude: "Returning to life, I have nothing to repay you with except... fruits." The Ten Kings smiled, "We have plenty of winter melons and watermelons, but lack pumpkins." Taizong promised, "I shall send them upon my return! I shall send them!" They exchanged bows and parted.

Marshal Zhu held a Soul-Summoning Banner aloft, leading the way. Judge Cui followed, protecting Taizong as they left the dark offices. Looking around, Taizong saw unfamiliar paths. "Is this the wrong road?" he asked. The Judge replied, "Not wrong. In the underworld, one departs by a different path than one arrives. We are sending Your Majesty through the Wheel Treasury. Firstly, to tour the underworld; secondly, to teach Your Majesty about rebirth and transcendence." Taizong had no choice but to follow them.

After several miles, they saw a towering mountain shrouded in dark clouds and black fog. "Sir Cui, what mountain is that?" Taizong asked. "The Shady Mountain of the Netherworld," replied the Judge. "How can I cross it?" Taizong shuddered. "Set your heart at ease. We will guide you," the Judge assured. Trembling, Taizong followed them up the rocky slope. Looking up, he saw:

Rugged peaks, jagged and steep, Loftier than Mount Shu, higher than Lu's keep. No earthly mountain, this, But Hell's perilous abyss. Thorns conceal demon sprites, Crags hide evil spirits in the dim lights. No beast or bird call breaks the air, Only ghosts and monsters wander there. A chilling wind sighs and moans, Black mists swirl in somber tones. The chilling wind—whistled smoke by spirit troops unseen; The black mists—vapors exhaled by fiends unclean. No scenery high or low, Left and right, only woe. Hills, peaks, ridges, caves, ravines appear— But grassless hills, peaks not piercing the atmosphere, Ridges no traveler treads, caves swallowing no cloud, Ravines where no water flows aloud. Before the banks, specters throng, Beneath the ridge, demons belong. Caves hold wild ghosts in thrall, Ravines hide evil spirits, one and all. Before and behind, Ox-Heads and Horse-Faces clamor loud; Half-hidden, hungry ghosts and wretched souls weep in a crowd. Death-hastening Judges rush with urgent warrants fast; Soul-chasing Marshals bellow, urging writs to blast. Swift-footed runners whirl in gusty spin; Arresting officers shroud in foggy din.

 

Leaning on Judge Cui, Taizong crossed the Shady Mountain. Ahead, they passed many tribunals, each filled with heart-wrenching wails and terrifying monsters. "Where is this?" Taizong asked. "The Eighteen Levels of Hell behind the Shady Mountain," replied the Judge. "What are they?" Taizong inquired. "Hear me:

The Sinew-Stretching Prison, the Unjust Imprisonment Prison, the Fiery Pit Prison—lonely, desolate, filled with endless torment—punishments for a thousand evils committed in life. The Fengdu Prison, the Tongue-Ripping Prison, the Flaying Prison—weeping, wailing, misery and despair—for those unfilial, disloyal, wounding Heaven's principles, or speaking Buddha's words with a serpent's heart. The Grinding Prison, the Mortar-Pounding Prison, the Cart-Splitting Prison—skin torn, flesh rent, lips curled, teeth bared—for the deceitful, the unjust, the fair-seeming but secretly harmful. The Icy Prison, the Shelling Prison, the Gut-Pulling Prison—faces filthy, hair unkempt, brows furrowed, eyes squinting—for cheating the foolish with false measures, bringing disaster upon themselves. The Oil-Cauldron Prison, the Darkness Prison, the Mountain-of-Knives Prison—trembling, terrified, weeping bitterly—for the violent who bullied the good and meek, hiding their heads in cowardly weakness. The Pool-of-Blood Prison, the Avīci Prison, the Scale-Beam Prison—skin stripped, bones exposed, arms broken, sinews snapped—for murderers seeking wealth, slaughterers of beasts, falling into suffering hard to escape for a thousand years, sinking forever with no hope of rising. Each one bound tight, ropes twisted and tied; Red-Haired Demons, Black-Faced Fiends with spears and swords; Ox-Headed Devils, Horse-Faced Ghouls with iron maces and bronze mallets. They beat them till faces grimace, blood flows free, Crying to heaven and earth, none to hear their plea. Truly, let no man deceive his own heart! How can gods and spirits let the wicked depart? Good and evil find their reward in the end— Only the timing may differ, my friend."

 

Taizong listened, heart chilled with horror.

Advancing a little further, they saw a group of ghostly soldiers holding banners kneeling by the roadside: "The Bridge Attendants greet you!" Judge Cui ordered them to rise and led Taizong across a Golden Bridge. Taizong saw another bridge—a Silver Bridge—crossed by loyal, filial, virtuous, and upright individuals, also guided by banners. Yet another bridge stood nearby, shrouded in icy winds and churning with bloody waves, endless wails rising from it. "What bridge is that?" Taizong asked. The Judge replied, "Your Majesty, that is the Naihe Bridge (Bridge of Helplessness). When you return to the living world, you must record this. Below it surge torrential, perilous waters, flowing through a narrow, treacherous path:

Like a bolt of silk stretched across the Long River, Or a fiery pit floating above the world. Yin energy chills the bone, piercing cold; The stench of gore assails the nose, taking hold. Waves roll and crash; no ferry boat sails; Barefoot, disheveled, all who pass are souls of evil trails. The bridge spans miles, yet only three spans wide, A hundred feet high, a thousand-fold deep inside. No handrail above, Demonic snatchers below. Shackled souls tread the Naihe's dangerous slope. See the fierce divine guards at the bridge's rim? The tormented souls in the river's grim swim? On forked trees hang red, yellow, purple silken gowns; By cliff walls crouch shrews who cursed their in-laws in towns. Copper snakes and iron dogs fight for their feed, Trapped forever on Naihe, no escape decreed."

 

A poem says:

Ghosts wail and spirits shriek, often heard, Bloody waves surge ten thousand zhang high. Countless Ox-Heads and Horse-Faces, undeterred, Savage guardians of Naihe Bridge stand nigh."

 

As he spoke, the bridge attendants departed. Taizong, filled with dread, nodded silently in sorrow. Following the Judge and Marshal, he crossed the dreadful Naihe waters, the bitter Sea of Blood. Soon they reached the City of the Wrongfully Dead. A tumultuous roar arose: "Li Shimin is here! Li Shimin is here!" Hearing his name, Taizong trembled in fear. A crowd of ghosts—some bent-backed, some broken-armed, some footless, some headless—surrounded him, crying, "Give us back our lives! Give us back our lives!" Panicking, Taizong hid, crying, "Sir Cui, save me! Sir Cui, save me!" The Judge said, "Your Majesty, these are the ghosts of the sixty-four rebellious leaders and seventy-two bandit chiefs, princes, and chieftains. All are wrongfully dead, unclaimed, unable to be reborn. Penniless and destitute, they are hungry, lonely ghosts. If Your Majesty gives them some money, I can save you." Taizong said, "I came empty-handed. Where would I get money?" The Judge replied, "Your Majesty, a man in the living world has gold and silver deposited here in the underworld. You may sign a promissory note in his name, with me as guarantor. Borrow one treasury from him to distribute among these hungry ghosts, and we may pass." Taizong asked, "Who is this man?" "He is Xiang Liang from Kaifeng Prefecture, Henan. He has thirteen treasuries of gold and silver here. If you borrow some, repay him in the living world." Taizong gladly agreed. He signed a note, borrowing one treasury of gold and silver, and ordered the Marshal to distribute it all. Judge Cui instructed the ghosts: "Divide this gold and silver. Let the Grandfather of Tang pass. His allotted life is long. By the decree of the Ten Kings, I escort him back to life. He will perform a Grand Assembly of Land and Water upon his return to deliver you all to rebirth. Cause no more trouble!" The ghosts, receiving the money, obediently withdrew. Judge Cui ordered the Marshal to wave the Soul-Summoning Banner and led Taizong out of the City of the Wrongfully Dead onto a broad, level path, drifting away into the mists.

Where exactly would his soul emerge? To be continued.