Lu Zhishen Passes Away in Meditation in Zhejiang; Song Gongming Returns Home in Brocade Robes

A poem says: The truths of Chan had long been seen through; By the Qiantang River Lu Zhishen had long looked lightly on worldly fame. On a moonlit night at Liuhe Temple he would take leave of the dust, And go to the Western Heaven. The monk’s heart was empty of all things, and he passed away in peace; The general achieved great merit and returned home in brocade robes. Both were true men, Worthy to be called heroes who saved the world. The story tells that the one who came forward before Fang La’s hall and volunteered to lead troops out of the cave to fight was none other than his imperial son-in-law, Commandant of the Nobility Ke Yin. Fang La was delighted to hear this, thinking that today he was truly in luck: the imperial son-in-law was willing to risk arrows and blades to go into battle and defeat these bandit rabble, and with his ability he might well be able to steady the state once more. Imperial Son-in-law Ke at once led the southern troops, with Commandant Yun Bi, put on armor, mounted, and went out. Fang La bestowed his own golden armor and brocade robe on......