The Heavenly Master Zhang Prays to End a Plague; Marshal Hong Accidentally Releases the Demons

A poem says: The dawn herald in his red scarf announces the hour; The keeper of robes has just brought the kingfisher-cloud fur. The nine palace gates open one by one like the gates of Heaven; Envoys from all lands and officials come to pay homage to the emperor. The morning sun first touches the imperial fan; Incense smoke curls around the dragon robe. After court, five-colored edicts must be drafted; With jade pendants jingling, officials return to the Secretariat. Now, during the reign of Emperor Renzong of the Northern Song, on the third day of the third month in the third year of Jiayou, at the third point of the fifth watch, the emperor sat in Zichen Hall and received congratulations from all his civil and military officials. Auspicious clouds covered the Phoenix Pavilion, and lucky air wrapped the Dragon Tower. Imperial willows, veiled in mist, brushed the banners; palace flowers wet with dew greeted the swords and halberds. In the faint heavenly fragrance, officials with jade hairpins and pearl shoes gathered below the red steps. Amid immortal music,......