Section 1
As Jin Zhi listened to Jin Lan's introduction, she quietly lifted the curtain of the carriage to peek outside. Having traveled from Kaifeng to Hangzhou, she had already felt that the prosperity of Hangzhou was akin to a paradise on earth. It was only after arriving in Bianjing that she realized Hangzhou was merely a small city. At this moment, her eyes were met with bustling crowds everywhere; even if all the people from Kaifeng gathered together, it would still not compare to the liveliness in front of the temple here. Were it not for the ceremonial procession clearing the way, she truly could not imagine how she would manage to squeeze into the temple.
June 24. Approximately one mile outside the Wansheng Gate in Bianjing City, the Guankou Erlang God Temple
The carriage moved slowly along the way, and Jin Lan continuously introduced various sights to Jin Zhi from inside the carriage. Here, someone was jumping rope; there, someone was practicing sumo; over there, a performance of a variety show was taking place, with fruit vendors, impersonators, and those dressed as ghosts with knives, all engaging in witty banter... The scene in front of the temple was filled with a multitude of performances, as if all the artists from Bianjing had gathered together, leaving Jin Zhi dazzled and overwhelmed. "This Erlang God, besides praying for water and healing diseases, protecting the country and its people, is also the god of theater, so..." As Jin Lan was speaking, she suddenly heard Jin Zhi gasp in surprise, "What... what is that?" Following the direction of her finger, Jin Lan saw two towering flagpoles, each several dozen zhang high, in front of the main hall of the temple. At the fine tips of the poles, a horizontal beam was set up, and several performers dressed as gods and ghosts were dancing and gesticulating on that beam, spewing smoke and fire, causing the crowd below to gasp in astonishment. Jin Lan laughed and said, "Every year, countless people come rushing here just to see this."
"How could I let my own issues dampen everyone's spirits?" Qinghe smiled and said, "I hope the princess will not take offense at my rudeness." She smiled as she watched the Jin sisters get out of the carriage, then was surrounded by a crowd as they entered the temple. Suddenly recalling something, she couldn't help but let out a soft sigh. This Jin Lan, I fear, is still unaware that her husband has caused a tremendous disaster in Shaanxi.
Indeed. Qinghe quickly replied, recalling this matter, and found it amusing, unable to help but cover his mouth and laugh, "That white elephant is indeed a rare creature. They traveled thousands of miles to bring it back as a tribute for the Empress Dowager's birthday—I've heard that the country of Zhuan is actually India. Who would have thought that instead, they ended up receiving two scoldings from the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, each fined a month's salary, and in the end, they only served to benefit the zoo."
Upon hearing this, Empress Dowager Gao opened her eyes and glanced at Qinghe, also smiling as she said: "Zeng Bu and Xue Yi, one is a minister of the court who has served as the Minister of the Three Departments; the other is a great general of the court, commanding the naval forces of the South China Sea, and can be considered a regional lord. The court expects them to be loyal to the country, not to engage in such matters. This is the responsibility of the palace eunuchs and maidens, not what ministers should be concerned with. Zeng Bu should learn from Han Qi and Sima Guang; Xue Yi should learn from your Di Lang... The court expects them to be loyal to the country, not to engage in such matters. This is the responsibility of the palace eunuchs and maidens, not what ministers should be concerned with. Zeng Bu should learn from Han Qi and Sima Guang; Xue Yi should learn from your Di Lang... Those four white elephants, transported from the distant country of Zhu Nian, how much money in coins would it cost? How much manpower would it consume? If I accept this gift from them, local officials will surely follow suit, and the country will then produce treacherous ministers. Lady Eleven, you also read often, and you must have read the saying 'The King of Chu loves slender waists, many in the city die of hunger.' The palace indulging in luxury and entertainment often marks the beginning of a nation's downfall."
Since yesterday, the Kaifeng Prefecture has begun preparations for the sacrificial rites. It is said that as long as one can light the first incense stick at the fifth watch, they will be ensured a year of peace. Last night, it is unknown how many people stayed in this temple, eagerly waiting for the fifth watch to arrive, ready to compete for the lighting of that first incense stick—last year's first incense stick, it is said, was seized by the Taifu Temple
Jin Zhi quickly smiled and said, "If the princess is not feeling well, perhaps we should return to the residence. After all, we have had our fill of enjoyment today." Although it was clear that Qing He’s attitude was merely a formality, she did not dare to take offense. After all, the person sitting across from her was truly of noble birth. She had long heard that this first beauty of the Song royal family, although merely a princess, received the same stipend as a princess and enjoyed all the privileges equivalent to those of a grand princess. Even the ordinary concubines in the Song imperial court had to show respect to this exceptionally gracious mistress of Jingyuan Manor.
Erlang Zhenjun is indeed very effective; not only does he respond to prayers for water and healing, but during the reign of Emperor Renzong, when the Western Xia invaded, he also displayed great divine power by using a heavy snowfall to repel the Western Xia forces, thus safeguarding Yanzhou. As a result, the court conferred upon him the title of Zhaohui Lingxian Wang. The term 'Erlang Shen' is merely a colloquial name among the people. Today is said to be the birthday of Erlang Zhenjun, and in Bianjing, various trades, shops, taverns, nobility, and government offices all come to offer sacrifices, not to mention the common folk. Today can also be considered a lively festival in Bianjing
Qinghe, upon hearing these words, sensed a subtle warning and quickly composed himself, saying, "Yunluo understands."
Since the death of Di Yong in battle, Qinghe has placed almost all her hopes on her son Di Huan. For the sake of her son, Qinghe has exerted great effort; originally intent on staying away from court intrigues, she has had to work doubly hard, not only to win the favor of Empress Dowager Gao and Empress Xiang, but also to cultivate a good relationship with Consort Zhu, creating more opportunities for Di Huan to grow close to his sixth brother Zhao Yong. Although the child has been without a father since birth, this relationship will be a lifelong assurance for Di Huan. However, the health of this Crown Prince is indeed concerning, as he has fallen ill three to four times within a month, far weaker than his other brothers. Moreover, her brother the Emperor has also faced numerous health challenges...
"Ten thousand imperial troops have revolted in the heart of Shaanxi!" Empress Dowager Gao shook her head and said, "Fortunately, it has already been quelled"
"On another day, you should accompany her to take a look. She has come from afar, and it is only proper to extend the hospitality of a host," Empress Dowager Gao instructed. "Zeng Bu and Xue Yi have returned to the capital from Lingya Gate to report on their duties, and they brought back four white elephants from the Kingdom of Zhu Nian, which the Korean princess likely has never seen before..."
"Is it really pacified?!" Qinghe seemed to hear this news for the first time, murmuring, "Amitabha, this truly is the blessing of the sages..."
In an instant, many thoughts flashed through Qinghe's mind, yet he feigned an expression of great surprise, opening his mouth wide and exclaiming in astonishment, "The Shaanxi mutiny?"
Among the many princesses and noble ladies of the royal family, only the Kingdom of Shu and you are truly understanding. Unfortunately, the Kingdom of Shu..." At this point, Empress Dowager Gao's eyes immediately turned red, and tears could not help but flow down her cheeks. Qinghe recalled the close sisterly bond she had with the Princess of Shu, but the Princess of Shu had passed away due to excessive grief over the untimely death of her beloved son—such a good person, whose life was tragically fated due to unfortunate encounters, ultimately met with a sorrowful end. Qinghe could not help but feel a wave of sadness and began to sob softly.
The Temple of the Second Lord Erlang at this Guankou was originally a bustling place in Bianjing... At this moment, Jinlan had clearly become well-acquainted with Bianjing, skillfully introducing the local customs and culture to her sister and the Queen of Goryeo. In the sixteenth year of the Xining era, the former king of Goryeo, Wang Hui, passed away, and the crown prince, Wang Xun, ascended the throne. However, less than a hundred days later, he suddenly died. With the support of the nobles and ministers of Goryeo, as well as the envoys and military of the Song Dynasty, Wang Yun of the Guoyuan clan succeeded to the throne and was smoothly granted recognition by the Emperor of the Song Dynasty and the Liao state. A year after Wang Yun's ascension, he sent his queen, Jin Zhi, and crown prince, Wang Yao, to the Song Dynasty to congratulate Empress Dowager Gao on her birthday. At this time, with the birthday of Empress Dowager Gao on the sixteenth day of the seventh month still some time away, the Empress Dowager and the Empress issued a decree, ordering Princess Qinghe and Duke Cheng'an, Jinlan, to accompany the Queen of Goryeo in admiring the sights of Bianjing.
"This is the blessing of our ancestors," Empress Dowager Gao said, "but it is also because of loyal ministers and capable generals, who risked their lives, that we were able to timely quell those rebellious traitors who had no father or ruler, thus averting disaster..." Qinghe listened attentively to the Empress Dowager's words, faintly sensing that there was something unusual in her tone. However, when the Empress Dowager reached this point, she seemed to feel a bit weary, suddenly smiled faintly, and said: "I have spoken too much today; as for the major affairs of the court, they will be handled by the Emperor and the officials."
"Princess, would you like to pay a visit to Erlang Shen as well?" Jin Lan's respectful voice interrupted Qing He’s thoughts. She was momentarily taken aback and then realized that the carriage had already arrived at the temple. Peering through the curtain, she saw the Taoist priests welcoming guests at the archway, while the roadside was crowded with onlookers. Qing He smiled gently and said softly, "The people outside have come to see the princess of Goryeo. I am feeling a bit unwell, so I will not be getting off the carriage. Please accompany the princess on my behalf."
The Empress Dowager, soon to celebrate her fifty-second birthday, reclined on the warm pavilion's couch with her eyes closed, resting. Qinghe stood beside her, holding a round fan, gently fanning her while softly recounting the events of the previous day to the Empress Dowager. "After visiting the Erlang Temple, we went to Jinming Pool. It seemed that Yunluo, based on the words of the Princess of Goryeo, was quite eager to visit the zoo. However, since it was already late after leaving Jinming Pool and it was not on our way, she did not bring it up..."
The sisters, separated for many years, finally reunited, yet even with the clear river between them, they could not share their innermost thoughts, though there was an endless stream of conversation. However, the clear river seemed rather indifferent, merely responding with a few words here and there. The Han language was originally a fashion and necessary refinement among the Goryeo nobility; although Jin Zhi's Mandarin carried a hint of Hangzhou accent, Qing He could still understand her. Yet, she had little interest in the Erlang God Temple. The Erlang God was originally a deity from the Shu region, a protector of the state of Later Shu, with an intricate connection to the last ruler of Shu, Meng Chang. During the rebellions of Wang Xiaobo and Li Shun, the Erlang God was also invoked as a rallying cry. At the beginning of the Song Dynasty, up until the reign of Emperor Zhenzong, the worship of this deity was strictly prohibited. It was only after the Song Dynasty's rule in Shu stabilized that restrictions gradually eased. After the reign of Emperor Renzong, the Erlang God slowly spread throughout the country, assimilating various deities' stories into one, and even the name of the Erlang God underwent several changes, ultimately becoming known as "Zhao Yu, the King of Zhaohui Lingxian." Although these transformations were so convoluted that even the locals of Bianjing could not clearly articulate them, Jin Lan naturally could not be expected to know. However, Qing He had once heard Lady Shi Sangzi mention that once the origins of the immortals were traced back, their mystery would dissipate, and the reverence felt would naturally diminish. Nevertheless, what truly occupied her mind was the rumor she had inadvertently overheard in the palace yesterday—that His Highness the Crown Prince had caught a cold again.
The next day. The Inner Palace, Baoji Palace
These words of the Empress Dowager should indeed be recorded, just like the "Book of Women," to serve as a model for future generations
Empress Dowager Gao smiled faintly and sighed softly, "Empress Changsun wrote the 'Nüze', and before the ink was dry, the calamity of Wu Zhou occurred. The great principles have long been expounded by Confucius. Although the 'Nüjie' and 'Nüze' cannot be said to be entirely useless, when dealing with treacherous and cunning individuals, ultimately, it relies on loyal ministers—can the 'Nüze' make the Wu family repent and return to virtue? Matters of the world are not all governed by the same principles. Yesterday, Zhongming came and said there was another military rebellion in Shaanxi—do you think the court has not established laws? Although the 'Nüjie' and 'Nüze' cannot be said to be entirely useless, when dealing with treacherous and cunning individuals, ultimately, it relies on loyal ministers—can the 'Nüze' make the Wu family repent and return to virtue? Matters of the world are not all governed by the same principles. Yesterday, Zhongming came and said there was another military rebellion in Shaanxi—do you think the court has not established laws? But in the end, it still relies on loyal ministers and good generals to quell that rebellion..."
"Is the government also going to compete?" Jin Zhi looked at Jin Lan with curiosity. Jin Lan smiled and said, "Why not compete? Princes, prime ministers, and even embassies from various countries will send people to vie for this incense, each relying on their own abilities. The year before last, there was some guild that competed for it. However, ordinary people, no matter what, cannot compete for it; they can only come to offer sacrifices starting at dawn. Your Highness, look over there—" Jin Lan pointed outside, guiding Jin Zhi's gaze, "Your Highness, look at that terrace; those mounds of various offerings are..."