Chapter Seventeen Now the Mist and Moon Entwine with Lament (II)

　　It is said:

　　In Chang’an, there were many outstanding heroes,

　　At one time, they stirred up a thousand piles of snow.

　　Snow flew in the cold night, calamity arose,

　　And each scattered in their own direction, returning home.

　　Now, Liu Shenwei, after leaving the imperial palace, spent several hours searching for his master. Eventually, he found his master, Sun Simiao, outside the city. Seeing Liu Shenwei’s flustered expression, Sun Simiao immediately asked:

　　“Shenwei, is there something troubling the palace?”

　　Liu Shenwei explained the situation at the palace, and Sun Simiao, realizing there was an issue, followed him back to the palace.

　　Sun Simiao, originally from Hua Yuan in Jingzhao, was a brilliant child known for his scholarly aptitude. The Minister of the Western Wei, Dugu Xin, once praised him as a “holy child.” He later studied Daoist scriptures and became known for his works Qianjin Yaofangand Qianjin Yifang. In the fourth year of the Xianqing era, Emperor Gaozong appointed him as a Counsellor.

　　Upon their return to the palace, Liu Shenwei reported to Emperor Gaozong, and upon hearing that Sun Simiao had arrived, the Emperor summoned him to the Xuanzheng Hall. Emperor Gaozong said:

　　“Minister, in the short time you’ve been away from the palace, the princess has fallen gravely ill, and the royal physicians have been unable to cure her. She has suffered for several days. I, along with the Empress, feel helpless in not being able to relieve her burden. If you are able to cure the princess, there will be great rewards for you.”

　　Sun Simiao replied:

　　“Curing illnesses and saving lives is the duty of a healer, but I ask Your Majesty to take me to the princess without delay, lest her condition worsen.”

　　Upon reaching Xianju Hall, Sun Simiao first inquired about Li Lingyue’s condition from Shangguan Wan’er. He then took a red thread and asked Shangguan Wan’er to tie one end to Li Lingyue’s right wrist and the other end to the curtain behind her.

　　Sun Simiao then took hold of the thread, sensing Li Lingyue’s pulse. After a moment, he stood up and said to Emperor Gaozong:

　　“Your Majesty, this is a rare case of bloodletting due to heat, most likely caused by the plague spreading in the palace. Fortunately, it was detected in time, or I fear it would have been difficult to treat.”

　　Empress Wu and the others were greatly relieved. Empress Wu said:

　　“If this is the case, I hope you will quickly provide a prescription.”

　　Sun Simiao immediately wrote a prescription and handed it to Empress Wu, saying:

　　“The princess should take this medicine I’ve prescribed. She should have no major issues.”

　　Empress Wu, smiling, turned to Shangguan Wan’er, instructing her to prepare the medicine.

　　Sun Simiao then presented a second prescription to Emperor Gaozong:

　　“This prescription is for two sets. One should be used for everyone in the palace, and the other should be spread in the palace and throughout the water sources of Chang’an, to prevent further outbreaks.”

　　Emperor Gaozong ordered it to be done, and the plague was averted.

　　Two days later, Li Lingyue was indeed much better. Emperor Gaozong, pleased, said:

　　“Minister Sun, your skill is remarkable. I will certainly reward you greatly. Do you have any requests?”

　　Sun Simiao replied:

　　“Your Majesty, I am advanced in years. I humbly request to retire to my hometown to enjoy my old age in peace.”

　　Understanding his request, Emperor Gaozong granted him a fine horse and a mansion once belonging to the late Princess Poyang, allowing him to retire.

　　Several days later, before Sun Simiao left Chang’an, his disciples, including Lu Zhaolin and Liu Shenwei, along with well-known scholars such as Luo Binwang, Song Lingwen, and Meng Shen, gathered at the Spring Ming Gate of Chang’an to send him off.

　　Sun Simiao said to Lu Zhaolin:

　　“My son, I cannot cure the wind sickness. However, the seasons change and the elements move—cold and heat alternate, wind is anger, rain is calm, and the rainbow is the manifestation of harmony. The human body too is like this: its four limbs and organs follow the rhythm of nature. The external and internal cycles of the body shape our life force and our breath. Be careful of what you say, for words can bring disaster.”

　　Lu Zhaolin nodded thoughtfully.

　　Now, these men were all remarkable:

　　Lu Zhaolin, known as “Shengzhi,” from Yuzhou, was the 16th generation descendant of Lu Zhi, a prominent minister of the Eastern Han. He studied under Cao Xian and Wang Yifang, excelling in literature. In 663 AD, he became the governor of Xindu in Sichuan, and in 669 AD, he was transferred to Chang’an.

　　Luo Binwang, from Wuzhou, came from humble beginnings but gained fame for his literary talent. In 650 AD, he served in the court of Prince Li Yuanqing. After being exiled due to political issues, he served in the military, eventually contributing to the pacification of the Miao people.

　　Song Lingwen, from Guo Prefecture in Henan, was known for his strength and literary skills. In 650 AD, he became a military officer and later worked as a scholar in the imperial academy.

　　Meng Shen, from Liang County in Henan, was a skilled physician and a graduate of the imperial examination. He was later promoted to a high-ranking position in the imperial medical office.

　　After Sun Simiao’s departure, Liu Shenwei, Lu Zhaolin, Luo Binwang, Song Lingwen, and Meng Shen entered the Zui Chun Lou.

　　The pavilion had five rooms, and as they took their seats, the host arranged for female musicians to serve them wine. After the women had poured their drinks, Liu Shenwei said:

　　“Today, we have fine wine and beautiful women. Surely we must do something to make this more interesting!”

　　So, the guests called upon one of the musicians, and with a veil over her eyes, she circled around Luo Binwang, asking him to recite a poem.

　　Luo Binwang did not hesitate and quickly recited:

　　“Plum blossoms let slip the first signs of spring, knowing that the end of winter gives way to a new season.”

　　Lu Zhaolin, with a smile, responded:

　　“Warmed by the spring breeze, the lotus blooms, no need to seek beauty elsewhere.”

　　Song Lingwen added:

　　“The phoenix tree knows the time by the first falling leaf, signaling the end of summer’s heat.”

　　Meng Shen replied:

　　“Mandarin ducks in the cold rain, signaling the arrival of winter’s chill.”

　　After these exchanges, they praised each other’s talent and continued drinking.

　　As the wine flowed, Luo Binwang, eager for more, changed the subject:

　　“Since we’ve spoken of the Four Gentlemen, why not now speak of the seasons, flowers, and the moon?”

　　He continued:

　　“The spring breeze brings fragrance from the pond, the season arriving from the south. Snow melts the summer’s heat, surpassing even the beauty of the Lan Tai.”

　　Lu Zhaolin responded:

　　“Thousands of flowers bloom in the early spring, taking up all the morning’s light. In times and places, beauty comes naturally, even surpassing Pan Yue’s poetry.”

　　Song Lingwen added:

　　“Who’s flowers fly across the sky at dusk? A timely encounter with plum blossoms is not to be missed.”

　　Meng Shen concluded:

　　“A full moon shines bright as day, but only during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Even Chang’e in the sky would envy such beauty on Earth!”

　　The group laughed heartily, each taking another drink. Truly, it was a moment of joy:

　　“A drink this morning, how pleasant it is!

　　Such happiness arises within; who else could possibly understand?”

　　As time flew by, it soon grew dark. The group, still enjoying themselves, continued their revelry. Then, Lu Zhaolin, inspired by the moment, composed the poem Chang’an Gu Yi.

　　Liu Shenwei commented:

　　“Brother, your talents have yet to be recognized, and your melancholy is unspoken. Perhaps you should follow your master’s advice and hold your peace.”

　　Luo Binwang responded:

　　“Brother, your words are true. I have been too sentimental.”

　　Song Lingwen, seeing the situation, added:

　　“Writers have always been melancholic. Why not enjoy the wine today and let tomorrow’s accomplishments speak for themselves?”

　　However, this poem was overheard by Wu Sansi, who, annoyed, thought:

　　“Such people indulge in wine and revelry, without care for state affairs. How can they hold positions of power in court? Those who care for the country and the people are hardly given the opportunity to rise.”

　　Wu Sansi, from Wenxian in Shanxi, was the grandson of Duke Wu Shifu, a nephew of Empress Wu. After his father’s disgrace, he was exiled, but Empress Wu eventually recalled him, and he rose through the ranks to become Minister of War and Minister of Rites. He had no real accomplishments, so he sought to gain fame by making others fall.

　　The next day, Wu Sansi reported this matter to Empress Wu, telling her:

　　“Your Majesty, yesterday I overheard Luo Binwang’s poem Chang’an Gu Yiat Zui Chun Lou. It criticizes the royal family’s arrogance and indulgence, especially one line: ‘In the Liang family’s painted pavilion, the emperor’s golden stem reaches beyond the clouds.’ I was enraged by this.”

　　Empress Wu, upon hearing this, thought to herself:

　　“These scholars, always focused on pleasure, never discuss state affairs. If we don’t discipline them, who will take the important matters of governance seriously?”

　　Wu Sansi pressed further:

　　“There is another line that seems to belittle the princess: ‘At the North Hall, the people shine like the moon every night.’ Should we let such disrespect stand?”

　　Empress Wu, her mind made up, responded:

　　“Then have the officers in the Dali Temple arrest him and interrogate him severely.”

　　Wu Sansi, receiving the order, gathered a force and went to capture Luo Binwang.

　　At Luo Binwang’s home, as he chatted with his family, he suddenly heard a commotion. Several officials stormed into his hall, surrounding him with stern faces and cold eyes.

　　Realizing what was happening, Luo Binwang stood up in alarm and asked:

　　“I did not expect Minister Wu’s esteemed visit. Forgive my lack of preparation.”

　　Wu Sansi wasted no time, saying:

　　“Enough of the pleasantries. You wrote a poem criticizing the royal family’s luxury and excess, speaking against the court. Do you not understand the gravity of your words?”

　　Luo Binwang, realizing this was about the poem, explained:

　　“I was simply drinking with my colleagues at Zui Chun Lou, and in a moment of inspiration, I wrote this poem. I had no intention to criticize anyone.”

　　Wu Sansi smiled coldly:

　　“Whether or not that’s true, we will soon know in the Dali Temple.”

　　With that, he ordered Luo Binwang to be imprisoned.

　　His family tried to intervene, but in vain. One day, Luo Binwang’s family encountered Zhang Wenjuan, the Minister of the Dali Temple, who, moved by a sense of justice, spoke up on Luo Binwang’s behalf. After some petitions, Luo Binwang was released, though Empress Wu had him stripped of his official title.

　　Zhang Wenjuan, though dissatisfied with the judgment, did not argue and simply acknowledged:

　　“Your Majesty, your wisdom is evident.”

　　Later, Zhang Wenjuan left the palace and bumped into Li Lingyue and Shangguan Wan’er. As Li Lingyue struggled with her calligraphy, Zhang Wenjuan approached and offered some advice.