[History of the Song Dynasty Palace] [45] [Author: Xu Muxi]

page views:1 Publication date:2023-03-24

Chapter 45: A Peddler Suddenly Gains a Military Rank, a Flower Drummer Takes Office at Zhaoyang Palace
It is said that Liu Chenggui, upon hearing Wang Jie's absurd words, was overjoyed. Without even questioning the veracity of his claims, he immediately informed Emperor Zhenzong. Emperor Zhenzong then ordered Liu Chenggui to summon Wang Jie for questioning. Wang Jie, who had fabricated these lies to gain wealth and power, was secretly delighted to see Emperor Zhenzong fall for his trap and summoned for questioning. He spoke with exceptional fluency and eloquence, as if he had truly encountered a deity. Emperor Zhenzong, pleased with this account, immediately bestowed upon Wang Jie a new name, Zhongzheng, and appointed him Left General of the Martial Guard. A mere peddler, suddenly adorned in court robes and hat, had risen to officialdom—truly a meteoric rise! This news spread, astonishing all the officials in the court!
Emperor Zhenzong addressed his ministers in court, saying, “I often dream of divine beings who convey to the Jade Emperor that your ancestor Zhao Xuanlang has been instructed to transmit a heavenly book to you. The next day, I dreamt again of divine beings who conveyed the Holy Ancestor's command: ‘Six seats should be set up to the west of my seat.’ The time will come, and so will the reason. When I awoke this morning, I followed the Holy Ancestor's instructions and set up six seats in the Yan'en Hall, establishing a ritual to await them. At the first watch of the night, a golden light filled the courtyard, and a strange fragrance permeated the room. The Holy Ancestor descended, and I descended the steps to pay my respects. Then six more people arrived and sat down in order. The Holy Ancestor then proclaimed: ‘I am one of the nine emperors among men, the progenitor of the Zhao family, who descended to become the Yellow Emperor, and was reborn as the Zhao family during the Later Tang Dynasty. Now, a hundred years have passed. I wish that your descendants will treat the people well and not abandon the will of our ancestors.’ After speaking, they all rose from their seats and rode away on clouds. The one
Wang Jie encountered must have been this Holy Ancestor.”
Upon hearing this, Wang Dan and the others knelt down again, bowing and offering their congratulations. Because an imperial edict was issued honoring Zhao Xuanlang as the Holy Ancestor and bestowing upon him the title of Heavenly Venerable of Destiny, the emperor decreed that all people should respectfully avoid using the Holy Ancestor's name, and that "Xuan" should be written as "Yuan" and "Lang" as "Ming." Any instances of this name being inappropriate in historical records should be corrected by marking the characters. Later, because the characters "Xuan Yuan" sounded similar, "Xuan" was changed to "Zhen," hence Xuanwu was called "Zhenwu." Ding Wei was ordered to revise the rituals of worship, adding the title of Holy Ancestor, becoming the Supreme Spirit High Dao Nine Heavens Heavenly Venerable of Destiny and Life Preservation, and the Holy Mother's title was "Great Holy Empress of Yuantian." The emperor ordered the construction of the Jingling Palace and the Taiji Temple in Shouqiu to enshrine the Holy Ancestor and Holy Mother. He also ordered the Jiankang army to cast statues of the Jade Emperor, Holy Ancestor, Taizu, and Taizong. These statues were cast from fine bronze, each several zhang tall, and Ding Wei was appointed as the welcoming envoy to bring them into the Yuqing Zhaoying Palace. Emperor Zhenzong personally led the officials to pay homage at the suburbs, and then appointed Wang Dan as the jade engraving envoy, with Wang Qinruo and Ding Wei as his deputies, to inscribe the heavenly book into the jade register and carefully store it in the palace. Afterwards, all sacrificial rites at the Yuqing Zhaoying Palace were handled by Wang Dan, who was given the official title of "Envoy of the Yuqing Zhaoying Palace." Although Wang Dan found it laughable, he could not disobey the emperor's command and had no choice but to play along with his daily antics.
Meanwhile, Emperor Zhenzong, since ascending the throne, had been preoccupied with these ethereal matters. Although the Yuqing Zhaoying Palace was not yet completed, the Heavenly Book had been inscribed in the Jade Register, and the statue of the Holy Ancestor had been properly enshrined. With these matters finally settled, he began to relax and realized that the position of Empress had been vacant for a long time. He needed to select one of the concubines to be made Empress and manage domestic affairs. However, when Emperor Zhenzong ascended the throne, didn't he announce that he would make Lady Guo Empress? Why was he now saying that the position was vacant? Wasn't this a contradiction? It was only because he was busy describing Emperor Zhenzong's superstitious beliefs in auspicious omens and his various sacrifices that he had no time to discuss palace affairs. Now that Emperor Zhenzong wanted to establish an Empress, he could take the opportunity to do so.
Empress Guo, wife of Emperor Zhenzong, was known for her humility, kindness, and extreme frugality. When her relatives visited the palace and wore even slightly extravagant clothing, she would immediately admonish them. She also never accepted requests from her maternal family. Emperor Zhenzong held her in high esteem and never spoke ill of her. In the fourth year of the Jingde reign, she accompanied the emperor to Xijing to visit the imperial tombs. On the way, she caught a chill and fell ill upon returning to the palace, eventually dying. She was posthumously honored as Empress Zhangmu. Although Emperor Zhenzong had many favorites in his harem, none truly satisfied him. He now wished to select one from among his concubines to be his empress, and after much deliberation, he found Consort Liu to be the most suitable.
That day, during court, he discussed the idea of making Consort Liu empress with his ministers. Unexpectedly, many ministers opposed it, while few supported it. Why did the ministers oppose it?
There was a small reason.
Consort Liu was from Chengdu. Her father, Liu Tong, had held a minor military post and had accompanied Emperor Taizu on his campaign against Taiyuan, dying en route. At that time, Consort De was only a few months old and grew up with her mother at her maternal grandparents' home. By the age of thirteen or fourteen, she had blossomed into a graceful and beautiful woman. She was also very intelligent and quick-witted, mastering calligraphy, painting, writing, stringed instruments, and singing with ease. Her greatest skill was playing the taogu (a type
of ancient drum), a musical instrument long lost. Consort De's innate intelligence allowed her to manipulate the drumming with her own interpretation, producing a resounding and moving sound. Listening to her taogu only enhanced her beauty and captivating charm. It is likely that the popular flower drum playing of today originated from her. Unfortunately, her youth was marked by misfortune. Her mother died of illness, and her maternal grandparents' family declined, with all their members gradually dying out, leaving only Consort De alone and destitute. She had food for breakfast but no next meal; how could she survive? Several times she contemplated suicide, wanting to go to the underworld to find her parents and escape the suffering of hunger and cold in the mortal world. But as she stood idly by the door, gazing around, a fortune teller approached. Upon seeing Consort De's beautiful face, the
fortune teller stopped and began to scrutinize her from head to toe. Consort De found it quite strange that the fortune teller was staring at her without even blinking! Unconsciously blushing, she said to the fortune teller, "You're being unreasonable! It's always been said that men and women should be different. Why aren't you walking? What are you looking at me for?" The fortune teller, smiling obsequiously, replied, "I have
no ill intentions. It's just that your appearance is that of someone destined for great wealth and honor. I've examined many people in my life, but this is the first time I've encountered someone with your features." Consort De, who was extremely bored, was intrigued by the fortune teller's words and asked, "How do you predict my great wealth and honor? You must know I'm a poor person; I have no money to offer you. Don't lie to me." The fortune teller said, "I don't want your money. Please show me your hands, and I can determine your fate." Consort De, moved by his words, disregarded any impropriety and extended her pair of delicate, spring-green hands.
The fortune teller examined her and exclaimed, "You have the countenance of an empress! In middle age, you will wield immense power and reach the pinnacle of wealth and honor. However, your luck has not yet turned, so you must be patient and wait. Throughout your life, you will be at odds with the man surnamed Li. Your good fortune will almost always be thwarted by him. Fortunately, you will have the support of a noble person, allowing you to turn misfortune into good fortune and avoid serious harm."
Those who heard the fortune teller's words secretly laughed, thinking he was talking nonsense.
Even Consort De seemed to believe him completely, thinking the fortune teller's words had no effect. She was a woman, so poor and living in obscurity in the countryside, unknown to anyone—how could she possibly attain great wealth and honor? However, after hearing the fortune teller's words, she abandoned her suicidal thoughts. Whenever she felt helpless, she would use the fortune teller's words to comfort herself, and the situation would pass. Before long, she heard that a silversmith named Gong Mei from her neighbor's family was going to the capital to do business. Consort De thought, "I am beautiful and talented, yet I am buried in this poor, remote place. How can I ever rise above my circumstances? Why not go to the capital and try my luck? Perhaps the fortune teller's words will come true, and I will one day rise to prominence." Having made up her mind, she went to find Gong Mei and expressed her desire to travel together.
Gong Mei initially refused, saying that she had little money for travel, only enough for one person's expenses. Secondly, it would be very inconvenient for a lone man and woman to travel together. Consort De smiled and said, "I have already considered your two points. First, don't worry about the travel expenses; I have skills and can find food anywhere, so you won't be a burden. Second, we can become like brother and sister; if anyone questions us along the way, I will have answers, and there will be no accidents!" Seeing her words, Gong Mei could not refuse and had to agree, taking her along on his journey.
When Consort De arrived on the road, she began to play the flower drum. Those who watched, seeing her beautiful face and melodious voice, and the rhythmic playing of the drum, gave her extra money. At first, Consort De played and sang alone, but later Gong Mei, seeing how much money she could make, was very happy! He made a small copper gong and sang along with Consort De, and they successfully created a flower drum performance by both men and women. Along the way, they attracted many people in every prefecture and county they passed through. The money earned was more than Consort De could spend, and even Gong Mei benefited greatly.
Soon they arrived in the capital. Gong Mei returned to his silversmithing work, while Consort De, having spent all the money she had earned along the way, had to return to performing. The capital was unlike other prefectures; the court and officials came and went in a constant stream. Suddenly, a woman playing the flower drum appeared. Everyone had never seen this art before and flocked to watch. Consort De, seeing that her livelihood was not bad, was overjoyed! The flower drum was played exceptionally well.
One day, while Consort De was performing, a close eunuch from Prince Xiang's residence happened to see her beauty and talent. He returned to the residence and told his companions about it, praising how beautiful she was and how lovely her singing was. The eunuchs, being the type to flock to the palace, all came to see Consort De perform the flower drum dance. After watching, everyone praised her and showered her with compliments!
Thus, the whole residence of Prince Xiang was abuzz with excitement, and the news gradually reached the ears of Emperor Zhenzong. At this time, Emperor Zhenzong had not yet been made crown prince. Young and curious, upon hearing that there was a flower drum dancer from out of town, he took a few close attendants and went to visit her incognito. At this time, Consort De was only fifteen years old and still lived in the same residence as Gong Mei. Emperor Zhenzong, led by his attendants, arrived at the residence. Just then, Consort De had finished getting ready and was about to go out to perform when several people rushed in. In the middle was a very young man, dressed in fine clothes, with dragon-like eyebrows and phoenix-like eyes, and a dignified appearance. He was accompanied by four eunuchs. Consort De, being exceptionally clever, had already sensed that this was no ordinary person. She greeted them warmly, offering them seats. Emperor Zhenzong sat down, with four attendants standing beside him. One of them spoke first, saying to Consort De, "Our young master has heard that you, young lady, play the flower drum very well, so he has come to hear you perform. Could you play a piece for him?" Consort De readily agreed, took the flower drum, and performed a medley of her best skills.
Emperor Zhenzong, upon first seeing Consort De's beauty, was already captivated, secretly praising her. Seeing her play the flower drum, her petite figure and melodious, resonant voice, he felt even more affection for her! Consort De, knowing that Emperor Zhenzong was no ordinary man, intentionally exchanged glances and subtle hints, arousing his desire and making him unable to resist for even a moment. Upon returning to his residence, he immediately ordered the eunuchs to summon her to serve as a maid. Emperor Zhenzong then inquired in detail about her family background. According to Consort De, her family originally came from Taiyuan, later moving to Chengdu. Her grandfather, Liu Yanqing, had served as Right General of the Valiant Guard during the Jin and Han dynasties.
Her father, Liu Tong, had served as Commander of the Tiger-Leaping Cavalry during the reign of Emperor Taizu, and died of illness en route to the campaign in Taiyuan.
Due to her impoverished family background and lack of relatives to rely on, she and her cousin, Gong Mei, moved to the capital. As Consort De recounted her story, her sorrowful and pitiful demeanor made her even more endearing. Emperor Zhenzong, still a young man, was not about to let her go easily. Consort De, being intelligent and quick-witted, remembered the fortune teller's words and moved closer to the shore, hoping for lifelong wealth and status. One was like a goddess by the water, the other a chance encounter with the King of Chu in a dream; they fell in love and were inseparable.
Emperor Zhenzong had a wet nurse, Lady Qin, who was very strict. Seeing their behavior, she suspected something was amiss and secretly informed Emperor Taizong. Taizong immediately conveyed Emperor Zhenzong's words and reprimanded her, ordering him to immediately dismiss Consort De and forbid her from remaining in the palace. Emperor Zhenzong dared not disobey and secretly entrusted her to Zhang Qi, an official in the palace, ordering him to secretly take her in. When Emperor Taizong passed away and Emperor Zhenzong ascended the throne, he recalled her to the palace, bestowing upon her the title of Beauty. Their relationship was mended, and he showed her even greater affection. He repeatedly wanted to promote her to Imperial Noble Consort, but Li Hang dissuaded him each time. Soon after, she was promoted to Consort Xiuyi and then to Consort De. Consort De was extremely clever and adaptable. She served Empress Guo with great devotion and was also very friendly with her fellow Consort Yang. She was both lenient and strict in her dealings with her subordinates, and therefore everyone in the palace praised her virtue. Emperor Zhenzong's favor towards her grew even stronger.
When Consort De was promoted to the rank of Xiuyi, because her maternal family was of humble origin and she had few brothers, she had previously become sworn siblings with Gong Mei during her trip to the capital. She then petitioned Emperor Zhenzong to recognize her cousin Gong Mei as her own brother, thus continuing the Liu family line. At this time, Consort De was the most favored concubine. Emperor Zhenzong had no reason to refuse, and immediately ordered Gong Mei to change his surname to Liu and bestowed upon him a fourth-rank official position.
Initially, Empress Guo had three sons: the eldest named Ti, the second named You, and the third named Zhi, all of whom died young. Consort Yang gave birth to two sons, Zhi and Qi, who also died young. Emperor Zhenzong, eager for a son, selected the granddaughter of Chancellor Shen Lun as a Cairen (a lower-ranking concubine). Consort Shen's father, Ji Zhong, had also served as Guanglu Qing (Minister of the Imperial Household Department). This Consort Yang herself came from a prominent family; she was the niece of Yang Zhixin, the Deputy Commander of the Tianwu Army, and had entered the Xiang residence before Consort De. Consort De was granted the title of Xiuyi, and Consort Shu was also granted the title of Xiuyi. When Empress Guo passed away, Consort De and Consort Shu were of equal rank and both had a chance to succeed to the position of Empress. Although Consort Shen was a later entrant, she was a descendant of a general and minister, highly respected in the palace, and a formidable rival. Consort De appeared humble on the surface, but was inwardly very jealous and ambitious, hoping only to produce a prince so she could secure the Empress's position.
However, her hopes were dashed, and her prayers went unanswered. She then devised a scheme to substitute one concubine for another, secretly ordering her maid, Lady Li, to serve as the bedchamber attendant to Emperor Zhenzong, making the bed and serving him daily.
Lady Li was beautiful and gentle, a native of Hangzhou. Her grandfather, Li Yansi, had served as the registrar of Jinhua during the reign of the King of Wuyue. Her father, Li Rende, was a Left Palace Attendant.
When Qian Jiao returned to the capital, all his relatives and officials were relocated to Bianjing (Kaifeng), including Li Rende, who brought his children with him. Not long after, Rende contracted the plague and died. Li was left alone and destitute after her stepmother remarried, taking her son with her. Desperate for a living, she turned to Buddhism and became a nun. When Consort Liu was expelled from the Xiang residence and was staying at Zhang Qi's house, she happened to visit the nunnery. She saw Li, who was beautiful and poised, and knew she was from a prominent family. Conversing with her, she found Li to be literate and well-mannered, and Consort Liu was very fond of her. Learning of her family background—that she was a descendant of officials, had no relatives, and had sought refuge in Buddhism—Consort Liu felt a deep sympathy for her, finding it pitiful that she shared her plight. Since she was now living at Zhang Qi's house, although she had servants, she had no one she could confide in. She told Li that she wanted to take her in, grow her hair back, and ensure a future of wealth and status. Li had only become a nun out of desperation, and now that Consort Liu was willing to take her in, she naturally agreed. Knowing that Consort Liu was a favorite of Prince Xiang, and that she was currently living outside the palace to avoid suspicion, it was anticipated that she would eventually be recalled to the palace.
Li, tempted by wealth and status, thanked Consort Liu and returned with her, slowly growing her hair back to its natural state. When Emperor Zhenzong ascended the throne, he recalled Consort Liu to the palace, and Li followed, becoming a maidservant. Consort Liu,
unable to bear children, sought to gain the emperor's favor. After much deliberation, she decided that Li was the only one she had personally promoted, who was gentle, timid, and unafraid of competing for favor. If Li bore her a son, she could raise him herself, and as long as things were done discreetly, he would treat her like her own. Therefore, she appointed Li as the head of the imperial bedchamber, secretly giving her instructions. Li's life and death, her rise and fall, were entirely in Consort Liu's hands, and she naturally obeyed. Emperor Zhenzong, seeing Li's charming and gentle nature, fell deeply in love with her, and that very night, they slept together, and she became pregnant. Emperor Zhenzong was overjoyed to learn of Li's pregnancy! Whenever there was a banquet or excursion, Consort Li was always summoned to attend to the emperor.
One day, while accompanying Emperor Zhenzong on a visit to a platform, Consort Li, being petite, tripped and accidentally dropped her jade hairpin. Consort Li was terrified, fearing reprimand.
However, Emperor Zhenzong secretly used the fallen hairpin as a divination tool, saying, "If the hairpin falls undamaged, a son will be born." When her attendants picked it up and presented it to her, it was indeed undamaged. Emperor Zhenzong was overjoyed! After ten months, a son was born, who became Emperor Renzong. Emperor Zhenzong named him Shouyi and promoted Consort Li to the title of Lady of Chongyang County. Consort De took Shouyi from his swaddling clothes, treating him as her own son. She told Consort Yang that they would protect him together and instructed her attendants to only say that the prince was her own son and not to reveal it to the outside court. At the same time, she secretly asked Emperor Zhenzong to make him empress. Emperor
Zhenzong, who already doted on Consort De, had no reason to refuse and discussed the matter with his ministers the next day. To everyone's surprise, the court officials all objected. The first to object was Li Di, a Hanlin Academician, who stepped forward to remonstrate, saying, "Consort Liu comes from a humble background and is not fit to be the empress." Emperor Zhenzong, caught off guard by this remark, immediately changed his expression and said, "Consort Liu's father, Liu Tong, once served as a military commander. How can you say he comes from a humble background?" Before he finished speaking, Zhao Anren, a Vice Chancellor, also advised, "If Your Majesty wishes to establish a successor, none would be better than Consort Shen. She comes from a family of high-ranking officials and is well-regarded by the people." Emperor Zhenzong, however, refused to listen and replied, "The empress cannot usurp the throne. Moreover, Consort Liu is virtuous and talented, and is worthy of being the empress. My mind is made up, and you have nothing more to say." Li and Zhao dared not remonstrate further and had to withdraw. Emperor Zhenzong also wanted to select a respected person to draft the edict to maintain appearances. Therefore, he ordered Ding Wei to convey a message to Yang Yi, instructing him to draft the edict for the empress. Yang Yi shook his head in response. Ding Wei said, "If you draft this edict, will you still worry about not becoming rich and powerful?" Yang Yi replied, "Such wealth and power are not what I desire." Ding Wei returned to report to Emperor Zhenzong, who then ordered other scholars to draft the edict. Liu was made Empress, and Yang was promoted to Consort Shu, Shen, a talented woman, was promoted to Consort Xiuyi, and Li, the Lady of Chongyang County, was promoted to Consort Wanyi. All ceremonies were elaborate and extravagant.
After Empress Liu ascended to the throne, she recalled the fortune teller's words from her impoverished past, which had indeed come true. She also heard that Li Hang had once prevented her from being promoted to Imperial Concubine, and now Li Di had also advised against making her Empress. The saying that she had always been at odds with those surnamed Li seemed accurate, and she secretly kept Li Hang and Li Di in mind, unwilling to forget them. Furthermore, because her maternal clan had no one to rely on—although she had a brother, Gong Mei (renamed Liu Mei), who held an official position—their influence was too small, and she felt secretly resentful. Although Empress Liu kept her thoughts to herself, some people had already discerned the truth and spread the word. Soon, many people with the surname Liu came to claim kinship with her. Empress Liu accepted them all without exception, bestowing favors upon them. Instantly, the Liu family in Bianjing (Kaifeng) became a prominent clan.
Empress Liu, remembering the fortune teller's words that she would one day wield great power, relied on her intelligence and keen observation of current affairs. Already literate, she further studied the classics and history. Whenever Emperor Zhenzong retired from court and reviewed memorials from across the land until midnight, Empress Liu would sit beside him, thus gaining early access to information. She remembered everything she read. When Emperor Zhenzong couldn't recall something or had doubts, he would ask Empress Liu, who could answer him perfectly, citing historical examples and providing eloquent explanations to resolve matters for him. Emperor Zhenzong's respect and affection for her grew even stronger! He consulted Empress Liu on everything, and thus began to interfere in foreign affairs.
Emperor Zhenzong, however, remained true to his nature, clinging to omens and supernatural beliefs, spending his days offering prayers and discussing the supernatural. Suddenly, he heard of a Taiqing official in Haozhou who worshipped a statue of Laozi and possessed remarkable spiritual power. He then revered Laozi as the Supreme Lord Lao, the Emperor of Hunyuan Shangde, and personally led an expedition to pay homage, inevitably indulging in extravagant displays. Furthermore, Yingtian Prefecture was renamed Nanjing, forming a tripartite balance with the two capitals of the East and West. Yingtian Prefecture was originally the former fiefdom of Emperor Taizu, Guide Army, located in Songzhou, hence Emperor Zhenzong renamed it Nanjing. An imperial edict ordered the construction of the Hongqing Palace in Nanjing to enshrine the statues of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong, and Emperor Zhenzong personally inspected the site. Upon returning to the palace, he found that the Yuqing Zhaoying Palace had been completed. The supervising official was Ding Wei. Initially, the Imperial Workshop calculated that the project would take fifteen years to complete. Ding Wei, finding this too slow, supervised the workers, forcing them to work day and night without rest. Giant candles were lit throughout the night, illuminating the area like daylight, and indeed, it was completed in seven years. The inner palace contained 2,610 rooms, magnificent and resplendent in gold and green. The eunuch Liu Chenggui assisted in supervising the construction. Any slight imperfection required alterations, demolition, and reconstruction, a process that consumed immense resources before completion. Within the palace stood a soaring pavilion reaching into the clouds, named Baofu, where celestial scriptures were enshrined.
A replica of Emperor Zhenzong's portrait was cast in gold and placed on his right. Emperor Zhenzong himself composed an oath, which was engraved in stone and displayed below the Baofu Pavilion.
Zhang Yong, returning to the capital from Yizhou and entering the Privy Council, was deeply saddened by this sight.
He submitted a memorial impeaching Ding Wei, stating, "The traitorous minister Ding Wei has deceived Your Majesty, causing hardship and waste of resources. I beg that Wei's head be cut off and displayed at the city gate to appease the world, and then my head be cut off and displayed at Ding's gate to appease Wei."
These words circulated throughout the capital. However, Emperor Zhenzong trusted Ding Wei and not only ignored Zhang Yong's advice but also appointed him to govern Chenzhou. Not long after, Ding Wei fell ill and died, posthumously honored as Zhongding. Others, such as the Crown Prince, Grand Tutor Lü Mengzheng, and Minister of Works Zhang Qixian, had also passed away. Lü Mengzheng was posthumously honored as Wenmu, and Zhang Qixian as Wending.
Wang Dan, also old and ailing at this time, repeatedly requested to retire, but Emperor Zhenzong refused, thus keeping him in court. He was a man of wisdom, and knew that Emperor Zhenzong's actions were mostly unreasonable, but he was controlled by the Five Demons and could only echo their opinions, daring not to disagree. When Li Hang was prime minister, he would report to the court on matters of bandits, floods, and droughts from all directions. Wang Dan, a councilor, thought these were trivial matters and did not need to be addressed. Li Hang laughed and said, "Young people should know the hardships of the world to prevent them from becoming arrogant and extravagant. Otherwise, they will be full of vigor and will not pay attention to sensual pleasures, but will instead indulge in matters of construction and immortality. I am old and will not live to see this, but you may see this in the future, and then you will remember my words." After Li Hang's death, he indeed carried out the Eastern and Western Sacrifices and built a large number of palaces and temples. Wang Dan often sighed to himself, "Li Wenjing is indeed a sage, and we are all ashamed!" In the last month of the ninth year of Xiangfu, Emperor Zhenzong wanted to change the era name again, and on New Year's Day of the following year, he changed the era name to Tianxi. The Emperor personally visited the Yuqing Zhaoying Palace to present the Jade Emperor's sacred edict and crown. The next day, he presented the sacred edict to the Holy Ancestor. Several days later, he offered thanks to Heaven and Earth at the southern suburbs, received the title and honors in the Tian'an Hall, and issued an imperial edict to the court officials, appointing Wang Zeng as the concurrent commissioner of the Huiling Temple. Wang Zeng declined the offer, refusing the position. Wang
Zeng, a native of Qingzhou, had passed the provincial examinations during the Xianping era and ranked first in both the provincial and imperial examinations. A friend congratulated him, saying, "You've achieved the highest rank in the imperial examinations; you'll have a life of abundance." Wang Zeng replied solemnly, "My ambition in life is not for comfort and sustenance; is seeking fame and fortune solely for food?" Not long after, he entered the Imperial Academy, was promoted to Hanlin Academician, and then appointed Right Grand Counselor and Vice Chancellor. At this time, he was appointed concurrently commissioner of the Huiling Temple, but he firmly declined. Emperor Zhenzong suspected him of acting strangely and questioned him directly. Wang Zeng knelt and replied, "I know what is meant by righteousness, not what is meant by strangeness." After finishing his reply, he calmly withdrew.
After listening to the proceedings, Wang Dan's colleagues said as he left the court, "Wang Zeng is straightforward and amiable; his future virtue and achievements are immeasurable, but I will not live to see him." He then resolved to resign and repeatedly petitioned for his resignation. Emperor Zhenzong, however, refused and instead appointed him Grand Commandant and Attendant-in-Ordinary, requiring him to attend court every five days and participate in the decision-making of important military and state affairs. One day, he summoned Wang Dan
to the Fuzi Hall, where no one else was present. Seeing that Wang Dan's health was deteriorating, Emperor Zhenzong said sadly, "I was just about to entrust you with important matters, but unexpectedly your illness has worsened, causing me further worry!" He then summoned Prince Shouyi to see him. Emperor Zhenzong ordered him to bow to Wang Dan, but Wang Dan hurriedly avoided the order. After the prince had already bowed at the foot of the steps, Wang Dan knelt and replied, saying to Emperor Zhenzong, "Your Highness possesses great virtue and is capable of fulfilling my wishes.
What worries does Your Majesty have?" Having said this, he again bowed and begged to abdicate, and recommended Kou Zhun, Li Di, Wang Zeng, and several others for important positions as prime ministers. Emperor Zhenzong then granted Wang Dan's request to resign as chancellor, but still appointed him as the envoy of the Yuqing Zhaoying Palace, concurrently holding the position of Grand Commandant, and granting him half the salary of a chancellor. He was ordered to enter the court by sedan chair. Wang Dan, obeying the imperial edict, dared not refuse and, despite his illness, entered the inner court. Emperor Zhenzong issued an edict ordering Wang Dan's son, Yong, to be supported by eunuchs to enter the court. Emperor Zhenzong asked tactfully, "Your illness is now critical; if you were to die, who could take on the responsibility for the affairs of state?" Wang Dan replied, "No one knows me better than Your Majesty; only Your Majesty can choose." Emperor Zhenzong pressed further, "Why not speak frankly?" Wang Dan then raised his tablet and recommended someone.
Who was this person? Let us find out in the next chapter.

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[History of the Song Dynasty Palace] [45] [Author: Xu Muxi]

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