[History of the Sui Dynasty Palace] [62-63]

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Chapter Sixty-Two: Fish and Dragon Lanterns Perform at the Jade Pool; A Crowd of Hairpins and Turbans at the Guangming Hall; A gong sounds from the east, a drum from the west, accompanied by the sounds of sheng and huang, and the melodious flutes and pipes. Pairs of dragon and phoenix lanterns pass by the Jade Pool, followed by various kinds of flower lanterns, bird lanterns, aquatic lanterns, and animal lanterns, passing in turn. Finally, a group of musicians from the Imperial Music Academy, all young and handsome, led by Pei Huan, the Vice Minister of the Imperial Music Academy, arrive at the Jade Pool, before the Phoenix-Attracting Pavilion, to pay their respects to Emperor Yang and Empress Xiao.
It turns out that Pei Huan had previously been ordered by Emperor Yang to train a group of musicians to entertain Qimin Khan when he entered the capital. Emperor Yang had also received a memorial from Qimin stating that he would come to court on New Year's Day of the following spring. Now that the year was drawing to a close, Emperor Yang summoned Pei Huan to inquire whether the trained musicians were ready. At that time, Pei Huan reported, "The musicians are not only skilled in playing the eight tones and six musical scales, but they are also proficient in various acrobatic performances, which are quite impressive." Emperor Yang was overjoyed upon receiving this report and ordered a performance that very night. Therefore, although it was a cold winter night, the West Garden was bustling with activity, as bright as day. Emperor Yang, Empress Xiao, the sixteen ladies of the garden, and several of his favorite beauties, as was customary, sat around a table laden with wine and food. Pei Huan led the musicians to see him, and Emperor Yang immediately ordered them to perform in turn. Pei Huan then withdrew with the musicians.
In less than half an hour, suddenly, waves surged in the Emerald Pool, and a strange beast leaped out from the water. It had a single horn on its head, eyes like fire, a large body, and a bushy tail. It was neither like a tiger nor a bull, yet it could spew water from its mouth, splashing it onto the shore. Lady Qin, being quite timid, exclaimed in panic, "This strange thing! Don't let it leap onto the shore and cause trouble!" Emperor Yang laughed, "Why are you afraid of it, Madam? It's just a person dressed as a lynx, not the real one!" Empress Xiao laughed, "The disguise is quite good; it's impossible to tell the difference. I was wondering how such a monster could be in the pond?" Lady Qin also laughed, "It gave me quite a scare." Looking into the pond again, she saw a whale slowly swimming towards them. The lynx lunged at it, but the whale turned its head to the side, and the lynx missed. The whale's tail, like a whip, lashed out at the lynx, but it missed again. The whale's tail, like a whip, swept towards the lynx. The lynx let out a strange roar, dodged the whale's tail, and leaped onto the whale's back. It opened its mouth wide and bit at the whale's spine. The whale shifted its body, causing the lynx to lose its footing and tumble into the water.
Emperor Yang laughed heartily, then suddenly saw the lynx roll in the waves, slamming its large head into the whale with a resounding crash. The whale was sent flying more than three feet high, quite a sight, and Ya Yun couldn't help but cheer. Suddenly, the whale plunged into the waves, shaking its head and tail, rolling several times. Just as it emerged from the water, it had transformed into a golden dragon over eight feet long. Baring its fangs and claws, it pounced on the lynx. Upon seeing the golden dragon, the lynx panicked, turned tail, and fled into the water. Jin Long, however, was not about to let it escape and gave chase.
Just as the pursuit was about to begin, a large turtle appeared in the waves. A man dressed in Taoist robes stood on the back of a tortoise, holding a sword. He dodged the lynx, blocked the golden dragon, and swung the sword at the dragon's head. The golden dragon avoided the sword's edge, spreading its five claws to grab the Taoist. The Taoist ducked down, dodging the dragon's claws, and slashed the sword down at the dragon's waist.
The golden dragon leaped forward, slamming its tail down towards the Taoist's groin. The Taoist leaped, but the dragon's tail coiled around the tortoise. When the Taoist landed, he missed and plunged into the center of the pond with a splash. The onlookers burst into laughter. Emperor Yang, Empress Xiao, and the Sixteen Consorts in the Phoenix Pavilion also laughed incessantly.
The golden dragon, victorious and triumphant, slammed its tail down, sending the tortoise crashing onto the pond's edge with a thud. Suddenly, a splash appeared in the water, and an old Taoist priest emerged, his silver beard flowing, his eyebrows completely white, holding a small banana leaf fan. He sat astride the back of the lynx that had previously fled. Upon seeing the lynx, the golden dragon spread its five claws and lunged at its head. The old Taoist priest, riding on the beast's back, raised his small banana leaf fan and gently fanned the dragon a few times. The dragon instantly softened, floating on the water, unable to move.
At that moment, gongs and drums sounded in unison. The old Taoist priest, riding the lynx, disappeared into the water, and the golden dragon sank as well, thus ending the play. Empress Xiao laughed, "It's quite a lively and entertaining spectacle." Lady Qin asked, "Was that golden dragon and the giant tortoise also played by people?" Emperor Yang laughed, "How could there be such a large tortoise and a real golden dragon? They were all successfully impersonated." Ya Yun said, "I just don't understand, they move freely in the water, aren't they afraid of drowning?" Emperor Yang laughed, "Firstly, they've practiced their skills to perfection and are very adept at swimming. Secondly, their clothing is designed to prevent water from getting in, so it's not a problem." With the sound of gongs and drums, another spectacular performance appeared on the water—a gathering of aquatic creatures. Tortoises, soft-shelled turtles, shrimps, crabs, dragons, snakes, and all sorts of fish, all imitating humans, stood upright, revealing half their bodies, each carrying ceremonial weapons, walking in the water. The most wonderful performances were the divine tortoise carrying a mountain and the phantom man breathing fire—truly ever-changing and incredibly skillfully crafted.
After all the Qin performances were finished, it was past midnight, and Pei Huan led the musicians to take their leave. Emperor Yang praised Pei Huan. An imperial edict was issued ordering the governors of Henan and Jingzhao to hasten the production of brocade robes for the musicians, to be completed within the year for New Year's Day wear. Upon receiving the edict, the two governors immediately began production. The entire stock of colored silk in both capitals was emptied, demonstrating the enormous expense involved. Emperor Yang also composed elaborate lyrics, ordering the music master Bai Zhitong to compose new melodies and set them to tune. The most famous of these is the eight-stanza poem "Looking South of the Lake," each depicting a different scene on the lake, which was also set to music. The eight stanzas are listed below. The first is "Moon Over the Lake": "Moon over the lake, shining especially brightly on the immortals; the water's cold light spills across my pillow and mat, the waves sway the clear shadows like golden snakes.
I long to float on a celestial raft. The scenery is beautiful, the light colors slant in my view; the cold dew chills the silvery light, the west wind blows down the osmanthus branches. My thoughts are boundless as I open the banquet."
The second stanza is "Willows by the Lake": Willows by the lake, their beauty fading in the mist; Dew washes away the lingering dew, revealing their bright blossoms; The east wind sways their lovely branches
. Rain and mist enhance their charm. Encircling the winding bank, the shadows shroud the low-hanging painted bridge; Threads brush against passersby after late spring, Catkins fly in the warm breeze of clear snow. A lingering, melancholic feeling prevails.
The third stanza is "Snow on the Lake": Snow on the lake, the wind is fierce, and many flakes fall; Light flakes sometimes tap against the bamboo door, Pure white blossoms enter the clear waves without rhyme.
Beyond the view, jade polishes against each other. The lake stretches far, heaven and earth blend in color; Looking up, do not think of the Liang Garden Rhapsody, but listen to the song of the beautiful woman in the morning. How can one not be intoxicated?
The fourth stanza is "Grass by the Lake": Grass by the lake, its verdant green surging like waves. Its slender branches are not slowed by song and dance, Its thick carpet can serve as a drunken carpet.
Unintentionally, it complements the fragrant quilt. After the clearing, its color is uniformly new; Travelers do not return, grasses grow everywhere, The beauty's distant thoughts are entrusted to youth. A poem left unwritten is difficult to express.
The fifth stanza, "Flowers on the Lake," reads: "Flowers on the lake, their buds bathed in heavenly water; pale stamens, like jade powder on the water's edge, thick buds, like bright clouds cut from the sky.
Only in the abode of immortals. Blooming in profusion, adorning the hair as if to conceal, in the cold spring chill of the water palace
, their beauty enhanced by the warm sunshine of the jade pavilion. How far can one's thoughts wander in pure appreciation?" The sixth stanza, "Women on the Lake," reads: "Women on the lake, graceful and elegant; still regretting leaving their golden palace companions, they are joined by lotus pickers, their clear songs flowing frequently. Inside the pavilion, they frolic and play at the Dragon Ford; jade flutes and red tassels are heard in the quiet night, enjoying the spring outings and playing games. The jade carriage follows the immortals.
" The seventh stanza, "Wine on the Lake," reads: "Wine on the lake, aiding in pure joy all day; the clear sound of sandalwood clappers warms the silver armor, the fragrant wine floats, the jade-like grains are cold.
Drunken eyes gaze at each other." In the late spring palace, celestial beauties offer cups and plates; the scenery on the lake is truly lovely, the world of intoxication is so vast. The emperor is at peace.
The last stanza, "Lake Water," reads: Lake water, flowing around the forbidden garden; the setting sun gently sways the clear green, fallen flowers warm with fragrance, and red patterns
on the water. A gentle breeze stirs the duckweed. Leisurely gazing, fish leap on small lotus leaves to the east; the strong oars sway gently, the deep, cold shadows rise to the celestial palace. Distant thoughts deepen.
These eight stanzas were quite popular in their time. After being set to music by Bai Zhitong, the music master, and sung with variations in tone and rhythm, they became even more enchanting and romantic. However, an old minister from the previous dynasty disapproved of this kind of frivolous entertainment. The former prime minister, Gao Jiong, submitted a memorial arguing that abandoning the essential for the trivial would hinder the prosperous reign. Emperor Yang refused to listen to advice, but Jiong privately said to Li Yi, "The Zhou dynasty's Tianyuan also perished because of his love of music. The lesson of Yin is still fresh in our minds, how can we follow suit?" Little did Emperor Yang know that these words would be overheard by him, and he secretly kept them in mind, planning to take action later.
With the crackling of firecrackers bidding farewell to the old year and the renewal of peachwood charms in every household, it was already the third year of the Daye era. Qimin Khan came to offer New Year's greetings. Emperor Yang ordered a grand display of cultural relics, a lavish affair with music and fanfare throughout the land. Qimin Khan, Tuli, entered the court to pay his respects, and Emperor Yang granted him a seat beside him. This Tuli was originally a descendant of Princess Anyi, a daughter of the Sui emperor Yang Jian. After Princess Anyi's death, Princess Yicheng, another daughter of the Sui emperor, was married to Tuli. Furthermore, Tuli was granted land between Xia and Sheng prefectures for grazing. Later, he was relocated to Wuyuan and enfeoffed as Qimin Khan. Qimin Khan was deeply grateful and submitted to the Sui court. Although Emperor Yang was now on the throne, Qimin dared not disobey.
At this moment, Qimin saw the imperial robes and cultural relics and was filled with envy. He looked around, admiring the grandeur of the Han palace, and wished to adopt the robes and hat, but dared not immediately express his desire. After retreating to the guesthouse and discussing the matter with his subordinates, Qimin submitted a memorial requesting to inherit the official attire. However, Emperor Yang refused.
Qimin was greatly puzzled. Later, knowing that Yuwen Shu was deeply favored by Emperor Yang, he lavishly bribed Yuwen Shu and humbly pleaded with him to find a solution. Yuwen Shu, having accepted Qimin's generous gifts, felt obligated to help him out. He then ordered Qimin to submit another memorial requesting the inheritance, promising to speak on his behalf. Qimin was overjoyed, thanked him profusely, and returned home. He then revised the memorial and submitted it a second time. Emperor Yang, after reading it, still intended to refuse. Yuwen Shu quickly interjected, "Even the Xiongnu chieftain knows to remove his queue and follow the king's rule, demonstrating the prosperity of ancient and modern times. Why does Your Majesty refuse?" Emperor Yang, fond of flattery, readily agreed with Yuwen Shu's words and finally granted Qimin's request to wear the official attire. Emperor Yang then said to Niu Hong, "Today, your attire is complete, and the Chanyu (Khan) understands your intentions, voluntarily removing his braid. Isn't that delightful?" Niu Hong naturally offered his congratulations, and Emperor Yang was overjoyed, saying, "This is also thanks to you all." Niu Hong, of course, declined, but Emperor Yang ordered a palace attendant to bring a hundred bolts of silk
and bestow them upon Niu Hong. Niu Hong thanked the emperor and withdrew. That evening, Emperor Yang summoned Qimin to the Western Garden and held a banquet for him in the Phoenix Pavilion by the Jingcui Pond. A variety of performances were staged, with music playing, leaving Qimin Khan dazzled and amazed. After the banquet, Emperor Yang bestowed upon him generous gifts, making Qimin even more delighted. After staying for several days, he took his leave and requested to return home. When Qimin Khan was leaving, he invited Emperor Yang to make a northern tour. This was exactly what Emperor Yang wanted to hear, and he immediately granted the request. Qimin happily returned home.
For several months, Emperor Yang spent his time feasting and enjoying himself with Qimin, neglecting the sixteen ladies of the Western Garden. It was nearly the Lantern Festival, and Lady Qin of Qingxiu Garden suggested making lanterns to celebrate. None of the young and lively ladies objected. Lady Qin said, "But each person must first decide what kind of lantern they will make, to avoid any repetition." Everyone agreed, and immediately began making their own, each vying for attention with their ingenuity and creativity. Some even forgot to eat or drink.
That day, Emperor Yang walked into the West Garden and strolled through the various gardens, seeing that everyone was cutting silk and bamboo, adding colors and decorations. Emperor Yang couldn't help but inquire, and upon learning the details, he was delighted. He loved lively gatherings, and suddenly, on a whim, he ordered the concubines and maids of Xianren Palace to also make lanterns. The people of Xianren Palace then busied themselves with the task. On the night of the Lantern Festival, lanterns were hung from Xianren Palace, densely packed along the imperial road leading to the West Garden. Not to mention the Western Garden, the entire Sixteen Gardens, inside and out, were illuminated as if it were daytime. The three sacred mountains of Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou in the North Sea were adorned with lanterns. From afar, they resembled three lantern mountains floating on the sea, illuminating half the sky.
The pavilions and terraces were also beautifully decorated.
Emperor Yang and Empress Xiao rode together in their imperial palanquin from Xianren Palace along the imperial road, where lanterns of varying heights and sizes could be seen among the green willows lining the path. Upon reaching the Western Garden, Emperor Yang and Empress Xiao alighted from their palanquin and entered the garden. The ladies and beauties of the Sixteen Gardens were already waiting at the garden gate and came to greet them. Emperor Yang then ordered a banquet to be held in Guangming Hall, and summoned the imperial concubines, former concubines of Emperor Gaozu, and imperial grandsons Prince Yan Tan, Duke Liang Xiao Ju, and the Imperial Guards Yuwen Xiao, all of whom, regardless of gender, sat together at the same table. It is said: Shoes and slippers mingled, their forms blurred; debauchery and propriety had long since vanished.
To know what happens next, please listen to the next chapter.
Chapter Sixty-Three: The Illusion of Lotus Becoming Bird, the Insult of People, the Use of a Chicken as a Substitute for Misfortune, the Power of Talismans and Spiritual Communication. It is said that Emperor Yang held a banquet in the Guangming Hall to celebrate the Lantern Festival, placing the concubines of Emperor Gaozu and his grandson Tan at the same table. He himself sat at a table with Empress Xiao, the Sixteen Consorts of the Garden, Yuan Ziyan, Yuan Bao'er, Tuo Niang, and others. But then, in a bizarre twist of fate, he summoned the monk Xuanhua, the Taoist Huang Ruoxu, the nun Zhiyuan, and the sorcerer Anjiatuo. These four were all adept at flattery and greatly pleased Emperor Yang, and each was skilled in minor arts, capable of performing witchcraft and incantations. Emperor Yang ordered them to sit at the same table as the palace women, which was truly laughable. For a time, music and singing filled the air, and beautiful dances graced the banquet. These favored ministers, intoxicated with wine, began to make unrestrained jokes and laughter towards the women at the same table. Emperor Yang did not punish them, letting them flirt and entice him, focusing instead on drinking and making a fool of themselves with the sixteen ladies of the palace.
Midway through the drinking, the Daoist Huang Ruoxu rose from his seat and said, "This humble Daoist will use a little magic to amuse Your Majesty." Emperor Yang ordered the singing and dancing to stop so he could watch Ruoxu perform his magic. Ruoxu flicked his sleeve in the air, and from it emerged a large peach, which he presented to Emperor Yang, saying, "May Your Majesty enjoy longevity and good fortune!" Emperor Yang was delighted and offered him a cup of wine. Ruoxu drank it all, then tossed the empty cup into the air, where it vanished. As everyone marveled, a small bird flew into the hall. Ruoxu beckoned to the bird, and it flew into his palm. In the blink of an eye, it transformed back into the cup, returning to Emperor Yang. The ladies and beauties watched in astonishment. Ruoxu frowned, a slight smile appearing on his face, then closed his eyes, concentrated, and began chanting incantations. Suddenly, he shouted, "Come back to life!" Suddenly, dozens of colorful little birds, their feathers exceptionally beautiful, flew out from in front of the banquet table, fluttering in the air until they landed before the women's seats. They then transformed into embroidered shoes. The women looked closely and realized they were the shoes they were wearing, only then noticing that they each had only one shoe left.
They hurriedly grabbed them and put them on, their faces flushed red.
All the women drinking in the hall, except for Empress Xiao, had been tricked, including the sixteen ladies of the imperial gardens. Emperor Yang repeatedly expressed his delight. The sixteen ladies of the palace all feigned anger. Lady Qin was the first to speak sternly to Emperor Yang, saying, "Ruoxu has used his magic to mock us. We beg Your Majesty to punish him severely as a warning to others!" Huang Yayun also said indignantly, "There are many kinds of magic games. Why must he use our shoes to play with? That's too outrageous!" Seeing the ladies' anger, Ruoxu knew he had made a mistake and quickly prostrated himself on the ground, admitting his guilt. Emperor Yang laughed, "A little magic trick is harmless. You may return to your seat and drink. But don't make fun of the ladies again next time!" Seeing that Emperor Yang was not angry, Ruoxu quickly kowtowed to express his gratitude and returned to his seat triumphantly. Seeing that Emperor Yang did not punish Ruoxu, the ladies were secretly furious. Liu Yunfen glanced at Ruoxu with a smile, then got up to go to the restroom, which the other ladies did not mind.
After resting for a while, Yunfen finally took her seat. She saw Ruoxu drinking heartily. Yunfen raised her right hand, pointed at Ruoxu, and clenched her left fist. She shouted, "How dare you! Show me your ugly side!" Suddenly, Ruoxu rolled over and fell several times, transforming into a monster with the body of a pig and the head of a human.
Yunfen then apologized to Emperor Yang, saying, "Ruoxu insulted us, so I used a little trick to embarrass him. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me!" At this, all the women beamed with joy.
Huang Yayun laughed first, "If it weren't for Madam Liu teasing him, my belly would have burst from anger long ago!" Emperor Yang laughed, "Now that you have vented your anger, and his ugly behavior has been enough to see, Madam Liu, please forgive him for my sake and let him return to his human form." Yunfen laughed, "I knew Your Majesty would plead for him." Saying this, she took out a talisman from her bosom and waved it in her hand, saying, "Your Majesty must still warn him that he must not use his magic to insult others in the future. If he dares to do it again, he must be severely punished! I must wait until he makes a vow to never do it again before I can burn this talisman." Emperor Yang said, "I'm sure he won't dare to do it again. Madam, please burn the talisman quickly, why must you make him make a vow?" Yunfen insisted, "Your Majesty says he won't dare, but I'm still afraid he will plot against me. If he is unwilling to make a vow, I cannot forgive him." Emperor Yang had no choice but to order the transformed Ruoxu to make a vow. Ruoxu, with tears welling in his eyes, said, "This humble Taoist will never dare to be rude again. If I offend him again, may I be burned by lightning!" Yunfen smiled and burned the talisman. In the blink of an eye, Ruoxu rolled on the ground several times and returned to his original form. He was too ashamed to return to his seat. With a face full of shame, he bid farewell to Emperor Yang. Emperor Yang knew he was embarrassed and did not try to stop him, letting him go.
Lady Qin smiled at Yunfen and said, "Fortunately, thanks to your magic, Madam, this evil Taoist was driven away." Emperor Yang also smiled at Yunfen and said, "I only knew that you were good at drawing talismans and catching ghosts, but I didn't know you could also play tricks on people." Yunfen said, "There are many kinds of talismans, not just for catching ghosts. I only dared to tease Ruoxu because he was rude, but one cannot play tricks on people without cause." Emperor Yang nodded in approval.
The monk Xuanhua, having previously seen Ruoxu use illusions to please Emperor Yang, felt an itch to show off his own skills. Now, seeing Ruoxu's humiliation, he shrank back in fear, focusing only on drinking, no longer daring to display his abilities. The sorcerer Anjiatuo, who was at odds with Ruoxu, was delighted to see Ruoxu tricked by Yunfen. Later, seeing Ruoxu retreat in shame, glancing at Yunfen with a fierce look, Anjiatuo worried for Yunfen, fearing she might be plotted against by Ruoxu. He knew he had no choice but to keep watch. He excused himself from the Emperor, feigning drunkenness, and went to secretly observe Ruoxu.
However, the nun Zhiyuan at the banquet had also witnessed Ruoxu's actions. Knowing Ruoxu's character well—petty, ruthless, and vicious—she knew he would not rest in peace despite breaking his vow and would surely seek revenge on Yunfen. Thinking of this matter, I decided to inform Yunfen and instruct her to take precautions. Zhiyuan then rose from his seat and went behind Yunfen, saying, "I have something to tell you, Madam. Please leave your seat." Yunfen stood up with some suspicion and followed Zhiyuan into the back of the hall. Zhiyuan then told her what he meant by being cautious. She smiled and said, "This humble concubine is not entirely bold, but I will certainly find a way to guard against him. Thank you for
your concern, Master!" After they finished speaking, they returned to the front hall and went to their respective seats. Emperor Yang did not ask any questions. Madam Qin, who was sitting next to Yunfen, secretly asked Yunfen, "Why was that nun calling for you so suspiciously, Madam?" Yunfen then told her. Madam Qin was quite timid and hurriedly said, "It's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark. There are still many days ahead, how can we be on guard every moment? It's really exhausting." Yunfen laughed and said, "If he doesn't have any evil intentions, fine. But if he dares to seek revenge on me, I'll make sure he dies without a burial place!" Madam Qin shook her head and said, "Don't be so bold. Don't rely on your knowledge of talismans and take the sorcerer seriously." At this moment, Madam Xie, who was sitting next to Madam Qin, saw them whispering and came to inquire. Madam Qin then relayed the information to her. Madam Xie pondered for a moment and said, "It's impossible to guard against everything. In my humble opinion, we should simply report to His Majesty that Xuanxu is plotting revenge and trying to harm you, and ask His Majesty to kill him to eliminate future troubles. Only then can we be at ease and no longer live in constant fear." Madam Qin nodded to Yunfen and said, "Madam Xie's words are very wise. You should agree to his suggestion." Yunfen smiled and said, "You two don't need to worry about me. I have already made up my mind and am not afraid of his underhanded schemes." Seeing that Yunfen had said this, Madam Qin and Madam Xie said no more.
Little did they know that Shi Ruoxu was indeed up to no good. He left the palace in shame and immediately inquired about Yunfen's name, the name and direction of Yingwen Garden, and even her age. Filled with malice, he returned to the Tianwang Taoist Temple he presided over. He set up an incense table in a secret room, burned incense and lit candles. He drew a beautiful woman on a large piece of white paper, whose appearance was roughly similar to Yunfen's. He then wrote down Yunfen's name, age, and the name and direction of the garden, placing it flat on the table. He then donned his ceremonial robes, let his hair down, and brandished a sword, performing a ritualistic stepping in the room. He then used a special brush to draw three talismans and burned them over a candle. While
he was causing trouble in the room, his enemy, Anjiatuo, had already infiltrated Tianwang Temple. He had been there several times and was very familiar with the temple's entrances and the incense-burning paths. He learned from a young Taoist boy that Ruoxu was in a secret room and immediately sensed something was wrong. He hurriedly went around to the back of the secret room, crouching on a large tree near the window. Through the window, he saw Ruoxu's movements; he saw him busily performing ritualistic steps, drawing talismans, and making hand seals. Anjiatuo was overjoyed. He immediately climbed down from the tree, left Tianwang Temple, and rushed back to the West Garden, heading straight for Guangming Hall. It just so happened that the banquet had only recently ended, and Emperor Yang had not yet returned to the palace. Anjia immediately informed Emperor Yang, who was both shocked and furious upon hearing the news. Yunfen, upon learning of this, angrily exclaimed, "That sorcerer dares to be so disrespectful! No wonder I felt dizzy and uneasy; I thought it was from drinking too much, but it turns out he's performing a spell to harm me!" Emperor Yang said, "Since he's performing a spell, Madam, you must protect yourself. I will immediately order the guards to rush to Tianwang Temple and capture him." Yunfen said, "There's no need for the guards to go. Quickly order someone to bring a pair of chickens, a precious sword, a red ink brush, talisman paper, and a bowl of clean water for me to use."
In no time, all the items were brought. Everyone saw that Yunfen's forehead was covered in sweat, and her expression was extremely unpleasant. Yunfen gave a bitter smile and said to Madam Qin, "If we had been half an hour later, I would have fallen victim to his poison." Everyone was horrified, seeing Yunfen holding the special brush and drawing dozens of talismans in one breath. She first burned three talismans and then drank the clean water. Then, take sixteen talismans, take a rooster, tie its feet and wings with rope, and stick the talismans on the rooster's body. Next, take a hen, tie its feet, and place it on a platform. Spray the rooster with three mouthfuls of clean water, then order a beautiful woman to take the rooster to the Shadow Pattern Garden and place it on her bed, saying, "Wait in your room. If you see the rooster on your bed dead, come and report to me immediately." The beautiful woman took the rooster and went there. Yunfen smiled and said, "It's nothing."
Emperor Yang asked, "How do you know it's alright, Madam?" Yunfen replied, "Firstly, I have already swallowed the Guardian Talisman, and secondly, I already have a substitute. If Ruoxu tries to harm me, only the substitute will die; I won't be harmed in the slightest." Emperor Yang nodded and said, "That rooster, could it be Madam's substitute?" Yunfen said, "That's right." Empress Xiao also asked with a smile, "What is the purpose of that hen on the stage?" Yunfen smiled and said, "This hen is Ruoxu's substitute. When he kills my substitute, I will burn the talisman to kill his substitute hen." "A hen!" Madam Qin said, "What if you kill it?" Yunfen said, "If you kill the hen, Ruoxu will die." Everyone gasped in surprise. Madam Xie laughed and said, "This is something I don't understand. I must ask you, Madam, how come your substitute is a rooster, while Ruoxu's substitute is a hen?" Yunfen laughed and said, "Yin and Yang are originally opposites. It's all a wonderful use of talismans. For example, I used a substitute, but I was able to avoid death. Killing Ruoxu's substitute, on the contrary, will make Ruoxu really die. These are all incredible divine arts, relying entirely on the power of the talisman. They cannot be explained by words alone." Everyone was amazed.
At this moment, the palace drum sounded three times, and everyone forgot their fatigue because they wanted to see Yunfen perform her magic. Emperor Yang smiled and said to Yun Fen, "That evil Taoist priest's magic is probably just average, so why hasn't he made a move yet?" Yun Fen replied, "Your Majesty, don't worry, news will be coming soon." Sure enough, as soon as she finished speaking, the beauty rushed in, holding the rooster upside down, and reported, "The rooster is dead!" Everyone looked in surprise and saw that the rooster's head was also gone.
Emperor Yang asked the beauty, "Where is the rooster's head?" The beauty replied, "The rooster's head was still on the bed, but I forgot to bring it in my haste!" Empress Xiao said, "How could the rooster's head be cut off?"
The beauty said, "Your Majesty doesn't know, it's truly frightening. The rooster was perfectly fine on the bed, and just as the third watch was about to begin, a gust of wind suddenly blew into the inner room. The rooster on the bed let out a loud cry, and then its head was separated from its body." Everyone who heard this turned pale and congratulated Yun Fen. At this moment, Yun Fen's expression suddenly changed, and she walked solemnly to the incense table, burning away the talismans one by one. After the twenty-one talismans dissipated, Yun Fen took up a sharp sword and chanted incantations. She then swung the sword at the chicken in the air. The chicken on the incense table only squawked once before its head was severed from its body, blood gushing out. The onlookers cheered with delight. Indeed: "If a god possesses a divine sword, even a chicken without skill will surely perish."
To find out what happens next, please read the next chapter.

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