[History of the Sui Dynasty Palace] [77]

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Chapter Seventy-Seven: A Lament Rises at the River's Edge, Vanishing Without a Trace; A Mysterious Man Appears and Disappears at the Palace's Footsteps, His Predestined Manifestation. It is said that Emperor Yang, upon learning of the completion of the dragon boat, wished to tour the south, ordering his grandson, Prince Yue Tong, to remain in Luoyang. General Zhao Caijin, Right Marquis of the Guards, advised, "The people are exhausted, the treasury is empty, and bandits are rampant in the four prefectures. Your Majesty should return to Luoyang to pacify the people; why then do you wish to travel south to Jiangdu?" Emperor Yang, in the midst of his exuberance, hated anyone who spoiled the mood, and upon hearing Zhao Caijin's words, he immediately flew into a rage. He ordered Zhao Caijin imprisoned. Ren Zong, the Commandant of the Imperial Guards, submitted a memorial strongly advising against this, stating, "Prioritize the state, do not indulge in debauchery," which angered Emperor Yang, who had Ren Zong beaten to death in court that very day. Cui Minxiang and Wang Airen, both Imperial Attendants, also attempted to dissuade the emperor, but were both killed by him. The court officials then dared not speak out against the emperor's actions. Once preparations were complete, the emperor set off. On this southern tour, Empress Xiao, along with the ladies and beauties of the Sixteen Gardens and the concubines of the harem, all went with her.
On this day, as Emperor Yang's carriage left the Western Garden, he saw a man prostrate on the ground, crying out sadly, "This humble subject sees Your Majesty off!" Emperor Yang looked from within his carriage and saw that the man on the ground was Ma Zhong, the supervisor of the Western Garden. He immediately said, "You are here to guard the Western Garden; there's no need for you to see me off.
" Ma Zhong choked back tears and said, "Your Majesty's imperial carriage has already departed; this humble subject knows there's no way to stop it. I only hope Your Majesty will return soon, and this humble subject will prepare the Western Garden to await your arrival." As he spoke, tears streamed down Ma Zhong's face. Seeing this scene, Emperor Yang couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. After a long pause, he said, "I only intended to return soon after this casual trip; why are you so sorrowful?" Ma Zhong said, “Your Majesty spent countless efforts and resources to build this Western Garden, which now boasts the scenery of the North Sea, the Five Lakes, the Three Divine Mountains, and the Sixteen Gardens. Does Your Majesty not cherish it and thus abandon it for a distant journey? This humble subject is saddened by the sight and sheds tears.” Emperor Yang said sadly, “I am not leaving this garden forever; why are you so sorrowful? I only instruct you to guard it well, lest the gardens fall into disrepair and the palaces become desolate.” "Speaking of this, he spontaneously composed a poem, which he ordered the clerks to record. It read: 'I admire the beauty of Jiangdu, and the expedition to Liaodong was merely a coincidence. As long
as her beauty remains, our parting will only be this year.'
He then handed the poem to Ma Zhong as a farewell gift to the palace women. Ma Zhong rose and let the imperial carriage pass. At this moment, Empress Xiao, who was riding in the same carriage as Emperor Yang, was quite puzzled, because Ma Zhong's report and Emperor Yang's reply and poem all contained a sense of sorrow, which made her uncomfortable. However, she could not say it aloud and could only keep it to herself. When they reached the riverbank, Emperor Yang alighted from his carriage and saw newly built boats lined up in the river, many decorated with clouds and dragons, and their design was more magnificent than the previous ones." The scene was dazzling and magnificent. Emperor Yang was naturally delighted, and he and Empress Xiao each boarded the largest dragon boat. The ladies of the sixteen imperial gardens also each sat in a dragon boat, though slightly smaller in scale. The remaining beauties were also assigned their own boats. Civil and military officials either resided on the boats or lined the shore, advancing in a continuous stream. Once Emperor Yang reached his boat, he issued an edict: the order to anchor must be obeyed, even at night, and no one was allowed to stop without permission.
That night, the autumn moon was clear, and a cool breeze blew across the water. Emperor Yang opened the boat window and gazed at the autumn night scenery. The sounds of autumn rustling on all sides were melancholic and captivating. Emperor Yang admired the scenery for a while, and was about to close the boat windows and retire for the night when he suddenly heard a song. Carried by the wind, it reached his ears. The song went: "My brother campaigned in Liaodong, starving to death beneath the green hills; now I pull my dragon boat, trapped on the Sui embankment.
The world is in chaos, provisions are scarce; traveling thousands of miles, how can I protect myself?
My bones lie exposed on the desolate sand, my wandering soul weeps in the smoke of tobacco; my wife at home grieves, my elders wait in vain.
Where can I find a righteous man to burn this unclaimed corpse; to guide its lonely soul back, to carry its white bones home?"
Upon hearing this song, Emperor Yang felt that every word was a veiled attack on him, and he could not help but... Suppressing his anger, Emperor Yang ordered his guards to immediately go ashore and capture the singer, lest he escape. The guards, obeying the Emperor's decree, hurriedly disembarked. The singing seemed to be coming from the east, but following the sound, it was now in the west. Returning to their side, all was silent. The melodious singing had moved elsewhere. The guards were exhausted, their hearts burning with frustration and anxiety. Though the autumn night was cool, beads of sweat dripped from their foreheads. They huddled together and said, "If we keep chasing him like this, we won't catch the singer, and our legs will break first. We should split up and search in all directions; perhaps we can catch that cunning singer." Everyone agreed, saying, "That's a good idea!" Just as they were about to split up to search, suddenly a song arose before them. Looking up, they saw a man in tattered clothes, with disheveled hair, his face covered in grime, filthy, his left foot bare, and only a tattered straw sandal on his right foot. He was staggering forward, still singing, "Now I row the dragon boat, but I am trapped on the Sui embankment." The guards shouted, "Surround the singer!" and rushed forward, seizing him.
The singer remained silent, allowing the guards to carry him onto the boat and bring him before Emperor Yang. The guards reported to Emperor Yang, "This is the singer." Emperor Yang saw the singer grinning foolishly at him, showing no sign of panic, and demanded, "Who composed this song and made you sing it? Or did you compose and sing it yourself? Tell the truth!" The singer laughed loudly, "How could I have composed this song?" Emperor Yang said gently, "If you can just tell me the name of the songwriter, not only will you be pardoned, but you will also be richly rewarded!" The singer replied, "If you ask about the songwriter, he is right here. His nickname is Amo!" Emperor Yang was furious and pointed his halberd, shouting, "You audacious dog! How dare you be so rude! Guards, quickly take him out and behead him on the bow of the ship!" The guards, hearing this, were about to push the singer out, but the singer hurriedly said, "It's not that I'm afraid of death, but I still have a few words to say. Let me speak
first, then it won't be too late to kill me." Emperor Yang dismissed the guards and asked him, "What else do you have to say?" He said, "During the campaign against Liaodong, the people were in chaos, bandits rose up everywhere, and the dead lay everywhere. The one who caused this phenomenon is Your Majesty alone. It was because of this phenomenon that this song was composed.
Tracing back to the source, it should originally be Your Majesty who composed it, but now you want to kill me instead. I think your day of death is just around the corner." "Emperor Yang was filled with rage after being berated by him. He drew his sword and swung it at the singer. The singer swung his arms, sending his guards tumbling about. He then turned and darted out of the cabin. Emperor
Yang, sword in hand, gave chase. Just as he reached the bow, the singer let out a long howl and plunged into the water. Water splashed everywhere, and he vanished from the surface. Emperor Yang immediately ordered his men, skilled swimmers, to jump in and search, but there was no trace of him. He then returned to the ship to report. Emperor Yang was still cursing and furious, but there was nothing he could do." He set it aside and ordered the journey to continue.
By then it was broad daylight, and the weather had suddenly warmed. At midday, it was scorching hot, like summer in autumn, yet feeling like the height of summer. Although the dragon boat was spacious, Emperor Yang felt suffocated. The boatmen on the shore, towing the ropes under the blazing sun, were all sweating profusely and exhausted.
Emperor Yang saw this and felt pity for them. He then followed the advice of the Hanlin Academician Yu Shiji and ordered willow branches to be transplanted along the banks of the Bian Canal. He also issued an edict to the local people, promising a piece of silk to anyone who donated a willow tree. At this time, the willows had not yet withered, and the people... They dug up willows to present as offerings. Emperor Yang was finally pleased and disembarked from his dragon boat, personally planting a willow as the first to do so. The civil and military officials naturally followed suit, each planting one. Then they ordered the people to plant more, rewarding them accordingly. The people were extremely enthusiastic, planting more and more, and even spontaneously composed a few lines of folk song, which they sang: "Plant willows, everyone come, good for shade and good for firewood. The Emperor plants them himself, then the people plant them.
Green shade fills the embankment, cool breezes come from the willows.
" Emperor Yang, hearing this song, was delighted and ordered money to be distributed... The people personally inscribed a gold plaque, which was hung on the tallest willow tree, bestowing upon Liu the surname Yang. Therefore, later generations called Liudu "Yangliu" (Willow Tree). Subsequently, willows lined the embankment, their branches drooping green, stretching southward from Daliang, rows of willows everywhere, instantly transforming the heat into coolness. At this time, Wang Shichong, the governor of Jiangdu, presented five hundred women from Wu and Yue as provisions for the journey. Emperor Yang was at a loss. Coincidentally, Yu Shiji was nearby. Seeing Emperor Yang's indecision, he immediately suggested, "Why not use them as porters, pulling the boats along the shore? Each boat can have ten women, and ten young sheep can be used to alternate them. It will surely be a beautiful and interesting sight." Emperor Yang clapped his hands in approval and followed Shiji's suggestion, using five hundred girls as porters. Thus,
with their delicate red dresses and colorful sleeves, they moved along the way, their silk robes flowing, their fragrance spreading. Emperor Yang was delighted.
Suddenly, a beautiful woman appeared among the palace maids, standing out from the crowd with her striking beauty. Emperor Yang exclaimed, "How can such a beauty be relegated to such a lowly position?" He then ordered his attendants to summon her to the ship. Upon her arrival, he examined her closely. Her waist was supple and graceful, like a willow swaying in the wind; her figure was elegant and charming, like pear blossoms in spring. She had bright eyes and white teeth, snow-white skin and a beautiful face. Most exquisite were her two delicate eyebrows, like a crescent moon, exceptionally captivating. Emperor Yang smiled and asked, "Where are you from? What is your name? How old are you?" The woman knelt and replied, "This humble servant is from Suzhou, my surname is Wu, my given name is Jiangxian, and I am seventeen years old." Emperor Yang exclaimed, "What beautiful eyebrows, Jiangxian! There's no need to stay on shore to tie the mooring rope; you can remain here to serve me." Jiangxian gracefully thanked him. Emperor Yang obeyed his orders and sent another woman to fill Jiangxian's vacancy. He also summoned Empress Xiao and the Sixteen Consorts of the Garden to the large ship for a banquet.
Before long, they had all arrived at Emperor Yang's dragon boat. Emperor Yang ordered Jiang Xian to pay her respects to Empress Xiao and to the other ladies. Empress Xiao took Jiang Xian's slender hand, examined her closely, and exclaimed, "What a beauty! Where did Your Majesty find her?" Emperor Yang laughed, "She almost disgraced a celestial being; she was among the palace maids." Tuo Niang laughed, "This humble concubine didn't understand Your Majesty's sudden invitation to a banquet; it turns out it was to present a treasure." The ladies all burst into laughter. Emperor Yang pointed at Tuo Niang and said, "But your words are the sharpest; you always tease me." After a round of laughter, they sat down at the banquet and drank heartily. Jiang Xian approached Emperor Yang with a smile, saying, "This humble servant has a song to offer." Emperor Yang was delighted and smiled at Empress Xiao, saying, "I didn't know Jiang Xian was such a good singer, but I adore her even more." Tuo Niang pursed her lips and smiled, "Even if I weren't a good singer, wouldn't Your Majesty love me?" Emperor Yang smiled without speaking, but ordered Jiang Xian to sing quickly. Jiang Xian then sang in a melodious, warbling voice: "Eyebrows in pairs, powdered faces in rows. A thousand brocade cables tether her delicate figure, five hundred slender waists entwine her allure.
Fragrant breezes caress the ground, orchids and musk waft from both banks; colorful sleeves flutter in the air, silk robes sway along the way. Sand parting, the bank turning gently, golden lotuses turning sideways; water surging, boats returning gracefully, jade wrists lowered. Swaying gracefully, flowers seem to have feet as she walks in the wind; concealing herself, the moon passes by without leaving a trace on the water. Shaming even the fairy of the waves, laughing at the moon goddess reflected in the water." The dragons swayed gracefully, clearly resembling countless goddesses of the Luo River; the dark green hues of autumn resembled many maidens of the Xiang and Han Rivers. As if fearing the passing of spring, they kept colorful threads tying the strings; as if worried about the difficulty of finding a virtuous lady, they secretly tied a red rope.
It was truly a scene of boundless spring, adorned with pearls and emeralds, so they strung together a string of elegance. When the song ended, Tuoniang had already poured a cup of wine and handed it to Emperor Yang, saying, "You sang so well! Quickly, give this to the beauty to drink." Emperor Yang laughed, "Don't try to curry favor; Jiangxian was meant to be rewarded.
The beauty of her song lies in the scenery before us, and she incorporated the charming manners of the palace maids into the song, making it vivid and captivating." Saying this, he gave Jiangxian the cup of wine that Tuoniang had poured and made her drink it all. Emperor Yang then said, "'As if fearing the passing of spring, so the colorful thread is always tied; as if worried that a beautiful woman is hard to find, so a red rope is secretly tied.' These lines are truly exquisite." Tuo Niang laughed again, saying, "A virtuous woman is not hard to find; among the palace maids, one has already been found; the red rope need not be secretly tied, just bestow the favor of rain and dew, and we shall see tonight, on this auspicious night, they will become a pair of mandarin ducks on the water." The ladies couldn't help but burst into laughter. Emperor Yang also couldn't help but chuckle. Jiang Xian blushed and lowered her head. When the banquet was over, Empress Xiao and the ladies returned to their original boat. That night, Emperor Yang and Jiang Xian truly became a pair of mandarin ducks on the water, achieving their happy ending. Indeed: Among the palace maids, she is the most outstanding; Jiang Xian's eyebrows are the most charming. To know what happens next, please listen to the next chapter.

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[History of the Sui Dynasty Palace] [77]

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