As the story goes, Emperor Taizong and Wei Zheng were playing a game of chess in the side hall. They took turns placing their pieces, setting forth the board. This game perfectly matched the principles described in the * Cantong Qi * (an ancient Taoist classic on spiritual cultivation):
The art of strategy lies in precision and caution. A master aims for the center; a novice clings to the edges; the middling player occupies the corners—this is the eternal law of the game. The law states: 'Better to lose a single piece than to forfeit the initiative. Strike left while watching right; attack from behind while looking ahead. There are moves that seem backward yet advance, and moves that seem forward yet retreat. Do not sever two living groups; do not connect two that are already alive. Do not spread too thinly, nor crowd too tightly. Rather than cling to a piece to survive, it is better to sacrifice it for victory; rather than act alone without purpose, it is better to fortify your own position. When the enemy is many and you are few, first seek survival; when you are many and the enemy is few, press your advantage. One who excels at winning does not fight; one who excels at formation does not battle; one who excels at combat is never defeated; one who excels at defeat does not panic. Begin with proper alignment, end with unexpected brilliance. An enemy who fortifies without cause plots invasion; an enemy who abandons the small without rescue schemes for the great. To move without thought is to be a man without strategy; to respond without reflection is the path to defeat. The * Book of Songs * says: 'Tremble with caution, as if standing at the edge of a deep valley.' This is what it means.'
There is a poem that describes this:
The board is the earth, the pieces are the heavens,
Colored by the interplay of cosmic forces, all of creation complete.
When one plays to the point of profound transformation,
One laughs and praises the ancient immortal who watched the chess game for a thousand years.
The lord and his subject played until the hour of noon , yet a single unfinished game remained. Suddenly, Wei Zheng slumped over the table, snoring loudly. Emperor Taizong smiled and said, "My worthy minister has truly exhausted himself for the nation's affairs and drained his spirit for the rivers and mountains. That is why he has fallen asleep from weariness." The emperor let him sleep, not waking him. Before long, Wei Zheng awoke and kowtowed on the ground, saying, " Your subject deserves ten thousand deaths ! Ten thousand deaths! Just now I was in a daze and do not know what I did. I beg Your Majesty to forgive my disrespect toward the sovereign!"
Emperor Taizong said, "What disrespect have you shown? Rise. Let us clear away this unfinished game and start anew."
Wei Zheng thanked the emperor and stood up. Just as he picked up a chess piece, they heard shouting outside the court gates. It was Qin Shubao , Xu Maogong , and others, holding a blood-dripping dragon's head. They threw it before Emperor Taizong and reported, "Your Majesty, we have seen wonders like the sea drying up and rocks crumbling, but never anything as strange as this!"
Emperor Taizong and Wei Zheng rose and asked, "Where did this come from?"
Qin Shubao and Xu Maogong replied, "At the crossroads south of the Thousand-Step Corridor , this dragon head fell from the clouds. We dared not fail to report it."
The Tang emperor asked Wei Zheng in alarm, "What is the meaning of this?"
Wei Zheng turned and kowtowed, saying, "This is what your subject cut off in a dream just now."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Taizong was greatly startled. "My worthy minister, while you were asleep, I saw neither you move nor wield a sword or blade. How could you have cut off this dragon's head?"
Wei Zheng replied, "My sovereign, though my body was before you, my soul had already left Your Majesty's presence. While I sat before you playing chess, my eyes grew drowsy; but my soul rode a cloud of auspicious light and departed, my spirit full of vigor, to the Heavenly Court. That dragon was bound by heavenly soldiers on the Execution Terrace . I said to him, 'You have violated the laws of heaven and deserve death. I have received the heavenly mandate to behead you.' The dragon wept bitterly and begged for mercy, but I steeled my spirit. The dragon had no choice but to retract his claws and fold his scales, accepting his fate. I lifted my robes, stepped forward, raised my gleaming sword, and with a single 'crack,' the dragon's head fell into the void."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Taizong felt both sorrow and joy. He was joyful because he praised Wei Zheng as a worthy minister—with such a hero in court, how could the kingdom be unstable? He was sorrowful because he had promised in his dream to save the dragon, yet it had still been slain. Forcing himself to remain composed, the emperor issued a decree to have Qin Shubao hang the dragon's head in the marketplace so that all the people of Chang'an would know of this event. He also rewarded Wei Zheng, and the officials dispersed.
That evening, Emperor Taizong returned to the inner palace, his heart heavy with gloom. He recalled the dragon weeping and begging for mercy in his dream, yet it had ultimately failed to escape death. He brooded for a long time, and gradually felt his spirit flag and his body grow unwell. By the second watch of the night, he heard wailing outside the palace gates, and the emperor grew even more fearful. In a daze, he saw the Jing River Dragon King , holding his blood-dripping head, shouting loudly, "Emperor Taizong! Give me back my life! Give me back my life! Last night you personally promised to save me, but at dawn you summoned the human judge to behead me! Come out! Come out! I will go with you to the King of Hell to settle this!"
The dragon king grabbed hold of Emperor Taizong and would not let go, arguing and harassing him without cease. The emperor could not speak, drenched in cold sweat from terror. Just as the struggle reached its peak, they saw fragrant clouds and colorful mist swirling from the south. A female immortal stepped forward, waved a willow branch , and the headless dragon, sobbing mournfully, departed toward the northwest. This was none other than the Bodhisattva Guanyin , who had come to the Eastern Land by the Buddha's decree to seek a scripture pilgrim. She was staying in the Earth God's temple in Chang'an. Hearing the ghosts wailing and spirits howling in the night, she had come specifically to drive away the karmic dragon and save Emperor Taizong. As for the dragon, he went straight to the underworld to file a complaint, but that story will be set aside for now.
As for Emperor Taizong, he awoke crying out, "Ghosts! Ghosts!" This frightened the empress of the three palaces , the consorts of the six courts , and the eunuchs close at hand, who dared not sleep all night. By the fifth watch , the full complement of civil and military officials waited outside the court gates for the morning audience . When dawn came and the emperor had not appeared, they grew alarmed and anxious. Not until the sun was high in the sky did a decree come forth: "The emperor is unwell; all officials are excused from court."
Unbeknownst to them, five or six days passed, and the officials grew even more worried. Just as they were about to force their way into the palace to inquire after the emperor's health, the empress dowager issued a decree summoning the imperial physicians to treat the emperor. The crowd waited outside the gates for news. When the physicians emerged, everyone eagerly asked about the emperor's condition. The physicians said, "His Majesty's pulse is chaotic—weak and rapid in turns—and he raves about seeing ghosts. We also detected that his pulse stops after every ten beats. The vital energy of his five organs is exhausted. He likely has no more than seven days to live." Upon hearing this, the officials were struck with terror.
In the midst of the panic, the empress dowager issued another decree summoning Xu Maogong, Duke Qin Shubao, and Duke Yuchi Gong to the palace. The three obeyed the decree and hurried to the Hall of Parting Fragrance, where they knelt and paid their respects. Emperor Taizong, forcing himself to speak, said, "My worthy ministers, I have led armies since the age of nineteen, campaigning north and south, fighting east and west. I have endured hardship for so many years and never seen a trace of evil spirits. Yet now, I see ghosts!"
Yuchi Gong said, "Your Majesty, you killed so many people when you founded the kingdom. Are you still afraid of ghosts?"
Emperor Taizong said, "You do not believe me. Outside my bedchamber door, every night, bricks and tiles are thrown about, and ghosts wail. It is unbearable. During the day, it is tolerable, but at night, I cannot sleep at all."
Qin Shubao said, "Your Majesty, set your heart at ease. Tonight, your subjects will guard the palace gates and see what evil spirits dare to approach."
Emperor Taizong approved, and Xu Maogong thanked the emperor before withdrawing. That evening, Qin Shubao and Yuchi Gong donned their armor, took up their golden maces and battle-axes, and stood guard outside the palace gates. The appearance of these two generals was truly awe-inspiring:
They wore golden helmets that gleamed like sunlight, and armor of dragon scales. Their heart-protecting mirrors shimmered with auspicious clouds; their lion-head belts were tightly fastened, and their embroidered sashes shone with the colors of dawn. One had eyes like a phoenix that stared at the heavens, making the stars themselves tremble; the other had round eyes that flashed like lightning, reflecting the moonlight. They were heroes of old, meritorious ministers of the past, who would be remembered for a thousand years as gate guardians, and for ten thousand ages as door gods.
The two generals stood by the gate all night and saw not a trace of evil spirits. Emperor Taizong also slept peacefully in the palace for the first time. In the morning, he summoned the two generals to the court and rewarded them generously, saying, "Since I fell ill, I have not been able to sleep well for days. Tonight, thanks to the might of you two generals, I have finally rested peacefully. Go back and rest now, and return tonight to guard me again."
The two generals thanked the emperor and withdrew. For the next two or three days, they guarded the palace gates every night, and Emperor Taizong slept soundly. However, his appetite waned, and his condition worsened. Unwilling to let the two generals exhaust themselves night after night, Emperor Taizong summoned Qin Shubao, Yuchi Gong, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and other ministers to the palace. He instructed them, "These past two days, I have been at ease, but it has come at the cost of Generals Qin and Yuchi staying up all night. I wish to summon a skilled portrait painter to paint the true likenesses of these two generals and paste them on the doors, so that I need not trouble them further. What do you think?"
The ministers immediately obeyed the decree. They selected two painters skilled in portraiture and had Qin and Yuchi don their armor as before. Their portraits were painted and pasted on the palace gates. That night, no strange events occurred.
But after two or three days, they heard the sound of bricks and tiles crashing at the rear gate. The next morning, Emperor Taizong urgently summoned his ministers and said, "A few days ago, the front gate was safe, but last night, the rear gate made noise. Is this not trying to frighten me to death!"
Xu Maogong stepped forward and reported, "When the front gate was unsafe, we had Yuchi and Shubao to guard it. Now that the rear gate is unsafe, Wei Zheng should guard it."
Emperor Taizong approved and summoned Wei Zheng to guard the rear gate that night. Wei Zheng obeyed the decree. That night, he dressed in full regalia, carried the sword that had beheaded the dragon, and stood guard at the rear gate. His heroic bearing was undeniable:
He wore a black silk headband, a brocade robe with a jade belt at his waist. His flowing cape caught the frosty wind, and his presence rivaled that of the most fearsome spirits. His black boots were firmly planted, and in his hand he held a sharp blade, fierce and bold. His eyes, wide open, scanned the four directions—what evil spirit would dare approach?
Wei Zheng stood guard all night and saw no ghosts or spirits. Though both the front and rear gates were now safe, Emperor Taizong's body grew heavier with illness. One day, the empress dowager summoned the ministers to discuss the emperor's funeral arrangements. Emperor Taizong also summoned Xu Maogong to the palace to entrust him with the affairs of the state, following the example of Liu Bei entrusting his son to Zhuge Liang. After speaking, Emperor Taizong bathed, changed his clothes, and awaited his final hour.
Beside him, Wei Zheng stepped forward, grabbed the emperor's dragon robe, and reported, "Your Majesty, set your heart at ease. I have a plan that can guarantee Your Majesty a long life."
Emperor Taizong said, "My illness has reached the point of no return. My life hangs by a thread. How can it still be saved?"
Wei Zheng said, "I have a letter, which I offer to Your Majesty. Please take it to the underworld and deliver it to the Fengdu Judge, Cui Jue."
Emperor Taizong asked, "Who is Cui Jue?"
Wei Zheng replied, "Cui Jue was a minister in the previous emperor's court. In life, he served as the magistrate of Zizhou and later rose to be Vice Minister of Rites. While he lived, he and I became sworn brothers, bound by deep friendship. He has since passed away and now serves in the underworld as the Fengdu Judge in charge of the registers of life and death. He often meets with me in dreams. This time, when Your Majesty arrives in the underworld, give him this letter. Out of regard for my humble face, he will surely allow Your Majesty to return."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Taizong took the letter and placed it in his sleeve. Then he closed his eyes and passed away. The empress of the three palaces, the consorts of the six courts, the crown prince, and the civil and military officials all wept bitterly. They donned mourning clothes and placed the emperor's coffin in the White Tiger Hall. That story will be set aside for now.
As for Emperor Taizong's soul, it drifted and wandered out through the Five Phoenix Tower. He saw a troop of imperial guards on horseback inviting him to go hunting outside the court. The emperor gladly followed. They drifted for a while, when suddenly the men and horses all vanished, leaving him alone, wandering in a desolate wilderness. Just as he was panicking and could not find his way, he heard someone shouting loudly from one side, "Great Tang Emperor! Come this way! Come this way!"
Emperor Taizong looked up and saw the man:
He wore a black gauze cap on his head and a belt of rhinoceros horn around his waist. The black gauze cap had soft ribbons trailing down; the rhinoceros horn belt was set in gold. In his hand, he held an ivory tablet that shimmered with auspicious mist; his robe was woven with hidden light. On his feet, he wore a pair of white-soled boots that trod on clouds and mist; in his bosom, he carried a register of life and death that determined all fates. His hair, unkempt, hung over his ears; his beard flew wildly around his cheeks. Once, he had been a minister of the Tang court; now, he served as a judge before the King of Hell.
Emperor Taizong approached the man, who knelt by the roadside and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, forgive your subject for failing to welcome you from afar!"
Emperor Taizong asked, "Who are you? Why are you here to greet me?"
The man replied, "Half a month ago, in the Senluo Hall, I saw the Jing River Old Dragon accuse Your Majesty of 'promising rescue but ordering execution instead.' King Qinguang of the First Hall then sent ghostly envoys to invite Your Majesty for a three-party confrontation. I learned of this in advance and came here to await Your Majesty's arrival. I did not expect to be late today. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"
Emperor Taizong said, "What is your name? What office do you hold?"
The man replied, "In life, your subject served the previous emperor in the mortal world. I was magistrate of Zizhou and later rose to Vice Minister of Rites. My surname is Cui, my given name is Jue. Now, in the underworld, I serve as the Fengdu Judge in charge of records."
Emperor Taizong was overjoyed. He stepped forward, helped the man up with his hand, and said, "Sir, you have traveled far to welcome me. Wei Zheng, who serves in my court, has a letter he wished to send to you. I did not expect to meet you here."
Cui Jue thanked the emperor and asked where the letter was. Emperor Taizong took it from his sleeve and handed it to Cui Jue. Cui Jue opened it and read. The letter said:
Your unworthy younger brother Wei Zheng, with utmost respect, sends this letter to my elder brother, the esteemed Judge Cui, before his desk:
I recall our friendship; your voice and face are still vivid in my memory. In the blink of an eye, years have passed, and I have not heard your wise teachings. Often, on holidays, I prepare vegetarian offerings to honor you, but I know not if you have received them. Then, in my dreams, you deigned to visit me, and I learned that my elder brother had been promoted. How unfortunate that the realms of the living and the dead are separated, each in a different world, and we cannot meet face to face. Now, because our Emperor Taizong has suddenly passed away, I suspect it is for a three-party confrontation, and he will surely meet you, my elder brother. I earnestly beg you, out of our friendship in life, to do him a small favor and allow my sovereign to return to the world of the living. This would be a great kindness. I will write again to express my gratitude. With endless thanks.
Cui Jue finished reading the letter and was filled with joy. He said, "I already knew about Wei Zheng's dream beheading of the old dragon a few days ago. I have always praised him in my heart. He also often looks after my descendants. Since he has sent this letter, Your Majesty, set your heart at ease. Your subject will surely send you back to the world of the living, to once again ascend the jade steps of the palace."
Emperor Taizong quickly expressed his thanks. As the two were speaking, they saw a pair of young attendants in blue, holding banners and canopies, shouting loudly, "The King of Hell invites you! He invites you!" Emperor Taizong then followed Judge Cui and the two attendants, walking forward. Before long, they suddenly saw a city. On the city gate hung a large sign with seven golden characters: "Ghost Gate of the Dark Underworld." The young attendants in blue shook their banners and led Emperor Taizong straight into the city, walking along the streets.
They had not gone far when they saw standing by the roadside the former emperor Li Yuan, the former elder brother Li Jiancheng, and the late younger brother Li Yuanji. As soon as they saw Emperor Taizong, they shouted, "Shimin is here! Shimin is here!" Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji immediately rushed forward to grab hold of Emperor Taizong, demanding his life. Emperor Taizong could not dodge in time and was firmly seized by the two. Fortunately, Judge Cui called for a ghostly envoy with a green face and fangs, who let out a great shout and drove Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji back, allowing Emperor Taizong to escape.
After walking a few more miles, they came upon a magnificent building with green tiles, extremely splendid. They saw:
A thousand layers of colorful clouds piled high; a hundred streaks of red mist appeared faintly. The eaves, adorned with beast heads, gleamed brightly; the tiles, layered like mandarin ducks, shone with brilliance. The doors were studded with rows of golden nails; the thresholds were made of white jade. The windows, catching the light, glowed like morning mist; the curtains, shining brightly, pierced through like red lightning. The towers rose high, touching the azure sky; the corridors stretched out, connecting to jeweled courtyards. Incense from beast-shaped censers wafted onto the imperial robes; crimson gauze lanterns illuminated the palace fans. On the left stood fierce ox-headed guards; on the right stood majestic horse-faced attendants. They carried golden plaques to welcome the dead and send off spirits; they held white banners to guide souls and summon spirits. This was called the Main Gate of the Underworld, the Senluo Hall of the Kings of Hell below.
As Emperor Taizong was gazing at this scene from outside, he suddenly heard the tinkling of jade pendants from within the hall and a strange, immortal fragrance wafting out. Two pairs of attendants carried lanterns, and behind them, the Ten Kings of Hell personally descended the steps to welcome him. These Ten Kings were: King Qinguang, King Chujiang, King Songdi, King Wuguan, King Yanluo, King Pingdeng, King Taishan, King Dushi, King Biancheng, and King Zhuanlun.
The Ten Kings walked to the outside of the Senluo Hall, bowed, and welcomed Emperor Taizong. Emperor Taizong was very humble and dared not step forward. The Ten Kings said, "Your Majesty is the king of men in the mortal world. We are the kings of ghosts in the underworld. By the rules of propriety, we should welcome you. You need not be overly modest."
Emperor Taizong said, "I have committed offenses worthy of punishment. How dare I speak of the propriety between the mortal and the ghostly, the king of men and the king of ghosts?" He continued to decline. Then, he stepped forward and entered the Senluo Hall. After exchanging bows with the Ten Kings, they took their seats as host and guest.
After a moment, King Qinguang cupped his hands and asked, "The Jing River Old Dragon accuses Your Majesty of promising to save him but instead having him killed. What is the meaning of this?"
Emperor Taizong said, "In a dream last night, I saw the old dragon begging for mercy. I did indeed promise to protect him. I did not know, however, that he was guilty of a crime deserving punishment, and that he was to be executed by my human judge, Wei Zheng. I specifically summoned Wei Zheng to play chess in the hall, but he beheaded the dragon in a dream. This was due to the great power of that human judge, and also because the dragon king was guilty and deserved to die. How can this be my fault?"
Upon hearing this, the Ten Kings quickly bowed and said, "Even before that dragon was born, the Register of Life and Death in the Southern Dipper had already decreed that he would be beheaded by a human judge. We have known this all along. But he argued endlessly here and insisted on inviting Your Majesty for a three-party confrontation. We had no choice but to send him into the cycle of reincarnation, to be reborn. Today, we have troubled Your Majesty to descend here. We beg your forgiveness for our hastiness."
Having said this, the Ten Kings ordered the judge in charge of the Register of Life and Death, "Go quickly and fetch the register to see how many years of life Your Majesty still has!"
Judge Cui hurried to the record room and took out the general register of heavenly blessings for the kings of all nations under heaven. He examined it one by one. Under the name of Emperor Taizong of the Great Tang, of the Southern Jambu Continent, the register recorded a life span of only thirteen years of the Zhenguan era. Judge Cui was startled. He quickly took a large brush, dipped it in thick ink, and added two strokes to the character for "ten," changing it to "thirty-three." He then presented the register to the Ten Kings.
The Ten Kings looked it over from beginning to end. Seeing that Emperor Taizong's recorded life span was thirty-three years, they asked in surprise, "How many years has Your Majesty been on the throne?"
Emperor Taizong said, "I have been on the throne for thirteen years."
King Yanluo said, "Your Majesty, set your heart at ease. Do not worry. You still have twenty years of life left. This time in the underworld, the three-party confrontation has been resolved. Now, we ask you to return to the mortal world and ascend your throne once more."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Taizong bowed and thanked them. The Ten Kings dispatched Judge Cui and Grand Marshal Zhu to escort Emperor Taizong back to life. As Emperor Taizong walked out of the Senluo Hall, he turned around and asked the Ten Kings, "Are the old and young members of my family in the palace safe?"
The Ten Kings said, "They are all safe, but I fear your younger sister's life will not be long."
Emperor Taizong bowed again and thanked them, saying, "After I return to the mortal world, I have nothing to offer in gratitude. I can only send some fruits and melons."
The Ten Kings were pleased and said, "We have winter melons and watermelons here. We only lack pumpkins."
Emperor Taizong said, "I will send them as soon as I return. I will send them immediately." With that, they bowed and parted.
Grand Marshal Zhu held a spirit banner and led the way. Judge Cui escorted Emperor Taizong from behind, and they walked straight out of the underworld. Emperor Taizong looked up and saw that they were not on the same road they had taken to come. He asked the judge, "Is this the wrong path?"
The judge said, "No. This is the rule of the underworld. There is only a path to come, but no path to return. Now, we are sending Your Majesty out through the Wheel of Reincarnation. First, we will let Your Majesty tour the underworld; second, we will allow Your Majesty to be reborn and return to the world of the living."
Emperor Taizong had no choice but to follow them onward.
After walking a few more miles, they suddenly saw a high mountain, shrouded in dark clouds and thick black mist. Emperor Taizong asked, "Master Cui, what mountain is that?"
The judge said, "That is the Dark Yin Mountain of the Underworld."
Emperor Taizong said fearfully, "How can I cross it?"
The judge said, "Your Majesty, set your heart at ease. We will escort you."
Trembling with fear, Emperor Taizong followed them up the rocky slopes. He looked up and saw: The mountain's terrain was uneven, the path treacherous and difficult. It was as perilous as the mountains of Sichuan, as towering as the peaks of Lushan. But it was no famous mountain of the mortal world—it was a dangerous place of the underworld. Thorns and brambles hid ghosts and monsters; rocky cliffs concealed evil spirits. No birds or beasts could be heard; only ghosts and demons walked before their eyes. An icy wind howled, and black mist swirled endlessly. The icy wind was the cold breath of divine soldiers; the black mist was the evil vapor of hidden demons. Looking around, there was not a trace of beauty anywhere; on all sides, only ferocious ghostly souls could be seen. There were mountains, peaks, ridges, caves, and ravines, but the mountains grew no grass, the peaks did not pierce the sky, the ridges had no travelers, the caves held no clouds, and the ravines flowed with no water. Before and behind the mountain, ox-headed and horse-faced demons howled in chaos; half-hidden and half-exposed, starving ghosts and impoverished souls wept facing each other. The judges who urged on the dead hurriedly passed their documents; the grand marshals who chased after souls shouted and urged them on. The swift-footed messengers who delivered news ran like whirlwinds; the ghostly envoys who summoned souls darted like black mist.
Emperor Taizong relied entirely on Judge Cui's protection to cross the Dark Yin Mountain.
Continuing forward, they passed many government offices. At each one, they could hear the sound of mournful weeping and see terrifying ghosts. Emperor Taizong asked again, "What place is this?"
The judge said, "This is the 'Eighteen Layers of Hell' behind the Dark Yin Mountain."
Emperor Taizong asked, "What are the eighteen layers?"
The judge said, "Your Majesty, listen to me: The Sinew-Hanging Hell, the Unjust Death Hell, and the Pit of Fire Hell—cold and desolate, full of worry and trouble. These are for those who committed a thousand kinds of sins in life and now suffer these punishments after death. The Fengdu Hell, the Tongue-Pulling Hell, and the Skin-Flaying Hell—full of weeping and misery, desolate and tragic. These are for those who were unfilial and disloyal in life, who violated heaven's principles, who spoke honeyed words but harbored daggers in their hearts, and thus fell into these hells. The Millstone Hell, the Pestle Hell, and the Chariot-Crushing Hell—where prisoners are beaten until their skin splits and their teeth are bared. These are for those who deceived their own consciences, acted unjustly, and used sweet words to secretly harm others. The Ice Hell, the Shell-Shedding Hell, and the Intestine-Pulling Hell—where prisoners are filthy and unkempt, with worried brows and sad faces. These are for those who used large and small measures to cheat honest people, bringing disaster upon themselves. The Oil Cauldron Hell, the Dark Hell, and the Knife Mountain Hell—where prisoners tremble with fear and weep bitterly. These are for those who tyrannized and bullied the good, and now cower with their heads hidden and necks shrunk in suffering. The Blood Pool Hell, the Avici Hell, and the Scale Hell—where prisoners have their skin peeled and bones exposed, their arms broken and sinews severed. These are for those who murdered for money, killed living beings, and thus fell here, never to be reborn. Each one is tightly bound. Red-haired ghosts and black-faced ghosts hold long spears and short swords; ox-headed ghosts and horse-faced ghosts wield iron clubs and bronze hammers. They beat the prisoners until their brows are furrowed and their bodies are covered in blood. They cry out to heaven and earth, but no one comes to save them. Truly, 'Do not deceive your heart in life; the gods and ghosts see all, whom do they miss? Good and evil will eventually have their reward; it is only a matter of sooner or later.'"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Taizong was both shocked and saddened.
Not long after, they saw a group of ghostly soldiers holding banners and kneeling by the roadside, saying, "The Bridge Envoy has come to welcome Your Majesty." Judge Cui ordered them to rise and led Emperor Taizong across the Golden Bridge. Emperor Taizong also saw another Silver Bridge on the other side. On it walked several loyal, filial, virtuous, fair, and upright souls, also guided by banners. There was also a third bridge, where cold winds howled and waves of blood surged, with endless weeping and wailing.
Emperor Taizong asked, "What is the name of that bridge?"
The judge said, "Your Majesty, that bridge is called the Bridge of Helplessness. When you return to the mortal world, you must remember this. Beneath that bridge are: rushing, evil waters, and narrow, perilous paths. It is like a white silk ribbon draped across the Yangtze River, or a pit of fire floating in the human world. The air is chillingly cold, piercing to the bone; the wind stinks of blood, drilling into the nostrils. Waves roll and churn, but there is no ferry boat. The barefoot, unkempt ghosts are all those who did evil in life. The bridge is several miles long, but only three feet wide. It is a hundred feet high and a thousand feet deep. There are no railings on the bridge; below are evil ghosts who snatch at people. Prisoners wear cangues and chains as they are driven onto the treacherous Bridge of Helplessness. Look at how ferocious the divine generals on the bridge are, and how miserable the wronged souls in the river are. On the forked trees hang clothes of green, red, yellow, and purple; on the steep cliffs crouch shrewish women who cursed their in-laws. Copper snakes and iron dogs fight to bite and tear; once one falls into the Bridge of Helplessness, there is no way out."
There is a poem about this:
At times, one hears the weeping of ghosts and the howling of spirits,
As bloody waves rise ten thousand feet high.
Countless ox-headed and horse-faced demons,
Fierce and menacing, guard the Bridge of Helplessness.
As they spoke, the Bridge Envoys had already departed. Emperor Taizong's heart grew even more fearful. He nodded and sighed, silently grieving, as he followed Judge Cui and Grand Marshal Zhu. With great difficulty, they crossed the evil waters of the Bridge of Helplessness and the bitter realm of the Blood Pool. Ahead, they reached the City of Wrongful Death. From within the city, they heard a great commotion, clearly shouting, "Li Shimin is here! Li Shimin is here!"
Upon hearing these cries, Emperor Taizong was terrified, his heart trembling. He saw a group of ghosts—some dragging their broken waists and arms, some headless with only feet—blocking his path. They all shouted, "Give us back our lives! Give us back our lives!" Emperor Taizong dodged and hid in panic, calling out, "Master Cui, save me! Master Cui, save me!"
with only feet—blocking his path. They all shouted, "Give us back our lives! Give us back our lives!" Emperor Taizong dodged and hid in panic, calling out, "Master Cui, save me! Master Cui, save me!" The judge said, "Your Majesty, these are the ghosts of the sixty-four rebellious lords and seventy-two bandit chieftains from years past, along with the spirits of various princes and leaders. They are all wrongfully killed souls, with no one to whom they can appeal." Upon hearing this, the ghosts took the gold and silver and withdrew with nods. Judge Cui ordered Grand Guardian Zhu to wave the soul-summoning banner and led Emperor Taizong out of the City of the Wrongfully Dead, onto a broad and level road, drifting and floating back toward the world of the living. But as to which path Emperor Taizong would take to return to the world of the living, that remains to be told in the next chapter.