Original Text
In Zouping County there was a cattle doctor named Hou, who carried his load to deliver meals to the plowmen in the fields. As he walked across the countryside, a whirlwind spun before him, and Hou immediately ladled out some soup to offer as a libation and prayer. After sprinkling several ladles, the whirlwind finally departed. One day, he came to the City God Temple and strolled under the eaves, where he saw inside the hall a Tang dynasty statue of Liu Quan presenting melons in the underworld, its eyes clouded over with bird droppings. Hou said, "Brother Liu, how have you come to be so defiled!" With that, he scraped off the bird droppings from the statue with his fingernail.
Several years later, Hou fell ill and lay in bed, when two constables came and took him away. Upon arriving before the official court, they fiercely demanded bribes from him. As Hou was at a loss, a man in green garments suddenly emerged from the gate. Seeing Hou, he asked in surprise, "How did you come to this place, Elder Hou?" Hou recounted the circumstances of his arrest. The green-clad man rebuked the two constables, saying, "This is your Master Hou—how dare you behave so rudely!" The constables promptly apologized, claiming they had not known. Shortly after, a thunderous drumming was heard, and the green-clad man said, "The morning court is convening." He led Hou inside, bidding him stand at the foot of the steps, and said, "Wait here a moment; I shall inquire on your behalf." He then ascended the hall, nodded, summoned a minor clerk, and exchanged a few words. The clerk, upon seeing Hou, bowed and said, "Brother Hou has arrived! There is no great matter—a horse has accused you; after a confrontation in court, you may return." With that, he took his leave. Soon, Hou's name was called from the hall. He knelt before the magistrate, and a horse also knelt. The official asked Hou, "This horse claims you poisoned it—is this true?" Hou replied, "It suffered from a plague; I treated it with a remedy for such illness. After taking the medicine, it did not recover and died a day later—how is that my fault?" The horse spoke like a man, arguing fiercely with Hou. The official ordered a check of the Book of Life and Death, which recorded the horse's lifespan and the exact date of its death, matching the actual events. The official then scolded the horse, saying, "Your fate was sealed—how dare you falsely accuse another!" He dismissed the horse and said to Hou, "You had a kind heart and helped others; you may not die." He ordered the two constables to escort Hou home. The green-clad man and the clerk followed them out, instructing the constables to treat Hou well on the way. Hou said, "Though I am grateful for your protection today, I have never known you before. Pray tell me your names, that I might repay you someday." The green-clad man said, "Three years ago, I came from Mount Tai, parched with thirst. Passing your village, you kindly gave me a ladle of soup—I have never forgotten it." The clerk said, "I am Liu Quan. Once, I was soiled by bird droppings and could not bear the stench; you cleansed me with your own hands, so I hold you in my heart. Alas, the wine and food of the underworld cannot be offered to guests—let us part here." Hou then understood and returned home. Upon arriving, he wished to entertain the two constables, but they dared not even drink a cup of water before leaving. Hou revived, realizing he had been dead for over two days.
From that time forward, Hou became even more diligent in performing good deeds and accumulating virtue. On every festival day, he would take wine to offer sacrifices to Liu Quan. When he reached the age of eighty, his body was still strong and robust, capable of galloping on horseback. One day, while on the road, he saw Liu Quan approaching on horseback, appearing as if about to embark on a long journey. The two exchanged bows and after some polite greetings, Liu Quan said, "Your allotted lifespan has come to an end, and the summons for your soul has already been issued. The underworld messengers were coming to take you away, but I stopped them. You may return home to prepare for the end. In three days, I will come to accompany you on the journey. I have purchased a minor official post for you in the underworld, so your days there will not be difficult." Having said this, he departed. Hou returned home, informed his wife, and invited his relatives and friends to bid them farewell. Then he prepared his coffin and burial garments. On the evening of the fourth day, Hou said to the assembled company, "Brother Liu has arrived." With these words, he entered his coffin and died.
Commentary
From the standpoint of modern people, the entire chapter of "Liu Quan" is nothing but absurd talk, a tale promoting the doctrine of karmic retribution, yet it thereby allows us to understand the folk customs of rural villages during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The existence of ghosts and spirits has been debated since ancient times, yet the reverence for them remains a tradition in classical Chinese culture. The reason Liu Quan received good fortune and a peaceful end lies entirely in his respect for these beings, whether visible or invisible—this is likely the central message of the entire tale. Of course, the author, in passing, does not forget to satirize the yamen runners he so detests.