Li Jing Reveals His Ambitions To The God Of The Western Mountain; Zhang Heng Fabricates Prophecies To Endanger Li Yuan (2)

One day, Li Jing happened to visit a friend in Weinan and stayed at a lodging house.

Taking advantage of his leisure, he rode out alone into the countryside to hunt.

It was late spring, approaching early summer.

He saw farmers working in their fields, but a prolonged drought had left the ground dry and hard, making their labor exceedingly difficult.

Growing tired from riding, Li Jing dismounted and asked an elderly farmer for tea to quench his thirst.

Seeing that he was a passing traveler, the old farmer did not dare neglect him. He promptly called his wife into their thatched cottage to prepare some tea, which she brought out and offered to Li Jing.

After thanking them, Li Jing mounted his horse and continued onward.

Suddenly, a rabbit emerged beside a rocky hillside.

Li Jing spurred his horse in pursuit.

The rabbit darted this way and that, always remaining ahead of him, and he could not catch it.

He loosed an arrow, striking the rabbit, but it continued running with the arrow embedded in its body.

Intent upon the chase, Li Jing followed it without noticing how far he had traveled.

Eventually, the rabbit disappeared.

Turning his horse around, he discovered that he could no longer remember the way back.

He had no choice but to lower his whip and allow the horse to choose its path.

By now, the red sun was sinking in the west.

Li Jing grew anxious.

“Night is approaching, and I have lost my way. Where shall I find lodging?”

Looking around, he saw tall buildings in a grove of trees some distance ahead.

“Since there is a household over there, I shall ask for shelter.”

He urged his horse toward it.

Upon arriving, he found a large and imposing residence.

It was already time to light the lamps, and the gates were closed.

Li Jing dismounted and knocked.

An elderly servant came out and asked who he was.

“I lost my way while traveling through the hills. Night has fallen, and I have nowhere to go. I beg shelter for one night.”

The servant replied:

“Our young masters are away. Only the old mistress is at home. I shall report your request. If she agrees, you may stay.”

Li Jing tied his horse to a tree before the gate and waited respectfully outside.

After a short while, a summons came from within:

“The old mistress invites the guest to enter the hall and meet her.”

Li Jing straightened his clothing and entered.

Inside, lamps and candles shone brilliantly, illuminating spacious and magnificent halls.

There he saw:

Painted beams and carved rafters, pearl curtains and green blinds.
Throughout the hall were arranged rare treasures dazzling to the eye.
Upon the tables lay precious curiosities, each delightful to behold.
Elderly servants and barefoot attendants hurried in rows beneath the steps.
Women in purple sleeves and blue robes stood in pairs before the courtyard.
The hosts observed every courtesy, dignified and gracious in receiving guests.
The traveler had come from afar and could safely rest beneath their roof.
How enviable these deep halls, worthy of princes and nobles!
How humble seemed the mortal world outside!

The old mistress appeared to be somewhat over fifty years of age.

She wore a green skirt and plain jacket, and her bearing was dignified and elegant.

Several maidservants stood on either side of her. Some carried towels and combs, others incense burners, scepters, and fly-whisks.

Li Jing entered the hall and bowed respectfully.

The old mistress returned his greeting with composure.

“May I ask the honored guest’s name and why he has come here?”

Li Jing gave his name, explained how he had become lost while hunting, and apologized for requesting lodging without prior notice.

He then asked:

“To what family does this residence belong?”

The old mistress replied:

“This is a secondary residence of the Long family. I happen to be staying here with my sons. Tonight, however, they are all away.”

“Ordinarily, I should not admit an unfamiliar gentleman in their absence. But since you have lost your way and come seeking shelter, where could you go in the darkness if I refused?”

“Please remain here for the night, and forgive any inadequacy in our hospitality.”

She turned to her maidservants and ordered food and wine prepared for their guest.

While Li Jing was still expressing his thanks, the dishes had already been arranged.

The cups, plates, and food were all of extraordinary quality.

The old mistress courteously invited him to take his seat while she sat separately to one side, instructing the servants to pour wine and encourage him to drink.

Seeing the old mistress’s dignity and the respectful behavior of her attendants, Li Jing feared that drinking too much might cause him to behave improperly.

He therefore drank only a few cups before rising to take his leave.

The old mistress said:

“Your horse has already been placed in our stables. A bed has been prepared in the left wing of the front hall. Please rest there.”

“If my sons return late tonight and you hear the commotion of men and horses, do not be alarmed.”

With that, she withdrew.

The elderly servant conducted Li Jing to his sleeping quarters in the front hall.

The bed, curtains, bedding, and cushions were all exceedingly luxurious.

Li Jing thought:

“What distinguished family can this Long household belong to, possessing such wealth and observing such courtesy toward guests?”

Then another thought occurred to him.

“If her sons return and learn that a guest is staying here, they may wish to meet me. I had better not go to sleep just yet.”

He therefore closed his door, lit a candle, and sat waiting.

Seeing a bookshelf against the wall filled with volumes, he took several at random to pass the time.

To his surprise, the books contained accounts of river gods, sea spirits, and strange creatures of the waters, describing wonders he had never encountered before.

He had been reading for some time when, shortly after the second watch, he suddenly heard a commotion outside the main gate.

“A heavenly warrant for bringing rain has arrived!”

Then voices sounded from within:

“The old mistress must receive the heavenly warrant!”

Li Jing was astonished.

“Why should a heavenly warrant for bringing rain arrive at this household? Can it be that this is not the mortal world?”

While he was wondering, the elderly servant knocked on his door.

He conveyed a message from the old mistress, saying that she wished to ask a favor and invited her guest to meet her.

Li Jing hurried to the main hall.