第011回 Emperor Taizong Tours the Underworld and Returns to Life

第011回Chapter 11

詩曰：A poem says:

诗曰：

卻說太宗渺渺茫茫，魂靈徑出五鳳樓前，只見那御林軍馬，請大駕出朝採獵。Now to tell of Emperor Taizong: dazed and adrift, his soul departed straight from before the Five Phoenix Tower, where he saw the Imperial Guard cavalry inviting his carriage to leave the court for a hunting excursion.太宗忻然從之，縹渺而去。Taizong gladly complied, and drifted away into the misty distance.行了多時，人馬俱無。After traveling a long while, both men and horses had vanished.獨自一個，散步荒郊草野之間。Alone by himself, he wandered amid the wild outskirts and grassy fields.正驚惶難尋道路，只見那一邊，有一人高聲大叫道：「大唐皇帝，往這裡來，往這裡來。」太宗聞言，擡頭觀看，只見那人：Just as he was in a panic, unable to find his way, he saw off to one side a man calling loudly, 'Emperor of Great Tang, come this way, come this way!' Hearing this, Taizong raised his head to look, and saw that man:

却说太宗渺渺茫茫，魂灵径出五凤楼前，只见那御林军马，请大驾出朝采猎。太宗忻然从之，缥渺而去。行了多时，人马俱无。独自一个，散步荒郊草野之间。正惊惶难寻道路，只见那一边，有一人高声大叫道：「大唐皇帝，往这里来，往这里来。」太宗闻言，抬头观看，只见那人：

太宗行到那邊，只見他跪拜路旁，口稱：「陛下，赦臣失誤遠迎之罪。」太宗問曰：「你是何人？Taizong walked over there, and saw him kneeling in homage by the roadside, saying, 'Your Majesty, forgive this subject's fault of failing to welcome you from afar.' Taizong asked, 'Who are you?'因甚事前來接拜？」那人道：「微臣半月前在森羅殿上，見涇河鬼龍告陛下許救反誅之故，第一殿秦廣大王即差鬼使催請陛下，要三曹對案。'And for what reason have you come to receive and pay homage to me?' The man said, 'Half a month ago, this humble subject was in the Senluo Hall, where I saw the ghost-dragon of the Jing River accusing Your Majesty of promising to save him and then having him executed instead. King Qinguang of the First Court thereupon sent a ghost-messenger to summon Your Majesty in haste, that the three parties might confront each other in court.'臣已知之，故來此間候接。'I already knew of this, and so have come here to wait and receive you.'不期今日來遲，望乞恕罪，恕罪。」太宗道：「你姓甚名誰？'I did not expect to arrive late today; I beg you to forgive my fault, forgive my fault.' Taizong said, 'What is your surname and given name?'是何官職？」那人道：「微臣存日，在陽曹侍先君駕前，為茲州令，後拜禮部侍郎，姓崔名珏。'And what office do you hold?' The man said, 'While this humble subject was alive, I served before the former sovereign in the Yang world, as magistrate of Ci Prefecture, and later was appointed Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites. My surname is Cui, my given name Jue.'今在陰司，得受酆都掌案判官。」太宗大喜，即近前，御手忙攙道：「先生遠勞。'Now in the Underworld Court, I have received the post of Judge in Charge of Records at Fengdu.' Taizong was greatly pleased, and at once stepped forward, hastily taking hold of him with his own imperial hand, saying, 'Sir, you have troubled yourself to come so far.'朕駕前魏徵有書一封，正寄與先生，卻好相遇。」判官謝恩，問書在何處。'Wei Zheng, before my throne, has a letter he wished to send to you, sir, and now we happen to meet.' The judge thanked him for this favor, and asked where the letter was.太宗即向袖中取出遞與。Taizong at once drew it from his sleeve and handed it over.崔珏拜接了，拆封而看。Cui Jue bowed and received it, then broke the seal and read it.其書曰：The letter read:

太宗行到那边，只见他跪拜路旁，口称：「陛下，赦臣失误远迎之罪。」太宗问曰：「你是何人？因甚事前来接拜？」那人道：「微臣半月前在森罗殿上，见泾河鬼龙告陛下许救反诛之故，第一殿秦广大王即差鬼使催请陛下，要三曹对案。臣已知之，故来此间候接。不期今日来迟，望乞恕罪，恕罪。」太宗道：「你姓甚名谁？是何官职？」那人道：「微臣存日，在阳曹侍先君驾前，为兹州令，后拜礼部侍郎，姓崔名珏。今在阴司，得受酆都掌案判官。」太宗大喜，即近前，御手忙搀道：「先生远劳。朕驾前魏征有书一封，正寄与先生，却好相遇。」判官谢恩，问书在何处。太宗即向袖中取出递与。崔珏拜接了，拆封而看。其书曰：

那判官看了書，滿心歡喜道：「魏人曹前日夢斬老龍一事，臣已早知，甚是誇獎不盡。Having read the letter, the judge said with a heart full of joy, 'As for the matter of Wei, the Officer of the Human Court, beheading the old dragon in a dream the other day, this subject already knew of it long ago, and cannot praise it enough.'又蒙他早晚看顧臣的子孫，今日既有書來，陛下寬心，微臣管送陛下還陽，重登玉闕。」太宗稱謝了。'Moreover, I am indebted to him for looking after my descendants morning and night. Since a letter has now come, let Your Majesty set your mind at ease — this humble subject will see to it that Your Majesty is sent back to the world of the living, to ascend once more to the Jade Palace.' Taizong offered his thanks.

那判官看了书，满心欢喜道：「魏人曹前日梦斩老龙一事，臣已早知，甚是夸奖不尽。又蒙他早晚看顾臣的子孙，今日既有书来，陛下宽心，微臣管送陛下还阳，重登玉阙。」太宗称谢了。

二人正說間，只見那邊有一對青衣童子執幢幡、寶蓋，高叫道：「閻王有請，有請。」太宗遂與崔判官並二童子舉步前進。While the two were speaking, they saw over on that side a pair of boy attendants in blue robes holding banners and jeweled canopies, calling loudly, 'King Yama requests your presence, requests your presence.' Taizong then set out walking forward together with Judge Cui and the two attendant boys.忽見一座城，城門上掛著一面大牌，上寫著「幽冥地府鬼門關」七個大金字。Suddenly they saw a city, over whose gate hung a great placard, on which were written in seven large gold characters: 'Ghost Gate Pass of the Underworld Nether Realm.'那青衣將幢幡搖動，引太宗徑入城中，順街而走。The blue-robed attendants waved their banners, leading Taizong straight into the city, and they walked along the street.只見那街傍邊有先主李淵、先兄建成、故弟元吉，上前道：「世民來了，世民來了。」那建成、元吉就來揪打索命。He saw beside the street his late father Li Yuan, his late elder brother Jiancheng, and his late younger brother Yuanji, who came forward saying, 'Shimin has come, Shimin has come!' Jiancheng and Yuanji then came to seize and beat him, demanding his life.太宗躲閃不及，被他扯住。Taizong could not dodge in time, and was seized and held by them.幸有崔判官喚一青面獠牙鬼使，喝退了建成、元吉，太宗方得脫身而去。Fortunately Judge Cui called for a green-faced, fang-toothed ghost-messenger, who shouted Jiancheng and Yuanji back, and only then was Taizong able to break free and go on.行不數里，見一座碧瓦樓臺，真個壯麗。They had not gone many li when they saw a tower of jade-green tiles, truly magnificent.但見：It looked like this:

二人正说间，只见那边有一对青衣童子执幢幡、宝盖，高叫道：「阎王有请，有请。」太宗遂与崔判官并二童子举步前进。忽见一座城，城门上挂著一面大牌，上写著「幽冥地府鬼门关」七个大金字。那青衣将幢幡摇动，引太宗径入城中，顺街而走。只见那街傍边有先主李渊、先兄建成、故弟元吉，上前道：「世民来了，世民来了。」那建成、元吉就来揪打索命。太宗躲闪不及，被他扯住。幸有崔判官唤一青面獠牙鬼使，喝退了建成、元吉，太宗方得脱身而去。行不数里，见一座碧瓦楼台，真个壮丽。但见：

太宗正在外面觀看，只見那壁廂環珮叮噹，仙香奇異，外有兩對提燭，後面卻是十代閻王降階而至，是那十代閻君：秦廣王、初江王、宋帝王、仵官王、閻羅王、平等王、泰山王、都市王、卞城王、轉輪王。Just as Taizong was looking at it from outside, he heard from that side the tinkling of jade pendants and smelled a strange immortal fragrance; outside were two pairs of lantern-bearers, and behind them the Ten Yama Kings descended the steps to greet him — these were the Ten Yama Kings: King Qinguang, King Chujiang, King Songdi, King Wuguan, King Yanluo, King Pingdeng, King Taishan, King Dushi, King Bianchen, and King Zhuanlun.十王出在森羅寶殿，控背躬身，迎迓太宗。The Ten Kings came out before the Senluo Precious Hall, bending their backs and bowing to welcome Taizong.太宗謙下，不敢前行。Taizong, in modesty, did not dare go forward first.十王道：「陛下是陽間人王，我等是陰間鬼王，分所當然，何須過讓？」太宗道：「朕得罪麾下，豈敢論陰陽人鬼之道？」遜之不已。The Ten Kings said, 'Your Majesty is the King of Men in the world of the living; we are the Kings of Ghosts in the underworld — it is only right and proper that you go first; why need you defer so much?' Taizong said, 'I have offended you, my lords — how would I dare speak of the distinctions between yin and yang, man and ghost?' And he continued to yield without ceasing.太宗前行，徑入森羅殿上，與十王禮畢，分賓主坐定。Taizong went forward, entering straight into the Senluo Hall, and after completing the courtesies with the Ten Kings, they took their seats, divided as host and guest.

太宗正在外面观看，只见那壁厢环珮叮当，仙香奇异，外有两对提烛，后面却是十代阎王降阶而至，是那十代阎君：秦广王、初江王、宋帝王、仵官王、阎罗王、平等王、泰山王、都市王、卞城王、转轮王。十王出在森罗宝殿，控背躬身，迎迓太宗。太宗谦下，不敢前行。十王道：「陛下是阳间人王，我等是阴间鬼王，分所当然，何须过让？」太宗道：「朕得罪麾下，岂敢论阴阳人鬼之道？」逊之不已。太宗前行，径入森罗殿上，与十王礼毕，分宾主坐定。

約有片時，秦廣王拱手而進言曰：「涇河鬼龍告陛下許救而反殺之，何也？」太宗道：「朕曾夜夢老龍求救，實是允他無事。After a short while, King Qinguang cupped his hands and stepped forward to say, 'The ghost-dragon of the Jing River accuses Your Majesty of promising to save him and then instead having him killed — how is this?' Taizong said, 'I once dreamed one night of the old dragon begging to be saved, and I truly promised him that nothing would happen to him.'不期他犯罪當刑，該我那人曹官魏徵處斬。'I did not expect that, having committed a crime deserving punishment, he was fated to be beheaded by my Officer of the Human Court, Wei Zheng.'朕宣魏徵在殿著棋，不知他一夢而斬。'I had summoned Wei Zheng to play chess in the palace, and did not know that he beheaded the dragon in a single dream.'這是那人曹官出沒神機，又是那龍王犯罪當死，豈是朕之過也？」十王聞言，伏禮道：「自那龍未生之前，南斗星死簿上已註定該遭殺於人曹之手，我等早已知之。'This was the Officer of the Human Court's coming and going through divine mechanism, and moreover it was the Dragon King's own crime that deserved death — how could this be my fault?' Hearing this, the Ten Kings bowed low in courtesy and said, 'Even before that dragon was born, it was already recorded in the register of death by the Southern Dipper Star that he was fated to be killed at the hand of the Human Court — we already knew this long ago.'但只是他在此折辨，定要陛下來此，三曹對案。'It is only that he has been arguing his case here, insisting that Your Majesty come here so that the three parties may confront each other in court.'是我等將他送入輪藏，轉生去了。'We have already sent him into the Wheel of Reincarnation, and he has gone off to be reborn.'今又有勞陛下降臨，望乞恕我催促之罪。」言畢，命掌生死簿判官急取簿子來，看陛下陽壽天祿該有幾何。'Now we have troubled Your Majesty to come down here again — we beg you to forgive our fault in summoning you so urgently.' When he had finished speaking, he ordered the judge in charge of the Register of Life and Death to hastily fetch the register, to see how much of Your Majesty's allotted lifespan and heavenly emolument remained.崔判官急轉司房，將天下萬國國王天祿總簿，先逐一檢閱，只見南贍部洲大唐太宗皇帝註定貞觀一十三年。Judge Cui hurried back to his office and took the master register of the heavenly emoluments of all the kings of all the nations under heaven, examining it entry by entry, until he found: Emperor Taizong of Great Tang, of the Southern Jambudvipa Continent, was fated to reign for thirteen years of the Zhenguan era.崔判官吃了一驚，急取濃墨大筆，將「一」字上添了兩畫，卻將簿子呈上。Judge Cui was greatly startled, and hastily took up a thick-inked brush and added two strokes to the character 'one' (一), then presented the register.十王從頭一看，見太宗名下註定三十三年，閻王驚問：「陛下登基多少年了？」太宗道：「朕即位，今一十三年了。」閻王道：「陛下寬心勿慮，還有二十年陽壽。The Ten Kings looked it over from the start, and saw that under Taizong's name it was recorded as thirty-three years. King Yanluo asked in surprise, 'How many years has Your Majesty been on the throne?' Taizong said, 'I ascended the throne, and it has now been thirteen years.' King Yanluo said, 'Your Majesty, set your mind at ease and do not worry — you still have twenty more years of life allotted to you.'此一來已是對案明白，請返本還陽。」太宗聞言，躬身稱謝。'With this, the case is now made clear; please return to your original body and go back to the world of the living.' Hearing this, Taizong bowed and expressed his thanks.十閻王差崔判官、朱太尉二人，送太宗還魂。The Ten Yama Kings dispatched Judge Cui and Commander Zhu, the two of them, to escort Taizong's soul back.太宗出森羅殿，又起手問十王道：「朕宮中老少安否如何？」十王道：「俱安，但恐御妹壽似不永。」太宗又再拜啟謝：「朕回陽世，無物可酬謝，惟答瓜果而已。」十王喜曰：「我處頗有東瓜、西瓜，只少南瓜。」太宗道：「朕回去即送來，即送來。」從此遂相揖而別。As Taizong left the Senluo Hall, he raised his hands again and asked the Ten Kings, 'Are the old and young of my palace safe and well?' The Ten Kings said, 'All are well, but we fear your imperial sister's life may not be long.' Taizong bowed again to express his thanks: 'When I return to the world of the living, I have nothing with which to repay you, save to offer melons and fruit in return.' The Ten Kings said happily, 'We have plenty of winter melons and watermelons here — we only lack pumpkins.' Taizong said, 'When I return I shall send them at once, send them at once.' And with that they bowed to one another and parted.

约有片时，秦广王拱手而进言曰：「泾河鬼龙告陛下许救而反杀之，何也？」太宗道：「朕曾夜梦老龙求救，实是允他无事。不期他犯罪当刑，该我那人曹官魏征处斩。朕宣魏征在殿著棋，不知他一梦而斩。这是那人曹官出没神机，又是那龙王犯罪当死，岂是朕之过也？」十王闻言，伏礼道：「自那龙未生之前，南斗星死簿上已注定该遭杀于人曹之手，我等早已知之。但只是他在此折辨，定要陛下来此，三曹对案。是我等将他送入轮藏，转生去了。今又有劳陛下降临，望乞恕我催促之罪。」言毕，命掌生死簿判官急取簿子来，看陛下阳寿天禄该有几何。崔判官急转司房，将天下万国国王天禄总簿，先逐一检阅，只见南赡部洲大唐太宗皇帝注定贞观一十三年。崔判官吃了一惊，急取浓墨大笔，将「一」字上添了两画，却将簿子呈上。十王从头一看，见太宗名下注定三十三年，阎王惊问：「陛下登基多少年了？」太宗道：「朕即位，今一十三年了。」阎王道：「陛下宽心勿虑，还有二十年阳寿。此一来已是对案明白，请返本还阳。」太宗闻言，躬身称谢。十阎王差崔判官、朱太尉二人，送太宗还魂。太宗出森罗殿，又起手问十王道：「朕宫中老少安否如何？」十王道：「俱安，但恐御妹寿似不永。」太宗又再拜启谢：「朕回阳世，无物可酬谢，惟答瓜果而已。」十王喜曰：「我处颇有东瓜、西瓜，只少南瓜。」太宗道：「朕回去即送来，即送来。」从此遂相揖而别。

那太尉執一首引魂旛，在前引路。Commander Zhu held a soul-guiding banner, and led the way in front.崔判官隨後保著太宗，徑出幽司。Judge Cui followed behind, guarding Taizong, and they went straight out of the Court of Shadows.太宗舉目而看，不是舊路，問判官曰：「此路差矣？」判官道：「不差。Taizong raised his eyes to look, and saw it was not the road he had come by. He asked the judge, 'Is this road wrong?' The judge said, 'It is not wrong.'陰司裡是這般，有去路，無來路。'It is thus in the underworld court — there is a road for going, but no road for coming back.'如今送陛下自轉輪藏出身，一則請陛下遊觀地府，一則教陛下轉托超生。」太宗只得隨他兩個引路前來。'Now we are sending Your Majesty out by way of the Wheel of Reincarnation — partly so that Your Majesty may tour and view the underworld, and partly so that Your Majesty may understand the transmigration to salvation.' Taizong had no choice but to follow the two of them as they led the way forward.

那太尉执一首引魂旛，在前引路。崔判官随后保著太宗，径出幽司。太宗举目而看，不是旧路，问判官曰：「此路差矣？」判官道：「不差。阴司里是这般，有去路，无来路。如今送陛下自转轮藏出身，一则请陛下游观地府，一则教陛下转托超生。」太宗只得随他两个引路前来。

徑行數里，忽見一座高山，陰雲垂地，黑霧迷空。They went straight on for several li, when suddenly they saw a tall mountain, dark clouds hanging low to the ground, black mist obscuring the sky.太宗道：「崔先生，那廂是甚麼山？」判官道：「乃幽冥背陰山。」太宗悚懼道：「朕如何去得？」判官道：「陛下寬心，有臣等引領。」太宗戰戰兢兢，相隨二人，上得山岩，擡頭觀看，只見：Taizong said, 'Master Cui, what mountain is that over there?' The judge said, 'It is the Beiyin Mountain of the Nether World.' Taizong, alarmed, said, 'How can I possibly pass through it?' The judge said, 'Your Majesty, set your mind at ease — your subjects are here to guide you.' Taizong, trembling with fear, followed the two of them up the mountain crags, and raising his head to look, he saw:

径行数里，忽见一座高山，阴云垂地，黑雾迷空。太宗道：「崔先生，那厢是甚么山？」判官道：「乃幽冥背阴山。」太宗悚惧道：「朕如何去得？」判官道：「陛下宽心，有臣等引领。」太宗战战兢兢，相随二人，上得山岩，抬头观看，只见：

太宗全靠著那判官保護，過了陰山。Taizong relied entirely on the judge's protection to get across the Yin Mountain.

太宗全靠著那判官保护，过了阴山。

前進又歷了許多衙門，一處處俱是悲聲振耳，惡怪驚心。Going forward, they passed through many more offices, each place ringing with sounds of grief that pierced the ears, and fearsome monsters that shook the heart.太宗又道：「此是何處？」判官道：「此是陰山背後一十八層地獄。」太宗道：「是那十八層？」判官道：「你聽我說：Taizong again asked, 'What place is this?' The judge said, 'This is the Eighteen Levels of Hell behind the Yin Mountain.' Taizong said, 'What are these eighteen levels?' The judge said, 'Listen to what I have to say:'

前进又历了许多衙门，一处处俱是悲声振耳，恶怪惊心。太宗又道：「此是何处？」判官道：「此是阴山背后一十八层地狱。」太宗道：「是那十八层？」判官道：「你听我说：

正是：It was just as this:

太宗聽說，心中驚慘。Hearing this, Taizong's heart was seized with dread and dismay.

太宗听说，心中惊惨。

進前又走不多時，見一夥鬼卒各執幢幡，路傍跪下道：「橋梁使者來接。」判官喝令起去，上前引著太宗，從金橋而過。Going forward again, they had not walked long when they saw a band of ghost-soldiers, each holding banners, who knelt by the roadside saying, 'The Bridge Envoys have come to receive you.' The judge shouted for them to rise, then went ahead leading Taizong across the Golden Bridge.太宗又見那一邊有一座銀橋，橋上行幾個忠孝賢良之輩，公平正大之人，亦有幢幡接引；Taizong also saw on the other side a Silver Bridge, on which walked a number of loyal, filial, virtuous and worthy folk, and fair, upright, honest people, who likewise had banners to receive and guide them;那壁廂又有一橋，寒風滾滾，血浪滔滔，號泣之聲不絕。On yet another side there was another bridge, over which cold winds rolled in gusts and waves of blood surged endlessly, with wailing cries that never ceased.太宗問道：「那座橋是何名色？」判官道：「陛下，那叫做奈河橋。Taizong asked, 'What is that bridge called?' The judge said, 'Your Majesty, that is called Naihe Bridge.'若到陽間，切須傳記。'If you return to the world of the living, you must be sure to record and spread word of it.'那橋下都是些：Beneath that bridge were all manner of:

进前又走不多时，见一伙鬼卒各执幢幡，路傍跪下道：「桥梁使者来接。」判官喝令起去，上前引著太宗，从金桥而过。太宗又见那一边有一座银桥，桥上行几个忠孝贤良之辈，公平正大之人，亦有幢幡接引；那壁厢又有一桥，寒风滚滚，血浪滔滔，号泣之声不绝。太宗问道：「那座桥是何名色？」判官道：「陛下，那叫做奈河桥。若到阳间，切须传记。那桥下都是些：

詩曰：A poem says:

诗曰：

正說間，那幾個橋梁使者早已回去了。Just as they were speaking, those several Bridge Envoys had already gone back.太宗心又驚惶，點頭暗嘆，默默悲傷。Taizong's heart was again seized with alarm; he nodded, sighing inwardly, silently grieved.相隨著判官、太尉，早過了奈河惡水，血盆苦界。Following along with the judge and the commander, he soon crossed the wicked waters of the Naihe and the bitter realm of the Blood Basin.前又到枉死城，只聽哄哄人嚷，分明說：「李世民來了，李世民來了。」太宗聽叫，心驚膽戰。Going on, they came to the City of the Wrongfully Dead, where he heard a great clamor of people shouting, clearly saying, 'Li Shimin has come, Li Shimin has come!' Hearing this, Taizong's heart was startled and his gall trembled.見一夥拖腰折臂、有足無頭的鬼魅，上前攔住；He saw a crowd of demons — some dragging broken waists, some with snapped arms, some with feet but no heads — come forward to block his way;都叫道：「還我命來！all crying out, 'Give me back my life!'還我命來！」慌得那太宗藏藏躲躲，只叫：「崔先生救我！'Give me back my life!' Taizong, in a panic, kept hiding and dodging, only calling out, 'Master Cui, save me!'崔先生救我！」判官道：「陛下，那些人都是那六十四處煙塵、七十二處草寇眾王子、眾頭目的鬼魂，盡是枉死的冤業，無收無管，不得超生，又無錢鈔盤纏，都是孤寒餓鬼。'Master Cui, save me!' The judge said, 'Your Majesty, all these people are the ghosts of the princes and chieftains of the sixty-four regions of war-smoke and the seventy-two bands of rebel bandits — all of them wrongfully dead souls of grievous karma, unclaimed and unmanaged, unable to be reborn, and moreover without money or travel funds — all of them are destitute, hungry ghosts.'陛下得些錢鈔與他，我才救得哩。」太宗道：「寡人空身到此，卻那裡得有錢鈔？」判官道：「陛下，陽間有一人，金銀若干，在我這陰司裡寄放。'If Your Majesty can give them some money, then I can save you.' Taizong said, 'I have come here with empty hands — where would I get money?' The judge said, 'Your Majesty, there is a man in the world of the living who has a certain amount of gold and silver deposited here in this underworld court of mine.'陛下可出名立一約，小判可作保，且借他一庫，給散這些餓鬼，方得過去。」太宗問曰：「此人是誰？」判官道：「他是河南開封府人氏，姓相名良，他有十三庫金銀在此。'Your Majesty may put your name to a bond, and this humble judge will stand as guarantor — you may borrow one storehouse of his to distribute to these hungry ghosts, and only then will you be able to pass through.' Taizong asked, 'Who is this man?' The judge said, 'He is a native of Kaifeng Prefecture in Henan, surnamed Xiang, given name Liang. He has thirteen storehouses of gold and silver here.'陛下若借用過他的，到陽間還他便了。」太宗甚喜，情願出名借用。'If Your Majesty borrows the use of it, you may simply repay him once you reach the world of the living.' Taizong was greatly pleased, and was willing to put his name to the loan.遂立了文書與判官，借他金銀一庫，著太尉盡行給散。He then drew up a document and gave it to the judge, borrowing one storehouse of gold and silver, and had the commander distribute it all in full.判官復吩咐道：「這些金銀，汝等可均分用度，放你大唐爺爺過去，他的陽壽還早哩。The judge further instructed them, saying, 'You are to divide this gold and silver evenly among yourselves for your use, and let your Lord of Great Tang pass through — his allotted years of life are far from over yet.'我領了十王鈞語，送他還魂，教他到陽間做一個水陸大會，度汝等超生，再休生事。」眾鬼聞言，得了金銀，俱唯唯而退。'I have received the Ten Kings' decree to escort his soul back, and I shall have him hold a Grand Mass of Land and Water in the world of the living to deliver you all to rebirth — so cause no more trouble.' Hearing this, the ghosts, having obtained the gold and silver, all withdrew obediently.判官令太尉搖動引魂幡，領太宗出離了枉死城中，奔上平陽大路，飄飄蕩蕩而去。The judge had the commander wave the soul-guiding banner, leading Taizong out of the City of the Wrongfully Dead, hurrying onto the great road of Pingyang, and drifting onward they went.

正说间，那几个桥梁使者早已回去了。太宗心又惊惶，点头暗叹，默默悲伤。相随著判官、太尉，早过了奈河恶水，血盆苦界。前又到枉死城，只听哄哄人嚷，分明说：「李世民来了，李世民来了。」太宗听叫，心惊胆战。见一伙拖腰折臂、有足无头的鬼魅，上前拦住；都叫道：「还我命来！还我命来！」慌得那太宗藏藏躲躲，只叫：「崔先生救我！崔先生救我！」判官道：「陛下，那些人都是那六十四处烟尘、七十二处草寇众王子、众头目的鬼魂，尽是枉死的冤业，无收无管，不得超生，又无钱钞盘缠，都是孤寒饿鬼。陛下得些钱钞与他，我才救得哩。」太宗道：「寡人空身到此，却那里得有钱钞？」判官道：「陛下，阳间有一人，金银若干，在我这阴司里寄放。陛下可出名立一约，小判可作保，且借他一库，给散这些饿鬼，方得过去。」太宗问曰：「此人是谁？」判官道：「他是河南开封府人氏，姓相名良，他有十三库金银在此。陛下若借用过他的，到阳间还他便了。」太宗甚喜，情愿出名借用。遂立了文书与判官，借他金银一库，著太尉尽行给散。判官复吩咐道：「这些金银，汝等可均分用度，放你大唐爷爷过去，他的阳寿还早哩。我领了十王钧语，送他还魂，教他到阳间做一个水陆大会，度汝等超生，再休生事。」众鬼闻言，得了金银，俱唯唯而退。判官令太尉摇动引魂幡，领太宗出离了枉死城中，奔上平阳大路，飘飘荡荡而去。

前進多時，卻來到六道輪迴之所。After going forward for a long while, they came to the place of the Six Paths of Reincarnation.又見那騰雲的，身披霞帔；He also saw those who rode the clouds, their bodies draped in cloud-capes;受籙的，腰掛金魚。those who had received Daoist ordination talismans, golden fish tallies hanging at their waists.僧尼道俗，走獸飛禽，魑魅魍魎，滔滔都奔走那輪迴之下，各進其道。Monks and nuns, Daoists and laymen, beasts and birds, demons and goblins — all in a great flood hurried beneath the Wheel of Reincarnation, each entering their own path.唐王問曰：「此意何如？」判官道：「陛下明心見性，是必記了，傳與陽間人知。The Tang king asked, 'What is the meaning of this?' The judge said, 'Your Majesty, with an enlightened mind and clear nature, must be sure to remember this and pass it on for the people of the living world to know.'這喚做六道輪迴：那行善的，昇化仙道；'This is called the Six Paths of Reincarnation: those who do good ascend and are transformed into the Path of Immortals;'盡忠的，超生貴道；'those who are utterly loyal are reborn into the Path of Nobility;'行孝的，再生福道；'those who practice filial piety are reborn into the Path of Blessing;'公平的，還生人道；'those who are fair and just are reborn again into the Path of Humanity;'積德的，轉生富道；'those who accumulate virtue are reborn into the Path of Wealth;'惡毒的，沉淪鬼道。」唐王聽說，點頭嘆曰：「'those who are wicked and vicious sink down into the Path of Ghosts.' Hearing this, the Tang king nodded and sighed, saying:

前进多时，却来到六道轮回之所。又见那腾云的，身披霞帔；受箓的，腰挂金鱼。僧尼道俗，走兽飞禽，魑魅魍魉，滔滔都奔走那轮回之下，各进其道。唐王问曰：「此意何如？」判官道：「陛下明心见性，是必记了，传与阳间人知。这唤做六道轮回：那行善的，升化仙道；尽忠的，超生贵道；行孝的，再生福道；公平的，还生人道；积德的，转生富道；恶毒的，沉沦鬼道。」唐王听说，点头叹曰：「

判官送唐王直至那超生貴道門，拜呼唐王道：「陛下啊，此間乃出頭之處，小判告回，著朱太尉再送一程。」唐王謝道：「有勞先生遠踄。」判官道：「陛下到陽間，千萬做個水陸大會，超度那無主的冤魂，切勿忘了。The judge escorted the Tang king right up to the gate of the Path of Rebirth into Nobility, and bowing, addressed the Tang king: 'Your Majesty, this is the place where you shall emerge; this humble judge must now take leave and return, and shall have Commander Zhu escort you a further stretch of the way.' The Tang king thanked him, saying, 'I have troubled you, sir, to travel so far.' The judge said, 'When Your Majesty reaches the world of the living, you must by all means hold a Grand Mass of Land and Water, to deliver those masterless, wronged souls to salvation — be sure not to forget.'若是陰司裡無報怨之聲，陽世間方得享太平之慶。'If there is no more sound of grievance and complaint in the underworld court, only then can the world of the living enjoy the blessing of peace.'凡百不善之處，俱可一一改過。'As for all manner of unwholesome practices, each and every one should be corrected.'普諭世人為善，管教你後代綿長，江山永固。」'Proclaim widely to the people of the world that they should do good, and I guarantee your descendants will flourish long and your rivers and mountains remain forever secure.'

判官送唐王直至那超生贵道门，拜呼唐王道：「陛下啊，此间乃出头之处，小判告回，著朱太尉再送一程。」唐王谢道：「有劳先生远踄。」判官道：「陛下到阳间，千万做个水陆大会，超度那无主的冤魂，切勿忘了。若是阴司里无报怨之声，阳世间方得享太平之庆。凡百不善之处，俱可一一改过。普谕世人为善，管教你后代绵长，江山永固。」

唐王一一准奏，辭了崔判官，隨著朱太尉，同入門來。The Tang king agreed to every point, took his leave of Judge Cui, and followed Commander Zhu, entering the gate together.那太尉見門裡有一匹海騮馬，鞍韂齊備，急請唐王上馬，太尉左右扶持。The commander saw inside the gate a black-maned bay horse, saddle and harness all in readiness, and hastily invited the Tang king to mount, supporting him on either side.馬行如箭，早到了渭水河邊。The horse ran like an arrow, and soon they arrived at the bank of the Wei River.只見那水面上有一對金色鯉魚，在河裡翻波跳鬥。He saw on the water's surface a pair of golden carp, tumbling through the waves and leaping about in the river.唐王見了心喜，兜馬貪看不捨。Seeing this, the Tang king's heart was delighted, and he reined in his horse, unwilling to tear himself away from the sight.太尉道：「陛下，趲動些，趁早趕時辰進城去也。」那唐王只管貪看，不肯前行。The commander said, 'Your Majesty, hurry along a little, so as to reach the city in good time.' But the Tang king kept gazing greedily at the fish, unwilling to move on.被太尉撮著腳，高呼道：「還不走，等甚？」撲的一聲，望那渭河推下馬去。The commander seized him by the foot, shouting loudly, 'Still not moving — what are you waiting for?' and with a splash, shoved him off the horse into the Wei River.卻就脫了陰司，徑回陽世。And with that he was freed from the underworld court, and returned straight to the world of the living.

唐王一一准奏，辞了崔判官，随著朱太尉，同入门来。那太尉见门里有一匹海骝马，鞍韂齐备，急请唐王上马，太尉左右扶持。马行如箭，早到了渭水河边。只见那水面上有一对金色鲤鱼，在河里翻波跳斗。唐王见了心喜，兜马贪看不舍。太尉道：「陛下，趱动些，趁早赶时辰进城去也。」那唐王只管贪看，不肯前行。被太尉撮著脚，高呼道：「还不走，等甚？」扑的一声，望那渭河推下马去。却就脱了阴司，径回阳世。

卻說那唐朝駕下有徐茂公、秦叔寶、胡敬德、段志玄、馬三寶、程咬金、高士廉、李世勣、房玄齡、杜如晦、蕭瑀、傅奕、張道源、張士衡、王珪等兩班文武，俱保著那東宮太子與皇后、嬪妃、宮娥、侍長，都在那白虎殿上舉哀。Now to tell of the court of Tang: the officials under the throne — Xu Maogong, Qin Shubao, Hu Jingde, Duan Zhixuan, Ma Sanbao, Cheng Yaojin, Gao Shilian, Li Shiji, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Xiao Yu, Fu Yi, Zhang Daoyuan, Zhang Shiheng, Wang Gui, and the rest, the two ranks of civil and military officials — were all attending upon the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace, together with the Empress, consorts, palace maids, and chief attendants, all mourning in the Hall of the White Tiger.一壁廂議傳哀詔，要曉諭天下，欲扶太子登基。On one side they were discussing the issuing of an edict of mourning, to proclaim it to all the empire, wishing to support the Crown Prince in ascending the throne.時有魏徵在傍道：「列位且住，不可，不可。At that time Wei Zheng, standing by, said, 'Gentlemen, wait a moment — this must not be done, this must not be done.'假若驚動州縣，恐生不測。'If the prefectures and counties are thrown into alarm, I fear something unforeseen may occur.'且再按候一日，我主必還魂也。」下邊閃上許敬宗道：「魏丞相言之甚謬。'Let us wait and hold off just one more day — our sovereign is sure to return to life.' From below, Xu Jingzong stepped forward and said, 'Prime Minister Wei speaks in great error.'自古云：『潑水難收，人逝不返。』你怎麼還說這等虛言，惑亂人心，是何道理？」魏徵道：「不瞞許先生說，下官自幼得授仙術，推算最明，管取陛下不死。」'From ancient times it has been said, "Spilled water is hard to gather back; the dead do not return." How can you still speak such empty words, confusing and unsettling people's hearts — what reasoning is this?' Wei Zheng said, 'I will not hide it from you, Master Xu: this humble official received immortal arts from my youth, and my calculations are most clear — I guarantee Your Majesty is not dead.'

却说那唐朝驾下有徐茂公、秦叔宝、胡敬德、段志玄、马三宝、程咬金、高士廉、李世𪟝、房玄龄、杜如晦、萧瑀、傅奕、张道源、张士衡、王珪等两班文武，俱保著那东宫太子与皇后、嫔妃、宫娥、侍长，都在那白虎殿上举哀。一壁厢议传哀诏，要晓谕天下，欲扶太子登基。时有魏征在傍道：「列位且住，不可，不可。假若惊动州县，恐生不测。且再按候一日，我主必还魂也。」下边闪上许敬宗道：「魏丞相言之甚谬。自古云：『泼水难收，人逝不返。』你怎么还说这等虚言，惑乱人心，是何道理？」魏征道：「不瞒许先生说，下官自幼得授仙术，推算最明，管取陛下不死。」

正講處，只聽得棺中連聲大叫道：「渰殺我耶！Just as they were arguing, they suddenly heard from within the coffin a voice crying out again and again, 'You're drowning me!'渰殺我耶！」諕得個文官武將心慌，皇后嬪妃膽戰。'You're drowning me!' This so frightened the civil and military officials that their hearts were thrown into confusion, and the empress and consorts trembled with fear.一個個：Each and every one of them:

正讲处，只听得棺中连声大叫道：「渰杀我耶！渰杀我耶！」諕得个文官武将心慌，皇后嫔妃胆战。一个个：

此時眾宮人走得精光，那個敢近靈扶柩。At this time all the palace attendants had fled completely away — who among them dared draw near the bier to support the coffin?多虧了正直的徐茂公、理烈的魏丞相、有膽量的秦瓊、忒猛撞的敬德，上前來扶著棺材，叫道：「陛下有甚麼放不下心處，說與我等，不要弄鬼，驚駭了眷族。」魏徵道：「不是弄鬼，此乃陛下還魂也。It was thanks only to the upright Xu Maogong, the sternly principled Prime Minister Wei, the bold Qin Qiong, and the recklessly impetuous Jingde, that they came forward to hold the coffin steady, calling out, 'Your Majesty, whatever it is that weighs on your mind, tell it to us — do not play the ghost and frighten your family.' Wei Zheng said, 'This is no ghostly trick — this is Your Majesty's soul returning to life.'快取器械來。」打開棺蓋，果見太宗坐在裡面，還叫：「渰死我了！'Quickly fetch tools.' They pried open the coffin lid, and indeed saw Taizong sitting inside, still crying out, 'I've drowned!是誰救撈？」茂公等上前扶起道：「陛下甦醒，莫怕，臣等都在此護駕哩。」唐王方才開眼道：「朕適才好苦：躲過陰司惡鬼難，又遭水面喪身災。」眾臣道：「陛下寬心勿懼，有甚水災來？」唐王道：「朕騎著馬，正行至渭水河邊，見雙頭魚戲。Who will save and fish me out?' Maogong and the others stepped forward to help him up, saying, 'Your Majesty has revived — do not be afraid, your subjects are all here to guard you.' Only then did the Tang king open his eyes and say, 'What bitter suffering I have just endured: I escaped the peril of the wicked ghosts of the underworld court, only to meet with the disaster of nearly losing my life in the water.' The assembled ministers said, 'Your Majesty, set your mind at ease and do not fear — what flood disaster could there have been?' The Tang king said, 'I was riding my horse, and just as I reached the bank of the Wei River, I saw a pair of fish at play.'被朱太尉欺心，將朕推下馬來，跌落河中，幾乎渰死。」魏徵道：「陛下鬼氣尚未解。」急著太醫院進安神定魄湯藥，又安排粥膳。'Then Commander Zhu, with treacherous intent, pushed me down off the horse, and I fell into the river, and very nearly drowned.' Wei Zheng said, 'Your Majesty's ghostly vapors have not yet fully dissipated.' He hastily had the Imperial Medical Bureau bring in a decoction to calm the spirit and steady the soul, and also arranged for rice gruel to be prepared.連服一二次，方才反本還原，知得人事。Only after taking it once or twice in succession did he at last return to his true self, and become aware of worldly matters again.一計唐王死去，已三晝夜，復回陽間為君。Reckoning it up, the Tang king had been dead for three full days and nights before he returned again to the world of the living to be its sovereign.有詩為證：There is a poem as proof:

此时众宫人走得精光，那个敢近灵扶柩。多亏了正直的徐茂公、理烈的魏丞相、有胆量的秦琼、忒猛撞的敬德，上前来扶著棺材，叫道：「陛下有甚么放不下心处，说与我等，不要弄鬼，惊骇了眷族。」魏征道：「不是弄鬼，此乃陛下还魂也。快取器械来。」打开棺盖，果见太宗坐在里面，还叫：「渰死我了！是谁救捞？」茂公等上前扶起道：「陛下甦醒，莫怕，臣等都在此护驾哩。」唐王方才开眼道：「朕适才好苦：躲过阴司恶鬼难，又遭水面丧身灾。」众臣道：「陛下宽心勿惧，有甚水灾来？」唐王道：「朕骑著马，正行至渭水河边，见双头鱼戏。被朱太尉欺心，将朕推下马来，跌落河中，几乎渰死。」魏征道：「陛下鬼气尚未解。」急著太医院进安神定魄汤药，又安排粥膳。连服一二次，方才反本还原，知得人事。一计唐王死去，已三昼夜，复回阳间为君。有诗为证：

當日天色已晚，眾臣請王歸寢，各各散訖。By then the sky had already grown dark, and the assembled ministers asked the king to retire to rest, and each of them dispersed.

当日天色已晚，众臣请王归寝，各各散讫。

次早，脫卻孝衣，換了綵服，一個個紅袍烏帽，一個個紫綬金章，在那朝門外等候宣召。Early the next morning, they took off their mourning garments and changed into festive robes; each one in a red robe and black cap, each one wearing purple sashes and gold seals, waited outside the court gate for the summons.

次早，脱却孝衣，换了彩服，一个个红袍乌帽，一个个紫绶金章，在那朝门外等候宣召。

卻說太宗自服了安神定魄之劑，連進了數次粥湯，被眾臣扶入寢室，一夜穩睡，保養精神，直至天明方起，抖擻威儀，你看他怎生打扮：Now, after Emperor Taizong had taken the medicine to calm his spirit and steady his soul, and had drunk several bowls of rice gruel, the assembled ministers helped him into his bedchamber, where he slept soundly through the night, nourishing his vital energy, and did not rise until dawn; then he shook himself into full imperial dignity — see how he was attired:

却说太宗自服了安神定魄之剂，连进了数次粥汤，被众臣扶入寝室，一夜稳睡，保养精神，直至天明方起，抖擞威仪，你看他怎生打扮：

唐王上金鑾寶殿，聚集兩班文武，山呼已畢，依品分班。The Tang emperor ascended the Golden Throne Hall, where the civil and military officials of both ranks had assembled; once the shouts of 'Long live the Emperor' had ended, they arranged themselves into ranks according to rank.只聽得傳旨道：「有事出班來奏，無事退朝。」那東廂閃過徐茂公、魏徵、王珪、杜如晦、房玄齡、袁天罡、李淳風、許敬宗等；Then came the proclamation: 'Whoever has business, step forward and report; if there is none, the court is dismissed.' From the eastern side stepped forward Xu Maogong, Wei Zheng, Wang Gui, Du Ruhui, Fang Xuanling, Yuan Tiangang, Li Chunfeng, Xu Jingzong, and others;西廂閃過殷開山、劉洪基、馬三寶、段志玄、程咬金、秦叔寶、胡敬德、薛仁貴等，一齊上前，在白玉階前俯伏啟奏道：「陛下前朝一夢，如何許久方覺？」太宗道：「日前接得魏徵書，朕覺神魂出殿，只見羽林軍請朕出獵。and from the western side stepped forward Yin Kaishan, Liu Hongji, Ma Sanbao, Duan Zhixuan, Cheng Yaojin, Qin Shubao, Hu Jingde, Xue Rengui, and others; together they came forward and, prostrating themselves before the white jade steps, addressed him: 'Your Majesty had a dream at the earlier court session — how is it you took so long to awaken?' Taizong said, 'Some days ago, when I received Wei Zheng's letter, I felt my soul leave the hall, and I saw the Palace Guards inviting me out to hunt.'正行時，人馬無蹤，又見那先君父王與先兄弟爭嚷。Just as I was going along, the men and horses vanished without a trace, and then I saw my late father the former king and my late brothers quarreling loudly.正難解處，見一人烏帽皂袍，乃是判官崔珏，喝退先兄弟。Just when the dispute seemed impossible to settle, there appeared a man in a black cap and dark robe — it was Judge Cui Jue — who shouted my late brothers back.朕將魏徵書傳遞與他。I handed him Wei Zheng's letter.正看時，又見青衣者執幢幡，引朕入內，到森羅殿上，與十代閻王敘坐。Just as he was reading it, I saw men in blue robes holding banners and pennants, who led me inside to the Senluo Hall, where I sat down together with the Ten Kings of the Underworld.他說那涇河龍誣告我許救轉殺之事，是朕將前言陳具一遍。They said that the Jing River Dragon had falsely accused me of promising to save him and then having him killed instead, so I related the whole matter from the beginning just as it had happened.他說已三曹對過案了，急命取生死文簿，檢看我的陽壽。They said the case had already been settled among the three parties confronting each other, and hastily ordered the Register of Life and Death to be brought so they could check my allotted span of life.時有崔判官傳上簿子，閻王看了，道寡人有三十三年天祿，才過得一十三年，還該我二十年陽壽，即著朱太尉、崔判官送朕回來。Then Judge Cui presented the register, and King Yama, upon looking at it, said that I was allotted thirty-three years of heavenly emolument, of which only thirteen years had passed, so twenty more years of earthly life were still owed to me; he then ordered Commander Zhu and Judge Cui to escort me back.朕與十王作別，允了送他瓜果謝恩。I took my leave of the Ten Kings, and promised to send them melons and fruit in gratitude for their kindness.自出了森羅殿，見那陰司裡不忠不孝、非禮非義、作踐五穀、明欺暗騙、大斗小秤、姦盜詐偽、淫邪欺罔之徒，受那些磨燒舂剉之苦，煎熬弔剝之刑，有千千萬萬，看之不足。After leaving the Senluo Hall, I saw in the underworld those who had been disloyal or unfilial, who had acted against propriety and righteousness, who had wasted the five grains, who had cheated others openly or in secret, who had used oversized measures for buying and undersized ones for selling, who had committed adultery, theft, fraud, and deceit, or lewd and wicked wrongs — they were suffering the torments of grinding, burning, pounding, and cutting, the tortures of scalding, hanging, and flaying; there were thousands upon thousands of them, more than could be taken in by looking.又過著枉死城中，有無數的冤魂，盡都是六十四處煙塵的草寇、七十二處叛賊的魂靈，擋住了朕之來路。I then passed through the City of the Wrongfully Dead, where countless wronged souls — all the ghosts of bandits from the sixty-four regions of turmoil and rebels from the seventy-two uprisings — blocked my way forward.幸虧崔判官作保，借得河南相老兒的金銀一庫，買轉鬼魂，方得前行。Fortunately, Judge Cui stood as my guarantor and borrowed a storehouse of gold and silver belonging to old man Xiang of Henan, using it to buy off the ghosts, so that I was able to go on.崔判官教朕回陽世，千萬作一場水陸大會，超度那無主的孤魂，將此言叮嚀。Judge Cui told me that upon returning to the world of the living, I must by all means hold a Grand Mass of Land and Water to deliver those ownerless, solitary souls, and he repeated this instruction earnestly to me.分別出了那六道輪迴之下，有朱太尉請朕上馬，飛也相似，行到渭水河邊，我看見那水面上有雙頭魚戲。After parting from him, I passed beneath the Wheel of the Six Paths of Reincarnation, where Commander Zhu invited me to mount a horse, and we flew along as if in flight until we reached the bank of the Wei River, where I saw a double-headed fish playing on the water's surface.正歡喜處，他將我撮著腳，推下水中，朕方得還魂也。」眾臣聞此言，無不稱賀。Just as I was delighting in this sight, he seized me by the feet and pushed me down into the water, and it was then that my soul returned to my body.' When the assembled ministers heard these words, every one of them offered congratulations.遂此編行傳報天下，各府縣官員上表稱慶不題。Thereupon this account was compiled and proclaimed throughout the realm, and officials of every prefecture and county submitted memorials of congratulation — but no more of that for now.

唐王上金銮宝殿，聚集两班文武，山呼已毕，依品分班。只听得传旨道：「有事出班来奏，无事退朝。」那东厢闪过徐茂公、魏征、王珪、杜如晦、房玄龄、袁天罡、李淳风、许敬宗等；西厢闪过殷开山、刘洪基、马三宝、段志玄、程咬金、秦叔宝、胡敬德、薛仁贵等，一齐上前，在白玉阶前俯伏启奏道：「陛下前朝一梦，如何许久方觉？」太宗道：「日前接得魏征书，朕觉神魂出殿，只见羽林军请朕出猎。正行时，人马无踪，又见那先君父王与先兄弟争嚷。正难解处，见一人乌帽皂袍，乃是判官崔珏，喝退先兄弟。朕将魏征书传递与他。正看时，又见青衣者执幢幡，引朕入内，到森罗殿上，与十代阎王叙坐。他说那泾河龙诬告我许救转杀之事，是朕将前言陈具一遍。他说已三曹对过案了，急命取生死文簿，检看我的阳寿。时有崔判官传上簿子，阎王看了，道寡人有三十三年天禄，才过得一十三年，还该我二十年阳寿，即著朱太尉、崔判官送朕回来。朕与十王作别，允了送他瓜果谢恩。自出了森罗殿，见那阴司里不忠不孝、非礼非义、作践五谷、明欺暗骗、大斗小秤、奸盗诈伪、淫邪欺罔之徒，受那些磨烧舂剉之苦，煎熬吊剥之刑，有千千万万，看之不足。又过著枉死城中，有无数的冤魂，尽都是六十四处烟尘的草寇、七十二处叛贼的魂灵，挡住了朕之来路。幸亏崔判官作保，借得河南相老儿的金银一库，买转鬼魂，方得前行。崔判官教朕回阳世，千万作一场水陆大会，超度那无主的孤魂，将此言叮咛。分别出了那六道轮回之下，有朱太尉请朕上马，飞也相似，行到渭水河边，我看见那水面上有双头鱼戏。正欢喜处，他将我撮著脚，推下水中，朕方得还魂也。」众臣闻此言，无不称贺。遂此编行传报天下，各府县官员上表称庆不题。

卻說太宗又傳旨赦天下罪人。Now, Taizong also issued an edict pardoning the criminals of the entire realm.又查獄中重犯。He also had the serious offenders in the prisons investigated.時有審官將刑部絞斬罪人，查有四百餘名呈上。At that time, the judging officials examined the Ministry of Justice's records of criminals condemned to strangulation or beheading, found more than four hundred names, and submitted them for review.太宗放赦回家，拜辭父母兄弟，託產與親戚子姪，明年今日赴曹，仍領應得之罪。Taizong granted them pardon to return home, to take leave of their parents and brothers, and to entrust their property to relatives, nephews, and nieces, on condition that on this same day the following year they report to the court and still accept whatever punishment was their due.眾犯謝恩而退。All the condemned men gave thanks for this grace and withdrew.又出恤孤榜文。He also issued a proclamation providing relief for orphans.又查宮中老幼綵女共有三千人，出旨配軍。He further had a census made of the palace's serving women, old and young, numbering three thousand in all, and issued a decree marrying them off to soldiers.自此，內外俱善。From this time on, all within and without the palace was well ordered.有詩為證。There is a poem to bear witness.詩曰：The poem reads:

却说太宗又传旨赦天下罪人。又查狱中重犯。时有审官将刑部绞斩罪人，查有四百余名呈上。太宗放赦回家，拜辞父母兄弟，托产与亲戚子姪，明年今日赴曹，仍领应得之罪。众犯谢恩而退。又出恤孤榜文。又查宫中老幼彩女共有三千人，出旨配军。自此，内外俱善。有诗为证。诗曰：

太宗既放宮女，出死囚已畢，又出御製榜文，遍傳天下。Once Taizong had released the palace women and had finished pardoning the condemned prisoners, he further issued a proclamation of his own composition, which was spread throughout the whole realm.榜曰：The proclamation read:

太宗既放宫女，出死囚已毕，又出御制榜文，遍传天下。榜曰：

自此時，蓋天下無一人不行善者。From that time on, there was not a single person in all the realm who did not practice goodness.一壁廂又出招賢榜，招人進瓜果到陰司裡去；On the one hand, he also put up a notice recruiting a worthy person to carry melons and fruit into the underworld;一壁廂將寶藏庫金銀一庫，差尉遲恭、胡敬德上河南開封府，訪相良還債。and on the other hand, he had a storehouse of gold and silver taken from the Treasury and sent Yuchi Gong and Hu Jingde to Kaifeng Prefecture in Henan, to seek out Xiang Liang and repay the debt.

自此时，盖天下无一人不行善者。一壁厢又出招贤榜，招人进瓜果到阴司里去；一壁厢将宝藏库金银一库，差尉迟恭、胡敬德上河南开封府，访相良还债。

榜張數日，有一赴命進瓜果的賢者，本是均州人，姓劉名全，家有萬貫之資。The notice had been posted for several days when a worthy man came forward to answer the summons and deliver the melons and fruit; he was originally a native of Jun Prefecture, surnamed Liu, given name Quan, whose family possessed a fortune of ten thousand strings of cash.只因妻李翠蓮在門首拔金釵齋僧，劉全罵了他幾句，說他不遵婦道，擅出閨門。It happened that his wife, Li Cuilian, had pulled out her gold hairpin at the gate to give alms to a monk, and Liu Quan scolded her for it, saying that she failed to observe a wife's proper conduct and had presumed to leave the women's quarters without permission.李氏忍氣不過，自縊而死。Unable to bear the humiliation, Madame Li hanged herself and died.撇下一雙兒女年幼，晝夜悲啼。She left behind a young son and daughter, who wept and wailed day and night.劉全又不忍見，無奈，遂捨了性命，棄了家緣，撇了兒女，情願以死進瓜，將皇榜揭了，來見唐王。Liu Quan could not bear to watch this, and having no other recourse, resolved to give up his life, abandon his household and property, and leave his children behind, willingly offering to die in order to deliver the melons; he tore down the imperial notice and went to see the Tang king.王傳旨意，教他去金亭館裡，頭頂一對南瓜，袖帶黃錢，口噙藥物。The king issued his command that Liu Quan go to the Jinting Lodge, carry a pair of pumpkins upon his head, tuck strings of yellow paper money into his sleeves, and hold medicine in his mouth.

榜张数日，有一赴命进瓜果的贤者，本是均州人，姓刘名全，家有万贯之资。只因妻李翠莲在门首拔金钗斋僧，刘全骂了他几句，说他不遵妇道，擅出闺门。李氏忍气不过，自缢而死。撇下一双儿女年幼，昼夜悲啼。刘全又不忍见，无奈，遂舍了性命，弃了家缘，撇了儿女，情愿以死进瓜，将皇榜揭了，来见唐王。王传旨意，教他去金亭馆里，头顶一对南瓜，袖带黄钱，口噙药物。

那劉全果服毒而死，一點魂靈，頂著瓜果，早到鬼門關上。Liu Quan did indeed take the poison and die, and his solitary soul, bearing the melons and fruit upon its head, soon arrived at Ghost Gate Pass.把門的鬼使喝道：「你是甚人，敢來此處？」劉全道：「我奉大唐太宗皇帝欽差，特進瓜果與十代閻王受用的。」那鬼使欣然接引。The demon guard at the gate shouted, 'Who are you, that you dare come to this place?' Liu Quan replied, 'I am under the special commission of Emperor Taizong of Great Tang, sent expressly to present melons and fruit for the enjoyment of the Ten Kings of the Underworld.' The demon guard gladly received and guided him in.劉全徑至森羅寶殿，見了閻王，將瓜果進上道：「奉唐王旨意，遠進瓜果，以謝十王寬宥之恩。」閻王大喜道：「好一個有信有德的太宗皇帝！」遂此收了瓜果。Liu Quan went straight to the Precious Hall of Senluo, and upon seeing King Yama, presented the melons and fruit, saying, 'By the command of the Tang king, I have brought these melons and fruit from afar, to thank the Ten Kings for their gracious mercy.' King Yama was greatly pleased and said, 'What a trustworthy and virtuous emperor Taizong is!' and thereupon accepted the melons and fruit.便問那進瓜的人姓名，那方人氏。He then asked the name of the man who had brought the melons, and from what region he came.劉全道：「小人是均州城民籍。Liu Quan replied, 'This humble one is a registered commoner of Jun Prefecture city.'姓劉名全。'My surname is Liu, my given name Quan.'因妻李氏縊死，撇下兒女，無人看管，小人情願捨家棄子，捐軀報國，特與我王進貢瓜果，謝眾大王厚恩。」十王聞言，即命查勘劉全妻李氏。'Because my wife, née Li, hanged herself, leaving our children with no one to look after them, I was willing to abandon my home and children and sacrifice my life in service to my king, expressly bringing this tribute of melons and fruit on his behalf, to thank the great kings for their generous kindness.' When the Ten Kings heard this, they at once ordered an inquiry into Liu Quan's wife, née Li.那鬼使速取來在森羅殿下，與劉全夫妻相會。The demon guards quickly fetched her to the foot of the Senluo Hall, where husband and wife, Liu Quan and his wife, were reunited.訴罷前言，回謝十王恩宥。After recounting what had happened before, they turned to thank the Ten Kings for their gracious pardon.那閻王卻檢生死簿子看時，他夫妻們都有登仙之壽，急差鬼使送回。But when King Yama checked the Register of Life and Death, he found that both husband and wife still had a lifespan destined to reach immortality, and hastily dispatched demon guards to send them back.鬼使啟上道：「李翠蓮歸陰日久，屍首無存，魂將何附？」閻王道：「唐御妹李玉英今該促死，你可借他屍首，教他還魂去也。」那鬼使領命，即將劉全夫妻二人還魂，同出陰司而去。The demon guards reported, 'Li Cuilian has been in the underworld for so long now that her corpse no longer exists — to what body shall her soul return?' King Yama said, 'The Tang emperor's imperial sister-in-law, Li Yuying, is due to die prematurely at this very time; you may borrow her corpse and let Li Cuilian's soul return to life in it.' The demon guards, obeying this command, restored Liu Quan and his wife both to life, and the two of them left the underworld together.

那刘全果服毒而死，一点魂灵，顶著瓜果，早到鬼门关上。把门的鬼使喝道：「你是甚人，敢来此处？」刘全道：「我奉大唐太宗皇帝钦差，特进瓜果与十代阎王受用的。」那鬼使欣然接引。刘全径至森罗宝殿，见了阎王，将瓜果进上道：「奉唐王旨意，远进瓜果，以谢十王宽宥之恩。」阎王大喜道：「好一个有信有德的太宗皇帝！」遂此收了瓜果。便问那进瓜的人姓名，那方人氏。刘全道：「小人是均州城民籍。姓刘名全。因妻李氏缢死，撇下儿女，无人看管，小人情愿舍家弃子，捐躯报国，特与我王进贡瓜果，谢众大王厚恩。」十王闻言，即命查勘刘全妻李氏。那鬼使速取来在森罗殿下，与刘全夫妻相会。诉罢前言，回谢十王恩宥。那阎王却检生死簿子看时，他夫妻们都有登仙之寿，急差鬼使送回。鬼使启上道：「李翠莲归阴日久，尸首无存，魂将何附？」阎王道：「唐御妹李玉英今该促死，你可借他尸首，教他还魂去也。」那鬼使领命，即将刘全夫妻二人还魂，同出阴司而去。

畢竟不知夫妻二人如何還魂，且聽下回分解。Just how the husband and wife were restored to life is not yet known; listen to the next chapter's explanation.

毕竟不知夫妻二人如何还魂，且听下回分解。