第010回 The Dragon King Breaks Heaven's Law and Minister Wei Executes Him in a Dream

第010回Chapter 10

且不題光蕊盡職，玄奘修行。Let us set aside for now how Guangrui fulfilled his duties, and how Xuanzang cultivated himself in practice.卻說長安城外涇河岸邊，有兩個賢人：一個是漁翁，名喚張稍；Let us tell instead of the bank of the Jing River outside the city of Chang'an, where there lived two worthy men: one was an old fisherman named Zhang Shao;一個是樵子，名喚李定。the other was a woodcutter named Li Ding.他兩個是不登科的進士，能識字的山人。The two of them were men who had never passed the examinations to become officials, yet they were literate men of the mountains and streams.一日，在長安城裡賣了肩上柴，貨了籃中鯉，同入酒館之中，吃了半酣，各攜一瓶，順涇河岸邊，徐步而回。One day, having sold the firewood from their shoulders and the carp from their baskets in the city of Chang'an, they went together into a tavern and drank until half tipsy, then each took a jug and strolled slowly back along the bank of the Jing River.張稍道：「李兄，我想那爭名的，因名喪體；Zhang Shao said, "Brother Li, I think that those who strive for fame, on account of fame, ruin their bodies;奪利的，為利亡身；those who seize profit, for the sake of profit, destroy themselves;受爵的，抱虎而眠；those who receive noble rank sleep embracing a tiger;承恩的，袖蛇而走。those who bask in imperial favor walk about with a snake up their sleeve.算起來，還不如我們水秀山青，逍遙自在，甘淡薄，隨緣而過。」李定道：「張兄說得有理。When you reckon it up, it's still not as good as our clear waters and green hills, free and unfettered, content with plain fare, living as fortune brings." Li Ding said, "Brother Zhang speaks with reason.但只是你那水秀，不如我的山青。」張稍道：「你山青不如我的水秀。But still, your clear waters cannot compare to my green hills." Zhang Shao said, "Your green hills cannot compare to my clear waters.有一《蝶戀花》詞為證。There is a lyric to the tune 'Butterflies Love Flowers' to prove it.詞曰：The lyric goes:

且不题光蕊尽职，玄奘修行。却说长安城外泾河岸边，有两个贤人：一个是渔翁，名唤张稍；一个是樵子，名唤李定。他两个是不登科的进士，能识字的山人。一日，在长安城里卖了肩上柴，货了篮中鲤，同入酒馆之中，吃了半酣，各携一瓶，顺泾河岸边，徐步而回。张稍道：「李兄，我想那争名的，因名丧体；夺利的，为利亡身；受爵的，抱虎而眠；承恩的，袖蛇而走。算起来，还不如我们水秀山青，逍遥自在，甘淡薄，随缘而过。」李定道：「张兄说得有理。但只是你那水秀，不如我的山青。」张稍道：「你山青不如我的水秀。有一《蝶恋花》词为证。词曰：

李定道：「你的水秀，不如我的山青。Li Ding said, "Your clear waters cannot compare to my green hills.也有個《蝶戀花》詞為證。There is likewise a lyric to the tune 'Butterflies Love Flowers' to prove it.詞曰：The lyric goes:

李定道：「你的水秀，不如我的山青。也有个《蝶恋花》词为证。词曰：

漁翁道：「你山青不如我水秀，受用些好物。The old fisherman said, "Your green hills cannot compare to my clear waters, which afford me such fine enjoyments.有一《鷓鴣天》為證：There is a lyric to the tune 'Partridge Sky' to prove it:

渔翁道：「你山青不如我水秀，受用些好物。有一《鹧鸪天》为证：

樵夫道：「你水秀不如我山青，受用些好物。The woodcutter said, "Your clear waters cannot compare to my green hills, which afford me such fine enjoyments.亦有一《鷓鴣天》為證：There is likewise a lyric to the tune 'Partridge Sky' to prove it:

樵夫道：「你水秀不如我山青，受用些好物。亦有一《鹧鸪天》为证：

漁翁道：「你山青真個不如我的水秀。The old fisherman said, "Your green hills truly cannot compare to my clear waters.又有《天仙子》一首：There is also a poem to the tune 'Immortal by the River' :

渔翁道：「你山青真个不如我的水秀。又有《天仙子》一首：

樵子道：「你水秀還不如我的山青。The woodcutter said, "Your clear waters still cannot compare to my green hills.也有《天仙子》一首：There is likewise a poem to the tune 'Immortal by the River':

樵子道：「你水秀还不如我的山青。也有《天仙子》一首：

漁翁道：「李兄，你山中不如我水上生意快活。The old fisherman said, "Brother Li, your life in the mountains cannot match the joy of my trade upon the water.有一《西江月》為證：There is a lyric to the tune 'Moon over the West River' to prove it:

渔翁道：「李兄，你山中不如我水上生意快活。有一《西江月》为证：

樵夫道：「張兄，你水上還不如我山中的生意快活。The woodcutter said, "Brother Zhang, your life upon the water still cannot match the joy of my trade in the mountains.亦有《西江月》為證：There is likewise a lyric to the tune 'Moon over the West River' to prove it:

樵夫道：「张兄，你水上还不如我山中的生意快活。亦有《西江月》为证：

漁翁道：「你山中雖可比過，還不如我水秀的幽雅。The old fisherman said, "Your mountain life, though comparable, still cannot match the tranquil elegance of my clear waters.有一《臨江仙》為證：There is a lyric to the tune 'Immortal at the River's Edge' to prove it:

渔翁道：「你山中虽可比过，还不如我水秀的幽雅。有一《临江仙》为证：

樵夫道：「你水秀的幽雅，還不如我山青更幽雅。The woodcutter said, "The tranquil elegance of your clear waters still cannot match the even greater tranquil elegance of my green hills.亦有《臨江仙》可證：There is likewise a lyric to the tune 'Immortal at the River's Edge' to prove it:

樵夫道：「你水秀的幽雅，还不如我山青更幽雅。亦有《临江仙》可证：

漁翁道：「這都是我兩個生意，贍身的勾當，你卻沒有我閑時節的好處。The old fisherman said, "All this talk of our two trades is merely how we make our living to support ourselves, but you have none of the good things I enjoy in my leisure hours.有詩為證。There is a poem to prove it.詩曰：The poem goes:

渔翁道：「这都是我两个生意，赡身的勾当，你却没有我闲时节的好处。有诗为证。诗曰：

樵夫道：「你那閑時又不如我的閑時好也。The woodcutter said, "Your leisure hours are still not as good as mine.亦有詩為證。There is likewise a poem to prove it.詩曰：The poem goes:

樵夫道：「你那闲时又不如我的闲时好也。亦有诗为证。诗曰：

張稍道：「李定，我兩個真是微吟可相狎，不須檀板共金樽。Zhang Shao said, "Li Ding, the two of us are truly such that a soft hum of song suits our companionship, and we need no sandalwood clappers or golden wine-cups.但散道詞章，不為稀罕。But reciting a few idle verses of poetry is nothing rare.且各聯幾句，看我們漁樵攀話何如？」李定道：「張兄言之最妙。Let us each link a few lines together, and see how our fisherman-and-woodcutter chat turns out." Li Ding said, "Brother Zhang, that's a splendid idea.請兄先吟。」Please, brother, chant the first line."

张稍道：「李定，我两个真是微吟可相狎，不须檀板共金樽。但散道词章，不为稀罕。且各联几句，看我们渔樵攀话何如？」李定道：「张兄言之最妙。请兄先吟。」

張稍道：「李兄，我才僭先起句，今到我兄，也先起一聯，小弟亦當續之。」Zhang Shao said, "Brother Li, since I presumed to open with the first line just now, this time it should be you who opens with a couplet, and I, your humble brother, shall follow with the next."

张稍道：「李兄，我才僭先起句，今到我兄，也先起一联，小弟亦当续之。」

他二人既各道詞章，又相聯詩句。So the two of them, having each recited verses and lyrics, went on to link lines of poetry together in turn.行到那分路去處，躬身作別。When they reached the place where their paths parted, they bowed to take their leave of each other.張稍道：「李兄啊，途中保重，上山仔細看虎。Zhang Shao said, "Ah, Brother Li, take care on your journey, and watch carefully for tigers as you climb the mountain.假若有些凶險，正是『明日街頭少故人』。」李定聞言，大怒道：「你這廝憊懶！Should some misfortune befall you, it would truly be a case of 'tomorrow the street will be short one old friend.'" Hearing this, Li Ding grew greatly angered and said, "You wretch, how ill-mannered!好朋友也替得生死，你怎麼咒我？Even good friends cannot substitute for one another in life and death — how dare you curse me so?我若遇虎遭害，你必遇浪翻江。」張稍道：「我永世也不得翻江。」李定道：「『天有不測風雲，人有暫時禍福。』你怎麼就保得無事？」張稍道：「李兄，你雖這等說，你還沒捉摸；If I should meet a tiger and come to harm, then you are sure to meet a wave and capsize in the river." Zhang Shao said, "I shall never in my life capsize in the river." Li Ding said, "'Heaven has unpredictable wind and cloud, and man has sudden fortune and misfortune.' How can you be so sure nothing will happen to you?" Zhang Shao said, "Brother Li, though you put it that way, you simply don't understand the certainty of it;不若我的生意有捉摸，定不遭此等事。」李定道：「你那水面上營生，極凶極險，隱隱暗暗，有甚麼捉摸？」張稍道：「你是不曉得。my trade has a sure and certain method, so I am bound never to meet with such misfortune." Li Ding said, "Your work out there on the water is utterly perilous and treacherous, hidden and obscure in its dangers — what certain method could there possibly be?" Zhang Shao said, "You simply don't know.這長安城裡，西門街上，有一個賣卦的先生。Here in the city of Chang'an, on West Gate Street, there is a fortune-telling master.我每日送他一尾金色鯉，他就與我袖傳一課，依方位，百下百著。Every day I send him a golden carp, and in return he passes me, discreetly, a divination reading from his sleeve, telling me the direction to fish — and it works, every single time, without fail.今日我又去買卦，他教我在涇河灣頭東邊下網，西岸拋鉤，定獲滿載魚蝦而歸。Today I went again to buy a divination from him, and he told me to cast my net on the east side of the bend at the head of the Jing River, and my hook on the west bank, and I would be certain to return with a full catch of fish and shrimp.明日上城來，賣錢沽酒，再與老兄相敘。」二人從此敘別。Tomorrow when I come up into the city, I shall sell them for money and buy wine, and meet with you again, old brother." With this the two of them parted ways.

他二人既各道词章，又相联诗句。行到那分路去处，躬身作别。张稍道：「李兄啊，途中保重，上山仔细看虎。假若有些凶险，正是『明日街头少故人』。」李定闻言，大怒道：「你这厮惫懒！好朋友也替得生死，你怎么咒我？我若遇虎遭害，你必遇浪翻江。」张稍道：「我永世也不得翻江。」李定道：「『天有不测风云，人有暂时祸福。』你怎么就保得无事？」张稍道：「李兄，你虽这等说，你还没捉摸；不若我的生意有捉摸，定不遭此等事。」李定道：「你那水面上营生，极凶极险，隐隐暗暗，有甚么捉摸？」张稍道：「你是不晓得。这长安城里，西门街上，有一个卖卦的先生。我每日送他一尾金色鲤，他就与我袖传一课，依方位，百下百著。今日我又去买卦，他教我在泾河湾头东边下网，西岸抛钩，定获满载鱼虾而归。明日上城来，卖钱沽酒，再与老兄相叙。」二人从此叙别。

這正是：「路上說話，草裡有人。」原來這涇河水府有一個巡水的夜叉，聽見了百下百著之言，急轉水晶宮，慌忙報與龍王道：「禍事了！And so it is truly said: "Words spoken on the road may be overheard by someone hidden in the grass." It happened that in the underwater palace of this Jing River there was a yaksha on water patrol, who overheard this talk of the divination working every single time, and hastened back to the Crystal Palace, hurriedly reporting to the Dragon King, "Disaster!禍事了！」龍王問：「有甚禍事？」夜叉道：「臣巡水去到河邊，只聽得兩個漁、樵攀話，相別時，言語甚是利害。Disaster!" The Dragon King asked, "What disaster is there?" The yaksha said, "Your servant was out patrolling the waters and went to the riverbank, where I overheard a fisherman and a woodcutter chatting together, and as they parted their words were most dire.那漁翁說：長安城裡，西門街上，有個賣卦先生，算得最準。The fisherman said: in the city of Chang'an, on West Gate Street, there is a fortune-telling master whose calculations are most accurate.他每日送他鯉魚一尾，他就袖傳一課，教他百下百著。Every day he sends him a carp, and in return he passes him a reading from his sleeve, telling him where to fish, and it works every single time.若依此等算準，卻不將水族盡情打了？If this goes on, calculated so precisely, will he not end up catching every last one of the water tribe entirely?何以壯觀水府，何以躍浪翻波，輔助大王威力？」龍王甚怒，急提了劍，就要上長安城，誅滅這賣卦的。How then shall the underwater palace maintain its splendor, how shall the waves leap and billow, how shall Your Majesty's authority and power be upheld?" The Dragon King grew greatly enraged, and hastily seizing his sword, was about to go up to the city of Chang'an to destroy this fortune-teller.旁邊閃過龍子、龍孫、蝦臣、蟹士、鰣軍師、鱖少卿、鯉太宰，一齊啟奏道：「大王且息怒。But from the side there stepped forward the dragon sons and grandsons, the shrimp ministers and crab officers, the shad Grand Marshal, the mandarin fish Junior Minister, and the carp Chief Steward, who together memorialized him, saying, "Great King, please calm your anger.常言道：『過耳之言，不可聽信。』大王此去，必有雲從，必有雨助，恐驚了長安黎庶，上天見責。As the saying goes: 'Words that merely pass by the ear should not be trusted.' If Your Majesty goes now, clouds must attend you and rain must assist you, and this would frighten the common people of Chang'an, drawing Heaven's reproach.大王隱顯莫測，變化無方，但只變一秀士，到長安城內訪問一番。Your Majesty's concealment and manifestation are beyond fathoming, your transformations without limit — why not simply transform into a scholar, and go into the city of Chang'an to make inquiries first.果有此輩，容加誅滅不遲；If it truly proves to be as reported, there will be no delay in allowing his destruction;若無此輩，可不是妄害他人也？」but if there is no such thing, would it not be an act of wrongful harm to another?"

这正是：「路上说话，草里有人。」原来这泾河水府有一个巡水的夜叉，听见了百下百著之言，急转水晶宫，慌忙报与龙王道：「祸事了！祸事了！」龙王问：「有甚祸事？」夜叉道：「臣巡水去到河边，只听得两个渔、樵攀话，相别时，言语甚是利害。那渔翁说：长安城里，西门街上，有个卖卦先生，算得最准。他每日送他鲤鱼一尾，他就袖传一课，教他百下百著。若依此等算准，却不将水族尽情打了？何以壮观水府，何以跃浪翻波，辅助大王威力？」龙王甚怒，急提了剑，就要上长安城，诛灭这卖卦的。旁边闪过龙子、龙孙、虾臣、蟹士、鲥军师、鳜少卿、鲤太宰，一齐启奏道：「大王且息怒。常言道：『过耳之言，不可听信。』大王此去，必有云从，必有雨助，恐惊了长安黎庶，上天见责。大王隐显莫测，变化无方，但只变一秀士，到长安城内访问一番。果有此辈，容加诛灭不迟；若无此辈，可不是妄害他人也？」

龍王依奏，遂棄寶劍，也不興雲雨，出岸上，搖身一變，變作一個白衣秀士，真個：The Dragon King heeded their memorial, and so set aside his precious sword, and without raising clouds or rain, went up onto the shore, and with a shake of his body transformed himself into a scholar dressed in white — and indeed:

龙王依奏，遂弃宝剑，也不兴云雨，出岸上，摇身一变，变作一个白衣秀士，真个：

上路來，拽開雲步，徑到長安城西門大街上。he set out upon the road, striding out with cloud-like steps, straight to West Gate Street in the city of Chang'an.只見一簇人，擠擠雜雜，鬧鬧哄哄。There he saw a throng of people, crowded and jostling, noisy and clamorous.內有高談闊論的道：「屬龍的本命，屬虎的相沖。Among them one was holding forth loudly, saying, "Those born under the sign of the Dragon have this as their fated year; those born under the sign of the Tiger clash with it.寅辰巳亥，雖稱合局，但怕的是日犯歲君。」龍王聞言，情知是賣卜之處。The hours of Yin, Chen, Si, and Hai, though said to form a favorable conjunction, the fear is that the day offends against the year star." Hearing this, the Dragon King knew at once that this was the place of fortune-telling.走上前，分開眾人，望裡觀看。He stepped forward, parted the crowd, and looked in.只見：There he saw:

上路来，拽开云步，径到长安城西门大街上。只见一簇人，挤挤杂杂，闹闹哄哄。内有高谈阔论的道：「属龙的本命，属虎的相冲。寅辰巳亥，虽称合局，但怕的是日犯岁君。」龙王闻言，情知是卖卜之处。走上前，分开众人，望里观看。只见：

此人是誰？Who was this man?原來是當朝欽天監臺正先生袁天罡的叔父，袁守誠是也。It turned out to be none other than Yuan Shoucheng, uncle of Yuan Tiangang, the Chief Astrologer of the Imperial Board of Astronomy of the reigning dynasty.那先生果然相貌稀奇，儀容秀麗；This master's countenance was indeed extraordinary, his bearing refined and handsome;名揚大國，術冠長安。his fame spread through the great kingdom, his art the foremost in all Chang'an.龍王入門來，與先生相見。The Dragon King entered the shop and greeted the master.禮畢，請龍上坐，童子獻茶。After the courtesies were done, he invited the Dragon King to sit in the seat of honor, and a boy servant brought tea.先生問曰：「公來問何事？」龍王曰：「請卜天上陰晴事如何。」先生即袖傳一課，斷曰：「雲迷山頂，霧罩林梢。The master asked, "What matter has the gentleman come to inquire about?" The Dragon King said, "I ask you to divine how the weather in the heavens, clear or overcast, will be." The master at once passed a reading from his sleeve, and pronounced, "Clouds shroud the mountain peaks, mist blankets the treetops.若占雨澤，準在明朝。」龍王曰：「明日甚時下雨？If you seek to divine rainfall, it is certain to come tomorrow." The Dragon King said, "At what hour tomorrow will it rain?雨有多少尺寸？」先生道：「明日辰時布雲，巳時發雷，午時下雨，未時雨足，共得水三尺三寸零四十八點。」龍王笑曰：「此言不可作戲。And how many inches of rain will there be?" The master said, "Tomorrow, clouds will gather at the hour of Chen, thunder will sound at the hour of Si, rain will fall at the hour of Wu, and the rain will be sufficient by the hour of Wei, amounting in all to three feet, three inches, and forty-eight droplets of water." The Dragon King laughed and said, "This is not something to be joked about.如是明日有雨，依你斷的時辰、數目，我送課金五十兩奉謝；If tomorrow it indeed rains, according to the hours and the amount you have determined, I shall send fifty taels of silver as a fee to thank you;若無雨，或不按時辰、數目，我與你實說：定要打壞你的門面，扯碎你的招牌，即時趕出長安，不許在此惑眾。」先生忻然而答：「這個一定任你。but if there is no rain, or if it does not match the hours and amount, I shall tell you plainly: I will surely smash your shopfront, tear apart your signboard, and drive you out of Chang'an at once, never to be allowed to deceive the people here again." The master answered cheerfully, "This is entirely as you wish.請了，請了。Very well then, very well.明朝雨後來會。」Come back tomorrow after the rain, and we shall meet again."

此人是谁？原来是当朝钦天监台正先生袁天罡的叔父，袁守诚是也。那先生果然相貌稀奇，仪容秀丽；名扬大国，术冠长安。龙王入门来，与先生相见。礼毕，请龙上坐，童子献茶。先生问曰：「公来问何事？」龙王曰：「请卜天上阴晴事如何。」先生即袖传一课，断曰：「云迷山顶，雾罩林梢。若占雨泽，准在明朝。」龙王曰：「明日甚时下雨？雨有多少尺寸？」先生道：「明日辰时布云，巳时发雷，午时下雨，未时雨足，共得水三尺三寸零四十八点。」龙王笑曰：「此言不可作戏。如是明日有雨，依你断的时辰、数目，我送课金五十两奉谢；若无雨，或不按时辰、数目，我与你实说：定要打坏你的门面，扯碎你的招牌，即时赶出长安，不许在此惑众。」先生忻然而答：「这个一定任你。请了，请了。明朝雨后来会。」

龍王辭別，出長安，回水府。The Dragon King took his leave, went out of Chang'an, and returned to the underwater palace.大小水神接著，問曰：「大王訪那賣卦的如何？」龍王道：「有，有，有。The water spirits great and small received him, asking, "Great King, how was your visit to the fortune-teller?" The Dragon King said, "There is one, there is one, there is one indeed.但是一個掉嘴口討春的先生。But he is merely a glib-tongued fellow peddling talk of spring.我問他幾時下雨，他就說明日下雨。I asked him when it would rain, and he said it would rain tomorrow.問他甚麼時辰，甚麼雨數，他就說辰時布雲，巳時發雷，午時下雨，未時雨足，得水三尺三寸零四十八點。I asked him at what hour, and how much rain there would be, and he said clouds would gather at the hour of Chen, thunder would sound at the hour of Si, rain would fall at the hour of Wu, and be sufficient by the hour of Wei, amounting to three feet, three inches, and forty-eight droplets of water.我與他打了個賭賽：若果如他言，送他謝金五十兩；I made a wager with him: if it truly turns out as he says, I shall send him fifty taels of silver as thanks;如略差些，就打破他門面，趕他起身，不許在長安惑眾。」眾水族笑曰：「大王是八河都總管，司雨大龍神，有雨無雨，惟大王知之。but if it is even slightly off, I shall smash his shopfront and drive him from his place, and not allow him to deceive the people of Chang'an any longer." The assembled water tribe laughed and said, "Great King, you are the Overseer of the Eight Rivers, the great Dragon Spirit who governs the rain — whether there is rain or not lies with Your Majesty alone to know.他怎敢這等胡言？How dare he speak such nonsense?那賣卦的定是輸了，定是輸了。」That fortune-teller is certain to lose, certain to lose."

龙王辞别，出长安，回水府。大小水神接著，问曰：「大王访那卖卦的如何？」龙王道：「有，有，有。但是一个掉嘴口讨春的先生。我问他几时下雨，他就说明日下雨。问他甚么时辰，甚么雨数，他就说辰时布云，巳时发雷，午时下雨，未时雨足，得水三尺三寸零四十八点。我与他打了个赌赛：若果如他言，送他谢金五十两；如略差些，就打破他门面，赶他起身，不许在长安惑众。」众水族笑曰：「大王是八河都总管，司雨大龙神，有雨无雨，惟大王知之。他怎敢这等胡言？那卖卦的定是输了，定是输了。」

此時龍子、龍孫與那魚卿、蟹士正歡笑談此事未畢，只聽得半空中叫：「涇河龍王接旨。」眾擡頭上看，是一個金衣力士，手擎玉帝敕旨，徑投水府而來。At this time, the dragon sons and grandsons, along with the fish ministers and crab officers, were in the midst of joyful laughter and talk over this matter, not yet finished, when suddenly from midair a voice called out: "The Jing River Dragon King, receive the edict!" All looked up, and saw it was a golden-robed Herculean spirit, holding aloft the Jade Emperor's decree, coming straight down toward the underwater palace.慌得龍王整衣端肅，焚香接了旨。In alarm the Dragon King straightened his robes and adopted a solemn bearing, burned incense, and received the decree.金衣力士回空而去。The golden-robed spirit then returned to the sky.龍王謝恩，拆封看時，上寫著：The Dragon King gave thanks for the favor, and upon breaking the seal and reading, found written upon it:

此时龙子、龙孙与那鱼卿、蟹士正欢笑谈此事未毕，只听得半空中叫：「泾河龙王接旨。」众抬头上看，是一个金衣力士，手擎玉帝敕旨，径投水府而来。慌得龙王整衣端肃，焚香接了旨。金衣力士回空而去。龙王谢恩，拆封看时，上写著：

旨意上時辰、數目，與那先生判斷者毫髮不差。The hours and the amount stated in the decree matched exactly, to the very hair, what the master had determined.諕得那龍王魂飛魄散。This so startled the Dragon King that his soul and spirit scattered in fright.少頃甦醒，對眾水族曰：「塵世上有此靈人，真個是能通天地理，卻不輸與他啊！」鰣軍師奏云：「大王放心。After a while he came to himself, and said to the assembled water tribe, "That there should be such a supernaturally gifted man in the mortal world, one who truly comprehends the principles of heaven and earth — I cannot allow myself to lose to him!" The shad Grand Marshal memorialized, "Great King, set your mind at ease.要贏他有何難處？What difficulty is there in defeating him?臣有小計，管教滅那廝的口嘴。」龍王問計，軍師道：「行雨差了時辰，少些點數，就是那廝斷卦不準，怕不贏他？Your servant has a small scheme that will surely silence that fellow's mouth for good." The Dragon King asked what the scheme was, and the Grand Marshal said, "If, in dispensing the rain, the hours are altered and the amount is reduced somewhat, then that fellow's reading will prove inaccurate — how could you fail to defeat him?那時捽碎招牌，趕他跑路，果何難也？」龍王依他所奏，果不擔憂。At that point, smashing his signboard and driving him off to flee for his life — what difficulty would there be in that?" The Dragon King followed this counsel, and indeed felt no more worry.

旨意上时辰、数目，与那先生判断者毫发不差。諕得那龙王魂飞魄散。少顷甦醒，对众水族曰：「尘世上有此灵人，真个是能通天地理，却不输与他啊！」鲥军师奏云：「大王放心。要赢他有何难处？臣有小计，管教灭那厮的口嘴。」龙王问计，军师道：「行雨差了时辰，少些点数，就是那厮断卦不准，怕不赢他？那时捽碎招牌，赶他跑路，果何难也？」龙王依他所奏，果不担忧。

至次日，點札風伯、雷公、雲童、電母，直至長安城九霄空上。The next day, he dispatched orders to the Wind Uncle, the Thunder Duke, the Cloud Lad, and the Lightning Mother, straight to the high heavens above the city of Chang'an.他挨到那巳時方布雲，午時發雷，未時落雨，申時雨止，卻只得三尺零四十點。He delayed until the hour of Si before spreading the clouds, thunder sounded at the hour of Wu, rain fell at the hour of Wei, and the rain ceased at the hour of Shen, so that it amounted to only three feet and forty droplets in all.改了他一個時辰，剋了他三寸八點。He had shifted the hour by one full period, and shorted the amount by three inches and eight droplets.雨後發放眾將班師。After the rain, he dismissed the assembled generals to return to their posts.他又按落雲頭，還變作白衣秀士，到那西門裡大街上，撞入袁守誠卦舖，不容分說，就把他招牌、筆、硯等一齊捽碎。He then brought his cloud down again, transformed once more into the white-robed scholar, and went to West Gate Street, bursting into Yuan Shoucheng's fortune-telling shop, and without allowing any explanation, smashed to pieces his signboard, brushes, inkstone, and all.那先生坐在椅上，公然不動。The master sat in his chair and did not move at all.這龍王又掄起門板便打，罵道：「這妄言禍福的妖人，擅惑眾心的潑漢！The Dragon King then snatched up a door panel and began striking with it, cursing, "You demon who recklessly speaks of fortune and misfortune, deceiving the hearts of the people, you scoundrel!你卦又不靈，言又狂謬。Your divination was not accurate at all, and your words were wild and absurd.說今日下雨的時辰、點數俱不相對。You said today's rain would come at such an hour with such an amount, and neither matched at all.你還危然高坐，趁早去，饒你死罪！」守誠猶公然不懼分毫，仰面朝天冷笑道：「我不怕，我不怕。And still you sit there so composedly — get out at once, and I shall spare you from a death sentence!" Shoucheng still showed not the slightest fear, and turning his face up to the sky, said with a cold laugh, "I am not afraid, I am not afraid.我無死罪，只怕你倒有個死罪哩。I have committed no crime deserving death; it is you, rather, who I fear has committed a crime deserving death.別人好瞞，只是難瞞我也。Others may be easily deceived, but I am not so easily fooled.我認得你，你不是秀士，乃是涇河龍王。I recognize you — you are no scholar, but the Dragon King of the Jing River.你違了玉帝敕旨，改了時辰，剋了點數，犯了天條。You have violated the Jade Emperor's decree, altered the hour, and shorted the amount, and thereby transgressed the laws of Heaven.你在那剮龍臺上，恐難免一刀，你還在此罵我？」龍王見說，心驚膽戰，毛骨悚然。Upon the Dragon-Execution Platform, you can hardly escape the executioner's blade — and yet you still stand here cursing me?" Hearing this, the Dragon King's heart was struck with terror and his very bones grew cold with dread.急丟了門板，整衣伏禮，向先生跪下道：「先生休怪。He hastily dropped the door plank, straightened his robe, bowed low, and knelt before the master, saying: "Master, please do not be angry.前言戲之耳，豈知弄假成真，果然違犯天條，奈何？What I said before was only in jest — who would have thought that the jest would turn into truth, and that I would indeed violate the laws of Heaven? What am I to do?望先生救我一救；I beg you, Master, save me;不然，我死也不放你。」守誠曰：「我救你不得，只是指條生路與你投生便了。」龍曰：「願求指教。」先生曰：「你明日午時三刻，該赴人曹官魏徵處聽斬。otherwise, even in death I will not let you go." Shoucheng said: "I cannot save you, but I can point out a path of life for you to be reborn." The dragon said: "I am willing to receive your instruction." The master said: "Tomorrow at the third quarter of the hour of Noon, you are due to go to the Human Judge Wei Zheng to be executed.你果要性命，須當急急去告當今唐太宗皇帝方好。If you truly wish to keep your life, you must go at once and appeal to the present Emperor Taizong of Tang — only then will it be well.那魏徵是唐王駕下的丞相，若是討他個人情，方保無事。」That Wei Zheng is a chancellor under the Tang king's command; if you can beg a favor of him through him, only then can you be assured of safety."

至次日，点札风伯、雷公、云童、电母，直至长安城九霄空上。他挨到那巳时方布云，午时发雷，未时落雨，申时雨止，却只得三尺零四十点。改了他一个时辰，克了他三寸八点。雨后发放众将班师。他又按落云头，还变作白衣秀士，到那西门里大街上，撞入袁守诚卦铺，不容分说，就把他招牌、笔、砚等一齐捽碎。那先生坐在椅上，公然不动。这龙王又抡起门板便打，骂道：「这妄言祸福的妖人，擅惑众心的泼汉！你卦又不灵，言又狂谬。说今日下雨的时辰、点数俱不相对。你还危然高坐，趁早去，饶你死罪！」守诚犹公然不惧分毫，仰面朝天冷笑道：「我不怕，我不怕。我无死罪，只怕你倒有个死罪哩。别人好瞒，只是难瞒我也。我认得你，你不是秀士，乃是泾河龙王。你违了玉帝敕旨，改了时辰，克了点数，犯了天条。你在那剐龙台上，恐难免一刀，你还在此骂我？」龙王见说，心惊胆战，毛骨悚然。急丢了门板，整衣伏礼，向先生跪下道：「先生休怪。前言戏之耳，岂知弄假成真，果然违犯天条，奈何？望先生救我一救；不然，我死也不放你。」守诚曰：「我救你不得，只是指条生路与你投生便了。」龙曰：「愿求指教。」先生曰：「你明日午时三刻，该赴人曹官魏征处听斩。你果要性命，须当急急去告当今唐太宗皇帝方好。那魏征是唐王驾下的丞相，若是讨他个人情，方保无事。」

龍王聞言，拜辭含淚而去。Hearing this, the Dragon King bowed in farewell and departed with tears in his eyes.不覺紅日西沉，太陰星上。Before he knew it, the red sun sank in the west and the moon star rose.但見：Behold:

龙王闻言，拜辞含泪而去。不觉红日西沉，太阴星上。但见：

這涇河龍王也不回水府，只在空中。This Dragon King of the Jing River did not return to his water palace, but remained only in the air.等到子時前後，收了雲頭，斂了霧角，徑來皇宮門首。Waiting until around the hour of Zi (midnight), he gathered in his cloud-head and drew in his mist-horns, and went straight to the gate of the imperial palace.此時唐王正夢出宮門之外，步月花陰。At this time the Tang king was dreaming that he had gone out beyond the palace gate, strolling beneath the moon among the flower shadows.忽然龍王變作人相，上前跪拜，口叫：「陛下，救我，救我。」太宗云：「你是何人？Suddenly the Dragon King transformed into human form, came forward, knelt and bowed, crying out: "Your Majesty, save me, save me." Taizong said: "Who are you?朕當救你。」龍王云：「陛下是真龍，臣是業龍。I shall save you." The Dragon King said: "Your Majesty is a true dragon; your subject is a dragon of karma.臣因犯了天條，該陛下賢臣人曹官魏徵處斬，故來拜求，望陛下救我一救。」太宗曰：「既是魏徵處斬，朕可以救你，你放心前去。」龍王歡喜，叩謝而去。Your subject, having violated the laws of Heaven, is due to be executed by Your Majesty's worthy minister, the Human Judge Wei Zheng; therefore I have come to beg of you — I hope Your Majesty will save me." Taizong said: "Since it is Wei Zheng who is to carry out the execution, I can save you; set your mind at ease and go." The Dragon King was overjoyed, kowtowed in thanks, and departed.

这泾河龙王也不回水府，只在空中。等到子时前后，收了云头，敛了雾角，径来皇宫门首。此时唐王正梦出宫门之外，步月花阴。忽然龙王变作人相，上前跪拜，口叫：「陛下，救我，救我。」太宗云：「你是何人？朕当救你。」龙王云：「陛下是真龙，臣是业龙。臣因犯了天条，该陛下贤臣人曹官魏征处斩，故来拜求，望陛下救我一救。」太宗曰：「既是魏征处斩，朕可以救你，你放心前去。」龙王欢喜，叩谢而去。

卻說那太宗夢醒後，念念在心。Now it is told that after Taizong awoke from his dream, the matter remained on his mind continually.早已至五鼓三點，太宗設朝，聚集兩班文武官員。It was already the third watch-mark of the fifth drum when Taizong held court, gathering the two ranks of civil and military officials.但見那：Behold that:

却说那太宗梦醒后，念念在心。早已至五鼓三点，太宗设朝，聚集两班文武官员。但见那：

眾官朝賀已畢，各各分班。When all the officials had finished paying their court homage, each took his place in his own rank.唐王閃鳳目龍睛，一一從頭觀看，只見那文官內是房玄齡、杜如晦、徐世勣、許敬宗、王珪等，武官內是馬三寶、段志玄、殷開山、程咬金、劉洪紀、胡敬德、秦叔寶等，一個個威儀端肅，卻不見魏徵丞相。The Tang king cast his phoenix eyes and dragon gaze, looking over them one by one from the start, and saw among the civil officials Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Xu Shiji, Xu Jingzong, Wang Gui, and the rest; among the military officials, Ma Sanbao, Duan Zhixuan, Yin Kaishan, Cheng Yaojin, Liu Hongji, Hu Jingde, Qin Shubao, and the rest — each one dignified and solemn in bearing — but he did not see Chancellor Wei Zheng.唐王召徐世勣上殿道：「朕夜間得一怪夢：夢見一人，迎面拜謁，口稱是涇河龍王，犯了天條，該人曹官魏徵處斬，拜告寡人救他，朕已許諾。The Tang king summoned Xu Shiji up to the hall and said: "In the night I had a strange dream: I dreamed a man came before me and bowed in homage, saying he was the Dragon King of the Jing River, who had violated the laws of Heaven and was due to be executed by the Human Judge Wei Zheng; he begged me to save him, and I had already given my promise.今日班前獨不見魏徵，何也？」世勣對曰：「此夢告準。Today, alone among the ranks, Wei Zheng is not to be seen — why is that?" Shiji replied: "This dream may well come true.須喚魏徵來朝，陛下不要放他出門，過此一日，可救夢中之龍。」唐王大喜，即傳旨，著當駕官宣魏徵入朝。Wei Zheng must be summoned to court, and Your Majesty must not let him out the door; once this one day has passed, the dragon in the dream can be saved." The Tang king was greatly pleased, and at once issued an edict ordering the duty officer to summon Wei Zheng into court.

众官朝贺已毕，各各分班。唐王闪凤目龙睛，一一从头观看，只见那文官内是房玄龄、杜如晦、徐世𪟝、许敬宗、王珪等，武官内是马三宝、段志玄、殷开山、程咬金、刘洪纪、胡敬德、秦叔宝等，一个个威仪端肃，却不见魏征丞相。唐王召徐世𪟝上殿道：「朕夜间得一怪梦：梦见一人，迎面拜谒，口称是泾河龙王，犯了天条，该人曹官魏征处斩，拜告寡人救他，朕已许诺。今日班前独不见魏征，何也？」世𪟝对曰：「此梦告准。须唤魏征来朝，陛下不要放他出门，过此一日，可救梦中之龙。」唐王大喜，即传旨，著当驾官宣魏征入朝。

卻說魏徵丞相在府，夜觀乾象，正爇寶香，只聞得九霄鶴唳，卻是天差仙使，捧玉帝金旨一道，著他午時三刻，夢斬涇河老龍。Now it is told that Chancellor Wei Zheng was at his residence, observing the celestial signs by night, just then burning precious incense, when he heard a crane's cry from the ninefold heavens — it was a celestial envoy sent by Heaven, bearing a golden edict from the Jade Emperor, instructing him that at the third quarter of the hour of Noon he was to behead the old Dragon of the Jing River in a dream.這丞相謝了天恩，齋戒沐浴，在府中試慧劍，運元神，故此不曾入朝。The chancellor gave thanks for this heavenly favor, and having fasted and bathed, was in his residence testing his sword of wisdom and circulating his primal spirit — for this reason he had not yet come to court.一見當駕官齎賫來宣，惶懼無任；As soon as he saw the duty officer arrive bearing the summons, he was overcome with fear and could not contain himself;又不敢違遲君命，只得急急整衣束帶，同旨入朝，在御前叩頭請罪。yet he dared not delay or defy the sovereign's command, and so had no choice but to hastily straighten his robe and fasten his belt, and go with the summoning officer into court, where he kowtowed before the throne and begged forgiveness for his offense.唐王道：「赦卿無罪。」那時諸臣尚未退朝，至此，卻命捲簾散朝。The Tang king said: "I pardon you, you are not guilty." At that time the assembled officials had not yet withdrawn from court; but now he ordered the curtain rolled up and the court dismissed.獨留魏徵，宣上金鑾，召入便殿，先議論安邦之策，定國之謀。He kept only Wei Zheng behind, summoning him up to the Golden Throne Hall, and calling him into a side chamber, where they first discussed plans for pacifying the realm and strategies for settling the state.將近巳末午初時候，卻命宮人：「取過大棋來，朕與賢卿對弈一局。」眾嬪妃隨取棋枰，鋪設御案。As it drew near the end of the hour of Si and the start of the hour of Wu, he ordered the palace attendants: "Bring the large chessboard; I shall play a game against my worthy minister." The consorts and concubines at once fetched the chessboard and set it out upon the imperial table.魏徵謝了恩，即與唐王對弈，一遞一著，擺開陣勢。Wei Zheng gave thanks for this favor, and at once played chess against the Tang king, each taking turns to move, laying out their formations.正合《爛柯經》云：This accords exactly with what the Book of the Rotten Axe-Handle says:

却说魏征丞相在府，夜观干象，正爇宝香，只闻得九霄鹤唳，却是天差仙使，捧玉帝金旨一道，著他午时三刻，梦斩泾河老龙。这丞相谢了天恩，斋戒沐浴，在府中试慧剑，运元神，故此不曾入朝。一见当驾官赍赍来宣，惶惧无任；又不敢违迟君命，只得急急整衣束带，同旨入朝，在御前叩头请罪。唐王道：「赦卿无罪。」那时诸臣尚未退朝，至此，却命卷帘散朝。独留魏征，宣上金銮，召入便殿，先议论安邦之策，定国之谋。将近巳末午初时候，却命宫人：「取过大棋来，朕与贤卿对弈一局。」众嫔妃随取棋枰，铺设御案。魏征谢了恩，即与唐王对弈，一递一著，摆开阵势。正合《烂柯经》云：

詩曰：A poem says:

诗曰：

君臣兩個對弈，此棋正下到午時三刻，一盤殘局未終，魏徵忽然俯伏在案邊，鼾鼾盹睡。As sovereign and minister played their game of chess, just as it reached the third quarter of the hour of Noon, with the endgame not yet finished, Wei Zheng suddenly slumped forward against the table and fell into a snoring doze.太宗笑曰：「賢卿真是匡扶社稷之心勞，創立江山之力倦，所以不覺盹睡。」太宗任他睡著，更不呼喚。Taizong laughed and said: "My worthy minister is truly worn from his labors in upholding the altars of state and wearied from his efforts in founding the realm, and so has drowsed off without noticing." Taizong let him sleep on, and did not call out to wake him.不多時，魏徵醒來，俯伏在地道：「臣該萬死，臣該萬死！Before long, Wei Zheng awoke, and prostrating himself on the ground, said: "Your servant deserves ten thousand deaths, your servant deserves ten thousand deaths!卻才倦困，不知所為，望陛下赦臣慢君之罪。」太宗道：「卿有何慢罪？Just now I was so weary that I knew not what I was doing; I beg Your Majesty to pardon my crime of disrespect toward my sovereign." Taizong said: "What crime of disrespect have you committed?且起來，拂退殘棋，與卿從新更著。」Rise now, and clear away the unfinished game; I shall start a new one with you."

君臣两个对弈，此棋正下到午时三刻，一盘残局未终，魏征忽然俯伏在案边，鼾鼾盹睡。太宗笑曰：「贤卿真是匡扶社稷之心劳，创立江山之力倦，所以不觉盹睡。」太宗任他睡著，更不呼唤。不多时，魏征醒来，俯伏在地道：「臣该万死，臣该万死！却才倦困，不知所为，望陛下赦臣慢君之罪。」太宗道：「卿有何慢罪？且起来，拂退残棋，与卿从新更著。」

魏徵謝了恩，卻才撚子在手，忽聽得朝門外大呼小叫。Wei Zheng gave thanks for this favor, and had just picked up a piece in his hand when suddenly he heard loud shouting and calling outside the court gate.原來是秦叔寶、徐茂公等，將著一個血淋的龍頭，擲在帝前，啟奏道：「陛下，海淺河枯曾有見，這般異事卻無聞。」太宗與魏徵起身道：「此物何來？」叔寶、茂公道：「千步廊南，十字街上，雲端裡落下這顆龍頭，微臣不敢不奏。」唐王驚問魏徵：「此是何說？」魏徵轉身叩頭道：「是臣才一夢斬的。」唐王聞言，大驚道：「賢卿盹睡之時，又不曾見動身動手，又無刀劍，如何卻斬此龍？」魏徵奏道：「主公，臣的身在君前，夢離陛下。It turned out to be Qin Shubao, Xu Maogong, and the others, who came carrying a blood-dripping dragon's head, which they cast down before the emperor, and reported: "Your Majesty, one may have heard of seas running shallow and rivers running dry, but a strange marvel such as this has never before been heard of." Taizong and Wei Zheng rose to their feet, saying: "Where has this thing come from?" Shubao and Maogong said: "South of the Thousand-Pace Corridor, at the crossroads, this dragon's head fell down from among the clouds; your humble servants dared not fail to report it." The Tang king, astonished, asked Wei Zheng: "What is the meaning of this?" Wei Zheng turned about, kowtowed, and said: "It was your servant who just now beheaded it in a dream." The Tang king, hearing this, was greatly astonished and said: "While my worthy minister was dozing, I never saw you stir your body or move your hand, nor did you have any sword — how then did you behead this dragon?" Wei Zheng reported: "My lord, my body was here before you, but in dream I departed from Your Majesty.身在君前對殘局，合眼朦朧；My body was before my sovereign facing the unfinished game, my eyes closed in a drowsy haze;夢離陛下乘瑞雲，出神抖擻。in dream I departed from Your Majesty riding on an auspicious cloud, my spirit going forth alert and vigorous.那條龍在剮龍臺上，被天兵將綁縛其中。That dragon was upon the Dragon-Flaying Terrace, bound fast by the heavenly soldiers.是臣道：『你犯天條，合當死罪。Your servant said to it: "You have violated the laws of Heaven and deserve the penalty of death.我奉天命，斬汝殘生。』龍聞哀苦，臣抖精神。I obey the mandate of Heaven, to cut short your remaining life." The dragon, hearing this, cried out in misery, and your servant roused his spirit.龍聞哀苦，伏爪收鱗甘受死；The dragon, hearing this, cried out in misery, lowered its claws and drew in its scales, willing to accept death;臣抖精神，撩衣進步舉霜鋒。your servant roused his spirit, hitched up his robe, stepped forward, and raised his frost-bright blade.扢扠一聲刀過處，龍頭因此落虛空。」With a single "crack" the blade passed through, and the dragon's head thus fell into empty space."

魏征谢了恩，却才撚子在手，忽听得朝门外大呼小叫。原来是秦叔宝、徐茂公等，将著一个血淋的龙头，掷在帝前，启奏道：「陛下，海浅河枯曾有见，这般异事却无闻。」太宗与魏征起身道：「此物何来？」叔宝、茂公道：「千步廊南，十字街上，云端里落下这颗龙头，微臣不敢不奏。」唐王惊问魏征：「此是何说？」魏征转身叩头道：「是臣才一梦斩的。」唐王闻言，大惊道：「贤卿盹睡之时，又不曾见动身动手，又无刀剑，如何却斩此龙？」魏征奏道：「主公，臣的身在君前，梦离陛下。身在君前对残局，合眼朦胧；梦离陛下乘瑞云，出神抖擞。那条龙在剐龙台上，被天兵将绑缚其中。是臣道：『你犯天条，合当死罪。我奉天命，斩汝残生。』龙闻哀苦，臣抖精神。龙闻哀苦，伏爪收鳞甘受死；臣抖精神，撩衣进步举霜锋。扢扠一声刀过处，龙头因此落虚空。」

太宗聞言，心中悲喜不一。Hearing this, Taizong's heart was a mixture of sorrow and joy, not one alone.喜者，誇獎魏徵好臣，朝中有此豪傑，愁甚江山不穩？What gave joy was that he could praise Wei Zheng as a fine minister — with such a hero in the court, what cause was there to worry that the realm would not be secure?悲者，謂夢中曾許救龍，不期竟致遭誅。What gave sorrow was that in the dream he had promised to save the dragon, yet unexpectedly it had come to be executed after all.只得強打精神，傳旨著叔寶將龍頭懸掛市曹，曉諭長安黎庶。He had no choice but to force himself to muster his spirits, and issued an edict ordering Shubao to hang the dragon's head at the marketplace execution ground, to make it known to the common folk of Chang'an.一壁廂賞了魏徵，眾官散訖。At the same time he rewarded Wei Zheng, and the assembled officials dispersed.

太宗闻言，心中悲喜不一。喜者，夸奖魏征好臣，朝中有此豪杰，愁甚江山不稳？悲者，谓梦中曾许救龙，不期竟致遭诛。只得强打精神，传旨著叔宝将龙头悬挂市曹，晓谕长安黎庶。一壁厢赏了魏征，众官散讫。

當晚回宮，心中只是憂悶。That evening, upon returning to the palace, his heart was full only of gloom and melancholy.想那夢中之龍，哭啼啼哀告求生，豈知無常，難免此患。He thought of that dragon in the dream, weeping and wailing as it pleaded piteously for its life — who would have thought that, impermanence being what it is, this calamity could not be avoided.思念多時，漸覺神魂倦怠，身體不安。After brooding over this for a long while, he gradually felt his spirit grow weary and his body ill at ease.當夜二更時分，只聽得宮門外有號泣之聲，太宗愈加驚恐。That night, around the second watch, he suddenly heard the sound of wailing outside the palace gate, and Taizong grew all the more frightened.正朦朧睡間，又見那涇河龍王手提著一顆血淋淋的首級，高叫：「唐太宗，還我命來！Just as he was drifting into a hazy sleep, he again saw the Dragon King of the Jing River, holding in his hand a blood-dripping severed head, crying loudly: "Tang Taizong, give me back my life!還我命來！Give me back my life!你昨夜滿口許諾救我，怎麼天明時反宣人曹官來斬我？Last night you promised again and again in full sincerity to save me — how is it that at dawn you instead summoned the Human Judge to behead me?你出來，你出來，我與你到閻君處折辨折辨。」他扯住太宗，再三嚷鬧不放。Come out, come out! I will go with you before King Yama to argue this out and settle the matter." He seized hold of Taizong and, shouting and making a commotion again and again, would not let go.太宗箝口難言，只掙得汗流遍體。Taizong, his mouth clamped shut, unable to speak, could only struggle until sweat poured over his entire body.

当晚回宫，心中只是忧闷。想那梦中之龙，哭啼啼哀告求生，岂知无常，难免此患。思念多时，渐觉神魂倦怠，身体不安。当夜二更时分，只听得宫门外有号泣之声，太宗愈加惊恐。正朦胧睡间，又见那泾河龙王手提著一颗血淋淋的首级，高叫：「唐太宗，还我命来！还我命来！你昨夜满口许诺救我，怎么天明时反宣人曹官来斩我？你出来，你出来，我与你到阎君处折辨折辨。」他扯住太宗，再三嚷闹不放。太宗箝口难言，只挣得汗流遍体。

正在那難分難解之時，只見正南上香雲繚繞，彩霧飄飄，有一個女真人上前，將楊柳枝用手一擺，那沒頭的龍悲悲啼啼，徑往西北而去。Just as the struggle had reached an impasse impossible to resolve, he saw in the due south fragrant clouds curling and colored mists drifting, and a female Immortal came forward and gave a single wave with her hand of a willow branch, whereupon the headless dragon, weeping and wailing sorrowfully, went straight off toward the northwest.原來這是觀音菩薩領佛旨，上東土尋取經人，住此長安城都土地廟裡，夜聞鬼泣神號，特來喝退業龍，救脫皇帝。It turned out that this was none other than Bodhisattva Guanyin, who, having received the Buddha's decree to go to the Land of the East to seek out the scripture-pilgrim, was lodging in the city god's temple of Chang'an, and hearing at night the weeping of ghosts and the wailing of spirits, had come especially to shout back the dragon of karma and rescue the emperor.那龍徑到陰司地獄具告不題。That dragon went straight to the underworld courts of Hell to lodge his full complaint — but no more of that for now.

正在那难分难解之时，只见正南上香云缭绕，彩雾飘飘，有一个女真人上前，将杨柳枝用手一摆，那没头的龙悲悲啼啼，径往西北而去。原来这是观音菩萨领佛旨，上东土寻取经人，住此长安城都土地庙里，夜闻鬼泣神号，特来喝退业龙，救脱皇帝。那龙径到阴司地狱具告不题。

卻說太宗甦醒回來，只叫：「有鬼！Now it is told that Taizong, coming to and reviving, could only cry out: "There's a ghost!有鬼！」慌得那三宮皇后、六院嬪妃，與近侍太監，戰兢兢，一夜無眠。There's a ghost!" This threw the empresses of the Three Palaces, the consorts of the Six Courts, and the attendant eunuchs into such alarm that they trembled and shook, and none slept the whole night through.

却说太宗甦醒回来，只叫：「有鬼！有鬼！」慌得那三宫皇后、六院嫔妃，与近侍太监，战兢兢，一夜无眠。

不覺五更三點，那滿朝文武多官，都在朝門外候朝。Before they knew it, it was the third mark of the fifth watch, and all the civil and military officials of the entire court were waiting outside the court gate for the audience.等到天明，猶不見臨朝，諕得一個個驚懼躊躇。They waited until daybreak, yet still he did not appear to hold court, which frightened them all into anxious hesitation.及日上三竿，方有旨意出來道：「朕心不快，眾官免朝。」不覺倏五七日，眾官憂惶，都正要撞門見駕問安，只見太后有旨，召醫官入宮用藥。Only when the sun was three poles high did an edict finally come out, saying: "My heart is not at ease; the assembled officials are excused from court." Before they knew it, five or seven days had swiftly passed, and the officials, anxious and alarmed, were just about to force their way in to see the emperor and inquire after his health, when word came that the Empress Dowager had issued an edict summoning the court physicians into the palace to administer medicine.眾人在朝門外等候討信。Everyone waited outside the court gate for news.少時，醫官出來，眾問何疾。After a short while, the physicians came out, and everyone asked what the illness was.醫官道：「皇上脈氣不正，虛而又數，狂言見鬼。The physicians said: "His Majesty's pulse is irregular, weak yet rapid, and he raves deliriously of seeing ghosts.又診得十動一代，五臟無氣，恐不諱只在七日之內矣。」眾官聞言，大驚失色。Moreover, we diagnose that in every ten beats there is one skipped, and the five viscera are void of vital energy; we fear that, unless there is a change, the worst may come within seven days." Hearing this, the officials were struck with great alarm and turned pale.

不觉五更三点，那满朝文武多官，都在朝门外候朝。等到天明，犹不见临朝，諕得一个个惊惧踌躇。及日上三竿，方有旨意出来道：「朕心不快，众官免朝。」不觉倏五七日，众官忧惶，都正要撞门见驾问安，只见太后有旨，召医官入宫用药。众人在朝门外等候讨信。少时，医官出来，众问何疾。医官道：「皇上脉气不正，虚而又数，狂言见鬼。又诊得十动一代，五脏无气，恐不讳只在七日之内矣。」众官闻言，大惊失色。

正愴惶間，又聽得太后有旨宣徐茂公、護國公、尉遲恭見駕。Just as they were in the midst of their consternation, they further heard that the Empress Dowager had issued an edict summoning Xu Maogong, the Duke Protector of the State, and Yuchi Gong to an audience.三公奉旨，急入到分宮樓下。The three lords, obeying the edict, hastened in to below the Palace-Dividing Tower.拜畢，太宗正色強言道：「賢卿，寡人十九歲領兵，南征北伐，東擋西除，苦歷數載，更不曾見半點邪祟，今日卻反見鬼。」尉遲恭道：「創立江山，殺人無數，何怕鬼乎？」太宗道：「卿是不信。When the obeisances were done, Taizong, composing his expression, forced himself to speak: "My worthy ministers, at nineteen I led troops, campaigning south and north, warding off enemies east and west, enduring hardship for several years, and never once did I see the slightest trace of an evil spirit — yet today, on the contrary, I have seen a ghost." Yuchi Gong said: "In founding the realm you have slain countless men — why should you fear ghosts?" Taizong said: "You do not believe me.朕這寢宮門外，入夜就拋磚弄瓦，鬼魅呼號，著然難處。Outside the gate of my sleeping chamber, as soon as night falls, bricks and tiles are hurled about and ghosts and demons howl and wail — it is truly hard to bear.白日猶可，昏夜難禁。」叔寶道：「陛下寬心，今晚臣與敬德把守宮門，看有甚麼鬼祟。」太宗准奏。By day it is bearable, but in the dark of night it is hard to endure." Shubao said: "Let Your Majesty set your mind at ease; tonight your servant and Jingde will stand guard at the palace gate and see what manner of ghostly mischief there is." Taizong approved the request.茂公謝恩而出。Maogong gave thanks for the favor and withdrew.

正怆惶间，又听得太后有旨宣徐茂公、护国公、尉迟恭见驾。三公奉旨，急入到分宫楼下。拜毕，太宗正色强言道：「贤卿，寡人十九岁领兵，南征北伐，东挡西除，苦历数载，更不曾见半点邪祟，今日却反见鬼。」尉迟恭道：「创立江山，杀人无数，何怕鬼乎？」太宗道：「卿是不信。朕这寝宫门外，入夜就抛砖弄瓦，鬼魅呼号，著然难处。白日犹可，昏夜难禁。」叔宝道：「陛下宽心，今晚臣与敬德把守宫门，看有甚么鬼祟。」太宗准奏。茂公谢恩而出。

當日天晚，各取披掛，他兩個介冑整齊，執金瓜、鉞斧，在宮門外把守。That day, as evening fell, each took up his armor; the two of them, fully accoutered in mail and helmet, grasped their gold mace and battle-axe, and stood guard outside the palace gate.好將軍！Fine generals indeed!你看他怎生打扮：Behold how they were arrayed:

当日天晚，各取披挂，他两个介胄整齐，执金瓜、钺斧，在宫门外把守。好将军！你看他怎生打扮：

二將軍侍立門傍，一夜天曉，更不曾見一點邪祟。The two generals stood in attendance beside the gate, and through the whole night until dawn, not the slightest trace of any evil spirit was seen.是夜，太宗在宮，安寢無事。That night, Taizong, within the palace, slept peacefully and without incident.曉來宣二將軍，重重賞勞道：「朕自得疾，數日不能得睡，今夜仗二將軍威勢甚安。When morning came, he summoned the two generals and rewarded them richly, saying: "Since I fell ill, for several days I have been unable to sleep; but tonight, relying on the might and presence of you two generals, I rested very peacefully.卿且請出安息安息，待晚間再一護衛。」二將謝恩而出。For now, please go out and rest a while; when evening comes, stand guard once more." The two generals gave thanks for the favor and withdrew.

二将军侍立门傍，一夜天晓，更不曾见一点邪祟。是夜，太宗在宫，安寝无事。晓来宣二将军，重重赏劳道：「朕自得疾，数日不能得睡，今夜仗二将军威势甚安。卿且请出安息安息，待晚间再一护卫。」二将谢恩而出。

遂此二三夜把守俱安。So it was that for two or three nights the guard kept things all at peace.只是御膳減損，病轉覺重。Only, the emperor's meals grew ever smaller, and his illness felt to be growing more severe.太宗又不忍二將辛苦，又宣叔寶、敬德與杜、房諸公入宮，吩咐道：「這兩日朕雖得安，卻只難為秦、胡二將軍徹夜辛苦。Taizong, moreover, could not bear to see the two generals worn out with toil, and again summoned Shubao and Jingde, along with the lords Du and Fang, into the palace, and instructed them: "These past two days, though I have found peace, it has been hard indeed on Generals Qin and Hu, laboring through the night.朕欲召巧手丹青，傳二將軍真容，貼於門上，免得勞他。I wish to summon a skilled painter to render the true likenesses of the two generals, and paste them upon the doors, so as to spare them the toil.如何？」眾臣即依旨，選兩個會寫真的，著胡、秦二公依前披掛，照樣畫了，貼在門上。What say you?" The assembled ministers at once obeyed the edict, chose two painters skilled in portraiture, had the lords Hu and Qin don their armor as before, painted them true to life, and pasted the images upon the doors.夜間也即無事。That night, too, nothing untoward occurred.

遂此二三夜把守俱安。只是御膳减损，病转觉重。太宗又不忍二将辛苦，又宣叔宝、敬德与杜、房诸公入宫，吩咐道：「这两日朕虽得安，却只难为秦、胡二将军彻夜辛苦。朕欲召巧手丹青，传二将军真容，贴于门上，免得劳他。如何？」众臣即依旨，选两个会写真的，著胡、秦二公依前披挂，照样画了，贴在门上。夜间也即无事。

如此二三日，又聽得後宰門乒乓乒乓，磚瓦亂響。After two or three days of this, they again heard, at the Rear Palace Gate, a clattering and banging, with bricks and tiles clashing in confusion.曉來即宣眾臣曰：「連日前門幸喜無事，今夜後門又響，卻不又驚殺寡人也。」茂公進前奏道：「前門不安，是敬德、叔寶護衛；When morning came he at once summoned the assembled ministers and said: "For several days running the front gate has fortunately been quiet, but tonight the back gate is disturbed again — will this not frighten me half to death once more?" Maogong stepped forward and reported: "The front gate was made secure by the guardianship of Jingde and Shubao;後門不安，該著魏徵護衛。」太宗准奏，又宣魏徵今夜把守後門。the back gate being disturbed, Wei Zheng ought to be assigned to guard it." Taizong approved the request, and further summoned Wei Zheng to stand guard at the rear gate that night.徵領旨，當夜結束整齊，提著那誅龍的寶劍，侍立在後宰門前，真個的好英雄也。Zheng received the edict, and that night, neatly attired and girded, took up in hand the precious sword with which he had slain the dragon, and stood in attendance before the Rear Palace Gate — truly a fine hero indeed.他怎生打扮：How was he arrayed:

如此二三日，又听得后宰门乒乓乒乓，砖瓦乱响。晓来即宣众臣曰：「连日前门幸喜无事，今夜后门又响，却不又惊杀寡人也。」茂公进前奏道：「前门不安，是敬德、叔宝护卫；后门不安，该著魏征护卫。」太宗准奏，又宣魏征今夜把守后门。征领旨，当夜结束整齐，提著那诛龙的宝剑，侍立在后宰门前，真个的好英雄也。他怎生打扮：

一夜通明，也無鬼魅。Through the whole night till it grew light, there was no sign of ghost or demon either.雖是前後門無事，只是身體漸重。Although both the front and back gates were now free of trouble, still his body grew ever heavier with illness.

一夜通明，也无鬼魅。虽是前后门无事，只是身体渐重。

一日，太后又傳旨，召眾臣商議殯殮後事。One day, the Empress Dowager again issued an edict, summoning the assembled ministers to discuss the funeral arrangements and matters to follow after his death.太宗又宣徐茂公，吩咐國家大事，叮囑倣劉蜀主託孤之意。Taizong further summoned Xu Maogong, and charged him with the great affairs of state, enjoining upon him the intent of following the precedent of Liu, Lord of Shu, in entrusting his orphan son to another's care.言畢，沐浴更衣，待時而已。Having finished speaking, he bathed and changed his garments, and simply awaited his time.傍閃魏徵，手扯龍衣，奏道：「陛下寬心，臣有一事，管保陛下長生。」太宗道：「病勢已入膏肓，命將危矣，如何保得？」徵云：「臣有書一封，進與陛下，捎去到陰司，付酆都判官崔珏。」太宗道：「崔珏是誰？」徵云：「崔珏乃是太上先皇帝駕前之臣，先受茲洲令，後陞禮部侍郎。At his side, Wei Zheng stepped forward, took hold of the imperial robe with his hand, and reported: "Let Your Majesty set your mind at ease; your servant has one matter that will surely guarantee Your Majesty long life." Taizong said: "My illness has already entered the vitals, and my life is now in peril — how can it be preserved?" Zheng said: "Your servant has a letter here, which I present to Your Majesty, to be carried to the underworld courts and delivered to Judge Cui Jue of Fengdu." Taizong said: "Who is Cui Jue?" Zheng said: "Cui Jue was a minister in the service of the previous emperor; he first held the post of magistrate of Ci Prefecture, and afterward rose to be Vice Minister of the Board of Rites.在日與臣八拜為交，相知甚厚。While alive, he and your servant swore brotherhood with the eight bows, and our mutual understanding ran very deep.他如今已死，現在陰司做掌生死文簿的酆都判官，夢中常與臣相會。He is now dead, and at present serves in the underworld as the Judge of Fengdu in charge of the registers of life and death; in dreams he often meets with your servant.此去若將此書付與他，他念微臣薄分，必然放陛下回來。If on this journey Your Majesty delivers this letter to him, he, mindful of the slight bond of friendship with your humble servant, will surely release Your Majesty to return.管教魂魄還陽世，定取龍顏轉帝都。」太宗聞言，接在手中，籠入袖裡，遂瞑目而亡。I shall see to it that your soul returns to the world of the living, and surely bring the dragon countenance back to the imperial capital." Hearing this, Taizong took the letter in hand, tucked it into his sleeve, and thereupon closed his eyes and died.那三宮六院、皇后嬪妃、侍長儲君及兩班文武，俱舉哀戴孝。The consorts of the Three Palaces and Six Courts, the empress and imperial concubines, the chief attendants, the crown prince, and the two ranks of civil and military officials, all raised the cry of mourning and donned mourning garb.又在白虎殿上，停著梓宮不題。And in the Hall of the White Tiger, the coffin was laid to rest — but no more of that for now.

一日，太后又传旨，召众臣商议殡殓后事。太宗又宣徐茂公，吩咐国家大事，叮嘱倣刘蜀主托孤之意。言毕，沐浴更衣，待时而已。傍闪魏征，手扯龙衣，奏道：「陛下宽心，臣有一事，管保陛下长生。」太宗道：「病势已入膏肓，命将危矣，如何保得？」征云：「臣有书一封，进与陛下，捎去到阴司，付酆都判官崔珏。」太宗道：「崔珏是谁？」征云：「崔珏乃是太上先皇帝驾前之臣，先受兹洲令，后升礼部侍郎。在日与臣八拜为交，相知甚厚。他如今已死，现在阴司做掌生死文簿的酆都判官，梦中常与臣相会。此去若将此书付与他，他念微臣薄分，必然放陛下回来。管教魂魄还阳世，定取龙颜转帝都。」太宗闻言，接在手中，笼入袖里，遂瞑目而亡。那三宫六院、皇后嫔妃、侍长储君及两班文武，俱举哀戴孝。又在白虎殿上，停著梓宫不题。

畢竟不知太宗如何還魂，且聽下回分解。In the end, it is not yet known how Taizong was to return to life and soul — please listen to the explanation given in the next chapter.

毕竟不知太宗如何还魂，且听下回分解。