W.A. Pickering, a member of the Malayan civil service, was himself a triad member. His version of the Xi Lu legend is a composite account drawn from several manuals (Murray 1994, p. 98). According to ter Haar, “Pickering (1878) has amalgamated different traditions, making his version useless for comparative purposes” (ter Haar 1998, p. 369).
..................................................
I have chosen for my groundwork a copy which, although differing considerably from that used by M. Schlegel, and less correct in point of dates, gives I think a more thoroughly Chinese account of occurrences, , which as far as our present knowledge goes, are but hypothetical. While endeavouring to put the whole into readable English, I have preserved as much as possible the peculiar Chinese style of expression, which I trust will not diminish the interest of the story. For the benefit of readers not conversant with Chinese Chronology it may be necessary to state that the facts narrated in the story are supposed to have taken place during the reign of Kang-Hi, the 2nd Emperor of the present Manchu, or “Ching” dynasty.
In 1644 Tsung-Cheng or Chuang-Lieh-Ti, the last monarch of the Chinese Dynasty “Ming” (Which had led the Empire since A.D. 1361) was driven from his throne by Shun-Chi the father of Kang-hi.
In the reign of the Emperor Kang-Hi, in the year Kah-Yin (A.D. 1664) the Western Eleuth Tatars invaded the boundaries of the Flowery Land, bringing trouble and devastation to the Middle Kingdom.
To avenge these injuries, the Provincial Government sent several large armies to subdue the Barbarians, but all was in vain, and, after losing several battles, the defeated General Koeh-Ting- Hui presented a memorial in person to the Emperor, humbly begging his Sacred Majesty to send an army to the relief of his people.
The Emperor held a consultation with his nobles, but for some time could not arrive at any decision; when a high Minister suddenly came forward, and humbly bowing said: “By the memorial of Keoh-Ting-Hui, the situation seems truly alarming. I would earnestly recommend compliance with his memorial, and beg your Majesty to at once send an army to recover the territories of our Sovereign Lord, and to protect the people committed by Heaven to your charge.”
The Emperor acceded to this suggestion, and demanded of the assembled nobles, which of the Ministers they could recommend to take command of the army and lead it forth? The nobles thus replied: “At the present time it will be impossible to find amongst the court officials, an able Minister who dare undertake this heavy responsibility. We would therefore recommend Your Majesty to issue an Edict and order it to be circulated and posted in every province, country, and district of the Empire, to the effect that whoever will obey the proclamation and subdue the Eleuth Tatars, no matter whether they be officials, common people, women. Children, Buddhists, or Taosist priests, they shall receive 10,000 taels of gold, and be appointed Earls over 10,000 families; this will certainly have the effect of bringing forward men of the highest talent to respond to the call of our Sovereign Lord.”
The Emperor was exceedingly pleased with the proposal, and at once issued an Imperial Edict, which was speedily distributed throughout the whole Empire. There was no place under Heaven which the proclamation did not reach. Now, in a range of mountains called Kiu-Lien, in the district of Toan Leng in Hok-Kien, there was a monastery, named Siau Lim Si, containing 128 priests, who on hearing of the above edit, went to the place where it was posted, and finding that it was genuine, they after consulting together, took down the copy of the proclamation. Some person informing the Imperial Commissioner of the, he called all the priests, and they being assembled, he addressed them as follows: “Are talent and ability to be found amongst you priests, are there amongst you any who dare comply with the Emperor’s edict, and come forward to conquer these Western barbarians”? All the priests respectfully replied, “Let there be no doubt in your Excellency’s mind on this subject. The old saying is: ‘Talents and ability dwell amongst the priesthood.’ Our brethren are in all 128 persons, and without the assistance of an Imperial soldier, we will conquer these Eleuths; even if their camp be 100 li* in extent, we will destroy it, and not leave as much as an inch of straw remaining.”
* About 30 miles
The official on hearing these words was exceedingly delighted, and ordered the priests to return to their monastery, and pack up their baggage, preparatory to a start on the morrow towards Peking, where they would be permitted to behold the sacred person of the Emperor.
Having received this order, they went back to their monastery, and each of them having packed up his things, and buckled on his weapon, the whole body started next morning in the train of the Commisioner.
In a short time, they arrived at the capital, and were accomodated by the Commsioner, at the Hall of the Military Board, where he told them to stay till next morning, when they would have an Audience of his Sacred Majesty.
In the 5th watch, about 3 A.M.† the Emperor being seated on his throne, the Commissioner approached, and prostrating himself, said, “your servant having reverently received your Majesty’s command to summon together brave heroes from every place under heaven, he, in circulating the Edict, fortunately found, in the Kiu Lien Mountains, a monastery containing 128 Buddhist priests, all of whom are perfect in the Civil and Military arts and exercises, and they boast that without using the Imperial soldiers, they will at sight exterminate the Eleuths, as easily as a person can wave his hand; your minister has brought them to the gate of the Palace, where they are now awaiting your Majesty’s decision.”
† The official business of the Chinese Court and cabinet is usually conducted at a very early hour in the morning, the Emperor frequently taking his seat at 3 or 4 A.M.
The Emperor ordered the priests to be brought before him, and on seeing their manly and robust appearance, be was much pleased; while they were yet in the Palace, His Majesty appointed them to the rank of generals, and presented them with a sword, on which were engraved the characters Jit, and San ‡, the inscription being of triangular form.
‡ Sun and mountain
His Majesty also appointed the minister Ten-Kun-Tat to act as Commissary General, and Commissioner to accompany the Army.
On the day following, having sacrificed to the standards, the army was set in motion, having received the Imperial command march forward.
Now at this lime, the barbarians were besieging the frontier town of Tung-Kuan, and when the army of relief arrived, the beleaguered generals Lau and ’Ng were on the walls; they suddenly saw a body of imperial Soldiers approaching, which they knew must be a force sent to their assistance, so at once throwing open the gates, they went forth to meet and admit the army into the city.
After being entertained by the generals, the abbot questioned them as to the position of the Eleuth Camp, and asked if any engagements had yet taken place. The generals replied; “The Eleuth soldiers are indeed fierce and brave, and their entrenchments are strong; daily have they attacked this city, and it is only by our exceeding watchfulness, and owing to the strength of our walls and the depth of our moat, that we have been able to defend it; and our only hope was, that our Sovereign Lord would send troops to save us. We trust the abbot has discovered some excellent scheme, and brought brave soldiers with whom we may yet subdue these barbarians. Any movement on our part must be undertaken wit the greatest wisdom and foresight, or it will be impossible to contend against the Eleuths.” The abbot said: “You generals have been here some time, so of course you possess a knowledge as to the position of the enemy’s camp and the means of approach thereto.” General Lau-King replied “I have here, a map of the position, and if the master sill look at it over, he will see at a glance the whole situation in every particular.” Having examined well the chart, the abbot said that we understood perfectly how he was placed; “to-morrow we will lead out our men, and find out what these barbarians are made of. I have a scheme for attacking them.”
The next morning the gates were opened, and the army marched forth. On this being reported to the Eleuth general Phen-Leng-Thien, he buckled on his shield, and mounted his horse; but on seeing nothing but a crowd of shaven priests, he laughed, and mockingly said: “I little thought during the years the Emperor of the Middle Kingdom has claimed my obedience, that he was supported by any army of priests. If you really intend to retire from the world, who do you not keep your vows; how dare you measure yourselves against me?” The abbot in a loud voice replied; “Dog of a barbarian! The Chinese have nothing in common with you Eleuths, any more then with lower animals; why will you rush into strife, and run blindly to your own destruction?” Phen-Leng-Thien, was greatly enraged at this, and shouted: “Will no one lay hands on this bald-headed priest”? One of the surrounding chefs responded to the call, and being armed with a long sword, galloped forward with a shout; but from behind the abbot, Choa-Tek-Tiong appeared like a flash of lightening, and with a knife in each hand, closed with the horseman. After thirty cuts and thrusts on either side, the issue was still undecided, but Tek-Tiong hitting upon a scheme, turned his horse and fled.
The Chief not seeing that this was merely a feint pursued hotly; Tek-Tiong drawing forth a copper bar, turned round suddenly, and struck the Eleuth on the left arm, on which he fell from his saddle with a terrible yell.
Png-Toa-Ang seeing that Tek-Tiong was victorious, waved the colours, and the whole army cheered lustily; this made Phen-Leng-Thien almost burst with rage, so spurring forward his horse, he rushed at Png-Toa-Ang; their horses met, and a terrible fight ensued between the two men. The Abbot perceiving that Phen-Leng-Thien was one of Heaven’s own heroes, and fearing that Tao-Ang would be overmatched, sounded the trumpets to recall the army. Now just at this time Toa-Ang was anxious to exhibit his prowess to the utmost, but on hearing the trumpet, he obeyed the signal, and retired with the rest; on seeing the Abbot, he said, “I was just going to put into effect a stratagem, why did you recall the troops? The abbot replied;” I perceive this man is a phenomenon of bravery, and I feared lest you would not be able to withstand him, for this reason I recalled you; this man must be attacked by strategy, it is hopeless to resist him by mere force. To-morrow I will carry out my schemes, and we shall certainly be victorious.”
The next day the Abbot called together all the brethren, and instructed them as follows.
“I find that there is a ravine called Hu-Tek valley, in which we can place an ambuscade, by which means we shall gain a complete victory. O-Tek-Te must take 30 of the brethren, and lie in wait on the left side of the valley; Ma-Thiau-Heng will take 20, and place them on the right side, of the same valley. Each man must be provided with plenty of dry wood, straw, sulphur, gunpowder and other combustibles, and mines consisting of shells and firebal must be set in the path way; Chhoa-Tek-Tiong, and Chhoa-Seng-Tso, with Low-Keng, will with 3,000 of the troops, attack the enemy opposed to him; Ng-Su-Tsuan, Png-Hui-Ho, and O-Sun-Hiang, will also take the same men, and attack the Eleuths, while Png-Toa-Ang will, by pretendng to fly, allure the enemy into the Hu-Tek valley; and when the signal guns shew that the Eleuths are entrapped, O-Tek-Te and Ma-Thiau-Heng, with their men will spring the mines, and our whole force will at once fall to kill and exterminate the barbarians.”
At the time appointed, the abbot took the brethren of his monastery with their horses, and stationing them in front of the whole army, cried with a loud voice “Phen-Leng-Thien, I, the old priest, adjure you to respond to the command of Heaven, and to follow the advice of men ; if you do this, you will be allowed to return home, and avoid calamity and disgrace. If you will not listen to my words, then truly I fear you will run to destruction, and I should be grieved that such a brave hero should perish miserably in this place.”
Phen-Leng-Thien being enraged, cried; “What is the advantage of so many words? Brng on your men and horses; I will this day see which of us is to gain the victory, or perish.”
The words were scarcely uttered, when he saw Chhoa-Tek-Tiong and Lau-Keng riding forward, flourishing their swords, and shouting the war cry; Phen-Leng-Thien in great wrath spurred on his horse and engaged both men. After several encounters had taken place, Png-Toa-Ang galloped up crying, “Here I am, I will take Phen-Leng-Thien.” On hearing this, Leng-Thien left Chhoa, and, Lau, and rushed on Toa-Ang, who after a few passes turned his horse, and fled towards the mouth of the Hu-tek ravine. Phen-Leng-Thien bing deceived by ths strategem, gave chase, and waved his whip for his men to follow.
When the abbot perceived that the Eleuths had entered the trap, he ordered the signal guns to be fired, and immediately the two priests, O-Tek-Te and Ma-Thiau-Heng, with their men, discharged incessantly their fire-arrows and sprung their mines; Heaven and earth were obscured by the blaze and smoke, and at one blow, more than 30,000 soldiers and 1,000 officers of the Eleuth army were annihilated.
Of the whole army, the general Phen-Leng-Thien alone escaped with his horse, and galloping into the mountain, he soon found the road so rugged and difficult, that he was obliged to dismount, abandon his horse, and walk like a common soldier, being only too happy to save his life, and comfort himself by thinking his time had not yet come.
The Eleuth little knew that by the Abbot’s commands, the Generals Chhoa, Ma, Ng, and O were lying in ambush in the road; when these men saw Phe(n)-Leng-Thien coming along, they could not help saying; “This excellent scheme of the Abbot is truly worthy of a spiritual being”! they then rushed forward, and under a discharge of fire-arrows, the brave and heroic Phe(n)-Leng-Thien succumbed to fate, and perished miserably at their hands. The above event took place on the 12th day of the 7th moon of the 13th year of the Emperor Kang-hi.
Having divined by lot for a propitious day, the army celebrated the victory, and marched back to the capital, On the day of their return, the Civil and Military Officials went outside the city to receive and welcome the conquerors, and as the brethren passed the gate of the fifth Court, a man came forward, and in a loud voice addressed the 128 priests:
“Behold the invincible heroes of the highest rank.
“Their courage and valour have never been equalled.”
At the Proper time, the priests were presented at the court, and passed in review before their Sovereign Lord. The whole army received awards, but the Emperor specially called before him the brethren, and wished to invest them with titles of nobility; but on hearing of his intention, all the priests excused themselves, and the Abbot on behalf of the brethren humbly addressed His Majesty as follows.
“Your servants having left their families, and retired from the world, do not desire an illustrious worldly reputation; they only pray that they may be allowed to return to their monastery, and pass their lives in the cultivation of virtue by the performance of good works; this being granted, they can never be sufficiently grateful for your Majesty's kindness and condescension.”
The Emperor hearing this, could not but accede to their request, but at the same time he presented them with 10,000 taels of gold, and having entertained them at a feast, gave permission for the priests to return to their monastery. Kang-Hi appointed the Minister Ten Kun Tat, (who as before narrated accompanied the army as Commissioner), to the Military Command of the O-Kong Province, and ordered him to proceed to his new post on the same day as the priests were leaving the capital.
Having thanked the Emperor, the priests withdrew from the Palace, and the Civil and Military Officials returned to their respective Yamens. Ten-Kun-Tat entertained the priests, his late comrades, at a farewell feast, where they talked over the dangers lately undergone while subduing the Eleuths, and congratulated each other on the splendid results of their labours. In view of seperation, they could scarcely find words to express their thoughts, so after taking a solemn oath of mutual brotherhood, thry bade farewell, and each party went its way.
Who would have imagined, that during the feast, two old rascally Officials who had not returned with the rest to their Yamen, had introduced themselves amongst the company, and heard everything. The names of these Officers were Tiun-Kien-Chhiu, and Tan-Hiong, both were of the highest rank of Prefect, and were on very bad terms with Kun-Tat, whom they had for a long time wished to ruin. Ten-Kun-Tat, was however a most honourable and much respected man, and as yet they had not been able to bring any charge against him. The two Officials had now seen him pledge himself to the priests by a solemn oath of brotherhood, so full of the affair, they returned to their Yamens, and concerted a most treacherous scheme.
The next morning they obtained an Audience of the Emperor, and petitioned His Majesty as follows.
“In your servant's opinion, the priests of the Siau-Lim monastery, by thus subduing the Eleuths, as easily as one could put on a suit of armour, have covered themselves with glory, and deserve to be handed down as heroes to thousands of generations. Truly these men are as fierce as wolves, and courageous as tigers; if their hearts only remain unchanged, then the Government will be safe and we may live in peace; but on the contrary, if their minds should change, then indeed the State will be endangered.”
“Besides this, Ten-Kun-Tat a man full of craft and intrigue, has cherished schemes of ambition and rebellion, but not having resources or power, and being also without confederates, he has not as yet dared to shew openly disaffection.”
“Now, however, he has obtained an oath of life and death, from the priests, and your Majesty has given him command over 10,000 soldiers; truly he is now as a tiger with the additional strength of wings, and as a fierce fire increased by oil; — he will immediately carry into practice his ambitious schemes, and the priests will respond to his call without fail. With all these auxiliaries, who will be able to oppose a man of such wolf-and-tiger-like disposition?”
The Emperor being deceived by the specious words of these two men, praised their zeal and fidelity in representing the affair, and immediately demanded of the nobles if they had any good scheme to propose, by which the band of conspirators should be utterly exterminated.
Kien-Chhiu repressing his joy at the Emperor's intentions, made his proposal as follows: —
“Your Minister has a plan; if it be followed out, though they make themselves wings, they will not be able to escape.
“Wait till the feast of the new year, and then send an Official with a proper escort of soldiers, to pretend that Your Majesty has sent an Imperial gift of wine with which the priests may keep the festival, At the same time, let the escort be provided with sulphur, saltpetre, gunpowder, and all kinds of combustibles. depend upon it, the priests will take in this scheme - At the same time, a Minister should be sent to Kun-Tat, with the red scarf.* as a punishment for his heinous crime of conspiracy to rebel. By thus doing, at one cast of the net we shall secure the whole party.”
* To strangle him.
Kang-hi joyfully expressed his approval, and ordered the scheme to be carried out according to the suggestions of the two men.
These two officials having received the sacred commands, on the morrow arranged their troops, and having put all things in order, each proceeded to his separate Province. Kien-Chhiu went straight to Hok-Kien, towards the Siau-lim monastery; on arriving at a place called the "Yellow Spring," he met on the road, a carter named Ma-ji-hok. Kien-Chhiu availing himself of the opportunity, employed the man's carriage, and quietly questioned him as to the most important road to the monastery. By gradual and careful enquiries, Kien-Chhiu got the most complete information from Ji-Hok, who replied to his questions in a most straightforward manner, and kept nothing back; and besides this he was quite glad to act as informer and guide, in order to avenge a blow he had received some time before, from an inmate of the monastery.
Kien-Chhiu was extremely pleased to find this out, and he felt very happy at seeing everything progressing so favourably; on approaching the monastery, the priests having received intelligence of his arrival, came forward to pay due respect to the Imperial Envoy, and to reverently receive His Majesty's Sacred Commands. The Abbot brought Kien-Chhiu into the Hall, and having invited him to take his seat in the most honourable place, they treated him every way in accordance with the rites and ceremonies, offering him tea and tobacco.
The Priests addressed Kien-Chhiu as follows. “We were guilty of some disrespect in not proceeding a sufficient distance to meet Your Excellency, but we humbly beg you will pardon our fault." Kien-Chhiu replied "How dare I call you disrespectful! On the contrary your behavior has gratified me very much. His Majesty fondly remembering your nobility of character, regrets his inability to visit you in person, but to shew clearly the benevolent intentions of his sacred mind, he has specially deputed me to present you with this gift of Imperial Wine, with which you may celebrate this feast of the new year.”
On hearing this, the priests were filled with gratitude for this act of condescension on the part of His Majesty. All took their proper seats in the large Hall, and taking the Imperial gift, were pouring out the wine, and about to drink, when a certain odour caused suspicion to all; — so the Abbot ̄taking in his hand his magic sword bequeathed to the brethren by the founder of the monastery, and dipping it in the jar of wine, immediately there arose a mephitic vapour which forced itself on all present, and made them fall to the ground with terror. After recovering themselves, the priests broke the jar of poisoned wine in pieces, and cursing the treacherous minister cried: "What ancient grudge have you against us, or what present injury have we done, that you should deceive His Majesty, and turn him against us to our destruction? Truly it is without cause that you have done this thing, and there is nothing for us but to defend ourselves with the force we have at our disposal; why await further injury?" After again cursing him, they seized Kien-Chhiu, and struck off his head, but at the same moment, they saw the mountain above, and the monastery within and without, illuminated by fire, which blazed up to heaven; everywhere, they were surrounded by the flames, and there appeared no way of escape. the conflagration continued for two hours, and it is hard to say how many perished in the flames, but only eighteen priests were seen, and they carrying the seal and magic sword of the founder, ran into the inner-hall, where they cast themselves before the image of Buddha, and piteously, with tears, implored his protection to save them. Suddenly, the Celestial Spirit, Tai-lo, exercising his Buddhistic powers, ordered his assistants Chu-khai and Chu-kang to open out black and yellow roads, by which the eighteen brethren were enabled to make their escape from the burning monastery.
At the break of day, these priests saw afar off, Ji-hok guiding a troop of Imperial soldiers, and pointing to the East and West; it immediately struck them that it was this man who had led the soldiers to the attack on the monastery, in revenge for the blow he had received some time before. The brethren determined that whatever should befall, they would at once take the opportunity of revenging themselves on Ji-hok, and this being done, they would consider further steps to take.
having made this decision, the priests rushed into the midst of the Chheng* soldiers, dragged out Ji-hok, and cut him into pieces; but the soldiers cried "kill these wicked priests," and as they had no weapons, and most of the priests had been wounded or burnt, they could do nothing against a body of armed men, so had no resource but to escape if possible by flight. They fled, till they arrived at a place of safety called the Long-Sandy Beach, outside the district of the Yellow Spring, and here they nearly perished of hunger and cold. As they were all on the river bank, two men, Chia Pang Heng and Go-teng Kui, fortunately came up, and rescued the brethren in their boat, where we will leave them for the present, and relate how Tan-Hiong having received the red scarf, proceeded on his Mission.
* The present dynasty is called Chheng or pure.
Tan-Hiong having received the Imperial Command, left the Capital, and went direct to the Military District of O-Kong, where Kun-Tat came forward to meet him; and Tan-Hiong seizing the opportunity, while in the road, read the Emperor's warrant, and, upbraided Kun-tat for conspiring to raise rebellion; he told him that excuses could be of no avail, and throwing around his neck the red scarf, Kun-tat was strangled, and his body dragged to a place called E-Kang-Boe. After this Tan-hiong recalled his troops, and they returned with him to the capital, where he reported the success of his mission.
The murder of Kun-tat caused great consternation to his followers, and deep was the grief of his relations when they saw their head taken from them by a violent death, for no cause whatever; they returned home, and carried the sad news to Kun-tat's father, wife, and children.
The whole family were at first stunned with grief, heaven and earth seemed to have deserted them: but after the first grief was over, the wife née Keoh-Siu-Eng, her son To-Tek, and her Sister-in-law Giok-Lien, with her son To-Hang, went with all their household, and recovering Kun-Tat's corpse from E-Kang-Boe, buried it peacefully in the family grave at San-Kong. After this, they performed the funeral ceremonies, and went into the deepest mourning.
We will now return to the five priests, Chhoa, Png, Ma, O, and Li; after shewing their gratitude to their preservers Chia, and Go, they proceeded to the Black Dragon Mountain, where they arrived at dusk, but found no place of shelter; after consultation, the brethren determined to go to the Ko-Khe Temple, and beg hospitality there.
The keeper of the Temple, Ng-Cchang-Seng, and his wife née Chiong, being persons of compassionate and just dispositions, listened to the prayers of the priests, opened the gates of the Temple, received them reverently, and gladly admitted the brethren, treating them in a most hospitable manner. During the night, the host and his wife conversed with their guests, and of course the priests related the sad tale of all their injuries they had received; the husband and wife being moved with pity, invited them to take up their abode at the temple, until they could devise means of avenging their wrongs.
Who could have imagined, that in half a month's time, the news of the priests' escape, and place of refuge, would get to the ears of the Mandarins? it however did reach them, and they sent troops to the temple, to arrest the brethren; luckily the priests received early information of the intentions of the officials, so, having expressed their gratitude to Chhiang-seng and his wife, they left the Ko-Khe temple, and escaped to the Province of O-Kong, to a temple called that of the “Spiritual King,” where they entered a monastery, and dwelt there.
For some time everything went quietly, and one day the five priests went for a stroll to E-Kang-Boe; coming to the bank of the river, they suddenly espied a censer floating down the stream; taking up the vase, they saw inscribed on it the characters, “The precious white censer”; it had two ears, its base was a tripod, and the whole was composed of green-stone.
The Brethren handed the incense-burner to each other, and in turning it about, they were exeedingly astonished at seeing on the bottom, the following characters engrave; “Overturn the "Chheng” and restore the "Beng"* When They had thoroughly comprehended the meaning of the legend, the brethren knelt before the censer and prayed. After this, they took up two broken pieces of coloured pottery, which were lying near the spot, and using these as divining blocks, threw them in the air three times in succession, and each time the pieces fell to the ground uninjured; this made the brethren still more astonished, so they again bowed before the censer, and prayed as follows.
* Hoan Chheng Hok Beng.
“If at a future time we are to succeed in avenging our wrongs and oppression, grant us again three favourable casts in succession.”
They again threw the two pieces of pottery three times in the air, and thrice was a favourable answer given. The brethren at once prostrated themselves in gratitude, and taking stalks of grass, used them as incense sticks, and inserted them in the censer; they then all imitated the ancient Lau-pi, Kwan-ü and Tiun-hui, and took a solemn oath of mutual fidelity.
Suddenly there appeared in the censer, a magic book of fate; all saw it clearly, and were extremely delighted. but as we know, “Walls have ears,” and all this was overheard by the Imperial soldiers, who immediately surrounded the brethren, crying, “seize and bind these rebellious priests.” The priests taking up the censer, with united strength cut away through the troops, and escaped. Now this affair took place near the spot where Keoh-siu-eng with her sister in law and their children were sacrificing at Kun-tat's grave, and while employed in this duty, they heard a voice, and suddenly there were appeared rising from the earth a sword, on the hilt of which were engraved the characters. “Two Dragons disputing a pearl” and on the blade "Overturn the Chheng and restore the Beng - Just as they had deciphered the characters, they heard a cry of “save life.” The sisters-in-law took up the sword, and rushing to the spot, saw the Imperial troops; so making a trial of the sword, they rushed at the soldiers, and slaughtered a great number of them, thus rescuing the five priests.
The sisters-in-law called the brethren to the mound of the grave, and questioned them as to the circumstances under which they had been attacked; the five priests related their sad story from beginning to end, and told how much they had suffered from treachery and deceit.
After hearing their tale, the Lady Koeh knew that these were the men who had taken the oath of brotherhood with her late husband, and that like him they were victims of the treacherous minister; she was therefore moved with compassion towards the priests, and pointing to the grave, related in turn her story, from which the priests learned they were before the tomb of Kun-tat, and they immediately knelt down, and prayed for assistance, protesting with tears against the injustice they were suffering.
The Lady Koeh approached the kneeling priests, and exhorting them to calm their grief, said, “This is no place to linger. I invite you to come to my humble dwelling, and abide there a day or two before returning to the monastery; this will be safer, and will not dely you much.”
It was unnecessary to say that the priests gladly accepted the invitation, and remained with the lady some days, until they could with safety return to the Temple of the “Spiritual King.”
It is now necessary to bring to notice five men, named Go-thien-seng, Png-tai-iu, Li-sck-te, Tho-pit-tat, and Lim-eng-Chiau. These men were originally employed as horse dealers in the provinces of Che-Kiang and Shantung; one day they were accidently passing the temple of the "Spiritual Temple," where they met the five priests, Choah, Pung, Ma, Li, and Ho. The horse-dealers entered the temple, and held a conversation with the priests, after which they united with them as brothers, swearing to assist them to the death in avenging their wrongs.
There was also a Taoist named Tan-Kin-lam, a hermit dwelling in the cave of the “White Heron.” One day he was visiting the surrounding villages, (Where he had gained a great reputation by reciting Taoist Scriptures, and was much honoured for his good deeds) he met four men, Tho-hong, Toleng, Ho-Khai, and Tan-phiau, who communicated with him by secret signs and ambiguous sayings, made known to Kin-lam that they wished to go to the Temple to meet with the five priests, Choah, Pung, Ma, Ho, and Li. They all proceeded towards the Temple, but on arriving there found that the priests had been harassed and pursued by the Mandarin troops, who managed to get to a place called the Dragon and Tiger Mountain, where they met with the five Tiger Generals, Go-thien-seng, Png-hui-sing, Tiun-keng-Chiau, Iun-bun-tso, and Lim-tai-kang, who brought the priests up to the mountain, received them kindly, and hearing their story, pitied them exceedingly.
The Tiger Generals asked the priests to stay with them two or three months, and promised at the end of that period to go with them to the Flowery Pavilion of Hung,† where they would gather their soldiers and horses, and assemble brave heroes from every quarter, in order to exterminate the treacherous officials, and wipe out the grievances and wrongs suffered by the brethren. How excellent were their intentions?
† Ang-hoa-Teng The priests agreed with joy to the plan, and when the time arrived, the mountain camp was broken up, and all proceeded in order to the Hung Pavilion, where Kin-lam and his companions joined them.
Without further delay, the whole party, being arranged with the proper ceremonies according to rank, sat down, and the priests questioned Kin-lam as follows;
“What is the honourable surname and name of our honourable Taoist brother, who has this day favoured us with his presence, and what instruction can be impart to us”? Kin-lan answered; “My unworthy surname is Tan, and my insignificant name is Kin-lam; formerly I was a high Minister at the Court of this “Chheng” Dynasty, and having gained high honours at the Han-lim College, I was promoted to a seat at the Board of War. Seeing that the reins of Government were in the hands of a clique of treacherous ministers, and worthless favourites, I retired from office, and entered the Taoist priesthood.”
“Hearing that you virtuous and patriotic gentlemen, are about to raise the banner of justice and righteousness, I wish to join in your plans, and to assist in driving out the traitorous officials, and in avenging the foul injuries you have received.”
All assembled were delighted, and cried with a loud voice; “Fortunate indeed is it, that the master is come to assist us; now certainly, the traitors must be exterminated, and our oppressions avenged; we beg the master will at once divine for us a lucky day, on which we may all renew our oath, and raise soldiers for the great work.”
Kin-lam acceded to the request, and before the whole company assembled in the Hall, the 25th day of the 7th moon at the hour Thiu, was the date chosen for the renewal of the oath, by mixing blood.
The 15th day of the 8th moon was selected, as the day on which to sacrifice to the standards, and put in motion the army.
As a sign that these were auspicious dates, the Southern Sky suddenly opened, and the characters Thien-yen-kok-sik; (“A pattern of the celestial Palace”) were displayed. Kin-lam having accepted this new omen as favourable, the whole assembly adopted these four characters for the flag, around which to rally their adherents. On the same day, they also recruited one hundred and seven men, and besides these, there appeared a youth who offered himself; on the priests enquiring his name, he replied; “I am no other than Chu-hung-chok, the grandson of the late Emperor Chungcheng; the son of concubine Li-sien.”
On hearing this, all bowed down before the youth, and acknowledged him as their sovereign Lord.—Kin-lam was appointed Commander in Chief and Sin-seng, or Grand master; Ho-khai and Tan phiau were made Brigadiers, and Tho-hong with Tho-leng received commissions as Generals of the advanced guard and pioneers;—Go, Ang, Li, To, and Lim, were appointed Generals of the Left Wing; and Go, Pang, Tiun, Iun, and Lim, generals of the Right.
The five priests were appointed as generals in Chief of the rear guard.
Having arranged the Pavilion, all the assembly mixed blood and took the oath of fidelity, when suddenly a man named So-Ang-Kong was announced. Kin-lam, seeing that the new-comer was a person of great ability, appointed him after casting lots, as the Sien Hong or Vanguard, to clear the way for the army by bridging over rivers. As Kin-lam was making this appointment, a red light shone in the eastern heavens, and Kin-lam availinbg himself of the omen, and being filled with righteous intentions, changed the name of So-Kong to Thien-yu-hung or “Heaven will protect the “Hung.” The brotherhood assumed the surname of “Hung” or “universal” and adopted the words “Obey Heaven and walk righteously” as their motto.(*)
* Sun Thien, heng To. (In the original text, the foot note appears, but the place it comes from is not marked, it apparently matches with “Obey Heaven and walk righteously” Sun Thien, heng To ＝ 順天行德)
On the appointed day, having sacrificed to the standards, the army was set in motion, and the first day they marched to the “Ban-hun” Mountain in Chet-Kang. On this mountain dwelt a man, Ban-hun-lung, whose native place was Hu-po, in the prefecture of Tai Chhang.
This man's original name was Tah-chung, but having retired from the world, and entered the priesthood, he had taken the name “Ho-buan.”
At home he had left three sons, Heng, Seng, and Phiu, and the reason he abandoned his family was, because about the middle of the year, he had killed a man. Ban-lung was nine feet high, his face was like a large hand-basin; his head was as large a peck measure, and his hair and whiskers were red.—In his hands, Ban-lung carried a pair of dragon maces, and his strength was equal to that of 10,000 ordinary men,—he was irresistible. On the day in question, he was sitting at leisure on the mountain, and beholding a body of men and horses passing, he discerned amongst them, the banner of the Buddhist priests; being at a loss to make out the meaning of the procession, he descended to ask the reason of such an assemblage. On approaching the Army, Ban-lung became moved by a spirit of justice and righteousness, and was forced to cry out; “Oh Princes, if you do not undertake the fulfilment of Heaven's decrees, and redress all the injustice that has been perpetrated against you, you are no true men. If you will not reject your young brother, i would follow in your train, and with you, rectify all the injustice under which you have suffered so long; I scarcely dare hope that you will deign to accept my poor assistance.” The brethren seeing Ban-lung to be a man of such powers, were rejoiced to enlist him, and at once agreed to appoint him as Generalissimo, and obey him as their “Toa-ko,” or elder brother. Ban-lung accepted the post without hesitation, and conducted the Army to the “Phoenix Mountain,” where they pitched their camp. Ban-lung then went forward, and led the brethren against the “Chheng” army; the metallic drums of either army were beaten loudly, and the soldiers closed with each other; great was the slaughter on both sides, and after several engagements, the “Chheng” army was utterly defeated. Having gained the victory, our army returned joyfully to their camp, but the proverb says, “the planning of an affair is with men, but the carrying of it out is with heaven.”† The Tao-ko, Ban-lung, again took out the army to battle, and before three encounters were over, his horse stumbling on the rocky ground, he fell, and uttering a single groan, died. The whole army, on seeing that Ban-lung had perished, exerted their utmost strength, and cutting their way through the enemy, carried away his body, and arriving at their camp, buried their general in peace. Truly this was a lamentable affair!
† Bo su, Tsai Jin; Seng su, tsai Thien.
The Grand Master, Kin-lam, alone was aware by his powers of divination, that Ban-lung must perish about the middle of the 8th moon, and that it is impossible for a human being to escape his destiny; so going in front of the army, he exhorted them saying;
“It is impossible to elude the great account, and ban-lung was fated to perish in this manner; our brethren must not give way to grief; it is next to impossible to restore the dead, the best thing we can do, is to transform the body of our deceased general by cremation, and bury the ashes at the foot of this mountain. Let the place of burial be an octagonal plot of ground, facing the Jim and Sin points of the compass.” —This was done, and in front of the grave was erected, a nine storied Pagoda, behind a twelve peaked hill. The whole army assisted as one man, and in a day the burial was accomplished properly.
The Sien-Seng, Kin Lam, erected a tomb stone, and on this tablet were engraved six characters; to each character was added the character “Sui,” or water.
After the funeral ceremonies were concluded, the Sien-seng Kin-Lam, addressed the army, saying; “Since Ban Lung's death, I have consulted the fates, and by divination, I perceived that the destiny of the “Chheng” Dynasty is not yet fulfilled; if we from day to day contend with the Imperialists, we shall only be wasting our strength. The best thing to be done, is that the whole of our brethren disperse, each man to his own dwelling, and his own province, disguising his name and surname, and enlisting as a many brave heroes as possible to join the good cause. We will remain quietly until the intentions of Heaven are changed, and then as easily as putting on a suit of armour, we will restore the "Beng" dynasty, and avenge our long standing grievances. the whole army agreed to this with acclamation, and all followed Kin-lam's advice; but before parting, they in public assembly, established the Thien-Te-Hui, and divided the Society into five banners or lodges, inventing verses, characters, and pass words, by which the members could be mutually recognised, until the day shall arrive when they will be able to overturn the Chheng Dynasty, and fully restore the Beng to their rightful Empire.”
Return to Sources for the Legend of the Burning of the Southern Shaolin Monastery
Return to Yokoiscool