Tang Bed Notes Novel Interpretation and Translation

Author: Shen Lüwei
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-05-01
Features: This book selects approximately 300 excerpts from Tang and Song dynasty anecdotal novels featuring lively and healthy plots, as well as moving and intricate descriptions, for annotation and translation. These serve as valuable materials for studying the social customs and folk culture of the time, as well as delightful reading for enjoyment.
Excerpt: Portrait Gallery Original text In the 17th year of the Zhenguan era, Emperor Taizong of Tang painted the portraits of 24 meritorious officials from Taiyuan who rebelled against the Sui dynasty① and the Qin Mansion②, including Zhao Gong Changsun Wuyi, Prince of Hejian Li Xiaogong, Cai Gong Du Ruhui, Zheng Gong Wei Zheng, Liang Gong Fang Xianling, Shen Gong Gao Shiliian, E Gong Yuchi Jinde, Yun Gong Zhang Liang, Chen Gong Hou Junji, Lu Gong Cheng Zhijie, Yongxing Gong Yu Shennan, Yu Gong Liu Zhenghui, Ju Gong Tang Jian, Ying Gong Li Lü, Hu Gong Qin Shubao, etc., in the Lingxian Pavilion. Emperor Taizong personally wrote inscriptions for them, Chu Suiliang③ inscribed the pavilion④, and Yan Liben⑤ painted them. Later, when Hou Junji was executed for treason, Emperor Taizong bid farewell to him, tears in his eyes, saying, "I will no longer include you in the Lingxian Pavilion."
From New Tales of the Great Tang Dynasty
Annotations ① Taiyuan Rebellion: Li Shimin launched a rebellion against the Sui dynasty in Taiyuan. ② Qin Mansion: Emperor Gaozu of Tang enfeoffed Li Shimin as Prince of Qin, and those who followed him in the Qin Mansion were his loyal followers in the war for unification. ③ Chu Suiliang: A minister of Emperor Taizong, renowned calligrapher. ④ Pavilion: A small tower. ⑤ Yan Liben: A famous painter of the Tang Dynasty.
Interpretation In the 17th year of the Zhenguan era (643 AD), Emperor Taizong of Tang placed the portraits of 24 meritorious officials from the Taiyuan rebellion and the Qin Mansion—Zhao Gong Changsun Wuyi, Prince of Hejian Li Xiaogong, Cai Gong Du Ruhui, Zheng Gong Wei Zheng, Liang Gong Fang Xianling, Shen Gong Gao Shiliian, E Gong Yuchi Jinde, Yun Gong Zhang Liang, Chen Gong Hou Junji, Lu Gong Cheng Zhijie, Yongxing Gong Yu Shennan, Yu Gong Liu Zhenghui, Ju Gong Tang Jian, Ying Gong Li Lü, Hu Gong Qin Shubao, etc.—in the Lingxian Pavilion. Emperor Taizong personally wrote commendatory inscriptions for the officials in the pavilion. The plaque of the pavilion was written by the renowned calligrapher Chu Suiliang. The portraits were painted by the famous artist Yan Liben. Later, Hou Junji was executed for treason, and before his execution, Emperor Taizong bid farewell to him, tears in his eyes, saying, "I believe you are no longer among those included in the Lingxian Pavilion."