Liu Gong An "

Author: Anonymous
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Liu Gong An is a fictionalized story based on the Qing Dynasty official Liu Yong. It belongs to the genre of gushi (a form of narrative singing), combining spoken and sung elements with a mix of prose and verse, making it very engaging. Under the unified rule of the Great Qing, the military was strong and the people lived in peace. All nations came to pay tribute, and the court produced the virtuous minister Liu Yong. His words were as eloquent as those of Confucius and Mencius. This official was originally from Shandong Province. Born with the destiny to support the Great Qing, after reciting a few lines from this book, I shall not elaborate further.
The story begins in the reign of Emperor Qianlong of our dynasty, when a capable minister emerged. His ancestors were from Zoucheng County, Qingzhou Prefecture, Shandong Province. This official was the son of the late Elder Liu Tongxun and was named Liu Yong, also known as Luoguo (hunchback). Originally a (hereditary scholar), he was now favored by Emperor Qianlong, who personally appointed him as the magistrate of Jinling Jiangning Prefecture.
Given the urgency of his appointment, he dared not delay. On the auspicious day, he set off for Jinling Jiangning Prefecture, taking only one young servant, Zhang Lu, without his family. The two disguised themselves, with Zhang Lu carrying bedding on his shoulder. They left Haidai Gate, turned west, followed the city wall to Xuanwu Gate, crossed the drawbridge, and headed south to Caisikou. Turning west again, they followed the main street and exited Zhangyi Gate, hiring two donkeys at the gate. The two mounted the donkeys and headed east.
Liu Yong, focused on reaching Jinling, passed through small wells to large wells, crossed the Zhijing Slope, and continued west. The donkeys moved swiftly, and soon they passed the Lugu Bridge at Dawn (a famous scenic spot). Before them lay Changxin Inn. There was no need to mention changing donkeys in Liangxiang County. After a meal in the southern suburbs of Zhuozhou, Liu Yong and Zhang Lu resumed their journey.
This book does not delve into the Taohua Inn story but instead follows a direct route to Hejian via the main road. Passing through Dezhou for a meal, they swiftly moved through En County and Jining Prefecture. They boarded a boat at Bao Village, crossed the Yellow River, and continued their journey. The song does not detail the entire journey, but one day, they saw the distant city of Jinling.
As Liu Yong and Zhang Lu were traveling, they spotted Jinling City. After resting at Shili Bao, they hired two more donkeys and continued onward. The rest of the story need not be recounted.