Liu Gong An "

Author: (Qing) Anonymous, compiled by Zhao Wencheng and Zhao Ximin
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: "The Case of Lord Liu" is a fictionalized story based on the Qing official Liu Yong. It belongs to the genre of "gushi," a form of narrative singing that combines spoken and sung elements, making it very engaging. Under the Great Qing Dynasty, the empire was unified, the military was strong, and the people lived in peace. All nations came to pay tribute, and virtuous ministers like Liu Yong emerged. His words were as eloquent as those of Confucius and Mencius. This official, originally from Shandong, was born to support the Great Qing. After reciting a few fragments of this book, I shall not elaborate further.
The story begins in the reign of Emperor Qianlong of our dynasty, when a capable minister appeared. His ancestors were from Zhucheng County, Qingzhou Prefecture, Shandong. This minister was the son of the late Elder Liu Tongxun. His name was Liu Yong, also known as "Luo Guo" (hunchback). Born into a hereditary official family, he was personally appointed by Emperor Qianlong as the magistrate of Jinling Jiangning Prefecture.
Given the urgency of his appointment, he could not delay. On the auspicious day, he set off for Jinling Jiangning Prefecture, taking only one young servant, Zhang Lu. 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, then turned west along the main street and exited Zhangyi Gate. They hired two donkeys at the gate and set off on the road.
Elder Liu, determined to reach Jinling, traveled from small wells to large wells, passed through Zhijing Slope, and continued west. The donkeys moved swiftly, and soon they passed the famous "Morning Moon over Lugou Bridge." 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, Elder Liu and Zhang Lu resumed their journey.
This book does not delve into the "Peach Blossom Inn." Instead, they directly headed along the road to Hejian. After stopping for a bite in Dezhou, they breezed through En County and Jining. They boarded a boat at Bao Village and Wang Family Camp, crossed the Yellow River, and continued onward.
The journey is too long to detail in song, but one day, they caught sight of Jinling City. As Elder Liu and Zhang Lu were walking, they saw the city of Jinling. After resting at Shili Bao, they hired two more donkeys and rode onward. This part of the story need not be further elaborated.