Tai Shan 100 Questions

Author: Li Guo'ai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features:
14. Is there really a "Qiu Zai Bay"? Qiu Zai Bay is located north of Lüzu Cave in Shuxi River within today's Tiger Mountain Park. It is named after historical records stating that a Qiu (a mythical water creature) transformed into a dragon and flew away from the bay. According to the Ming Dynasty's Records of Mount Tai by Song Tao, it is recorded: "In the past, Lü Gong inscribed a poem on the stone wall, and a Qiu often bowed in reverence before it. One night, Lü Gong returned and pointed at its forehead with his brush, and it then transformed into a dragon and flew away." Local legends say that the Qiu was originally a divine creature who moved here due to an eye ailment. Knowing that Lü Dongbin had attained immortality in a stone cave to the south of the bay, the Qiu transformed into a child, swaying its head and reciting his poems. Lü Dongbin looked back and found the child seemed to understand poetry well, so he lightly touched its face with his brush. This seemingly trivial act caused a sudden gale, with the sky darkening and the earth trembling. A water column rose from the bay, and the divine Qiu flew away on the wind. It turned out that Lü Dongbin had just touched the Qiu's eye, and the creature instantly regained its clarity of vision, returning to the dragon palace. Thus, the place where the divine Qiu once resided was named Qiu Zai Bay, and the spot where Lü Dongbin inscribed his poem was named Fei Qiu Ridge. Later, when Lü Dongbin passed by this area, he wrote another poem in Lüzu Cave: "In the past, I left words to recognize those who came before. My deeds have spread across the land and sea. The mischievous Qiu and dragon knew my name, leaving traces that were not buried."
15. What amusing event happened at "The Three Laughs"? Southwest of the memorial arch outside Puzhao Temple's Yunmen, there is a large stone resembling an ox lying on the ground, inscribed with the words "The Three Laughs." Though the scenery is not particularly striking, it often draws people to stop and ponder the story behind it. Legend has it that three elderly men in good health often wandered around Puzhao Temple. One day, they met and sat around this large stone, exchanging pleasantries before discussing their secrets to longevity. One old man said, "A hundred steps after meals prolong life to ninety-nine." The second said, "Save a bite when eating, and you won’t be called away at a hundred." The third said, "I’ve lived to ninety-nine only because my wife is ugly!" Upon hearing this, the three laughed heartily. Later, to commemorate the old men’s longevity wisdom, the words "The Three Laughs" were carved onto the stone where they discussed their secrets. Three common sayings, one joke—yet they hold a touch of life’s philosophy.
There is another legend: In the past, a greedy and lustful county official, tyrannical and arrogant, went to Puzhao Temple for a leisurely outing. Outside the southern gate of the temple, he spotted a beautiful girl working and was instantly tempted to take her as a concubine. He ordered his men to bring her away. The girl, terrified, tried to hide everywhere, shouting for help. A weak woman could hardly resist the ravenous officials. Just as the girl was about to be taken away, an elderly woman with white hair emerged from behind the stone, ordering, "Stop!" and furiously asking the county official, "Under the bright sky, why are you abducting my granddaughter?" The county official boasted, "Since she is your granddaughter, I’ll be honest—I’ve taken a liking to her. I’ll take her back as my mistress!" "Taking away my granddaughter won’t be difficult—just meet me on one condition!" "Give me gold or silver—quickly!" "I don’t want gold or silver. Just laugh three times, and this stone will shake three times, and you can take my granddaughter!" "You dare to mock me?" "Don’t hurry. If I laugh three times and this stone doesn’t shake, I’ll let you take my granddaughter!"