Water Margin - Illustrated Edition

Author: (Ming) Shi Nai'an, Luo Guanzhong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-01
Features: The introductory verse reads: "In the secluded corners of the book forest, how many noble scholars there are. Fames and fortunes mean nothing to them. Carving ice and cutting snow, they laugh while wielding the Wu hook. Discussing the past kings and future emperors, they divide truth from falsehood and occupy the Central Plains. The seven heroes the Spring and Autumn period. Rise and fall like brittle willows, life like a hollow boat. Seeing countless names gain fame, countless images are made, and even more flee fame. Suddenly, a new moon rises over the long river, the Jianghu changes into ancient roads. Surprised at seeking fish by climbing trees, as if a destitute monkey chooses trees, afraid of the bowstring hitting the distant crooked tree. It's better to cover the cup in hand and listen to the new songs and tunes. The poem goes: "In the chaos of the Five Dynasties, the sky suddenly clears and the sun appears. Plants and trees, nourished by new rain and dew for a hundred years, cover the land for ten thousand miles. In the ordinary alleys, fine silks and satins are displayed, and in several towers, musical instruments are played. People enjoy the days of peace and prosperity, with orioles and peonies sleeping endlessly in the high sun. This poem was written by a famous scholar in the court of Emperor Shen Zong of the former Song Dynasty, named Shao, styled Yaofu, and known as the Taoist name Kangjie. It was composed to lament the endless warfare in the of the Five Dynasties. At that time, the court belonged to the Liang Dynasty in the morning and the Jin Dynasty in the evening, truly meaning: Zhu, Li, Shi, Liu, and Guo, fifteen emperors in total, causing chaos for fifty years. Later, moved by the cycle of heaven, a sage named Taizu, the Martial Emperor, was born in the Jia Ma Camp. This sage, with red light filling the sky and a strange fragrance lingering for days, was believed to be the descent of the Thunderbolt Immortal from the upper realm. He was brave, wise, and generous, unmatched by any emperor in history. With a staff as tall as his body, he conquered four hundred military prefectures, making them all Zhao. This emperor pacified the world and calmed the Central Plains, establishing the Great Song Dynasty with Bianjing as its capital. He was the head of nine dynasties and eight emperors, founding a dynasty that lasted four hundred years. Therefore, Master Shao Yaofu praised: "Once the clouds clear, the sky reappears." Just as the people saw the light of day again. Not only did this scholar compose the praise, but at that time, a Taoist scholar named Chen Tuan lived on Mount Hua in the west. He was a virtuous and wise man who could discern the colors of the wind and clouds. One day, riding a donkey down the mountain, he was walking along the Huayin road when he heard travelers talking: "Now, Emperor Qianzong of the capital has abdicated in favor of Zhao Jian, the Imperial Commissioner, to ascend the throne." Upon hearing this, Master Chen Tuan rejoiced, placing his hands on his forehead and laughing loudly on his donkey. When asked why, he replied: "The world will now be at peace. It is a perfect match with the heavens above, the earth below, and harmony among people." From the year Gengshen, when he received the abdication, he ascended the throne and ruled for seventeen years, bringing peace to the world. After his death, the throne passed to his younger brother, Emperor Taizong, who ruled for twenty-two years before passing it to Emperor Zhenzong. Emperor Zhenzong then passed the throne to Emperor Renzong. This Emperor Renzong was the Red-Footed Immortal from the upper realm. At birth, he cried day and night. The court issued an imperial edict, offering a reward for anyone who could cure the prince. Moved by this, the Jade Emperor sent the White Dragon Jinxian to the mortal world, transforming into an old man to the edict and cure the prince's crying. The officials leading him to the palace introduced him to Emperor Zhenzong. The emperor ordered him to enter the inner courtyard to examine the prince. The old man went to the palace, held the prince, and whispered eight words in his ear, after which the prince stopped crying. The old man did not reveal his name but vanished in a gust of wind, whispering the eight words: "There are Wen Qu and Wu Qu." Indeed, the Jade Emperor had sent two stars from the Purple Micro Palace to assist this emperor. Wen Qu was Bao Zheng, the chief of the Kaifeng Prefecture and the Lord of the Dragon Diagram Pavilion, while Wu Qu was Di Qing, the great marshal of the Western Xia campaign. These two virtuous ministers came to assist. This emperor, known as Emperor Renzong, ruled for forty-two years, changing nine reign names. From the first year of Tiansheng (Genghai) to the ninth year, the world was at peace, with abundant harvests, prosperous people, and no stolen goods or locked doors at night. These nine years were called the "First Ascend." From the year Mingdao to the third year of Huanglu, the next nine years were also prosperous, called the "Second Ascend." From the fourth year of Huanglu to the second year of Jiaguo, the next nine years saw a bountiful harvest, called the "Third Ascend." For a total of twenty-seven years, this era was known as the "Triple Ascend." At that time, the people enjoyed some happiness. But who would have thought that joy could turn to sorrow: In the spring of the third year of Jiaguo, a plague spread across the land, from Jiangnan to the two capitals, infecting people everywhere. Reports came from all over the country like snowflakes. In the capital, both soldiers and civilians were heavily affected. Bao Zheng, the chief of Kaifeng Prefecture, personally contributed his salary to the Huimin Heji Bureau to mix medicine and treat the people. But the plague only worsened. The civil and military officials gathered in the Dailou Courtyard to wait for the early morning court session, reporting to the emperor and praying to ward off the plague. Without this incident, how could the Thirty-Six Heavenly Stars descend to the mortal world, and the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends appear among the people, shaking the heavens and earth of the Song Dynasty and stirring the state of the Zhao family. The poem goes: "In the midst of nurturing, the people live in harmony, in the Triple Ascend, joy is endless. Who knew that the land of music and drums would turn into a land of swords and spears. In the Water Margin Village, heroes gather, in Liangshan Marsh, heroes unite. To analyze the rise and fall of chaos, it is all part of the work of yin and yang."