Water Margin. Illustrated Edition

Author: Shi Nai'an (Ming Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: Not available
Features: The introductory verse reads: "In the secluded corners of the book forest, how many noble scholars have emerged. Fickle fame and profit do not concern them. Carving ice and shearing snow, they laugh while wielding the Wu hook. They comment on the past kings and emperors, distinguishing truth from falsehood and dominating the Central Plains. The seven states troubled the Spring and Autumn period in chaos. The rise and fall were as fragile as willows, and their lifespans were like empty boats. They have seen countless names gain fame, countless portraits painted, and countless names flee fame. Suddenly, a new moon rises over a long river, and the Jianghu changes from ancient paths to fertile fields. Surprised by the futility of fishing in the trees, like a destitute monkey choosing trees, they fear the distant of the bowstring. It is better to raise the cup in hand and listen to the new melody. The poem goes: "In the chaos of the Five Dynasties, the sky suddenly clears and the sun reappears. Plants nurtured by new rain and dew for a hundred years, and the old mountains and rivers under the rule of a single empire. In ordinary alleys, 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 sun. This poem was written by a famous scholar named Shao Yaofu, styled Kangjie, in the court of Emperor Shenzong of the former Song Dynasty, lamenting the endless warfare of the late Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties. At that time, the court belonged to the Liang Dynasty in the morning and the Jin Dynasty in the evening, hence the saying: "Zhu, Li, Shi, Liu, and Guo, Liang, Tang, Jin, Han, and Zhou, fifteen emperors in total, fifty years of chaos." Later, moved by the cycle of heaven, a sage descended from the Jia Ma Camp and gave birth to Emperor Taizu of the Wude era. This sage, born under red light and with an extraordinary fragrance that lasted for days, was said to be the descent of the Thunderbolt Immortal from the upper realm. He was brave and wise, unmatched by any emperor in history. With a staff as tall as his body, he conquered four hundred prefectures, making them all bear the surname Zhao. This emperor pacified the world and unified the Central Plains, establishing the Great Song Dynasty with Bianliang as its capital. He was the first among nine emperors and eight emperors, and the founder of a four-hundred-year dynasty. Therefore, Shao Yaofu praised: "When the clouds clear, the sky reappears." Just as the people saw the light of day again. Not only did this scholar compose this verse, but at that time, Chen Tuan, a recluse from Mount Hua in the west, was a man of high virtue and wisdom, able to discern the colors of wind and clouds. One day, riding a donkey down the mountain, he was walking along the Huayang Road when he heard travelers talking: "Now, Emperor Qianzong of the Eastern Capital has abdicated in favor of Zhao Jian, the Imperial Commissioner, who has ascended the throne." Upon hearing this, 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 match between heaven, earth, and humanity." From the year Gengshen, when he received the abdication, he established the dynasty and reigned for seventeen years, bringing peace to the world. After his death, the throne passed to his younger brother, Emperor Taizong, who reigned for twenty-two years, and then to Emperor Zhenzong, and finally 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 edict, inviting physicians to treat the prince. Moved by this, the Jade Emperor sent Taibai Xingjun to descend, transforming into an old man who came to the edict, claiming he could cure the prince's crying. The officials led him to the palace, where he met Emperor Zhenzong. An edict 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 Ziwei Palace to assist this emperor. Wen Qu was Bao Zheng, the chief of the Kaifeng Prefecture and the Lord of the Dragon Picture Pavilion, and 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, reigned 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, these nine years were also prosperous, called the "Second Ascend." From the fourth year of Huanglu to the second year of Jiaguo, these nine years saw a bountiful harvest, called the "Third Ascend." For a total of twenty-seven years, this era was known as the "Three Ascends." The people enjoyed some happiness. But who knew that extreme joy breeds sorrow: In the third year of Jiaguo, a plague broke out across the land, from Jiangnan to the two capitals, infecting people everywhere. Reports came in from all provinces like snowflakes. In the capital, the majority of the military and civilians were affected. Bao Zheng, the chief of Kaifeng Prefecture, personally used funds from the Benevolent and Relief Bureau to compound 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 dispel the plague. Not because of this matter, how could the Thirty-Six Heavenly Stars descend to the mortal world, and the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends appear among humans, shaking the heavens and earth of the Song Dynasty and stirring the realm of the Zhao family. The poem goes: "The people thrive under heaven's nurturing, in the era of the Three Ascends, joy knows no bounds. Who knew that the land of music and harmony would turn into a battlefield of swords and spears. In the Water Margin Village, heroes gather, and in Liangshan Marsh, the brave assemble. To analyze the rise and fall of chaos, it is all the work of yin and yang."