The Encounter with Yun Zhongzi

King Zhou was delighted to hear Yun Zhongzi's words and said, "Listening to your words, I feel invigorated, as if I were beyond the mundane world, truly feeling as rich and noble as floating clouds. However, I wonder, where is your abode, and for what purpose have you come to see me? Please, elaborate." Yun Zhongzi replied, "I reside in the Yu Zhu Cave on Mount Zhongnan. I am known as Yun Zhongzi. Recently, while I was peacefully gathering herbs on the high peaks, I sensed a sinister aura in the Chaoge city and an ominous presence within the royal palace. With a clear heart and benevolent thoughts, I have come to see Your Majesty and rid the palace of this malevolent enchantment."

King Zhou chuckled, saying, "The palace is heavily guarded and sealed off. It's impossible for any evil spirits to enter. Perhaps you are mistaken." Yun Zhongzi smiled and replied, "Your Majesty, if you were aware of the presence of malevolent forces, they would not dare approach. It is precisely because you are unaware that they can manipulate and deceive. If left unchecked, this could lead to great harm. I have a poem to illustrate this:

Lustrous and enchanting, they beguile the heart,

Piercing skin and bone, stealing vitality away.

If you recognize these true malevolent spirits,

Many in the world would avoid a dreadful fate."

King Zhou asked, "What can be used to suppress these malevolent forces in the palace?" Yun Zhongzi unveiled a wooden sword from his basket, saying, "Your Majesty, this sword, carved from pine, is called 'Jue Que.' Its wondrous properties are known to few. Even though it lacks the radiance of precious gems, within three days, it can dispel malevolent energy."

After explaining, Yun Zhongzi handed the sword to King Zhou, who asked, "Where should this item be placed?" Yun Zhongzi replied, "Hang it in the secondary palace, and within three days, you will see the results." King Zhou immediately ordered an attendant, saying, "Hang this sword in the secondary palace." The attendant took the sword and left.

King Zhou then said to Yun Zhongzi, "With such extraordinary skills and knowledge of yin and yang, and the ability to detect malevolent forces, why do you not abandon Mount Zhongnan and serve in my court? You could hold prominent positions, achieve fame in future generations, and enjoy wealth and glory. Why choose to remain obscure and unknown?" Yun Zhongzi replied, "Your Majesty, I am a recluse of the mountains and forests, ignorant of the ways of governing and maintaining the state. I rise late, sleep when the sun is high, wander the mountains with bare feet and simple clothing."

King Zhou remarked, "Such a life! What's the appeal? How does it compare to wearing luxurious robes, having a noble wife and children, and enjoying boundless pleasures?" Yun Zhongzi said, "There are benefits to my way of life:

I am carefree, with a tranquil mind,

Without wielding weapons or dealing with the bizarre.

I leave worldly matters outside my thoughts,

Engaging in the pleasures of poverty.

I don't worry about dressing in purple and gold,

Seeking titles and fame like picking up scraps.

I don't desire silk robes around my waist,

Or grooming myself as an official.

I don't bother tending to ministers' beards,

Or bowing to kings for favor.

I don't dream of leading armies to conquest,

Or coveting worldly wealth.

I live in a humble abode without complaints,

Wearing old clothes without concern for filth.

I make clothes from rush and lotus leaves,

Adorning myself with autumn orchids.

I don't care about emperors, gods, or people,

Or heavenly or earthly sounds.

My elegant thoughts are like autumn water,

And when inspiration strikes, I fear nothing will hinder me.

I rest on a mountain pillow when idle,

And my dreams are set in the Peach Blossom Garden.

There, I'll witness the jade rabbit rise to the east,

And the golden crow set to the west."

King Zhou, after hearing Yun Zhongzi's words, sighed and said, "Your words truly reflect the serenity of your life." He then ordered his attendants, "Prepare gold and silver trays as gifts for Yun Zhongzi." Yun Zhongzi declined, saying, "Your Majesty's generosity is unnecessary. Allow me to share a poem to illustrate:

Following fate and fortune, I roam the wilderness,

My heart is as free as the wind.

I possess two volumes of Dao teachings, a three-foot sword,

A walking staff, and a five-stringed qin.

In my bag, I carry medicine to help others,

And in my belly, I hold new poems for guests.

One grain can extend life by a thousand years,

Though the world may boast of its gold."

After reciting his poem, Yun Zhongzi left the palace, bowing once and then floating away with his robes billowing in the wind. The courtiers waiting to present their reports were left in suspense as another Daoist appeared to discuss malevolent forces. King Zhou had conversed with Yun Zhongzi for a long time and had grown tired. He departed from the grand hall, and the courtiers were ordered to leave. They had no choice but to comply.

Meanwhile, in the Shou Xian Palace, Queen Daji had not come to receive King Zhou, leaving him anxious. Instead, a court official approached to welcome the king. King Zhou inquired, "Why hasn't Lady Su come to receive me?" The court official informed him, "Lady Su is currently afflicted with a sudden illness, and her condition is grave, lying in bed without moving." King Zhou rushed to the palace, lifting the golden dragon curtain and found Daji with a face like golden branches, lips as pale as paper, unconscious, and her breath feeble. King Zhou called out in distress, "My dear, this morning when I left the palace, you were as beautiful as a flower. How did you fall seriously ill in such a short time? What should I do?" – Here, dear reader, is the result of Yun Zhongzi's sword hanging in the secondary palace, manifesting in the state of Daji. If this malevolent spirit had been killed, Shang dynasty would have prospered, but now Zhou is deluded. Let's not dwell on this further.

Seeing Daji barely conscious, King Zhou couldn't help but panic. He called out to her, "My love, in the morning, when I departed from the palace, you were as beautiful as a flower. How have you fallen so gravely ill in such a short time? What should I do?"