☯️ Overview
During the reign of Emperor Xianzong of the Tang Dynasty, there lived a prominent official named Han Yu, styled Tuizhi, in Heyang (present-day Mengzhou City, Henan Province). On Han Yu's seventy-first birthday, an extraordinary event unfolded involving his nephew, Han Xiangzi, a Taoist immortal.
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🎉 The Birthday Celebration
On this day, Han Yu's mansion was decorated with lanterns and colored streamers, filled with joy, and visitors came in an endless stream to offer their congratulations. At that moment, a commotion was heard at the gate. A young Taoist priest rushed straight into the inner hall, with flustered servants chasing after him. The young Taoist went directly to Han Yu and respectfully said, "Your humble Taoist has come to wish Your Excellency a long life, may your fortune be as vast as the East Sea and your longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountain." Han Yu didn't know what to say upon seeing this. He felt puzzled: Who is this Taoist? It seems I've seen him somewhere before. Could he be my nephew Xiangzi? No, although he looks like Xiangzi, Xiangzi wasn't this young and handsome. Even if he were Xiangzi, why would he address me as "Your Excellency" instead of "Uncle"? The thought of Xiangzi filled Han Yu with sadness.
📜 Background of Han Xiangzi
It turns out that Han Xiangzi was the son of Han Xiu, Han Yu's elder brother. Han Yu and Han Xiu served in the same court, and since this was the only male descendant in both families, they doted on him greatly. Unfortunately, Han Xiangzi's parents passed away when he was very young. On his deathbed, Han Xiu entrusted Xiangzi to his younger brother Han Yu. Han Yu treated Xiangzi as his own son, teaching him the Four Books and Five Classics, as well as the doctrines of Confucius and Mencius from an early age, hoping that Xiangzi would have a bright future. Unexpectedly, later, when Han Yu invited two erudite Taoist priests to be Xiangzi's teachers, it aroused Xiangzi's desire for Taoism. He ran away from home and became a Taoist hermit.
This had long been a sore point in Han Yu's heart. On one hand, he missed Xiangzi deeply; on the other hand, he felt he had failed his elder brother Han Xiu. Today, seeing the young Taoist who looked so much like Xiangzi, he was overcome with emotion, nearly shedding tears. The young Taoist noticed Han Yu's low mood and immediately smiled apologetically, "Your humble Taoist was rude and made Your Excellency angry. Now I have a treasure, may I present it to Your Excellency for your enjoyment, to dispel your boredom?" The others also chimed in, "It's Your Excellency's birthday today, you should be happy. Please agree to his request, so that we can also feast our eyes." Han Yu's expression finally cleared, and he asked the young Taoist to show the treasure.
🎨 The Magical Painting
The young Taoist took out a flower basket and placed it on the table. Then, like a magician, he took out an ink painting from the basket. Han Yu smiled dismissively, "I have many such ink paintings in my mansion. What's so rare about it?" The young Taoist replied, "Although you have many paintings in your mansion, they are 'dead' paintings. The people in them can't speak or eat."
Upon hearing this, Han Yu found it even more amusing. Having lived a long life, he had never heard of such a strange thing. So he laughed loudly, "Do you think I'm old and muddle-headed? How can people in paintings speak and eat?" Everyone else also thought the young Taoist was talking nonsense. The young Taoist didn't argue; he just unfolded the painting. Suddenly, a beauty playing the qin stepped out of the painting, walked straight to Han Yu, and while plucking the qin, sang, "This humble maiden comes before you all, to wish Your Excellency a long life like the Southern Mountain. I urge Your Excellency to do good deeds early, learn the Tao and practice to prolong your years. When you achieve success, you'll attend the Flat Peach Banquet, and live forever as an immortal." The woman had a graceful posture, and the music of the qin was melodious and delightful.
Han Yu was both surprised and delighted, repeatedly exclaiming, "Wonderful! Wonderful! Truly extraordinary!" He wanted to buy the painting, but the young Taoist said, "I'll give this painting to Your Excellency as a birthday gift. But I'd like to ask for some birthday wine to take back and share with my Taoist friends. Would Your Excellency be willing?" Han Yu nodded happily, chuckling, "Of course, of course... But do you have a wine vessel, Master?" The young Taoist replied, "Just have someone bring the wine here." Han Yu quickly ordered his servants to bring ten jars of fine wine, and asked if the young Taoist needed them delivered to the Taoist temple. The young Taoist didn't move; he just took out a small gourd from his robe and told them to pour the wine into it. They poured ten jars in a row, but the small gourd was still not full. The servant pouring the wine, curious, peeked into the gourd and saw the sun, moon, stars, surging waves, and swimming dragons inside... The servant zeze in amazement and immediately showed the gourd to Han Yu, who stared at it in dumbfounded wonder.
🍶 The Magical Gourd
Han Yu wanted to buy the gourd to amuse himself in his leisure time, but the young Taoist said, "This gourd is not for sale for gold or silver; it's only a gift for a destined person who sincerely practices the Tao. If Your Excellency resigns from office, retires, and enters the Taoist path, it won't be hard to obtain such a treasure." Although Han Yu was reluctant to part with the gourd, he was unwilling to abandon his official post. Moreover, the thought of his nephew Xiangzi filled him with hidden pain，making him even less inclined to pursue the Taoist path. So Han Yu ordered the young Taoist to leave.
🧘♂️ The Revelation
At that, the young Taoist suddenly knelt down and said, "Uncle, please calm your anger. Your nephew has returned home today, taking the opportunity of your birthday to persuade you to retire and practice. Life is short, but the Tao is eternal. Practicing the great Tao has profound significance. Since Uncle has made up your mind, your nephew will take his leave." With that, he soared into the clouds and departed. Only then did Han Yu realize that the young Taoist was his nephew Xiangzi, who must have attained immortality. Watching Xiangzi leave, Han Yu felt a twinge of regret, sighing deeply as tears streamed down his aged cheeks...
📚 Significance
This story highlights the conflict between worldly pursuits and spiritual enlightenment, a common theme in Taoist literature. Han Xiangzi's appearance and magical displays serve as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the eternal pursuit of the Tao. The tale also reflects the deep familial bonds and the pain of separation, as well as the hope for reunion and understanding.
🎨 Cultural Impact
The story of Han Xiangzi celebrating his uncle's birthday has been a popular subject in Chinese literature, art, and theater. It has inspired numerous adaptations and interpretations, emphasizing the values of filial piety, the pursuit of the Tao, and the importance of letting go of worldly attachments. The tale continues to be a source of inspiration and reflection for those seeking spiritual growth and understanding.
🌐 References
- Traditional Chinese folklore and literature
- Taoist texts and teachings
- Historical records of the Tang Dynasty
