A Love Born of Misfortune

In the ninth year of Wude under Emperor Gaozu of Tang, Zhang Shaofei, the Inspector of Zhongzhou, visited Wen Long, the Inspector of Chang'an. Wen Long brought out a pair of "Hongxi Cups" and drank with Zhang Shaofei. Seeing that Zhang Shaofei couldn't bear to part with the cups, Wen Long gave him one. Though both Wen Long and Zhang Shaofei were presented scholars, they could see only the cups' exquisite craftsmanship, not the mystery hidden within.

Before long, Zhang Shaofei was beset by misfortune. Framed by treacherous officials, he was banished to the far-off southern lands, where the emperor's reach was weak and tigers and other wild beasts roamed the perilous Tianlu Mountain. There, he healed the sick, subdued dragons and tigers, and reformed bullies, charlatans, and mountain folk. He also shared a poignant, tender romance with a celestial maiden after both had fallen on hard times. Repaying hatred with kindness, he treated his enemies and preached to them until they truly repented and turned over a new leaf. He preached to the Liao emperor, who came to his senses and swore never again to invade the Central Plains, sparing the people the suffering of war. He also preached to the Tang emperor, helping him become a benevolent ruler for the ages.