“In the Jade Tower the music has ended, its sound gone with the wind.

　　Now the misty moon has changed, human affairs have altered – what light now shines in the deep palace?”

　　Two decades later, in the second year of the Lin De era (665 AD), on the fifteenth day of the eighth month – the very Mid-Autumn Festival – the human world was in full celebration. On that night in the Eastern Capital Luoyang, the lanterns of a myriad households shone brightly and not a window was closed. The maidservants brought slices of carp on golden trays, songs and dances rose in the painted pavilions and red towers, and pedestrians thronged the streets in unending streams.

　　Looking around, one saw the Luo River flowing from west to east, its waters murmuring along. Three bridges spanned the river: the northern one called Huangdao, the southern Xingjin, and the middle one Tianjin. Together these were known as “Tianjin Dawn Moon.” To the north, Tianjin Dawn Moon aligned with the southern end gate of the imperial city; to the south it led to the Dingding Gate Avenue. Atop the bridge stood a four-cornered pavilion with balustrades. From a distance this scene displayed the prosperity and splendor of a golden age, and one could say:

　　> “White jade – from whose family is this youth?

　　His carriage swings ’round, crossing Tianjin.

　　He gazes at flowers on the eastern path –

　　their beauty startles the people of Luoyang.”

　　Suddenly on Tianjin Bridge, all the sails from far-off lands came to a halt. Gentlemen urged their horses to stop, passersby stood still; all raised their heads to look at the night sky. There in the sky, the bright full moon hung as usual in size, but its color was changing to a cherry blossom pink. Before long, the moon had fully turned cherry-colored, hanging in the night sky just above the left of Tianjin Dawn Moon and above the towers of Shangyang Palace. Its soft pink light flooded the Eastern Capital Luoyang. Truly it could be said:

　　> “Raise your head – the full moon hangs on Heaven’s canopy;

　　Lower your head – the cherry hue ripples in the waves.

　　Tonight as we see this moon in the sky,

　　Who will not be moved by its enchantment?”

　　Such a fine hour and beautiful scene, so lovely and peaceful – yet inside the Shangyang Palace no one was there to appreciate it. Empress Wu (Wu Meiniang) was in labor.

　　Immediately, in the Xianju Hall, with a wail a baby girl was born into the world. The newborn’s little face was rosy as cherry blossoms, bearing some resemblance to the cherry-hued moon above. Emperor Gaozong (Li Zhi) quickly took the baby into his arms. The infant smiled at him, and her earlier cries fell away completely. Observing the astrological signs of the night, Gaozong felt that this girl was extraordinary and dared not name her on his own. He therefore dispatched a messenger through the night to summon the Imperial Preceptor and inquire for a name.

　　Outside Luoyang, on Cuiyun Peak of the Northern Mang Mountain, the trees were lush and dense, green as clouds. Perched atop stood a compact, serene brick temple called the Wuji Temple. The Imperial Preceptor of the Great Tang was at that very time cultivating himself there. From Wuji Temple one could look down on Luoyang’s myriad lights like stars in the sky; the scenic beauty of the twin rivers Yi and Luo lay entirely below. This night the Preceptor, too, lifted his head to gaze at the single cherry-colored moon, paying no heed to anything else.

　　Stroking his white beard, the Preceptor mused to himself, “It has already come – why bother making the moon change color? Very well, since you have destiny with this humble monk, I shall go to greet you.” Soon the messenger from the palace arrived with Gaozong’s verbal decree. The Preceptor bowed, accepted the emperor’s message, and then employed his spirit-traveling art. With a single intention, his spirit soared in the light, blending with it and the earthly dust – the method called “harmonizing with light and living in the dust” – and in an instant he and the messenger were transported into Shangyang Palace.

　　Inside Xianju Hall, the Left and Right Jinwu Guards saw a purple cloud of qi coming from the east. At once they drew the imperial swords from their scabbards and strung arrows to their bows and crossbows, awaiting Gaozong’s command. In a moment the purple cloud dissipated, and standing there were the Imperial Preceptor and the messenger. Gaozong, seeing the Preceptor, waved his hand and dismissed the guards who had drawn their weapons. He bowed to the Preceptor and said, “Meiniang has just given birth to a daughter for me tonight, just as a cherry moon hangs high in the night sky. I feel this girl must be extraordinary, and dare not name her myself. Therefore I have specially invited the Preceptor to the palace to bestow a name on my beloved daughter.”

　　The Preceptor replied with congratulations, “I respectfully congratulate Your Majesty on joyfully receiving a beloved daughter.” Then, considering a moment, he added, “Tonight the princess has come into this world, and the bright moon has assumed this unprecedented cherry color. Let her be called Lingyue, to give the bright moon a new color.” Hearing this, Gaozong praised it, “Very good, very good.” He then turned to the baby and softly said, “So we shall call you Li Lingyue.”

　　A month later, Luoyang was at its most enchanting. Within the city clouds of blossoms stretched for a thousand li, and the glazed roofs of the palaces gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight. From afar one could see palace maidservants hurrying about busily, as if some joyous event were imminent.

　　Soon after, at the palace gates – both the main gates and smaller ones – the women of the court hung a piece of red silk sash on the right side. The sash was entirely red, embroidered with gold-thread flying birds. Just as the sashes were fully hung, Gaozong led the imperial clan and ministers into the Grand Ancestral Temple to read the formal memorial to the Li (Tang) ancestors. The memorial read:

　　> “With lowered heads we burn incense, with raised heads we bow and pray.

　　First, we invite: the Earth’s Deity of Long Life and Prosperity, the Guardian Door Gods, the Immortal Masters of Heaven, and all the divine spirits – please descend.

　　Second, we invite: the founding ancestors of our Longxi Hall, the venerable Supremely Exalted Lord – please descend.

　　Third, we invite: our Sovereign Ancestor Wenbin (Emperor Taizong) Li Gong, and the Dowager Liang – please descend.

　　Now on this Mid-Autumn day in the second year of Lin De, a daughter has been born to Wu Meiniang, the late emperor’s loyal consort. She has been named Lingyue, in preparation for the full-month celebration. Devotedly we have prepared wine and offerings: now your descendants come to pay respects. At the first call, please respond; the second call, please respond; the third call, please respond.

　　In heaven ascend on clouds and mist; on earth drive chariots and horses; on water row boats and oars. Every palace and every hall should display the invitation, welcoming the incense smoke into the temple hall. First come to the left, second come and receive, third come open the cask, pour the wine, and drink.

　　All the divine spirits, O ancestors, lower your heads and partake of the wine, raise your heads and wear your ceremonial crowns. After this Full-Moon ritual by your descendants, may blessings be as abundant as the Eastern Sea, and may longevity match the South Mountains; long life and prosperity to the family. We have sincerely prepared piles of gold and silver paper offerings, to burn together with the fire – each spirit should receive its share. May the papers and money under their feet, stacked layer upon layer, ensure that your descendants will have children year after year, peace month after month, prosperity for ten thousand generations.

　　This small banquet we dare not prolong. Now we bid you farewell: Heavenly Gods return to Heaven, Earth Gods return to Earth, those with immortal palaces go to your palaces, those without return to your positions – each go to your own pavilion or station.

　　We do not dare send off the Supremely Exalted Lord of the Longxi Hall (our lineage’s founding ancestor). All generations of our clan turn to the golden censer to guard their old age – incense and devotion remain, but we respectfully pray that he will descend his blessings and share our joy.”

　　When the memorial was finished, Gaozong led the imperial family and ministers out of the ancestral temple and into the Ziwei Qianyuan Hall. It happened to be the day of Li Lingyue’s full-month ceremony, and by ritual they proceeded to perform the full-month rites for her.

　　In the inner hall, the wet-nurse Madam Zhang was gently dressing Li Lingyue in a gauzy red robe. Once the robe was on, Madam Zhang took Li Lingyue and handed her to Lady Yang, the Dowager of Rongguo, who carried the baby into the front hall and at last gave her to Empress Wu to hold. Walking with them were on the left Prince Li Zhen of Yue and on the right the palace maid Qing’er; wet-nurse Zhang led the way in front.

　　Upon reaching the front hall, Empress Wu received Li Lingyue, and Qing’er handed a prepared jade pendant to Gaozong. The emperor placed the jade pendant on Li Lingyue. Seeing this, Prince Li Zhen said, “On this auspicious occasion of Lingyue’s birth, let the imperial family and ministers together offer our congratulations.” No sooner had he finished speaking than the imperial princes lined up to come forward; Li Zhen introduced each of them in turn. Afterward Crown Prince Li Hong, accompanied by the civil and military officials, came forward one by one, and Li Zhen likewise introduced them.

　　(Aside: Prince Li Zhen was the eighth son of Emperor Taizong and Consort Yan. He excelled in archery on horseback from a young age and loved literature and history. In the Zhenguan era, he successfully governed the prefectures of An, Xu, Yang, Xiang, and others, and was enfeoffed as Prince of Yue.)

　　Putting aside further idle chatter, once the introductions were done, Prince Li Zhen again took Li Lingyue from Empress Wu’s arms and walked out of Qianyuan Hall. There he taught Li Lingyue about the four directions of heaven and earth. Then he returned to the hall and placed her back into Empress Wu’s arms. Finally the imperial family and ministers presented congratulatory gifts: agarwood beads, ruyi-patterned silk, fine stationery, inkstones, and so forth. When the gifts were delivered, Minister of Works Yan Liben himself composed a congratulatory poem:

　　“On this auspicious day, Lingyue is fair; on the celestial steps the cypress trees stand honored.

　　The earth welcomes this fragrant season; at this moment behold the birth of a sage.

　　The full moon increases our auspices; Heaven forever sends forth its spirits of blessing.

　　From the distant South Mountain we present our tribute; ever we wish to serve the August Emperor.”

　　Gaozong beamed with joy upon hearing the poem and exclaimed, “Wonderful, wonderful, beyond words! People only know that Minister Yan’s painting skill is exquisite, but from today onward his poetry will be sung throughout the world.” The princes and ministers clapped and cheered in agreement. Yan Liben quickly replied, “I am humbled, receiving Your Majesty’s praise and that of the princes and all colleagues.”

　　(For context: Yan Liben was from Wannian in Yongzhou (modern Lintong, Xi’an). His father Yan Pi had served as the Minor Supervisor of the Palace in the Sui dynasty. Yan Liben entered office by hereditary privilege and rose to become a Court Gentleman and Minor Supervisor of the Workshops. During the Wude era he was Director of the Prince of Qin’s treasury. In the Zhenguan era he served successively as Director of Protocol and Director of Justice, and was later made Minor Supervisor of the Workshops. He painted the famous “Six Steeds of Zhao Mausoleum” and the portraits of meritorious officials in the Lingyan Pavilion, and oversaw repairs of the Cuiwei Palace. In Xianqing 1 (656) he became Grand Master of the Work Bureau and then Minister of Works.)

　　With the ceremonies concluded, the imperial clan and ministers moved into the banquet hall. Empress Wu held Li Lingyue, and accompanied by Madam Zhang and Qing’er, she left Qianyuan Hall and returned to the Xianju Palace.

　　Then Gaozong ordered the palace entertainers to dance, and the princes and ministers drank fine wine together. The sovereign and his lords were exceedingly joyful. Seeing Gaozong’s divine delight, the ministers seized the chance to advise him to go to Mount Tai and perform the Fengshan Great Ceremony (the grand altar sacrifices of feng and shan). Imperial Minister of Rites Huangfu Changbo spoke up: “Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have been benevolent and wise. All under Heaven have rallied to you; the harem is peaceful, the ministers sincere, and the people prosperous and at ease. Our domain stretches east to Korea, west to the Salty Sea, north to the Lesser (Baikal) Sea, and south to Mount Heng. It is indeed vast and rich, with abundant treasure in the granaries and a flourishing culture. Last month’s Mid-Autumn, Heaven sent auspicious signs – a cherry moon in the sky – and Your Majesty joyfully received a princess. Heaven thus blesses our Great Tang. We now again humbly urge Your Majesty, that you ascend these ‘fairy mountains and Buddhist realms’ to perform the Fengshan Grand Rite, announce it to the realm, and give thanks to Heaven.”

　　Seeing his friend had taken the lead, Minister of Justice Liu Xiang privately felt competitive and did not want to fall behind. He immediately added: “Your Majesty, in recent years the number of people sentenced to death in the Ministry of Justice has only been a few dozen, and this year not a single person was executed. Cases of theft and dispute have not been heard of for many years. Heaven sees that our Great Tang enjoys such harmony and has granted auspicious signs; Your Majesty has now joyfully received Princess Lingyue. Your servant agrees with the Minister of Rites and hopes Your Majesty, in this ‘Land of Immortal Mountains and Buddhist Kingdom,’ will perform the Fengshan Great Sacrifice, proclaim it to the realm, and give thanks to Heaven.”

　　When Ministers of Rites and Justice had spoken, Pei Xingjian, Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, grew anxious and also added: “Even in the Court of Judicial Review not a single member of the imperial clan or high official has been condemned; each day there are no cases at all. Thus your servant concurs with the words of the Ministers of Rites and Justice, and hopes Your Majesty will, in this ‘Land of Immortal Mountains and Buddhist Kingdom,’ perform the Fengshan Great Ceremony, proclaim it to the realm, and give thanks to Heaven.”

　　One after another, the court ministers advised performing the Fengshan rite, which on the contrary put Gaozong in a difficult position. He realized in his heart that the ministers were eager to promote their own standing by urging him.

　　When the banquet ended and the courtiers had taken their leave, Gaozong turned to Prince Li Zhen and asked, “Brother, what do you think of all this?” Li Zhen replied, “Your Majesty, today’s events make the ministers’ intentions quite clear. It seems inevitable that we perform the Fengshan ceremony.” Gaozong said, “Do you think I am unaware of that? Only, performing Fengshan will inevitably burden the people and drain the treasury.” Li Zhen said again, “The Son of Heaven is the Son of Heaven for all under Heaven; if the people’s hearts desire this, how can Your Majesty refuse?” Still uncertain, Gaozong asked Li Hong, “Hong’er, what is your view?” Li Hong answered, “Father, I see some of the trouble in what you face. Uncle’s words are indeed correct. It’s true that the court ministers have made up their minds on Fengshan, but they do not know what the common people truly think. That is a difficulty I cannot resolve.”

　　(Li Hong was Gaozong’s fifth son and Empress Wu’s eldest. In Yonghui 6 (655) he was made Prince of Dai, and in Xianqing 1 (656) he became Crown Prince. He was much loved by Gaozong and Wu Zetian. Gaozong often praised him to attendants: “The Crown Prince is exceedingly filial and virtuous; in greeting ministers he is always proper, and has never erred.” Li Hong loved learning. In Longshuo 1 (661) he ordered scholars Xu Jingzong, Xu Yushi, Shangguan Yi, Yang Sijian and others to compile literary works from past to present, selecting five hundred pieces into a collection Yaoshan Yucai. Upon hearing this, Gaozong rewarded Li Hong with 30,000 bolts of silk.)

　　Leaving aside idle chatter, Gaozong got no satisfaction from their answers, and so said, “The night grows late; Brother and Hong’er must be tired. You should both go rest.” Having heard this, the two respectfully took their leave and departed.

　　After Li Zhen and Li Hong left, Gaozong also returned to his inner quarters. Passing through the Yihui Gate, he proceeded to Shangyang Palace. There he beheld the splendor of the residence: crimson and pastel-painted walls, phoenix-tiled roofs of emerald scales, arches entwined like rainbows. The palace extended a hundred bays, with beams ten zhang high. Carved images of immortals seemed to spring from the earth; alongside the stream were engraved screens, clouds supported by mists; the structures were lofty and magnificent. The Wing of Supreme Harmony soared upward, with side halls shining bright and airy. Pavilions and towers with flying eaves slightly lifted, water flowing softly, green grass like velvet, willows shading poet-filled groves – each step a new scene. Though it was already autumn (the ninth month), the palace’s flowers and trees were as if in spring, and the Lo River’s winding streams encircled it all. Truly one might say:

　　> “In Shangyang the flowers and trees know no autumn,

　　The Luo waters flow through the palace in every place.

　　Painted pavilions, red towers – palace maids laugh aloud;

　　Yet jade flutes and golden pipes make passersby sigh.

　　Behind the curtain walls into the gorge, orange blossoms bloom;

　　A jade carriage climbs the mount, beneath thick laurel leaves.

　　One may have read of the Queen Mother of the Immortals,

　　But a journey here surpasses any in all the Nine Heavens.”

　　Outside Xianju Hall Gaozong’s face had been full of melancholy; amid these fairyland scenes he had no heart to notice them. He wandered alone along the fragrant garden paths, pacing back and forth several times. Only then did he enter the hall. The moment he stepped inside, Gaozong’s sadness vanished at once, replaced by a face full of joy.

　　Within the hall, Empress Wu had just soothed the one-month-old Li Lingyue to sleep. Seeing Gaozong forcibly wearing a joyful expression, she immediately understood why. She asked, “Your Majesty, what are you troubled about now?” Gaozong replied, “How could there be trouble? I was only joking with you, Meiniang.” Empress Wu said, “After so many years as husband and wife, how could I not know what Your Majesty is thinking?” Gaozong said, “I still cannot hide anything from Meiniang’s wise eyes.” Empress Wu said, “Your Majesty jests. Between husband and wife, our hearts are surely one. I suppose the court ministers have again urged Your Majesty to perform the Fengshan ceremony?” Gaozong answered, “Meiniang knows me well. Ever since our Great Tang was founded, Gaozu and Taizong both wished to sacrifice on Mount Tai. Yet such an undertaking is so costly that the late emperors – who loved the people – ultimately abandoned the plan. How could I not also want to fulfill our ancestors’ cherished hopes? And yet, when Qin Shi Huang did Fengshan his dynasty fell by the second emperor; when Emperor Wu of Han did it, it consumed vast treasure. Meiniang, can you help me dispel these worries?”

　　Empress Wu reassured him, “Indeed, it is our ancestors’ long-held wish, and Your Majesty should fulfill it. When Qin Shi Huang did Fengshan, his line ended by the second generation only because of his tyranny; when Emperor Wu did it, he drained the treasury – but that was because back then the state coffers were not rich. Today our Great Tang’s territory is vast, the people live in peace, and the treasury is plentiful; it is different from the old days. The ministers petition to worship Heaven and Earth, and the people also wish to honor their ancestors. Just last month, with the birth of the princess, the sky showed a cherry-moon omen. All under Tang rejoice; now the desire for Fengshan is even stronger than before. If Your Majesty delays further, I fear you will go against the will of the people.”

　　With these words, Empress Wu eased some of Gaozong’s remaining hesitation. She looked at their beloved daughter and late at night went to sleep.