The Zi Wei Dou Shu‘s Master of Emperors: Seeing Through All
After Emperor Taizu of Song passed away, his younger brother, Emperor Taizong, ascended the throne. Each time he wished to seek guidance from the sage Chen Tuan, he feared the master would refuse. To show respect, Taizong decreed that Chen Tuan would be exempt from courtly formalities. With no choice, Chen Tuan traveled to the Eastern Capital to meet Taizong in an informal setting. When asked about the path of cultivation, Chen Tuan replied, “A ruler treats the empire as his own body. If one ascends to the heavens in broad daylight, what benefit does that bring to the people? Today, a wise emperor and virtuous ministers govern the realm, ensuring prosperity and leaving a legacy for eternity. The true path of cultivation does not lie outside these deeds.” Taizong, hearing this, held him in even greater esteem.
Later, when Taizong launched a military campaign against Hedong, he sent an envoy to ask Chen Tuan whether the battle would be victorious. Chen Tuan simply wrote the character “休” (meaning “cease” or “rest”) in the envoy’s palm. Displeased but unwilling to call off the mobilization, Taizong hesitated. Seeking further insight, he sent another envoy, only to find Chen Tuan fast asleep, snoring loudly. On the next visit, he was still asleep. Chen Tuan slept for three months straight, and when he finally awoke, the Hedong campaign had ended in failure.
In the fifth year of Duangong, as Emperor Taizong aged, he still had not named a crown prince and grew anxious. His eldest son had been stripped of his status, leaving Taizong to consider his third son, Prince Xiang (Zhao Yuanxian). However, he was uncertain whether Zhao Yuanxian possessed the destiny to rule. Just as this concern weighed on his mind, an official arrived with unexpected news: “The recluse of Mount Hua, Chen Tuan, is at the palace gates requesting an audience.”
Taizong, astonished by the coincidence, summoned him at once.
“Master, why have you come?” the emperor asked.
“I know Your Majesty has doubts in your heart, so I have come to assist,” Chen Tuan replied.
Taizong laughed. “I have long known of your foresight. Today proves it true. I have yet to name a successor. Prince Xiang is kind, benevolent, and carries the bearing of an emperor, but I do not know if he possesses the fortune to rule. I ask you to visit his residence and assess his destiny.”
Chen Tuan set off at once. However, the moment he arrived at Prince Xiang’s residence, he turned around without stepping inside.
Surprised, Taizong asked, “Why did you not enter?”
“I have already seen enough,” Chen Tuan replied. “The servants at his gates all carry the fate of high-ranking officials. Why is there any need to see the prince himself?”
Taizong, understanding the implication, made his decision. The next day, he issued an imperial decree, naming Zhao Yuanxian as the crown prince. He would later ascend as Emperor Zhenzong of Song.
(to be continued…)