Wang Gong Yuncang, upon being appointed as an official in the land of Chu, decided to visit Mount Longhu to pay his respects to Master Zhang, the Celestial Master. When he reached the shores of Lake Poyang and boarded a boat, a man piloting a small craft approached, asking someone onboard to inform Wang Gong of his request for an audience.
Wang Gong agreed to meet the visitor, who appeared dignified and imposing. The man took out Master Zhang’s calling card from his chest and said, “I heard that Your Excellency plans to visit. The Celestial Master has sent me ahead to welcome you.”
Wang Gong was astonished that Master Zhang already knew of his visit and grew even more convinced of his divine abilities. He continued on his journey with utmost sincerity to pay his respects.
Upon reaching the mountain, Master Zhang hosted a banquet to welcome Wang Gong. The servants at the feast were dressed in unusual attire, with their robes and hats differing from those of ordinary people, and most wore long beards. The envoy who had welcomed Wang Gong earlier was also present, serving at the banquet.
After a while, the envoy whispered a few words to Master Zhang. The Celestial Master then said to Wang Gong, “This gentleman is from your hometown. Do you not recognize him?” Wang Gong quickly asked who he was. Master Zhang replied, “This is the legendary Hailstorm God, Li Zuoche!”
Hearing this, Wang Gong was so shocked that his face turned pale. Master Zhang explained, “He just mentioned that he is under orders to bring a hailstorm and must take his leave.”
Wang Gong asked, “Where will the hailstorm strike?”
The Celestial Master replied, “In Zhangqiu.”
Since Zhangqiu bordered Wang Gong’s hometown, he became deeply concerned. He stood up from his seat and pleaded for the hailstorm to be spared. Master Zhang said, “This is the Jade Emperor’s decree. The amount of hail is predetermined. How can I meddle with divine orders?”
Wang Gong continued to implore him. After much contemplation, Master Zhang turned to the Hailstorm God and instructed, “You may release most of the hail into the valleys. Do your best to avoid damaging the crops.” He also added, “We have a distinguished guest here. Depart slowly and avoid being abrupt.”
The Hailstorm God stepped outside, and suddenly smoke rose beneath his feet, surrounded by clouds and mist. After about a quarter of an hour, he leapt upwards, initially only reaching the height of the courtyard trees. With another leap, he soared above the pavilions. Then, with a thunderous crack, he flew northward. The ground shook, and the banquet’s dishes trembled and swayed.
Wang Gong, alarmed, asked, “Does his departure always bring thunder and lightning?”
Master Zhang replied, “I warned him earlier to leave gradually. Otherwise, he would have vanished with a thunderclap out of nowhere.”
After bidding farewell to Master Zhang, Wang Gong recorded the date of the event and sent someone to inquire about Zhangqiu. It turned out that on that very day, a heavy hailstorm had indeed occurred. The riverbeds and canals were filled with hail, but only a few pieces had landed in the fields, leaving the crops mostly unharmed.
0 Comments