In Fengdu County, Sichuan, there is a popular belief that it is the boundary between the living and the dead. There is a well in the county, and each year, about three thousand taels are spent on purchasing paper money for the deceased. After being burned, this money is thrown into the well, referred to as “offering food and money to the underworld.” If someone is stingy and does not spend money, a plague will surely occur.
In the early Qing Dynasty, a newly appointed magistrate named Liu Gang arrived in Fengdu County. Upon hearing about this practice, he ordered it to be banned. The local people were in an uproar and debated among themselves. Magistrate Liu insisted on his decision, prompting the crowd to say: “If Magistrate Liu insists on this, then we must explain it clearly to the ghosts and gods.” Liu asked them: “Where are these ghosts and gods?” Someone replied: “The bottom of that well in the county is where they reside; no one dares to go there.” Magistrate Liu firmly stated: “I am here to plead for my people; even if I die, so be it! I will go myself.”
Thus, Magistrate Liu ordered someone to tie him up with ropes so he could slowly descend into the well. The townsfolk urged him not to take such risks, but he remained resolute. He had a retainer named Li Shen who was bold and said to Liu: “I also want to know about these ghosts and gods; please allow me to accompany you!” Magistrate Liu tried to dissuade him, but Li Shen insisted on going. After failing to convince him otherwise, Li Shen tied himself up as well, and together they entered the well.
After descending five zhang (about 16 meters), they gradually saw some light until bright sunlight appeared. Upon reaching the bottom of the well, they found themselves in a place with city towers and palaces resembling those in the living world. However, the people here were short in stature; they cast no shadows under sunlight and floated as if there was no ground beneath them.
Upon seeing Magistrate Liu, they approached him respectfully saying: “Magistrate Liu is an official from the living world; why have you come here?” Liu replied: “I have come for the sake of my people in the living world; I request exemption from paying tribute money for the underworld.” The ghosts praised Magistrate Liu’s virtue and placed their hands on their foreheads saying: “This matter must be discussed with Lord Yama before any decision can be made.” Liu asked: “Where can I find Lord Yama?” One ghost responded: “He is in the hall above.”
They were then led by some ghosts into a grand palace that stood majestically. In the main hall sat an elderly man wearing a crown who appeared over seventy years old with a serious expression. The ghosts announced: “A certain magistrate from the living world has arrived.” Lord Yama descended from his throne to greet them; after bowing respectfully, he invited them both to sit down and asked: “What brings you here across realms?” Magistrate Liu stood up cupping his hands together saying: “Fengdu County has suffered from floods and droughts for many years; its people are suffering greatly. Furthermore, we must pay various taxes to the court while we can hardly afford tribute for your realm—how can we continue as tenants of your underworld? I have risked my life coming here just to plead for my people’s sake.”
After listening carefully, Lord Yama smiled and said: “In this world there are evil monks who use ghostly names as pretexts to deceive people into performing rituals—many have lost their fortunes because of this deception. Ghosts exist across realms but cannot easily reveal their schemes. If you wish to eliminate harm for your people simply issue an edict prohibiting such practices; even without coming here personally no one would dare obstruct you! Now that you have come here yourself it proves your benevolence and courage.”
Before he finished speaking, a red light descended from above. Lord Yama stood up saying: “The Great Demon Subduer has arrived; please step back.” Magistrate Liu and Li Shen retreated into another hall. Shortly after that, Guanyu (the God of War) dressed in green robes with long whiskers slowly descended from above. After exchanging greetings with Lord Yama they spoke at length about many matters. Suddenly Guanyu said: “Why does there seem to be human presence here?” Lord Yama explained truthfully what was happening. Guanyu then remarked: “If what you say is true then it must be due to an honorable magistrate; I wish to meet him.”
Magistrate Liu and Li Shen stepped out nervously for greetings; Guanyu offered them seats with a gentle demeanor while asking about affairs in the living world without mentioning anything regarding matters of death.
Li Shen had always been straightforward but recklessly asked: “Where is Lord Xuande now?” Guanyu did not respond immediately but his expression turned displeased before suddenly becoming furious as he stood up intending to leave. Lord Yama was taken aback saying urgently towards Li Shen: “You will surely be struck by lightning! I cannot save you now! How could you ask such things? Especially mentioning his title before me!” Magistrate Liu pleaded desperately while Lord Yama said grimly: “I can only make your death quicker so that your body won’t be burned.” After speaking he took out a jade seal from a box unfastened Li Shen’s clothes pressed it onto his back.
After thanking each other both returned safely back into the living realm. As soon as they reached Fengdu’s southern gate Li Shen suddenly suffered a stroke and died shortly thereafter. A few days later thunder roared across skies while lightning surrounded Li Shen’s coffin burning all his clothes completely except for where Lord Yama had stamped him which remained intact.
This story comes from Yuan Mei’s book ‘Zi Bu Yu’ during Qing Dynasty.
In this story, Magistrate Liu selflessly risks his life thinking of Fengdu County’s citizens whose virtues were recognized by both Guanyu and Lord Yama while showing respect upon arriving at their realm. In contrast Li Shen followed out of curiosity which ultimately led him being executed after asking Guanyu where Xuande was—a question driven purely by curiosity.
Looking back at how it’s described when he questioned others ‘Li Su was foolishly hasty’, ‘foolish’ implies being ‘silly or reckless’; while ‘hasty’ means ‘in haste or urgency’. In such circumstances facing those figures indeed seems rather impudent especially when everyone else shows mutual respect yet he suddenly interjects mentioning someone’s royal title before subordinates—being executed may seem overly harsh.
However upon reflection ‘disaster comes from careless words’ rings true without exaggeration—some statements made often lead unnecessary troubles down upon oneself despite how serious events unfold within stories reflecting real-life warnings regarding appropriate contexts when addressing others should warrant deep consideration especially since throughout history many have lost their lives over mere words spoken carelessly.
Returning again though , although magistrates went down below seeking justice on behalf of citizens , yet lord yam did not provide direct answers . First lord yam mentioned how evil monks exploit ghostly names deceiving individuals into performing rituals resulting countless families losing everything . Then lord yam stated if magistrates wished harm removed , even without descending below no one would dare obstruct them ! Perhaps lord yam hinted magistrates regarding origins behind paper money lies not within realms below . With so many wicked individuals existing within society , better left unspoken .
Author : Min Bai