| Daoxu: |
The books of the Literati contain the statement that the king of Qi being dangerously ill, a messenger was sent to Song to fetch Wen Zhi. When he arrived and saw the king's sickness he said to the heir-apparent: "The king's illness can certainly be cured, but when it has been, the king is sure to kill me."
The heir-apparent inquired what for, Wen Zhi replied, "Without anger the king's illness cannot be cured, but when the king gets angry, my death is certain." The heir-apparent bowed his head, and entreated him saying," Should you cure the king's sickness, myself and my mother are going to forcibly restrain the king at the cost of our lives. The king will certainly please my mother. We are wishing that you, master, shall have no trouble."
Wen Zhi gave his consent and said that he was prepared to die. The king with his eldest son fixed a time. Thrice the physician was expected, but did not come so, that the king of Qi was already very angry. When he came at last, he did not put off his shoes, but walked upon the bed and tread upon the sheets. He asked the king about his sickness, but the king was so furious, that he did not speak with him. Then he said something which but aggravated the king’s wrath. The king abused him, and rose up, and his disease was gone. He was so enraged and so little pleased, that he wished to boil Wen Zhi alive. The heir-apparent and the queen forthwith interfered, but could obtain nothing. Wen Zhi was actually boiled alive in a cauldron: After three days' and three night's cooking, his appearance had not yet changed. Wen Zhi said, " If one really is anxious to kill me, why does one not put on the lid to intercept the Yin and the Yang fluids."
The king had the lid put on, whereupon Wen Zhi died. Wen Zhi was a Daoist, in water he was not drowned, and in fire he did not burn. Hence he could remain three days and three nights in the kettle without changing colour. |
