法苑珠林 7.60

7.60

When Emperor Wu of the Han was traveling eastward and had not yet exited Hangu Pass, there was an object blocking the road. Its body was several tens of fathoms long, and its shape was like an ox. Its blue eyes radiated brilliance, its four feet were sunk into the ground, and though it moved, it did not change place. The hundred officials were frightened. Dongfang Shuo then requested to douse it with wine. After pouring several tens of hu over it, the strange creature finally vanished. The Emperor asked him the reason, and he replied: "This is named 'Anxiety' (Huan), born from the vapors of sorrow. This must surely be the site of a Qin dynasty prison, or else the gathering place of convict laborers. Now, wine is what makes one forget sorrow, and so it was able to dispel it." The Emperor said: "Ah! Truly a gentleman of broad learning!"