法苑珠林 70.85

70.85

Zhang Pi of Xiapi under the Song belonged to a family of prominent lineage for generations, but in its later branches it declined. He had a granddaughter who was graceful and beautiful. A neighbor sought her hand to be his concubine. Because he was a descendant of an illustrious family, Pi felt ashamed and refused. Resenting this, the neighbor set fire to his house, and Pi was burned to death. His son Bang had gone out beforehand and was not present. When he returned, he also learned the circumstances; yet, fearing the neighbor's influence and coveting his wealth, he spoke not a word and married the girl to him. After a year had passed, Bang dreamed that he saw Pi saying, 'As my son, you rebel against Heaven and lack filial piety, casting aside your kin to cleave to a stranger and usurping association with the villainous faction!' He then seized Bang's head and stabbed him with the peach-wood staff in his hand. Consequently, Bang fell ill, and after two nights, he vomited blood and died. On the day of Bang's death, the neighbor also saw Pi push open the door and walk straight in. With wide-opened eyes and rolled-up sleeves, he said, 'Relying on wealth, you indulged in evil with extreme cruelty and violently murdered me without cause. I have already lodged an appeal above and the matter has been vindicated. A few days hence, I will make you know it!' The neighbor fell ill and soon died as well.