法苑珠林 94.5

94.5

In the Xiaochang era of the Han [dynasty], there was an imperial guard named Luo Ziyuan who claimed to be a native of Luoyang. During the Xiaochang era, he was garrisoned at Pengcheng. His fellow soldier Fan Yuanbao received leave to return to the capital. Ziyuan entrusted a letter to him to deliver, saying: 'My home is south of the Lingtai, near the Luo River. You just go there, and my family will naturally come out to receive you.' Yuanbao followed his words. When he reached the south of the terrace, he saw no homes, and paced about intending to leave. Suddenly he saw an old man who asked: 'Where have you come from, wandering about here?' Yuanbao related everything to him. The old man said: 'He is my son.' Taking the letter, he led Yuanbao inside, where he saw spacious and lofty pavilions and beautiful buildings. After they were seated, he ordered a maidservant to fetch wine. In a moment, the maidservant carried a dead child past. Yuanbao found it very strange. Soon the wine arrived; its color was deep red, and it was extraordinarily fragrant and delicious. Precious delicacies from sea and land were also served in abundance. Having finished drinking, Yuanbao took his leave. The old man saw Yuanbao out, saying: 'It will be difficult to meet again, which brings me sorrow and regret.' The farewell was exceedingly courteous. The old man went back inside, and Yuanbao could no longer see the gate or lane; he saw only a high cliff facing the clear waves of the water. Soon he saw only a youth of about fifteen, recently drowned, with blood flowing from his nose. Only then did he realize that the wine he had drunk was blood. When he returned to Pengcheng, Ziyuan had already disappeared. Yuanbao had served alongside Ziyuan for three years without knowing that he was the spirit of the Luo River. (Extracted from the Records of Luoyang Temples.)