法苑珠林 95.52

95.52

During the Wei dynasty, the Palace Secretariat Gentleman (Zhongshu lang) Wang Chang of Yu enjoyed a good reputation. His father, the Chancellor, treasured and loved him dearly. When Chang fell severely ill and his condition worsened, the Chancellor was exceptionally grief-stricken and anxious; he sat upright on the couch and had not eaten for days. Suddenly, a person appeared before him, of robust build, wearing armor and holding a sword. Wang asked, "Who are you, sir?" He replied, "I am Lord Jiang. Because your son's life cannot be sustained, I came specifically to plead for his life on your behalf; do not worry anymore." Deeply pleased and visibly moved, Wang immediately ordered food to be brought; he then ate several sheng of food, leaving both inside and outside wondering why. Having finished eating, the figure suddenly looked sorrowful again and said to Wang, "The Palace Secretariat's life has reached its end; it is not something that can be saved." As soon as he finished speaking, he disappeared. (The preceding verification appears in the Youming lu.)