Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c11.s3.t3.5

v2.c11.s3.t3.5

Regarding this music, there are many legends. *The Hidden History of Tang* by Lu Zhao described that, “Luo Gongyuan knew many occult sciences and used to go to the Moon Palace with Emperor Xuanzong. Hundreds of fairies were in white silk clothes and rainbow garments, dancing in the hall. Asked the name of music, they replied it was *Nichang Yuyi*. The emperor remembered the tune and came back. Musicians were called the next day and created *Nichang Yuyi Music* on the basis of the melodies.” *The Unofficial Biography of Yang Taizheng* described that *Nichang Yuyi Music* was completed by Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty when he went to Sanxiang facing the Nvji Mountain. It was also said that, “at the night of Mid-autumn Day in the 29th year of Kaiyuan Period (741 CE), the emperor toured the Moon Palace with Ye Fashan, heard fairies playing the music and then he joined the playing with a Jade flute.” The song was called *Nichang Yuyi* and was passed on to the musical department.