All scholars hope that within their lifetime they might wield their pens in the halls of power, giving full voice to their lofty ambitions and heroic aspirations. Tragically, Helan Jinming betrayed the trust of Emperor Suzong of Tang, who had elevated him to serve as Military Commissioner of Linhuai while holding the title of Censor-in-Chief. Once granted power, however, Helan Jinming lost all restraint. Forgetting his duty, he flaunted the arrogance of a corrupt official, commanding troops yet refusing to act. He watched from the sidelines, offering excuse after excuse, and would not dispatch his forces—thus forcing loyal ministers such as Zhang Xun and Xu Yuan to defend Suiyang to the death. For this, Helan Jinming incurred eternal infamy, condemned unanimously for centuries, denounced alike by voice and pen without end.
By contrast, when Zhang Hao received Emperor Suzong's appointment, he displayed the courage, integrity, and moral backbone worthy of a true man of letters. Now serving as Chancellor, his righteous spirit towered above court and countryside alike, and his noble character shines across the ages.
Ling Xian'er said with a smile,"My three elder sisters, just like Madam here, once recited Helan Jinming's poetry on the streets of Chang'an:
'Have you not seen the willows before the gate,Their fleeting glory, long since fallen into desolation…'
The recitation drew a crowd of onlookers. When the people learned that the poem was by Helan Jinming, they burst into loud applause. Just as Helan Jinming was basking in self-satisfaction, my husband called out in a clear voice:
'Good people of Chang'an! This poem was written by none other than Lord Helan Jinming standing before you. Lord Helan is a master of poetry and prose—one whom I greatly admire. Yet recently, there is something astonishing he has done, something known to all!'"
Elder Sister Liu Yun deliberately raised her voice and asked,"What great deed might that be, Lord Helan? Why not tell us all?"
Helan Jinming's face changed instantly. He hurried his attendants to leave at once, but how could my husband let the matter rest? Each time Helan tried to force his way out, my husband blocked him bodily. When the guards attempted to intervene, they were beaten into disarray.
Pointing at Helan Jinming's nose in the middle of the street, my husband proclaimed,"Good people! Do you know that this so-called court official before you refused aid when Lord Zhang Xun of Suiyang sent General Nan Jiyun to beg for reinforcements? This dog of an official delayed again and again, refusing to send troops—thus causing Lord Zhang Xun to die a heroic martyr!"
Upon learning that the man before them was the official who had abandoned loyal ministers to their deaths, the people of Chang'an erupted in fury:
"Corrupt dog!""Beast!"
Several stout matrons rushed forward and struck Helan Jinming again and again—slap, slap!—leaving him seeing stars.
At that moment, a large force of patrol officers and constables arrived, seizing several of the aunties and matrons. Seeing that the beaten man was finely dressed and clearly a court official, the lead constable shouted,
"You dare strike an official of the court? Are you not afraid of being hauled before the magistrate?"
My husband stepped forward calmly and said aloud,"Constable, please show leniency. These aunties struck well—struck rightly. They struck an official who dares not even press charges. If you doubt me, ask Lord Helan himself!"
The arrested women grew anxious, but Elder Sister Liu Yun comforted them, saying,"Don't be afraid! Even if he is a court official, heaven's justice is clear and retribution never fails. What harm in striking him? Let us go to the magistrate and see who truly has the law on their side!"
The constable, utterly confused, muttered,"How could such a thing be?"
He then approached Helan Jinming respectfully and asked,"May I ask how this honorable lord is addressed?"
Helan Jinming rose in disarray and replied,"I am Helan Jinming, Prefect of Chenzhou."
The constable asked,"Lord Helan, shall this matter be formally reported?"
How could Helan Jinming dare to expose his own disgrace to public scrutiny? Forcing a smile, he said,"Constable, it was all a misunderstanding. Nothing at all—just trouble for you to make this trip."
Hearing this, the constable turned and ordered,"Very well. Release them."
The constables freed the aunties and matrons, who quickly dispersed. This time, my husband used words rather than fists, yet truly gave voice to the people's pent-up rage.
Helan Jinming's journey to the capital ended not only in failed ambition but in a public beating by the people themselves. He was frightened out of his wits, his soul nearly fleeing his body!"
Ling Xian'er told the tale with great humor. Zhang Hao's wife listened with delight and said,"Hall Master Wu embodies loyalty and righteousness. To expose Helan Jinming and uphold justice in this way—truly the deed of a chivalrous hero!"
Wu Tong, reflecting on past events, felt his thoughts surge and his emotions swell. He said solemnly,"I merely serve as Hall Master of the Loyalty Hall. I only hope not to disgrace its name."
Zhang Hao replied,"Hall Master Wu possesses the bones of a true knight and serves the state with loyalty. I hold you in the highest esteem."
Wu Tong said,"My lord is the true pillar of the realm, a minister upon whom the nation depends. I bow in admiration."
Zhang Hao then said,"Today, I invited Hall Master Wu here not only to thank you for your great assistance during the campaign against the rebels, but also because I have a personal matter to entrust to you."
Wu Tong answered,"As Chancellor, whatever you entrust must concern the affairs of state. I shall not refuse."
Zhang Hao flushed slightly and said,"This is not a matter of state, but rather two friends of mine who have fallen into misfortune. My duties bind me here, and I cannot go to them myself. After much thought, I believe none but Hall Master Wu can accomplish this task."
Wu Tong was greatly surprised. If it was not a state matter, why should he be involved? He said,"Any friend whom my lord holds dear must be no ordinary person. Your sincerity and depth of feeling command my utmost respect. Please instruct me."
Zhang Hao suddenly recited:
'Hard is the road, hard is the road—So many branching paths, where now shall I go?Yet one day, riding the long wind, I shall break the waves,Hang my cloud-white sails, and cross the vast blue sea.'
"My friend once answered an imperial summons and served as a Hanlin Academician. His fame shook the capital, and his glory knew no bounds. Alas, fortune turned against him. He was imprisoned, and though the Emperor has now granted a general amnesty, my friend is already on the road to exile in Yelang. His罪 has been pardoned, yet someone must personally carry the imperial decree and see this through."
Wu Tong, hearing this, thought to himself—could it be…? He said,"My lord—are you speaking of the great poet known as the 'Banished Immortal from Heaven,' Li Bai?"
Zhang Hao nodded."Indeed—Li Bai."
After the An Lushan Rebellion broke out, Li Bai wandered Mount Hua, traveled south to Xuancheng, and later ascended Mount Lu. In December of 756, he accepted repeated invitations from Prince Yong, Li Lin, and joined his staff at Xunyang. When Prince Yong rebelled and was defeated and executed, Li Bai was captured by government forces and imprisoned at Xunyang. Though spared execution, Emperor Suzong, enraged by his association with the rebels, sentenced him to exile in distant Yelang.