南柯一梦 — “A dream of the southern branch”

During the late Sui and early Tang dynasties, there lived a man named Chunyu Zun in Guangling. In his courtyard stood a deeply rooted, lush Chinese scholar tree. On clear summer nights, with the moon and stars shining and the tree's shadows dancing in the gentle breeze, it was a perfect spot to cool off.

On Chunyu Zun's birthday, relatives and friends came to celebrate. He drank a few too many cups in his joy. As night fell and his guests departed, he sat alone under the scholar tree, feeling a bit tipsy. With his blurry eyes, he soon drifted into a deep sleep.

In his dream, he arrived at the Great Huai An Kingdom. It happened to be the imperial examination in the capital. He registered and entered the examinations. After three rounds, his poetry and essays flowed smoothly. When the results were posted, he topped the list.

Next was the palace examination. The emperor found Chunyu Zun to be handsome and dignified, personally appointing him as the top scholar (Zhuangyuan). The emperor also betrothed his princess to him. The Zhuangyuan becoming the royal son-in-law (Fuma) became a popular topic in the capital.

After marriage, the couple lived happily. Chunyu Zun was appointed by the emperor as the prefect (Taishou) of Nanhe Commandery, where he served for 20 years. During his tenure, Chunyu Zun frequently toured the various counties under his jurisdiction, preventing local magistrates from abusing their power, earning him much praise from the local populace. The emperor tried several times to transfer Chunyu Zun back to the capital for promotion, but when the local people heard of his impending departure, they would block his carriage, pleading for him to stay. Moved by their affection, Chunyu Zun stayed, submitting a memorial to the emperor explaining the situation. The emperor, appreciating Chunyu Zun's excellent governance, rewarded him with many treasures.

One year, enemy soldiers invaded. The general of the Great Huai An Kingdom led troops to meet them but was repeatedly defeated. News of the defeat reached the capital, alarming the emperor, who immediately convened his civil and military officials to discuss countermeasures. When the ministers heard of the repeated military failures and the fierce enemy approaching the capital, they all turned pale. They looked at each other, helpless and speechless. The emperor, seeing the ministers' reactions, angrily declared, "You usually live a life of ease and luxury, enjoying all the glory. Yet, when the court faces trouble, you all become silent gourds, timid and cowardly, not uttering a single word. What use are you?"

The prime minister immediately recommended Chunyu Zun to the emperor. The emperor promptly ordered Chunyu Zun to lead the nation's elite forces in a decisive battle against the enemy. Chunyu Zun received the imperial decree and without delay, led his troops to war. Alas, he knew nothing of military strategy. As soon as he engaged the enemy, he suffered a crushing defeat. His forces were routed, throwing away their armor and fleeing in all directions, and Chunyu Zun himself was nearly captured.

The enraged emperor stripped Chunyu Zun of his position and sent him home. Chunyu Zun let out a loud cry of indignation and awoke from his dream, only to see the moon high in the branches and stars twinkling. It was then that he realized that the so-called Nanhe Commandery was merely a branch at the southernmost part of the scholar tree.