The Fountainhead of Chinese Erotica

Annotated Translation

133 Annotated Translation I have never seen anyone who loved virtue as much as sex. Confucius, Analects 9.18 Written by Xu Changling of Wumen1 The Story of Empress Wu Zetian’s Lord of Perfect Satisfaction2 Eastern Capital, Seihikaku3 Preface to “The Lord of Perfect Satisfaction” What is the Ruyijun zhuan? It is the story of Empress Wu Zetian’s inner chamber .4 Although it is told in an offensive manner, is it not still adequate to serve as an admonitory example? In the past, the fact that the four whitebeards assisted the crown prince and the fortunes of the Han were thereby made secure was really due to the efforts of the marquis of Liu.5 As for the marquis of Liu, it can be said that he was faithful to the state. Empress Wu Zetian was violent beyond regulation and became more lecherous with each passing day. Even though she went so far as to depose the crown prince and usurp the throne, no one was able to rectify the situation. And the reinstatement of Zhong Zong was truly due to the efforts of Mr. Aocao.6 Although he attained advancement through lascivious conduct, was he not also faithful to the state? At such a time, were the marquis of Liu to have worried about him and the four whitebeards to have fostered him, how could they have been effective? The Book of Changes says “simply handed in through a window ”; Mr. Aocao used this method.7 Viewing it in this fashion, even though 134 Translation and Original Text it is told in an offensive manner, is it not still suf¤cient to serve as an admonitory example? Autumn of the year jiaxu.8 Written by Huayang Sanren.9 Calligraphy by the Eremite of the Portal of Pander, Eastern Capital.10 The Story of Passion in the Boudoir Empress Wu Zetian was the daughter of the commander in chief of Jing prefecture , Wu Shihuo; as a child her nickname was “Fair Flatterer.”11 When she reached the age of fourteen, the Erudite Emperor heard of her beauty and obtained her for the rear palace, bestowing upon her the title lady of talents.12 After much time had passed, the Erudite Emperor became ill. As crown prince, Gaozong attended upon him with liquid medications.13 The Fair Flatterer waited to one side. Gaozong was delighted upon seeing her and wanted to have an affair, but he lacked the opportunity.14 After a while Gaozong got up to go to the bathroom. The Fair Flatterer knelt as she served him with a golden pan of water. Gaozong playfully sprinkled her with the water and intoned:15 Suddenly I recall on Mount Wu that spirit in my dream; The road to Yang Terrace is obstructed, and there is no entrée.16 The Fair Flatterer then matched his couplet and said: Before enjoying, behind the brocaded curtains, a meeting of wind and clouds, I ¤rst bathe from the golden pan in the rain and dew of imperial favor.17 Gaozong was ecstatic and led her to an assignation in a small, secluded chamber inside the palace where they were utterly entangled. When they were¤nished, the Fair Flatterer grasped the emperor’s clothing and sobbed: “Although I am lowly, I have long served the emperor. By desiring to ful¤ll the passions of Your Majesty I have violated the regulation against illicit affairs. On the day when you become emperor, who knows where you will place me?” Gaozong untied the nine-dragon mutton-lard jade belt hook he was wearing and gave it to her, saying: “Should the emperor die, you shall be elevated to empress.” The Fair Flatterer kowtowed repeatedly and accepted it.18 Annotated Translation 135 After this time when they entered to wait upon the emperor’s illness they often had secret relations. The illness of the Erudite Emperor intensi¤ed. The Fair Flatterer was sent to Ganye Temple where her hair was shaved and she was made a nun. After Gaozong succeeded to the throne, he went to Ganye Temple to offer incense and secretly ordered the Fair Flatterer to let her hair grow.19 When her hair was seven feet long she was conveyed to the palace and appointed lady of bright deportment of the left.20 After Miss Wu entered the Palace of Bright Deportment she competed with Empress Wang and Pure Consort...