Fusou Qitian Album. Fourteen sheets. Silk with color (39x58 cm). Collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei-FDP

This *Fú Shòu Qí Tiān Tú* album was likely created by Qing court painters to celebrate the emperor's birthday. The album consists of fourteen sections, depicting twelve historical figure stories: The Eight Immortals Celebrating Longevity, Presenting the Auspicious Mushroom, Laozi Crossing the Pass, The Three Su's in Harmony, The Meeting of the Nine Elders of the Way, The Four Sages of Jiayou, The Four Scholars of Shangshan, Chen Tuan Divining the Atmosphere, The Four Generations of Three Dukes, The Five Elders of Suiyang, Sun Simiao Seeking a Master, and Serving Renowned Sages. This album is now preserved in the Taipei Palace Museum.

The format and themes of this album are consistent with the *Wànnián Bùlǎo Tú* album also housed in the Taipei Palace Museum. It is likely that painters from the Qing inner court created this collection of auspicious scenes for the emperor's birthday during the same period.

The Eight Immortals Celebrate the Birthday

The Jade Pool's Golden Mother feasts on peaches. Celebrating the birthday, the celestial realm is joyful. The music resounds beyond the clouds. Immortals gather before the palace. Blessings of fortune and longevity are high. Ten thousand years of longevity, like Mount Song. (Note: In the new water order) The moon is bright at the fifth watch. The eight immortals have just arrived. The celestial maidens have taken the elixir. Their longevity is the same as the heavens and earth. (Note: In the Qiao Pai order) One grain of the yellow grass elixir is consumed. Eternity and ten thousand years are prolonged. With a desire for immortality, one gains the guidance of the immortal. Having become an immortal, for ten billion years, one remains eternal. A cup of immortal wine is set before the feast. Bowing at the Jade Pool, one is delighted. Today's banquet, the peaches are full. Holding the glass cup, laughing at the first light of dawn. Gathering with the immortals in a circle. (Note: In the Moon on the Sea order) The southern stars shine with brilliance. Wishing for ten thousand years of longevity. The river is clear, the mountains are high. From now on for ten thousand years, eternal joy and entertainment for a thousand years. United in protection. (Note: The remaining sound)

Offering the Auspicious Mushroom

In the Jiajing era, the people of Wanping County offered five mushrooms. Li Gu offered forty fresh mushrooms from the Five Sacred Mountains. In the thirty-sixth year, the Ministry of Rites offered over a thousand mushrooms. The following year, the people of Hu County gathered one hundred and eighty-one mushrooms to form a mountain and offer it. Among them, several were one and eight inches tall. They were called the Immortal Response to Ten Thousand Years Mountain. According to the records, mushrooms are a kind of auspicious herb. Also known as Sanxiu and JunCong. The 神农经 says that the five mushrooms are red like coral, white like cut lard, black like lacquer, green like green feathers, and yellow like purple gold. When the atmosphere is harmonious, the benevolent ruler will have mushrooms grow. It is also said that the sage has five-colored divine mushrooms, which contain and emit. Taking them will make people live a long life.

Laozi Crossing the Pass

Laozi, the ancestor of Taoism. The Classic of Chaos says that he had no trace of birth in countless incarnations. Until the Shang Dynasty, he began to gestate in the jade maiden for eighty-one years. On the 15th day of the second month of the year Gengchen of the Wuding era, he was born at Qu Renli, She 乡 of Chu, emerging from his mother's left armpit under a plum tree. He was named Li because he pointed to the plum tree. His character was Boyang, and he was also known as Laozi or Lao Dan. During the reign of King Wen of Zhou, he was the keeper of the royal archives. During the reign of King Wu, he was the keeper of the pillar. In the 23rd year of the reign of King Zhao, he crossed the Hangu Pass riding a blue ox. During the reign of King Mu, he returned to the Central Plains. Since the Qin, Han, Tang, and Song dynasties, he has appeared in the world, leaving behind the dust of the ages, and has existed indefinitely. His appearance and disappearance are unpredictable, and his changes are endless. He has saved both heaven and man. It is truly difficult to describe in full.

The Three Sues Are Aesthetically Pleasing

Su Xun, known as Ming Yun, was from Meizhou. At the age of twenty-seven, he was inspired to study. After a year, he passed the imperial examination and further retreated to study. From then on, he could write thousands of words in a moment. During the Jiafu era, along with his two sons, Zhe and You, he arrived in the capital. The scholars were moved by his writings. Zeng Gong commented on his writing, saying it was heroic, magnificent, and elegant, like the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers flowing down. It was brilliant and clear, like pulling stars up. As for Dongpozi You, they both passed the imperial examination and the civil service examination. Their achievements in the court were numerous, and history could not record them all.坡公 himself claimed that everything from laughter to anger could be written and recited. This is indeed true. However, You was particularly calm and collected. His poems were no less than his brother's, and they were both circulated in the world.

Jiudao Jiulao Hui

Li Fang, known as Mingyuan. From Raoyang, Shenzhou. Young and appointed as a government official through family influence. Known in his time. With the rise of the Song Dynasty, he was renowned for his virtue and talent. He rose through the ranks to become a Minister of State and a Grand Chancellor. He managed the state affairs and brought about peace and prosperity. Although he retired, he was always present at court meetings and banquets, always listed among the prime ministers. The annual gifts and rewards were increasingly generous. He resided in a garden, pavilion, and villa, which were particularly beautiful. He admired the story of the "Nine Elders of Luoyang." At that time, the Minister of Personnel was Song Qi, the Left Advisor and Minister of the Grand Council was Yang Huizhi, the Governor of Yingzhou was Wei Bi, the Junior Minister of the Grand Ministry of Rites was Li Yun, the Minister of Water was Zhu Ang, the Deputy Commander of the Lzhou Military Region was Wu Yuncheng, the Middle Advisor to the Crown Prince was Zhang Haowen, the monk Wu Zhenning, and Li Fang himself. All were in their old age. Whenever they gathered in the garden and pavilion, they would drink wine and compose poems. At that time, there were those who depicted their achievements.

Jia You Si Zhen

Fu Bi. Style name Yan Guo. Young and studious. Of great breadth. Fan Zhongyan was amazed upon first sight. Praised as the King's Advisor. Elected for his outstanding talent. Achievements in governance wherever he went. Benevolence spread throughout the land. In the reign of Emperor Jiafu. Fu Bi. Style name Yan Guo. From Henan. Young and studious. Of great breadth. Fan Zhongyan was amazed upon first sight. Praised as the King's Advisor. Elected for his outstanding talent. Achievements in governance wherever he went. Benevolence spread throughout the land. Served as prime minister for three dynasties. Along with Han, Ouyang, Wen, and other gentlemen, they worked together to assist in governance. Their great achievements were too numerous to be recorded in history. They were known as the true prime minister. Ouyang Xiu. Style name Yongshu. From Luling. Educated by a virtuous mother. Passed the imperial examination. Held successive posts as Hanlin, Director of the Department of Ceremonial, Director of the Hall of Literature, and Academician of the Dragon Pool Academy. His morality and literary attainments were the best in the land. Known throughout the country as the true scholar. Bao Zheng. Style name Xiren. From Hefei. Passed the imperial examination. Ascended from county magistrate to Academician of the Dragon Pool Academy. Served as Prefect of Kaifeng, and was appointed as a counselor and 御史中丞. Firm and resolute in court. Respected and feared by both the inner and outer circles. Even the common people in the alleys spoke of him with joy. He was known as the true 御史中丞. Hu Yan. Style name Yizhi. From Hailin. Possessed the mind of a sage. Combined knowledge with elegant music. Taught the I Ching in Wu. Recommended by Fan Zhongyan. Summoned in plain clothes and appointed as a Librarian. Later, his educational methods were codified and implemented in the Imperial University to train students. He was in charge of music and was promoted to Chief Judge of the Supreme Court. In the early years of Emperor Jiafu, he was promoted to Prince's Attendant and Director of the Hall of Celestial Scriptures. Many students of the Imperial University sought his guidance, and he could no longer be accommodated there. At that time, he was highly respected by the scholars and officials. Known as the true Master.

Shangshan Si Gao

The Si Gao said. Dongyuan Gong. Qili Ji. Xia Huang Gong. Jueli Xiansheng. In the early Han dynasty, they lived in hiding on Shangshan Mountain. They gathered mushrooms and delighted in the Tao, acquiring the art of longevity. When the world was peaceful and the true ruler was in power, they responded to the call and emerged. They were all over eighty years old, with white hair and youthful figures, surpassing the young and strong. Therefore, they were moved and delighted by the benevolent ruler, praising and supporting the eternal prosperity. Yao Fu had a song to say. The Tao is worthy of assisting the emperor. The virtue is enough to support the king. Delight the mind with white clouds. Roam in the imperial hometown. The great treasure is in the hands of the ruler. The world flourishes. The carriage is on the road. Stand solemnly in the court. Act in harmony with the times. Act with wisdom. The universe is at peace. The ruler is wise and the ministers are loyal. The legacy of the four gentlemen is as high as the mountains and as long as the waters.

Chen Tan Wang Qi

Chen Bo, styled Tuanan, known as Fuyaozi, was from Huaizhou. Since childhood, he was fond of the Tao. When he grew up, the master said, "I will travel to the summit of Mount Tai. With Anqi Huangshi and others, I will discuss the way of transcendence." He then abandoned his family business and left. Later, he wore a straw hat and grass clothes, often wandering in the market. At that time, he was already over seventy years old. Suddenly, he moved to Mount Hua. However, he was particularly skilled in the study of the Book of Changes. He could discern people and things. During the time when Emperor Taizu was a hidden dragon, he recognized that he had the air of a 天子. When Emperor Taizu ascended the throne, he rode a donkey and cheered in the market. From then on, the world was peaceful. He was called but did not come. In the early years of the founding of the state, he first responded to the call. Emperor Taizong ordered him to wear the Huayang hat, grass shoes, and a sash. He was received with guest 礼仪 in the Yan Ying Hall. He was granted a seat and was questioned for a long time. He wanted to be appointed as a counselor, but he firmly declined and asked to return home. He left on a cloud.

Fourth generation, third official

Yang Zhen, known as Boqi. From Huayin. Father was Bao Xi, a Minister of the Supreme Commandery. Retired and taught. Valued virtue and righteousness. Once went to the north of Huayin Mountain. Saved a yellow sparrow. Fed it for over a hundred days. The feathers grew and it flew away. Later, the sparrow brought back a jade ring to repay. It said that the noble descendants would have four generations of three officials. Then, he gave birth to Zhen, a great scholar. Known as the Master of Guanxi. Initially recommended for talent. Appointed as the Governor of Jingzhou. Then as the Prefect of Donglai. Appointed as Grand Marshal and Grand Minister of War. Stood firm and upright in the court. Made many contributions to the country. Throughout his life, he was honest and upright. Passed down purity and integrity to his descendants. Zhen's son, Bing Ke, followed his father's career. Also proficient in the Book of Changes. In his forties, he began to respond to calls. Appointed as the Assistant Imperial Inspector and then as Grand Minister of War. Bing's son, Ci, was a diligent and learned scholar. Recommended by the three officials. Appointed as the Minister of Works. Also appointed as Grand Marshal and Grand Minister of War. Ci's son, Biao, was knowledgeable in ancient classics. Learned the family's teachings from a young age. Appointed as a Counselor and then as the Minister of Works. Later, as the Grand Minister of War. Grandfather, father, and son for four generations succeeded each other in virtue and career. All were three officials. They lived long and had great virtue. The reward for virtue is indeed not false.

Suiyang Wulao

Du Yan. Style name Shichang. From Shanyin. Devoted to learning. Passed the jinshi examination in the first rank. Served as a prefect of several states. Left behind him great love. First lenient then strict. Officials and people were transformed by his moral teachings. During the reign of Emperor Renzong, he was appointed as a co-minister and also served as the Grand Secretary. Skilled in deciding important military and state affairs. Enjoyed recommending talented scholars. And opposed the lucky and the cunning. Whenever there was something that could not be done, he would return the imperial edict. The emperor praised him immediately. He retired with the title of Marquis Qi. Enjoyed a leisurely life in the mountains and rivers. At that time, along with the Minister of Rites Wang Huan, the Minister of War Zhu Guan, and the Minister of Agriculture Bi Shichang, he, as an elder with great virtue and advanced age, lived a carefree life in the countryside. Both the court and the people admired and spoke of them. They were known as the "Five Elders of Shanyin."

Si Miao's Teacher

A monk in Chengdu. He was very dedicated in reciting the Avatamsaka Sutra and had a high level of moral conduct. Suddenly, a mountain servant arrived and said, "Mr. Master, please have the teacher recite the sutra." He led the way over a stream and through several layers of misty clouds. In the middle of a mountain, the servant said, "Mr. Master often wakes up late. Please recite until the "Bodhisattva in the Treasure Tower" chapter so I can hear it. To my surprise, he indeed came out. Dressed in rustic attire, carrying a staff, his ears hanging down his shoulders. After burning incense and listening to the sutra, he never came out again. With a bamboo plate and chopsticks, he had a bowl of millet rice, several pots of chrysanthemum and chrysanthemum leaves, unsalted yogurt. It was as delicious as nectar. He received a ring of money and was sent to the 路口. Asked, "Mr. Master, what is your surname?" He replied, "Sun." Asked what his name was, the servant wrote the characters "Si Miao" in the monk's hand. The monk was greatly startled. The servant lost it. He searched the mountains for three days and finally got lost. When he returned to look at the money, it was one hundred coins. From that meal, he felt light and energetic. In the Tianxi era, the monk was one hundred and fifty years old. After that, he disappeared and was never seen again.

Following the Famous and Virtuous

A boy named Wei Zhao sought to serve under Guo Tai. He provided cleaning services. Tai said, "You should focus on studying the essence of the classics. Why do you come close to me?" Zhao replied, "It is easy to find a teacher of scriptures, but it is difficult to find a teacher of virtue. I want to use the quality of plain silk to be close to vermilion and indigo." Guo Tai, known as Lin Zong, was a person of the Han Lingdi era. He was invited to the Academy of Tai Xue for his virtue. There were three thousand students, and Lin Zong was the best. The boy Wei Zhao sought to serve as his teacher and provided cleaning services. Later, Tai said, "You are young. You should study the meaning of the classics and read scriptures. How can you find time to come close to me?" Zhao replied, "It is easy to find a teacher of scriptures, but it is difficult to find a teacher who can be a role model. My coming here is precisely because the teacher of virtue is here. I can observe and emulate him day and night. As for goodness, it is like plain silk being close to vermilion and indigo. It depends on what it is stained with.