Wei Zheng(魏征):

Wei Zheng was an outstanding politician, thinker, literary figure, and historian during the early Tang Dynasty. He was famous for his forthright advice and assisted Emperor Taizong in creating the “Governance of Zhenguan,” earning him the title of “a great minister of the generation.”

In “Journey to the West,” there is a complete narrative similar to the “dream of slaying the small white loong,” which is the “dream of slaying the Jing River loong.”

Wei Zheng served as the Prime Minister of the Tang Dynasty and was also an official in the Underworld, responsible for executing the old Jing River Loong King who violated the celestial laws. The day before the execution, the old loong pleaded with Emperor Li Shimin to intercede on his behalf, and the emperor readily agreed. The next day, Emperor Li summoned Wei Zheng to court and detained him. Unbeknownst to them, at the third quarter of the noon hour, Wei Zheng dozed off and, in his dream, his soul left his body and slew the old loong. The loong’s resentful spirit lingered, holding a grudge against the emperor for his unkept promises, and it caused disturbances in the palace daily, alarming the emperor.

Upon learning of the emperor’s fright, Wei Zheng dispatched Qin Qiong and Yuchi Gong to guard the palace gates, which was effective for a while. However, a few days later, the old loong found its way to the back gate of the palace to settle scores with Emperor Li. Wei Zheng then took up his sword to guard the rear gate, deterring the loong from approaching. Appreciating their efforts in guarding the gates at night, the emperor ordered a painter to create images of Qin Qiong and Yuchi Gong and affixed them to the front gates, and an image of Wei Zheng to the back gate, which proved effective. This practice eventually spread among the people, and Qin Qiong, Yuchi Gong, and Wei Zheng became known as the Door Gods. Images of Qin Qiong and Yuchi Gong were placed on double doors, and Wei Zheng on single doors. When Emperor Li was taken to the Underworld for trial, Wei Zheng boldly rescued him, preserving his life. This episode depicts Wei Zheng’s loyalty as shining as the sun and moon and his wisdom and courage standing out among his peers.