Wǔlíng jì 武陵記
Records of Wuling by 伍安貧 (Wú Ānpín, fl. Southern Qi–Tang period, before 854 CE) — zhuàn 撰
About the work
A fragmentary geographic record of Wǔlíng 武陵 (modern Changde, Hunan), by Wú Ānpín 伍安貧. The KRP text is distinguished from the Wǔlíng jì by Huáng Mǐn 黃閔 (KR2k0181) by its attribution header “《伍安貧武陵記》“. The text is cited in the Yǒuyáng záǔ 酉陽雜俎 (compiled by Duàn Chénshì 段成式 before 854 CE), which sets the terminus ante quem, and in the Song-period Yúdì jìshèng 輿地紀勝.
Internal evidence in the Yúdì jìshèng quotations mentions that the Southern Qi Gāo Zhāng Wang 齊高章王 (likely Xiao Bao Yin or a cognate title) served as Prefect and honored Wú’s family’s cultured ways, renaming a Buddhist temple “Chóng Yǎ Temple 崇雅寺.” This connects Wú Ānpín’s biography to Southern Qi administration of Wuling. The CBDB contains no reliable record of this person.
Abstract
The surviving fragments cover:
From Yǒuyáng záǔ (2 passages):
- Water chestnuts: “Four-cornered and three-cornered [varieties] are called jì 芰; two-cornered are called líng 菱.” An early lexicographic distinction between ling and ji water plants.
- The Exchange-Tree (jiāo ràng mù 交讓木) on Báizhì Mountain: “Among all trees it leafs out last, after all others have flowered and bloomed; and it alternates blooming annually.” A rare tree noted for its deferential growth pattern.
From Yúdì jìshèng (7 passages):
- Customs of Wuling: “The people are harmonious and gentle, mostly purely filial and indifferent to official ambition. Constantly playing the five-string zither, they take pleasure in Daoist quietude, preserving a remnant air of the Yú and Xia [golden ages].”
- Wú Cháo’s study pond: A Jin-dynasty recluse Wú Cháo 伍朝 had a calligraphy-practice pond beside his study that turned slightly dark — traces still visible.
- Chóng Yǎ Temple: The origin of this temple name and its connection to Wú Ānpín’s family.
- Three ancient bronze vessels: Found by digging a pool — inscribed “Bó Yǎ, Zhòng Yǎ, Jì Yǎ” (First, Second, Third Cup) — holding one dǒu, seven shēng, and five shēng respectively; dating to the end of Later Han, vessels of the Liu family who prized hospitality.
- Lake produce: The lake yields water chestnuts with thin shells, thick flesh, and an especially sweet fragrance; Chǔ King Píng once had chestnuts picked here and built a Cǎi Líng Pavilion.
- Historical movement of commandery seat: Han general Liáng Sōng moved Wuling commandery from Yìlíng 義陵 to Ruò City 若城; later Tài Cháng Pān Jùn 太常潘濬 conquered the Wuling region and relocated the commandery seat to a smaller fortified city.
- Wǔ Chéng Mountain: Chǔ king Wēi sent general Zhuāng Qiāo 莊蹻 to pacify the Qian-zhong region; Zhuāng built a city on this mountain.
- Dū Wèi City: A strategically positioned city at the confluence of the Chén and Yuán rivers.
Translations and research
No substantial secondary literature located.
Links
- ctext.org search: https://ctext.org/search.pl?if=en&search=伍安貧