Half-Side Street
Half-Side Street: In the old city area of Dayong there was a Half-Side Street. Why was it only half a street? Legend says that during the Song Dynasty, in Mojia Gang of Guanping, there appeared a talented scholar named Mo Ji, also known as Mo Shuqi. That year, the emperor held imperial examinations, and Mo Shuqi bid farewell to his elders to set off for the exam. His fiancee also came to see him off. That morning, when Mo Shuqi opened the door, the hen in its cage suddenly crowed at him...
This article has been compiled from historical materials on 'Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network' (33519.com · Specialty Foods / Cuisine / Customs section). Prices, business hours, administrative divisions, and statistical data mentioned in the text may already be outdated. Before traveling, please refer to the latest announcements from merchants, scenic areas, and local competent authorities; the parts involving folk legends and folk customs are local historical and cultural anecdotes, provided for cultural reference.
Half Street
In the old urban area of Dayong there is a Half Street. Why is it only half a street?
Legend has it that during the Song Dynasty, in Mojia Gang of Guanping, there was a talented scholar named Mo Ji, also known as Mo Shuqi. That year, the emperor held the imperial examinations, and Mo Shuqi took leave of his elders to set out for the exam. His betrothed also came to see him off. That morning, when Mo Shuqi opened the door, the hen in the cage suddenly crowed at him three times, just like a rooster. The family felt this was inauspicious, a bad omen. Mo Shuqi casually "interpreted" it: "The rooster does not crow but the hen does; it singles out Mo Shuqi alone." Everyone thought this was a good interpretation and felt reassured. Mo Shuqi went to the capital for the exam. He excelled in poetry, lyrics, and prose, and with one stroke of the imperial brush, the emperor named him top scholar. When Mo Shuqi entered the palace in his official robes, the emperor took one look and — oh! What a handsome young man! He wanted to make him the imperial son-in-law. When Mo Shuqi heard this, he waved his hands frantically and said: "Your Majesty, I have a betrothed at home. This cannot be done, this cannot be done!" The emperor said: "Hey, what is a mere common girl? Break the engagement!" Mo Shuqi had no choice but to bow and marry the princess.
On their wedding night, Mo Shuqi sat blankly before the lamp, longing for his betrothed back home. Speaking of that betrothed — though she was a village girl of common birth, she was proper and upright. She and Shuqi had been childhood sweethearts, and had studied together, practiced skills together, and shared a love of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, in perfect harmony. She had wanted to accompany him to the exam, but being a woman, she could not, and had to give up the idea. When Shuqi left, the village girl had urged him again and again: after passing the exam, send word quickly and bring her to the capital; if he failed, come home quickly and they would marry at once. Who could have imagined that now he had failed her hopes entirely!
He sat until the third watch. The princess grew impatient and urged him to consummate the marriage. Mo Shuqi sighed and had no choice but to comply. But as soon as he got into bed, he suddenly discovered that the princess was not a maiden — she was already with child! It turned out that Mo Shuqi was a hereditary famous doctor. When he examined someone, one glance was enough for him to tell. Mo Shuqi was stunned. The emperor's daughter had behaved improperly — it was impossible not to speak of it, yet speaking of it was also impossible. In a fit of anger, he sat up all night by the candle.
Because he would not consummate the marriage, the princess quarreled with him. When word reached the emperor's ears, he was furious and summoned Mo Shuqi for questioning. Mo Shuqi could not hold back any longer. Gritting his teeth, he exposed the princess's scandal from beginning to end. When the emperor heard this, his rage flared to the heavens. He said: "Mo, you are slandering me with lies and insulting the emperor. I will have you executed!" Mo Shuqi said: "Your Majesty, if I have spoken a single false word, may you exterminate my entire clan!" The emperor said: "Very well. Summon the imperial physician to check her pulse. If it is true, you are pardoned; if not, your entire clan will be exterminated!" Mo Shuqi said: "Then let it be as Your Majesty wishes!"
At once the imperial physician was summoned. He took the pulse from behind the curtain, and suddenly started in shock, blurting out: "Congratulations, Your Majesty, the princess is..." At this cry, all the civil and military officials were struck dumb with fear. The emperor was so angry he nearly spat blood, but "the sovereign's word is no jest," so he had to pardon Mo Shuqi and graciously permit him to take leave to visit his family and marry the village girl. Before he left, the emperor even specially bestowed upon him a silk banner reading "Number One Under Heaven."
Now, when Mo Shuqi was halfway home, he was suddenly stopped by two constables, who said they were pursuing a rebel and traitorous official. Mo Shuqi said: "I am the top scholar!" The constables paid him no heed. They seized his bundle and luggage and found the silk banner. "Hmph, you call yourself 'Number One Under Heaven' — then what number is the emperor? This is clearly intent to rebel and usurp the throne!" Only then did Mo Shuqi realize he had been tricked. He raised his head to heaven and wept: "Oh heavens! If I, Mo Shuqi, had known this day would come, why would I have gone to the capital to seek fame and rank!"
And so Mo Shuqi was hacked to death by swords by the roadside.
It is said that the imperial physician was also ordered to die by the emperor. According to court rules, wherever a top scholar came from, a cross-shaped street was to be built in that county town as a commendation. The cross street in Dayong was only half built when a secret edict came from the court: stop building — Mo Shuqi was a traitorous official.
After that, Dayong Town was left with this "Half Street."