What instructions were given to Kwan-Yu concerning construction of the bell?
Answers
Answer:
True, most mighty one, and yet permit me to say that Kwan-yu, who so skilfully moulded the imperial cannon, can also cast a giant bell.
In 1403, China was at the height of its power. At the top of the ladder was the great Emperor Kung-Lo, who had ruled for many years with plenty of success.
One day, towards the end of his reign, he was sitting in the throne room with hundreds of servants by his side. Most notable was his trusted courtier Ming-Lin, who noticed that the Emperor looked particularly sad that day. Falling to the floor and carrying out the customary gesture of knocking one’s head on the floor three times before addressing the Emperor, he spoke.
‘What is wrong, Your Imperial Majesty?’ Ming-Lin asked.
‘I have no more ideas,’ answered the Emperor. ‘I am scared that my children will consider me lazy if I do not come up with more ways to make this country great.’
Ming-Lin came up with an idea.
‘I’ve got it, Your Imperial Majesty! In the north of the city, there stands a bell-tower – a building of magnificent spectacle. But what this building lacks is a signal, something that can reach the people far and wide. What if it had a extraordinary bell that would ring out for miles and miles? It would offer a way to remind the people of your presence and how grateful they all are.’
Smiling, Kung-Lo responded with, ‘What a great idea that is! But who is the person for the job?’
‘I have just the man!’ Ming-Lin continued, ‘His name is Kwan-Yu. He is a good friend and a reliable person. He is well-known for crafting the cannons for your army. A bell should be no problem for someone so talented!’
But what Ming-Lin was not telling the Emperor was that Kwan-Yu’s only daughter was going to marry Ming-Lin’s son. This partnership would strengthen the relationship they already shared with the Emperor and establish their children as favourites with the most powerful person amongst them.
‘Summon him immediately!’ demanded Kung-Lo. And so it was that Kwan-Yu was summoned to the Forbidden City to receive his instructions from the Emperor of China.
‘I want you to make me a huge bell that will ring throughout Beijing!’ Kung-Lo ordered him. ‘Create a bell that will blend the perfect proportions of gold and brass for strength, and silver so that it rings clearly and purely.’ He added, ‘Engrave the sides with the words of wise men.’
But to Ming-Lin’s surprise, Kwan-Yu was not happy to be given the job. ‘I have never made a bell before. Who says I can? I am not even sure what I am supposed to do!’ He exclaimed.
But he was reassured by Ming-Lin, ‘If you can make a cannon out of molten metal, then creating a bell using the same materials will be no problem for you. Make a mould, mix the metal, melt it and then pour it. Don’t worry, my friend!’