Experience the encounter with the Hail God during a visit to Master Zhang on Mount Longhu, where weather control and divine interventions unfold.
When Wang Gongyun arrived in the Chu region to take up his official position, he planned to visit Master Zhang on Mount Longhu. Upon reaching the shores of Poyang Lake and just boarding a boat, someone in a small boat approached, requesting to relay a message to Wang Gongyun. Wang Gongyun received the visitor and found him to be dignified and robust in stature. The visitor produced a name card from his pocket, saying, “I heard that your distinguished self was about to visit, so Master Zhang sent me as a humble official to welcome you.” Wang Gongyun was astonished that Master Zhang could foresee his visit and began to regard him even more as a deity. He sincerely proceeded to meet him. Upon reaching the mountain, Master Zhang hosted a banquet for Wang Gongyun. The clothing, headwear, and long beards worn by the servants attending the feast were mostly different from those of ordinary people. The earlier messenger also stood by to serve.
After a while, he whispered something to Master Zhang. Master Zhang said to Wang Gongyun, “This person is your fellow townsman; don’t you recognize him?” Wang Gongyun hastily asked which individual he was referring to. Master Zhang replied, “This is the renowned Hail God, Li Zu Che!” Upon hearing this, Wang Gongyun’s face changed in astonishment. Master Zhang explained, “He just mentioned that he has been ordered to descend hailstorms, so he must take his leave.” Wang Gongyun inquired, “Where is he going to unleash hailstorms?” Master Zhang responded, “It’s to Zhangqiu.” Wang Gongyun, because Zhangqiu bordered his hometown, was deeply concerned. He left his seat and earnestly implored to spare his region from the hail disaster. Master Zhang said, “This is the command of the Jade Emperor, and there is a predetermined quantity of hail to be unleashed. How can I privately intervene?” Wang Gongyun continued to plead persistently. After much contemplation, Master Zhang turned to the Hail God and instructed him, “You can release more hail in the valleys, but try your best not to damage the crops.” He further advised, “We have distinguished guests here now; you should depart slowly and avoid being reckless.” The Hail God left, and as he reached the courtyard, suddenly smoke appeared beneath his feet, and he was surrounded by clouds and mist. After about a quarter of an hour, he made a tremendous leap, reaching a height slightly above the trees in the courtyard. Then, with another leap, he soared higher than the buildings. With a thunderous sound, he flew northward, causing the houses to shake and the utensils on the banquet table to jostle. Wang Gongyun, frightened, exclaimed, “As he departs, will there be a thunderstorm?” Master Zhang said, “I cautioned him just now, so he is departing slowly. Otherwise, with a loud thunderclap, he would have vanished instantly.” After bidding farewell to Master Zhang and returning home, Wang Gongyun noted the date and sent someone to inquire about Zhangqiu. Indeed, on that very day, a heavy hailstorm had fallen there, filling the river channels with hail, but there were only a few hailstones in the farmlands.
《雹神》
王公筠苍，莅任楚中，拟登龙虎山谒天师。及湖，甫登舟，即有一人驾小艇来，使舟中人为通。公见之，貌修伟，怀中出天师刺，曰：“闻驺从将临，先遣负弩。”公讶其预知，益神之，诚意而往。天师治具相款。其服役者，衣冠须鬣，多不类常人。前使者亦侍其侧。
少间，向天师细语。天师谓公曰：“此先生同乡，不之识耶？”公问之。曰：“此即世所传雹神李左车也。”公愕然改容。天师曰：“适言奉旨雨雹，故告辞耳。”公问：“何处？”曰：“章丘。”公以接壤关切，离席乞免。天师曰：“此上帝玉敕，雹有额数，何能相徇？”公哀不已。天师垂思良久，乃顾而嘱曰：“其多降山谷，勿伤禾稼可也。”又嘱：“贵客在坐，文去勿武。”神出，至庭中，忽足下生烟，氤氲匝地。俄延逾刻，极力腾起，裁高于庭树；又起，高于楼阁；霹雳一声，向北飞去，屋宇震动，筵器摆簸。公骇曰：“去乃作雷霆耶！”天师曰：“适戒之，所以迟迟。不然，平地一声，便逝去矣。”公别归，志其月日，遣人问章丘，是日果大雨雹，沟渠皆满，而田中仅数枚焉。