The idiom, “Dream of the Southern Bough” is used to illustrate the fleeting nature of fame, riches and glory. This story was written by a Tang Dynasty writer named Li Kung Zuo. It came from a volume entitled, “Tales from the Governor of Southern Bough”.
During the Tang Dynasty, there was a man named Chun Yu Fen from Dung Peng who liked making acquaintances on the fly, was extremely loyal to his friends and without hesitation would save someone from danger. He loved to drink and was often impulsive, willful, blunt and cared not for social graces. His family was extremely wealthy and he was a great patron to many intellectuals who lived in his household. Because of his martial skills, he was appointed to fill the vacant position of the lieutenant of the Wei Nan military division. However during one of his drinking fiascos, he angered the chief marshal and was relinquished from his official position. Roaming around everyday without aim he would indulge himself in wine without restraint.
His home was situated about ten miles from the prefecture of Guang Lin. At the southern side of his home grew an ancient pagoda tree; so large was its canopy that a few acres1 came under its shade. Often Chun Yu Fen would drink and be merry under the shade with his cronies. On the 9th day of the 7th lunar month of the 7th year of Zhen Yuan (791 AD), Chun and his drinking buddies were so intoxicated in their stupor that they did not feel well. Two of his friends tried to carry him home but in the end decided to let him rest at the corridor on the eastern side of the main hall and told him, “Better rest for awhile. The two of us shall feed the horses and wash our feet before leaving you.”
Chun Yu Fen loosened his headscarf to make a pillow out of it as he dozed off. As he bordered in his dreams, two envoys in purple clothes walked through his door. After kowtowing to him on their bended knees, they announced,
“By his imperial order, the King of Great Pagoda Tree Peace has commanded your Lordship to pay a visit to His kingdom!”
Subconsciously he rose from his day bed, straightened his clothes and followed the two envoys out of the door. There a small oil green colored carriage drawn by four horses awaited together with seven or eight attendants. With utmost respect, they led Chun onto the carriage. Once out of the main gates, the carriage proceeded at a past pace into a cave that appeared in the pagoda tree. Chun felt rather strange but said nothing as he felt it was quite improper to ask questions. As they journeyed he realized that the scenery on both sides of the carriage: the roads, the rivers, the mountains and even the grasses were not quite the same as those of the mortal world. About ten miles later, outer walls of a city appeared. Many carriages and pedestrians were going about their way unceasingly. All this while, his attendants were shouting out aloud at the people who then quickly made way for the carriage. Soon, they entered a great city with a reddish gold main entrance surrounded by many towers. On the entrance tower was written the following characters, “Great Pagoda Tree Peace Country”. The tower guards paid homage to them and quickly went inside to report of the arrival. Next a horseman came bearing an imperial edit which he announced,
“His Imperial Highness, mindful of the Prince-in-Consort having to journey from afar, shall have him rest at the Gloriette of Eastern Grandeur”.
With that pronouncement, the horseman led the way. Soon afterwards another great entrance appeared. The attendant requested that Chun Yu Fen get out of the carriage. Once inside there were richly carved columns and colored grand balustrades. Rows of planted trees heavily laden with rare and exotic fruits were planted just outside of the great hall. Grand door drapes were hung, banquet tables, chairs and cushions were placed in an exquisite manner. Chun Yu Fen was delighted at such detailed arrangements. Not long afterwards he heard someone announcing,
“The Right Prime Minister has arrived.”
With great respect Chun Yu Fen approached the stairs to greet the minister who was dressed in purple colored official robes of the Imperial Court. Both of his hands carried an ivory breath deflector2, walking quickly towards him. As the ceremony between host and guest had ended, the Right Prime Minister said,
“Even though our country is remote, His Imperial Majesty has especially summoned thee to become our Princess Consort.”
Chun Yu Fen replied,
“I’m just a person from the lower class, how can I dare to aspire to such lofty ambitions?”
The Prime Minister bade Chun Yu Fen to go with him for an audience with the King. About a hundred paces or so, they entered a great door painted in cinnabar red where many warriors clasped with halberds and axes were standing on guard. Military and Civil officials stood along the two sides of the imperial steps to the throne. In the midst of a crowd of officials, Chun was immensely delighted to see Chou Bian, a long time drinking boon friend, but dared not approach him for a chat. The Right Prime Minister led him towards an even more spacious and solemn palace where many more sentries were guarding the place. It must be the very chambers of the King himself. Seated in the middle of the great hall was a huge man of great regality wearing rich brocades of white and a red floral crown. Chun Yu Fen could not help himself and he shook like a leaf. He almost he could not lift his head. The attendants on the side hinted that he should now make obeisance to the King.
The King spoke,
“We had acquiesced to the wishes of your father, that you will not look down on our small country and shall be betrothed to our second daughter, Jade Fragrance and become our Prince-in-Consort3of the Eastern Chambers”.
Chun Yu Fen knelt before the king cowering in fear and did not respond. The King continued,
“You may return to the guest mission for now. When everything is prepared, the wedding ceremony shall proceed.”
That very night, all that is needed for the wedding had been set up in the Hall of Meeting making it a place of pomp and grand style. Three smiling officials who came up to Chun Yu Fen and said,
“We had been ordered to be the Prince-in-Consort attendants4.”
One of them turned out to be an old friend of Chun Yu Fen and Chun asked,
“Aren’t you Tian Tzu Wah?”
“It is so my Lord.”
Chun Yu Fen held Tzu Wah’s and soon they were chatting away, reminiscing their past. After awhile, Chun could not help but to ask Tzu Wah,
“How come you are here?”
Tian Tzu Wah replied,
“I was traveling and visiting famous places. When I came here, I met the Right Prime Minister. We became friends and hence stayed here since then.”
Chun asked again,
“Do you know that Chou Bian is also here?”
“Yes I do. His status is high and is the Governor of Silli. He is very a powerful man and many a time, I sought him for help and protection.”
With that three male attendants quickly had a change of new clothes and Tzu Wah commented,
Ten or more pretty maidens came and performed all sorts of exotic music. The melody sounded clear and sweet but the lyrics hinted at sorrow and melancholy. Such wondrous music could never be heard in the mortal world. Ten gorgeous lanterns were held high up to light the way. Gold and green colored curtains sewn with pieces of delicately carved jade, stretching for a few miles long weaved along the path. Chun Yu Fen sat upright in a solemn manner but his heart was pitter pattering away unable to relax. Tian Tzu Wah tried to lighten his mood by telling him jokes.
Finally the Right Prime Minister led Chun Yu Fen back to the Gloriette of Eastern Grandeur. Soon they reached a palace door; on which were written three characters – Palace of Cultivating Countenance. Many a royal relative came to the side of the door and respectfully welcomed Chun Yu Fen in his carriage. The wedding rituals were the same as those from the mortal world. Finally the drapes were unveiled. Face hiding fans were moved away and a very beautiful maiden appeared – Princess Golden Bough, about 14 to 15 years of age with a face more beautiful than the colored morning clouds. Her regal countenance rivaled those of fairies and immortals. The moment Chun Yu Fen laid eyes on her he was immediately smitten by her.
As each day passes, the love between Chun Yu Fen and the princess grew deeper and so did his prestige. Carriage traffic to his household was continuous like flowing waters. Grand stallions looked like dragons. The amount of guests attending the banquets together with the number of serving servants rivaled to the imperial banquets. The King of Great Pagoda Tree Peace allowed Chun Yu Fen to go on a grand hunt with his officials at Mt. Spiritual Turtle which was at the western side of the country. On top of the mountain one can see continuous mountain ranges surround it, making the place looked treacherous in deadly beauty. Looking down from the mountain, one can see lakes and rivers stretching beyond the horizon. Great forests were luxuriant with life, teeming with birds and animals of every kind. They hunted many a great and rare creatures. Not until the night fell that the hunt was finally over and everyone returned home happily.One day the Princess asked her husband,
“Wouldst thee wish to become a court official?”
Chun Yu Fen replied,
“I’m a habitual go-a-lucky-person. I’m used to laziness. Neither a thought was given as I’m not well versed in statecraft.”
The Princess explained,
“All you need is the will to become one. Leave all other matters to me.”
With that the Princess went to see her father. A few days later, the King said to Chun Yu Fen,
“The Southern Bough Prefecture was not governed properly. Its governor had been dismissed. I have been thinking in borrowing your ability to become the next governor. The Princess shall leave with you to Southern Bough!”
Chun Yu Fen respectfully accepted the imperial edit and the King decreed to the officials in charge to make preparations for the journey. Several huge cases containing gold, pearls, jade, exquisite bolts of silk and clothes for the Princess were packed. Many a retainer and maid lined up at the main avenues to bid them farewell.
Chun Yu Fen also petitioned to the throne requesting,
“I have no experience in governing neither do I have any skill in doing so. If I have to bear the responsibility of this post, I fear that I would only betray your trust in me. I shall need capable men to assist me in governing the Prefecture of Southern Bough. Chou Bian of Silli is a firm and upright person. He does not get flattered easily and adheres to the letter of the law. I believe he is capable in assisting me. Tian Tzu Wah is a scholar not of government employ. He is an honest person who is careful in his ways. Flexible and adept to change and understands the principles of governance. They are also my friends of many years. I understand their abilities and capabilities. Therefore I can relax knowing that they can run things very smoothly. I sincerely recommend that Chou Bian be in charge of constitution matters of Southern Bough and that Tian Tzu Wah be the agricultural attaché. With them in charge, things will run systematically and efficiently.”
All that was petitioned was approved by His Majesty and that night the King and Queen threw a farewell banquet for them. The King counseled Chun Yu Fen,
“Southern Bough is a large prefecture, the land is fertile and there are many capable people. To govern this place well, you must love its people. With Chou Bian and Tian Wen5 Wah to help you, you shall not disappoint Our hopes in you.”
The Queen also counseled the Princess,
“The Princess-in-Consort has a strong temperament and loves to drink. He is at the peak of his youth and vigor. As wife, you must be gentle. Comply and serve your husband well. Then I shall not be worrying about you needlessly. Although Southern Bough is not far from us, nevertheless we won’t be able to see each other every day. With this parting of today, how would it not grieve me?”
Finally Chun Yu Fen and the Princess bade farewell to the King and Queen. They made their way to their new home in the Prefecture of Southern Bough. The couple was chatting away in laughter and merriment in the horse drawn carriage as they were escorted by the cavalry. After a few days, they reached their destination. All the officials, monks, priests and important local elders came thronging out to greet the royal couple on chariot drawn music bands and mighty guardsmen. What a parade it was! Drums were beaten and bells were sounded. Everywhere was bustling with liveliness. Another ten miles or so of journeying a great city wall with grand palace towers appeared. On the city gate was a large placard in which golden colored words were written – The Prefecture of Southern Bough. Many magnificent looking spears, halberds and knives were placed and that made the vermillion colored gate a very solemn and imposing place.
After Chun Yu Fen took office, he would go around observing local customs and tried to understand the hardship of the people. All administrative duties of the prefecture were left to the capable hands of Tian Tzu Wah and Chou Bian. Twenty or so years went by and Chun Yu Fen implemented many beneficial policies. The people were so grateful that they decided to erect a stone stele to commemorate his accomplishments. Not only that - a shrine was also built and dedicated it to him while he was still alive. The King highly valued him and bestowed upon him many lands and elevated his position to equal that of the Three Prime Ministers6. Chou Bian and Tian Tzu Wah were promoted to great offices because of their merits in running of the prefecture. All in all, Chun Yu Fen had five sons and two daughters. Because of their positions, the sons became high officials and daughters were married off to nobility. The family rose to dizzying heights of power and grandeur that none could rival them.
Then one year, the neighbouring country of Sandalwood Radish came invading with a large army. The King ordered Chun Yu Fen to ward off the invasion. Chun petitioned to recommend Choy Bian to lead an army of 30,000 men. The battle took place at the city of Jade Terrace. Chou Bian was brave but was rash and reckless. In the end, his army was soundly routed. He was able to escape on his horse without his armor7. Because the country of Sandalwood Radish also lost a huge amount of men, they too retreated back. Chun Yu Fen imprisoned Chou Bian for his dereliction of duty and petitioned before the throne for forgiveness. The King pardoned all of them. In the same month because of the old wounds Chou Bian had suffered, he passed away. Then Princess Golden Bough, wife of Chun Yu Fen, became gravely ill and died ten days later. Chun then petitioned for his resignation as the governor and to escort the cortege back to the capital city. The King approved and the governorship of Southern Bough went to Tian Tzu Wah.
In great sorrow, as Chun Yu Fen brought the cortege back to the capital city, the King and Queen wore white and waited in the suburbs. The Princess was posthumously recognized as “Princess Submissive Bearing” and was buried in the imperial hills some ten miles away from the eastern side of the capital. In the same month the son of Chou Bian, Chou Tzu Weng, brought the remains of his father back to the capital city.
As Chun Yu Fen was the governor of Southern Bough for a long time, he had harmonious relations with all the officials of the Court, the nobles, the rich and the powerful. Since his resignation of his governorship and return to the capital city many of his cronies and former guests came flocking to him again. Soon they became haughty, started to abuse their power and became utterly arrogant. The King soon found his behaviour unacceptable and began to have second thoughts about him. Then a high official petitioned before the throne:
“Celestial omens of condemnation appeared; indicating there the country will experience great catastrophes and that the capital must be moved. The imperial ancestral shrines will be destroyed. It is the influence of outsiders that cause these kinds of disaster. Internal troubles will erupt.”
All debates and discussions were centered on the extravagant life style of Chun Yu Fen. Therefore the King stripped away all the guards from Chun; forbidding all travels, thereby putting him in house arrest. Chun Yu Fen was not happy and the King understood his feelings and said to him,
“You had left your home for many years now... Why don’t you have a visit and see your relations and friends? My grandchildren shall stay with me temporary and the Queen shall rear them up. Three years later, I shall allow a reunion.”
Chun Yu Fen thought it was rather strange and replied,
“Isn’t this place my home? Why are you asking me to return to my home?”
The King laughed and explained,
“You home lies in the mortal realm. This is not your home.”
Suddenly Chun Yu Fen realized as if wakened from a dream. After a long while, he remembered his former life and with tears he begged the King to let him return to the mortal world. The King ordered closeby attendants to lead him back. With that, Chun tearfully bade farewell to the King.
Chun Yu Fen looked at the two purple dressed envoys and recognized them as the ones who first brought him to this place. Outside the palace door was an old and decrepit carriage waiting. There was no driver to be seen. Neither was there any servant or friend to see him off. Chun Yu Fen was greatly saddened inside. He was driven for a few miles and came to a great city gate. It looked like the one he had once passed through when he was first invited to the country of ‘Great Pagoda Tree Peace’. The views of the mountains and rivers looked the same as before but the two envoys somehow lost their grand and solemn bearing. His thoughts of his past glory and power made him realized how such things are fleeting and meaningless. Nothing more than illusions and fantasies. As they walked out of the cave he saw the giant pagoda tree. His hometown had changed with the passing of time. Chun began to feel sorry for himself and subconsciously his tears flowed.
The two purple dressed envoys helped him down the carriage. Once through the main gate of his house, just as his feet touched the threshold of his home, he saw his body still lying in the corridor on the east side of the hall. Chun was greatly astonished and puzzled. He did not dare to approach that body of himself. The purple dressed envoys on seeing his hesitation called out aloud his name. After a few shouts, Chun suddenly jumped up and into his consciousness. He saw his own servants sweeping in the front hall, two of his guests were sitting on a day bed washing their feet. The rays of the setting sun were still lingering on the west wall and half drunk cups of wine were lying around on the eastern window sill. A life time in a dream was just but a mere moment in the mortal world. Chun Yu Fen could not help but feelings of regret overcame him and sighed. Finally he called out to his two guests and told them of his dream. They were astonished and afraid at the same time, not daring to say anything.
Finally the two friends accompanied Chun Yu Fen to the huge pagoda tree and looked for any strange openings. Upon seeing a hole, Chun pointed out them and exclaimed,
“This is where the carriage passed in my dream.”
The two friends thought it must be spirits or dryads at mischief. They ordered servants bearing axes and chopped at the roots and cleared the dense branches of the tree. A great round cave-like cavity, about a yard in radius, appeared. They could clearly see the empty space of the roots area, large enough to place a bed in. A large pile of soil sat on top looking much like city walls, terraces and palaces. It seemed there were several ant nests in there the center of activity. Two giant ants about three inches long with red heads and white wings were found in the center of the terrace like mound. Surrounding them were many large ants as if in a formation of protection. There were other ants but dared not approached the group. These two giant ants must be the King and Queen of Great Pagoda Tree Peace and therefore this place must be the capital city. Nearby as they dug they found another cavity. This looked like a connecting path to a south facing empty bough of the tree; about four yards wide. Inside the branch were intricate paths leading to a center which is square in shape. Again there were mounds of mud which were made to look like city walls and terraces. Again there was a group of ants concentrated in there. This must be the Prefecture of South Bough where Chun Yu Fen had once governed. Another cavity appeared on the west side, about two yards away. The hole was wide and spacious. However this hole did not look like the rest. Right in the middle of it was a decaying tortoise shell, large like a bucket and when rainwater seeped through the soil and it became a reservoir. Minute luxuriant grasses grew almost covering the entire shell. This must be Mt. Spiritual Turtle where Chun Yu Fen and the officials went hunting. Nearby they dug again and found another cavity. This one is on the east side, about a yard away where gnarly old tree roots were coiling like a snake. Right in the middle of it is about a foot high mound of mud. This must be the Coiling Dragon Hill where Chun buried his princess wife. Chun could not help himself and succumbed to great sadness on seeing these old places with his own eyes; remembering a dream life of once upon a time. All physical evidence matched perfectly with what he had experienced in his dream. He did not allow his two friends to destroy any of these places and quickly ordered his servants to put the soil back on top of them leaving the place pretty much as original as possible.
That night a great storm suddenly rose and Chun Yu Fen quickly return to check on the cave holes of the pagoda tree. All traces of the ants were gone. He did not know where they went. The reason being the ants were warned by the prediction of an impending catastrophe that the country of Great Pagoda Tree Peace shall experience and the capital has to be moved. Now that omen had come true. Remembering the invasion of Southern Bough by the Sandalwood Radish country Chun bade his two friends to look for the traces of that country. About a mile away, they found a dried mountain gully and a sandalwood tree was growing by its side. Radish vines were twining around the tree in such a mass that sunlight could not shine through. At the side of the tree was a small cavity and another ant nest was hidden there. This must be the country of Sandalwood Radish.
Ah… If such events and lives of tiny ants can cause astonish one in such wonder, what more excitement can exotic beasts hidden in mountains and forests offer?
When Chun Yu Fen remembered that he had not his two good buddies, Tian Tzu Wah and Chou Bian for about ten days. He quickly dispatched his boy servants to the prefecture of Six Harmonies to inquire about them. Later Chun found out that Chou Bian had died from a sudden and serious illness. Tian Tzu Wah was gravely ill and in a coma. Chun Yu Fen began to think about the emptiness and fragility of life. A fantasy like the clouds and mists appearing in front of him. All riches and power are nothing but the flimsiness of a dream. From then onwards, Chun turned over a new leaf and studied Taoism in earnest. No longer in having any taste for women and wine. Three years later in the year of Ding Chou (797 A.D.) Chun Yu Fen died in his home. He was 47 years of age, exactly what the King had predicted the time they would meet again.
In the 8th lunar month the 18th year of Original Purity (802 A.D.) Li Kung Zuo8 journeyed on his way to Loyang by boat and stopped at River Hwai where he heard of the story of Chun Yu Fen. After some inquiries and evidence seeking, he concluded that the Dream of the Southern Bough was an actual event and made it into a novel for those enjoying in reading about the occult. Although the story is filled with weird and amazing things, events that defy logic, the moral of the story serves as a warning to those seeking power and glory through deceitful means.
“To the later generations of upright gentlemen, let this story, ‘Dream of the Southern Bough’ serve as reflection for thyself: Never gain unfair advantage over others using officialdom as a haughty means to glorify oneself in this mortal world.”
Military advisor Li Zhao9 of Prefecture Hua once said,
“Even when you reached the pinnacle of officialdom, wielding the greatest power with no one to rival you, what difference is there with those living with ants?”
This story also appeared in “Strange Tales From A Studio Of Leisure”, 聊齋異誌. Another version was that Chun was charged with treason and his entire family was to be mass executed. Just as the executioner’s axe fell upon him he woke up from his dream.
1. A Chinese acre equivalent to 1/15 for a hectare (2.47 of an acre).
2. Also known as 笏. This is to prevent one’s bad breath from reaching one’s superior or August person from a close distance of intercourse.
Ming Dynasty
Japanese
3. Husbands of Tang dynasty princesses possess military skills and are given a military position.
4. These attendants serve to receive guests and presents on behalf of the groom.
5. Most probably a misprint.
6. 三公宰相–Originated by Emperor Han Wu Ti to prevent the office of the prime minister from getting too powerful.
7. In the original text, it was suggested that he escaped in nakedness. Most probably he threw off his heavy armor in order to escape quickly.
8. A Tang Dynasty novelist
9. A Tang Dynasty philosopher
There are various versions of this story. The first one comes from Tales from ‘A Chinese Studio’ (聊齋志異), translated by H. A. Giles. The second version is known as the ‘Dream of the Yellow Sorghum’ (黃粱夢)
THE MAGIC PILLOW - 枕中記
One day, an old priest stopped at a wayside inn to rest, spread out his mat, and sat down with his bag. Soon afterwards, a young fellow of the neighbourhood also arrived at the inn; he was a farm labourer and wore short clothes, not a long robe like the priest and men who read books. He took a seat near to the priest and the two were soon laughing and talking together. By and by, the young man cast a glance at his own rough dress and said with a sigh,
"See, what a miserable wretch I am."
"You seem to me well fed and healthy enough," replied the priest;
"Why in the middle of our pleasant chat do you suddenly complain of being a miserable wretch?"
"What pleasure can I find," retorted the young man,
"in this life of mine, working every day as I do from early morn to late at night? I should like to be a great general and win battles, or to be a rich man and have fine food and wine, and listen to good music, or to be a great man at court and help our Emperor and bring prosperity to my family; — that is what I call pleasure. I want to rise in the world, but here I am a poor farm labourer; if you don't call that miserable wretchedness, what is it?"
He then began to get sleepy, and while the landlord was cooking a dish of millet-porridge, the priest took a pillow out of his bag and said to the young man,
"Lay your head on this and all your wishes will be granted." The pillow was made of porcelain; it was round like a tube, and open at each end. When the young man put his head down towards the pillow, one of the openings seemed so large and bright inside that he got in, and soon found himself at his own home. Shortly afterwards he married a beautiful girl, and began to make money. He now wore fine clothes and spent his time in study. In the following year he passed his examination and was made a magistrate; and in two or three years he had risen to be Prime Minister. For a long lime the Emperor trusted him in everything, but the day came when he got into trouble; he was accused of treason and sentenced to death. He was taken with several other criminals to the place of execution; he was made to kneel on both knees, and the executioner approached with his sword. Too terrified to feel the blow, he opened his eyes, to find himself in the inn. There was the priest with his head on his bag; and there was the landlord still stirring the porridge, which was not quite ready.
After eating his meal in silence, he got up and bowing to the priest, said,
"I thank you, sir, for the lesson you have taught me; I know now what it means to be a great man!"
With that, he took his leave and went back to his work.
Dream Of Yellow Sorghum – in pictures.
Overall view of the mural
Immortal granting the dream 仙人賜夢
The Nuptial Hour 洞房花燭
On becoming the Number One Scholar 金榜題名
Riches and Wealth 榮華富貴
Valor and glory 建功立勛
Enoblement 封官進爵
Fame and recognition 功成名就
A life of wealth and luxury 富貴人生
Upon his death bed 彌留之際
Upon wakening 南柯一夢
Cooking of the yellow sorghum hasn’t even started yet 黃粱未開鍋
Both feet on firm ground and hurrying to the Imperial Exams! 脚踏實地, 進京趕考
Original
成語「南柯一夢」用來比喻個人名利和榮華富之短暫，它源於•李公佐的《南柯太守傳》。
唐朝時，有個叫淳於棼的人，是東平人，喜歡交遊、重義氣、能救困扶危的人。愛喝酒，常意氣用事，任性而為，做事不拘小節。他家裡積聚了豐厚的產業，養了許多豪傑之士。他曾經因武藝高強，被派遞補缺額，擔任淮南軍的副將。但因為酒後失態，觸怒了主帥，最後被撤銷官職。之後，他就到處飄泊流浪，放縱自己，不受拘束，每天縱情飲酒。
他家在廣陵郡東十里之處，居住的房宅南邊有一株巨大的古槐樹，樹的枝幹長而濃密，使得所覆蓋的幾畝地都蔭涼無比。淳於棼常常和一群豪俠之士，在樹蔭下飲酒作樂。貞元七年的七月九日那一天，他因和朋友喝酒喝得大醉而身體略感不適。他的兩個朋友攙扶著他，並把他送回家去，讓他躺在堂屋東邊的走廊裡。這兩個朋友對淳於棼說：
「你好好睡一下，我們兩人在此餵馬、洗洗腳。等你的身體稍好之後，我們再離去。」
淳於棼將頭巾解下，枕著枕頭，在昏沉恍惚中睡著了。迷迷糊糊間，彷彿做夢一般，他看見兩個穿紫色衣服的使者，走進門來，對著他先行跪拜之禮，然後說：
「奉槐安國皇帝之命，邀請先生到槐安國一遊。」
他不知不覺的走下床，整理好衣服，就跟著二位使者走到了門外。門外停著一輛青油小車，由四匹馬駕著，共有七八個隨從侍立一旁。他們恭敬的將淳於棼扶侍上車，車出了大門，一直往前向古槐樹的洞穴駛去。使者趕著車進入洞穴裡面。淳於棼心裡感覺很奇怪，卻不敢隨便發問。忽然他發現兩旁的草木道路、山川風景，和人世間的景致很不一樣。馬車再往前走了幾十里路，看見有外城城牆。許多車馬和行人，絡繹不絕的在路上來來往往。淳於棼身邊的隨從，一路不停的大聲呼喝，兩旁行人便急忙向道路兩側閃躲走避。不久，他們又進入一座大城，金紅色的大門，層層疊疊的樓閣，牌樓上書寫著金色的大字：「大槐安國」。城門的守衛快步上前來向他們行禮，又迅即向內通報。接著有一個人騎馬過來，傳達指令說：「皇上顧念駙馬從遠方來，舟車勞頓，暫且先讓他到東華館休息。」說完，便在前面帶路。車行不久，看見一個開著的大門，使者請淳於棼下車。走進門裡，只見裡面到處是彩繪雕花的華麗欄杆和柱子，廳外栽種著一行行壯觀的樹木，樹上結著珍貴的果實。門簾、酒席，桌椅和墊子，都陳列在大廳外。淳於棼看到這一切精緻的擺設，心裡很高興。不久聽見有人喊說：「右丞相將要到了。」淳於棼恭敬的走下台階迎接，只見有一穿著紫色朝服的人，手拿著象牙手板，快步走來。賓主之間行完禮之後，右丞相說：「皇帝陛下不因我國地處遙遠偏僻，特派人迎請您來，要招先生為駙馬。」淳於棼說：「我只是個地位微小卑下的人，怎麼敢妄想高攀呢？」於是右丞相禮請淳於棼一同前往拜見皇上。
他們大約走了一百多步，便進入一個朱紅色大門，左右兩側排列著許多手持矛戟斧鉞的威武武士。文武百官，分立在石板大道兩旁。有個常常和淳於棼一起喝酒的酒友，名叫周弁的，也站在人群中。淳於棼見了心裡很高興，但卻不敢上前和他說話。右丞相帶領著淳於棼進入一所莊嚴寬敞的宮殿，門外守衛非常嚴密，好像是帝王的住所。只見一人高大端莊嚴肅，坐在大廳正中的位置上，頭戴紅色花冠，身穿白色錦服。淳於棼不禁感到害怕，頭幾乎不敢抬起來。一旁的侍者示意淳於棼向皇帝叩頭。皇帝說：
「朕遵照令尊的請托，不嫌棄我們是偏遠小國，答應讓我的二女瑤芳，招先生為東床駙馬。」
淳於棼跪在地上，驚喜萬分，不敢回任何話。皇帝說：「你暫時先回賓館去，等一切準備妥當後，再舉行婚禮。」於是右丞相就和淳於棼一起回到東華館。
這天晚上，結婚大典所要用的禮物，舖滿會場，整個排場隆重又氣派。有三個官員，穿戴得喜氣洋洋，上前來對淳於棼行禮說：
「遵照命令，我們是做駙馬的儐相。」
其中一個人竟是淳於棼的老朋友，淳於棼對著他說：
「你不是田子華嗎？」
田子華回答說：
「是的。」
於是淳於棼走上前去，握著田子華的手，兩人談著過去的事，交談了許久。淳於棼問子華說：
「為什麼你會住在這裡？」
田子華說：
「我名山大川隨意遊玩，到了此地，受到了右丞相的知遇和賞識，我就在這裡住了下來。」
淳於棼又問說：
「你知道周弁也在這裡嗎？」
子華說：
「周弁地位尊貴，目前在此擔任司隸的職務，他的權勢很大，好多次我都蒙受他的照顧庇護。」
兩人談談說說非常高興。不久裡面傳來聲音說：
「恭請駙馬進殿。」
三個男儐相更換了新衣服，子華說：
「沒想到今天竟能親眼看到如此盛大的婚禮，請不要忘記你我的情誼。」
這時來了幾十個美麗的仙女，她們演奏著各種奇妙的音樂，樂聲婉轉清亮，曲調卻流露出淒涼悲傷，這些美妙樂聲，都不是人世間所能夠聽得到的。還有幾十個人拿著金碧輝煌的燈燭在前面領路，左右兩邊佈滿金色和綠色的帳幕，上面鑲著細緻精巧的彩色碧玉，接連有好幾里長。淳於棼端正的坐在車子裡，感覺心神恍恍惚惚的，很不平靜。田子華不停的和他說說笑笑來安慰他。不久來到一個宮門，宮門上書寫著「修儀宮」三個大字。許多皇家的親戚眷屬，也紛紛的來到門邊，幫忙淳於棼下車行禮。所有結婚的禮節和人間的一模一樣。最後撤去所有障子和遮臉的羽扇，只見一個美貌女子，稱為金枝公主，年紀大約十四五歲，燦若朝霞，高貴典雅的像神仙一樣。淳於棼一見鍾情，喜愛萬分。
淳於棼和公主感情一天天的濃厚，榮耀名聲也一天天的興盛。府裡日日車如流水馬如龍，遊玩宴會時所跟隨的賓客、侍從，多到僅次於皇帝。皇帝讓淳於棼和朝廷的官員，在大槐安國西方的靈龜山上，舉行大規模的打獵。靈龜山上，山連著山，顯得險峻而秀美。往下望去，江河湖泊寬廣的望不到邊際。林中的樹木高大茂盛濃密，裡面飛禽走獸，樣樣不缺。他們獵捕了很多珍奇動物，一直到晚上，大家才盡興回去。
有一天，公主對淳於棼說：「你想不想做官？」淳於棼說：「我疏懶放蕩慣了，未曾研究安邦治國之道，又不熟悉政界治事之法。」公主說：「只要你肯做官，其他的事由我來處理。」公主就向皇帝請求。幾天後，皇帝對淳於棼說：「本國南柯郡政務治理得不好，南柯太守已被免職。我想借助你的能力，請你擔任太守的官職，你就和公主一起前往南柯郡吧！」淳於棼恭恭敬敬的接受了皇帝的命令。皇帝就下令讓主管的官員為新任太守準備好日常行李等用品。並準備好黃金、珠玉、精美的絲織品，還有好幾大箱公主的衣物、僕從侍女車馬等，都排列在四通八達的大路上，來為公主駙馬餞行。
淳於棼向皇上上表說：「我沒有治理政務的經驗，也沒有任何才藝和策略，如果勉強擔當重任，怕有負所托。我想尋求一批有才能的人，來幫助我治理南柯郡這個地方。我看司隸周弁剛強正直，不循私逢迎，嚴守法律和制度，不隨意遷就，具備輔佐政事的才能。處士田子華謙虛清廉，做事謹慎，明曉世事的變化，瞭解政教的本源。我和他們倆人有多年的交情，我瞭解他們的才幹和能力，確信可以安心把政事托付給他們。懇請任命周弁為南柯郡的司憲，任命田子華為南柯郡的司農。有他們的協助，相信可以使我呈現出優異的政績，令國家的法度、章程有條有理。」皇帝同意照他上表所奏。當天晚上，皇帝和皇后為他們餞行。皇帝對淳於棼說：「南柯郡是本國的大郡，那裡土地肥沃，有才能的人很多，你要實行愛民政治才能治理好這個郡城。況且還有田文華和周弁二人的協助，你要努力為之，以達到國家的期望。」皇后告誡公主說：「駙馬性情剛烈，喜歡喝酒，又正當年輕氣盛。為人妻子，貴在溫柔順從，你要好好服侍照顧丈夫，這樣我也就不需擔心了。雖然南柯郡離京城不遠，但我們從此不能天天見面。今日一別，怎不令人神傷呢！」
淳於棼和公主拜謝皇帝皇后之後，就往南柯郡而去了。他們坐在馬車上，衛士騎士們前後簇擁著，一路說說笑笑，倒也十分歡樂。走了幾天，到了南柯郡。郡裡的所有官吏，和尚、道士和當地德高望重的老者，奏樂的車隊，威武的軍官衛士和車子，爭相來迎接。人馬喧鬧，到處熙熙攘攘，有的撞鐘有的打鼓，處處是一片喧嘩的聲音。又走了十多里路，就看見高大的城牆和華麗的樓台宮殿。進入城門，門上掛著大匾額，寫著金色的大字：「南柯郡城」。紅色的大門外，掛著威嚴的刀槍劍戟，顯得威武森嚴。
淳於棼上任後，就到處視察民情風俗，解除人民的痛苦。郡中政事交給田子華和周弁處理，他們把郡中治理得有條不紊。淳於棼到南柯郡二十多年以來，政治教化推行得非常切實，百姓們用歌謠歌頌他，並為他樹立歌頌功德的石碑。還在他生前，就為他建立祠堂。皇帝很重視他，賞賜給他許多封地和相當於三公宰相的爵位。周弁和田子華也都因為處理政事有功，而被提升到更顯貴的職位上。淳於棼共有五個兒子，二個女兒。兒子因父母的關係當上大官，女兒也嫁給王公貴族。他家一門榮耀顯赫，達到了極鼎盛的地步，在當代沒有人能比得上。
這一年，鄰國檀蘿國，派遣大軍來侵犯南柯郡。皇帝命淳於棼派遣將官和軍隊去迎戰。淳於棼上表推薦，派周弁率領三萬大軍，在瑤台城與敵人對戰。周弁剛烈勇敢，卻輕率冒進，結果他的軍隊吃了大敗仗。周弁一人單騎裸身逃走，到了晚上才回到城裡。檀蘿國的軍隊也因死傷不少，就收兵回去了。淳於棼將周弁囚禁起來，向皇上請罪，皇帝全都赦免他們。這個月，周弁舊病復發死了。而淳於棼的妻子，金枝公主也身染重病，十多天後也死了。淳於棼請求免去太守的職務，要護送公主靈柩回皇都去。皇帝答應了他，南柯太守的職務就由田子華代理。
淳於棼悲傷痛苦的護送靈柩回到了都城。皇帝和皇后穿著白色衣服在郊外痛哭迎接靈柩的到來，頒授給金枝公主「順儀公主」的稱號。然後把公主葬在國都東邊十里的盤龍岡。這一月，周弁的兒子周子榮也護送著周弁的靈柩回到國都。
淳於棼長年鎮守南柯郡，與滿朝文武百官、豪門大族和權貴人家都相處得很好。自從辭去南柯郡職務回到國都，許多交往遊歷所跟隨的賓客和隨從，便開始作威作福，不可一世起來。皇帝心裡感覺有些疑忌和討厭他了。這時朝廷有大臣上奏章說：「天象出現譴責的徵兆，表示國家將有大災禍發生，首都即將要搬遷，宗廟即將要崩壞，這種種災禍皆是由外姓人所引起，禍患即將自內部發生。」當時所有的議論，都認為是淳於棼生活太過奢侈的緣故。於是皇帝就撤走了淳於棼的衛士，禁止他隨便遊玩，將他軟禁起來。淳於棼心裡煩悶不開心。皇帝也瞭解他的心思，就對淳於棼說：「你離開家鄉已經很久了，你不如先回家一趟，看看一下親戚朋友。幾個外孫可以暫時留在這裡，由皇后親自教導養育他們。三年以後，我再讓他們去接你回來。」淳於棼覺得很奇怪，就說：「這裡不就是我的家嗎？怎麼還要我回家呢？」 皇帝笑著說：「你本來住在人世間，這裡並不是你的家。」這時淳於棼恍恍惚惚間才覺得像在做夢一般。過了很長時間之後，他才想起之前種種的事，於是他流著淚請求皇帝讓他回到人間。皇帝命左右的人送淳於棼離開，淳於棼拜別之後就走了。
此時他又看見那兩個帶他來的紫衣使者。他一到門口，看見乘坐的車子又舊又破，沒有車伕也沒有僕人，也沒有朋友送他，淳於棼心裡覺得很感歎。他們走了大約幾里地，又經過一個大城門，看起來很像是從前來大槐安國時走過的道路。山川風景，仍然和從前一樣。但送他的兩個使者，卻沒什麼威嚴的氣勢。他回想以前的榮華富貴，不由了悟到人世間繁華的虛幻。不一會兒馬車走出一個洞穴，他又看見大槐樹。自己的家鄉，與從前並沒有什麼兩樣。淳於棼不禁暗暗悲傷，不知不覺流下淚來。
兩個紫衣使者帶領著他下車，走進他家大門。淳於棼踏上自己家門的台階時，看見自己的身體竟還躺在堂屋東邊的走廊裡。淳於棼感到吃驚訝異，不敢靠近前去。紫衣使者於是大聲呼叫他的姓名，連叫了好幾次，淳於棼才突然醒轉過來。他看見家裡的僕人，正在庭前掃地，而兩個客人正坐在床榻上洗腳。斜射的陽光尚未從西牆上消失，沒有喝完的酒，還放在東窗下。人世間過了一會兒的時間，在夢中卻像是活了一輩子一樣。淳於棼不禁感慨萬分，歎氣不已。於是他叫過兩個客人，把夢中發生的事說給他們聽。他們聽了也是又驚又怕，覺得不可思議。
於是兩個朋友與淳於棼一起走了出去，尋找大槐樹下的奇異洞穴。淳於棼指著槐樹洞口說：「這裡就是我在夢中坐著馬車進去的地方。」兩個朋友以為是精怪和樹妖作祟，就令僕人拿來斧頭，將樹根砍斷，又砍去旁邊重生的樹枝。只見周圍大約一丈方圓處，有個大洞穴，洞穴裡面根部空空洞洞的看得很清楚，大約能放下一張床，上面堆積許多的土，建造成像城郭台殿的樣子。有好幾十斗的螞蟻，生活聚集在裡面。中間有個朱紅色的小平台，兩隻巨大螞蟻就住在那裡，紅色的頭，白色的翅膀，長大約三寸，旁邊有好幾十隻大螞蟻護衛保護著他們，其他螞蟻都不敢靠近，這就是槐安國的皇帝皇后，這裡也就是他們的國都。往旁又挖掘到一個洞穴，這洞穴和朝南一根中空的槐樹枝是相通的，大約四丈寬，裡面曲折宛轉，中間是方形，一樣也有用土堆造成的城牆和樓台，有一群螞蟻聚集住在裡面，這個地方就是淳於棼所鎮守的南柯郡。又有一個洞穴，在西邊大約二丈遠的地方，洞穴寬廣空曠，洞的形狀跟其他的不一樣，洞穴的中間有一個腐朽潰爛了的烏龜殼，像斗那麼大，在雨水的浸潤下，小草四處滋長，長得很茂盛，掩蓋遮蔽住古舊的烏龜殼，這就是淳於棼和朝廷的官員打獵的靈龜山。再往旁又挖出一個洞穴，在東邊一丈多的地方，許多古老的樹根在此盤旋彎曲著，像龍蛇一樣，中心有個一尺多高的小土堆，這裡就是盤龍岡上淳於棼埋葬公主的墳墓。淳於棼親自觀看追尋所有的跡象，想起夢中的情景，心裡十分感歎。這裡和夢中一切事情全都符合。他不希望這兩個朋友毀壞它們，趕緊令僕人將洞穴掩埋堵塞起來，恢復成原來的樣子。
到了晚上，突然風雨大作。淳於棼一早起來就趕緊去看那洞穴，但是所有的螞蟻都已失去蹤跡，不知道都去了哪裡。原來先前槐安國大臣說國家將會有大災難發生，都城必須遷移，這就得到驗證了。淳於棼又想起檀蘿國大軍侵略南柯郡的事，就請兩個朋友到外面去尋訪檀蘿國的蹤跡。在住宅的東面一里處，有條古老且已經乾涸了的山澗，這條山澗邊上有一棵大檀樹，樹上籐和蘿糾纏交織成一片，往上看不見太陽。檀樹旁邊有個小洞穴，洞穴裡竟然也有一窩黑色的螞蟻聚居隱藏在裡面，想必這就是檀蘿國。唉！小小螞蟻的神奇事件，尚且不能令人考查探究明白，更何況隱藏潛伏在山林之中的那些大型動物的奇異變化呢？那時，淳於棼的好友田子華和周弁，都住在六合縣。他們和淳於棼已經十天沒有來往了。於是淳於棼趕緊派家僮去問候他們。原來周弁得了暴病，已經去世了；而田子華也重病躺在床上，昏迷不醒。淳於棼感慨人生的虛無空幻像過眼雲煙一樣，人生的富貴如夢般縹緲無常。從此他專心修道，再也不喝酒，也不接近女色。過了三年以後，在丁丑年，淳於棼也在家裡死去，死時年齡為四十七歲，剛好符合跟皇帝約定的期限。
李公佐於貞元十八年的八月，從吳郡坐船來到洛陽，船停泊在淮河的岸邊，偶然聽聞淳於棼的事。李公佐就詢問探訪，尋求他所遺留下來的事跡，然後再三反覆的推敲，確定南柯一夢全都是真實的事，就將它編寫並抄錄成傳記，以提供給喜歡追求新奇事物的人閱讀。雖然這些內容涉及的都是神奇怪異的事情，且事情有些不合常情。可是對於那些竊取官位而生活的人，希望經由這個故事能引以為戒。後世的正人君子，希望你們以南柯一夢為借鑒，不要拿名利和官位炫耀驕傲於天地之間。
以前華州參軍李肇曾讚歎說：「即使官做到最尊貴的等級，權高勢大，舉國之人無與倫比。通達事理的人看待這些人，跟一群聚集在一起生活的螞蟻有什麼區別呢？」
30 Dec 2010 – 16 Feb 2011
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