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Cao Guojiu (Cao the Imperial Uncle)

Originally called Cao Yi, Cao the Imperial Uncle was believed to be the brother of Empress Dowager Cao of the Song Dynasty. His philosophy of life was to hold himself separate from the world, allowing things to take their natural course, which is consistent with Taoist philosophy. He also aimed to live a happy life on earth, and ascend to heaven and become immortal after death, which is the goal of all Taoists.

He was a kind and honest man, unlike his brother Cao Jingzhi, who was often arrogant, broke the law, and got into trouble. Wanting to live a peaceful life, Cao Yi distributed his property among the poor, and went into the mountains to devote himself to the study and practice of Taoism.

On his travels, he needed to cross the Yellow River, but being unable to pay in advance, the boatmen refused to take him. Cao Yi was proud of being the Imperial Uncle, and produced a gold plate given to him by the emperor to show his status. Unexpectedly, one of the boatmen asked him a question which was to change his life. “As you want to follow the ways of Taoism, why do you try to frighten us with such an object?” Immediately, Cao Yi could see that he was mistaken, and he threw the gold dish into the river. He recognized the boatmen to be none other than Han Zongli and Lu Dongbin, the immortals.

Lu Dongbin asked Cao, “They say you’ve been trying to find the way to become immortal. What is it?”
“It is the way of Taoism”, answered Cao.
“Where is the way of Taoism?” asked Lu, and Cao pointed to the heavens. “Where is heaven” followed Lii. Cao pointed at his heart.
Han Zhongli smiled, and said “Heart is heaven, and heaven is the way. You yourself have already got it!”

Both Lu Dongbin and Han Zhongli began to laugh, and Cao Yi lay prostrate before them and asked to be their disciple. Lu Dongbin threw a pair of jade clappers into the river. Amazingly they floated, and he and Cao both stood on one. Han Zhongli joined them standing on his palm fan, and together they floated across the river to the opposite bank. From this day on, Cao Guojiu kept the jade clappers as a talisman.