During the Tang Dynasty, in the Tianbao era, a man named Qiao Lin from Taiyuan embarked on a journey to the capital to take the imperial examination. Despite his impoverished background and lack of support, Qiao Lin’s dedication to learning gradually earned him recognition for his literary talents. However, he still faced numerous challenges. On his way to the examination, he encountered severe cold weather, and the extreme snowstorm claimed his horse’s life.
With no servants by his side, as they had all abandoned him, Qiao Lin was left to rest temporarily at an inn, feeling as lost as the snowy weather ahead. He heard about Liu Yanzhuang, an official known for making friends, and decided to visit him, hoping to receive assistance.
At that time, Liu Yanzhuang was accompanied by Shentu Sheng, who was highly skilled in physiognomy (the art of reading faces). Despite being over 80, Shentu Sheng was known for his arrogant demeanor, showing neither politeness nor humility, even toward nobility. However, when Qiao Lin appeared, Shentu Sheng’s attitude changed dramatically. He treated him with great friendliness, which puzzled Liu Yanzhuang.
Shentu Sheng predicted Qiao Lin would die after the age of 70
After he left, Liu Yanzhuang immediately inquired about the unusual behavior. Shentu Sheng laughed and explained that Qiao Lin was no ordinary person and would eventually hold a position higher than his own. He advised Liu Yanzhuang to treat him well, as it would bring future rewards. Nonetheless, Shentu Sheng also noted a sign of rebellion on Qiao Lin’s face, predicting that his time in a high position would not exceed a hundred days and that he would meet an untimely death after age 70.
In the following period, Liu Yanzhuang took care of Qiao Lin as promised, even preparing a carriage and horses to ensure his safe journey to the capital for the examination. Shentu Sheng then bid farewell to Liu Yanzhuang, leaving without revealing his destination. As Shentu Sheng had foreseen, Qiao Lin successfully passed the imperial examination and began his official career, holding various positions such as military officer and judge and eventually becoming the governor of Huai Prefecture during the Dali era.
His life intertwined with Liu Yanzhuang’s once again when a case involving a wrongful death threatened Liu Yanzhuang with impeachment. Upon taking office in Huai Prefecture, Qiao Lin intervened, saving Liu Yanzhuang, just as Shentu Sheng had predicted.
During Emperor Dezong’s reign, the scholar Zhang She recommended Qiao Lin and appointed him chancellor. However, he did not remain in this position for long, leaving within 90 days. Later, in the first year of Xingyuan, he left Emperor Dezong and became a monk. Yet he soon accepted the invitation of the rebel Tang general Zhu Ci to serve in his administration.
After the rebel forces were defeated and Chang’an recaptured, Qiao Lin and other officials faced severe punishment. Despite Li Sheng’s plea to the emperor to spare his life, he was ultimately executed, fulfilling the prophecy of his death after the age of 70.
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