Seven-Core Lotus Root

Seven-Core Lotus Root

　　Lotus root is widely cultivated in Lezhi County, but the most renowned comes from Tianchi, at the foot of Yanshan Mountain. The Tianchi lotus root is thick, tender, fragrant, and considered top-quality among lotus roots.

　　Legend has it that Kou Zhun, a famous prime minister of the Northern Song Dynasty, once served as a county magistrate in Lezhi when he was young. One year, after several months of drought, the local people faced a crisis for survival, and Kou Zhun also fell ill from worry. Chen Tuan, an immortal Taoist who practiced on Mount Qingcheng, was on his way back to Puzhou. On the way, he saw Kou Zhun at a loss and decided to comfort and enlighten him through a dream, vowing, “The truth will be revealed in a pool of clear water.” At the fifth watch after waking from the dream, the troubled Kou Zhun called for his yamen runners and headed toward the south gate. There, he saw barren land transformed into a vast lotus pond, blooming with red flowers and green leaves, filling the air with lotus fragrance. When the leaves were pulled, the lotus roots inside were crisp and delicious. After taking a bite, Kou Zhun’s illness vanished, and he found the whole thing even more mysterious. Observant people noticed that this lotus root was different from others—it had only seven cores. “Seven cores,” or “seven hearts united”—Kou Zhun suddenly came to a realization. He immediately returned to the government office and ordered all officials and citizens to work together to dig ponds to fight the drought and plant the “Seven-Star Red Lotus Root” everywhere. He named this miraculous pond “Tianchi” (Heavenly Pond), and had the delicious, crisp lotus roots processed into lotus root powder that was bright in color, fragrant in taste, and nourishing—then presented it as tribute to the imperial court. From then on, Kou Zhun rose steadily through the ranks, eventually becoming prime minister.