Is “Whether Rongchengshi was a minister of the Yellow Emperor or an ancient emperor of an independent era” true?
The Bamboo Annals, in the 'Five Emperors' chapter, records that the Yellow Emperor consulted him: 'The Emperor asked Tianlao, Limu, and Rongcheng'. This shows he was a subordinate during the Yellow Emperor's time. However, in the novel, his identity and era are transplanted, making him a legendary ancient emperor. The Huainanzi, in the 'Benjing Xun' chapter, records: 'In the time of Rongchengshi, roads were arranged like flying geese in rows, infants were placed in nests, surplus grain was left in the fields, tigers and leopards could be approached, and vipers could be stepped on.' This presents a completely utopian ruler of high antiquity.
The official histories record him as a minister during the Yellow Emperor's time; the novel transplants him to be an ancient emperor predating Yao and Shun.
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