Why did Yang Jian imprison his sister?

Yang Jian (杨戬), also known as Erlang Shen in Chinese mythology, is a significant figure with a complex narrative, including the story of him imprisoning his sister, Yang Chan (杨婵), also known as the Fairy of the Moon.

The Story Behind the Imprisonment of Yang Chan:

The imprisonment of Yang Chan is tied to a legendary myth that portrays Erlang Shen as a powerful, law-abiding, and duty-bound figure. According to some versions of the myth, the conflict stems from the dynamics between Erlang Shen, his sister, and her association with the forces of chaos and rebellion.

Here are the main elements of the story that explain why Erlang Shen imprisoned his sister:

1. Yang Chan’s Allegiance to the Demon King:

• In some versions of the myth, Yang Chan, also known as the Fairy of the Moon, is believed to have been involved with a demon king or forces of darkness. Yang Jian (Erlang Shen), as a celestial protector and warrior, was tasked with defending the heavenly realm and maintaining order against all malevolent beings, including demons.
• Yang Chan, due to her connection with these evil forces, was seen as a traitor to the heavenly realm, and Erlang Shen, who is loyal to the Jade Emperor and the celestial laws, felt compelled to act to preserve order and the balance between good and evil.

2. The Conflict of Family Loyalty vs. Duty:

• The story highlights a complex moral dilemma: Erlang Shen’s duty as a protector of the heavens forced him to choose between family loyalty and his obligation to maintain cosmic order.
• Despite being his sister, Yang Chan’s actions were seen as a threat to the celestial laws, and Erlang Shen felt that he had no choice but to imprison her in order to prevent further chaos and rebellion from undermining the heavens. This act emphasizes his commitment to duty and his unwavering adherence to the divine law, even if it meant going against his own blood.

3. Imprisonment as a Form of Punishment:

• Erlang Shen’s actions against his sister also highlight a theme of divine punishment. The imprisonment of Yang Chan represents the enforcement of celestial justice. In the myth, the heavenly forces do not show mercy to those who betray the cosmic order, regardless of their familial relationships.
• The imprisonment is not necessarily a punishment for Yang Chan’s wrongdoing alone but also a measure to stop the spread of chaos that she might bring if left free. This mirrors the broader theme in many Chinese myths where order and righteousness are prioritized over personal feelings or familial bonds.

4. Yang Chan’s Redemption:

• Some versions of the myth suggest that Yang Chan eventually undergoes a form of redemption after being imprisoned. In this version of the story, she eventually repents for her actions, realizing the gravity of her choices and the importance of harmony in the celestial realm.
• After repentance, she may be released from imprisonment, signifying the theme of forgiveness in the narrative. Erlang Shen, despite his harsh actions, represents the higher principles of justice and order, and his sister’s redemption shows the eventual triumph of virtue over chaos.

5. Connection to Daoist Philosophy:

• The story of Erlang Shen and Yang Chan can also be viewed through the lens of Daoist philosophy, where balance and order are essential for the harmony of the universe. Erlang Shen, as a celestial protector, is tasked with maintaining this balance, even if it means enforcing strict discipline, including imprisoning a family member who threatens the greater good.
• This concept of upholding the Dao (the Way) at all costs, even at the expense of personal relationships, reflects the Daoist ideal of putting cosmic order above individual desires.

Conclusion:

Yang Jian (Erlang Shen) imprisoned his sister, Yang Chan, because of her involvement with demonic or chaotic forces that threatened the harmony of the heavens. As a dutiful protector of the celestial realm, Erlang Shen had no choice but to imprison her, even though she was his sister, in order to maintain divine order and enforce justice. The story highlights the tension between family loyalty and duty and reflects broader themes of justice, order, and cosmic balance in Chinese mythology.