TS'AO KUO-CHIU

Pinyin Cao Guojiu, in Chinese mythology, one of the Pa Hsien, the Eight Immortals of Taoism. Ts'ao is sometimes depicted in official robes and hat and carrying a tablet indicative of his rank and of his right to palace audiences. He was a man of exemplary character who often reminded a dissolute brother that though one can escape the laws of man, one cannot avoid the nets of heaven. In another tradition, however, Ts'ao is said to have been in conflict with the law but mended his ways after his release from prison was arranged by an imperial mandate. A legend reports that Chung-li Ch'an and L Tung-pin (two of the Pa Hsien) welcomed Ts'ao into their company after a visit to his mountain hideaway. See also Pa Hsien.