This study may have engaged as many friends, colleagues, and strangers as did the Huang family odyssey and campaign. Li Heyun of Suzhou University and John Dardess of the University of Kansas patiently worked through my translations of the journey texts, colophons, and inscriptions. Patricia Berger, Ellen Johnston Laing, and Eugene Wang offered insightful comments concerning various aspects of my research, as well as moral support, for which I am truly grateful.