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At this moment, Yang Sheng had returned to the inn to pack his belongings. Taking advantage of the dusk, he found his way to Moonlight's home. Moonlight had long since returned home, tidying up the courtyard, lighting red candles, and quietly waiting. Yang Sheng tied his donkey under the cherry tree and approached the door. Hearing the knock, Moonlight hurriedly came out to greet him without having time to put on her shoes, saying, "When I went downstairs, my lord walked ahead of me while I lagged behind. I didn't expect my lord to arrive later than me. Why is that?" Yang Sheng smiled and replied, "How can a host make a guest wait? It was not my intention to be late; it was truly because this mount is lacking!" After saying this, they exchanged smiles and entered the house hand in hand.
The two sat facing each other, their joy evident. Moonlight poured a full cup of fine wine and sang a tune of "Golden Thread Robe" to entertain Yang Sheng. Her graceful posture and sweet voice captivated him completely. Unable to contain his feelings, they held hands and set off for Wushan; even encountering the goddess by the Lo River could not compare to their happiness at that moment.
By midnight, Moonlight nestled beside Yang Sheng and said, "Today I have entrusted myself to you, my lord. Please allow me to tell you about my background; I hope you can show me compassion. I am originally from Shaozhou; my father once served as Postmaster here but unfortunately passed away far from home. My family has scattered, and my hometown is distant with high mountains and long roads. I am weak and powerless to bring my father's remains back for burial. My cruel stepmother sold me into this place of pleasure for money. My heart is filled with resentment and pain; I can only force a smile and endure hardships, hoping that heaven will show mercy and allow me to meet a beloved husband who can help me escape this suffering and see the light again. My small house is located along the road to Chang'an, where carriages and horses bustle day and night. Countless travelers pass by; who doesn’t stop in front of my house? For three or four years, I have seen countless men but have never encountered one like you who stirs my heart. To meet you today is truly heaven's favor; my wish has finally come true. If you do not mind my humble origins, I am willing to serve you as a maid for life. What do you think?"
Yang Sheng replied seriously, "My deep feelings for you are no different from your feelings for me, are they? However, I am just a poor scholar with an elderly mother at home. If I were to grow old with you, it might not align with my mother's wishes. If I were to take you as a concubine, I fear it would displease you. Although you do not mind me, others in the world will surely look down on you; that is what worries me."
Moonlight responded, "What are you saying, my lord! Among today's talents in the world, none surpasses you. The newly appointed top scholar is nothing compared to you; the Prime Minister's seal and the General's command will eventually fall into your hands. Who among the beauties of the world would not wish to follow you? In the future, we will surely see Red Fluff Girl chasing after Li Jing's war horse or Green Pearl accompanying Shi Chong's fragrant dust. What am I, Moonlight? How dare I harbor any thoughts of exclusive favor? I only wish for you to marry a virtuous wife from a noble family and serve Old Madam afterward without abandoning me. From now on, I will certainly keep myself pure and wait for your orders."
Yang Sheng said, "Last year when I passed through Hua Prefecture, I happened upon a Qin Family Girl whose beauty and talent matched yours; unfortunately, she is no longer in this world. Where do you suggest I go to find another beauty?"
Moonlight replied, "You must be referring to Qin Yushi's daughter Colorful Phoenix? Censor Zeng once served here; Miss Qin and I share a deep friendship. She possesses Zhuo Wenjun's beauty and talent; if you have feelings for her but she is gone now, even if you think of her again, it is futile—better for you to choose another."
Yang Sheng said, "Since ancient times there have been few extraordinary beauties; now that both you and Miss Qin exist in this world together, I'm afraid all the spirit of heaven and earth has already been claimed by both of you!"
Upon hearing this, Moonlight couldn't help but burst into laughter and said, "What you're saying is truly narrow-minded! Every word I've spoken just now reflects public opinion in society. In this world exists the saying 'Three Beauties of the Brothel': Wan Yuyan from Jiangnan, Di Jinghong from Hebei, plus me Gui Chan Yue from Luoyang. I'm merely riding on this empty fame; Yuyan and Jinghong are truly unparalleled beauties rarely seen in this world—how can you say there are no such figures left?"
Yang Sheng replied, "In my eyes, those two are merely on par with Gui Niang—you are not inferior at all."
Moonlight continued: "Wan Yuyan is far away in Jiangnan; those who come south all praise her highly—clearly she does not bear an empty reputation. As for Di Jinghong, she is like a sister to me; her life experiences are worth sharing with you in detail. Jinghong was originally from a good family in Bo Prefecture; her parents died when she was young and she relied on her aunt for support. From the age of ten onward she was stunningly beautiful; her fame spread throughout Hebei. Nearby wealthy families sought to spend thousands just to take her as a concubine—matchmakers flocked like bees but were all driven away by Jinghong and her aunt. Those matchmakers were relentless and asked Jinghong: 'Miss, what kind of ideal husband do you seek that would make you agree?' Perhaps they thought she wanted a Prime Minister's favored concubine or a military governor's secondary wife or perhaps someone famous or a scholar? Jinghong replied: 'If he were like Xie Anshi from Jin Dynasty who took courtesans on mountain trips then perhaps I'd consider being his favored concubine; if he were like Zhou Gongzi from Three Kingdoms who misheard music then I'd accept being his minor wife; if he were like Li Taibai during Emperor Xuanzong's reign writing Qingpingci then I'd follow him; if he were like Sima Xiangru during Emperor Wu of Han writing Fenghuangqu then I'd gladly follow him too! But fate is determined by heaven—who can predict it?' The matchmakers laughed heartily before leaving.
Jinghong privately thought: I'm just a poor girl from a remote village with limited experience—how could I possibly find extraordinary talents among men? It would be better for those courtesans who could drink with heroes while noble sons let them choose freely among them! This way it's easy to distinguish wisdom from foolishness or superiority from inferiority—like searching for fine bamboo in Chu Region or selecting beautiful jade in Lantian—if one puts in effort they need not worry about finding exquisite materials! Thus she willingly sold herself into prostitution hoping one day to meet an extraordinary man whom she could entrust herself to.
In just a few years Jinghong's fame spread far and wide; last autumn talented scholars from Shandong and twelve states of Hebei gathered in Ye City for feasting and entertainment where Jinghong performed "Rainbow Feather Dance." She danced gracefully like a startled swan or soaring phoenix while all other women present paled in comparison—her talent and beauty became evident.
After the banquet ended she climbed Copper Sparrow Terrace alone bathing in moonlight lost in thought reflecting on historical heart-wrenching poetry reminiscing about long-gone love stories while unable to suppress laughter at Cao Cao saying he had Copper Sparrow Terrace yet failed to hide both Xiao Qiao sisters there! Anyone who had seen Di Jinghong praised her talent and ambition—sigh! A woman like her—is there really none left among today's ladies? Jinghong once traveled with me visiting Xiangguo Temple sharing our innermost thoughts together where she said: 'If we could meet our ideal husbands we would recommend each other serving him together—that way we wouldn't waste our lives.' I wholeheartedly agreed with her.
Now that I've met my lord again reminds me of Jinghong—it's unfortunate she's recently gone to Shandong where I've heard she's entered some lord’s household! Alas! Good things often face obstacles! Although that noble family enjoys endless wealth it’s not what Jinghong intended." Upon reaching here Moonlight sighed softly before continuing: "It's such a pity that my lord cannot meet Jinghong over drinks."
Yang Sheng listened dismissively saying: "In brothels there may also be talented women but those noble Princesses Disguised Visits a Noblewoman may not necessarily be worse than your kind!"
Moonlight replied: "From what I've seen today no woman compares with Qin Niangzi! If anyone falls short even slightly compared with Qin Niangzi I wouldn't dare recommend them rashly! Besides I've heard people in Chang'an praising Zheng Family of Situ’s daughter saying she's beautiful with gentle temperament—the foremost among women today! Although I've never seen her personally such fame must hold some truth! When my lord returns to the capital perhaps pay attention—you might catch sight of her!"
As they talked late into the night they didn't notice dawn breaking as rays of morning light filtered through the gauze window outside. Yang Sheng and Moonlight rose up washed their faces when Moonlight said: "This place of pleasure isn't meant for my lord’s long stay moreover yesterday those young masters expressed dissatisfaction which could harm my lord—it’s best we depart early! The road ahead stretches long—we'll have many days together so why indulge too much sentimentality bidding farewell?"
Yang Sheng thanked her saying: "What you've said is wise—I shall remember every word!" The two faced each other weeping before parting ways tearfully.
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