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On the second day, before dawn, a loud noise suddenly echoed, shaking the ground and mountains. The Dragon Maiden woke from her dream, and a maid rushed in, saying, "It's bad! It's terrible! The South Sea Prince has surrounded the White Dragon Pool with his Shrimp Soldiers and Crab Generals, and he intends to fight Yang Marshal to the death!" Upon hearing this, the Dragon Maiden felt a surge of panic and quickly said to Yang Marshal, "I advised you to leave early yesterday because I was worried about this situation. What should we do now?" Yang Marshal, upon hearing this, became furious and said, "This ungrateful wretch dares to be so bold!" With that, he got up, dressed, and drew his sword to head out. At the edge of the pool, flags obscured the sun and the sounds of battle filled the air; a great war was about to break out!
Yang Marshal gathered his troops and arranged them to confront the South Sea Prince. In the South Sea Prince's ranks, the shouts of battle were deafening, rising like a cloud. The prince donned armor and rode out on horseback, pointing at Yang Marshal and shouting fiercely: "Yang Shaoyou! What kind of person are you!? How dare you commit such acts of dishonor and seize another's wife! I will not let you go unpunished!" Yang Marshal laughed loudly upon hearing this: "Dongting Dragon Maiden is destined for me, as recorded in heaven; even the gods can testify. We are merely following fate. You, a mere little creature, dare to be so arrogant here!"
Furious at these words, the South Sea Prince commanded his water troops to capture Yang Marshal. The Shrimp Officers and Crab Generals charged forward with weapons drawn. Yang Marshal remained calm; with a light wave of his hand, he struck down those charging at him. Then he raised his white jade whip and waved it lightly; millions of soldiers surged forth, causing the South Sea Prince's army to collapse in disarray, with corpses strewn everywhere and rivers of blood flowing. The South Sea Prince was hit by several arrows and unable to transform; he was ultimately captured alive by the Tang army.
Yang Marshal sounded the retreat and ordered that the South Sea Prince be escorted back to camp. At that moment, a guard came to report: "Marshal, the Dragon Maiden has personally come to the military camp to congratulate you on your great victory and has prepared food and wine to reward our soldiers." Upon hearing this, Yang Marshal was overjoyed and quickly ordered someone to invite the Dragon Maiden into the camp. The daughter of the Dragon King came not only to congratulate Yang Marshal on his resounding victory but also brought a thousand jars of fine wine and ten thousand heads of fat cattle to reward the soldiers. In no time, laughter and songs filled the camp as soldiers celebrated joyfully with high spirits.
Yang Marshal sat side by side with the Dragon Maiden while the bound South Sea Prince cowered before them with his head bowed. Seeing this, Yang Marshal sternly rebuked him: "I act under heaven's mandate to pacify the seas. You lowly vermin do not recognize your situation; challenging me is truly seeking your own demise! This sword in my hand is precisely what Prime Minister Wei Zheng used to slay the Dragon King of Jinghe. With it, I shall sever your head to assert military might. However, considering your father has guarded the South Sea for many years—bringing clouds and rain for the benefit of the people—I shall spare your life today! Go back and reflect well; do not commit further misdeeds!" With that, he ordered someone to bring medicine for wounds to apply on the prince. Only then did he feel as if he had received a great pardon and scurried away.
At that moment, clouds gathered in the southeast with purple mist rising; rays of light shone down like thousands of colors—a messenger from heaven had arrived. Dressed in purple robes and holding a scepter, he floated before Yang Marshal and bowed respectfully: "Our Dragon King has heard of your great victory over the South Sea Prince and your rescue of the Dragon Maiden. He is very pleased. He wished to come personally to congratulate you but could not leave his duties unattended. Therefore, he has set up a banquet at Ningbi Palace and hopes you will honor us with your presence. The Dragon King also instructed me to escort the princess back home."
Yang Shangshu replied: "Although the enemy has retreated, our camp remains vulnerable. Moreover, Dongting is far away; this round trip will take at least over a month. As I am responsible for my troops' safety, how can I easily leave?" The messenger smiled slightly and replied: "There is no need for concern; I have prepared an Eight Dragon Carriage that can make this journey in half a day."
With that assurance from the messenger, Yang Marshal and Dragon Maiden were escorted by Eight Dragon Carriages soaring upwards through clouds and mist until they found themselves high above in an unknown realm. Looking down from above revealed vast white clouds obscuring everything below. Soon enough, they descended gently near Dongting Lake's shimmering waters where Dongting Dragon King had already led his water troops out to welcome this future son-in-law.
Upon meeting each other, there was an immediate warmth between them as father-in-law and son-in-law. The Dragon King welcomed Yang Marshal into his magnificent Crystal Palace where a grand feast awaited them. During dinner, the Dragon King raised his cup in gratitude: "I am but a humble king without power or influence capable of protecting my beloved daughter fully; it is thanks to your extraordinary prowess that you captured that madman and rescued her from peril! Such kindness is beyond measure!"
Yang Marshal quickly stood up in response: "This is all due to Your Majesty's might which ultimately subdued that madman; I merely played a small part in it—there's nothing worth mentioning!" After three rounds of drinks had passed, the Dragon King ordered music played for entertainment. A thousand water warriors brandished their weapons while marching in formation alongside powerful drumbeats—what an impressive sight! Additionally, six teams of graceful shrimp maidens danced elegantly in pink veils adorned with pearls—a mesmerizing spectacle.
Seeing this performance stirred Yang Marshal's interest so he asked about its origins. The Dragon King stroked his beard with a smile: "This dance did not originally have this name; when my daughter was trapped in Jinghe River, my brother Qiantang Jun led troops there to rescue her after which palace musicians composed this dance called 'Qiantang Breaking Formation Tune,' also known as 'Return of Our Beloved Princess.' It was only occasionally performed in court before today’s grand victory resembles Qiantang Jun’s story so closely that we renamed it 'Marshal's Victory Song' in honor of your triumph!"
The Minister of Rites then asked: "Where is Liu Zhenjun now? Can we meet him?" The Dragon King replied: "Liulang is currently serving as Yingzhou Celestial Official; I'm afraid he cannot come." After finishing their feast, Minister of Rites stood up to take leave saying: "Military affairs are pressing; I cannot stay long—what a pity! I hope Princess does not miss her appointed date." The Dragon King assured him: "We will certainly keep our promise." With that said they escorted Minister of Rites outside.
Suddenly rising before them was a mountain peak towering into clouds with five summits reaching skyward. Minister of Rites felt inspired by nature’s beauty asking: "What mountain is this? In my youth traveling across lands I have never seen this mountain nor Huashan." The Dragon King laughed: "Could it be you do not recognize it? This is Southern Mount Heng—its scenery is extraordinary." Minister of Rites asked: "May we climb it today?" The Dragon King replied: "It’s still early; even if you take some time exploring before returning it won’t delay dinner." With that said Minister of Rites boarded an Eight Treasure Carriage heading towards Hengshan.
Holding onto his bamboo staff while seeking out Stone Path up mountainside—he traversed hills crossing ravines—the terrain grew steeper while sights became ever more enchanting. Strange peaks loomed large alongside deep valleys making one marvel at nature’s wonders—"A thousand cliffs competing for beauty while ten thousand ravines vie for flow" perfectly describes this mountain! Stopping briefly atop looking far ahead lost in thought he sighed deeply: “Years spent fighting have left me weary both body & soul—the burdens here are truly heavy! When will I achieve success allowing me peace becoming someone detached from worldly affairs?”
Just then he heard sounds resembling stone chimes coming from within forest nearby prompting him: “Surely there must be a temple close.” Climbing higher led him finally discovering an ancient temple nestled quietly among trees where monks gathered around an elder seated on cushions reciting scriptures—his long green brows indicated wisdom earned through enlightenment.
Upon seeing Minister of Rites arrive—the elder led fellow monks down welcoming him saying: “Mountain dwellers like us are deaf-mute unaware of your arrival—we apologize for not greeting you properly today isn’t meant for long stays beside ancient lamps & Buddhas but please enter our hall worshipping Buddha before departing.” Following instructions given Minister approached altar lighting incense bowing respectfully.
After completing worship rituals turning around descending temple steps suddenly stumbled awakening realizing himself back inside military tent leaning against table while dawn had yet broken over eastern skies astonished he asked fellow generals nearby: “Did any dream last night?” They answered together excitedly: “We dreamed accompanying you battling divine soldiers ultimately achieving great victory capturing enemy general alive! Surely this foretells capturing Hu people!”
Minister then recounted details surrounding his dream leading all generals towards White Dragon Pool where shards lay scattered across ground staining waters crimson red after tasting cupfuls offered healing properties restoring sick soldiers’ health instantly bringing joy throughout ranks cheering loudly echoing across heavens above.
Hearing news spread throughout Tubo army left them trembling contemplating surrendering instead.
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