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The Empress Dowager initially had no fondness for Miss Zheng. The princess, disguised and living near the Zheng Family, befriended Miss Zheng through an embroidered piece. As time passed, the princess genuinely admired Miss Zheng, and their bond deepened. Knowing that Yang Shangshu would not betray his beloved, the princess wanted to arrange for Miss Zheng to marry Yang Shangshu in the future, so they could call each other sisters, live under one roof, and serve one husband. The princess wrote several letters to the Empress Dowager, urging her to support this beautiful union. It was only then that the Empress Dowager realized her mistake and agreed to betroth both the princess and Miss Zheng to Yang Shaoyou. However, she insisted on seeing Miss Zheng's appearance first and asked the princess to bring her.
At that moment, Miss Zheng was resting backstage when she saw two palace maids carrying a clothing box coming out from the inner hall. They conveyed the Empress Dowager's decree: "As the daughter of a minister, Miss Zheng has accepted the Prime Minister's betrothal gifts but is still dressed as an unmarried girl. This is inappropriate; how can she meet the Empress Dowager in such attire? We have specially granted you a gown suitable for a first-class lady; please change your clothes." Upon hearing this, Miss Zheng bowed again and said, "Though my attire is simple, it is still suitable for meeting my parents. The Empress Dowager is like a parent to all citizens; I dare to present myself in these clothes meant for meeting my parents before the Empress Dowager." The maid returned to report this to the Empress Dowager, who praised Miss Zheng upon hearing it and immediately ordered her to be brought in.
Miss Zheng followed the maid to the front hall. The palace concubines serving inside were amazed at her beauty and whispered among themselves: "We thought only our princess was beautiful in this world; we didn't expect someone like Miss Zheng to exist!" After completing her greetings, she was led by the servants to take a seat at the top. The Empress Dowager spoke: "Previously, due to my daughter's marriage arrangements, I ordered the Zheng Family to return the betrothal gifts from the Yang Family. This was done to uphold national law and distinguish between public and private matters; it was not my intention to make things difficult. However, my daughter advised me: 'If we let them break their engagement right after marriage, it is not the proper way for a ruler to govern and educate the people.' She expressed her willingness to stand on equal footing with you and serve Yang Shaoyou together. I have discussed this with His Majesty and decided to follow my daughter's wishes. When Yang Shaoyou returns to court, he will send new betrothal gifts and formally marry you as his equal wife. This favor is unprecedented throughout history! You must understand my intentions."
Miss Zheng stood up and replied: "Your Majesty's grace is truly beyond what I could ever hope for! What merit do I possess to deserve such kindness? But I come from a humble family; how can I stand on equal footing with the princess? If I were truly to follow your command, my parents would surely oppose it fiercely; at that time, I would not dare accept your decree." The Empress Dowager said: "Your humility is indeed rare, but the Zheng Family has been noble for generations. Your father is an old minister of the late emperor; the court has always treated you with respect. One need not be overly attached to one's duties and morals."
Miss Zheng bowed again and said: "As a subject, following the ruler's command is like all things moving with their seasons; whether elevated as a concubine or lowered as a servant, one cannot defy destiny. However, Yang Shaoyou may not be at ease with this arrangement and will likely refuse. I have no brothers, and my parents are already elderly; my greatest wish is simply to care for them as best as I can for the rest of their lives." The Empress Dowager slowly replied: "Your filial piety towards your parents shows great sincerity in your dealings with others. Yet everything in this world should have its place; how could someone as beautiful as you be easily abandoned by Yang Shaoyou? Moreover, my daughter has formed a bond with Yang Shaoyou through a song played on a flute; this is fate that cannot be defied. Yang Shaoyou is a remarkable talent of our time; marrying two wives is quite common. I once had two children; unfortunately, Lanyang's sister passed away at ten years old. I often pity Lanyang for being alone. Now that I see you—both in talent and beauty—you are not inferior to my Lanyang; it feels as if I am seeing my lost daughter again. I wish to take you as my adopted daughter and inform His Majesty to grant you a title—firstly expressing my affection for you; secondly fulfilling Lanyang's wish to be close to you; thirdly making it easier for you both to marry Yang Shaoyou together. What do you think?"
Miss Zheng bowed again and said: "Such great grace from Your Majesty is something I fear I cannot bear; it may shorten my life! Please retract your command so that I may feel at ease." The Empress Dowager laughed: "This matter has already been discussed with His Majesty; there is no need for further refusal." She then ordered someone to summon the princess out to meet Miss Zheng.
The princess was dressed in splendid attire, exuding grace as she sat across from Miss Zheng. The Empress Dowager smiled and said: "I plan for you and Lanyang to become sisters; thus you will truly be sisters—what a 'Golden Orchid' friendship! Are you willing?" After saying this, she informed the princess of her intention to adopt Miss Zheng as her daughter. The princess was overjoyed and stood up to express her gratitude: "Mother has considered everything thoroughly; I have no objections. It brings me immense joy that I can fulfill this long-held wish!" The Empress Dowager grew particularly fond of Miss Zheng and began discussing ancient literature with her.
The Empress Dowager said: "I once heard Lanyang mention that you possess poetic talent akin to Xie Daoyun’s wit in composing verses. Now that there’s nothing pressing in court during this leisurely spring season, why don’t you recite a poem? It would please me greatly! There’s an ancient tale of composing verses within seven steps—can you achieve that?" Miss Zheng replied: "Since it pleases Your Majesty, I shall do my utmost to bring a smile." The Empress Dowager ordered someone from among the palace maids who walked lightly on their feet to stand before them while preparing topics for evaluation.
The princess interjected: "We shouldn’t let Miss Zheng compose poetry alone; I also wish to compete alongside her." The Empress Dowager was even more delighted by this suggestion: "My daughter's idea is excellent! But we need a fresh topic so that inspiration flows freely!" At that moment in late spring when peach blossoms were blooming vibrantly, suddenly a pair of magpies flew onto a branch chirping happily. The Empress Dowager pointed at them and said: "I just arranged your marriage when these magpies came singing on the branch—what good fortune! Let’s use 'Hearing Magpies on Peach Blossoms' as our topic; each of you shall compose a seven-character quatrain reflecting 'betrothal' in your poems." After saying this, she instructed her attendants to prepare brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.
Both women picked up their brushes while that maid had already taken five steps forward but worried about their speed keeping up with their poetry composition so she deliberately slowed down while observing them out of the corner of her eye. Both women found inspiration flowing freely as if guided by divine assistance; they finished writing just as the maid took five steps.
The Empress Dowager first picked up Miss Zheng’s poem which read:
"In springtime light within Forbidden City blooms peach blossoms bright,
What brings good birds singing sweetly into sight?
In front of towers new songs from imperial courtesans play,
While southern flowers bloom near magpie nests today."
Then she picked up the princess’s poem which read:
"In spring deep within palace gardens flowers abound,
Lively magpies fly in bringing joyful sounds.
Silver river bridges must be crossed with effort true,
In one moment both heavenly sons shall pass through."
The Empress Dowager looked at these verses and couldn’t help but exclaim: "My two daughters are truly remarkable women—comparable even to Li Bai or Cao Zhi! If there were examinations for women in court, they would surely be top scholars!" After saying this, she handed both poems over for sharing between the princess and Miss Zheng who admired each other's work immensely.
The princess said: "Though I was fortunate enough to compose poetry today, who doesn’t know its meaning? Sister’s poem exhibits exquisite thoughtfulness with profound imagery far beyond what I can achieve." The Empress Dowager remarked: "Your poem also possesses freshness and liveliness." At that moment, older palace maids who had been serving nearby gathered around upon seeing how happy the Empress Dowager was with both young ladies and said: "We have been somewhat literate since childhood but lack talent enough to grasp poetry’s meaning fully—may we ask Your Majesty and the princess for explanations so we too can share in today’s joy?"
Upon hearing this request, the Empress Dowager laughed heartily before explaining both poems in detail while all present rejoiced together calling out long live!
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