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The Emperor came to the Empress Dowager's palace to pay his respects. The Empress Dowager had already sent Princess Lanyang and the Zheng Family away to the inner chamber and welcomed the Emperor with a smile, saying, "Regarding Lanyang's marriage, I had the Zheng Family return Yang Shangshu's betrothal gifts. This matter is somewhat awkward and could harm our reputation. If I were to grant the Zheng the title of Consort and place her on equal footing with Lanyang, the Zheng Family would surely be apprehensive and dare not accept. If I only take the Zheng as a concubine, it would be unfair to her, almost forcing her into a difficult situation. Today, I specifically summoned the Zheng; this woman is not only beautiful but also exceptionally talented, worthy of being called a sister to Lanyang. Therefore, I have recognized the Zheng as my adopted daughter and wish for her to marry into the Yang Family as well. I wonder how Your Majesty feels about this?" Upon hearing this, the Emperor was greatly pleased and quickly congratulated her, saying, "Mother, your kindness is truly immeasurable and unprecedented!" Afterward, the Empress Dowager ordered someone to summon the Zheng for an audience.
As soon as the Zheng entered the hall, the Emperor said to the Empress Dowager, "Since the Zheng has become my adopted sister, why is she still dressed in commoner's attire?" The Empress Dowager replied, "The decree for her title has not yet been issued; it would not be appropriate for her to wear princess attire." Upon hearing this, the Emperor instructed his female attendants, "Quickly bring me a decree embroidered with phoenixes!" Shortly thereafter, Lady Qin Caifeng presented the decree and stepped forward. Just as the Emperor was about to write, he looked up at the Empress Dowager and said, "Since the Zheng has been granted the title of princess, shouldn't she also receive a royal surname?" The Empress Dowager replied, "I was thinking along those lines too. However, I have heard that Zheng Situ is quite old and has no other descendants; if we change the Zheng's surname, wouldn't that cut off his line? In my humble opinion, it would be better to keep her original surname as an additional grace from me as a mother." The Emperor nodded in agreement and wrote on the decree: "By order of the Empress Dowager, I hereby confer my adopted daughter Zheng as Yingyang Princess and grant her dual seals as a sign of favor."
The palace maids brought princess attire for Miss Zheng to wear as she descended from the hall to express her gratitude. The Emperor sent someone to arrange seating with Princess Lanyang; since Miss Zheng was one year older than Princess Lanyang, she did not dare take a seat without permission. The Empress Dowager said, "Yingyang is now my daughter; there should be order between elder and younger siblings; there is no need for such humility among sisters." Miss Zheng replied, "Today's seating arrangement will set precedence for future order; how can we not treat it with caution?" Princess Lanyang added, "In ancient times during the Spring and Autumn Period, Zhao Xiangzi's wife was Duke Wen of Jin's daughter; she still yielded her position to his first wife. Now that my sister is older, what is there to doubt?" After much insistence from Miss Zheng, the Empress Dowager finally ordered them to arrange seats by age.
From then on, everyone in the palace referred to Miss Zheng as Yingyang Princess. The Empress Dowager presented both their poems for the Emperor's review. The Emperor praised them both: "Both poems are excellently written; however, Yingyang Princess's poem references classics from The Book of Songs while attributing all merit to Mother; that is truly remarkable." The Empress Dowager responded, "Your Majesty is wise." The Emperor continued, "Mother's affection for Yingyang is indeed a rare grace for our nation. I have a matter to request." He then recounted Qin Zhongshu's situation in detail: "His filial piety is truly moving; although his father was punished with death, his ancestors were loyal ministers of our court. I wish to honor his wishes by allowing him to serve as an attendant for both princesses during their marriage; what does Mother think?"
The Empress Dowager asked both princesses for their opinions. Princess Lanyang said, "Young Master Qin has already discussed this matter with me; I share a deep bond with him and do not wish to part ways. Although it may go against royal teachings, I hope to remain by his side." The Empress Dowager then summoned Lady Qin Caifeng and said to her: "My daughters regard you as sisters; therefore, I permit you to serve as Yang Shangshu's attendant. Your wishes have been fulfilled; from now on you must be even more loyal in gratitude for the princess's kindness." Lady Qin Caifeng was so moved that she could not hold back her tears.
After expressing her gratitude, Lady Qin Caifeng added gently: "I have already arranged marriages for both princesses; coincidentally a magpie has come bearing good news—a wonderful omen! I have asked them each to compose a magpie poem; now that you too have found a good match, you should write one in response so that I may appreciate it."
Lady Qin Caifeng accepted this task and after a moment of contemplation composed a poem on the spot:
Magpies chirp around the purple palace,
Spring breezes rise above balsam flowers.
They nest without waiting for southern flights,
Three stars twinkle faintly in the east.
The Empress Dowager and Emperor admired it together. After reading it through, Dragon Countenance was delighted and nodded in praise: "Though it is a poem about nature, it surpasses Cai Wenji's snow poem! It aptly references classics from The Book of Songs while adhering strictly to propriety by highlighting one's status—truly remarkable!"
Princess Lanyang laughed and said: "Mother may not know this; magpie poetry has a narrow theme. My sister and I have already taken our turns; it would be exceedingly difficult for later poets to create something new—just like Cao Mengde said: 'Circling three times around a tree with no branches to rely on!' Although Sister Qin’s poem also incorporates lines from Cao Mengde and Du Zimei along with verses from The Book of Songs, it excels in its natural flow without any sense of contrivance—as if those literary giants crafted their words specifically for Sister Qin today! Such fine work is indeed rare throughout history!"
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager clapped her hands in laughter: "Since ancient times among women who can be considered poets there are only a few like Ban Jieyu, Zhuo Wenjun, Cai Wenji, and Xie Ziran. Today my son has had the fortune of composing poetry alongside two talented women—truly an extraordinary tale!"
Princess Lanyang covered her mouth in laughter: "Mother forgot about Yingyang’s maid Jia Chunyun? Her poetic talent is also quite exceptional!"
By this time evening had fallen; thus the Emperor rose and returned to his quarters while both princesses went back to their rooms to rest.
The next day at dawn, Miss Zheng went to pay respects to the Empress Dowager requesting permission to visit her family: "On the day I entered the palace my parents must have been very anxious. I wish to return temporarily to visit them so that I can share your grace and my honor as a princess with them—so they can also rejoice! I earnestly request your approval." The Empress Dowager replied: "How can a young lady easily leave the inner palace? I was just about to discuss this matter with Madam Situ." She then sent someone to convey this message to Zheng Residence summoning Madam Cui into the palace.
The Situ couple had been worried after receiving news through their daughter's maid but felt somewhat relieved upon hearing from her directly; they were increasingly grateful towards the Empress Dowager. Suddenly receiving an imperial decree prompted them to hurry into court for an audience. The Empress Dowager personally welcomed them saying: "I kept your beloved daughter not only because I wanted to see her but mainly due to Princess Lanyang’s marriage arrangements. Upon meeting your daughter once I took an immediate liking; therefore I wish to adopt her as my daughter so she can be like an elder sister to Princess Lanyang—as if my own daughter from my past life were reborn into your family. Since Yingyang is now a princess she naturally deserves an official surname. Considering you have no sons left beneath you—I shall not change your daughter's surname but hope you understand my intentions."
Madam Cui was overwhelmed with gratitude and bowed deeply saying: "I received my daughter late in life and cherish her dearly; who knew that due to one mistake regarding marriage it would cause me such pain that I'd wish for death rather than see my daughter's pitiful state? Unexpectedly today not only does she receive repeated visits from your highness but also guidance—now she has even been brought into court receiving unparalleled grace! This truly feels like spring returning after winter or water flowing back into parched earth—it has saved our family's lives! All I can do is exert myself fully in hopes of repaying your kindness even slightly. However my husband is old and ill—he lacks strength now—and I too am aging rapidly unable to serve within court properly anymore. Your deep kindness leaves us truly at a loss on how we might repay you! All we can do is shed tears of gratitude." After speaking she rose up thanking again while sobbing uncontrollably with tears soaking her sleeves.
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