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Yang Sheng arrived in Chang'an from Luoyang and chose an inn to stay, settling his luggage while considering that the exam date was still far off. He called for the innkeeper and inquired about the distance to Purple Clear Temple. The innkeeper replied, "It's just outside Spring Ming Gate."
Thus, Yang Sheng prepared some gifts and went to visit Du Xiangu at Purple Clear Temple. The immortal lady was over sixty years old, with profound Taoist skills, and was the leader of the female Taoists in the temple. After entering the temple, Yang Sheng respectfully greeted her and presented a letter from his mother.
The immortal lady asked about Yang Sheng's mother's well-being and couldn't help but shed tears as she said, "I haven't seen your mother for twenty years. This young man before me is already so spirited; it shows how fleeting life is, and time passes like a fleeting horse. I have grown old and weary of the hustle and bustle of the capital. I plan to head to Kongtong Mountain to seek immortals, inquire about the Dao, cultivate my heart, and immerse myself in nature. As for what your mother entrusted me with in her letter, I must take care of it for you first. Yang Lang, you are handsome and elegant, like an immortal; it would be hard to find a match among today's women. This matter requires careful consideration; come back in a few days."
Yang Sheng replied, "My parents are elderly, and our family is poor. At nearly twenty years old, I still live in a remote village without a marriage partner. It should be the age to start a family and establish a career, yet my parents worry about my livelihood; I feel deeply ashamed. Today, I am grateful for your kindness, Aunt." After saying this, he bid farewell to the immortal lady and turned to leave.
As the exam date approached day by day, Yang Sheng felt somewhat relieved after hearing about the arranged marriage promise. A few days later, he returned to Purple Clear Temple, where the immortal lady smiled and said, "I know a good girl who matches you well in both talent and beauty. However, her family background is extraordinary; her ancestors were nobles for six generations and prime ministers for three generations! If you can achieve first place in this exam, there might be hope for this matter; otherwise, it's futile to talk about it. You don't need to keep coming here; focus on your studies and aim for success."
Yang Sheng hurriedly asked, "May I ask which family's young lady it is?"
The immortal lady replied, "It's the Zheng Family of Situ outside Spring Ming Gate; their Crimson Gate faces the street with ceremonial guards standing at their door. They are that family! The daughter of Situ is said to be an immortal descended to earth; it's not an exaggeration!" Yang Sheng suddenly recalled Moonlight's words and thought to himself: "What kind of woman could be so famous between the two capitals?" He then asked the immortal lady, "Have you seen Miss Zheng?"
The immortal lady said, "How could I not have seen her? Miss Zheng is simply an immortal transformed into a human; her beauty cannot be described with words."
Yang Sheng said, "I do not mean to boast; this exam is easy for me, so there's no need to worry about that. However, I have a fixation: unless I see that young lady in person, I cannot discuss marriage matters. I hope you can show mercy and let me see her appearance!"
The immortal lady laughed heartily: "The daughter of a prime minister is not someone you can just meet whenever you want! Do you think Yang Lang doubts my words?"
Yang Sheng also laughed: "How could I dare doubt your golden words? It's just that everyone has different perspectives; what you see may not be what my eyes see!"
The immortal lady said: "You are mistaken! The phoenix and qilin are well-known auspicious signs; even servants understand what integrity means. As long as one is not blind, how could they fail to see Miss Zheng's beauty?"
After hearing this, Yang Sheng returned home feeling dejected but still hoped that the immortal lady would agree to his request.
The next morning, Yang Sheng rushed back to the temple early. The immortal lady smiled upon seeing him: "You came so early; you must have something to ask!"
Yang Sheng said: "If I cannot see Miss Zheng, my heart will always be uneasy. Please consider my mother's wishes and understand my feelings; I implore you to think of a way for me to meet her. In return for your kindness, I will surely repay you!"
The immortal lady shook her head: "This matter is not easy!" After pondering for a moment, she spoke: "I see that you are intelligent and have decent knowledge; may I ask if you are skilled in music?"
Yang Sheng replied: "In my youth, I was fortunate enough to meet an extraordinary person who taught me several wonderful tunes. While I cannot claim mastery over them, I know a little."
The immortal lady continued: "The prime minister's residence is heavily guarded; there are five gates just at the entrance alone. The garden is deep and unfathomable with walls several yards high—unless one could sprout wings and fly in! Moreover, Miss Zheng has been raised with propriety since childhood; she does not visit temples or nunneries nor goes out during festivals or holidays—how could outsiders possibly meet her? There is only one plan that might offer a glimmer of hope—but I'm afraid you may not be willing to do it!"
Yang Sheng said: "As long as I can see Miss Zheng, I'm willing to go through fire or water—what would I refuse?"
The immortal lady explained: "Recently, due to age and illness, Situ has lost interest in official matters and prefers listening to music in his garden. Madam Cui also enjoys music while Miss Zheng is exceptionally talented—there's nothing she doesn't know about worldly affairs. As for discerning music's nuances or rhythms—she can tell just by listening once! Even renowned musicians like Shi Xiang or Bo Ya might not compare with her skills. If Madam Cui hears of any new tunes being played somewhere, she will certainly invite people over to perform before Miss Zheng so she can judge their quality as entertainment in her later years. In my opinion, you should practice a new piece diligently; on March 29th—Spirit Sovereign's birthday—the Zheng Residence sends maids here every year to pay respects at the temple. At that time, Yang Sheng can disguise himself as a woman and play a tune; when the maid hears it and reports back to Madam Cui—she will definitely invite you over for a performance! Once inside Zheng Residence, whether or not you'll meet Miss Zheng depends entirely on your luck—I can't help beyond that! Besides which—you are already quite handsome without facial hair; some Taoist nuns do not bind their hair or cover their ears—you dressing as a woman shouldn't be too difficult."
After hearing this plan, Yang Sheng was overjoyed and quickly expressed his gratitude. Upon returning home, he began counting down the days eagerly awaiting this occasion.
Meanwhile, Situ had no sons but only one precious daughter. When Madam Cui gave birth to her daughter years ago while unconscious during labor—she dreamt of an immortal who sent a bright pearl into her room—and shortly after that—her daughter was born named Qiong Bei. As she reached maturity at eighteen years old—she possessed stunning beauty—a rare sight indeed! The Zheng Family cherished their beloved daughter dearly and sought a suitable match for her but had yet found one they were satisfied with.
One day Madam Cui summoned Miss Zheng's wet nurse Consort Qian and instructed: "Today is Dao Jun's birthday; take these incense candles outside to Purple Clear Temple on my behalf—to pay respects to Du Xiangu—and present these clothes and snacks as gifts to express my sentiments." Consort Qian complied with her orders and rode in a small sedan chair towards Purple Clear Temple.
Du Xiangu received the incense candles at Sanqing Hall along with the gifts gratefully thanking Consort Qian before hosting her for a meal.
At this moment Yang Sheng had already arrived at another part of the temple where he sat playing his zither. As Consort Qian took leave from the immortal lady preparing to return home—she suddenly heard beautiful zither music coming from the west side of Sanqing Hall—a sound so melodious it was like heavenly music! Consort Qian paused listening intently for some time before asking Du Xiangu: "I have been by Madam's side for many years often hearing renowned musicians play—but never have I heard such exquisite zither music! May I ask who this talented person is?"
The immortal lady replied: "It’s quite coincidental—a little Taoist nun traveled here from Chu Region last year upon hearing about Chang'an’s splendor—she decided to stay at our temple occasionally playing zither for amusement—I am but an ignorant person regarding music—I cannot tell if she plays well or poorly! Since you praise it so highly—it must surely be someone exceptional."
Consort Qian remarked: "If Madam knew about this—it would certainly prompt her to send someone over with an invitation! Please ensure that this Taoist nun receives proper hospitality—do not let her leave!"
The immortal lady assured: "I will follow your instructions." After sending Consort Qian off—the immortal lady informed Yang Sheng about this event.
Upon hearing this news—Yang Sheng felt ecstatic—hoping that Madam Cui would send someone soon with an invitation.
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