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The Emperor, seeing his appearance, did not take it to heart and granted him a seat. The two of them began discussing the rise and fall of emperors throughout history. Yang Shaoyou, though somewhat intoxicated, spoke fluently and referenced various examples, causing the Emperor to nod in agreement and express great delight.
As the Emperor's interest peaked, he suddenly changed the subject and asked Yang Shaoyou, "Composing poetry and prose is not the primary duty of an emperor, yet among my predecessors, there have been many who excelled in this art. Their excellent works have been passed down through generations and are still recited today. Today, I would like you to speak freely and evaluate the poetry of emperors, generals, and literary figures from ancient times to the present. Do not hold back; simply judge their merits and shortcomings. Among the works of emperors, who stands out as the best? And among the poems of civil officials and military generals, who can claim the top spot?"
After listening to this, Yang Shaoyou pondered for a moment before cupping his hands in response, "Since ancient times, the harmony between rulers and subjects has existed since the time of Yao and Shun. Its literary value is difficult to express in words and is not something a mere subject can comment on lightly. If we speak of imperial poetry, we must consider Emperor Gaozu of Han's 'The Song of the Great Wind' and Cao Cao's 'Starry Moonlight' and 'Magpie Flying South' as exemplary works. As for the poetry of literary figures, Xi Jing Li Ling, Ye City Cao Zhi, as well as Tao Yuanming and Xie Lingyun from the Southern Dynasties are all outstanding representatives. Looking at both ancient and modern times, the flourishing of literature is most pronounced in our current era; while the prosperity of talent peaked during the Kaiyuan and Heavenly Treasure periods. If we discuss imperial literature, our Emperor Xuanzong stands as the greatest figure throughout history; while for poets, none can rival Li Taibai—truly unparalleled both before and after."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor was greatly pleased and clapped his hands with a smile, saying, "What you say resonates deeply with me! Every time I read Li Taibai's 'Clear and Peaceful Melody' or 'Journey Difficulties,' I can't help but lament why I couldn't be born in his era to share drinks with him and appreciate the beauty of poetry together! Fortunately, I now have you by my side; why should I envy Li Taibai? I have always adhered to ancestral customs; there are over ten palace maids skilled in calligraphy known as 'Lady Scribes.' Each one is exceptionally talented, particularly adept at depicting the beauty of flowers, birds, moonlight, and dew in their paintings. Their works are quite remarkable. Today, I wish to emulate Li Bai's drunken poetry composition; please take up your brush and showcase your talents so that we may not waste your abundant skills or disappoint the admiration that my consorts hold for you. I am eager to witness your quick wit and extraordinary creations!"
The palace maids set out the imperial inkstone box made of glazed porcelain, a white jade pen rest, and a jade toad ink dropper in front of the Minister of Rites. Having received permission from the Emperor, several palace maids approached him requesting a poem; each held exquisite paper, silk handkerchiefs, or feather fans with eager anticipation before him. The Minister of Rites was currently in high spirits from drinking; inspiration flowed like a spring as he picked up a red brush pen. Without hesitation or need for correction, he effortlessly composed verse after verse that sprang to life on paper. His brush moved like a dragon or snake; it seemed as if divine assistance guided his hand as he created five-character quatrains or seven-character regulated verses with astonishing agility that left onlookers in awe. Sometimes he completed a poem in one go; other times he felt unsatisfied and added a few more strokes. Before long, as shadows lengthened in the westward sky, all available paper had been used up.
The palace maids knelt before the Emperor one by one to present the Minister's poems. The Emperor examined each piece carefully with praise overflowing as he said to them, "Scholar has worked hard today; quickly bring forth some imperial wine."
The palace maids held various wine vessels: some carried golden cups while others held glazed goblets or parrot cups; some raised white jade cups filled with fine wine alongside prepared delicacies. They moved gracefully between guests—sometimes kneeling or standing—serving wine and dishes in an orderly manner. The Minister of Rites welcomed each offering without refusal; cup after cup exchanged hands until three rounds had passed—his face flushed like peach blossoms while his steps wavered slightly. Seeing this, the Emperor quickly ordered people to stop serving wine and smiled at the palace maids saying, "The verses composed by Scholar today are truly gems—each word worth its weight in gold—a priceless treasure! The Book of Songs states: 'If you give me a wood melon, I will return it with jade.' Do you have any precious items today to offer as tokens of appreciation for Scholar's literary gifts?"
Upon hearing this, some palace maids took off their jade hairpins; others removed rings from their fingers or jade pendants from their waists while some offered gold bracelets from their wrists—all eagerly presenting them to the Minister of Rites until treasures piled high like mountains. The Emperor laughed upon seeing this and instructed a young eunuch beside him: "Go collect all the brushes, inkstones, paper used by Scholar along with these gifts from the palace maids and send them to Scholar's residence." The Minister hurriedly bowed in gratitude but stumbled slightly due to intoxication nearly falling over. The Emperor noticed this and quickly ordered several young eunuchs to assist him out of the palace gates.
Outside the gates awaited an honor guard ready to escort him onto his horse. Upon returning home, Chun Yun helped him down from the carriage and unfastened his official robes asking: "My lord, where did you drink so heavily today?" The Minister was already too intoxicated to respond coherently. At that moment, the steward had moved all gifts bestowed by the Emperor—including brushes and inkstones—as well as jewelry given by palace maids into his study. Upon seeing these treasures, he beamed with joy saying to Chun Yun: "These are all gifts from His Majesty for Chun Niang! What I've received today rivals even Dongfang Shuo!" Chun Yun wanted to ask more questions but found that he had already fallen asleep at his desk snoring loudly.
The next day, when sunlight was high in the sky, the Minister finally got up to wash up when he suddenly heard someone announce at his door: "The Prince of Yue has come." Startled by this news he thought: "The King of Yue's sudden visit must have significance." He hurriedly went out to greet him. The King of Yue sat down after performing formalities; he appeared around twenty years old with an impressive demeanor resembling a celestial being descended from heaven.
The Minister knelt respectfully saying: "I did not expect Your Highness would visit my humble abode; what brings you here?" The King replied: "I have long heard about your esteemed reputation; seeing you today confirms it is well-deserved. I come on behalf of His Majesty with an imperial edict." The Minister grew even more anxious as he bowed deeply awaiting instructions.
After pausing briefly, the King continued: "Princess Lanyang is now at a prime age; His Majesty intends to select a consort for her. His Majesty values your talent and character highly hence wishes to betroth Princess Lanyang to you; I am here specifically to convey this decree which will soon be formally issued."
Upon hearing this news, the Minister was taken aback and exclaimed: "I am deeply grateful for His Majesty's grace but I have already made an engagement with Zheng Situ’s daughter; gifts have been sent long ago. I hope Your Highness can relay my request back to His Majesty asking him to reconsider." The King replied: "I will certainly report this matter truthfully but His Majesty is eager for talent and resolute in his intentions."
The Minister insisted: "This matter concerns moral principles; please inform His Majesty that it cannot be decided hastily—I wish to personally enter the palace to plead my case." Seeing how adamant he was made it inappropriate for further discussion so they parted ways.
After sending off the King of Yue, the Minister hurriedly went to inform Situ about what had transpired. Upon learning this news everyone within his household became flustered not knowing how best to respond. Situ himself wore a troubled expression unable to speak for some time after hearing it.
Seeing Situ’s distressful state brought forth courage within him as he comforted Situ saying: "There is no need for alarm; His Majesty is wise—he will prioritize national laws over personal desires. Though I may lack talent as a son-in-law I will never be disloyal."
Meanwhile in Penglai Palace during her strolls outside Empress Dowager happened upon Yang Shaoyou by chance feeling quite pleased she remarked: "This man is indeed suitable for Princess Lanyang! Since I have seen him with my own eyes let us settle this matter." She then commanded King of Yue convey this decision back to Yang Shaoyou while His Majesty also planned on summoning Yang Shaoyou personally soon thereafter issuing marriage decrees.
At that moment His Majesty was reviewing memorials in another hall when suddenly recalling yesterday’s poetic verses penned by Yang Shaoyou which were exceptional indeed—he wished once more enjoy them so commanded eunuchs gather all poems recorded by palace maids.
All maidens had hidden their poems except one who concealed a painted fan inscribed with Yang Shaoyou’s verses within her bosom returning alone into her quarters where she wept throughout day neglecting food or drink.
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