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The Emperor, after reading the Chancellor's memorial, felt a pang of sympathy and personally wrote a response: "My dear minister, you have served the country and the people with outstanding achievements and a far-reaching reputation. Your profound knowledge can assist in governing the state, and your high prestige can stabilize the nation. You are indeed a pillar of our Great Tang, my right-hand man! Consider the Tai Gong and Zhao Gong of the Zhou Dynasty, who, despite being over a hundred years old, continued to support the royal family, ultimately leading to great peace in the world. Now, you are in your prime, far from the age of retiring to the countryside. Therefore, I cannot agree to your desire for seclusion. Moreover, during the Han Dynasty, Zhang Liang had an immortal appearance, and Ye Hou Li Bi remained spirited even in old age. This is akin to the Cypress that stands tall against wind and frost, while the Poplar Willow withers at the autumn breeze; it is due to their inherent differences. You are as resilient as the Cypress; why worry about aging like the Poplar Willow? I see you full of vigor, no less than when you drafted edicts in the Jade Hall or led troops to quell rebellions at Wei Bridge. Although you claim to be old, I see you clearly in your prime! I hope you can emulate Ji Zi and Xu You's noble integrity and continue to assist me in governing the world and achieving a prosperous era; this is my expectation of you!"
This Chancellor was once a disciple of Buddhism in his past life and had received teachings from a Daoist Priest on Lantian Mountain. He practiced diligently, so although he was advanced in age, he appeared youthful. The people regarded him as a living immortal, which was also mentioned in the Emperor's edict. Later, the Chancellor repeatedly submitted requests to retire gracefully. The Emperor summoned him and said: "You insist on resigning repeatedly; I cannot bear to go against your wishes and deny you a leisurely life across the five lakes and four seas. However, if you return to your fief, there will be no one to discuss state affairs with me. Moreover, now that the Empress Dowager has passed away, Changqiu Palace is desolate; how can I endure being separated from Princess Yingyang and Princess Lanyang? There is a palace called Emerald Peak Palace forty miles south of the city, where Emperor Xuanzong once sought refuge from the heat. This palace is serene and spacious, perfect for you to spend your later years. I shall grant it to you for your residence." Thus, the Emperor issued an edict promoting the Chancellor to Duke of Wei and bestowed upon him five thousand households of fiefdom before reclaiming his chancellor seal.
The Chancellor expressed his gratitude for the Emperor's grace, bowing deeply in thanks. He then packed his belongings and moved with his family into Emerald Peak Palace. This palace was located within Zhongnan Mountain, featuring magnificent towers and palaces; rare flowers and exotic plants adorned its grounds—truly reminiscent of a celestial paradise. No wonder Wang Wei wrote: "The Celestial Abode may not surpass this; what need is there for flute music towards the azure sky?" This line perfectly captures the beauty of Emerald Peak Palace. The Chancellor specifically left the main hall empty to enshrine the Emperor's edict and poetry while allocating other pavilions for both princesses and ladies-in-waiting to reside in. From then on, he spent his days leisurely with his two wives and six concubines—either admiring the moon by the water or seeking plum blossoms in valleys—living a carefree life. When inspiration struck him, he would write poetry on cliff walls; sitting under pine trees, he would play music and sing joyfully. Such an immortal-like existence truly made others envious!
Thus, years passed as the Chancellor lived quietly at Emerald Peak Palace. That year during Mid-Autumn Festival coincided with his birthday; his children came to celebrate with feasts that lasted over ten days filled with music and dance—a scene of unending splendor. After the birthday banquet concluded, his children dispersed, leaving behind a tranquil home.
Before long, Double Ninth Festival approached with blooming chrysanthemums and ripening cornel fruits—a perfect time for climbing heights and enjoying views. To the west of Emerald Peak Palace stood a high platform called Gazing Far and Wide that offered breathtaking views over eight hundred miles of Qin land—an ideal spot for viewing scenery. The Chancellor loved ascending this platform on ordinary days; today was Double Ninth Festival—he could not miss such splendid sights. Thus, he took his two wives and six concubines up to the platform where they inserted yellow flowers while enjoying autumn's beauty. They arranged a banquet with music while Chun Yun held fruit platters and Moonlight poured chrysanthemum wine for everyone to drink merrily together amidst laughter.
As sunset approached, evening glow illuminated Kunming Pool; clouds hung low over vast fields creating an autumnal scene that unfolded like a vivid painting before their eyes. The Chancellor held a jade flute and played several tunes himself. The flute's sound was mournful yet expressive—like weeping or longing—evoking feelings akin to Jing Ke crossing Yi River while Gao Jianli played zither for him or like Xiang Yu bidding farewell to Yu Ji in despair. The ladies-in-waiting listened intently as sorrow welled up within them.
Unable to contain themselves any longer, two wives asked: "My lord, you achieved success at such a young age enjoying wealth and honor—it truly makes one envious! Even in ancient times, individuals like you were rare gems. Today is also a festive occasion filled with beautiful scenery along with fine food and wine beside us; this should be one of life's greatest joys! Why does your flute sound so sorrowful today compared to previous times?"
The Chancellor set down his jade flute and leaned against the railing alongside his wives and concubines while pointing at the bright moon: "Look over there! To the north lies an expansive plain dotted only by a few rugged hills—the sunset casts its glow upon those wild grasses; faintly discernible is Maoling of Emperor Wu of Han. Now look eastward! Amidst those green mountains surrounded by white walls beneath azure skies lie glimpses of Huaqing Palace where Emperor Xuanzong once frolicked with Yang Guifei. Both emperors were extraordinary talents ruling vast territories—what grandeur they possessed! They sought immortality wishing to enjoy wealth forever; yet now where are they? I Yang Shaoyou was merely an ordinary man from Chu Region but through His Majesty’s grace became Chancellor—and how fortunate I am to meet all of you! This bond we share must be fate; without our unfinished ties from past lives how could this happen? Yet between men and women lies destiny determined by heaven—gatherings or partings are all natural laws."
"When our day comes to depart," he continued thoughtfully," this beautiful platform will eventually fall into ruin just as today's revelry will turn into desolate weeds over time. At that moment children gathering firewood or herding cattle will sing mournfully here asking each other: 'Is this where Chancellor Yang once played with his wives? That wealthy chancellor surrounded by beauties has turned into dust—how lamentable!' Reflecting on life's ultimate conclusion makes everything we possess now seem fleeting."
"There are three paths in this world: Confucianism Daoism Buddhism among which I believe Buddhism holds profound wisdom most deeply rooted within me." He paused briefly before continuing: "Confucianism emphasizes self-cultivation managing families governing states achieving accomplishments ultimately leaving behind mere names after death; Daoism remains ethereal elusive pursued by countless individuals since ancient times yet few succeed truly—Qin Shi Huang Emperor Wu Han Emperor Xuanzong serve as prime examples."
"Since resigning here every night upon sleeping dreams find me seated upon cushions perhaps indicating my connection with Buddhism." He resolved earnestly: "I plan following Zhang Liang’s footsteps seeking guidance from Chisongzi abandoning worldly possessions crossing South Sea searching for Guanyin climbing Xitai worshipping Manjushri seeking methods for eternal life freeing myself from worldly suffering."
"Yet thinking about soon parting ways brings sadness into my heart causing these emotions inevitably reflected within my flute’s melody."
The Chancellor’s several wives were once fairies from Mage Nanyue destined for earthly ties reaching their end at this moment hearing their husband’s words touched them deeply prompting one sisterly voice among them: “Our lord resides amidst wealth yet harbors such thoughts—is it heaven’s will? We sisters here within these deep halls day after day worship Buddha awaiting your return.”
“Your journey shall surely lead you towards wise mentors gaining insights!” another added eagerly “We only hope upon attaining enlightenment you’ll first teach us!”
Upon hearing this delighted response from them he exclaimed joyfully: “Since we nine share mutual understanding what worries remain? Let us decide tomorrow shall be our departure!”
In unison they raised their cups saying: “We toast our lord wishing safe travels ahead.” Thus he instructed maidservants preparing wine cups.
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