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Since Yang the Recluse ascended to immortality, Shao You has relied on his mother Liu for companionship. Time passed swiftly, and several years went by unnoticed. Shao You's reputation for talent gradually spread, even reaching the ears of the county magistrate, who wished to recommend him for an official position in the court. However, Shao You politely declined the magistrate's good intentions, citing his parents' old age and his inability to leave them behind as reasons. By this year, Shao You had become a handsome young man of about fourteen or fifteen years old. He was extraordinarily good-looking, with an ethereal demeanor and remarkable talent. His literary skills rivaled those of Duke Zhang of Yan and Duke Xu of Su, while his poetic gift was on par with Bao Zhao and Xie Lingyun. His calligraphy approached the mastery of Zhong Yao and Wang Xizhi, and his military strategies were comparable to those of Sun Wu and Wu Qi. It could be said that he excelled in all fields—classics, history, philosophy, astronomy, geography, yin-yang theory, the five elements, and martial arts—thanks to the profound foundation he had built in his previous life. This allowed him to be exceptionally wise in this life, far surpassing ordinary people.
One day, Shao You said to his mother, "When father ascended to heaven, he entrusted me with the heavy burden of this household. Now our family is in poverty, and you toil day and night. If I were to willingly become a peaceful housekeeper or a leisurely turtle without seeking fame or glory for our family, then our clan would not prosper, you would not find comfort, and I would betray father's expectations. The imperial court is currently recruiting scholars; this is the perfect time for me to advance. I wish to temporarily leave your side and head west to Chang'an to test my abilities." Liu saw that her son was determined and ambitious, so she could not bear to stop him. She understood that his journey westward was uncertain, which worried her. But then she thought that a grown son should not be held back by his mother’s affection; she forced herself to nod in agreement. To prepare for Shao You's journey, Liu sold all her gold and silver jewelry to gather enough money.
Shao You bid farewell to his mother and set off westward with an attendant, leading a thin donkey along the way. With great aspirations in his heart, he did not consider Qianli too far; he traveled by day and rested at night, feeling that the journey was not long at all. After several days of travel, he arrived in Hua Prefecture within Huayin County, not far from Chang'an. The scenery along the way was beautiful and pleasant; Shao You felt particularly cheerful. Seeing that there was still time before the examination period began, he slowed down his pace, traveling only a few dozen miles each day while enjoying leisurely stops along the way. When he felt inspired, he would climb high mountains for a distant view or explore ancient sites, enjoying himself thoroughly.
One day, as Shao You walked into a secluded area, he noticed lush grass on both sides of the road and shady green trees. The tender green willow branches swayed gently in the wind like a beautiful woman just out of the bath combing her long hair by the water's edge—a sight that made one want to draw closer. Shao You reached out to gently touch a willow branch and marveled at its beauty; he found it hard to leave and murmured to himself: "I grew up in Chu Region; although there are many kinds of trees there, I have never seen such graceful and charming willows!" Inspired by this scene, Shao You composed a poem titled "Willow Poem." The poem read:
The willows weave like silk,
Long branches brush against painted towers.
I hope you plant diligently,
For this tree is most enchanting.
How green are the willows,
Long branches caress exquisite beams.
I hope you do not pluck or break,
For this tree is most affectionate.
After reciting his poem aloud once more with a clear and bold voice that resonated like metal striking stone—its lingering sound floated into the building with the spring breeze—there happened to be a young woman inside who had been napping soundly. Awakened by the sound of poetry recitation, she sat up quickly and pushed open her window to look out in search of the poet. As soon as she raised her eyes, she met Shao You's gaze.
The young woman had disheveled hair adorned with hairpins askew; her sleepy eyes were hazy yet enchanting. With traces of sleep still visible between her brows and her face lightly powdered but naturally beautiful—the charm she exuded was truly indescribable; even a master painter like Danqing would struggle to capture even one-tenth of it. The two exchanged silent glances for a moment without anyone speaking.
Earlier on, Shao You had sent his attendant ahead to arrange dinner at an inn; now the attendant returned with news that dinner was ready. Shao You gazed dreamily at the building above until the young woman turned back into her room and lowered her beaded curtain before he finally withdrew his gaze. Only lingering scents remained as he followed his attendant back to the inn. With each step he took away from that place, he turned back again and again but found only tightly shut carved windows with no trace of that enchanting woman left.
Back at the inn sitting at a table alone, Shao You felt lost and dispirited—how could he eat? This young woman’s surname was Qin; her name was Colorful Phoenix. She lost her mother at an early age and had no brothers; at just fifteen years old she remained unmarried. At that time, her father—the censor—had gone to the capital city for work while she stayed home alone. During the day when she saw Yang Sheng for the first time, she was initially attracted by his handsome appearance and elegant demeanor; after hearing his poetry recitation she became even more enamored with his talent. She thought: "For women like us, marriage is paramount—a matter that determines one's honor or disgrace throughout life and happiness or suffering over a hundred years rests solely on one's husband." Thus Zhuo Wenjun followed Sima Xiangru despite being widowed after her husband’s death.
Now being an unmarried girl herself may seem bold if she were to pursue a man actively; however didn't ancient sages also say 'a minister chooses his lord'? If I do not inquire about his name today then later when I inform my father about it through a matchmaker how will I ever find him again amidst this vast sea of people?" With these thoughts in mind she took out some writing paper and penned several lines of poetry before sealing it up and handing it over to her wet nurse saying: "Take this letter to that inn where you can find the young man who rode a little donkey beneath my window reciting 'Willow Poem.' Deliver this letter so he understands my desire for a beautiful bond—a lifelong commitment between us is crucial; please do not delay."
The wet nurse replied: "I will obey your command but if your father asks about it upon returning what shall I say?" The young lady responded: "This matter I will handle myself; you needn't worry." After walking some distance away however she turned back asking: "What if that young man is already married or engaged? What then?" The young lady pondered for a moment before replying: "Even if he has married I would not mind being a concubine; however looking at his age he seems youthful—he probably hasn’t settled down yet."
Following her instructions carefully the wet nurse went straight to the inn asking about the guest who composed 'Willow Poem.' Coincidentally Yang Sheng happened to be standing outside when he saw this old woman approach him hurriedly asking: "Were you just now reciting 'Willow Poem'?" Upon seeing Yang Sheng's handsome features she believed him wholeheartedly so she smiled saying: "This story is quite lengthy; this isn’t really a place for conversation." Yang Sheng invited her inside where they settled down on tea couches before asking: "May I know why you sought me out?"
The wet nurse asked: "May I inquire where you were reciting poetry earlier?" Yang Sheng replied: "I have just arrived here enjoying scenic views along my journey today when I came across an exquisite building surrounded by willows swaying gracefully—it delighted my heart so much that I composed some verses expressing my feelings."
Curious about why she asked such questions Yang Sheng continued speaking pleasantly while noticing how refined her mannerisms were which made him feel even more pleased as she said: “To speak frankly sir—while you were reciting poetry earlier my young lady was upstairs listening intently! She has always been intelligent with keen insight into people’s hearts—she has taken quite an interest in you! However since my master is currently working in court far away from home should you leave soon it would be difficult for her ever find you again amidst such vastness.”
Although interested in pursuing romance herself due societal norms regarding propriety—the wet nurse explained further: “Your appearance is strikingly handsome! Even among crowds you stand out like a phoenix among chickens! Surely you must recognize him!”
Yang Sheng listened intently feeling elated responding quickly: “I am Yang Shaoyou from Chu Region—I am still unmarried living only with my elderly mother! If we share mutual feelings then naturally we must inform our parents before anything can happen.” He then asked: “Is your young lady perhaps named Qin?”
Upon hearing him guess correctly—the wet nurse became even more delighted producing from within her sleeve an envelope containing another poem written by Qin Colorful Phoenix which read:
Atop towers grow willows,
Hoping they’ll keep you near.
How could they become whips,
To hasten your path here?
Yang Sheng upon reading found it refreshing praising its beauty saying: “Even Wang Wei or Li Bai would struggle matching such brilliance!” He then took out fine paper writing another poem in reply:
Countless willow threads entwined,
Each strand sings heartfelt tunes.
May we become moonlit ties,
Binding springtime’s sweet news.
The wet nurse accepted this poem tucking it away before leaving but soon returned saying: “Your lady expressed gratitude upon reading your response! I conveyed your sentiments too—she replied saying ‘It’s improper for us meet privately without formalities between men & women but since we wish for lifelong bonds how can we disregard your wishes? However meeting under cover of night may invite gossip—if my father learns about it there would surely be consequences! Why don’t we meet tomorrow during daylight hours instead?’”
Yang Sheng couldn’t help but admire how extraordinary Qin Colorful Phoenix was noting how pure-hearted she seemed beyond what someone like himself could achieve! He urged repeatedly ensuring nothing would go awry regarding their arrangement while promising utmost respect towards their agreement before bidding farewell as well!
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