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Yang Sheng paid for the wine and continued riding his donkey towards Tianjin Bridge. Upon entering the city, he was struck by the beautiful landscapes and the bustling crowd, truly living up to its reputation. The Lo River flowed through the capital like a white ribbon. Tianjin Bridge stood majestically over the clear waters, leading directly to the main road, its reflection faintly resembling a rainbow drinking from the river; the bridge's curves resembled a soaring dragon. The city was adorned with red walls and green tiles, with tall buildings shining brightly in the sunlight, their colors reflected in the clear waters of the Lo River and casting shadows on the fragrant streets, making it a top tourist destination.
Recalling what the innkeeper had said about a wine house near Tianjin Bridge, Yang Sheng urged his attendant to hurry. Upon reaching the bridge, they saw fine horses filling the streets, servants bustling about, and the noise was as thunderous as a storm. Yang Sheng looked up and saw musicians playing on an upper floor, their sounds echoing into the sky. Elegantly dressed men and women moved back and forth, laughter and perfume wafting through the air. Yang Sheng guessed that the wine house must be particularly lively today; perhaps it was hosting a banquet for guests of the Prefect from Henan. He instructed his attendant to find out more.
The attendant returned with news that several young gentlemen from the city had invited a group of renowned courtesans for a feast and entertainment. Hearing this, Yang Sheng felt inspired and filled with ambition; he tied his donkey at the foot of the building and strode upstairs.
On the upper floor, more than ten young scholars in fine clothing sat among dozens of beautiful women at a banquet covered with brocade, chatting and drinking merrily. They all noticed Yang Sheng's handsome appearance and extraordinary demeanor, rising to greet him and offering him a seat. After exchanging names, one scholar surnamed Lu asked, "Seeing you in such a hurry, Brother Yang, could it be that you are reminded of the poem 'When locust flowers bloom, scholars are busy'?" Yang Sheng replied, "Indeed."
Another scholar named Yang added, "Since you are here for examinations, though you may be an unexpected guest today, it is not inappropriate." Yang Sheng responded with cupped hands, "From what you both say, this gathering must not only be for drinking but also for reciting poetry and discussing literature. I am but a humble man from Chu Region, young and inexperienced; I have merely been fortunate enough to earn a place in this examination. To be here today is already an immense honor; how could I dare to show off my lack of skill before you all?"
Seeing Yang Sheng's humility and youthfulness made them smile knowingly. They said, "We are gathered here today not just to compose poetry; what you mentioned is merely talk. Since you are a guest from afar, please enjoy yourself freely—whether you compose poetry or not is entirely up to you." With that, they began to toast each other while courtesans played beautiful music.
Yang Sheng looked closely at the twenty or so courtesans present; each possessed remarkable skills. Among them was one who stood out as exceptionally beautiful—she sat still without playing music or speaking but had features like a painting and an elegant demeanor that seemed otherworldly. As he gazed at her, he felt as if he were looking at Guanyin from Nanhai herself, standing gracefully among clouds; he became so entranced that he forgot to drink.
The beauty seemed to notice Yang Sheng's gaze and occasionally glanced at him with expressive eyes. When he looked again, he saw many sheets of poetry piled before her. He asked several scholars present, "These poems must be your fine works; may I take a look?" Before they could respond, she stood up and brought the poems over to him.
Yang Sheng unfolded them to find more than ten pieces; although some were decent works, most were rather ordinary without any striking phrases. He thought to himself: I have heard that there are many talented individuals in Luoyang; it seems they are merely living off their reputation. He returned the poems to the beauty and cupped his hands in respect to everyone present: "I come from humble beginnings and have never seen such excellent writing; it brings me great joy to read your esteemed works today."
At this moment, many were somewhat tipsy; upon hearing Yang Sheng's words, they burst into laughter: "Brother Yang only knows of poetic lines but does not realize there is another layer of brilliance!" Yang Sheng asked curiously: "Having enjoyed your hospitality with several cups of wine already makes me feel like we are close friends; I wonder what this other brilliance might be? Please enlighten me."
Wang Sheng laughed heartily: "Let me share it with Brother Yang—there's no harm in that! Luoyang has long been known as a 'treasure trove of talent,' which is why in recent years during examinations, students from Luoyang have been consistently successful—either as top scholars or runners-up. While we may have some superficial fame among us, determining whose literary talent surpasses whom is difficult. This Gui Niang not only excels in beauty and song but also possesses profound knowledge of ancient and modern poetry—her ability to appreciate poetry is almost supernatural. When students bring their works to her for review, she can judge their success or failure with uncanny accuracy every time."
Thus we send our poems for her evaluation; those she favors will have their works set to music by her personally for performance—this determines their standing just like when poets Wang Changling, Gao Shi, and Wang Zhihuan painted walls at Qiting Pavilion long ago. Moreover, Gui Niang’s name is Moonlight—'Winning the Laurel' from Chang'e’s palace—a good omen for newly crowned top scholars! Don’t you think this matter is marvelous?"
Du Sheng added: "Furthermore, there’s another marvel: among these poems she selects one to sing tonight; whoever wrote that poem will spend a wonderful evening with Gui Niang while we can only be guests celebrating."
Yang Sheng replied: "Your esteemed poems must have been written long ago; I wonder whose work Gui Niang will sing tonight?" Wang Sheng said: "Gui Niang has yet to speak up; we do not know if she is being coy or simply shy."
Yang Sheng remarked: "Back in Chu Region I also tried my hand at writing some poems—not much of a poet compared to you all—I fear there’s quite a gap."
Wang Sheng interrupted: "With your looks so handsome how can you lack manly spirit? The sage says: 'One should act according to righteousness without yielding,' also 'In competition one should be noble.' I see Brother Yang has talent for poetry—why pretend otherwise?"
Yang Sheng feigned humility but felt his spirits rise upon seeing Gui Niang; he couldn’t suppress his enthusiasm any longer. Noticing blank sheets beside several scholars he casually took one out and began writing three verses fluidly as if propelled by wind across seas or galloping horses—all done in one breath.
The scholars were astonished by his quick wit and dynamic strokes—they changed expressions in surprise. Once finished he tossed down his brush saying: "Please guide me first! Today Gui Niang is our examiner; if I submit late it may be too late!" With that he handed over his poem to Moonlight.
The poem read:
A traveler from Chu heads west into Qin,
Drinking merrily at Luoyang Spring.
Who will pluck sweet osmanthus first under the moon?
In this era of elegance there are always those who shine.
Willow flowers dance on Tianjin Bridge,
Pearl curtains reflect sunset glow.
Lending an ear for a song,
The banquet should cease its dance.
Flower branches shy away from jade-like adornments,
Before singing sweet melodies they already exude fragrance.
Once dust settles after beams fly,
In bridal chambers candles light up celebrating grooms.
Moonlight’s eyes sparkled as she quickly scanned through his poem before lightly tapping her clappers—the sweet song flowed gently from her lips. Her voice sometimes floated like threads in air or wept softly like sorrowful cries—it resonated like cranes calling over green fields or phoenixes singing on red hills—captivating all listeners as if all worldly instruments lost their luster.
Initially those scholars had looked down on Yang Sheng allowing him merely to write poetry but once Moonlight selected all three of his pieces for singing they were dumbfounded—exchanging glances unable to speak. They wanted Moonlight to choose Yang Sheng but feared appearing cowardly while going against previous agreements felt difficult too—so they could only sit silently awkwardly.
Yang Sheng sensed their thoughts stood up saying: “I am truly grateful for your hospitality today at this grand feast—I feel satisfied after drinking well! However my journey ahead is long—I cannot linger here further—it’s truly regrettable! After results are announced let us gather again at Qujiang banquet—I shall certainly accompany you fully then.” With that he left calmly.
As he reached downstairs readying himself to mount his donkey he saw Moonlight approaching gracefully saying: “If you head south along this road there’s a place with white walls surrounded by blooming cherry trees—that’s my home. You may wait there briefly until I return.” Yang Sheng nodded in agreement heading southward.
Moonlight returned upstairs addressing all scholars: “If none mind my lowly status as Moonlight wishing for tonight’s pleasure through several songs—I wonder how we should proceed?” At this moment everyone still immersed in admiration for Moonlight replied: “Brother Yang is merely an unexpected guest—not one among us—why adhere strictly to previous agreements? It’s just mutual singing—a mere game without any conclusions.”
Upon hearing this Moonlight’s expression darkened as she coldly said: “If one does not keep promises it truly disgusts me! If you feel unsatisfied with tonight’s entertainment feel free to enjoy yourselves fully—I am feeling unwell cannot stay longer.” With that she walked away slowly.
Seeing her cold attitude none dared speak up again trying instead not to offend her further.
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