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Upon returning to the Zheng Residence, Consort Qian reported to the lady, "Today at the Purple Clear Temple, I heard a young female Daoist playing the qin. Her skill was truly unprecedented and remarkably refined!" The lady replied, "If that's the case, I would like to hear her as well." Therefore, the next day, she sent someone to prepare a small sedan chair, accompanied by a maid, to visit the Purple Clear Temple. The lady specifically instructed the messenger to convey to Du Xiangu: "Please tell her that I sincerely wish to invite this young master to our residence for a performance, and I hope the immortal lady will kindly recommend her."
Du Xiangu then said to the maid, "Since your lady has extended such a warm invitation, please ask the young master to honor us with his presence." Yang Sheng pretended to decline, saying, "I am just a simple person from the mountains; how could I possibly aspire to your esteemed residence? However, my master has instructed me, and I dare not refuse." He then changed into Daoist attire and stepped out holding the Yaoqin. He appeared handsome and extraordinary, exuding an air of ethereal grace. The maid from Zheng Residence admired him in secret.
Yang Sheng arrived at Zheng Residence by sedan chair, where the maid guided him to the inner courtyard. The lady sat majestically in the main hall. Yang Sheng bowed deeply in greeting. The lady commanded him to rise and take a seat, saying, "Yesterday my maid visited the Daoist temple and had the fortune of hearing celestial music. That is why I wished to meet you today. Upon seeing your elegant demeanor, all mundane thoughts have vanished from my mind." Yang Sheng humbly replied, "I am merely a poor wanderer from Chu Region, traveling wherever fate takes me. Today is an unimaginable honor for me to meet you through my humble skills."
The lady ordered a maid to take the qin from Yang Sheng's hands and examined it closely on her lap, exclaiming, "What a fine instrument!" Yang Sheng responded, "This qin is made from naturally withered paulownia wood from Longmen Mountain and has been tempered by thunder and lightning; it is as hard as metal or stone and worth more than gold."
As they conversed, shadows in the courtyard shifted quietly without revealing the presence of the young lady. Yang Sheng felt anxious and stood up to address the lady: "The pieces I play are ancient melodies rarely heard today. I cannot judge my own skill as good or bad; however, I have heard from my fellow masters at Purple Clear Temple that your daughter is an exceptional expert in music, akin to a reincarnation of Master Shikuan. Today I dare to present my humble performance in hopes that she might offer some guidance." Upon hearing this, the lady instructed a maid to summon her daughter.
Before long, as the embroidered curtain lifted and a fragrant breeze wafted in, the young lady sat beside her mother. Yang Sheng rose and bowed again before carefully observing her beauty: her face resembled morning clouds, her skin like fine jade; her eyes sparkled with brilliance like blooming lotuses—truly mesmerizing yet difficult to gaze upon directly. However, she was seated slightly farther away from Yang Sheng. He thought privately: If I cannot see her clearly, how can I grasp her expressions and understand the essence of music? Thus he boldly said to the lady: "I wish for your daughter’s guidance; however, this hall feels too spacious for music—it may scatter and lose its essence." The lady understood and instructed a maid to move Yang Sheng's seat forward.
The maid complied and repositioned Yang Sheng's seat next to the lady's—now closer to the young lady but still lacking directness compared to before. Although Yang Sheng felt regretful in his heart, he dared not speak further and prepared himself to begin playing.
Seeing this, a maid hurriedly approached and lit precious incense on the fragrant altar. Instantly, wisps of fragrance filled the hall. Yang Sheng steadied himself before sitting upright with the Yaoqin gently placed on his lap; he began plucking its strings and played "Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Garment."
Upon finishing, the young lady praised him: "This piece is truly exquisite! It evokes images of peace during the Heavenly Treasure era! While many can play this tune, I have never heard it performed with such artistry before. Isn't this what Du Fu described: 'The drums of Yuyang shake the earth; they break through Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Garment'? However, that song associated with rebel An Lushan is not worth listening to; I hope for another piece."
Yang Sheng played another tune. The young lady remarked: "This piece sounds both joyful and unrestrained yet also sorrowful and urgent—it's Chen Houzhu's 'Jade Tree in the Rear Courtyard.' Isn't this what Li Shangyin wrote: 'If underground I meet Chen Houzhu, should I not ask again about 'The Flowers of the Rear Courtyard'? Such songs of fallen nations are not worthy of praise; please play something else!"
Yang Sheng played yet another piece. The young lady commented: "This piece conveys both sadness and joy—excitement intertwined with contemplation. Once Cai Wenji was captured during war and bore two sons in barbarian lands. When Cao Cao redeemed her back home, she left behind her sons but composed 'Hu Jia Shi Ba Pai' expressing her sorrow and compassion. Isn't this what Li Qi wrote: 'Barbarians shed tears on border grass; Han envoys break their hearts facing returning guests'? Though this tune sounds acceptable enough, those who lose their virtue are not worthy of commendation; please choose another piece."
Yang Sheng played again. The young lady said: "This is Wang Zhao Jun's 'The Song of the Frontier.' Zhao Jun reminisces about her former lord while gazing longingly at her homeland—lamenting her misfortune and resenting the artist's unfairness—pouring endless grievances into this song. Isn't this what is said in 'Yuefu Shiji': 'Who will pity one song passed down through Yuefu? It can make thousands mourn for fine silk'? Yet songs of Hu women are not true music from proper traditions; do you have any other pieces?"
Yang Sheng played once more; after listening intently, her expression changed as she exclaimed: "I haven't heard such sounds in ages! This Daoist Priest is indeed extraordinary! This reflects a hero’s heart yearning beyond worldly concerns while embodying loyalty amidst turmoil—isn't this Ji Kang's 'Guangling San'? When he was executed at East Market while gazing at shadows cast by sunlight as he played said: 'Alas! Someone wishes to learn 'Guangling San,' but I cherish it too much to share it widely. Alas! From now on it will be lost!' The phrase 'A lonely bird flies southeast; where is Guangling?' conveys this meaning perfectly. No one has been able to pass down this piece since then. You must have encountered Ji Kang’s spirit to learn it."
Yang Sheng knelt respectfully replying: "Your intelligence far surpasses ordinary people! My master once spoke similarly about his teachings."
Yang Sheng played another tune; she remarked: "Beautiful! Melodious! Majestic mountains rise high while vast waters flow freely—the traces of immortals transcend earthly bounds—isn't this Bo Ya's 'Water Nymph Dance'? The saying ‘When Zhong Qi meets Bo Ya playing flowing water without shame’ captures this sentiment perfectly. If Bo Ya’s spirit were aware of your performance today, he would surely not lament Zhong Ziqi's death."
Yang Sheng played yet another piece; immediately she adjusted her clothing sitting upright properly saying: "Wonderful! Truly wonderful! A sage encountering chaos yearns for peace while wishing to save people—if not Confucius who could compose such music? It must be ‘Yi Lan Melody.’ Isn’t it a true reflection of ‘Wandering across nine provinces without a fixed place’?"
Yang Sheng knelt again adding incense before playing once more; she remarked: "Noble! Beautiful! Although ‘Yi Lan Melody’ stems from great sages' concern for their people during troubled times—it still carries sentiments of unfulfilled aspirations. This piece resonates with harmony among all things under heaven—spring’s vastness cannot be named in words—it must be Great Shun’s ‘Southern Breeze.’ Isn’t ‘The southern wind brings warmth that can soothe my people's grievances’ precisely what this poem expresses? It embodies utmost goodness—nothing surpasses it! Even if there were other pieces available—I no longer wish to hear them."
Yang Sheng respectfully replied: "I have heard that ‘Music has nine transformations; when heavenly spirits descend,’ what I have played are only eight pieces—there remains one more for you to appreciate."
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