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One day, a little girl came to the residence, selling two pieces of embroidery. Chun Yun took a look and saw that one was titled "Flower Among Peacocks" and the other "Bamboo Grove Partridge." The stitching was so exquisite that it left one in awe, as if crafted by the hands of a celestial being. Chun Yun was greatly impressed and brought the embroidery to show to the lady and the young miss, saying, "Miss, you often praise my embroidery skills, but compared to these two pieces, what can my work be worth? Such embroidery, if not made by a fairy, must surely be the work of spirits!" Miss Zheng took the embroidery and unfolded it in front of her mother. After examining it closely, she exclaimed in surprise, "It is impossible to find such masterful embroidery in the world today, and the colors of the threads are still very fresh; clearly, they are not antiques. How strange it is that there exists such a talented person in this world!" She then asked Chun Yun to inquire about the origins of the embroidery from the little girl. The little girl replied, "These were embroidered by my young lady herself. However, due to urgent matters at home, she needs money urgently and has reluctantly decided to sell these two pieces." Chun Yun asked, "Which family does your young lady belong to? Why is she living away from home alone?" The little girl answered, "My young lady is the sister of Li Tongpan. The magistrate is accompanying his wife to Zhejiang for an official appointment. My young lady fell ill and is temporarily staying in the capital at her uncle Zhang Biejia's house. Recently, due to some matters, she moved to stay at Xie Sanniang's cosmetics shop on this street while waiting for someone from Zhejiang to come and take her." After hearing this, Chun Yun reported back to Miss Zheng. Curious, Miss Zheng instructed Chun Yun to send a clever maidservant with the little girl to see what kind of person Miss Li was.
The Li family's residence was cramped with no clear distinction between inside and outside. When Miss Li heard that a maidservant from Zheng Residence had come, she hosted a banquet and presented gifts upon departure. When the maidservant returned to Zheng Residence, she reported to Miss Zheng: "That Miss Li is stunningly beautiful and graceful; she is truly comparable to our young miss." Chun Yun was skeptical and said, "Just based on her exquisite embroidery skills alone, it is clear that Miss Li is no ordinary person. But for you to say she is comparable to our young miss seems like an exaggeration. I cannot believe there exists anyone who can rival our young miss." The maidservant replied, "If Jia Ruren does not believe me, you could send someone else to take a look; then you would know I am not lying." Chun Yun secretly sent another maidservant. When this maidservant returned, she said: "It is indeed astonishing! That Miss Li seems like a celestial fairy descended from heaven; what the previous maidservant said was indeed true. If Jia Ruren still does not believe it, perhaps you should go see her yourself next time?" Chun Yun laughed and said: "You both have exaggerated too much; I fear you are just making things up." Everyone laughed together.
A few days later, Xie Sanniang from the cosmetics shop came to visit Madam Zheng and said: "Recently, the daughter of Li Tongpan has rented a place from me. This young lady is not only exceptionally beautiful but also extraordinarily talented; I have lived most of my life without encountering such a person. I have long heard of her reputation and wanted to visit her but feared imposing on her. Today I have received your permission and come here to inform you." Upon hearing this, Madam Zheng called for her daughter and conveyed Xie Sanniang's intentions. The young miss replied: "I have a special status and do not usually meet with outsiders. However, I have heard that Miss Li excels in needlework and possesses great talent; I too wish to see her beauty." Xie Sanniang happily took her leave.
The next day, Miss Li first sent a maidservant to Zheng Residence with a message expressing her desire to visit. In the evening, Miss Li arrived at Zheng Residence in a small blue sedan chair accompanied by several maidservants. Miss Zheng welcomed Miss Li into her chamber; they sat down as host and guest—like celestial maidens descending from the moon or fairies meeting at Yaochi—filling the room with brilliance as they marveled at each other.
Miss Zheng spoke first: "Not long ago, I heard that my elder sister was renting a house nearby. I intended to visit early but feared being impolite or neglecting my elder sister; thus I never made it until today when you graciously came here. I am truly grateful yet feel quite anxious; words cannot express my thanks."
Miss Li quickly replied: "I am merely a rough country girl; my father passed away early and I was spoiled by my mother since childhood without much education or real talent. I often lament that while men can travel far and make friends—exchanging knowledge and encouraging each other—women have no one but their maids or servants with whom they can share their hearts. If we seek guidance or answers, we do not know where to find them." Every time I think about this situation as a woman confined within my chamber, it feels quite distressing. Later on hearing about you—sister—with your literary talent akin to Ban Zhao's writings and virtues like Liang Mengguang's—I disregarded my own lack of experience just wishing for an opportunity to witness your grace firsthand. Today my wish has been fulfilled; I am truly delighted."
Miss Zheng smiled upon hearing this: "Sister overpraises me! What you just said reflects my own thoughts as well. As women confined within our chambers with limited mobility—we know nothing of the vast seas or clouds over Wushan; our perspectives are narrow and our experiences shallow—this is not surprising at all! It’s like jade buried deep underground shining alone or an old clam hiding its pearl in solitude without anyone appreciating its beauty. I know well enough that my skills are lacking; I truly do not deserve such praise from you." Saying this, she instructed her maidservants to serve tea snacks while continuing their conversation.
Miss Li took a sip of tea and asked: "I heard there is also a Jia Ruren in your household; may I have the fortune of meeting her today?"
Miss Zheng replied: "She wishes very much to meet you as well." She then instructed her maidservants to invite Chun Yun.
When Miss Li saw Chun Yun arrive, she quickly stood up to greet her. Chun Yun looked up and down at Miss Li before exclaiming: "Not long ago when I spoke with our young miss about whether there truly exists someone as talented and beautiful as you in this world—I never expected that upon meeting today it would indeed be true! Zhao Feiyan and Yang Yuhuan could hardly compare!"
Miss Li thought inwardly: "I have long heard of Jia Ruren's name; seeing her today proves that hearing about someone cannot compare with seeing them in person! No wonder Yang Shangshu dotes on her so much; compared with Qin Zhongshu she surpasses him! If Chun Yun were ever introduced to Qin—wouldn't they recognize each other's worth? Both master and servant are stunningly beautiful yet talented—no wonder Yang Shangshu treasures them so dearly."
Miss Li and Chun Yun hit it off immediately; their conversation flowed easily as if they had known each other for ages—almost as close as Miss Zheng was with Chun Yun. When Miss Li stood up to take her leave she said: "It’s getting late now; it's regrettable that we cannot continue our leisurely chat today! My residence is just across the street from yours—I will surely find time again soon for another visit!"
Miss Zheng also stood up to see her off saying: "Today’s visit from you has truly brightened our humble abode! I should have personally escorted you out but due to my special status it would be inappropriate for me—I hope you won't mind."
They parted reluctantly filled with admiration for one another.
Back in her room, Miss Zheng told Chun Yun: "Even if a precious sword lies buried underground its brilliance can still shine among the stars! Even an old clam hiding beneath the sea can produce pearls that create wondrous mirages! How strange it is that although Miss Li lives in this same city we had never heard of her until now!"
Chun Yun responded: "I have one small doubt in my heart. The Minister of Rites often says he once met the daughter of Hua Prefecture's Qin Yushi who wrote poetry for him—they formed a bond but later due to misfortune in Qin's family their engagement fell through. To this day he praises Miss Qin’s beauty as unparalleled—and whenever he mentions her he cannot help but sigh wistfully! I too have seen Miss Qin's 'Willow Poem'—she truly is talented! Could it be that this Miss Li has concealed her true identity approaching our young miss hoping perhaps for some connection with Minister of Rites?"
Miss Zheng replied: "I have also heard tales about Miss Qin’s beauty—it seems unlike this Miss Li! Moreover after Qin’s family fell into decline perhaps she entered palace service as a maid—how could she possibly appear here?"
Miss Zheng then went to see her mother praising Miss Li endlessly. Madam Zheng said: "I too wish to meet her personally." A few days later Madam Zheng sent maidservants inviting Miss Li who gladly accepted. Madam Zheng personally welcomed her into the hall where Miss Li bowed respectfully as a junior.
Madam Zheng was very fond of her treating her warmly saying: “A few days ago when you visited my daughter I was immensely grateful but unfortunately caught a chill at that time preventing me from welcoming you—I still feel quite ashamed thinking back on it.”
Miss Li quickly responded: “Your daughter’s beauty resembles that of heavenly beings—I feared being unwelcome! Thank you for treating me like family—I am truly overwhelmed by your kindness! I wish only ever serve you like how one would serve their own mother.”
Madam Zheng repeatedly insisted otherwise while Miss Zheng accompanied them chatting until noon when Madam Zheng let Miss Li return with Miss Zheng into her room where they sat together with Chun Yun like sisters.
They spoke softly sharing intimate conversations connecting deeply through shared interests discussing literature and women's virtues unaware how time had flown until sunset approached.
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