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After some time, Marshal Yang led his army back triumphantly to Chang'an. The Emperor personally arrived at Weishui Bridge to welcome the Marshal, who had achieved great military accomplishments for the nation. Marshal Yang was seen wearing a phoenix-patterned purple gold helmet, clad in golden chainmail, riding an exceptionally fine Qianli horse, and holding the imperial gift symbolizing supreme honor: the White Banner and Yellow Axe. Behind him, dragon and phoenix banners fluttered in the wind, with guards arrayed on both sides, surrounding the cage carrying Tubo's Zanpu, majestically approaching Wei Bridge to receive the Emperor's inspection. Kings and tribal leaders from the Western Regions' Thirty-Six Kingdoms also brought precious treasures to pay their respects to the Tang Emperor, following in the wake of Marshal Yang. The grand army stretched for miles, its imposing presence truly rare throughout history. On this day, Chang'an was bustling with people, all flocking to Weishui Bridge to catch a glimpse of Marshal Yang, who had expanded the territory of the Tang Dynasty and made significant contributions.
Marshal Yang dismounted at Wei Bridge and bowed deeply to the Emperor. The Emperor hurried forward to help him up, expressing gratitude for his hardships in battle and praising his remarkable achievements. He immediately issued an edict to grant Marshal Yang a fief and title as king, following the precedent set for Guo Ziyi. Marshal Yang was taken aback and insisted on declining. Seeing his loyalty and disregard for personal glory, the Emperor was deeply moved and issued another decree, appointing Yang Shaoyou as Grand Chancellor and elevating him to Duke of Wei, granting him three thousand households of land, ten thousand pounds of gold, one hundred thousand bolts of Sichuan Brocade, one thousand fine horses, and countless other rare treasures. After expressing his gratitude, Chancellor Yang followed the Emperor's carriage into the palace. The Emperor then hosted a grand celebration banquet in the palace for the returning soldiers as a show of honor.
The next day, the Emperor issued another decree for artists to paint a portrait of Chancellor Yang to be hung in Qilin Pavilion as a tribute to his merits that would be remembered through generations.
Chancellor Yang returned home after leaving court and immediately went to visit the Zheng Family of Situ. The Zheng Family had been waiting in their outer hall for his arrival, welcoming him with continuous congratulations. The Chancellor first inquired about the health of Situ and his wife. Zheng Shisan replied, "Uncle and Aunt are doing well; however, my younger sister has unfortunately passed away. The two elders are grieving excessively, and their health is deteriorating. Today they are unable to greet you in the outer hall; I hope you will move to the inner hall." Upon hearing this, the Chancellor felt as if struck by lightning; he was stunned for a moment before regaining his composure and asked urgently, "What misfortune has befallen my father-in-law?" Zheng Shisan explained, "My father has no sons; he only had my younger sister. Who could have predicted such calamity? It is truly heartbreaking! I hope that when you see my parents, you will speak cautiously and avoid mentioning this matter so as not to increase their sorrow."
The Chancellor was greatly shocked and filled with grief; tears soaked his brocade robe. Seeing this, Zheng Shisan quickly offered words of comfort: "The engagement between you and my sister was as unbreakable as gold or stone; who could have known that fate would intervene so cruelly? I hope you will prioritize righteousness and bear your grief." The Chancellor thanked Zheng Shisan and wiped away his tears before entering the inner hall with him to pay respects to the Zheng Family. Although they were happy to congratulate him, they did not mention their daughter's passing at all.
The Chancellor said, "I have received great favor from His Majesty with this reward; I intended to resign from office and return home to fulfill my engagement with your beloved daughter. Who could have known that fate would intervene? Now we are separated by life and death; how can I not feel sorrow?" Situ said, "Life and death are predestined; wealth and nobility are determined by heaven; human effort cannot change fate—there is no benefit in saying more. Today is a day of celebration; let us not dwell on these sad matters." Zheng Shisan frequently signaled to the Chancellor with his eyes; understanding his intent, the Chancellor refrained from saying more and took his leave.
Chun Yun greeted the Chancellor at the steps. Upon seeing her, he felt as if he were seeing his beloved daughter; his heart ached even more with sorrow as tears streamed down his face uncontrollably. Chun Yun knelt down to comfort him: "Sir! Why are you so sad today? Please take care of yourself and do not cry anymore. Listen to me: My lady was originally a celestial being temporarily residing among mortals; now she has returned to heaven. Before leaving she told me: 'You should leave Yang Shangshu's side and return to serve him again. He will eventually come back; if he misses me too much and feels sorrowful, please convey my message: we have returned all wedding gifts so that we are like strangers now—especially considering our previous misunderstandings.' If he mourns excessively at my grave or cries at my memorial service, it would mean he views me as a frivolous woman; I would feel ashamed underground! She also said: 'The Emperor is waiting for Minister of Rites' return before discussing my marriage again. I have heard that the princess is virtuous and worthy of a gentleman's match; you must persuade Minister of Rites to follow heaven's will without defying orders—this is my wish.'"
Upon hearing this from Chun Yun, the Chancellor lamented: "Although my lady's last wishes are thus stated, how can I suppress this overwhelming grief? Moreover, she cherished me so dearly before her passing; even if I die a thousand deaths, I cannot repay her kindness!" He then recounted how he dreamt of her at an inn. Chun Yun wept as she replied: "My lady must have gone to that Celestial Palace. After your hundred years here on earth, do you fear there will be no chance to reunite with her? Please take care of your health and do not grieve excessively." The Chancellor asked: "Is there anything else my lady wished to say?" Chun Yun replied: "There are still some words left unsaid but they should not come from me." The Chancellor insisted: "Whatever it is, please tell me." Finally Chun Yun said: "My lady also mentioned: 'I am like sisters with Chun Niang. If Minister of Rites does not mind her presence, treat her as if she were me; do not neglect her. In this way even if I am underground I will feel like I am receiving Minister of Rites' kindness.'"
Upon hearing this, the Chancellor felt even more sorrowful: "How could I abandon Chun Niang? Moreover this is also my lady's dying wish! Even if I marry a celestial being in the future, I will never neglect Chun Niang!"
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