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The next day, Yang Chancellor and Princess Lanyang arranged to visit Yingyang Princess's chamber, where the three sat leisurely drinking. Yingyang Princess quietly called for a maid to invite the Qin to come.
Upon hearing this voice, Yang Chancellor was suddenly shaken, a look of desolation and sorrow instantly appearing on his face. This was because he had once been in the Zheng Family and had sat across from Miss Zheng playing the qin. He was very familiar with her voice and appearance. Today, Yingyang Princess's voice was unmistakably that of Miss Zheng, and her appearance must have been just as similar.
Yang Chancellor thought to himself, "In such a vast world, there truly exists someone who is neither kin nor acquaintance yet looks so much alike!" He then reflected, "When I first made a marriage pact with Miss Zheng, my wish was to live and die together with her, growing old side by side. Now I have married another and enjoy the pleasures of the boudoir, while Miss Zheng has passed away, her lonely spirit wandering—where can she find solace? Though I wish to pay my respects, I have not even spilled a cup of wine at her grave or shed a tear for her coffin. I, Yang, am truly unworthy of Miss Zheng!"
These tumultuous emotions surged within him, unable to be suppressed any longer, and two streams of hot tears flowed down his cheeks uncontrollably.
The Zheng seemed to sense Yang Chancellor's thoughts and asked, "I have heard that when the ruler is troubled, the ministers should empathize and share in their worries. A woman serving her husband is like a minister serving the ruler. Now that you are drinking wine, why do you suddenly show such sorrow? What is the reason?"
Yang Chancellor replied, "There is something in my heart that I cannot hide from the princess. In my early years, I had an encounter with Miss Zheng from the Zheng Family. Your voice and appearance are very similar to hers; this has stirred my emotions and caused me to lose composure. I hope the princess can forgive me." Upon hearing this, Yingyang Princess's face turned slightly red as she rose and entered the inner chamber, not returning for a long time. Yang Chancellor sent a maid to invite her again but still could not persuade her to come out. Seeing this, Princess Lanyang said, "Sister has been favored by the Empress Dowager since childhood; her temperament is inevitably somewhat proud and not as easygoing as I am. Naturally, she would not be pleased if you compared her with Zheng Woman."
Yang Chancellor hurriedly asked the Qin to apologize to Yingyang Princess, saying, "I spoke carelessly after drinking; I hope the princess will forgive me. If she is willing to come out, I am willing to bear my guilt!" After a long while, the Qin finally came out from the inner chamber but did not mention Yingyang Princess's reaction. Yang Chancellor asked, "Did the princess say anything?" The Qin replied, "The princess is quite angry and spoke rather harshly; I dare not relay her words."
Yang Chancellor said, "The princess's words are not due to Gentlewoman's fault; it does not matter." The Qin then said: "The princess said: 'Though I may be foolish, I am still the daughter of the Empress Dowager. Even if Zheng Woman is talented and beautiful, she is merely a commoner's daughter.' The ancients said 'one should respect even the king's horse,' which is not respect for the horse itself but for the king. If even the king's horse is so respected, how much more so is his beloved daughter? If you respect the king and honor the court, you should not compare me with Zheng Woman. Moreover, Zheng Woman disregarded propriety in her youth; relying on her beauty to converse freely with you shows she was not of good character. Her fate was unfortunate; she passed away young—a truly lamentable thing. Why do you still bring her up? In ancient times in Lu State, Qiu Hu teased a mulberry picker with gold; when his wife found out, she threw herself into the river. Though I cannot emulate ancient people in such matters, how can I face you without shame? I do not wish to be the wife of someone lacking virtue. Furthermore, you remembered Zheng Woman's appearance after her death; even after a long separation could distinguish her voice while playing qin in public and secretly indulging in intimacy in Jia's boudoir—this behavior is more disgraceful than Qiu Hu's actions! From now on, I shall remain in this boudoir until my death."
Princess Lanyang was gentle and considerate; unlike Yingyang Princess's reaction, she simply said one sentence: "I will not be like my sister," and did not speak further. In her words seemed a hope that Yang Chancellor would grow old with her.
Yang Chancellor felt his anger rise sharply and thought inwardly: "How can there be such an arrogant woman in this world? Yingyang Princess is truly unreasonable! It seems being Consort is indeed no good job; only I understand its hardships!" He suppressed his anger and said to Princess Lanyang: "My encounter with Miss Zheng involves other circumstances; it is not as unseemly as you think. Now that Yingyang Princess slanders my relationship with Miss Zheng so severely—it does not harm me much but tarnishes Miss Zheng's reputation; it is truly sad!"
Princess Lanyang softly replied: "Sister just momentarily lost her mind; let me go persuade her." Saying this, she turned and entered the inner chamber and did not come out until dusk. The palace had already lit candles illuminating its ornate beams.
Princess Lanyang sent a maid out with a message: "I have tried hard to persuade her; sister remains unwilling to change her mind. When we made our vow together back then—to live or die together through thick and thin—I informed heaven and earth about it. If sister wishes to grow old alone in this deep palace, then so shall I remain here alone as well. If sister does not wish to be close to you, then neither will I." She hoped Yang Chancellor would move to Qin Shuren's room for a peaceful night.
Yang Chancellor was furious but helpless; he could only suppress his feelings of anger. As night deepened and he found himself alone in an empty room with only a cold blanket adding to his loneliness. Leaning against the bed’s edge with his gaze falling on the Qin beside him. Seeing this, the Qin quickly lit candles leading Yang Chancellor into her chamber. Once inside, she ignited fragrant incense in a golden burner and spread exquisite brocade blankets on an ivory bed before saying: "Though I am dull-witted, I have heard of gentlemanly etiquette: 'A concubine should not obstruct a wife's chamber.' Now that both princesses are unwilling to come here tonight; how dare I overstep boundaries by spending time with you? Please rest assured; I shall take my leave now." With that said elegantly turned away.
Yang Chancellor felt reluctant to let go but could only watch as she left decisively.
That night under the cold moonlight, Yang Chancellor lay down hastily but tossed and turned unable to sleep. He thought inwardly: "These three girls banded together against me; how can a man like me bow down before them? Back in those days at Zheng Family’s garden during daylight drinking heavily with Zheng Shisan at taverns or having candlelit conversations with Chun Niang at night—what joy! Now having been Consort for only three days must endure such humiliation!" Frustrated beyond measure he pushed open the gauze window only to see stars reflecting off water under moonlight filling every corner.
He got up from bed dressed himself and stepped outside pacing along corridors.
From afar he saw Yingyang Princess’s palace brightly lit up; intricate window carvings casting soft light outside. The chancellor thought: “It’s late at night; why haven’t those maids gone to sleep yet? Could it be that Yingyang has calmed down and returned home?” Fearing his footsteps might disturb those inside he tiptoed closer peering through gaps in window frames.
He saw two princesses along with Qin gathered around a table playing a game called “Bo Lu,” listening intently as dice clashed amidst lively banter. One woman turned around adjusting candlelight; upon closer inspection it was Jia Chunyun! It turned out Chun Yun had entered the palace days ago wanting to witness the grand wedding of the princesses but intentionally avoided encountering Yang Chancellor hence he remained unaware.
Surprised yet delighted Yang Chancellor thought: “How did Chun Yun end up here? Surely it must be because of the princess summoning her!”
Suddenly he heard Qin propose: “This Bo Lu game has grown dull; why don’t we play something else? Chun Niang shall we wager on a round?”
Chun Yun laughed: “I’m just a poor girl; if I win perhaps I'll get some food—then I'd be satisfied! Gentlewoman sister spends all day accompanying princesses enjoying fine clothes and delicacies—what could you possibly wager against me?”
Qin replied: “If I lose everything on me—jewelry or ornaments—you may choose freely! If you lose however—you must promise me one thing which should be no trouble for you.”
Curious Chun Yun asked: “What does sister want me to do? What must I listen about?”
Colorful Phoenix chimed in: “I just heard from both princesses privately discussing how Chun Niang deceived our lord chancellor—but I'm unclear about it all! If you lose let’s treat this matter as an entertaining story for me!”
Chun Yun responded pushing aside their game board turning towards Yingyang Princess saying: “Miss! You’ve treated Chun Yun well over these years—why speak such ridiculous things about me before our princess? Gentlewoman sister has also heard tales circulating among palace folk—who wouldn’t know? How can Chun Yun stand tall henceforth?”
Colorful Phoenix retorted: “Chun Niang! When did our princess become your miss?”
Chun Yun replied laughing heartily: “After ten years it's become second nature—how could one change overnight? We once competed fiercely like yesterday! Whether calling you princess or madam—I fear nothing!”
Princess Lanyang laughed asking Yingyang Princess: “Chun Yun hasn’t finished speaking yet! Little sister hasn’t heard about this matter either—could it be true that our lord chancellor has been deceived by Chun Yun?”
Yingyang Princess responded: “Our lord chancellor deceived by Chun Yun isn’t just once or twice! Without firewood there’s no smoke rising—at that time all I wanted was merely observing his timid nature! This person is stubborn beyond belief—it’s utterly detestable! The ancients said ‘a lecherous person resembles an insatiable ghost’—this saying holds true indeed! When ghosts are hungry their ugly sides reveal themselves.”
Everyone burst into laughter upon hearing this realization struck Yang Chancellor who understood now that Yingyang Princess was indeed Miss Zheng from earlier days—a sudden encounter akin meeting someone resurrected from death filled him with shock yet fear arose within him wanting desperately break through doors but hesitated thinking instead: “If you wish to deceive me—I’ll deceive you right back.” Thus quietly returned back into Qin’s room covering himself up falling asleep.
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