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On this day, the Emperor received the court officials in the main hall. The officials reported, "Recently, the Purple Star has appeared, sweet dew has fallen to the world, the Yellow River is clear, and the grains are abundant. Moreover, the three regional governors have submitted to the court, and the Tubo and Huigu tribes have all surrendered. This is all due to Your Majesty's virtuous rule!" The Emperor humbly declined the praise and attributed all achievements to his ministers. The officials continued, "Chancellor Yang Shaoyou has recently taken to living like a carefree immortal at Copper Dragon Tower, playing his jade flute and accompanying beautiful women. He has not attended to state affairs at Hanlin Academy for quite some time. If this continues, it may delay important matters of state." Upon hearing this, the Emperor laughed heartily and said, "The Empress Dowager has summoned Shao You repeatedly; how could he dare leave the palace without permission? I will issue an edict commanding him to attend to affairs at Hanlin Academy tomorrow." Thus, on the following day, Chancellor Yang obediently went to Hanlin Academy to handle state matters.
That day, after returning home from court, Yang Shaoyou pondered for a long time and decided to submit a request for leave to return home. The request read: "Your servant Yang Shaoyou bows deeply and respectfully presents this memorial to Your Majesty: I am but an ordinary citizen from the remote Chu Region, born into a poor family with limited knowledge. It was only through my mother's hard work—sewing and weaving—that I was able to grow up. When I went to the capital for the imperial examination years ago, my mother held my hand and earnestly advised me: 'Our family has fallen on hard times; we have no ancestral wealth left. The burden of supporting our family will fall entirely on your shoulders from now on. I do not ask you to seek wealth or fame but hope that you will study diligently and strive for success in your examinations so that I may be content. As an official, you must avoid seeking quick success and should not be arrogant; you must remain humble and steady in your progress—always remember this!' I have kept my mother's teachings close to my heart and dared not forget them. Unexpectedly, I have been favored by Your Majesty despite my humble merits and have attained high office at a young age, enjoying wealth and honor—all thanks to Your Majesty's great grace! I have been entrusted with significant responsibilities, leading troops in battles across the south and north, ultimately returning victorious without failing Your Majesty's expectations. As a mere scholar with no martial prowess, how could I strategize effectively or bring peace to the realm? This is entirely due to Your Majesty's fortune and the soldiers' bloodshed in battle. Yet instead of blaming me for my lack of military skill, Your Majesty has promoted me further and rewarded me generously; I feel deeply anxious and unworthy! In those early days, my mother repeatedly warned me against being overly ambitious or complacent; reflecting on this now makes me realize she was right. Your Majesty has also graciously included my memorial in the royal archives as a form of commendation—this is more than I could ever deserve. With such profound favor from Your Majesty, I am overwhelmed with gratitude but still dare to request leave to return home. Since coming to the capital these past few years, I have had no time to attend to my elderly mother at home; it fills me with shame! Now that I hold high office and live in splendid quarters while my mother remains in a dilapidated thatched cottage eating simple meals—how can I find peace? If this continues, would it not go against familial duties? Furthermore, my mother is aging and ill with no other children at home to care for her; being out of touch only adds to my worries and unrest. Now that the country is peaceful and all officials are idle, I humbly request Your Majesty's permission for several months of leave to return home for ancestral worship and visit my mother—to fulfill my duty as a son. I earnestly seek Your Majesty's approval!"
Upon reading Yang Shaoyou's memorial, the Emperor could not help but exclaim, "What a filial son!" He immediately bestowed upon him one thousand pounds of gold and eight hundred bolts of silk as birthday gifts for Madam Yang and sent people with carriages to escort her to the capital. As Chancellor Yang bid farewell to the Emperor after entering the palace, he then went to pay respects to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager also granted many treasures—twice as much as what the Emperor had given him. Afterward, Yang Shaoyou went on to say goodbye to two princesses and his concubines Qin Shuren and Jia Ruren.
When he arrived at Tianjin Bridge, Di Jinghong and Gui Chan Yue were already waiting at an inn under the Prefect's arrangements. Upon seeing them, Yang Shaoyou smiled and said, "I am here incognito on a private visit without official business; how did you two know?" Hongyue replied, "As Duke of Wei and Consort Commander, your presence along this route would surely attract attention—even deep in mountains or forests! Although we are in such a lively place as this brothel district, we are not ignorant of news. Moreover, our Prefect has always taken good care of us sisters; how could he not inform us of your arrival? When you passed through Tianjin Bridge on official business before, we were fortunate enough to witness your grandeur; now you hold even greater power and fame—it is indeed an honor for us sisters to see you again! We heard you married two princesses; might we have the fortune of serving you?" Upon hearing this, Yang Shaoyou replied: "One princess is His Majesty's sister; another is Zheng Situ's daughter who was later adopted by the Empress Dowager—Gui Niang recommended her to me. Both princesses are kind-hearted individuals; they would surely treat you well." Upon hearing this, Hongyue exchanged glances with her sister before congratulating Yang Shaoyou in unison. Thus, Yang Shaoyou stayed overnight at the inn with both renowned courtesans.
Returning home after years away from his hometown as a mere sixteen-year-old scholar who had bid farewell to his family for travel—now he returned as a grand Chancellor riding in luxurious carriages adorned with Duke of Wei insignia while holding Consort Commander honors! The wealth and fame he had gained over four years were truly remarkable! He entered his home to greet his mother Liu; she held his hand and stroked his back saying: "Are you really my son Shao You? I can hardly believe it! When you were just a child reciting classics at home or struggling with five-character poems—who would have thought you'd achieve such glory today!" As she spoke these words filled with joy, Old Madam began weeping tears of happiness. Yang Shaoyou shared every detail about how he achieved success in his career and married concubines with his mother. Liu reflected: "Your father often said you would bring glory upon our family; it's unfortunate he cannot witness your current honor." Saying this made her shed tears once more.
Yang Shaoyou then visited their ancestral grave site for worship before taking out gold and silk bestowed by His Majesty for a grand birthday feast for his mother—inviting all relatives, friends, neighbors over ten days of celebrations. When leaving his hometown, Yang Shaoyou personally accompanied his mother by carriage towards the capital city while local officials came out en masse escorting them—a truly grand procession! As they passed through Luoyang, Yang Shaoyou instructed Luoyang Prefect to find courtesans Hongyue and Moonlight but received word that they had already departed for the capital days prior. Hearing this left him feeling somewhat forlorn.
Upon arriving in the capital city, Yang Shaoyou first settled his mother at Prime Minister's Residence before entering the palace again for audiences with both His Majesty and Empress Dowager. They summoned him forth granting ten carriages filled with gold treasures along with silks as birthday gifts for Madam Yang. All ministers came forth congratulating them while feasting lasted three days celebrating Madam Yang’s birthday.
The Chancellor selected an auspicious day for moving his mother into the residence gifted by His Majesty—a grand estate comparable even to palaces featuring pavilions gardens alike! Prime Minister’s Wife Zheng and Princess Lanyang paid their respects as daughters-in-law while Qin Shuren and Jia Ruren brought lavish gifts as well—such generosity made Madam Yang beam with satisfaction.
Since Yang Shaoyou had previously been granted permission by His Majesty for hosting a birthday feast for his mother—the Emperor permitted him once more allowing three days’ worth of celebrations! The palace even sent performers from opera troupes along with chefs from royal kitchens joining festivities! Guests attending nearly encompassed all officials within court.
During banquet proceedings where both Chancellor alongside two princesses donned splendid attire raised jade cups offering numerous toast wishes towards Madam Yang—the Old Madam felt immense joy.
As festivities neared conclusion when attendants reported: “There are two women outside wishing audience with Old Madam and Chancellor.”
Upon hearing this Chancellor immediately recognized Gui Chan Yue alongside Di Jinghong had arrived—he informed his mother before commanding attendants bring them into residence.
The two courtesans knelt down greeting respectfully while guests murmured excitedly: “These must be Gui Chan Yue from Luoyang along with Di Jinghong from Hebei—truly stunning beauties! Only someone like Chancellor could attract such exquisite maidens!”
The Chancellor ordered each courtesan perform their signature acts—Hongyue alongside Moonlight gracefully approached banquet table beginning their enchanting song-and-dance performance clad in delicate gauzy garments swirling colorful skirts dancing harmoniously along melodies of Rainbow Skirt & Feathered Garment—their movements light as petals drifting amidst spring breezes appearing ethereal like shadows among silken drapes captivating all present guests.
Madam Yang alongside both princesses watched entranced rewarding them lavish silks while Qin Shuren reunited reminiscing fond memories filled emotions alongside Moonlight thanking her for introducing husband.
At that moment Madam Yang turned towards Chancellor saying: “You’ve been so busy thanking Moonlight yet forgot about cousin Du Xiangu—that’s hardly showing gratitude!”
Hearing this Chancellor quickly replied: “Today’s glory stems entirely from Du Xiangu’s kindness! Now that Mother has come into capital city—I shall certainly honor her properly.”
Thus immediately sending someone towards Purple Clear Temple fetching Du Xiangu—but unfortunately learned from Taoist nuns there she had departed three years ago heading towards Shu region never returned since then—leaving Madam Yang feeling quite disheartened yet helpless.
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