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Hanlin contemplated for a moment, realizing that this woman was not Moonlight, and asked, "May I ask where the beautiful lady is from and what is your name?" The woman replied, "I am from Bo Prefecture, named Di Jinghong. Since childhood, I have sworn an oath of sisterhood with Moonlight. Last night, Moonlight told me, 'I have caught a chill and cannot serve my lord; you should take my place to avoid my lord's displeasure.' Therefore, I dared to serve my lord in place of Gui Niang."
Before Di Jinghong could finish her words, Moonlight pushed the door open and smiled, "Congratulations, my lord, on gaining another beauty. I previously recommended Hebei Di Jinghong to you; I wonder if my words have come true now?" Hanlin smiled and said, "Indeed, seeing is better than hearing!" He carefully examined Di Jinghong's appearance, finding her strikingly similar to Di Sheng. He marveled inwardly and said aloud, "So it turns out that Young Master Di and Hong Niang are twins; no wonder they look so alike. May I ask if Hong Niang is the younger sister or if Young Master Di is the younger brother? I spoke carelessly yesterday and may have offended Young Master Di; may I ask where he is now?"
Di Jinghong replied, "I have no brothers." Upon hearing this, Hanlin suddenly realized and laughed, "So it was you, Hong Niang, who traveled with me on the road to Handan! You were also the one speaking with Gui Niang by the wall yesterday? But why did you disguise yourself and deceive me?"
Di Jinghong replied earnestly, "How could I dare deceive my lord? It is only because my appearance as a Poplar Willow does not stand out. I admire my lord's talent and wish to serve you for life. Yan Wang has long heard of my name and redeemed me to the palace with a measure of pearls. Living in luxury is not what I desire; it feels like a bird in a cage, unable to spread its wings. A few days ago, when Yan Wang held a banquet for you at his residence, I secretly saw you through the gauze window and resolved to follow you. However, the palace gates are as deep as the sea, and you are far away in Qianli. What can be done? After much thought, I finally devised a perfect plan. If I were to leave on the day you departed, Yan Wang would surely send someone after me. So I waited ten days before secretly riding Yan Wang's horse to catch up with your party and arrived at Handan. I should have explained everything to you but feared that too many eyes would lead to leaks; hence I resorted to this strategy. Please forgive me! The reason for my disguise was to evade Yan Wang's pursuit. As for imitating Emperor Tang Ming and Yang Guifei yesterday, it was entirely at Gui Niang's suggestion. Although my actions were driven by necessity, they indeed offended you; I have been anxious ever since. I hope my lord will not hold it against me for my humble origins and allow me to serve you like Gui Niang. That would be the greatest fortune of my life."
Upon hearing this, Hanlin sighed deeply: "Your noble intentions are truly admirable. Though I may lack the talents of Li Weigong, I do possess the heart and courage akin to his unwavering dedication alongside Red Fluff Girl.
Di Jinghong immediately rose to express her gratitude. At that moment, Moonlight, smilingly said: "Since Hong Niang has taken my place in serving my lord, I should also thank him on her behalf." With that, she too rose and bowed to Hanlin. That night, Hanlin spent a wonderful evening with both women. The next day as he prepared for his journey, he told them: "The road ahead is long; it would not be convenient for both of you to travel with me in one carriage. Please stay at home and wait patiently until I settle down before sending someone to fetch you."
Upon returning to the capital, Hanlin reported to the emperor about his mission to Yan Fan. Just then, documents confirming Yan Wang's submission along with tributes of gold and silver treasures were presented in court. Emperor Dragon Countenance was greatly pleased with Hanlin's mission and planned to confer upon him a title of marquis as a reward. Despite repeated refusals from Hanlin, this matter was eventually set aside. Nevertheless, the emperor still promoted him to Minister of Rites while also making him an academic scholar of Hanlin Academy with generous rewards and unmatched favor that made everyone envious.
When he returned home, his father-in-law had already been waiting in the hall to congratulate him on his successful mission and was delighted by his rapid rise in status; thus joy filled their household. Naturally, upon returning home he could not miss spending intimate moments with Chun Niang, sharing heartfelt conversations that reflected their deep affection for each other.
The emperor valued the talents of Yang Shaoyou, often summoning him to discuss classics in the palace late into the night. One day after finishing his work in the palace, as night fell and the moon rose high in the sky, inspired by poetry, he climbed up high to gaze out over the moon while reciting poetry. Suddenly a gentle breeze carried an ethereal flute melody from afar through misty clouds.
Hanlin thought: "This sound is so ethereal; though I cannot discern its specific tune, it is certainly not something an ordinary person could play." He called for an attendant to inquire: "Is this flute sound coming from outside the palace or from one of our musicians?" The attendant did not know either. With his interest piqued, Hanlin ordered wine be brought forth and drank several cups before taking out his treasured jade flute and played a few tunes himself. The flute's clear sound soared into the sky causing colorful clouds to swirl around like phoenixes singing together. Two celestial cranes even flew gracefully from within the palace dancing in rhythm with his music. The officials present were all astonished thinking that an immortal had descended upon them!
It turned out that among the current empress dowager's three children were not only the current emperor but also a prince named King of Yue and a princess named Princess Lanyang. Legend has it that when Princess Lanyang was born, the empress dowager dreamt of a fairy placing a bright pearl into her bosom; thereafter she gave birth to this extraordinary girl. As she grew up, she indeed possessed both grace and intelligence displaying royal demeanor effortlessly without any trace of ordinary women's vulgarity. She excelled in poetry as well as needlework skills which endeared her greatly to the empress dowager.
Coincidentally at that time, a nation from the Western Regions presented an exquisite white jade dizi (bamboo flute) as tribute; however no one could play it properly until one day when the princess dreamt of meeting a fairy who taught her celestial melodies. Upon waking from her dream she could play those melodies flawlessly on that white jade dizi! The music flowed beautifully like heavenly sounds captivating all who heard it. Yet apart from the empress dowager and emperor no one else knew about this talent. Whenever she played this white jade dizi flocks of cranes would come flying in response dancing gracefully before her; such scenes were breathtakingly beautiful! The empress dowager remarked: “In ancient times Qin Mu Gong’s daughter Nong Yu became famous for her flute playing; now it seems our Lanyang’s skills are equally remarkable! However whoever plays must have an understanding companion; thus we must find someone like Xiao Shi from legends for Lanyang’s future marriage!” Therefore although Princess Lanyang had reached marriageable age she had yet to settle down.
Princess Lanyang’s name was also known as Xiao He, due to her jade flute being inscribed with those two characters.
That night under a starry moonlight,Princess Lanyang, as usual played her flute beneath the moon inviting cranes once more. As her tune ended one azure crane surprisingly did not join its flock but instead flew directly towards Hanlin Academy circling above it gracefully. Palace attendants witnessing this scene began spreading rumors claiming that it was due to Yang Hanlin playing celestial music attracting these cranes which grew increasingly exaggerated over time.
The emperor found this intriguing thinking perhaps this Yang Shaoyou might be Princess Lanyang’s destined match? He then shared this matter with the empress dowager.
"This Yang Shaoyou is about the same age as Lanyang; regarding character and talent he ranks among top officials within court—hardly anyone else can compare!" said Emperor.
Hearing this made Empress Dowager overjoyed: “I’ve always worried about Xiao He’s marriage; now it seems Yang Shaoyou might just be heaven’s arrangement for Lanyang! But I wish to see him personally before making any final decisions.”
The emperor chuckled: “That’s easy! In a few days I'll summon Yang Shaoyou into another hall for discussions on literature; mother you just need observe behind curtains.”
The empress dowager felt even happier upon hearing this plan which they decided together.
One day while seated comfortably at Penglai Palace feeling whimsical wanting see this renowned Yang Shaoyou he dispatched a young eunuch messenger immediately summoning him forth without delay!
The young eunuch hurriedly ran all way over reaching Hanlin Academy only find out from attendants there that Yang Hanlin had already left! Not daring waste time he quickly rode off towards Zheng Situ’s residence but again met closed doors hearing servants report back saying “Hanlin has yet returned home.”
Poor young eunuch drenched in sweat searched everywhere throughout Chang’an City but couldn’t find any trace of Yang Shangshu! Meanwhile at that moment Yang Shangshu was enjoying drinks with friend Zheng Shisan at most famous tavern within Chang’an City getting thoroughly drunk! During their revelry he even invited popular singers Jiuniang & Jade Dew join them having great fun embracing them left & right!
Just then young eunuch galloped into tavern frantically rushing upstairs spotting Yang Shaoyou disregarding his disheveled appearance directly brandishing imperial gold medal loudly declaring: “By order of His Majesty summon Yang Hanlin immediately!”
Zheng Shisan turned pale nearly falling off chair while Yang Hanlin still dazed didn’t comprehend what happened being helped up by two singers hastily putting on official robes before stumbling along with young eunuch into palace.
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