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The next day at dawn, the Prime Minister rose early, donned in armor, equipped with a bow and arrows, and mounted his snow-white Azure Wind Antelope. He led three thousand strong warriors, marching grandly towards the south of the city. The two ladies, Moonlight and Jinghong, were dressed even more flamboyantly today, each more charming than the other, accompanied by their respective courtesans, surrounding the Prime Minister. They rode on the Five-Flower Steed, with a saddle that sparkled with gold and stirrups seemingly crafted from silver. They lightly waved coral whips in their hands, and the reins were strung with pearls, truly luxurious! The eight hundred courtesans also rode fine horses, encircling Moonlight and Jinghong in the middle; this grand spectacle was indeed beyond what others could match. As they walked along, they soon spotted the King of Yue's entourage, also adorned with banners and numerous horses.
When the two groups met, the King of Yue rode alongside the Prime Minister. He pointed to the Prime Minister's steed and asked, "Is this fine horse from the Dayuan Kingdom?" The Prime Minister replied, "Indeed it is. Your Majesty's horse must also be a fine steed from Dayuan?" The King of Yue stroked his beard and laughed, "Correct! My horse is called Azure Cloud Steed. Last autumn, while accompanying His Majesty on a hunt in Shanglin Garden, among thousands of royal steeds in the stables, none could match its speed! Even now, Duke Zhang's Peach Blossom Steed and General Li's Black Steed are both renowned dragon breeds but fall far short compared to my Azure Cloud Steed!" Upon hearing this, the Prime Minister chuckled and said, "Last year when I led troops to subdue a vassal state, I encountered a perilous situation where the waters flowed rapidly and cliffs rose steeply on both sides; no one could pass. Fortunately, this fine horse carried me as if walking on flat ground, allowing us to cross smoothly. To speak of my achievements in that campaign, this horse deserves much credit! As Du Zimei said: 'With one heart with others to achieve great success,' isn't that referring to such fine steeds? It's a pity that since returning to court, my position has grown larger but my days are filled with trivial matters or riding slowly in a sedan chair along smooth roads; this horse might just get sick from lack of exercise! Today we have a rare opportunity; why not invite Your Majesty to gallop together so these long-neglected steeds can regain their former vigor?" The King of Yue was immediately interested and laughed heartily, "That suits me perfectly!" He then instructed his attendants to send their guests and female entertainers ahead to wait in the prepared tents.
Just as they were about to spur their horses into a gallop, suddenly a large deer burst out from the forest ahead, chased by the hunting party straight towards the King of Yue. The King ordered his brave guards to shoot it down; thus all archers released their arrows but missed. Enraged, the King leaped onto his horse and drew his bow; with one arrow he struck the deer in its left flank and killed it instantly. Everyone cheered for him. The Prime Minister praised him saying, "Your Majesty's marksmanship is as good as that of Ruyang Wang back in the day!" The King replied modestly, "Just a small skill; nothing worth mentioning! I would like to see your archery skills; may I ask you to demonstrate?" Just then a pair of swans flew down from the clouds. The soldiers remarked, "These swans are hardest to hit; we need an Azure Wind Antelope to catch them." The Prime Minister said, "Wait before releasing the hawk." He then drew out a Golden Arrow from his waist and shot upwards skillfully, hitting one swan directly in its left eye; it fell from the sky right before their horses. The King exclaimed in admiration: "Prime Minister's skill is truly that of today's master archer Yang Youji!"
The two then spurred their horses forward at lightning speed like shooting stars and soon crossed over fields to reach a high slope. The King of Yue and the Prime Minister reined in their horses side by side, gazing at the mountains and enjoying the scenery of the countryside while continuing their lively discussion about archery and swordsmanship. At that moment, their attendants caught up with them carrying silver platters filled with Azure Deer and White Goose they had hunted. They dismounted and casually sat on the grass, drawing their swords to cut pieces of deer meat and goose meat for cooking while encouraging each other to drink heartily.
Suddenly they spotted two officials dressed in red robes galloping towards them from afar followed by a group of people likely coming from the city. Indeed one of them reached close by, dismounted swiftly from his horse and announced: "The Emperor sends wine." Both the King of Yue and the Prime Minister did not dare delay; they quickly stood up to adjust their attire before heading into the main tent to wait. Shortly after two eunuchs entered bringing them cups filled with royal yellow wine gifted by the Emperor along with a letter sealed with dragon and phoenix seals. They hurriedly washed their hands and knelt down to open it; it read "Great Hunting Prairie," indicating that His Majesty wanted them to compose poetry on this theme. They quickly bowed in gratitude before reciting poems which they then handed over to the eunuchs for presentation to the Emperor.
The Prime Minister's poem read:
Morning drives strong warriors out to hunt,
Swords like autumn lotuses; arrows like stars.
In tents lie flocks of geese pure as snow,
Before horses fly wings of Azure Wind Antelope.
Grateful for shared wine’s warmth,
Drunkenly draw golden knives for feasting.
Still recalling last year's hunt beyond West Slope,
In wild storms we hunted at royal court.
The King of Yue's poem read:
Galloping dragons flash past like lightning,
Golden saddles ring out on level slopes.
Meteor-like speed strikes down Azure Deer,
Bright moon shapes fall like White Goose.
Killing intent can stir great enthusiasm,
Royal grace leaves us drunk with joy.
Do not speak of Ruyang’s archer,
Today’s gathering yields more talents.
The eunuchs thanked them before leaving. Inside the main tent, guests from both families took their seats orderly while chefs had prepared delicacies; fragrant aromas filled the air making mouths water. Delicacies such as camel hump and monkey lips were plentiful; even lychees from Nanyue and yellow oranges from Yongjia were presented on jade plates making everyone's taste buds tingle. It was said that no one had seen Queen Mother's peach banquet nor Emperor Wu of Han's feast at Bailiang Terrace; those events had become mere memories not worth mentioning anymore. Yet today's grandeur with such exquisite dishes seemed unparalleled on earth.
As they feasted for some time amidst thousands of singing girls arranged around them—each figure varying in shape—singing songs like swallows dancing among flowers—their slender waists rivaled willow branches while their beautiful faces seemed eager to compete with fireworks above. The sound of silk strings played like water flowing through Qujiang River; clear voices soared high into clouds as if shaking Mount Zhongnan itself.
After several rounds of wine had passed, the King of Yue said to the Prime Minister: “Thanks to your kindness towards me, I am truly grateful. However this humble gift is insufficient as repayment. Today I have brought several singing girls hoping they can entertain you; I hope you will accept.” Saying this he ordered for singing girls to be brought forth and added: “May I ask these fair maidens to perform a dance for you?” The Prime Minister quickly stood up saying: “How could I dare overstep my bounds before Your Majesty? Your generosity overwhelms me! However I have also brought some singing girls; why not let them join together with Your Majesty’s singers for entertainment? What do you think?” The King of Yue smiled: “You speak wisely.” Thus he commanded for Moonlight, Jinghong along with four beauties from Yue Palace to be summoned together.
When these beauties arrived at front stage they bowed low on ground. Upon seeing them, the Prime Minister asked: “In days past there was a beauty beside Prince Ning named Furong whom Li Taibai once sought after but could not meet her wish. Today seeing these four celestial faces truly feels like a blessing! May I ask how you ladies are called?” The four beauties rose answering: “We are Jinling’s Du Yunxian, Chenliu’s Xiao Cai’er, Wuchang’s Wan Yuyan and Chang’an’s Hu Yingying.” Upon hearing this response from them he turned towards King of Yue saying: “I once traveled through both capitals as an ordinary scholar during my youth; I had heard Lady Yuyan’s name back then but seeing her today confirms her reputation—she is indeed heavenly beauty!”
The King of Yue had also long heard about Jinghong and Moonlight’s fame so he remarked: “These two are renowned figures across lands now entering your household—it seems like a match made in heaven! May I ask when did you meet these two ladies?”
The Prime Minister replied: “I met Gui Family during my journey when I passed through Luoyang while heading towards capital exams; she followed me then. Di was previously at Yan Wang’s residence but coincidentally at that time I was sent on an envoy mission to Yan State so she resolutely left Yan Wang’s house meeting me again on my return journey.”
Upon hearing this story unfold before him，the King clapped his hands laughing heartily: “Lady Di is indeed remarkable—a woman who does not yield to men! Her spirit surpasses even those women clad in purple from Yang Family! However when Lady Di followed you back then you were already Hanlin scholar bearing imperial orders—your future was bright known by all! Yet Lady Gui met you during your impoverished times able to see your potential—it truly shows her discerning eye for heroes! This is quite an extraordinary tale indeed! May I ask how did you encounter Lady Gui during your travels back then?”
The Prime Minister sighed deeply: “Thinking back upon those days brings both laughter and tears! At that time I was merely a poor scholar traveling alone with only one servant—exhausted hungry passing through small villages stopping at an inn seeking some water wine for thirst relief. While crossing Tianjin Bridge coincidentally I stumbled upon dozens of talented scholars from Luoyang drinking composing poetry at an inn atop bridge accompanied by singing girls—a lively scene indeed! At that moment my clothes were shabby yet disregarding much pride I boldly squeezed into their midst hoping for some free drinks. Lady Moonlight happened also among them.”
He continued: “None among those young masters appeared as destitute as myself yet intoxicated by wine I paid no heed toward shameful feelings composing hastily several lines forming a poem which now escapes memory—its words likely lacking elegance—but Lady Moonlight uniquely chose mine among many verses recited aloud before everyone present! It turned out they had previously agreed whoever could impress Lady Moonlight would have her follow him home thus none dared compete against me.”
Thus began my fateful connection with Lady Moonlight.”
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