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墨書 Inktalez
On this day, the two princesses privately discussed, "In ancient times, those half-sisters married into the same country, some became the main wives, while others became concubines. Now, we sisters, eight in total, are as close as one family and share a bond like that of siblings. Although some of us come from foreign lands, isn't this also a fate ordained by heaven? We need not be constrained by differences in birth and status; we should swear sisterhood and address each other as sisters!" They shared this idea with the six ladies, but the six ladies politely declined, especially Chun Yun, Jinghong, and Moonlight, who were particularly adamant in their refusal.
Madam Zheng said, "Consider Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. Though they were lord and subjects, they did not forsake the bonds of brotherhood. I share a sisterly bond with Chun Yun, akin to that of Guan and Bao. If we could become Golden Orchid, wouldn't that be wonderful?" The two princesses agreed wholeheartedly. Thus, they accompanied the six ladies to the palace and entered the hall dedicated to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. They burned incense and bowed in reverence while drafting an oath, solemnly declaring: "Heaven and Earth, Sun and Moon bear witness. We, Zheng's Qiongbei, Li Clan Xiaohe, Qin's Colorful Phoenix, Jia Shichunyun, Gui Clan Chan Yue, Di Shi Jing Hong, Shen Niao Yan, and Bai Shilingbo, having bathed and fasted, sincerely report to South Sea Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva: In this world, why can some people form brotherhoods with strangers from all corners? It is because their temperaments align and their spirits resonate. Why do some blood relatives feel like strangers? It is because their affections are thin and their aspirations diverge. We eight may have been born in different regions and raised in various places, yet we are fortunate to meet here, serving one person and living under one roof; it can be said that our affinities match and our feelings are intertwined. All things in the world are like flowers blooming on the same tree; even if blown by wind and rain to scatter far and wide—some landing in splendid palaces, others in intricately carved chambers, some falling into desolate fields, some drifting into deep mountains or flowing with the currents—ultimately they all come from the same branch. Flowers and plants are inherently indifferent beings; yet they initially bloom on the same branch and will eventually return to the same earth. The most precious feelings among humans are like the essence of heaven and earth; although scattered in all directions, they will ultimately converge in one place. Now we eight have crossed through time together, sharing this life; though situated in vastness, we can coexist under one roof. This is a fate cultivated in previous lives—a great fortune in this life. Therefore, we eight hereby swear sisterhood as unrelated sisters; from now on we shall share honor and disgrace, life and death together, never to part. Should anyone violate this oath, they shall face divine retribution!" After speaking these words, all eight bowed together, praying for Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva's blessing so that after a hundred years they could together attain rebirth in the Pure Land.
From then on, although the six concubines adhered to their identities and did not dare to call each other sisters, the two ladies treated them as true sisters with even greater affection than before. All eight ladies had children; the two ladies along with Chun Yun, Shen Niao Yan, Moonlight, and Jinghong gave birth to sons while Colorful Phoenix and Lingbo had daughters. However, none of them experienced the pains of childbirth; their experiences were unlike those of ordinary people.
During a time of peace when people lived contentedly without major affairs needing deliberation at court, the Prime Minister spent his days either accompanying the Emperor on hunts or enjoying leisure with Old Madam in the North Hall. The fluttering sleeves of dancers seemed to capture fleeting moments; the urgent strings seemed to urge the passage of seasons. The Prime Minister had held high office for decades now; he enjoyed wealth and tasted all earthly delights. However, prosperity inevitably leads to decline; this cycle is a common truth among humans. That year, Lady Liu passed away at ninety-nine years old. The Prime Minister was heartbroken almost to madness. Both the Emperor and Empress were greatly concerned; they sent envoys to comfort him with words of solace for his loss while arranging for Lady Liu's burial with imperial honors.
Zheng Situ couple also passed away one after another. The Prime Minister felt profound sorrow at their departure as well. His six sons and two daughters inherited their parents' excellent genes—each was as radiant as jade trees or fragrant orchids—bringing glory to their family. The eldest son was named Grand Minister, born of Madam Zheng, who served as Minister of Rites in the Ministry of Personnel. The second son was named Second Minister, born of Di, who held the position of Governor of Jingzhao. The third son was named Shunqing, born of Jia family, who served as Censor Zhongcheng. The fourth son was named Ji Qing, born of Princess Lanyang who served as Deputy Minister of Rites. The fifth son was named Five Lords, born of Gui family who became a Hanlin Scholar. The sixth son was named Zhiqing, born of Shen family; at just fifteen years old he was already brave and resourceful—deeply favored by the Emperor—and appointed General of Golden Guards commanding a hundred thousand troops responsible for palace security.
The eldest daughter was named Chuan Dan, born of Qin family who married Prince Langya—the son of King of Yue. The second daughter was named Eternal Joy, born of Bai family who became Crown Princess later honored as a Consort.
Yang Chancellor was originally just a scholar but found favor with a wise ruler during this peaceful era; he quelled chaos through military might while fostering prosperity through civil governance—achieving fame and wealth comparable to that of Guo Fenyang. Yet while Lord Fen Yang only became a general at sixty years old, I attained my title at just over twenty before entering court as Chancellor—a position far exceeding his by twenty-four years! Enjoying such unparalleled glory bestowed by heaven above while earning trust from common folk below is truly unprecedented throughout history!
The Prime Minister understood well that prosperity must decline eventually; thus he wrote to the Emperor requesting retirement from office:
"I am Yang Shaoyou. With utmost respect I bow down repeatedly to present my petition: I believe that life’s pursuits are nothing more than titles or wealth—once one reaches high office enjoying all luxuries there is little left to desire. As parents we all hope our children can achieve great things bringing honor to our families. Now I find myself at such heights—my honor has peaked—my parents feel proud without further desires.
However such glory is coveted by many—who wouldn’t envy it? Yet abundance leads inevitably towards decline; what everyone fights over often brings disaster.
Throughout history loyal ministers have retired after achieving success leaving behind legacies while those who cling too tightly ultimately face disgrace.
Thus I believe while titles may seem appealing it’s better to know when to step back for longevity’s sake; though fame can intoxicate it’s more practical preserving oneself along with family.
I know my talents are limited yet occupy high office contributing little—I’ve long felt unworthy towards Your Majesty or towards common folk alike! Now blessed by Your Majesty’s grace I’ve reached great heights—my honor has peaked—my parents feel proud without further desires! I dare not seek more but wish only for retirement returning home closing my doors against visitors.
In my heart I truly do not wish for any lingering attachments—how could others presume such sentiments upon me? Moreover having risen from humble beginnings fortunate enough marrying into royalty receiving special regard from Your Majesty—I’ve enjoyed exceptional rewards compared with other ministers!
I am but a simple man yet indulge in delicacies; once living in humble huts now residing within palatial towers! This undermines royal dignity above while contradicting my duty below—how could I continue enjoying these luxuries without guilt?
I’ve long wished for retirement closing my doors against visitors—to avoid accusations against me!
Yet Your Majesty’s immense kindness weighs heavily upon me—I have yet repaid even a fraction! And I still feel capable serving our court hence have delayed my departure!
I am determined to give my utmost effort serving Your Majesty before retiring back home spending remaining days tilling fields!
Now I have yet repaid Your Majesty’s special kindness! My age increases daily making it harder realizing ambitions watching my teeth turn gray!
I feel like a sick tree wilting before autumn arrives or like a dry well parched without anyone drawing water! Though I still hope exerting myself for Your Majesty’s service repaying your mountain-like kindness—it seems my heart may be willing but strength wanes!
Now thanks to Your Majesty’s wisdom all corners submit peacefully—the people thrive under your reign! Truly it seems we’re approaching that legendary era where harmony prevails!
Even if Your Majesty wishes me remain long within capital holding high office—it would merely mean attending court wasting state funds listening only songs celebrating peace without anything requiring my toil!
Alas! It’s often said rulers treat ministers like sons—parents always feel joy when children are near but worry when they leave!
I believe Your Majesty sees me as an old minister reluctant seeing me depart! Alas! Children miss parents just like parents love children!
Having received Your Majesty’s favor reaching its peak—I remember every bit deeply even smallest kindnesses bestowed upon me!
So how could I wish leaving Your Majesty retreating into mountains betraying your heartfelt intentions? But vessels filled with water cannot be poured out carelessly; boats crossed rivers cannot be boarded again!
Thus I earnestly request Your Majesty consider my plea—I truly cannot bear heavy responsibilities nor wish occupying high positions anymore—I humbly ask permission retire returning home spend remaining life avoiding regretful endings.
I vow sing praises about Your Majesty’s achievements thanking you for your kindness hoping next life repay your grace!"
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