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That night, Yang Sheng stayed at an inn, tossing and turning, unable to sleep, so he simply waited until dawn. As he saw the eastern sky lightening, he was about to wake the Attendant to feed the donkey when he suddenly heard a commotion coming from the west—people shouting and horses neighing, all in chaos, like a tide surging and boiling. Yang Sheng was alarmed and quickly tidied his clothes before rushing outside to see a flood of soldiers and fleeing civilians pouring into the street like a mountain torrent, crying out for their parents, shaking the heavens. After inquiring, he learned that General Qiu Shiliang of the Divine Strategy Army had declared himself emperor and started a rebellion. The emperor had gone to Yangzhou, and the Guanzhong region was in turmoil, with robbers everywhere. It was rumored that Hangu Pass had been closed off to civilians; anyone caught would be conscripted.
Hearing this, Yang Sheng was terrified and hurriedly took the Attendant with him as they rushed their donkey towards Lantian Mountain, hoping to find a secluded valley to hide in. When they reached halfway up the mountain, they suddenly spotted a few thatched cottages shrouded in mist, with cranes circling above them, their calls crisp and clear. Yang Sheng knew that there must be reclusive sages living there, so he followed a small path up the mountain. He saw a Daoist Priest resting against a table; upon noticing Yang Sheng's arrival, he stood up and asked, "Are you here seeking refuge? Could it be that you are the son of Huainan's Yang the Recluse?"
Yang Sheng hurriedly approached to pay his respects, tears in his eyes as he replied, "I am indeed Yang the Recluse's son. Ever since parting from my father, I have been serving my mother. I am dull-witted and lack knowledge but hoped for a stroke of luck to succeed in the imperial examination. On my way to Huayin County, I encountered this military upheaval. It seems today is my fortune as I meet you, esteemed one; I wish to inquire about my father's whereabouts. Is he well?"
The Daoist Priest smiled and said, "A few days ago, your father was still playing chess with me at Purple Pavilion Peak; I do not know where he has gone now. Your father still looks youthful and vigorous; you need not worry too much."
Yang Sheng cried out, "Might I ask if you could take me to see my father?" The Daoist Priest laughed again: "Father-son bonds are indeed important, but there is a difference between mortals and immortals; I am powerless in this matter. Moreover, the Five Great Mountains are far away; your father's whereabouts are unpredictable; how could I know? Since you are here now, why not stay for a while? You can return once things settle down."
Although Yang Sheng knew his father was safe, the Daoist Priest's detached attitude made him completely abandon the thought of meeting his father. With this in mind, he felt immense sorrow and could not help but weep profusely. Seeing this, the Daoist Priest comforted him: "The gatherings and separations in this world are inherently impermanent; why add to your sorrow?"
Yang Sheng listened, dried his tears, thanked the Daoist Priest, and quietly sat down in a corner. The old priest pointed to an ancient zither hanging on the wall and asked with a smile, "Can you play?" Yang Sheng replied, "Though I enjoy it, I have not had a great teacher and my skills are lacking." The Daoist Priest then called for a boy to take down the zither and handed it to Yang Sheng, asking him to play a tune. Without hesitation, Yang Sheng placed the zither on his lap and casually played "Wind Entering Pine."
The Daoist Priest listened and said with a smile: "Your technique may be somewhat clumsy but it has some spirit; it can still be cultivated." After saying this, he began playing himself and performed four pieces in succession. Each piece was extraordinary with ethereal melodies that were elegant and clear—truly celestial music that Yang Sheng had never heard before. Being well-versed in music himself with high comprehension ability, Yang Sheng quickly grasped the essence of what the Daoist Priest played after just a few pointers.
Seeing this pleased him greatly; he then took out a White Jade Dizi (bamboo flute) and played another piece for Yang Sheng as instruction. The Daoist Priest said: "Finding someone who understands music is rare; our meeting today is indeed fateful. I see your heart is pure; we can have a teacher-student relationship. This zither and flute shall be gifted to you; they will surely be of great use in your future."
Upon hearing this, Yang Sheng immediately knelt down on the ground to express his gratitude. He said: "I am fortunate to meet you; it must be my father's arrangement. Since you are an old friend of my father’s, why not allow me to serve you as well? It would not differ from serving my father." The Daoist Priest laughed heartily: "Worldly wealth will surely find you in time; how can you follow me into this remote mountain wilderness? After all, our paths are different; there is no need for you to insist." After saying this, he took out a scroll of writings from his sleeve and handed it to Yang Sheng: "This is Pengzu's Book of Formulas; if you study it diligently, though you may not achieve immortality, it can prolong your life."
Yang Sheng knelt again to thank his master before asking: "May I inquire about my engagement with Qin Yushi from Huayin County? With this chaos unfolding, I do not know where she is now or if our marriage can continue." The Daoist Priest smiled: "Your fate with her is unclear; I cannot reveal heavenly secrets. However, I can tell you that throughout your life you will encounter many romantic fates; do not worry too much about Qin Yushi." After saying this, he instructed Yang Sheng to rest while they each took their leave.
The next day before dawn broke, the Daoist Priest woke Yang Sheng and said: "The roads are now open; the imperial examinations have been postponed until next spring. You need not rush your journey anymore. Madam Yang must be very worried at home; it would be best for you to return early so as not to cause her distress." After saying this, he took out some silver coins from his robe and gave them to Yang Sheng for travel expenses.
Yang Sheng knelt down on the ground again to bid farewell. Once he packed up the zither and flute along with the scrolls and stepped out of the cave entrance, he found that both the temple and the Daoist Priest had vanished without a trace—only morning glow filled the mountains along with faint mist swirling around.
When Yang Sheng first entered the mountains, the willows were still blooming. Little did he know that overnight chrysanthemums had blossomed all over the hillsides. Surprised by this change of scenery, he asked locals only to learn that it was already August in autumn. He revisited the inn where he had previously stayed only to find that due to war devastation, the village was now broken down and desolate—completely different from what he had seen before.
Scholars traveling for examinations were also coming down from the mountains one after another. Upon inquiry about what had happened during these months of turmoil, he learned that after several months of fighting across various regions led by imperial troops against rebels—the rebellion had finally been quelled—and that the emperor had returned home as well.
With relief washing over him regarding these events, Yang Sheng decided to visit Qin Yushi’s family. However, where once lush willows lined streams now stood only bare branches under autumn winds—a truly desolate sight. The red towers with white walls had turned into ashes; broken tiles lay scattered among wild grass.
The surrounding area was desolate without even sounds of chickens or dogs remaining. Yang Sheng couldn't help but lament how things change over time—the beautiful moments of yesteryear were now mere illusions. He touched one of the dead willows while standing under the sunset reciting Miss Qin’s poem titled “Willow Poem,” expressing his longing so deeply that tears soaked through his clothing.
Wanting news about Qin’s family but finding no familiar faces around him left him feeling dejected as he returned to the inn where he asked the innkeeper: “Where has Qin Yushi’s family gone?” The innkeeper sighed: “Do you not know? Previously Qin Yushi held an official position in Beijing while only Miss Qin remained at home with some servants. After government troops reclaimed Beijing following its fall into chaos—the court accused Qin Yushi of collaborating with rebels’ false officials leading him sentenced to death.
Miss Qin was also taken back towards Beijing afterward—her fate remains unknown since then. Some say she ultimately could not escape misfortune while others claim she ended up becoming a palace maid within court walls. This morning officials escorted families of those convicted through here—I learned they were sent off as slaves bound for Yingnan County—perhaps Miss Qin is among them.”
Upon hearing this news made him weep uncontrollably as he spoke: “The Daoist Priest on Lantian Mountain once said our marriage prospects were dim—it seems she truly has left this world behind! Alas! There seems no need for further inquiries.” Thus prepared his belongings intending return home back at Xiuzhou.
At this moment Yang Sheng’s mother Liu heard about rebellions occurring within Beijing fearing her son might face danger—she cried daily nearly unable bear it all anymore! Suddenly seeing her son return safely brought them both together sobbing like long-lost relatives reunited after ages apart.
Time flew by swiftly—the old year passed quickly giving way towards new spring festival approaching! Once again preparing himself for journey towards Beijing taking imperial examinations ahead! Liu spoke gently: “Last year when you went off towards Beijing—you nearly fell into perilous situations! Even now thinking back sends chills down my spine! You’re still young—there’s no need rush matters concerning fame!
I refrained from stopping your journey because I have other plans in mind! Consider Xiuzhou—a remote place lacking suitable matches fitting your status! Now sixteen years old—you ought settle down soon lest miss out on lifelong happiness! My cousin Du Xiangu who practices at Purple Clear Temple has been ordained many years yet should still be alive!
She possesses remarkable poise—wise beyond measure having connections among dignitaries within capital city! Take along my letter when visiting her—she’ll surely treat you like family helping find suitable match arranging marriage matters! Remember prioritize this during your trip!” After saying so Liu penned letter handing it over towards Yang Sheng.
Taking hold of letter—Yang Sheng shared details regarding Miss Qin’s situation revealing sadness etched across his face! Liu sighed deeply stating: “Though Miss Qin possesses beauty—her fate seems unfortunate given family’s calamities making survival difficult! Even if she miraculously lives—it’d prove challenging rekindle past romance!
You needn’t dwell endlessly upon her—listen instead heed mother’s advice seeking another partner providing solace amidst my hopes seeing you establish family!” Respectfully bowing farewell towards mother—Yang Sheng embarked upon journey heading towards Beijing.
Upon reaching Luoyang—a sudden downpour forced him seek shelter at an inn outside South City Gate! The innkeeper asked: “Guest would like some wine?” To which Yang Sheng replied: “Bring me some good wine!” The innkeeper presented him with large jar filled with wine!
Yang Sheng drank seven or eight cups consecutively remarking: “This wine isn’t bad—but hardly top quality.” The innkeeper responded: “Our establishment offers finest available wines! Should guest desire superior quality—head over Tianjin Bridge where Luoyang Spring sells one dou for one thousand coins—a taste beyond compare though pricey!”
Yang Sheng mused internally: “Luoyang has historically been capital city renowned for splendor—I traveled alternate route last year missing sights entirely! This time around—I cannot afford miss out!”
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