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墨書 Inktalez
The palace maid was none other than Qin Caifeng, the daughter of Qin Yushi from Hua Prefecture. Years ago, Qin Yushi was framed and died unjustly, forcing his daughter into the palace. People in the palace said that Miss Qin was extraordinarily beautiful, and even the Emperor was smitten, wanting to make her a Concubine. At that time, the Empress was favored and worried that Miss Qin would take the Emperor's affection away, so she said to him, "Although the daughter of the Qin family is beautiful, you have killed her father. Now you want to get close to his daughter; isn't that against the principles of ancient wise rulers who enforced laws impartially and did not indulge in female company?" The Emperor found her reasoning valid and abandoned the thought. He asked Qin Caifeng, "Can you read and write?" She replied, "I know a little." The Emperor then appointed her as Lady Scribe, responsible for managing books and documents in the palace, and sent her to accompany Princess Lanyang in reading and writing.
Princess Lanyang greatly admired Qin Caifeng's beauty and talent, treating her like a sister and unwilling to part with her for even a moment. One day, while accompanying the Empress on a stroll at Penglai Palace, the Emperor asked everyone to compose poetry. Following his command, Qin Caifeng joined other female officials in requesting poetry from Yang Shaoyou. She was deeply infatuated with him, recognizing him at first glance as Yang Lang. However, being alive in this world and amidst royal constraints made it impossible for her to act on her feelings. Upon seeing Yang Shaoyou, a fierce fire ignited in her heart, but she could only suppress her sorrow for fear of revealing any weakness. Reflecting on their past friendship now rendered impossible, she felt immense pain and could only hold a round fan while softly reciting a poem:
The silk fan round like the bright moon,
The beauty's jade hands strive for purity.
In the five-stringed zither lies much ink,
In and out of sleeves without rest.
The silk fan round like a moon,
The beauty's jade hands are right beside.
No need to cover that flower-like face,
Spring colors in the world remain unknown.
After reciting the first poem, Qin Caifeng sighed inwardly: "Yang Shaoyou, how could you know my feelings! I am in the palace; how can I dare to hope for any favor?" After finishing, she recited a second poem that stirred even deeper emotions: "My beauty is unseen by others; yet you, Yang Lang, must still remember me vividly. Just as the poem says, it truly feels like being worlds apart! It is heart-wrenching!" She couldn't help but recall their sweet moments at home when they exchanged verses of love through poetry like "Willow Poem." Now, however, everything had changed; they were separated by an insurmountable divide—how could it not break her heart? Overwhelmed by sorrow, tears soaked her pen as she wrote additional lines on the fan.
Still lost in grief, she suddenly heard a eunuch come to deliver a message requesting a painted fan. Qin Caifeng was instantly terrified and trembled all over, unable to suppress her cries of despair: "What should I do now!" The eunuch said to her: "The Emperor wants to see Yang Shangshu's poetry again; I have been sent to collect it." Hearing this, she cried out: "My life is as thin as paper; my time has come. Just because of a moment's impulse to respond to Minister of Rites' poem with some lines of my own, I have committed an unforgivable crime. If the Emperor sees it, I will surely be executed. Rather than wait for death, it would be better to end my life swiftly. I entrust my remaining life to this three-foot white silk. After my death, please ensure I am buried properly so that crows do not feast upon me. For this kindness, I would be eternally grateful." The eunuch replied: "Why would you say such things? The Emperor is kind and generous; he is far from comparable to past emperors who were harsh. Perhaps he will not punish you. Even if Dragon Countenance were furious, I will do my best to save you. Please follow me."
Crying all the while, Qin Caifeng followed the eunuch. The eunuch instructed her to wait outside the hall while he took the poetry inside to present to the Emperor. The Emperor read through each piece one by one until he came across hers; upon seeing additional lines beneath Minister of Rites' poem, he was quite surprised and asked the eunuch about it. The eunuch reported: "Miss Qin told me: 'I didn't know His Majesty wanted to collect these poems; in a moment of recklessness, I added some lines and committed an unforgivable crime.' She then attempted to take her own life but was persuaded by me to bring it here instead." The Emperor read through her poem carefully.
It read:
The silk fan round like an autumn moon,
Recalling once on the tower facing shy beauty.
First knowing we are close yet unacquainted,
Regretting having let you look closely.
After reading it all, the Emperor said: "This Miss Qin must have been moved by private feelings; I wonder where she met someone who inspired such emotions! Yet her talent deserves recognition." With that said, he ordered the eunuch to summon Qin Caifeng. She immediately knelt at the steps and bowed deeply in apology. The Emperor looked down at her and said: "If you confess honestly, I will pardon your crime. Speak up—who do you have feelings for?" Qin Caifeng bowed again: "In front of Your Majesty's presence, how could I dare speak falsely? Back when my family had not yet fallen into decline, Yang Shangshu came to Beijing for exams and happened to pass by my house. I was fortunate enough to meet him and responded with a poem 'Willow Poem,' sending it through someone else with promises of marriage. When we were introduced at Penglai Palace just now, although I wished to acknowledge him as before, Yang Shangshu completely forgot me. Thus seeing objects reminded me of feelings from my past; feeling sentimental about my situation led me momentarily astray into writing these random lines without thinking they would disturb Your Majesty’s ears. My crime deserves death; please punish me!"
Upon hearing this confession, the Emperor felt pity and asked further: "You say you two made a promise with 'Willow Poem'; do you still remember its contents?" Hearing this question, she quickly wrote down its verses. After reading them over again, the Emperor said: "Although your actions are unforgivable due to your talent being exceptional—and since my sister also holds you in high regard—I will make an exception and pardon you this time. In future days you must serve Princess well as repayment for imperial grace!" With that said he bestowed upon her the fan inscribed with poetry.
Qin Caifeng thanked him profusely before retreating in trepidation.
On this day while accompanying the Empress in casual conversation, King of Yue returned from Yang Shangshu’s residence with news for the Emperor that Yang Shangshu had already become engaged. Upon hearing this news, the Empress showed displeasure and remarked: "Yang Shaoyou is now esteemed as Minister of Rites; he should understand court etiquette—how can he be so stubborn?" The Emperor replied: "Although Shao You has accepted an engagement proposal from Zheng Family, it is still different from marriage itself; allow me personally to persuade him—he shouldn't refuse orders."
The next day, the Emperor summoned Minister of Rites Yang Shaoyou into the palace without delay. Shao You dared not be negligent and hurriedly changed clothes before entering court. Upon seeing Yang Shaoyou there without preamble or beating around the bush—the Emperor stated directly: "I have a sister whose beauty surpasses all others among daughters of officials throughout court; in my view besides yourself there is no one else worthy of her hand! Previously I sent King of Yue over to observe your family situation and convey my intentions; hearing that you've accepted Zheng Family's betrothal proposal is truly thoughtless! In past dynasties when emperors selected consorts some even forced ministers to divorce their wives—leading Wang Xianzhi regrettably throughout his life—only Song Hong remained unmoved by wealth or rank refusing imperial requests outright! Unlike those foolish emperors who acted against human ethics as parents of all people under heaven—how could I commit such acts? Even if you refuse Zheng Family’s marriage proposal now—the Zheng Daughter is young and beautiful; she will surely find another good match—you needn't worry about public opinion labeling you as abandoning your lawful wife—this wouldn’t harm ethical standards!"
Yang Shangshu listened attentively before bowing deeply saying: “Your Majesty not only refrains from punishing me but also offers fatherly advice—I can only express endless gratitude! However my situation is unique compared with others—I am merely a poor scholar from remote areas who came here for exams without any relatives nearby; fortunately Zheng Situ took me into his home treating me with respect since then! My relationship with Zheng Family’s young lady isn’t merely an engagement—it began when I entered Zheng Residence where we became like father-son! Both parties have met already sharing mutual affection—only awaiting final wedding ceremonies! The reason we haven’t married yet stems partly from national affairs keeping me busy—and partly because I'm concerned about my elderly mother wanting stability before bringing her here so she may enjoy filial piety under our roof! Unexpectedly Your Majesty’s decree arrived suddenly leaving me terrified unsure what course action should take! If I were cowardly clinging onto life fearing death or loss of position agreeing with Your Majesty’s wishes—the Zheng Daughter would suffer humiliation leading ultimately towards self-harm! Wouldn’t this force an honorable woman onto such dire straits damaging Your Majesty’s reputation?"
After pondering briefly upon hearing these words—the Emperor replied: “What you say holds some truth—but from a broader perspective—you haven’t formally married Zheng Daughter yet hence aren’t truly husband-wife; thus she marrying another isn’t impossible! My intention behind wanting to betroth my sister unto you isn’t solely mine—the Empress herself admires your demeanor greatly praising your talents personally advocating on your behalf—it seems this matter isn’t solely within my control!”
Realizing that mentioning Empress left no room for negotiation—Yang Shangshu remained resolute declining further offers despite pressure mounting upon him! Seeing his stubbornness—the Emperor suggested: “Marriage is significant matter—it cannot be decided hastily! How about this—we shall play chess today as battlefield allowing us both some leisure during long hours?” With those words he commanded attendants set up chessboard where both sat opposite each other engrossed until dusk fell satisfied after their game concluded.
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