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After the expedition, reports of victory came frequently, and the Emperor was greatly pleased and highly appreciative. One day, he met with the Empress Dowager and spoke of Yang Shaoyou's achievements, saying, "Yang Shaoyou is truly a reincarnation of Guo Fenyang! When he returns to court, I will immediately appoint him as Chancellor to reward his extraordinary contributions. However, the marriage of Princess Lanyang has not yet been finalized. If he changes his mind and agrees to this marriage, that would be best; if he remains stubborn, I cannot blame a meritorious official for following his own aspirations. This matter is indeed difficult to handle, truly a headache!" The Empress Dowager replied, "I have heard that the daughter of the Zheng Family is indeed beautiful, and she has previously met Shao You. Would he easily give her up? In my opinion, while Shao You is away on campaign, it would be better to issue a decree to the Zheng Family, allowing them to marry their daughter to someone else. This way, Shao You will have no lingering thoughts and will naturally comply with your wishes." The Emperor remained silent and quietly withdrew. At that time, Princess Lanyang was beside the Empress Dowager and said to her, "What you just advised is quite inappropriate. The marriage of the Daughter of the Zheng Family is their own affair; how can the court interfere?" The Empress Dowager replied, "This marriage concerns your lifelong happiness and also the dignity of the state, so I want to discuss it with you. Yang Shangshu is exceptionally talented and distinguished; there is no one in court who can compare. He once played a tune on the bamboo flute that foretold our destined meeting in the Qin Tower. You must not abandon the Yang Family for another. Since Shao You has already betrothed himself to the Zheng Family, he cannot be unfaithful. This matter is truly difficult! Once Shao You returns victorious, we can hold your wedding first and then allow him to take the Daughter of the Zheng Family as a secondary wife; this way, he will have nothing to say." However, I do not know how you feel about this matter, which is why I have delayed making a decision." The princess responded, "I have never known what 'jealousy' means; why should I be wary of a Zheng Family Daughter? However, since Yang Shangshu has already pledged himself to marry her, it would indeed violate propriety to reduce her status to that of a concubine. Zheng Situ has served as Chancellor for generations and is a prominent family in court; how could we allow his daughter to become a concubine? Wouldn't that be too unfair to her?" The Empress Dowager said, "If that is the case, what do you suggest we do?" The princess replied, "According to national law, nobles may take three wives. When Yang Shangshu returns victorious and is granted titles and honors, having two noble consorts would not be considered overstepping. At that time, it would not be too late to marry the Daughter of the Zheng Family!" The Empress Dowager said, "That absolutely cannot do! If women are of equal status among themselves, they can naturally share the title of primary wife without issue. But you are the beloved daughter of the late emperor and the current emperor's sister; your status is extraordinarily high. How can you stand on equal footing with a commoner woman serving one man?"
Princess Lanyang replied to the Empress Dowager: "I understand my noble status. However, wise rulers throughout history have respected capable individuals regardless of their status and cherished their virtues. There are even instances where emperors have befriended commoners. I have heard that the Daughter of the Zheng Family possesses both beauty and virtue that even famous women from ancient times cannot compare with. If that is true, then being on equal footing with her would be an honor for me rather than a shame. However, rumors can easily distort reality; praises may not always be credible. Therefore, I wish to meet this Miss Zheng in person. If her beauty and talent truly surpass mine, I would willingly serve her as a concubine. If she does not live up to her reputation upon meeting her, then whether as a concubine or maidservant will depend on your decision." The Empress Dowager sighed deeply: "Jealousy over talent and envy over beauty are natural feelings for women. My daughter cherishing others' talents as if they were her own and respecting others' virtues as if yearning for sweet rain brings me great joy as a mother! I also wish to meet this Miss Zheng; let us issue an edict tomorrow summoning her into the palace." The princess said: "Even if you issue an edict, Miss Zheng will surely feign illness and decline to come. She is the daughter of the current Chancellor and cannot be forcibly summoned. It would be better to send someone to various temples and nunneries to inquire about when she goes there to pray; this way we can create an opportunity for an encounter." The Empress Dowager found her reasoning sound and immediately sent a young eunuch to inquire at major temples in the capital.
The nun at Zheng Temple told the young eunuch: "The Zheng family often comes here for worship; however, their daughter has never visited. Three days ago, her personal maidservant along with Yang Shangshu's maid Jia Chunyun came here on Miss Zheng's orders to donate a written vow before leaving. Perhaps you could present this document for the Empress Dowager's review." The young eunuch returned to report this matter to the Empress Dowager along with presenting that document. After reading it, she said: "If this is true, then Miss Zheng's character is indeed commendable. However, it is certainly not easy to meet her!" Thus, both the Empress Dowager and Princess Lanyang carefully read through that document.
The document written by Miss Zheng stated: "Today, I disciple Zheng Qiongbai have specially fasted and bathed in reverence before all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to respectfully inform all revered deities: My life has been fraught with misfortune; my sins are deep-rooted; my past life's karma remains unresolved; in this life I have fallen into being a daughter without brothers or support—alone and desolate. Not long ago I was promised in marriage to the Yang Family and am about to become one of them. Yet alas! Yang Lang has been chosen as Consort by imperial decree; thus my fate with Yang Lang has been severed. I lament how fate plays tricks on people like me who are so unfortunate—there is nothing left for me to hope for now. Though my marriage remains uncertain now, my heart belongs elsewhere; I cannot bear to betray that bond within me. Now all I wish for is to nestle beside my parents in their remaining years together with them. It is precisely because of this arduous fate that I have gained this solitary peace within myself; thus I dare come before Buddha to share my experiences and wishes with all Buddhas. I earnestly request compassion from all Buddhas—to bless my poor old parents with longevity beyond measure; bless me in this life far from illness or disaster so that I may enjoy these limited youthful years! Once my parents pass away after living long lives, I shall surely take refuge in Buddhism—cut off worldly ties—dedicate myself wholeheartedly to practice reciting scriptures and worshiping Buddha in gratitude for their grace."
"My maid Jia Chunyun shares an extremely deep bond with me; though we are master and servant by name we are like sisters at heart. She once became a concubine for Yang Family because of me but ultimately chose loyalty towards herself—resolutely returning by my side through thick and thin together."
"I earnestly request compassion from all Buddhas regarding our two fates—may we not be born as women again in our next lives—may our past sins be erased—grant us happiness and health in our future lives—allow us rebirth into beautiful places where we can forever enjoy freedom."
After reading it all through Princess Lanyang felt sorrowful saying: "Because of my marriage alone it has delayed both Chun Yun's and Miss Zheng's lives—I truly feel remorseful fearing it might greatly harm my virtue!" The Empress Dowager listened silently without speaking.
At this moment Miss Zheng served beside her parents; although she forced herself to smile on her face she could not hide her inner pain. Madam Cui felt sadness every time she saw her daughter. Chun Yun served beside Miss Zheng trying through poetry recitation or games to alleviate their inner turmoil but her body grew increasingly frail as if suffering from severe illness.
Miss Zheng worried about her mother's health while also feeling pity for Chun Yun—her inner anxiety remained unknown by anyone around her. To comfort her mother Miss Zheng had servants search everywhere for talented singers or dancers along with various rare treasures sending them before her mother from time-to-time hoping for her delight.
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