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The first chapter, a Zen monk from Lingyin Temple, presents a verse on a butterfly from Zhuluo Mountain as an ice-maker

. The verse reads:

"The world is heartbreaking, even Heaven is hard to consult. A rare talent is worthless, so distressed, so distressed, so distressed! While idly examining old stories, I am suddenly surprised by a wonderful encounter, and try to compose a new verse.

Wealth and honor are no longer fate, success and failure need not be discussed. Never spend a spring before the flowers, so regretful, so regretful, so regretful! The Sui Emperor of that time, the Tang Emperor of later times, all perished at different times." The

poem, in the style of "Drunken Spring Breeze,"

tells of a scholar named Jiang Yan, courtesy name Qingyan, from Jiankang Prefecture in Jiangnan during the reign of Emperor Renshou of the Sui Dynasty. His father, Jiang Guoshi, had served as... Jiang Qingyan, the Grand Marshal of the Chen Dynasty, was repeatedly summoned by Emperor Wen of Sui but refused to serve. He moved his family to the shores of West Lake, where he found solace in nature and died of old age. His mother, Lady Ye, also passed away soon after. He had only one son, Jiang Qingyan. On the night of Jiang Qingyan's birth, Lady Jiang dreamt that Confucius was carrying him to her. Therefore, Jiang Qingyan was born seven feet tall, handsome as jade, dashing and elegant, and exceptionally intelligent. He could read ten lines at a glance. He was well-versed in history and classics; his poetry and prose were all astonishing. It was truly said:

"His talent surpasses that of Cao Zhi, and his looks are unparalleled in the world."

Whenever Jiang Qingyan entered a city, the city... The city was packed with people, like walls, all coming to see. Everyone admired and marveled, saying it was a celestial being descended to earth. Even Jiang Qingyan, mindful of his own exceptional talent, resolved to become the best person in the world. He often remembered the great favor his father had received from the Chen Dynasty; though he could not repay his country with his life, he had never submitted to two rulers. Therefore, Jiang Qingyan also respected his father's will, having no interest in fame or fortune, spending his days with two or three close friends, discussing the past and present, reading and studying the Way, seeking no recognition. Only when his father was alive, serving as an upright official, did he... Jiang Qingyan's family fortune wasn't particularly wealthy. He had enough servants and maids to serve him, which was more than sufficient for him. The only problem was that he was already twenty and still unmarried. The gentry and prominent families of Hangzhou all wanted to marry their daughters to him, willing to provide lavish dowries, all for the sake of having him as a suitable son-in-law. Matchmakers flocked to him, begging him for a wife. However, Jiang Qingyan refused, telling them, "You all don't need to bother me so often. These women, dressed in finery and made of silk, are hardly suitable for me, Jiang Qingyan." "Unless she is as beautiful as Xi Shi, as talented as Wen Ji, and as virtuous as Meng Guang, then she can be accepted." Upon hearing this, the matchmakers secretly thought: "The question is difficult, but even someone of Mr. Jiang's character must be as beautiful as Xi Shi or Wang Zhaojun to be worthy of him." From then on, they never came again. Jiang Qingyan didn't think much of it.

One day, in early March, the weather was fine and the willows were lush and the flowers were in full bloom. He felt a sudden urge to go on a spring outing. He wrote two short notes, called over his pageboy, Ban Yun, and instructed him: "You must quickly..." "Send these two invitations to the two gentlemen Zhang and Gu in the city, saying that I will be waiting at home and will return soon." Ban Yun accepted the order and went to deliver them.

Zhang and Gu were Zhang Ping, son of the Minister of Personnel, whose courtesy name was Chengjiang; and Gu Chenglong, son of the Minister of Works, whose courtesy name was Yuexian. Both were outstanding scholars, leading figures in refined tastes, and exceptional young talents. Neither was married, and they were sworn brothers with Jiang Qingyan, sharing the same ideals. That day, both were at home when the gatekeeper brought in Jiang Qingyan's invitations. They immediately summoned sedan chairs. They approached Jiang Qingyan's residence from both sides. Jiang Qingyan stood at the door to greet them, and the three of them went hand in hand into the inner study and sat down. Banyun hurriedly served tea. Jiang Qingyan said to Zhang Chengjiang and Gu Yuexian, "The spring sunshine has been beautiful these past few days, and the lake and mountains are lovely. Why didn't you two brothers visit me?" Zhang Chengjiang replied, "My mother has been unwell these past few days, so I dared not leave her side. Today she is feeling better, and I was just about to visit her when your letter arrived. There is no other reason." Jiang Qingyan said, "I was unaware that your mother was unwell, and I have failed to inquire after her. I wonder what brings you here, Brother Yuexian?" "Gu Yuexian said, "I have been busy these past few days examining my late father's manuscripts, and the engraving and editing are finally finished. I was just about to ask for a preface to honor the beginning of the book." Jiang Qingyan said, "Your late father's achievements and writings were widely admired throughout the country. It is imperative to publish them so that they can serve as a model for future generations. Moreover, seeing your great filial piety, this is a very appropriate thing to do. I cannot refuse to write a preface, but I fear that my talent is too shallow and I may be criticized for putting dung on Buddha's head." The three talked for a while, and then Jiang Qingyan said, "The weather is very nice today. I have prepared a wine cup and would like to visit Taoguang and Lingyin Temples with you two brothers to enjoy the flowers." "Liu Zhisheng, how about we stay at my humble abode tonight and go to the lakeside pavilion to watch the moon?" Zhang Chengjiang and Gu Yuexian replied in unison, "Of course, of course! We've always gone boating on the lake during the day, and have never experienced it under the moon." Jiang Qingyan said, "Brothers, you don't know the wonder of the lake under the moon; it's truly indescribable. Let's go hiking tonight and see for ourselves." Just then, Banyun came and reported, "The sedan chair is ready, and the banquet has already been held. Please rise, sir." Upon hearing this, Jiang Qingyan, along with Zhang Chengjiang and Gu Yuexian... They all went outside and got into the sedan chairs.

The three sedan chairs moved slowly. Along the way, tourists were like ants, and carriages and horses lined up in rows. The scenery was beautiful, with hanging

flower pavilions, green water and green mountains, a truly lovely sight. As the poem says: "Willows are lush and flowers are in full bloom in late spring, green water and green mountains fill the view.

Tourists from ancient times to the present will not leave, year after year they will carry wine and get drunk on the mountaintop.

" The three sedan chairs had not traveled for long when they saw Lingyin Temple. The three of them got out of the sedan chairs together and walked hand in hand. They saw that there were many women, all of whom got out of the sedan chairs and mingled with the men to play. These three were Jiang Qingyan, Zhang Chengjiang, and Gu Yuexian. Looking at the women, they saw only powdered and rouged objects, none of them pleasing to the eye of the three men. They went together to the Cold Spring Pavilion and sat there for a while; then they went to the foot of Flying Peak and wandered around for half a day; they explored the caves once, and only then did they enter Lingyin Temple to join in the festivities. That year, a wise monk named Ziguan had arrived at the temple, and he was discussing Zen, making the temple even more lively than in previous years. Jiang Qingyan and his two companions disliked monks and were afraid to meet him, so they only joined in the festivities for a short while in the main hall before secretly approaching Taoguang through the back path. Halfway up the mountain, they saw the family members had already found a flat spot, spread out a felt mat, and laid out wine and food. Upon seeing Jiang Qingyan arrive, they all stood with their hands at their sides. Zhang Chengjiang said, "Since we're going to the summit, why don't we move the feast there?" Jiang Qingyan replied, "That's exactly my idea." He quickly instructed his family to move the feast up the mountain. He, along with Zhang Chengjiang and Gu Yuexian, then slowly ascended, step by step reaching the summit of Taoguang Peak.

It was past noon. The three looked around and saw a cloudless sky, a vibrant green expanse, and endless green mountains. Stacked, ancient trees in thousands of layers, truly possessing the grandeur of a thousand-foot-high ridge, leaping across ten thousand miles of flowing water. On this summit of Taoguang, there is another magnificent sight. Gu Yuexian pointed and said to Jiang Qingyan and Zhang Chengjiang, "Brothers, look at that lush green—that's a lake; that rolling yellow—that's a river; that vast white—that's the sea. And in that bustling circle between the rivers and lakes, that's Hangzhou. What a magnificent sight!" Jiang Qingyan and Zhang Chengjiang looked for a while and both said, "Magnificent! Magnificent! Such a beautiful scene! We must each compose a poem, lest..." "If we return silently after this trip, wouldn't the mountain spirits laugh at us?" Gu Yuexian then said to Jiang Qingyan, "Today, you are the host, so please set a rhyme." Jiang Qingyan replied, "The scenery is excellent. If we restrict the rhyme and form, we will be bound by it.

These are all poems written by those who read diary stories these days, the kind of poems that make mountain poets and writers look foolish. We should just write freely and express ourselves." Zhang Chengjiang and Gu Yuexian both said, "This is the best argument." Jiang Qingyan then instructed his servants to bring a penalty cup and a full cup of hot wine to Zhang Chengjiang. He said to Gu Yuexian, "Those who are so poor and yet cannot compose a poem shall be punished by kneeling and drinking three large cups." After saying this, the three men either looked up, looked down, or raised their cups in silence. A short while later, Jiang Qingyan called for his attendant, Ban Yun, to bring him his personal paper and brush. Ban Yun hurriedly brought over a gift box, placed it on the felt mat, and took out a Duan inkstone, a purple inkstone, ancient ink, and famous stationery, arranging them neatly. Jiang Qingyan, unhurried, unfolded the paper, picked up his brush, and wrote a poem: "

Spring light shines hand in hand on the plains, looking up at the void and down at the vast wilderness.

Half a line of West Lake sinks into emerald green, the boundless East Sea bathes..." Fusang.

Crowded with people and towns, the river flows long and deep.

So many rises and falls, so much sorrow, let us share a cup to mourn the setting sun.

After Jiang Qingyan finished writing, Gu Yuexian took the brush and wrote a poem: "

A gentle breeze blows from the summit, the sea air rises below.

The river's sound flows day and night, the lake's waters endure spring and autumn.

Sharing this cup of wine, we truly journey ten thousand miles.

Hangzhou is but a small piece of land, as if moored to a lonely boat.

" Just as Gu Yuexian finished, Zhang Chengjiang also finished his poem, picking up his brush to write a quatrain: "

The river flows as a line, the sea is vast, the tide comes from the west, the setting sun is yellow."

The reports say the singing and dancing on the lake have ceased, and many carriages and horses have entered the Qiantang River.

After the three finished composing their poems, they took them to the wine cup, taking turns to admire them and praising each other. Jiang Qingyan asked Banyun to taste the wine in the cup; it was still warm. He laughed and said, "We regret not being born at the same time as Cao Xueqin, so that he could have his seven-step poem last for eternity." The three laughed heartily. Zhang Chengjiang said, "But my twenty-eight characters are too easy to write." Gu Yuexian said, "The immortal lines are not about quantity." The three drank heartily for a while, then went down the mountain hand in hand, returning via the old path to Lingyin Temple.

Just as they reached the mountain gate, a young novice monk came to greet them, saying, "Old monk, do you know that the three of you are here today?" On the mountain, there was fine wine and delicious food, and everyone was quite satisfied; moreover, each had composed poems, which might have been tiring. Therefore, a pot of bitter tea has been prepared to quench the thirst and relieve the worries of the three laymen. I have sent this humble monk to greet you here and invite you to the abbot's quarters for a chat." Upon hearing this, Jiang Qingyan smiled at Zhang Chengjiang and Gu Yuexian, saying, "That monk Ziguan seems to be an interesting person as well. Why don't we go in and meet him?" Zhang Chengjiang and Gu Yuexian agreed and went together with the novice monk to the abbot's quarters. The novice monk went in first to greet the monk Ziguan, and then Jiang Qingyan and the other two entered the abbot's quarters. Let's see what kind of monk he is:

He was bare-shouldered, with eyes like lightning. His beard and eyebrows were as white as snow, and he sat steadily on a futon. His skull was as sharp as a fist, and his face shone with a faint, radiant light.

If he were not a reborn Arhat, he must be a Bodhisattva appearing.

Jiang Qingyan, Zhang Chengjiang, and Gu Yuexian all bowed to the monk Ziguan. The monk Ziguan stood up, gave a greeting, and said with a smile, "Laymen, you are quite dashing. This old monk has prepared a bottle of bitter tea to refresh your poetic spirit and clear your drunken eyes." He instructed a novice to pour three cups of tea and serve them to Jiang Qingyan, Zhang Chengjiang, and Gu Yuexian. After drinking it, the three of them felt their mouths were filled with fragrance. His eyes were clear and his spirits refreshed, the lingering effects of the alcohol completely dissipated. The monk Ziguan asked the three men about their origins and whereabouts. Zhang Chengjiang and Gu Yuexian gave brief answers, while Jiang Qingyan remained silent with a long sigh. The monk Ziguan laughed, "Does the layman have any shortcomings? This old monk has long since seen through them. Do you not know that Long Feng and Bi Gan were but weeds in the wilderness; Bo Yi and Shu Qi were two starving men? Even Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han have seen their dynasties rise and fall several times! Let's set that aside for now. Now, this old monk has something to discuss, but..." "This is a fabrication by the old monk, originally intended for the three laymen. The old monk wrote it clearly and sealed it here. The three laymen should take it back and examine it carefully. The first half of the events is contained here, but the second half is up to the laymen to decide." Having said this, the monk Ziguan took out a sealed envelope from his sleeve, tightly sealed, and handed it to Jiang Qingyan. Jiang Qingyan, seeing that the monk Ziguan's words were extraordinary and his appearance unusual, guessed there must be a reason, and didn't dare open it in front of him. The three thanked him and departed. The young novice monk escorted them to the abbot's quarters, cupping his hands and saying, "Young..." "I cannot see you off any further. As for the matter inside, you laypeople must seek your advice as soon as possible, lest you fail to repay this old monk's good intentions." The three nodded and departed.

The sun had already set. Jiang Qingyan and the other two, filled with suspicion because of the letter, wanted to open it and see what was inside. However, due to the inconvenience of the journey, they had to get into sedan chairs and return home. By the time they arrived home, it was already time to light the lamps. Jiang Qingyan, without even having tea, hurriedly ordered the lamps to be lit, took out the letter, and, together with Zhang Chengjiang and Gu Yuexian, began to open it. After removing two layers of paper, they found a small invitation card inside. Jiang Qingyan took out the card and began to read it… The poem above was a four-character, eight-line poem. It read: "

Three phoenixes fly east, each finding its mate.

A fierce wind blows, scattering our pair.

We bravely forge ahead, our heads held high in the temple.

The broken mirror is mended, the bright moon shines.

" Jiang Qingyan, Zhang Chengjiang, and Gu Yuexian couldn't decipher it. Jiang Qingyan said, "The first two lines seem to refer to our marriage; 'flying east' means we should go east. The last six lines are difficult to understand." Zhang Chengjiang said, "I was planning to take you two brothers across the Qiantang River in a few days to travel to eastern Zhejiang and visit the scenic Shanyin. Today, it seems to match the word 'east,' so why not tell you tomorrow?" "Even if we get up and try it out, what do you think, brother?" Jiang Qingyan and Gu Yuexian both happily replied, "We've long had this desire, and it would be wonderful if you could accompany us, brother. Let's pack our things tomorrow morning and cross the river at noon, what do you say?" The three had decided on their plan, and Jiang Qingyan instructed his family to prepare food and wine for them to enjoy on the lake boat while watching the moon. Just then, dark clouds suddenly gathered, followed by thunder and rain. Jiang Qingyan sighed to Zhang Chengjiang and Gu Yuexian, "The ways of Heaven are unpredictable; even a drink or a meal cannot be foreseen. The ancients said that one should seize the day and enjoy life to the fullest; this saying is truly worth remembering!" Zhang Chengjiang and Gu Yuexian... Both Zhang Chengjiang and Gu Yuexian sighed deeply. Jiang Qingyan then set up a feast in the hall, and the three of them drank together. They drank until the second watch of the night, and then the three of them slept in the same bed.

At dawn the next day, Zhang Chengjiang and Gu Yuexian went home to pack their luggage. After dinner, Jiang Qingyan and Gu Yuexian went to Zhang's house, each taking two or three servants and pages, and carrying their luggage. They left the city together and boarded a ferry. The wind was favorable that day, and they arrived in Xiaoshan County in less than the time it takes to eat a meal. The next morning, they went to the outskirts of Shaoxing City and immediately found a clean monk's cell to stay in. Jiang Qingyan, Zhang Chengjiang, and Gu Yuexian... The immortals decided to first visit Mount Kuaiji. The next night, they instructed their families to hire three carriages and three donkeys. The following morning, each family member took a servant and their bedding, while the rest of the family guarded the luggage. They all set off for Mount Kuaiji. Mount Kuaiji was a famous mountain in the land, renowned for its extraordinary beauty, the eleventh grotto-heaven mentioned in Taoist texts.

The scenic spots and historical sites within the mountain were countless. Jiang Qingyan, along with Zhang Chengjiang and Gu Yuexian, traveled to the foot of the mountain and found a secluded and elegant place to stay. The six of them, master and servants, then entered the mountain together to explore its ancient sites and scenic wonders. The place was extremely secluded and mysterious. They wandered for several days, sometimes climbing high, sometimes gazing into the distance, sometimes drinking wine, sometimes composing poems, sometimes singing mournful songs and letting out long howls—they did everything imaginable. After visiting Kuaiji, they went to Zhuji County to visit Mount Zhuluo, to see the former residence of Xi Shi and the site of her washing silk, leaving behind poems everywhere. The three of them sang and chanted along the way, truly enjoying themselves. It was truly a case of: "

The mountain spirit is fortunate to meet talented scholars, whose colorful brushes inscribe poems upon them."

The three of them wandered in Mount Zhuluo for another two days, until they all felt tired and returned to their lower dwelling to rest. This lower dwelling was also a hermitage, nestled against the mountain and surrounded by rocks, with pines and cypresses standing tall, and water and clouds... The scene was enveloping. Indeed,

the mountains were as still as in ancient times, and the days seemed as long as a short year.

One day, Jiang Qingyan casually strolled outside and saw a flock of butterflies, nearly a dozen in number, each as large as a palm, their colors brilliantly vibrant. They flew in from the west, heading east towards the mountains. Jiang Qingyan was greatly impressed and thought to himself, "I've heard that wherever butterflies go, there are bound to be rare and exotic flowers. I might as well follow them in and see; it would be quite an interesting thing." Thinking this, he walked towards the flock of butterflies. But strangely enough, after flying for a while and seeing that Jiang Qingyan couldn't reach them, the butterflies perched on a tree. The butterflies, like waiting birds, took flight as Jiang Qingyan approached, acting as if to guide him. They crossed four hills and reached the fifth, where a flat area of about a hundred acres lay before them. Tall locust trees and willows lined the central hill, surrounded by dense forests and bamboo groves, while layered peaks filled the air with the sounds of spring birds – a scene straight out of a fairyland. Jiang Qingyan paid no heed to the scenery, following the flock of butterflies. After walking several dozen steps, a glimpse of a high, green wall appeared in the dense forest. A few steps further, a gatehouse came into view, its two bamboo doors half-open, yet unlike any other dwelling. Upon reaching the gate, Jiang Qingyan looked up and saw a plaque nailed to it bearing the three large characters "Hou Taoyuan" (meaning "Back Peach Blossom Spring"), without any signature. He then realized it was a large, prestigious garden. The butterflies flew into the garden. Jiang Qingyan wanted to follow them in, but feared being questioned; yet, recalling the butterflies' arrival, he felt there was a reason for it. After much deliberation, he decided to let the butterflies go first. Jiang Qingyan stood outside the gate for a while, then said, "It's alright, it's alright. Even in a large, prestigious garden, people are welcome to stroll and enjoy themselves." "If someone happens to see me, I'll have something to say to him." Having made his plan, he quickened his pace and walked into the garden. Passing a covered walkway, turning past the jasmine shed and tea trellis, he saw a stream flowing by, with peach blossoms on both banks—truly lovely. Jiang Qingyan gazed at it for a while, then saw the distant, ethereal pavilions on the opposite bank. He wanted to cross, but there was no boat to take him, so he had to walk along the bank. Suddenly, he saw several willows shading a plank bridge, and Jiang Qingyan was delighted. He parted the willow branches with his sleeves and gently stepped onto the bridge. But then, a strange thing happened! A flock of butterflies were fluttering on the bridge. Jiang Qingyan secretly... He uttered a few "Strange" sounds. Seeing Jiang Qingyan arrive, the butterflies flew away. Jiang Qingyan thought, "These butterflies seem to have a reason. I'll follow them closely and find out where they are." He followed the butterflies, winding his way through several pavilions and ponds, until he vaguely saw a half-open vermilion door. Jiang Qingyan

approached the door and heard a woman's voice inside. Fearing it was someone's inner quarters, he hid by the rocks by the lake and listened to their conversation. Unexpectedly, a woman in green emerged from inside. She appeared to be thirteen or fourteen years old, with red lips and white teeth, her hair neatly styled, and her appearance quite elegant.Holding a round fan, she saw the group of butterflies and hurriedly tried to swat them away, calling out, "Sister Han, watch out for those big butterflies! Come and catch them!" Jiang Qingyan quickly hid under a peony platform, peeking into the doorway to see who else would come out. Sure enough, after a short while, another woman emerged from the doorway. She looked to be about eighteen or nineteen years old and was very pretty. How so:

Her figure was graceful, her face elegant. Beneath her Xiang skirt were bound feet, and her hair adorned with two rows of jade phoenixes. Her waist was like a willow branch, her lips more alluring than a cherry blossom.

The woman in green, holding a sunflower-shaped palace fan, asked the woman in green,

"Where is the butterfly?" The woman in green replied, "I chased away a whole flock of butterflies, but I caught one here. I'll show it to you, Miss." The woman in green said, "Miss has gone to change. She'll be right back." Before she finished speaking, the sound of swaying ornaments came from inside the door, and a peerless beauty emerged. How could one not see her? In the prime of her youth, amidst

the beauty of spring. Her black hair was like clouds, her eyebrows like crescent moons; her face was like jade, her lips like a touch of cinnabar. Neither tall nor short, neither thin nor plump. She was graceful in every expression, whether joyful or angry, frowning or smiling. Her thin silk robe, newly tailored like a swallow, glided gracefully across the water. Her light stockings clad her delicate Xiang skirt. She was truly a reincarnation of Wang Zhaojun, a rebirth of Xi Shi.

Jiang Qingyan stole a glance at the beauty and was instantly captivated, secretly admiring her, "I'm only twenty years old, and I can't believe such a stunning woman exists in this world. Is this some kind of celestial realm?!" He then thought, "I just heard those two women call her 'Miss,' so she must be the daughter of some high-ranking official. If I hide here and run into her family or courtyard, wouldn't that cause trouble?" He then thought, "With my character, Jiang Qingyan, I should go and greet that Miss..." "I'll offer a greeting and say 'Welcome,' and he might not refuse." Just then, the woman in green presented the butterfly in her hand to the young lady, saying, "Miss, look, this butterfly is so big and so beautiful. It's really lovely." The young lady took it and examined it closely, saying, "Indeed, such a butterfly is rare. You shouldn't have chased away its mate. It loves flowers and has come here to seek spring; it should be allowed to flutter among the flowers, adorning the spring scenery. Why chase it away?" The woman in green said from the side, "Miss's argument is truly..." "This is a living example; even the butterfly needs to be guided," the young lady said with a slight smile. "Sister Hanxiang, you can release this butterfly deep within the flowers, and have Yan go find his flock as soon as possible, lest he miss his auspicious time." The woman in green immediately took the butterfly, moved gracefully to a peach blossom tree, raised her head, and was about to release it when she suddenly took a few steps back, saying, "Ah! Who are you? Why have you come to my inner quarters?" The woman in blue, who was behind her, heard this and hurriedly ran over to see what was happening. What will happen next? Let's find out in the next chapter.

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