The poem says:
Since that year when I broke the phoenix's wings, my feelings have been restless until now. I will not be buried alongside the lady of horizontal gold, but will return to the earth as the one who has plucked the laurel.
In the morning mist of Pengze, dreams of home return, while the night rain in Xiangxi tears at my heart. I compose new poems at the empty mountain temple, raising my sails high to sail past Yuzhang.
Wu Yueniang intends to travel to Taian Prefecture to pay her respects to the goddess, a vow made during Ximen Qing's serious illness. She told her uncle Wu about this, and he said he would accompany her. So they prepared offerings such as incense, candles, and paper horses, accompanied by Dai'an, Lai'an, and three hired hands, as Yueniang set off in a comfortable sedan chair. Before leaving, she reminded Meng Yulou, Pan Jinlian, Sun Xue'e, and Sister Ximen to look after the house and instructed Chen Jingji and the helper Fu to watch over the gate. She said she would probably return by the end of the month. On the morning of the fifteenth, they burned paper as a safety offering, and in the evening, they worshipped Ximen Qing's spirit tablet, drinking farewell wine with her sisters and handing over the house keys to Xiaoyu for safekeeping. The next day, they set off at daybreak, making their way to Taian Prefecture. In late autumn, the weather was chilly and the days were short, so they could only cover sixty to seventy miles each day. In the evening, they would find an inn to stay overnight and continue their journey the next day. The autumn wind howled, and the cold geese cried out mournfully, the leaves withered, and the scenery was desolate, filling one with melancholy.
The journey was uneventful, and after several days of travel, they finally arrived at Taian Prefecture, where Mount Tai came into view from a distance, truly a mountain that lives up to its title as the world's number one! The mountain's base is sturdy, and its peak soars into the clouds, magnificent and grand. As the day grew late, they decided to stay overnight at an inn. The next morning, they went up the mountain to Daiyue Temple. The temple, situated at the mountain's foot, has served as a site of worship for countless dynasties, making it the most renowned temple in the nation. The temple, built against the mountain, stands grand and imposing, truly a place of majestic mountains and abundant blessings!
The temple stands at Daiyue, where the mountain commands the universe, for the mountain's revered status makes it the leader of all blessings.
Atop the mountain, leaning on the railing, one gazes straight at the gentle waters of Penglai; climbing to the summit, one encounters thick clouds and thin mist. The towers and pavilions rise densely, as the golden crow spreads its wings to fly; the palace's eaves and layers, where the jade rabbit leaps and bounds. The carved beams and painted rafters, the blue tiles and red eaves, the phoenix doors gleam brightly against the yellow gauze, while the turtle-back embroidered curtains hang with brocade ribbons. Observing from afar the sacred image, the nine hunts dance in Shun's eyes and Yao's brows; observing closely the divine countenance, clad in dragon robes, with shoulders like Tang and back like Yu. The fragrance of incense is unending, as heavenly beings fly on steeds bearing red books; sacrifices are made at the appointed times, with the young and old looking to the winds for blessings and divine protection. The auspicious clouds and fragrant mists surrounding the Hall of Joy and Tranquility swirl around Zhengyang Gate. Indeed, it is: all the people worship at the Palace of Bixia, while the four seas converge to the sacred emperor. Uncle Wu brought the moon girl into the Daiyue Temple, where they burned incense at the main hall, worshipped the sacred image, and the Taoist priest recited the sacrificial text. Afterward, they burned paper money, ate some vegetarian food, and took the moon girl to the summit. They had to climb forty-nine flights of stone steps, struggling all the way, using vines and brambles for support. The Palace of Bixia is located halfway up the mountain, shrouded in clouds and mist, approximately twenty to twenty-five miles away; standing there, one can see the winds, clouds, thunder, and rain below. They left Daiyue Temple at dawn and reached the Palace of Bixia by the hour of the monkey. The plaque at the Palace of Bixia bears the three golden characters "Bixia Palace." Upon entering, they saw the golden statue of the goddess. Her hair is styled in a phoenix crown adorned with nine dragons, and she wears a golden-threaded scarlet gauze dress. The blue jade belt drapes a long hem, while the white jade tablet holds up colorful sleeves. Her face resembles a lotus petal, with natural brows reflecting the cloud-like hair; her lips are like golden vermilion, radiating grace and dignity. She resembles the Queen Mother at the Jade Pool, yet seems like Chang'e leaving the Moon Palace. The great immortal's ethereal form is difficult to depict; a majestic image is hard to capture. After the moon girl worshipped the goddess, a Taoist priest in his forties approached, recited a vow of gratitude on her behalf, burned incense and paper horses, and collected the offerings.
This Taoist priest is called Shi Bocai, the chief disciple of the abbot at Mount Tai Temple, a greedy and lecherous man known for his deceit and swindling. There is a local bully named Yin Tianxi, the brother-in-law of Magistrate Gao Lian, who often leads a group of people to harass women burning incense. Shi Bocai teams up with Yin Tianxi to lure women into compromising situations in the abbot's quarters. He notices that Yuemeng is beautiful, dressed in mourning attire that sets her apart from ordinary women, and feigning innocence, he invites them to have tea. Wu Dajiu politely declines, but Shi Bocai insists that it's still early.
After a while, they arrived at the abbot's room. The room was adorned in pristine white, featuring a couch adorned with sesame flower patterns in the center, the bed curtain made of willow-yellow brocade, and a painting depicting Lu Dongbin with white peonies placed on the incense table. On the side, a couplet hung with the lines: "Dancing cranes with a clear breeze in both sleeves, discussing classics under the bright moon in the pavilion." Bocai inquired about Wu Dajiu's surname, to which Dajiu replied, "My surname is Wu, and this is my sister, Wu. Since my wife is here to fulfill a vow, we shouldn't disturb the abbot." Bocai said, "Since you are family, let's sit together." He invited Wu Dajiu to take the main seat, and then asked his disciples to make tea. It turned out he had two disciples, one named Guo Shouqing and the other named Guo Shouli, both sixteen years old, with youthful, lively appearances, sporting green Daoist hair buns, green silk Daoist robes, sandals, and clean socks, and fragrant bodies. When guests arrived, they served tea, water, wine, and dishes, and at night, they would secretly enjoy the leftovers.
Not long after, Shouqing and Shouli set up the table with a spread of vegetarian fare, which filled the table to the brim with exquisite and tasty treats like steamed buns, fried dough twists, and an assortment of vegetables. Each person was also served sweetened water and fine tea. After finishing the tea, the tea set was cleared away, making way for a lavish feast. There were heaping platters of chicken, duck, fish, and goose, served in sparkling amber-inlaid wine glasses. When Madame Wu spotted the wine, she instinctively rose and asked Dai'an to bring out a piece of cloth and two taels of silver on a red lacquer tray as a token of appreciation for the Daoist priest. Wu Dajiu said, "We really shouldn't trouble the abbot. These humble gifts are merely a token of our gratitude; there's no need to go to any extra expense on food and drink. It's getting late, and we ought to head down the mountain." Master Shi quickly declined, saying, "My knowledge and virtue are quite limited, and it is thanks to the goddess's blessings that I have become the abbot of Bixia Palace. It is all thanks to the offerings of devotees from all directions. I treat all visitors the same. Today, I've only prepared some simple tea and fare, yet I have received such valuable gifts from you, which honestly makes me feel undeserving." After several rounds of polite refusal, he finally allowed his disciple to accept the gifts. He then asked Wu Dajiu and Madame Wu to stay a bit longer: "Please stay a bit longer, enjoy a few drinks, and let me show my appreciation." Seeing his genuine hospitality, Wu Dajiu and Madame Wu felt compelled to sit down.
Before long, the steaming hot dishes were served. The Taoist priest Shi instructed his disciple, "This wine isn't suitable; bring out the jar of '透瓶香荷花酒' that Governor Xu sent yesterday for Old Man Wu to drink." A moment later, the disciple warmed the wine flask in hot water and brought up the hot wine. He first filled a cup and handed it to Yue Niang with both hands, but she reluctantly accepted it. Uncle Wu said, "My sister doesn’t drink." Bo Cai said, "The old lady has been tired from the journey; what’s the harm in having a little wine? Just drink a bit." He poured half a cup and handed it to Yue Niang, who accepted it. He then poured another cup and handed it to Uncle Wu, saying, "Old Man Wu, why don’t you give this wine a try? What do you think?" Uncle Wu took a sip and found it fragrant and sweet, with a delicious lingering aftertaste, saying, "This wine is really good." Bo Cai said, "Honestly, this wine is from Governor Xu of Qingzhou. His wife, daughter, and son visit Daiyue Temple every year to burn incense and pray for blessings, and we have a good relationship. His daughter even regards the goddess as her adoptive mother. He respects me greatly because he sees me as upright and sincerely serving the deities. For many years, half of the money and grain from the two palaces of Daiyue Temple had to be submitted to the national treasury. In recent years, thanks to Governor Xu's petitions, we’ve been exempted from that, and all the funds are used for the temple's daily expenses and to accommodate the worshippers." At this time, Dai An, Lai An, and the bearers settled into their seats, enjoying the lavish feast and wine.
Wu Dajiu had a few drinks, and as it was getting late, he was about to get up. Bo Cai said, "It's getting dark, and it's not safe to head down the mountain at this hour. If you don't mind, you can stay in my monastery room for the night and head down in the morning." Wu Dajiu replied, "But my luggage is still at the inn, and I'm worried it might take too long." Bo Cai smiled and said, "You don't have to worry about that! There will definitely be no problem. Just tell them you came to pay your respects, and no matter which inn it is, they'll be scared when they hear my name. If they even think about slacking off, I'll have the innkeeper dragged to the local authorities to make him help you retrieve your luggage." Hearing this, Wu Dajiu sat back down again. Bo Cai poured another round of wine. Wu Dajiu couldn't hold his liquor, and after getting drunk, he headed back to his room to sleep it off. Yue Niang, feeling tired too, lay down on the bed. Shi Bo Cai shut the door behind him as he stepped outside.
Just as Yue Niang was settling down, she suddenly heard a noise from inside. A man jumped out from behind the paper door at the back of the bed, his face flushed, with three wisps of beard, around thirty years old, wearing a green headscarf and a short purple brocade shirt. He embraced Yue Niang and said, "I am Yin Tianxi, the brother-in-law of Governor Gao. I have long heard that you are the daughter of an official, as beautiful as a flower, and I have always admired you. It's truly a rare fortune to meet you today. If you would show me some pity, I would have no regrets even in death." While saying this, he forced himself upon Yue Niang. Yue Niang was so scared that she shouted, "In broad daylight, how dare you try to assault a common woman!" She was about to rush out the door but was firmly stopped by Yin Tianxi. Yin Tianxi knelt down and said, "Please don't be angry, my lady, I beg you to show me some mercy." Yue Niang screamed even louder, "Help!" Ping An and Dai An heard Yue Niang's voice and hurried to the back hall, shouting to Uncle Wu, "Uncle, hurry, my mother is being assaulted in the abbot's room!" Uncle Wu, frightened, rushed to the abbot's room and pushed the door hard, but it was stuck. All he could hear was Yue Niang shouting, "In broad daylight, how dare you block a woman burning incense!" Uncle Wu shouted, "Sister, don't be afraid, I'm coming!" He picked up a stone and smashed open the door. Seeing someone approach, Yin Tianxi let go and fled from behind the bed. It turned out there was a secret passage behind the bed of the stone Taoist priest. After Uncle Wu broke the door, he asked Yue Niang, "Sister, did that thief do anything to you?" Yue Niang replied, "No, he ran away." Uncle Wu looked for the stone Taoist, who had hidden away, only letting his apprentice come out to deal with the situation. Uncle Wu was furious and ordered his men along with Dai An and Lai An to smash up the Taoist's room. Then he helped Yue Niang into a sedan chair and went down the mountain back home.
They set off around dusk and walked for most of the night before reaching the inn at the foot of the mountain. They told the innkeeper about their situation, and the innkeeper was so scared that he cried, saying, "You've offended Yin Taisui, the governor's brother-in-law. He has a terrible reputation. Once you leave, our inn is bound to get into trouble!" Uncle Wu gave him some silver, collected their luggage, helped Lady Yu into the sedan chair, and quickly left. Yin Tianxi was furious and rounded up twenty or thirty thugs with knives and clubs to chase them down the mountain.
As they continued on their journey, they reached a valley around four o'clock. In the distance, they saw lights in the woods. As they approached, they found a stone cave where an old monk was lighting candles and chanting. Uncle Wu quickly approached and asked, "Master, we were on our way up the mountain to burn incense, but we were chased by bandits and ended up running down the mountain in the dark and getting lost. Could you tell us where we are and how to get back to Qinghe County?" The old monk replied, "This is the eastern peak of Mount Tai, and this cave is called Xuejian Cave. I am Master Xuedong, and my Dharma name is Pujing. I have been practicing here for twenty or thirty years. It's a stroke of luck that you found me! Don't go any further, because there are many wolves, tigers, and leopards lurking below. Continue on in the morning, and if you follow the main road, you will reach Qinghe County." Uncle Wu worriedly asked, "What if those bandits catch up?" The old monk replied reassuringly, "Don't worry, those bandits will turn back once they reach halfway up the mountain." Then, the old monk asked Lady Yu what her surname was. Uncle Wu replied, "This is my sister-in-law, the wife of Xiemen Qing. She came here to burn incense for her husband. We’re really grateful for your help, and we won’t forget it." They spent the night resting in the cave.
The next day before it was light, Yue Niang brought out a big piece of cloth to thank the old monk. The old monk refused, saying, "This poor monk only asks that you send your son to me as a disciple someday. What do you think?" Wu Dajiu said, "My sister only has one son, hoping he’ll take over the family business. If there are any extra sons, then he can be a disciple." Yue Niang said, "My child is still little, not even a year old—how can he be a disciple?" The old monk said, "Just agree; I’m not asking for him now; I’ll ask for him in fifteen years." Yue Niang didn't say anything, thinking about it for fifteen years from now, so she kind of agreed to the old monk. Then they said their goodbyes to the old monk and headed towards the main road in Qinghe County.
It is true:
People's hearts can be wicked, but everything is still nurtured by heaven. Only by getting rid of the evil in our minds can we survive in a world full of wolves and tigers.
