Said:

　　Thus I have heard: whoever recounts what they have heard displays their own hearing; those who transmit the Buddha’s teaching say things thus — I once heard it so.

　　After Li Xian took up residence in the Eastern Palace, he learned of Li Lingyue’s affairs. Though the state business was many, he still missed her deeply and conceived a plan — to take Li Lingyue hunting in the countryside, to help her relax. Li Xian worked day and night for several days until most affairs were in order, and then he consulted the Empress: “Mother, I have been tending the court day and night because of Lingyue. I wish to take the Princess hunting in the countryside to ease her mind, and so take some burden from Your Majesty.” The Empress thought inwardly, “Compared with Xian’s brother, Xian truly has thoughtfulness; entrusting military and state matters to him in future seems promising.” She smiled and said, “Li Xian does show care; but remember — the Princess once left the palace and came to great danger. Such an incident must not repeat.” Li Xian rejoiced at her indulgent reply: “Mother, you need not worry. I will make all arrangements properly.”

　　With the Empress’s permission, Li Xian returned to the Eastern Palace and drew up plans. The next day he summoned General Cheng Wenyu of the Right Golden Guards and gave him instructions. Cheng Wenyu mustered men and prepared to depart.

　　The Grand Master had left the capital, and the Nine-Tailed Fox came and went in Chang’an as if it were no one’s land. The fox learned of these plans, so Wei Lian’er (the fox in mortal guise) and her father Wei Xuanzhen began to spread rumors along the route Li Xian and his party would take, saying strange beasts had appeared near their home. Hearing this, Li Xian and the others took the bait and went hunting; Wei Lian’er, using magic, drew strange beasts to the place. After they wounded several white deer, they returned to the palace.

　　When the procession passed the outer wall of Wei Xuanzhen’s residence a gentle breeze wafted over them, bringing a delicate scent that filled the air. The group halted. Li Lingyue smiled faintly: “Brother Xian, Sister Wan’er, what a pleasant fragrance.” Li Xian, seeing her innocent, radiant smile, felt his heart lift: “At last the Princess smiles; these days I have been so worried for her.” He added, “This scent must belong to the young lady of that residence. Since the Princess likes it, I will ask the young lady to give you some.” No sooner had he spoken than laughter like silver bells drifted from inside the wall.

　　They dismounted and knocked, were admitted, and saw a young lady with milky skin and a perfectly slender figure playing and laughing with her maids in the courtyard. She was Wei Lian’er. Li Xian announced, “I am Li Xian, son of the Sovereign. Might I ask whether the fragrance we heard belongs to this young lady? My sister is very fond of it—would you grant us some?” Wei Lian’er, upon learning the speaker was the Crown Prince, dared not be idle; she looked and found before her a handsome young nobleman. Flushing with nerves, she covered her face and fled inside, leaving only her departing silhouette and the lingering scent. The party, seeing this, returned to the palace.

　　On the road back, Li Xian could not forget the beauty of the young woman. Back at court he told the Empress of the encounter. Curious about such a rare girl, the Empress sent the Golden Guards to inquire; they discovered the girl’s name was Wei Lian’er.

　　Soon afterward Xue Yi entered court to pay respects to the Empress. After the formalities, Xue Yi said, “I have heard of a remarkable girl in the capital, whose scent entrances the mind. Is it true?” The Empress looked at him: “You move swiftly on news, Duke Xue. You seem to know everything.” Xue Yi smiled, “It’s not that I know everything — I overheard gossip when entering the palace.” Just then Pang Tongshan entered and reported: “Your Majesty, the young woman is at the gate.” The Empress shifted her tone: “Look — bring her in.”

　　Pang escorted Wei Lian’er into the hall. In her human shell, the fox set off no alarms from the palace’s spirit-shocking devices; even the ancient demon-sealing Qin mirror that once recognized her true form had no reaction.

　　The Empress found the scent that met her entrance indeed intoxicating. She asked, “What you said is true; tell me, what is the source of this fragrance?” Wei Lian’er replied, “Your Majesty, this is my bodily perfume; since childhood I have taken a scented medicine.” The Empress pressed, “What medicine?” Wei Lian’er presented the recipe for the scented compound. Pleased, the Empress praised it repeatedly and named the girl Wei Xianger. Prince Li Zhen observed and suggested, “Your Majesty, the Empress clearly favors this girl. Why not grant her to the Crown Prince in marriage? It would be a fine match.” The Empress found the idea agreeable, and the girl Wei Xianger was to become Crown Princess; a propitious date would be chosen for the wedding.

　　That night Li Lingyue came into the Eastern Palace and found Li Xian busy with state business. She had taken just one step to leave when Li Xian called, “Since you are here, do not go — Lingyue, come in.” Delighted, she went forward. Li Xian asked, “It is late; do you have something on your mind?” Li Lingyue replied, “Brother Xian, I have trouble understanding something and came to ask for your counsel.” Li Xian: “And what is it?” Li Lingyue: “You seem to care for Xiangxiang—does that mean you have feelings for her? How is it that with a single word from Mother you become as in old times a husband?” Li Xian said, “Meeting is fate; having care is love — everything else is mere attachment.”

　　Li Lingyue continued, “So if you can make that person happy, whether your own heart is moved or not no longer matters.” Li Xian: “Someone willing to stand by you is what matters.” Li Lingyue smiled faintly, “What you say is wise. I suppose I am the one too attached.”

　　The next day Li Lingyue donned light rouge and met Xue Shao. He found her most beautiful and said, “Sister, in this dress you are truly lovely.” Li Lingyue smiled: “If Brother Shao likes it, I will wear it always. The things of the past I did not understand; from now on, will you be willing to stay by my side?” Xue Shao answered, “I am willing.” Li Lingyue added, “Then when the time comes I will speak to my parents and present you as my consort, never to be parted.” Xue Shao was stunned and unsure what to say.

　　After a pause he asked, “Sister, is your heart not set on Scholar Xi…?” Before he could finish, Li Lingyue cut in, “Right now I only ask: Brother Shao, will you?” Xue Shao promptly replied, “I am willing.” Given his answer, Li Lingyue said, “I am awkward and inexperienced; it is better I be yours.” Xue Shao agreed, though the matter sowed a knot in his heart.

　　One day, while passing Ximing Monastery in Chang’an, Xue Shao saw the temple radiating an unusual sanctity. He entered and, after paying respects, wandered into a quiet part of the grounds where trees arched and paths wound inward. He discovered a monk reclining in a bamboo chair — the revered Master Yuance.

　　Master Yuance, given name Wenya, had been a disciple of Master Xuanzang. Born a prince in Silla, he entered monastic life at three, came to Tang China in his youth, and studied under great monks. He was learned in Abhidharma texts and had followed Xuanzang to the newly rebuilt Ximing Monastery.

　　Xue Shao bowed and said, “Master, I am Xue Shao. It is an honor to be known by you.” The two conversed at length. Xue Shao lamented his inner turmoil: “Master, I am in love with a girl who loves another. His absence is far away. I was once gravely wounded on her behalf. Out of gratitude or as a substitute, she sought to marry me, and my family sees it as a match that would bind clans and bring benefit. Some relish the prospect; others grieve. Am I truly in love with her?” Yuance asked gently, “Do you love her?” Xue Shao answered, “My longing has been long — I love her deeply.” “Is she happy now?” “She appears joyful, as if nothing happened.” The Master said, “Then you feel love — but what is love?”

　　Xue Shao hesitated until the Master spoke of the Buddha’s answer when Ananda asked, “After the Buddha’s nirvana, how shall we remember him? What will be our guide? How shall a monk restrain himself?” The Buddha answered, “Thus I have heard” — meaning, show what one has heard: this is how the teaching is transmitted — I too once heard it thus. On hearing this, Xue Shao admitted, “I am foolish; please instruct me.” Master Yuance said, “You seek answers in words and others’ pronouncements. The heart sees what it wants to see. What you have heard is what you have heard; do not bind yourself in an unending chain of attachment. If you can take the hand of someone and grow old together, that is love.” Xue Shao’s knot loosened; he left joyful and told his family of his intent to wed Li Lingyue. His relatives welcomed the match as it would give them standing at court. But his elder brother Xue Yi had reservations: “The Princess is favored by the Empress. If she should err, our clan would suffer; we could not rebuke her. Over time, how could our house endure?” The clan elder Kegou cited historical warnings about marrying high-born princesses, naming past cases where noble brides had brought ruin. Thus the family hesitated. Xue Shao knelt in supplication for three days.

　　Xue Yi’s wife, Lady Xiao, could not understand his opposition — the pair’s feelings were mutual. Xue Yi, however, feared the Empress’s favor toward the Princess and the danger that would bring to old ministers like them. He would not risk the clan being daily vexed by the Empress; so cautious counsel prevailed. After another three days of Xue Shao falling into near-faintness from not eating, the family relented and consented. Xue Yi, though grudging, agreed.

　　Elated, Xue Shao sought out Li Lingyue. Soon the Emperor hosted a banquet in the Lin De Hall for his relatives. In the midst of the feast Li Lingyue suddenly descended before the Emperor and Empress — clad in purple, a jade belt at her waist, a dark kerchief upon her head, bow and arrows in hand. She performed a deep bow and announced, “Father, Mother, the Princess asks to perform a dance for your pleasure.” Then she sang and danced in a spirited martial style, looking every bit the youthful military officer. The Emperor and Empress laughed in delight. The Emperor asked, “Why dress like an officer if you cannot be one?” Li Lingyue replied, “If this garb does not suit me, then present it to my future consort.” The Emperor and Empress exchanged looks — they saw at once that their daughter wished to marry. The Empress, seeing her daughter’s pluck and courage as a mirror of her own youth, asked, “Who has won your heart, daughter? Tell us.” Li Lingyue answered, “Brother, I favor Xue Shao.” The Empress said, “If it is Xue Shao, I shall summon him tomorrow and set an auspicious day.” Li Lingyue thanked her.

　　At first when the Empress had first seen Xue Shao on New Year’s she had not been impressed; now that her daughter chose him, she summoned him to court for the household’s opinion. The attendants were satisfied, and despite lingering doubts the Empress consented because her child was happy. The Emperor and Empress decided to have a double ceremony: Li Xian and Li Lingyue’s bridal rites would be held together on a propitious day chosen by palace Daoists.

　　With these events unfolding, Lin Chaoyang, who had left with the Grand Master, was tortured by his own ties. One day while sitting in meditation he found memories of Li Lingyue resurfacing like a host of inner demons; the visions manifested themselves as an apparition in Li Lingyue’s form. The phantom demanded, “That day you left without farewell and left me a life of longing — why have you done this? Why deprive me of a lifetime?” Lin Chaoyang answered, “I left for the Dao — for the great Way I relinquished attachments. I can face myself with a clear conscience.” Li Lingyue asked hotly, “And what if your conscience is not clear?” Lin Chaoyang was stumped, fumbling for words, only able to say, “I… I…” Li Lingyue continued, “You said you loved me and promised to hold my hand to the end. You left for countless reasons, countless causes and consequences; I have none, only countless resentments.” Lin Chaoyang, angered and yet ashamed, cast a spell to suppress the apparition. As the illusion faded, Li Lingyue’s face broke into a smile.