Chapter 116 Rouge Rises (III)

　　He said:　　Young men of Wuling east of the market, gilt saddles and white horses ride the spring breeze.　　Treading fallen blossoms, where do they roam? Laughing, they enter the tavern of the Hu courtesans.　　It was the early spring of the second year of the Tianbao era (743). In the season of mild warmth, the Daming Palace was awash with blooms—peonies in crimson, purple, and pale yellow glowed so fiercely that pavilions and terraces seemed stained with their brilliance. Emperor Xuanzong, taken with good cheer, held a feast by the Taiye Pond, commanding the inner attendants to set up a pavilion for entertainment so that he and Yang Yuhuan might admire the flowers together. From time to time he summoned civil and military officials into the inner court to enjoy the blossoms and bestow feasts.　　Since Li Chenghao had left Chang’an to investigate affairs, the verses of Li Lingyue had been taught at times by He Zhizhang. The poetic techniques He taught were picked up by Li Lingyue in an instant, much to He’s delight; he praised her repeatedly. Li Lingyue, however, felt puzzled. She would often sit alone by the window, watching petals fall in the courtyard and sigh, “I know these things because of memories from a previous life; to call them my own in this life feels undeserved of the praise I receive.” Such thoughts entangled her like silken threads spun by a springtime silkworm.　　After their poetry session that day, when He Zhizhang left, Li Lingyue went out of the hall to feed Qingyu. The jade-breasted bird pecked gently at a grain in her palm; Li Lingyue stroked its wings and murmured, “Jade, if my wisdom comes from memories of a past life, how can I claim to deserve these clever words in this life?” Qingyu tweeted softly and replied, “Princess, you were wise in your former life; do not gri