In the late Ming Dynasty, there was a young scholar named Liu Sheng. He was born with clear eyebrows and delicate eyes, with a face as beautiful as a crown and jade. He was dressed in a blue shirt, which made him even more refined and elegant. Although Liu Sheng’s family was not wealthy, they were diligent and eager to learn. They studied the books of sages day and night, hoping that one day they would be able to take the imperial examination and attend high school, and honor their ancestors.
On this day, Liu Sheng was picking herbs in the mountains to subsidize his family. The scenery in the mountains is serene, with towering ancient trees and melodious bird songs. Liu Sheng was focused on searching for herbs when suddenly he heard a melodious flute sound. The sound of the flute was ethereal and pleasant, like immortal music, which made him yearn for it. He followed the direction of the flute sound and saw a woman dressed in a green silk skirt playing a jade flute in a field of blooming flowers.
This woman has a stunning face, with skin as smooth as cream, eyebrows as distant as jade, eyes shining like stars, and a head of black hair cascading down like a waterfall. Liusheng was momentarily stunned and forgot where he was. After the woman finished playing the song, he came back to his senses and quickly bowed, saying, “Little Liu Sheng, I have taken the liberty of disturbing the elegant pleasure of the girl. I was really attracted by the sound of this flute, and I hope the girl can forgive me.” His voice trembled slightly, his eyes were full of shyness and admiration, and his face turned slightly red.
Qinge smiled faintly and whispered, “It’s okay, since you love the sound of this flute, why don’t you enjoy the scenery together here?” Her smile was like the warm spring sun, and her voice was gentle and pleasant, as if it could dispel all the gloom in the world.
Liusheng was pleasantly surprised and chatted freely with Qing’e in the mountains. Qinge has a wide range of knowledge and unique insights into poetry, songs, and astronomy and geography. Liu Sheng admires her greatly. When parting ways, Liu Sheng’s heart was filled with reluctance, but he dared not be abrupt. He silently remembered this place, hoping to meet Qing’e again.
Since then, Liusheng has been coming to the mountains every day, hoping to see Qing’e again. However, for several days in a row, Qing’e did not appear again. Liusheng felt lost in his heart, but he could only bury this longing deep in his heart and continue to study hard.
One day, Liu Sheng saw Qing E in his dream. Qinge stood in a cloud and mist, with a sad expression. Liusheng, I was originally an elf practicing in the mountains. It was because of my fate to meet you that I appeared. But now my practice is facing a crisis and I’m afraid it will be difficult. “Qing’e’s voice trembled slightly, and her eyes were full of helplessness.
Liusheng woke up from his dream with great concern in his heart. He disregarded his family’s advice and once again ventured deep into the mountains to search for Qing’e. In front of a hidden cave, he found some traces of fighting. Liusheng’s heart tightened as he cautiously walked into the cave.
In the cave, Qinge was entangled by a huge python spirit. The python spirit is pitch black all over, with eyes the size of lanterns, spitting out letters from its mouth and making a hissing sound. Liusheng, hurry up and leave me alone! “Qing’e exclaimed anxiously upon seeing Liusheng. She struggled hard, but couldn’t break free from the bondage of the python spirit.
Although Liu Sheng was afraid, how could he abandon Qing’e and ignore her. He searched for weapons everywhere and saw a sharp branch on the ground, so he picked up the branch and rushed up. Demon, let go of Qing’e! “Liu Sheng shouted, his eyes showing firmness. Although his legs were a bit weak, the branch in his hand still stabbed towards the python spirit
Angered by Liu Sheng’s attack, the Python Spirit released Qing’e and turned to pounce on Liu Sheng. Liusheng flexibly evaded the attack of the python spirit and used the terrain in the cave to maneuver around it. Qinge took the opportunity to use her immortal technique, and a beam of light shot out of her hand, hitting the python spirit’s eye. The python spirit rolled in pain.
Liusheng seized the opportunity and fiercely stabbed the branch in his hand into the seven inches of the python spirit. The python struggled a few times before collapsing to the ground, losing its breath. Liusheng ran up to Qing’e and said, ‘Qing’e, are you okay?’ His eyes were full of concern, and he tightly held Qing’e’s hand with both hands. Qing’e smiled weakly and said, “Thanks to you, Liusheng. But due to this fight, my vitality has been greatly damaged and I may need a long time to recuperate.” Liusheng took Qing’e home and took good care of her. With the company and care of Liu Sheng, Qinge’s body gradually recovered. Their relationship also deepened during this period, as they recited poetry and painted in the courtyard, and shared their innermost thoughts under the moon.
However, the good times did not last long. Liusheng’s family discovered Qing’e’s identity, and they were worried that Liusheng would have a disaster with the elves, so they strongly opposed their association. Liusheng was caught in a dilemma. He didn’t want to go against his family’s wishes, but he couldn’t let go of his feelings for Qing’e.
Qinge saw Liu Sheng’s pain and said to him, “Liu Sheng, you don’t have to be difficult. I didn’t belong to this world in the first place, but now that I have regained my vitality, I should return to the mountains to continue my cultivation.” Her eyes were full of loneliness, and tears welled up in her eyes. Liusheng tightly hugged Qing’e and said, “No, Qing’e, I can’t live without you.” In the end, Liusheng left home with Qing’e and they arrived at a secluded place in the mountains, building a small house and living a peaceful life. Liusheng continued his studies in the mountains, while Qing’e practiced immortal techniques and occasionally taught Liusheng some ways to maintain his health.
Years later, Liu Sheng attended high school in the imperial examination. He could have entered the court as an official, but he gave up his glory and wealth and chose to spend his whole life with Qing’e. Their stories spread locally and became a beautiful talk in people’s mouths, making them believe that true love can overcome the barriers of race and society, like the flowers blooming in the mountains that never wither, emitting a charming fragrance in the long river of time, blending with the beauty of the world, and writing a legendary chapter.
