At the end of the Spring and Autumn Period, the palace of the State of Wu stood tall and magnificent. Wu Wang Fuchai had a young daughter named Ziyu, who was eighteen years old, beautiful and intelligent. That pair of eyes, like autumn water, seem to be able to see through people’s hearts; Pink faced peach cheeks, smiling like flowers blooming in spring, intoxicating. Her every frown and smile touched the hearts of the Wu couple and won their love.
In this bustling capital city, there is a commoner youth named Han Zhong, who is nineteen years old. He has clear eyebrows and beautiful eyes, a refined temperament, and is well read in poetry and literature. He is very talented and knowledgeable. One day, by chance, Han Zhong saw Ziyu, and that startled glance caused ripples in his heart. Ziyu was also attracted by Han Zhong’s talent and demeanor, and their eyes met, instantly sparking a spark of love. Ziyu secretly pondered in her heart, “This person is elegant and talented, truly a good person.” Han Zhong also couldn’t forget Ziyu, thinking to himself, “If such a beautiful woman could accompany her for a lifetime, what would my husband ask for
So Ziyu secretly sent a maid to deliver a message to Han Zhong, and the two began a secret relationship. In the letter, they confided in each other, their feelings grew stronger, and they privately made an engagement. Soon after, Han Zhongyuan went to study in the Qi and Lu states, and it is unknown when he will return from this trip. Before leaving, he instructed his parents to entrust a matchmaker to propose to the daughter of King Wu. Han Zhong’s parents were well aware of the nobility of the King of Wu. Although they had doubts in their hearts, they could only grit their teeth and give it a try when they saw their son’s resolute gaze.
When the King of Wu heard a proposal from a commoner, he was instantly furious. He widened his eyes and sternly said to Ziyu, ‘He must have lost this heart! I won’t agree to you marrying a commoner. You are a princess of Wu, with a noble status, how can you marry him?’ Ziyu listened to her father’s words, her heart twisted like a knife. Her eyes turned red, tears welled up in her eyes, and she begged desperately, “Father, Han Zhong is a talented person who truly cares about his daughter. My daughter and he are compatible, and I beg Father to grant it.” However, the King of Wu remained unmoved and firmly said, “This matter is absolutely impossible! Don’t bring it up again
From then on, Ziyu felt depressed and didn’t think about food and tea all day long. She often sits alone by the window, looking into the distance and missing Han Zhong. That beautiful face lost its former radiance and was replaced by deep sorrow. She was filled with despair, feeling that her love for Han Zhong was like a moon in water or a flower in a mirror, unattainable. Days passed by day by day, and Ziyu’s melancholy grew deeper and deeper, finally falling ill in bed. The Wu couple were extremely anxious and invited countless doctors to treat her, but there was no improvement. Shortly after, Ziyu fell seriously ill and passed away. The King of Wu was very sad. He looked at his daughter’s pale face and tears welled up in his eyes. He ordered someone to bury his daughter in the outskirts of Changmen, which is a beautiful place. He hopes that his daughter can also rest in peace under the Nine Springs.
Three years later, Han Zhong returned from studying in the states of Qi and Lu. He returned home with great anticipation and asked his parents about Ziyu’s condition. His parents looked at their son’s eager eyes, filled with guilt, and had no choice but to tell him about Ziyu’s melancholy death. After hearing this, Han Zhong was struck by lightning. His face turned pale in an instant, and tears gushed out like a bursting flood. He cried out in grief, “Ziyu, how could you leave me like this? Our promise has not been fulfilled yet, how can you bear to abandon me?” Han Zhong couldn’t accept this cruel fact and decided to go to Ziyu’s grave to pay his respects. He prepared offerings and paper money and arrived at the outskirts of Changmen with a heavy heart. The solitary tomb stood quietly there, surrounded by withered vegetation, appearing particularly desolate.
Han Zhong knelt in front of Ziyu’s grave, crying bitterly. He spoke of his longing and love for Ziyu, recalling every little thing they had in the past. His crying echoed in the silent outskirts, heartbreaking. At this moment, a gentle breeze suddenly blew, carrying a hint of mystery. Han Zhong looked up in surprise and saw the soul of Ziyu slowly drifting out of the tomb. She was dressed in a white long dress, with long flowing hair, like a fairy descending to earth. Her face remained beautiful and charming, but with a hint of paleness and sadness.
After seeing Ziyu, Han Zhong was extremely surprised. He widened his eyes, unable to believe his own eyes. He trembled and said, “Ziyu, is that you? Is it really you?” Ziyu shed tears and said, “Han Zhong, it’s me. Father firmly disagrees with our marriage, and I feel sad and melancholy. I have come to the underworld.” Her voice was soft and sad, as if she was telling endless sorrow. Han Zhong stood up, wanting to embrace Ziyu, but hesitated again. He said, ‘Ghosts and humans cannot communicate!’ Ziyu looked at Han Zhong with deep affection in her eyes. She said, “Are you still afraid that I am a ghost and will harm you?” Han Zhong looked at Ziyu’s sincere eyes, and his fear gradually dissipated. He said, “I’m not afraid. As long as I can be with you, I’m willing to go even to the Ghost Realm
So Han Zhong followed Ziyu to the tomb. There is a cave in the tomb, with flickering lights reflecting the exquisite decorations. The maidservants of Ziyu had already arranged a banquet, with the table filled with delicacies and delicious wine. Ziyu smiled at Han Zhong, her eyes filled with tenderness and joy. She whispered, “Han Zhong, come on, let’s sit down.” Han Zhong sat down as he spoke, his gaze fixed on Ziyu as if he couldn’t see enough. They sat facing each other, and Ziyu picked up her wine glass, her eyes full of emotion: “Han Zhong, it’s not easy for us to meet again today. Let’s drink this glass together and cherish this rare time.” Han Zhong took the wine glass, drank it in one gulp, and said, “Ziyu, I’m really happy to see you again. For the past three years, I’ve been thinking of you all the time
After three rounds of drinking, the atmosphere became even more enchanting. Han Zhong couldn’t help but grasp Ziyu’s hand. Ziyu trembled slightly, but didn’t withdraw her hand. Han Zhong asked softly, “Ziyu, do you know how much I miss you?” Ziyu blushed and replied in a low voice, “Isn’t that me?” Han Zhong slowly approached Ziyu, and her heart beat faster involuntarily. Han Zhong gently hugged Ziyu’s waist, and Ziyu closed her eyes slightly, feeling Han Zhong’s breath. Han Zhong gently kissed Ziyu’s lips, and Ziyu responded to his kiss. The two of them were immersed in this sweet moment. It was a long time before they parted ways. Ziyu leaned against Han Zhong’s arms and whispered, “Han Zhong, shouldn’t we be like this?” Han Zhong tightly hugged Ziyu and said, “No, Ziyu, we love each other, there’s nothing wrong with it
They spent three days and three nights in the tomb, during which they sometimes embraced and sat together, pouring out their longing for each other; Sometimes we stroll together along the path in the tomb, admiring the strange decorations; Sometimes we taste delicious food together and enjoy this rare tranquility and happiness. When parting, it’s hard to part ways. Ziyu gave Han Zhong a big pearl as a souvenir and said, “We are going to part ways, take good care of yourself. Please tell our parents about these situations.” Han Zhong walked out of the grave and stood alone in front of Ziyu’s grave, feeling very sad. He decided to bring Ziyu’s instructions to the King of Wu and told him about his encounter with Ziyu.
The King of Wu was very angry when he heard this. He patted the table and said, “My Ziyu is already dead, and you are still spreading rumors and insulting her soul. Even though it was you who dug up the tomb and stole the pearl, you are still pretending to have some strange things!” The King of Wu ordered Han Zhong to be arrested. Helpless, Han Zhong left the Wu Wang Mansion and fled to Ziyu’s tomb, telling her what had happened. After hearing this, Ziyu’s heart was filled with anger and helplessness. She said, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll explain it to Father now.’ At this moment, King Wu was grooming himself when he suddenly saw his daughter coming, mixed with joy and sorrow. He widened his eyes, unable to believe his own eyes. He trembled and said, “Ziyu, is that you
Ziyu knelt in front of her father and said, “In the past, that young man Han Zhong asked a matchmaker to propose to me, but you, Father, refused, which made me die with grief, anger, and integrity. A few days ago, Han Zhong paid his respects at my grave, and I was grateful for his true feelings towards me. I gave him the pearl, which was not obtained from his tomb robbery.” The King of Wu looked at his daughter with guilt in his heart. He said, “Ziyu, it was my father’s mistake. If I had agreed to your marriage in the first place, you wouldn’t have died
At this moment, the wife of King Wu learned that her daughter had returned and immediately ran out to hug her. But as soon as her hand touched the purple jade, it turned into a wisp of green smoke and drifted away. The King and Lady of Wu were heartbroken, looking in the direction where the purple jade had disappeared, unable to let go for a long time. And Han Zhong could only spend the rest of his life alone with longing for Ziyu.
