On the Jing River she had to stay,
With sheep and bad weather she passed her day.
This gentleman brought her message,
And we have determined her life for the better.
To heart we will keep this forever.

After the prince had finished his song, the dragon king and the prince together offered one more cup of wine to Liu Yi.  He drank it and thanked them for their toast.  Then Liu Yi sang:

A blossom suffering in the rain,
The princess longed for home in vain.
A great pain to see her in plight,
A great joy to do something right.
Now we enjoy, yet soon will part,
For my own home I must start.
Bitter longing has come to my heart!

Loud applause greeted his song.

The dragon king presented Liu Yi with a rhinoceros-horn casket inlaid with jasper, a key to part the waves in the lake.  The prince then presented an amber dish bearing pearls that shone at night.  Liu Yi accepted the gifts gratefully.  Maids of honor piled silks and jewels around him until they were heaped up.  Surrounded by such good company and enjoyable entertainment, Liu Yi passed a memorable day.  Sated at last with wine and pleasure, he retired to the Hall of Frozen Light.

The next day he was invited to feast at the Pavilion of Limpid Light by the prince of Qian Tang.  After offering him heated wine, the prince became insolent and said: “A hard rock can be broken but not bent, and a brave man can be killed but not be shamed.  I would like to make a proposal.  If you agree, everything will be all right between us.  If not, let us perish together.  How is that?”

“May I hear your proposal first?” said the surprised Liu Yi. 

“As you know,” said the prince, “that blackguard lord of the Jing River’s unfortunate widow is our sovereign’s daughter.  She is a very well educated, excellent girl, well cherished by all her kinsfolk.