Chapter 106 Myriad Affections (II)

　　Said:　　If life could be as at first meeting, why should the autumn wind mourn the painted fan?　　Easily the old friend’s heart changes, and people say the old heart is quick to change.　　After everyone returned to Chang’an, by ceremony Princess Shan Chan and her retinue stayed at the Honglu Guest Hall. Emperor Xuanzong ordered Chen Xuanli and the Golden Cavalry to assume guardianship and instructed the Three Purities Hall to select an auspicious wedding date at once.　　When the matter was settled, Gao Lishi reported, “Your Majesty, the eighth day of next month is a most propitious date for marriage and blessings.” Xuanzong nodded slightly; his gaze passed over the courtyard blooms and for a moment he seemed to recall old times with Consort Wu, sighing softly, “So be it — set that day and make everything perfect.” Meanwhile, Bai Su, unable to accept his fate, brought dozens of sworn men and slipped into the capital secretly. When his party rested by the post road he stood drinking beneath the moon and thought, “Princess, if you knew my heart, would you turn back?” The dead attendants kept silent like shadows; only the rustle of leaves in the wind accentuated his lonely, desolate silhouette.　　After the ceremony Xuanzong returned to the Great Wild Goose Pagoda to visit Wang Zhongsi. “You have dwelt in that tower for years,” the emperor said, “today is Chenghao’s great wedding — will you not come down to see it?” Wang Zhongsi lifted his gaze; a ripple moved in his eyes and after a moment he replied, “There are things I still cannot untangle. I cannot think them through nor clarify the