This is an episode from the novel Strange Tales from a Make-Do Studio.
An Daye was exceptionally clever and handsome from a young age. His parents adored him, hoping he would achieve great success and bring honor to the family. Many neighbors vied to marry their daughters to him. One night, his mother dreamed that a princess would marry her son, so she declined all other proposals. However, years passed with no sign of the prophesied princess, and she began to regret her decision.
One day, while Daye was reading, a graceful young lady accompanied by several maids entered his room. She introduced herself as Princess Yunluo from the residence of Shenghou. Delighted, Daye invited her to play a board game. The princess proved highly skilled, defeating him several times in a row. When she prepared to leave, Daye was reluctant to part with her. Princess Yunluo gave him fifty kilograms of gold, instructing him to build a new house and promising to return once it was completed.
The princess returned as promised. That night, Daye proposed marriage. Princess Yunluo said, "If we marry, I can stay with you for only six years. But if we remain as companions in chess and wine, we can be together for thirty years." Daye replied, "Let us marry first, and let the future take care of itself." The princess remained silent, and they were married that very night.
Time passed quickly. Princess Yunluo bore Daye two sons. True to her warning, at the end of six years, she departed without saying goodbye. Daye missed her so deeply that he vowed never to marry again.