Usodna zaroka v templju

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Usodna zaroka v templju

During the Xianning era, a son of Han Bo, Minister of Ceremonies, a son of Wang Yun, Governor of Kuaiji, and a son of Liu Dan, Grand Master of Splendid Happiness—their own names unrecorded—visited the temple on Mount Jiang together. There were several statues of women in the temple, all very beautiful. The three men grew drunk, and each pointed to a statue in jest, claiming her as his bride. That very night, all three dreamed that the Marquis of Jiang sent a messenger to them, saying, “My daughters are plain and uncomely, yet you have graciously deigned to favor them.” He then named a day: “On that date, you shall all be welcomed as bridegrooms.” Struck by the extraordinary particulars of their dreams, the men questioned one another, only to discover that each had dreamed exactly the same thing. Greatly frightened, they prepared the three sacrificial animals and went to the temple to confess their offense and beg for mercy. Again, all three dreamed that the Marquis of Jiang came to them in person and said, “Since you have already favored my daughters, I am most eager for these unions. The appointed wedding day is nearly upon us. How can you now be allowed to change your minds?” Before long, all three died.