Two days later, a matchmaker arrived to propose marriage on behalf of Zhang Sheng. Scholar Wang chuckled, "A poor scholar and a little maid—a perfect match. However, the betrothal gift is too meager. If I married Qingmei into a wealthy household, the silver received would be many times greater." Axi hurriedly interceded, "Qingmei has served me for so long; I cannot bear to sell her off as a concubine." Scholar Wang nodded, saying to the matchmaker, "For my daughter's sake, I will suffer a loss this once. I will sell Qingmei to the Zhang family at the original price. Prepare the silver, and you may collect her anytime."

After Qingmei entered the Zhang household, she devoted herself to serving her in-laws, being exceedingly deferential, diligently managing the household chores. She took coarse meals and simple fare without complaint, endearing herself to the whole family. Furthermore, she excelled at embroidery; her work was fine and sold quickly, drawing crowds of buyers, far exceeding demand. With this income, she managed to supplement the family budget, improving their livelihood. Qingmei often urged Zhang Sheng toward advancement, saying, "I will handle all the household matters; my lord husband, you must focus solely on your studies. Should you attain fame and honors in the coming days, I shall benefit alongside you."

On the day Scholar Wang departed for his new post, Qingmei went to see him off. Axi, seeing her, choked back tears, saying, "You have found a good destination, while I am not as fortunate as you." Qingmei replied, "This is all due to my young mistress’s kindness; I dare not forget it. Please do not speak of a servant being lesser than her master again; as a mere maid, I cannot bear such words, lest they shorten my life." The two parted with tears.

Scholar Wang arrived in Shanxi. Six months later, his wife passed away, and her coffin was kept in a temple. Two years after that, Scholar Wang was dismissed from office for accepting bribes and fined heavily. His family fell into destitution, unable to support themselves, and his retinue scattered. At this time, a great plague broke out, and Wang succumbed to illness and died. He left behind an elderly servant to care for Axi. Before long, the maidservant also died. Axi was left utterly alone and desolate. Neighboring women advised her to marry. Axi declared, "Whoever can bury my parents, I shall marry him." Hearing this, the women felt pity and respect for her, gifting her a peck of rice before departing. Half a month later, they returned, saying, "I have worked tirelessly for you, madam, but the matter is difficult. The poor lack the means for burial, and the wealthy shun you due to your family’s decline, unwilling to take you as a wife—what can be done? There is one last strategy, but I fear you may not agree."

Axi inquired, "What strategy is it?" The woman replied, "Young Master Li in the county seat seeks a secondary wife. If he sees your beauty, madam, he will surely be pleased. If you but nod your assent, the decent burial of your parents will be settled instantly." Axi wept bitterly, "I was once the daughter of an official family; now to be asked to become someone’s concubine—it is truly hard to obey." The woman had no reply, sighed, and left. Axi subsisted on one meager meal a day, barely clinging to life, waiting to be bought. Six months later, her situation became almost unbearable.

One day, the neighbor returned. Axi cried out, "In this plight, I often wish to end my life. The only reason I linger on is that my parents’ coffins remain unburied. If I die, who will arrange for their final rites? Thinking it over and over, my sister’s words from before were not without reason. I shall follow your suggestion." The woman was overjoyed and guided Young Master Li to her. The man and woman met, and Young Master Li was quite pleased and delighted. He immediately provided funds to manage the funeral rites, took Axi home, and presented her to his principal wife. The first wife was fierce and jealous; upon seeing Axi, she flew into a violent rage, beat her with sticks, and drove her out, forbidding her entry.

Axi fled, hair disheveled and weeping, with nowhere to turn. An old nun passed by and invited her to reside with her. Axi gladly accepted and followed her to the convent. There, she begged to have her head shaved, but the old nun refused, saying, "I observe that you are not the type to linger long in the dust of the world. The pottery and grain here in the convent are sufficient for you to sustain yourself, even if it is rough fare. Rest here for now; when the time is right, you may leave as you please."

Not long after she settled in, local ruffians, noticing Axi’s beauty, often knocked on the door to harass her. The old nun could not stop them. Axi wept until she nearly died. The old nun reported the matter to the authorities. The officials issued an order: Men were strictly forbidden from disturbing the nuns’ quiet cultivation. Only then did the ruffians somewhat restrain their evil deeds. Later, someone tried to dig a hole under the temple wall under cover of darkness, but the old nun luckily discovered it and shouted loudly, causing them to flee. The old nun complained to the authorities again, who captured the ringleader and beat him soundly. Afterward, things gradually calmed down.

A year later, a noble young master passed by the convent and, upon seeing Axi’s countenance, was struck as if by a celestial being. He heavily bribed the old nun, begging her to intercede and arrange a match. The old nun politely refused, saying, "She was originally the daughter of a noble family; how could she consent to be the young master’s concubine? You should return home, and I shall give you a reply after some time." When the young master left, Axi seethed with resentment and wished for death. That night, she dreamt her father appeared, speaking with deep sorrow, "My child, I forbade you from marrying Zhang Sheng before, which has led to your current misfortune; it is too late for regret now. Listen to your father’s advice, never seek death. Wait a few more days; your long-cherished wish may yet be fulfilled." Axi was secretly astonished. At dawn, after washing, the old nun entered her room and said, "Looking at your face, madam, the murky air has completely dissipated; good fortune is about to arrive. Do not trouble yourself over worries; when wealth comes in the future, do not forget this old body."

Before she finished speaking, a knocking was heard at the door. Axi’s face changed color: "It must be a servant from the noble young master’s house." The old nun opened the door to check and found it was just as she expected. The servant said, "The young master sent me to inquire: How is that matter progressing?" The old nun remained calm and replied, "Come back in three days for a definite answer." The servant conceded, "Very well, you have three days. Remember this: if the matter fails, you must explain it to the young master yourself." The old nun nervously agreed and sent him away. Axi was overcome with grief and again contemplated suicide, but the old nun quickly stopped her. Axi asked, "If the noble young master returns in three days, what then?" The old nun assured her, "I will handle everything. Whatever comes—whether they wish to kill or cut—I will bear the full responsibility."

The afternoon of the next day, a torrential downpour began. Suddenly, several people were heard knocking and shouting loudly. Axi feared some new misfortune had occurred and stood trembling, not knowing what to do. The old nun braved the rain to open the door. Outside stood a sedan chair, carried by several maidservants who helped out a beautiful lady; they were surrounded by retainers, making an imposing display. The old nun asked in surprise, "Who has come?" The servant replied, "This is the consort of Magistrate Si; we are taking temporary shelter from the storm." The old nun pressed her palms together in greeting and ushered the lady into the main hall, offering her a couch to sit upon. The household maids and servants hurried toward the meditation rooms to find resting places. Upon entering one room, they encountered Axi; seeing her exquisite beauty, they rushed to report to the madam. Soon, the rain intensified. The madam stood up and requested, "This humble woman wishes to tour the meditation quarters; is it convenient?" The old nun led the way, entering the quarters, and upon seeing Axi, was both shocked and delighted, her eyes never leaving her. Axi also gazed back for a long time. It turned out the madam was none other than Qingmei.

Reuniting after so long, they both burst into inconsolable sobs. Qingmei recounted her experiences since their parting: After the father-in-law passed away, Zhang Sheng completed his mourning period and resumed his official duties, his career prospering with successive promotions; he had now been appointed to the position of Magistrate Si. Zhang Sheng and his mother had proceeded to his post first, intending to move the family later; she had come this time to meet up with her husband. Axi sighed, "Our meeting today—the fates of you and I are truly poles apart." Qingmei smiled, "It is fortunate that my lady has encountered setbacks and remains unmarried until now; this is Heaven’s will to reunite us sisters. If it hadn't rained, how could this encounter have occurred? There is a destiny intertwined in the darkness, and the power of the spirits is unfathomable; no human can know."

As she spoke, she produced an ornate cap and fine silks, urging Axi to change. Axi bowed her head and hesitated, clearly reluctant. The old nun strongly advised her, and Axi, blushing, said, "If I were to live with my younger sister as her husband’s wife, my status would be ill-defined and improper." Qingmei persuaded her, "The designation of status was settled long ago; how dare this servant forget my elder sister’s great kindness? Think about it—surely Young Master Zhang is not a man of disloyalty?" She insisted on the change of attire, and the party took their leave of the old nun.

Upon arriving at the house, the mother and son were overjoyed. Axi bowed to the elder madam, saying, "I have no face to see my own mother today." The old madam comforted her with light words and laughter. Immediately, they discussed selecting an auspicious day for Axi’s wedding. Axi protested, "If I had even a slender path to survival in the convent, I would never have followed Madam here. If you recall our past affection, grant me a small room and a prayer mat, and that would be enough for my wishes." Qingmei smiled but said nothing.

When the wedding day arrived, Qingmei brought exquisite makeup. Axi was caught between two minds, unsure what to do. In a short while, the music swelled loudly, making it even harder for Axi to assert herself. Qingmei led several maids and forcibly dressed her in bridal clothes, then helped her out. In the main hall, Zhang Sheng stood in his official robes, bowing. Axi had no choice but to follow, gracefully bowing in return. Qingmei escorted the two into the bridal chamber, saying, "I have long kept this honored seat vacant for my elder sister." She then looked at Zhang Sheng and stated, "Tonight I can repay my debt of gratitude; take good care of her." She turned to leave. Axi grasped the corner of her skirt, refusing to let go. Qingmei laughed, "Don't keep me; I cannot substitute for you in the bridal chamber." She gently pulled her fingers free and departed on her own.

After the marriage, Qingmei meticulously served Axi, never daring to offend her. Axi remained constantly ashamed and uneasy. Mother Zhang laughed, saying, "There is no need for such formality between you two; both are mistresses here, equal in status." Qingmei merely smiled and continued to serve Axi with the respect due a maid, never slacking in her duties.

Three years later, Zhang Sheng was promoted and heading to the capital. He passed by the nunnery and offered the old nun five hundred pieces of gold for her birthday celebration. The old nun refused, but when Zhang Sheng insisted repeatedly, she accepted two hundred gold pieces and used the money to erect a statue of a great Bodhisattva and a memorial stele for Lady Wang. Later, Zhang Sheng rose to the rank of Assistant Minister. Qingmei bore him two sons and one daughter, and Axi bore him four sons and one daughter. Zhang Sheng submitted a memorial to the Emperor detailing the events, receiving imperial commendation, and both daughters were enfeoffed as madams.