The renowned Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi, through his poetry, advocated for the common people, which displeased the powerful officials of his era. As a result, he was demoted to Sima in Jiangzhou.

One day, he went to the Xunyang River to bid farewell to a friend. The wind rustled through the reeds, evoking a feeling of melancholy. They boarded a boat and began to drink when the sound of a pipa drifted from across the river.

They steered their boat closer, and after repeated calls and earnest entreaties, they finally met the beautiful woman who held her pipa half-hidden.