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Zhinü (“Weaver Girl”) is an ancient Chinese star name, also known as Tiansun (“Granddaughter of Heaven”). It refers to an asterism of three stars arranged in a triangular formation, located on the western side of the Milky Way, directly opposite the Niulang (Cowherd) stars on the eastern bank.
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Niulang (“Cowherd”) is an ancient Chinese star name, also known as Qian Niu (“Heavenly Cowherd”). It refers to an asterism composed of three stars located on the eastern side of the Milky Way, directly opposite the star Zhinü (“Weaver Girl”) – identified with Vega in Western astronomy – on the western bank.
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Ma Ji, also known as Dragon Messenger, was a merchant’s son. He had striking good looks and in his untrammeled youth gave himself up to the pleasures of singing and dancing. He frequented the Pear Garden, where he amused himself in the company of the actors. Wrapping his head in a brocade turban he…