第一回 史南湘制谱选名花 梅子玉闻香惊绝艳
京师演戏之盛，甲于天下。地当尺五天边，处处歌台舞榭；人在大千队里，时时醉月评花。真乃说不尽的繁华，描不尽的情态。一时闻闻见见，怪怪奇奇，事不出于理之所无，人尽入于情之所有，遂以游戏之笔，摹写游戏之人。而游戏之中最难得者，几个用情守礼之君子，与几个洁身自好的优伶，真合著《国风》好色不淫一句。先将缙绅中子弟分作十种，皆是一个情字。
It’s interesting that it mentions games/play.
一曰情中正，一曰情中上，一曰情中高，一曰情中逸，一曰情中华，一曰情中豪，一曰情中狂，一曰情中趣，一日情中和，一曰情中乐；再将梨园中名旦分作十种，也是一个情字。
一曰情中至，一曰情中慧，一曰情中韵，一曰情中醇，一曰情中淑，一曰情中烈，一曰情中直，一曰情中酣，一曰情中艳，一曰情中媚。这都是上等人物。还有那些下等人物，这个情字便加不上，也指出几种来。一曰淫，一曰邪，一曰黠，一曰荡，一曰贪，一曰魔，一曰祟，一曰蠹。大概自古及今，用情于欢乐场中的人，均不外乎邪正两途，耳目所及，笔之于书，共成六十卷，名曰《品花宝鉴》，又曰《怡情佚史》。书中有宾有主，不即不离，藕断丝连，花浓云聚。陈言务去，不知费作者几许苦心；生面别开，遂能令读者一时快意。正是：鸳鸯绣了从教看，莫把金针暗度人。
此书不着姓名，究不知何代何年何地何人所作。书中开首说一极忘情之人，生一极钟情之子。这人姓梅，名士燮，号铁庵．江南金陵人氏；是个阀阅世家，现任翰林院侍读学士，寓居城南鸣珂里。其祖名鼎，曾任吏部尚书；其父名羹调，曾任文华殿大学士，三代单传。士燮于十七岁中了进士，入了翰林，迄今已二十九年，行年四十六岁了。家世本是金、张，经术复师马、郑。贵胃偏祟儒素，词臣竟屏纷华。蔼蔼乎心似春和，凛凛乎却貌如秋肃。人比他为司马君实、赵清献一流人物。夫人额氏，也是金陵大家，为左都御史颜尧臣之女，翰林院编修颜庄之妹，父兄皆已物故。这颜夫人今年四十四岁，真是德容兼备，贤淑无双，与梅学士唱随已二十余年。二十九岁上梦神人授玉，遂生了一个玉郎，取名子玉，号庚香。这梅子玉今年已十七岁了，生得貌如良玉，质比精金，宝贵如明珠在胎，光彩如华月升岫。而且天授神奇，胸罗斗宿，虽只十年诵读，已是万卷贯通。士燮前年告假回乡扫墓，子玉随了回去，即入了泮，在本省过了一回乡试未中，仍随任进京，因回南不便，遂以上舍生肄业成均，现从了浙江一个名宿李性全读书。这性全系士燮乡榜门生，是个言方行矩的道学先生。颜夫人将此子爱如珍宝，读书之外时不离身。宅中丫鬟仆妇甚多，仆妇三十岁以下，丫鬟十五岁以上者，皆不令其服侍子玉，恐为引诱。而子玉亦能守身如玉，虽在罗绮丛中，却无纨绔习气，不佩罗囊而自丽，不傅香粉而自华。惟取友尊师，功能刻苦；论今讨古，志在云霄。目下已有景星庆云之誉，人以一睹为快。
一日，先生有事放学，子玉正在独坐，却有两个好友来看他。一个姓颜名仲清，号剑潭，现年二十三岁，即系已故编修颜庄之于，为颜夫人之姪。
这颜庄在日，与士燮既系郎舅至亲，又有雷陈至契。不料于三十岁即赴召玉楼，他夫人郑氏绝食殉节。那时仲清年甫三龄，士燮抚养在家，又与郑氏夫人请旌表烈。仲清在士燮处，到十九岁上中了个副车。是年士燮与其作伐，赘于同乡同年现任通政司王文辉家为婿。这王文辉是颜夫人的表兄，与仲清亲上加亲，翁婿甚为相得。那一位姓史名南湘，号竹君，是湖广汉阳人，现年二十四岁，已中了本省解元。父亲史曾望现为吏科给事中。这两人同是才高八斗，学富五车，但两人的情性却又各不相同。仲清是孤高自洁，坦白为怀。将他的学问与子玉比较起来，子玉是纯粹一路，仲清是旷达一路。一切人情物理，仲清不过略观大概，不求甚解。子玉则钩探索隐，精益求精。
往往有仲清鄙夷不屑之学，经子玉精心讲贯，便觉妙义环生。
亦有子玉所索解不得之理，经仲清一言点悟，顿觉白地光明。
这两个相聚十余年，其结契之厚，比同胞手足更加亲密。那南湘是啸傲忘形，清狂绝俗，目空一世，倚马万言，就只赏识子玉、仲清二人。
这日同来看子玉，门上见是来惯的，是少爷至好，便一直引到书房与子玉见了。仲清又同子玉进内见了姑母，然后出来与南湘坐下。三人讲了些话，书僮送上香茗。南湘见这室中清雅绝尘，一切陈设甚精且古，久知其胸次不凡，又见那清华尊贵的仪表，就是近日所选那《曲台花谱》中数人，虽然有此姿容，到底无此神骨。但见其谦谦自退，讷讷若虚，究不知他何所嗜好，若有些拘执鲜通，胶滞不化，也算不得全才了。便想来试他一试，即问道：「庾香，我问你，世间能使人娱耳悦目，动心荡魄的，以何物为最？」子玉蓦然被他这一问，便看着南湘，心里想道：「他是个清狂潇洒人，决不与世俗之见相同，必有个道理在内。」便答道：「这句话却问得太泛，人生耳目虽同，性情各异。有好繁华的，即有厌繁华的。有好冷淡的，也有嫌冷淡的。譬如东山以丝竹为陶情，而陋室又以丝竹为乱耳。有屏蛾眉而弗御，有携姬妾以自随。则娱耳悦目之乐既有不同，而荡心动魄之处更自难合，安能以一人之耳目性情，概人人之耳目性情？」南湘道：「不是这么说，我是指一种人而言。
现在这京城里人山人海，譬如见位尊望重者，与之讲官话，说官箴，自顶至踵，一一要合官体，则可畏。见酸腐措大，拘手挛足，曲背耸肩而呻吟作推敲之势，则可笑。见市井逐臭之夫，评黄白，论市价，俗气熏人，则可恶。
见俗优滥妓，油头粉面，无耻之极，则可恨。你想，凡目中所见的，去了这些，还有那一种人？」子玉正猜不着他所说什么，只得说道：「既然娱悦不在声色，其唯二三知己朝夕素心乎？」仲清大笑。南湘道：「岂有此理！朋友岂可云娱耳悦目的？庾香设心不良。」说罢哈哈大笑。子玉被他们这一笑，笑得不好意思起来，脸已微红，便说道：「你们休要取笑。我是这个意思：挥麈清淡，乌衣美秀，难道不可娱耳，不可悦目？
醇醪醉心，古剑照胆，交友中难道无动心荡魄处么？」南湘笑道：「你总是这一间屋子里的说话，所见不广，所游未化。」即从（靴）里取出一本书来，送与子玉道：「这是我近刻的，大约可以娱耳悦目，动心荡魄者，要在此数君。」仲清笑道：「你将此书呈政于庾香，真似苏秦始见秦王，可保的你书十上而说不行。他非但没有领略此中情味，且未见过这些人，如何能教他一时索解出来？」子玉见他们说得郑重，不知是什么好书，便揭开一看，书目是《曲台花选》，有好几篇序，无非骈四俪六之文。南湘叫他不要看序，且看所选的人。子玉见第一个题的是：
琼楼珠树袁宝珠
宝珠姓袁氏，宇瑶卿，年十六岁。姑苏人。隶联锦部。善丹青，娴吟咏。其演《鹊桥》、《密誓》、《惊梦》、《寻梦》等出，艳夺明霞，朗涵仙露。正使玉环失宠，杜女无华。纤音遏云，柔情如水。《霓裳》一曲，描来天宝风流。春梦重寻，谱出香闺思怨。平时则清光奕奕，软语喁喁，励志冰清，守身玉洁。此当于郁金堂后筑翡翠楼居之。因赠以诗：
舞袖轻盈弱不胜，难将水月比清澄。
自从珠字名卿后，能使珠光百倍增。
瘦沈腰肢绝可怜，一生爱好自天然。
风流别有消魂处，始信人间有谪仙。
子玉笑道：「这不是说戏班里的小旦么？这是那里的小旦，你赞得这样好？」仲清道：「现在这里的，你不见说在联锦班么？」于玉道：「我不信，这是竹君撒谎。我今年也看过一天的戏，几曾见小旦中有这样好人？」南湘道：「你那天看的不知是什么班子，自然没有好的了。」子玉再看第二题的是：瑶台璧月苏惠芳惠芳姓苏氏，字媚香，年十七岁。姑苏人。
本官家子，因飘泊入梨园，隶联锦部。秋水为神，琼花作骨。
工吟咏，尚气节，善权变。慧心独造，巧夺天工，色艺冠一时。
其演《瑶台》、《盘秋》、《亭会》诸戏，真见香心如诉，娇韵欲流。吴绛仙秀色可餐，赵合德寒泉浸玉，苏郎兼而有之。尝语人曰：「余不幸坠落梨园，但既为此业，则当安之。谁谓此中不可守贞抱洁，而必随波逐流以自苦者。」其志如此。而遥情胜概，罕见其匹焉。为之诗曰：
风流林下久传扬，苏小生来独擅长。
一曲清歌绕梁韵，天花乱落舞衣香。
箫管当场犹自羞，暂将仙骨换娇柔。
一团绛雪随风散，散作千秋儿女愁。
再看第三题的是：
碧海珊枝陆素兰素兰姓陆氏，宇香畹，年十六岁。姑苏人。
隶联锦部。玉骨冰肌，锦心绣口。工书法，虽片纸尺绢，士大夫争宝之如拱壁。善心为窈，骨逾沉水之香；令德是娴，色夺瑶林之月。常演《制谱》、《舞盘》、《小宴》、《絮阁》诸戏，俨然又一杨太真也。就使陈鸿立传，未能绘其声容；香山作歌，岂足形其仿佛。好义若渴，避恶如仇。真守白圭之洁，而凛素丝之贞者。丰致之嫣然，犹其余韵耳。为之诗曰：
芙蓉出水露红颜，肥瘦相宜合燕环。
若使今人行往事，断无胡马入撞关。
此曲只应天上有，不知何处落凡尘。
当年我作唐天宝，愿把江山换美人。
再看第四题的是：
嵰山艳雪金漱芳。漱芳姓金氏，字瘦香，年十五岁。姑苏人。隶联珠部。秀骨珊珊，柔情脉脉。工吟咏吹箫，善弈棋，楚楚有林下风致。其演戏最多，而尤擅名者，为《题曲》一出。
真檀口生香，素腰如柳。比之海棠初开，素馨将放，其色香一界，几欲使神仙堕刼矣。其余《琴挑》、《秋江》诸戏，情韵如生，亦非他人所能。而香心婉婉，秀外慧中。是真嫏嬛掌书仙，岂菊部中所能觏耶？为之诗曰：
纤纤一片彩云飞，流雪回风何处依。
金缕香多舞衣重，只应常著六铢衣。
芙蓉输面柳输腰，恰称花梁金步摇。
就使无情更无语，当场窄步已魂消。
再看第五题的是：
玉树临风李玉林。玉林姓李氏，字珮仙，年十五岁。扬州人。
隶联珠部。初日芙蕖，晓风杨柳。娴吟咏，工丝竹，围碁、马吊，皆精绝一时。东坡《海棠》诗云：「嫣然一笑竹篱间，桃李漫山总粗俗。」温柔旖旎中，自具不可夺之志，真殊艳也。其演《折柳阳关》一出，名噪京师。见其婉转娇柔，哀情艳思，如睹霍小玉生平，不必再谈《卖钗》、《分鞋》诸曲，已恨黄衫剑容，不能杀却此负情郎也。再演《藏舟》、《草地》、《寄扇》等戏，情思皆足动人。真琼树朝朝，金莲步步，有临春、结绮之遗韵矣。为之诗曰：
舞袖长拖艳若霞，粧成𩭏鬌髻云斜。
侍儿扶上临春阁，要斗南朝张丽华。
慧绝香心酒半酣，妙疑才过月初三。
动人最是《阳关》曲，听得征夫恨不堪。
再看第六题的是：
火树银花王兰保兰保姓王氏，字静芳，年十七岁。扬州人。
隶联锦部。翩若惊鸿，婉若游龙。通词翰，善武技，性尤烈，不屈豪贵，真玉中之有声者。
其演《双红记》、《盗令》、《青门》诸出，梳乌蛮譬，贯金雀钗，衣销金紫衣，系红绣糯，著小蛮锦靴。背负双龙纹剑，如荼如火，如锦如云，真红线后身也。其《刺虎》、《盗令》、《杀舟》诸戏，侠情一往，如见巾帼身肩天下事。觉薰香傅杨，私语喁喁，真痴儿女矣。温柔旖旎之中，绮丽风光之际，得此君一往，如听李三郎击羯鼓，作《渔阳三挝》，渊渊乎顷刻间见万花齐放也。为之诗曰：
侠骨柔情世所难，肯随红袖倚阑干。
平生知己无须嘱，请把龙纹仔细看。
纷披五色起朝霞，鼙鼓声声气倍加。
戏罢卸妆垂手立，亭亭一树碧桃花。
再看第七题的是：
秋水芙蓉王桂保
桂保即兰保之弟，字蕊香，年十五岁，与兄同部。似兰馨，如花解语。明眸善睐，皓齿流芳。嬉戏自出天真，娇憨皆生风趣。能翰墨，工牙拍，喜行令诸局戏。善解人意，虽寂寥寡欢者，见之亦为畅满。意态姿媚，而自为范围。其演《乔醋》一出，香（□单）红酣，真令潘骑省心醉欲死矣。又演《相约》、《讨钗》、《拷艳》诸小出，如娇鸟弄晴，横波修熏，观者堵立数重，使层楼无坐地。时人评论袁、苏如霓裳羽衣，此则紫云回，其趣不同，其妙一也。为之诗曰。
盈盈十五已风流，巧笑横波未解羞。
最爱娇憨太无赖，到无人处学春愁。
我欲当筵乞紫云，一时声价遍传闻。
红牙拍到消魂处，檀口清歌白练裙。
再看第八题的是：
天上玉麟林春喜春喜姓林氏，字小梅，年十四岁。姑苏人。
隶联锦部。好花含萼，明珠出胎。十二岁入班，迄今才二年，已精于声律，兼通文墨，生旦并作。所演《寄子》、《储谏》、《回猎》、《断机》、《番儿》、《冥勘》、《女弹》等戏，长眉秀颊，如见乌衣子弟，佩紫罗香囊，真香粉孩儿，令人有宁馨之羡，其哺啜皆可观。数年后更当独出头地，价重连城也。为之诗曰：
别有人间傅粉郎，销金为饰玉为妆。
石麟天上原无价，应捧炉香待玉皇。
才啭歌喉赞不休，黄金争掷作缠头。
王郎偶驾羊车出，十里珠帘尽上钩。
子玉看了只是笑，不置一词。南湘问道：「你何以不加可否？」子玉道：「大凡论人，虽难免粉饰，也不可过于失实。若论此辈，真可惜了这副笔墨。
我想此辈中人，断无全壁，以色事人，不求其媚，必求其馅。况朝秦暮楚，酒食自娱，强笑假欢，缠头是爱。此身既难自洁，而此志亦为太卑。再兼之生于贫贱，长在卑污，耳目既狭，胸次日小，所学者婶膝奴颜，所工者谑浪笑傲。就使涂泽为工，描摹得态，也不过上台时效个麒麟楦，充个没字碑。
岂有出污泥而不滓，随狂流而不下者。且即有一容可取，一技所长，是犹拆锦袜之线，无补于缝裳。炼铅水之刀，不良于伐木。其脏腑秽浊，出言无章。
其骨节少文，举动皆俗。故色虽美而不华，肌虽白而不洁，神虽妍而不清，气虽柔而不秀。有此数病，焉得为佳？若夫红闺弱质，金屋丽姝。质秉纯阴，体含至静，故骨柔肌腻，肤洁血荣，神气静息，仪态婉娴。眉目自见其清扬，声音自成其娇细。姿致动作，妙出自然。鬓影衣香，无须造作，方可称为美人，为佳人。今以红氍毹上演古之绝代倾城，真所谓刻画无盐，唐突西子。
所以我不愿看小旦戏，宁看净末老丑，翻可舒荡心胸，足助欢笑。吾兄不惜笔墨，竭力铺张，为若辈增光，而使古人抱恨，窃为吾兄有所不取。」这一番话，把个史南湘说出气来。仲清笑道：「庾香之论未尝不是，而竹君之选也甚平允。但庾香不知天地间有此数人，譬如读《搜神》之记，《幽怪》之书。
而必欲使人实信其有，又谁肯轻信？是非亲见其人不可。我们明日同他出去，亲指一二人与他看了，他才信你这个《花选》方选的不错。
我想庾香一见这些人，也必能赏识的。天地之灵秀，何所不钟。若谓仅钟于女而不钟于男，也非通论。庾香方说男子秽浊，焉能如女子灵秀。所为美人佳人者，我想古来男子中美的也就不少，称美人佳人者亦有数条。如《毛诗》『彼美人兮』，杜诗『美人何为隔秋水』，《赤壁赋》『望美人兮天一方』之类。男子称佳人者，如《楚词》『惟佳人之永都兮。』注云：『佳人，指怀王。』《后汉书》尚书令陆闳，姿容如玉。光武叹曰：『南方多佳人。』《晋史》陶侃击杜弢，谓其部将王贡曰：『卿本佳人，何为从贼？』并有女子称男子为佳人者，如苻秦时窦滔妻苏蕙作《璇玑图》，读者不能尽通。苏氏叹曰：『非我佳人，莫之能解。』可见美色不专属于女子。男子中未必无绝色，如汉冲帝时，李固之搔头弄姿。唐武后时，张易之之施朱傅粉。不独潘安仁、卫叔宝之昭著一时也明矣。」子玉听了，心稍感动。南湘道：「且不仅此。草木向阳者华茂，背阴者衰落。梅花南枝先，北枝后。还有凤凰、鸳鸯、孔雀、野雉、家鸡，有文采的禽鸟都是雄的，可见造化之气，先钟于男，而后钟于女。那女子固美，究不免些扮脂涂泽，岂及男子之不御铅华，自然光彩。更有一句话最易明白的。我将你现身说法：你自己的容貌，难道还说不好？你如今叫你家里那些丫头们来，同在镜里一照，自然你也看得出好歹，断不说他们生得好，自愧不如。只这一句你就可明白了。」子玉不觉脸红，细想此言也颇有理。难道小旦中真有这样好的。既而又想：天地之大，何所不有，岂必斤斤择人遂赋以美材。就是西子也曾贫贱浣纱，而杨太真且作女道士，甚至于美人中传名者，一半出于青楼曲巷。或者天生这一种人，以快人间的心目，也未可知。但夸其守身自洁，立志不凡、惟择所交、不为利诱，兼通文翰，鲜蹈淫靡，则未可信。便如有所思，默然不语。南湘狂笑了一会，说道:「庾香此时难算知音，我再去请教别人罢。」
便拉了仲清去了。子玉送客转来，又将南湘的《花选》默默的一想，再想从前看过的戏，与见过的小旦一毫不对，犹以南湘为妄言，借此以自消遣的，便也不放在心上了。李先生回来，仍在书房念了一会书，颜夫人然后叫了进去。
过了两日，子玉于早饭后告了半天假，回去看南湘、仲清。
禀过萱堂，颜夫人见今日天气寒冷，起了朔风，且是冬月中旬，便叫家人媳妇取出副葡萄的猞猁裘与他穿了，吩咐车里也换了自狐暖围。两个小使：一个云儿，一个俊儿，骑了马，先到他表母舅王通政宅内，适值通政出门去了，通政的少君出来接进。这王通政的少君，名字单叫个恂字，号庸庵，年方二十二岁。
生得一表非凡，丰华俊雅，文才既极精通，心地尤为浑厚。
纳了个上舍生，在北闱乡试。与子玉是表弟兄，为莫逆之交。
接进了子玉。先同到内里去见了表舅母陆氏夫人。这夫人已是文辉续娶的了，今年才四十岁。又见了王恂的妻室孙氏，那是表嫂。仲清的妻室蓉华，那是表姊。还有个琼华小姐没有出来，因听得他父亲前日说那子玉的好处，其口风似要与他联姻的话，所以不肯出来见这表兄了。陆夫人见子玉，真是见一回爱一回，留他坐了，问了一会家常话，子玉告退。
然后同玉恂到了书房，问起仲清，为高品、南湘请去。子玉说起前日所见南湘的《花选》过于失实，玉恂道：「竹君的《花选》，据实而言，尚恐说不到，何以为失实？现在那些宝贝得了这番品题，又长了些声价，你也应该见过这些人。」子玉听了，知王恂也有旦癖，又是个好为附会的人，便不说了。
王恂道：「你见竹君的《花选》怎样，还是选得不公呢，还是太少，有遗珠之撼么？好的呢也还有些。但总不及这八个，这是万选青钱。若要说尽他们的好处，除非与他们一人序一本年谱才能清楚，这几句话还不过略述大概而已。」子玉心里甚异：「难道现在真有这些人？」又想：「这三人也不是容易说人好的，何以说到这几个小旦，都是心口如一。总要眼见了才信不然总是他们的偏见。」便说道：「我恰不常听戏，是以疏于物色。你何不同我去听两出戏，使我广广眼界？」王恂道：「很好。」即吩咐套了车，备了马，就随身便服。子玉也叫云儿拿便帽来换了。王恂道：「那《花选》联锦有六个，联珠只有两个，自然听联锦了。」即同子玉到了戏园。子玉一进门，见人山人海坐满了一园，便有些懊悔，不愿进去。王恂引他从人缝里侧着身子挤到了台口，子玉见满池子坐的，没有一个好人，楼上楼下，略还有些像样的。看座儿的，见两位阔少爷来，后头跟班夹着狼皮褥子，便腾出了一张桌子，铺上褥子，与他们坐了，送上茶、香火。此刻是唱的《三国演义》，锣鼓盈天，好不热闹。王恂留心非但那六旦之中不见一个，就有些中等的也不丸，身边走来走去的，都是些黑相公，川流不息四处去找吃饭的老斗。
子玉看了一会闷戏，只见那边桌子上来了一人，招呼王恂，王恂便旋转身子与那人讲话。又见一个人走将过来，穿一件灰色老狐裘，一双泥帮宽皂靴。，看他的身材阔而且扁，有三十几岁，歪著膀子，神气昏迷，在他身边挤了过去。停一会又挤了过来，一刻之间就走了三四回。每近身时，必看他一眼，又看看王恂，复停一停脚步，似有照应王恂之意。王恂与那人正讲的热闹，就没有留心这人，这人只得走过，又挤到别处去了。
子玉好不心烦，如坐涂炭。王恂说完了话坐正了，子玉想要回去。尚未说出，只见一人领着一个相公，笑嘻嘻的走近来，请了两个安，便挤在桌子中间坐了。王恂也不认的。子玉见那相公，约有十五六岁，生得蠢头笨脑，脸上露著两块大孤骨，脸面虽白，手却是黑的。他倒摸著子玉的手问起贵姓来，子玉颇不愿答他。
见王恂问那人道：「你这相公叫什么名字？」那人道：「叫保珠。」子玉听了，忍不住一笑。又见王恂问道：「你不在桂保处么？」那人道：「桂保处人多，前日出来的。这保珠就住在桂保间壁，少爷今日叫保珠伺侯？」王恂支吾，那保珠便拉了王恂的手问道：「到什么地方去，也是时候了。」王恂道：「改日罢。」那相公便缠往了王恂，要带他吃饭。子玉实在坐不住了，又恐王恂要拉他同去，不如先走为抄，便叫云儿去看车。云儿不一刻进来说：「都伺侯了。」子玉即对王恂道：「我要回去了。」王恂知他坐不住，自己也觉得无趣，说道：
「今日来迟了，歇一天早些来。」也就同了出来。王恂的家人付了戏钱，那相公还拉着王恂走了几步，看不像带他吃饭的光景，便自去了。子玉、王徇上了车，各自分路而回。
子玉心里自笑不已：「何以这些人为几个小旦，颠倒得神昏目暗，皂白不分。设或如今有个真正绝色来，只怕他们倒说不好了。」一路思想，忽到一处挤了车，子玉觉得鼻中一阵清香，非兰非麝，便从帘子上玻璃窗内一望，见对面一辆车，车里坐着一个老年的，外面坐了两个妙童，都不过十四五岁。
一个已似海棠花，娇艳无比，眉目天然。一个真是天上神仙，人间绝色，以玉为骨，以月为魂，以花为情，以珠光宝气为精神。子玉惊得呆了，不知不觉把帘子掀开，凝神而望。那两个妙童，也四目澄澄的看他；那个绝色的更觉凝眸伫望，对着子玉出神。子玉觉得心摇目眩。那个绝色的脸上，似有一层光彩照过来，散作满鼻的异香。
正在好看，车已过去。后头又有三四辆，也坐些小孩子，恰不甚佳。子玉心里有些模模糊糊起来，似像见过这人的相貌，好像一个人，再想不起了。
心里想道：「这些孩子是什么人？也像戏班子一样，但服饰又不华美。那一个直可称古今少有，天下无双。他既具此美貌，何以倒又服御不鲜，这般光景呢，真委屈了此人。当以广寒宫贮之，岂特郁金堂、翡翠楼，即称其美。
这么看来，『有目共赏』的一句，竟是妄言了。把方才这个保珠比他，做他的舆□，也还不配。」子玉一路想到了家；不知后事如何。且听下回分解。
Chapter 1: Shi Nanxiang Composes Scores and Selects Famous Flowers; Mei Ziyu is Astonished by a Fragrance of Supreme Beauty
The flourishing of opera in the capital surpasses all others in the world. This place, on the edge of heaven, is full of performance stages and pavilions. People, amidst the vast crowds, are always immersed in the joy of moonlit feasts and flower appreciation. The splendor is indescribable, and the emotions are beyond portrayal. The sights and sounds of this world are strange and wondrous, always adhering to the realm of reason, and yet every person is deeply involved in the emotions of it all. Thus, with a playful brush, I portray the playful people of this world.
But among all the pleasures, the rarest treasures are a few gentlemen who remain true to their feelings and respect decorum, and a few actors who maintain their integrity. They perfectly embody the line from The Book of Songs: “Passion without licentiousness.” First, let us categorize the sons of the literati into ten types, each represented by one word: “feeling.”
- The first is feeling in righteousness.
- The second is feeling in nobility.
- The third is feeling in loftiness.
- The fourth is feeling in transcendence.
- The fifth is feeling in elegance.
- The sixth is feeling in grandeur.
- The seventh is feeling in wildness.
- The eighth is feeling in wit.
- The ninth is feeling in harmony.
- The tenth is feeling in joy.
Next, let us categorize the famous actresses of the theater into ten types, also represented by one word: “feeling.” - The first is feeling in profundity.
- The second is feeling in intelligence.
- The third is feeling in grace.
- The fourth is feeling in purity.
- The fifth is feeling in virtue.
- The sixth is feeling in fierceness.
- The seventh is feeling in frankness.
- The eighth is feeling in indulgence.
- The ninth is feeling in beauty.
- The tenth is feeling in allure.
These are the top-class individuals. There are also lower-class individuals, to whom the word “feeling” does not apply, but we can still classify them into several types: - The first is licentiousness.
- The second is perversity.
- The third is cunning.
- The fourth is debauchery.
- The fifth is greed.
- The sixth is wickedness.
- The seventh is haunting.
- The eighth is decay.
In general, throughout history, those who seek pleasure in the world of entertainment fall into two broad categories: the righteous and the wicked. What I have seen and heard has been written down in sixty volumes, titled The Precious Mirror of Flowers, also known as The Leisurely Chronicles of Passion. In this book, the characters intertwine as hosts and guests, neither too close nor too distant, their relationships like threads that bind even after the lotus root is severed. The descriptions are rich and the atmosphere thick. The author avoids clichés, and one can only imagine the great effort that went into it; the story opens new vistas, delighting the reader. Truly, it is said: “The embroidered mandarin ducks, after being finished, are admired openly; do not let the golden needle pass unnoticed.”
The author’s name is not recorded, so it is unclear in which era, year, or place this was written, or by whom. The story begins by describing a man who is utterly devoid of emotion, yet fathers a son who is deeply passionate. This man’s surname is Mei, his given name is Shixie, and his courtesy name is Tie’an. He hails from Jinling in Jiangnan and comes from a prominent family. He currently holds the position of an academician reader at the Hanlin Academy and resides in the southern part of the city in Mingke Alley. His grandfather, named Ding, once served as Minister of Personnel; his father, named Gengtiao, once served as Grand Academician of the Wenhua Hall. The family lineage had only one son per generation. Mei Shixie, at seventeen, passed the imperial examination to become a jinshi and entered the Hanlin Academy. He has been in office for twenty-nine years and is now forty-six years old. His family lineage was as noble as that of the Jin and Zhang clans, and his academic learning followed the traditions of the Ma and Zheng schools. Though esteemed, he remained simple and humble, distancing himself from extravagant displays. His heart was as gentle as the spring breeze, yet his demeanor was as solemn as autumn. People compared him to Sima Junsi and Zhao Qingxian, men of similar integrity.
His wife, of the Yan family, also hails from a prominent Jinling family. She was the daughter of Yan Yaocen, a Left Censor-in-Chief, and the younger sister of Yan Zhuang, a compiler at the Hanlin Academy. Both her father and brother have passed away. Madame Yan is now forty-four years old and is a paragon of virtue, grace, and unparalleled wisdom, having been in harmony with her husband for over twenty years. At the age of twenty-nine, she dreamed of a celestial being gifting her a precious gem, and thus gave birth to a son, a jade-like boy, whom they named Ziyu, with the courtesy name Gengxiang. Mei Ziyu is now seventeen years old and possesses a beauty like fine jade, a character as refined as pure gold, and a preciousness akin to a bright pearl in the womb. His radiance is like the rising moon over the hills. Moreover, he is naturally gifted and intellectually brilliant, having already mastered countless volumes of literature in just ten years of study.
Last year, Shixie took a leave of absence to return home for ancestral rites, and Ziyu accompanied him. During that time, Ziyu took the local exams in his province but did not pass. He returned to the capital with his father and, finding it inconvenient to go back to the south, enrolled in the National Academy as a top student. He is currently studying under a famous scholar from Zhejiang, named Li Xingquan. Li Xingquan was a student of Shixie during his provincial exams and is a strict and upright scholar. Madame Yan loves Ziyu as if he were a precious gem and keeps him close, even while he studies. In their household, though there are many servants and maids, none of the female servants under thirty or maids over fifteen are allowed to attend to Ziyu, for fear of leading him astray. Ziyu, for his part, maintains his purity, and though he lives among silk and brocade, he has no traces of frivolous behavior. He neither wears perfumed sachets to enhance his beauty nor applies makeup to his face, yet he radiates natural elegance. He selects friends with care, respects his teachers, and is diligent in his studies. He discusses both contemporary and ancient matters, with ambitions reaching the clouds. He is already praised as a rising star, and people consider it a pleasure to meet him.
One day, the teacher had some matters to attend to and gave the students a break. Ziyu was sitting alone when two of his close friends came to visit him. One of them was named Yan Zhongqing, with the courtesy name Jiantan, currently twenty-three years old. He was the son of the late compiler Yan Zhuang, and thus the nephew of Madame Yan.
Yan Zhuang, in his lifetime, was not only a close relative of Shixie but also a dear friend. However, Yan Zhuang passed away at the age of thirty. His wife, Madam Zheng, fasted to death in loyalty to him. At that time, Zhongqing was only three years old, and Shixie took him in and raised him. He also requested an imperial commendation for Madam Zheng’s loyalty. Zhongqing lived with Shixie until he was nineteen, when he passed the vice-carriage examination. That same year, Shixie arranged a marriage for him to the daughter of Wang Wenhui, an official in the Department of Communications. Wang Wenhui was Madame Yan’s cousin, making the families even closer. The son-in-law and father-in-law got along very well.
The other friend was named Shi Nanxiang, with the courtesy name Zhujun, from Hanyang in Huguang Province. He was twenty-four years old and had already earned the title of jieyuan (provincial graduate) in his province. His father, Shi Zengwang, was currently serving as a Censor in the Ministry of Personnel. Both Zhongqing and Nanxiang were exceptionally talented and well-read, though their temperaments were quite different. Zhongqing was aloof and self-disciplined, frank and honest. When compared with Ziyu’s scholarly pursuits, Ziyu was more focused and pure in his studies, while Zhongqing was more open-minded and broad in his approach. Zhongqing observed human emotions and the nature of the world in broad strokes, while Ziyu delved into the details, always seeking deeper understanding.
Yan Zhongqing + Mei Ziyu = BFF
Often, there were things that Yan Zhongqing disdained as trivial, but after Mei Ziyu explained them thoroughly with great care, Zhongqing would suddenly see the profound meaning within. Likewise, there were matters that Ziyu could not grasp, but with a single insightful comment from Zhongqing, everything would become clear and bright to him. The two had been friends for more than ten years, and their bond was so deep that it surpassed even that of biological brothers. As for Shi Nanxiang, he was someone who reveled in his own freedom and eccentricity, utterly unconventional, looking down on the entire world. He was a master of words, capable of writing thousands of characters with ease, but he only truly admired Ziyu and Zhongqing.
On this day, the two friends came to visit Ziyu together. The gatekeepers, recognizing them as familiar guests and close friends of the young master, led them straight to the study to meet Ziyu. After exchanging greetings, Zhongqing and Ziyu went inside to greet Ziyu’s aunt, and then returned to sit with Nanxiang. The three chatted for a while, and a servant brought them fragrant tea. Nanxiang observed the refined and serene atmosphere of the room, noting the exquisite and antique furnishings. He had long known that Ziyu was extraordinary, but seeing Ziyu’s elegant and noble appearance confirmed it. Even among the figures described in the recently compiled Floral Anthology of the Opera Stage, none could match Ziyu’s grace and spirit. Ziyu carried himself with humility, speaking in a soft and modest manner, and Nanxiang couldn’t discern any particular passions or obsessions. He thought to himself that if Ziyu were overly rigid or lacked flexibility, he couldn’t be considered a true talent. So, Nanxiang decided to test him and asked, “Yuxiang, let me ask you: What in the world most delights the ears and eyes, moves the heart and stirs the soul?”
Ziyu, suddenly confronted with this question, looked at Nanxiang and thought, “He’s a carefree and eccentric person, so his views are definitely different from the common people. There must be some deeper meaning in his question.” So he replied, “This question is too broad. Although human ears and eyes are the same, people’s temperaments differ. Some love bustling scenes, while others detest them. Some enjoy solitude, while others find it dull. For example, some, like those of Dongshan, find pleasure in music, while others in humble dwellings find it noisy. Some avoid beautiful women, while others are constantly accompanied by concubines. So, the things that delight the eyes and ears differ, and what moves the heart and stirs the soul even more so. How can one person’s preferences represent everyone’s?”
Nanxiang responded, “That’s not what I meant. I’m referring to a specific type of person. In this bustling capital, packed with people, for instance, when you meet someone of high status, you talk in official terms, discussing government matters. From head to toe, every action must conform to official decorum—such people inspire awe. Then, when you meet a pedantic scholar, hunching his back and rubbing his hands, struggling to come up with his next phrase in a laborious manner, such a sight makes you laugh. And when you meet a vulgar merchant, talking about the prices of goods, their mundane concerns fill the air with stench—that’s disgusting. Or when you meet a sleazy actor or prostitute, all dolled up without a shred of shame, such people make you angry. Now think, if we eliminate these kinds of people, what other kinds are there left to see?”
Ziyu couldn’t quite guess what Nanxiang was driving at, so he could only respond, “If delight doesn’t come from the sights and sounds of the mundane world, then surely it must come from spending time with a few close friends who share your heart?” At this, Zhongqing burst out laughing. Nanxiang said, “That makes no sense! How can friendship be equated with delighting the ears and eyes? Yuxiang, your intentions are not good.” Then both of them laughed heartily. Ziyu, feeling slightly embarrassed by their laughter, blushed and said, “Stop making fun of me. What I meant was this: isn’t there delight for the ears and eyes in a quiet, refined conversation among beautiful surroundings? And isn’t there something moving to the heart and soul in sharing fine wine and ancient swords among friends?”
Nanxiang laughed and said, “You’re still only speaking from the perspective of this one little room. Your view is too narrow, and you haven’t experienced enough of the world.” With that, he took out a book from his boot and handed it to Ziyu, saying, “This is something I’ve recently compiled. If you’re looking for something that delights the ears and eyes, moves the heart and stirs the soul, you’ll find it among the people described in this book.” Zhongqing laughed and said, “Presenting this book to Yuxiang is like Su Qin first showing his strategy to the King of Qin. I guarantee that no matter how many times you present it, he won’t understand the deeper meaning. Not only has he never experienced the sentiments within, but he’s never even seen these people. How could he grasp it all at once?”
Curious, Ziyu opened the book, wondering what kind of masterpiece it could be. The title of the book was Floral Anthology of the Opera Stage, and it contained several prefaces, all written in ornate, parallel prose. Nanxiang told him not to bother with the prefaces and to look directly at the people selected. The first name Ziyu saw was:
Yuan Baozhu, the Pearl-Studded Beauty of the Jade Tower
Baozhu, whose surname was Yuan and whose courtesy name was Yaoqing, was sixteen years old, from Gusu. She belonged to the Lianjin troupe and excelled in painting and poetry. Her performances in Magpie Bridge, Secret Oath, Dream of Surprise, and Search for the Dream captivated audiences, overshadowing even the beauty of the rosy clouds at dawn and echoing the mystical essence of immortal dew. She could make even the favored concubine Yang Yuhuan fall out of grace, and Du Yu’s daughter appear lackluster. Her delicate voice could stop the clouds, and her tender emotions were as gentle as water. In her rendition of The Rainbow Skirt, she captured the elegance of the Tang Emperor’s reign. In Spring Dreams Revisited, she expressed the yearning and sorrow of a woman in a fragrant boudoir. Usually, her appearance was radiant, her words soft and delicate, her mind pure as ice, and her conduct as chaste as jade. She would surely be suited to live in the Emerald Tower behind the Yujin Hall. Here is a poem I’ve composed for her:
这里谈论的是旦角，女性角色，通常由男性扮演，所以到底应该用he/him/his还是she/her/hers呢
Light as a feather, her dance sleeves sway,
Too frail to bear the moonlit bay.
Since the day she bore the name of Pearl,
Her brilliance has increased a hundredfold.
Slim and delicate, her waist so fair,
A natural grace beyond compare.
Her charm transcends, her soul enchants,
Surely, she’s a banished immortal from the mortal land.
Mei Ziyu laughed and said, “Isn’t this talking about young actresses in the opera troupes? Where is this young actress from that you praise her so highly?” Yan Zhongqing responded, “She’s from here. Didn’t you see it mentioned that she belongs to the Lianjin Troupe?” Ziyu said, “I don’t believe it. This must be Zhu Jun’s exaggeration. I watched a performance earlier this year, and I’ve never seen such an outstanding young actress.” Shi Nanxiang replied, “Who knows what kind of troupe you watched that day. Naturally, you wouldn’t have seen anyone good.”
Ziyu then looked at the second entry:
Su Huifang, the Moonlight of Yao Terrace
Huifang, with the surname Su, courtesy name Meixiang, was seventeen years old and also from Gusu. She was originally from a noble family but drifted into the opera world, joining the Lianjin Troupe. Her spirit was as clear as autumn water, and her beauty was as exquisite as jade blossoms. She was skilled in poetry and upheld strong principles, adept at navigating tricky situations. With her brilliant mind and natural grace, her talents and beauty surpassed all others of her time. In her performances of Yao Terrace, Autumn Games, and Pavilion Meeting, her heartfelt emotions seemed to be conveyed through her delicate gestures and melodious tones. She combined the allure of Wu Jiangxian’s charm and the grace of Zhao Hede, embodying both their best qualities. She once said to others, “It was my misfortune to fall into the opera world, but since I am here, I will accept it. Who says one cannot remain pure and virtuous in this profession, and must necessarily follow the tide and suffer?” Her determination was thus. Her distant affection and unique demeanor were unmatched. Here is a poem for her:
In the woods, her elegance has long been praised,
Su Xiaosheng’s talent stands unrivaled.
A clear song echoes around the beams,
As heavenly flowers fall, scented with her dance.
The pipes and flutes still shy away,
Her celestial grace momentarily softened.
A crimson snow flurry scatters in the wind,
Spreading the sorrows of countless lovers.
Ziyu then looked at the third entry:
Lu Sulan, the Coral Branch of the Blue Sea
Sulan, with the surname Lu, courtesy name Xiangwan, was sixteen years old, also from Gusu. She belonged to the Lianjin Troupe. Her skin was as smooth as jade, and her talent was as refined as embroidered words. She excelled at calligraphy, and even a small piece of her writing on paper or silk was treasured by scholars like a rare jade. Her kindness was as deep as the fragrance of sinking incense, and her virtues were as refined as the moonlight in a jade forest. She often performed in plays such as The Composition of Scores, Dance of the Plates, Small Banquet, and Silken Pavilion. She was another Yang Yuhuan in spirit. Even if Chen Hong were to write her biography, he couldn’t capture her voice and appearance; if Li Bai wrote a poem for her, it wouldn’t do her justice. She was as thirsty for righteousness as for water and avoided evil as one would an enemy. Truly, she upheld the purity of the white jade and the integrity of unadorned silk. The elegance in her demeanor was just a lingering afterglow of her brilliance. Here is a poem for her:
The lotus rises from the water, revealing a rosy face,
Her figure, neither too thin nor too full, perfectly complements Yan and Huan.
If the present followed the ways of the past,
No nomadic horse would breach the gates.
This tune belongs only in heaven,
How did it fall to the mortal world?
If I were living in the Tang era,
I would trade the empire for this beauty.
Ziyu then moved on to the fourth entry:
Jin Sufang, the Snowy Beauty of Qianshan
Sufang, with the surname Jin, courtesy name Shouxiang, was fifteen years old, also from Gusu. She belonged to the Lianzhu Troupe. She possessed an elegant and slender frame, with soft, affectionate eyes. She was skilled at poetry, flute playing, and chess, exuding a refined grace akin to that of a scholar’s retreat. She performed in many plays, but her most renowned performance was in the play Titled Melody.
Her lips were as fragrant as sandalwood, and her slender waist resembled a willow branch. She could be compared to the crabapple in early bloom or the jasmine about to open, with beauty and fragrance so enchanting that even immortals might fall from grace. In plays such as Zither Temptation and Autumn River, her emotional depth and charm were so lifelike that no one else could compare. Her heart was gentle and refined, with beauty on the outside and wisdom within. She truly seemed like a celestial scribe from the heavenly realm, far beyond what could be encountered in the ordinary opera world. Here is a poem for her:
A slender, colorful cloud flies in the sky,
Snow swirling in the wind—where does it rest?
Her fragrant robe of gold thread is heavy,
She must always wear the finest silk.
The lotus loses to her face, the willow to her waist,
A perfect match for the jeweled hairpins on her brow.
Even without words or emotion,
Her mere presence steals one’s soul away.
The next entry Ziyu looked at was:
Li Yulin, the Jade Tree in the Wind
Yulin, with the surname Li, courtesy name Peixian, was fifteen years old, from Yangzhou. She belonged to the Lianzhu Troupe. She was like a lotus flower in the early morning or a willow swaying in the dawn breeze. Skilled in poetry and music, and a master of Go and horse dice, she excelled at all. In Su Dongpo’s poem about the crabapple, he wrote: “With a smile so radiant through the bamboo fence, all the peach and plum blossoms on the mountain seem crude.” Within her gentle elegance lay an unshakable will, truly an extraordinary beauty. Her performance in Farewell at Yang Pass made her famous in the capital. Her delicate charm and sorrowful emotions made one feel as though they were witnessing the life of Huo Xiaoyu. There was no need to mention her performances in The Hairpin, The Shoe Split, and other plays, which evoked pity for the failed lover who could not be slain by the Yellow Shirted Swordsman. She also performed in Hiding the Boat, The Grassland, and The Gift of the Fan, with emotions so deep that they moved the audience. She was truly a morning jade tree, with each step like a golden lotus, evoking the legacy of Linchun and Jieqi. Here is a poem for her:
Her dance sleeves trail like radiant clouds,
Her coiffure tilted, hairpins askew.
Her maid supports her as she ascends the Linchun Pavilion,
There to compete with Zhang Lihua of the Southern Dynasty.
Her brilliance overwhelms, half-tipsy on fragrant wine,
As if the crescent moon has just passed its third night.
The most stirring moment is her song of Yang Pass,
Which leaves the hearts of travelers shattered with sorrow.
Ziyu then looked at the sixth entry:
Wang Lanbao, the Silver Blossoms on Fiery Trees
Lanbao, with the surname Wang, courtesy name Jingfang, was seventeen years old, from Yangzhou. She belonged to the Lianjin Troupe. She moved like a startled swan and gracefully like a swimming dragon. Well-versed in poetry and calligraphy, she was also skilled in martial arts. Her character was fierce and unyielding, never bowing to the rich and powerful. Truly, she was like a gem that rings out when struck. In her performances of The Twin Reds, The Stolen Decree, and The Green Gate, she wore a black hairpiece styled in a barbarian twist, adorned with a golden sparrow hairpin. She wore a purple robe embroidered with gold thread and fastened with red silk, along with brocade boots. On her back, she carried a double-dragon sword, her appearance blazing like fire, splendid as embroidered clouds—truly, the reincarnation of Hongxian. In plays such as Tiger Stabbing, The Stolen Decree, and Killing on the Boat, her chivalrous spirit shone brightly, making one feel as though they were witnessing a woman warrior taking on the weight of the world. Yet, in softer moments, when she applied incense and whispered tenderly, she seemed like a lovesick girl. Amidst her fierce emotions and the resplendent scenery, encountering her was like hearing Li Sanlang beat the war drum in The Fisherman’s Song, and in an instant, a thousand flowers bloomed. Here is a poem for her:
A chivalrous spirit with tender feelings—rare in the world,
She will never lean idly by the balustrade with silken sleeves.
Her true companions need no reminders,
Just look closely at her dragon-embroidered sword.
The morning glow spreads in five colors,
As the drumbeat grows stronger with each sound.
After the play, she stands quietly, makeup removed,
Like a tall peach blossom in full bloom.
Ziyu then looked at the seventh entry:
Wang Guibao, the Lotus of Autumn Water
Guibao was the younger brother of Lanbao, courtesy name Ruixiang, fifteen years old, and in the same troupe as his brother. He was as elegant as an orchid and as expressive as a flower that could speak. His bright eyes were full of charm, and his white teeth radiated fragrance. His playfulness exuded natural innocence, and his coquettishness brought about a delightful sense of humor. He was skilled in calligraphy and adept at the game of dice. He enjoyed playing drinking games and engaging in other leisurely pastimes. Understanding the emotions of others, he could lift the spirits of even the most melancholy. His demeanor was charming and flirtatious, yet he maintained a sense of restraint. In his performance of The Jealous Husband, he displayed such seductive allure that one could imagine Pan riding off in a drunken stupor, completely captivated. He also performed in The Rendezvous, The Hairpin Demand, and The Interrogation of the Beauty, his playful charm likened to a little bird enjoying the sunshine, his flirtatious glances leaving the audience in awe. Viewers stood in layers, crowding the venue until there was no space left to sit. Contemporary critics compared the performances of Yuan and Su to the elegance of the Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Robe, while Guibao was compared to a swirl of purple clouds—different in style but equally exquisite. Here is a poem for him:
At fifteen, so charming and graceful,
Her flirtatious glances cannot yet understand shame.
Most of all, her mischievous innocence is irresistible,
Learning the sadness of spring in secret, when no one is around.
I want to ask for the purple cloud before the banquet,
For her fame will spread far and wide.
At the height of seduction, with her sandalwood mouth singing softly,
Her delicate song harmonizes with the white silk gown.
The eighth entry Ziyu examined was:
Lin Chunxi, the Jade Kylin from Heaven
Chunxi, with the surname Lin and courtesy name Xiaomei, was fourteen years old, from Gusu. He belonged to the Lianjin Troupe. He was like a budding flower, or a precious pearl just emerging from its shell. At twelve, he joined the troupe, and after only two years, he had already mastered rhythm and melody, as well as calligraphy and literature. He performed both male and female roles. In plays such as The Letter to My Son, The Admonition, The Return from the Hunt, The Severed Loom, The Rebellious Child, The Spirit Investigation, and The Female Gunner, his elegant eyebrows and refined cheeks made him resemble a young nobleman from the Black-Robed Family, wearing a fragrant silk sachet. He was truly a fragrant, powdered boy, evoking admiration and envy. Even his manner of eating and drinking was a delight to behold. In a few years, he would surely stand out even more and be worth a fortune, comparable to a treasure of the highest value. Here is a poem for him:
A powdered youth like no other,
With gold as his adornment and jade for his beauty.
Priceless as a stone kylin from the heavens,
Fit to offer incense to the Jade Emperor.
His song captivates, earning endless praise,
Gold is tossed as tokens of admiration.
If Wang Lang should take her out in a goat-drawn cart,
The beaded curtains for ten miles would all be lifted.
After reading, Ziyu simply smiled and said nothing. Nanxiang asked, “Why do you remain silent, offering neither approval nor disapproval?” Ziyu replied, “When discussing people, while it’s natural to embellish a little, one should not stray too far from the truth. As for this group, it’s truly a waste of such fine writing. I believe that these people, without exception, serve others with their looks, not seeking charm but rather substance. Moreover, they are fickle, living off wine and feasting, forcing themselves to laugh and pretend to be happy, all for the sake of financial gain. Their bodies can hardly remain pure, and their aspirations are equally low. Furthermore, being born into poverty and growing up in squalor, their views are narrow, and their hearts grow smaller by the day. What they learn is how to grovel at others’ feet, and what they excel in are lewd jokes and playful flirting. Even if they excel in makeup and acting, portraying elegance and grace, at best, they are like a temporary prop or a gravestone with no inscription.”
“How can there be anyone who emerges from filth unstained, or who follows a wild current without being dragged down by it? Even if someone has a redeeming feature or a particular talent, it is like unraveling the thread of a silk sock—useless for mending a garment. It’s like using a leaded knife for chopping wood—it serves no purpose. Their internal organs are filthy, their words lack coherence, their bones and joints are unrefined, and their every movement is vulgar. Thus, even if their appearance is beautiful, it lacks elegance; even if their skin is white, it is not pure; even if their features are lovely, they are not clear; and even if their demeanor is soft, it lacks grace. With these defects, how can they be considered admirable? On the other hand, the women of noble houses, with their delicate forms and elegant beauty, embody pure femininity and perfect tranquility. Their bones are soft, their skin supple, their complexion radiant, and their spirit serene. Their gestures are graceful, and their voices naturally sweet and tender. Their movements and postures are effortlessly refined, with a subtle elegance that requires no artifice. Only such a person can be called a beauty, a true lady. But now, when actresses take the stage to play the roles of legendary beauties, it’s like trying to paint over the image of Wu Yan or desecrating the image of Xi Shi.”
“That’s why I prefer not to watch young actresses perform. I’d rather watch the older male actors in serious roles; they can at least lift one’s spirits and bring laughter. My dear brother, you have wasted so much ink and effort to glorify these people, when in truth, it only serves to make the ancients regretful. I’m afraid, my brother, that your efforts are somewhat misplaced.” This speech left Shi Nanxiang slightly irritated. Yan Zhongqing laughed and said, “Yuxiang’s argument isn’t without merit, but Zhujun’s selection is quite reasonable as well. Yuxiang simply doesn’t realize that such people exist in this world. It’s like reading In Search of the Supernatural or Tales of the Mysterious and Strange—one finds it hard to believe in their existence unless they’ve seen it for themselves. How can someone believe in them without firsthand experience? Tomorrow, we’ll take him out and show him a few of these people in person, so he can see for himself that Zhujun’s selections in The Floral Anthology are indeed accurate.”
“I believe that once Yuxiang sees these people, he will come to appreciate them. The essence of heaven and earth is bestowed upon both men and women. To claim that it only favors women and not men is narrow-minded. Yuxiang, you just said that men are sullied and cannot be as refined as women, but I think there have been many beautiful men throughout history who could be considered ‘beauties.’ For example, in The Book of Songs, there’s the line ‘He is a beautiful person,’ and in Du Fu’s poem, ‘Why is the beauty separated by autumn water?’ In The Red Cliff Rhapsody, there is the line ‘Looking for the beauty, but she is far away in heaven.’ These are all references to men being described as ‘beauties.’ In Chu Ci, there’s the line ‘The fair one’s everlasting capital,’ with the commentary explaining that ‘the fair one’ refers to King Huai of Chu. In the Book of the Later Han, it says that the Master of Records, Lu Hong, had the appearance of jade, and Emperor Guangwu remarked, ‘The South is full of beauties.’ In the History of the Jin Dynasty, when Tao Kan attacked Du Tao, he said to his general Wang Gong, ‘You were born a beauty, why are you following the rebels?’ Even women have referred to men as ‘beauties.’ For example, during the time of Fu Qin, Lady Su Hui, wife of Dou Tao, composed the Jade Sieve Chart, a poem that no one could fully understand. Lady Su sighed and said, ‘Only my beauty can decipher it.’ This shows that beauty is not exclusive to women. Surely, there have been extraordinarily handsome men throughout history, like Li Gu during Emperor Chong of Han’s reign, who was known for his alluring charm, and Zhang Yizhi, who applied rouge and powder during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian. It wasn’t just Pan An and Wei Shubao who were renowned for their beauty in their time.”
Hearing this, Ziyu was somewhat moved. Nanxiang added, “And that’s not all. Plants that face the sun flourish, while those in the shade wither. The southern branches of plum trees bloom first, while the northern branches bloom later. There are also phoenixes, mandarin ducks, peacocks, wild pheasants, and domestic chickens—among all these birds, it’s the males that are the most vibrant. This shows that the essence of nature first manifests in men, and only later in women. While women are undoubtedly beautiful, they cannot avoid relying on makeup and adornments, unlike men, whose natural radiance requires no such embellishments. Let me make this even clearer for you. I will use you as an example: isn’t your own appearance quite remarkable? If you were to call all the maids in your house and look at them in the mirror next to you, wouldn’t it be obvious? You certainly wouldn’t think they are more beautiful than you. Just this one example should make everything clear to you.”
Ziyu blushed and thought carefully about Nanxiang’s words, realizing they held some truth. He began to wonder if there really were such remarkable young actresses. He pondered further: the world is vast, and anything is possible. Could it be that these people were born with such beauty to delight the eyes and hearts of the world? It’s not impossible. But to claim that they maintain their purity, aspire to lofty ideals, choose their associates carefully, are not swayed by profit, and possess literary talent while avoiding immorality seems hard to believe. Lost in thought, he remained silent. Nanxiang burst out laughing again and said, “Yuxiang is not quite a connoisseur yet. I’d better go consult someone else.” With that, he pulled Yan Zhongqing away and left.
After seeing them off, Ziyu returned and silently reflected on Nanxiang’s Floral Anthology. He compared it with the plays and young actresses he had seen before and found no match, still believing that Nanxiang was exaggerating and using this as a way to amuse himself. He didn’t take it seriously. When Mr. Li returned, Ziyu read for a while in the study before Madam Yan called him inside.
Two days later, after breakfast, Ziyu took a half-day leave to visit Nanxiang and Zhongqing. After informing his mother, Madam Yan, and noticing the cold weather and the rising northern winds, she ordered the household maids to fetch a lynx fur coat adorned with grapes for him to wear. She also instructed that the carriage be fitted with a warm fox-fur blanket. Two young servants, one named Yun’er and the other Jun’er, rode ahead on horseback. They first stopped at the house of his maternal uncle, Wang Tongzheng, but found that Tongzheng had gone out. His son, the young master of the house, came out to greet them. This young master of the Wang family, with the courtesy name Xun and the literary name Yong’an, was twenty-two years old.
This young man had an extraordinary appearance, graceful and elegant. His literary talent was extremely refined, and his disposition was particularly kind-hearted. He had recently been accepted as an advanced student for the provincial exams. He and Ziyu, being cousins, were very close, practically inseparable. Wang Xun welcomed Ziyu and first brought him inside to meet his stepmother, Madam Lu, who was Wang’s father’s second wife and was now forty years old. Ziyu also met Wang Xun’s wife, Madam Sun, his sister-in-law, as well as Zhongqing’s wife, Ronghua, his cousin. There was also a young lady named Miss Qionghua who did not come out to greet them. It was said that she had heard from her father about Ziyu’s good qualities, and there were rumors of a potential marriage alliance between their families, which made her too shy to meet him.
Madam Lu, upon seeing Ziyu, felt her affection for him grow each time they met. She had him sit down and chatted with him for a while before Ziyu excused himself.
Afterward, Ziyu and Wang Xun went to the study, where Ziyu asked about Zhongqing and was told that he had gone out with Shi Nanxiang for some high-ranking affairs. Ziyu then mentioned how he found Nanxiang’s Floral Anthology to be somewhat exaggerated. Wang Xun responded, “Zhujun’s Floral Anthology is based on reality, but even then, it might not fully capture everything about them. How could it be exaggerated? Now that these actresses have received such praise, their fame has grown, and you really ought to have met these people by now.” Hearing this, Ziyu realized that Wang Xun also had a fondness for young actresses and was someone who enjoyed flattering others, so he decided not to argue further.
Wang Xun asked, “What do you think of Zhujun’s Floral Anthology? Do you find it unfairly chosen or feel like there are missing gems? Some good ones are still out there, but none compare to these eight—the best of the best. To fully express their talents and beauty, one would need to write a detailed biography for each, not just a few sentences of praise.” Ziyu was astonished, thinking, “Could these people really exist today?” He further thought, “These three are not easily impressed, yet they speak highly of these young actresses. I suppose I’ll have to see them in person to believe it, otherwise, it must be their bias.” He then said, “I haven’t often watched opera, so I haven’t had the chance to observe these performers. Why don’t we go and watch a couple of performances together so I can broaden my perspective?” Wang Xun agreed, “Very well.”
Wang Xun ordered the carriage to be prepared, and Ziyu called for Yun’er to bring him his casual hat. Wang Xun said, “In Zhujun’s Floral Anthology, six of the actresses are from the Lianjin Troupe and only two from the Lianzhu Troupe, so naturally, we should watch the Lianjin Troupe.” They then went to the theater. When Ziyu entered, he saw the place was packed with people and began to regret coming. Reluctant to proceed, Wang Xun squeezed through the crowd and led Ziyu to the front of the stage. Looking around, Ziyu noticed that the people sitting in the main area were all quite unsavory characters, though the people on the upper floors looked a little more refined. The attendants, noticing the arrival of two wealthy young men, cleared a table for them and laid down wolf-fur cushions, offering them tea and incense.
At that moment, they were performing Romance of the Three Kingdoms, with gongs and drums filling the air, creating a lively atmosphere. Wang Xun paid close attention but didn’t see any of the six famous actresses. In fact, even the mid-level performers were absent. The only people walking around were some dark-faced men, moving about, trying to find ways to make a living.
Ziyu, growing bored with the performance, noticed a man approaching their table and calling out to Wang Xun, who turned to speak with him. Meanwhile, another man came up, wearing an old gray fox-fur coat and wide, muddy black boots. His body was broad and flat, and he appeared to be in his thirties, walking with a slouched posture and a confused expression. He squeezed past them a few times, each time glancing at Ziyu and Wang Xun as if trying to make some connection, but Wang Xun was too engrossed in his conversation to notice. The man eventually moved on, disappearing into the crowd.
Ziyu felt increasingly irritated and uncomfortable, as if sitting on pins and needles. Just as Wang Xun finished his conversation and sat upright again, Ziyu was about to suggest they leave. Before he could say anything, another man entered, accompanied by a young actor, smiling as they approached and offering their greetings before squeezing into the space between their table. Wang Xun didn’t seem to recognize them, but Ziyu took notice of the young actor, who looked to be about fifteen or sixteen years old. He was rather dim-witted in appearance, with two large, prominent bones jutting out on his face. Though his face was pale, his hands were black. The boy reached out and touched Ziyu’s hand, asking for his name, but Ziyu was reluctant to answer.
Wang Xun then asked the man, “What is this boy’s name?” The man replied, “His name is Baozhu.” Ziyu couldn’t help but smile. Wang Xun then asked, “Aren’t you staying with Guibao?” The man responded, “Guibao’s place is too crowded, so I left recently. Baozhu lives next door to Guibao. Young master, would you like Baozhu to serve you today?” Wang Xun hesitated, and Baozhu grabbed his hand, urging him, “Where are we going? It’s time to leave.” Wang Xun replied, “Let’s go another day.” But the boy kept pestering Wang Xun, insisting they go out for a meal together.
Ziyu, unable to sit still any longer and fearing that Wang Xun might drag him along, decided it would be better to leave first. He sent Yun’er to fetch the carriage. In no time, Yun’er returned and said, “The carriage is ready.” Ziyu then said to Wang Xun, “I’m heading back now.” Wang Xun, knowing that Ziyu couldn’t bear to stay, and finding the situation himself uninteresting, replied: “
“Today we arrived late, so let’s rest and come earlier next time,” Wang Xun said, as they both left together. Wang Xun’s servant paid for the tickets, and the young actor who had been pulling on Wang Xun’s arm walked a few steps with him, but seeing that it didn’t seem like they were going out for a meal, he left. Ziyu and Wang Xun got into their carriage, and each went their separate ways.
Ziyu couldn’t help but laugh to himself, thinking, “How is it that these people are so obsessed with a few young actresses, to the point of losing their senses and confusing right from wrong? If a truly extraordinary beauty appeared, they might even fail to recognize her.” As these thoughts ran through his mind, the carriage suddenly came to a halt in a crowded area. Ziyu noticed a faint, pleasant fragrance in the air, neither like orchid nor musk. He peered through the glass window of the carriage and saw another carriage across from him. Inside the carriage sat an elderly person, while outside sat two beautiful youths, both no older than fourteen or fifteen.
One of the youths had a face as delicate and beautiful as a begonia flower, with natural, exquisite features. The other was truly a celestial being, a peerless beauty in the mortal world, with jade for bones, the moon for a soul, flowers for emotions, and the brilliance of jewels for spirit. Ziyu was so captivated that he froze, unconsciously lifting the curtain to gaze at them more closely. The two youths, with their clear eyes, looked back at him. The more striking of the two gazed intensely at Ziyu, lost in thought. Ziyu felt his heart tremble and his eyes dazzle. It seemed as if a radiance emanated from the beautiful youth’s face, scattering an exotic fragrance all around.
Just as Ziyu was absorbed in this captivating sight, the carriage passed by. Three or four more carriages followed, also carrying children, but none of them were as striking. Ziyu felt a sense of confusion, as if he had seen this face before, like someone he knew, though he couldn’t recall exactly who it was.
He thought to himself, “Who are these children? They seem like they could be part of an opera troupe, but their attire isn’t particularly grand. That one youth is truly without equal, a rarity across the ages. Given his exceptional beauty, why is he dressed so plainly? It’s a true injustice to such a person. He ought to be housed in the Palace of Guanghan, not just in the Yujin Hall or Jade Tower. His beauty deserves such places.” Reflecting further, Ziyu concluded, “The saying ‘beauty for all eyes to admire’ is clearly an exaggeration. Comparing that boy Baozhu to him is like comparing a mere servant to a prince—they don’t even belong in the same category.”
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Ziyu arrived home, but what happened next will be revealed in the next chapter.