话说仲清激怒春航之后，即将王恂所备之百金送至高品处，为春航薪水之费。春航闷坐了两日，米煤催逼，告贷无门。经高品款留，只得暂时寄食。
一日，用了饭，高品拜客去了，春航即到戏园来，一心想着苏蕙芳，又没有钱听戏，只好站在戏园门口，候着那蕙芳出进。将到开戏时候，果然见蕙芳坐了车，到门口下来，偏偏有一群人进来看戏，一挤把春航挤在背后，却彼此不能照面。春航心里甚恨，急把身子挤出来，蕙芳已进去了，只得呆呆的不动，候他出来。却又看见了许多上等相公，与蕙芳不分高下。
春航想道：「不料聯錦班內，有這些好相公，果然名不虛傳。」足足候了三個多時辰，始見蕙芳低著頭出來，前面兩個美少年，服飾輝煌，兩個跟班，夾著墊子，抱著衣包，同蕙芳上車去了。春航知蕙芳沒看見他，鬱鬱的走回來。
過了一宵，明日又到戲園門口候了一天，卻沒有會見，此日便為虛度，嗟歎不已。蓋春航執迷已久，一時難悟，天天去尋聯錦班，候著蕙芳。一連十餘日，蕙芳卻也看見前次跌在泥裡的人，每逢上車下車之時，總站在戲園門口，如醉如癡，目不轉睛的看他，心裡十分詫異。因細看他的相貌，恰神清骨秀，風雅宜人，面目雖帶幾分憔悴，而珊珊玉骨，情韻盎然。蕙芳心上，已明知此人為他而來，也未免有情，屢以秋波相贈。春航便喜得眉飛色舞，每日跟了蕙芳的車，直送到吉祥衚衕蕙芳寓處門外，徘徊良久始去。
一日，春航好運到了，也是各人的緣分：正跟著蕙芳的車，蕙芳留神看見，便起了幾分憐念的心腸。一進了門，便叫跟班的請他進來。跟班的出去。
瞧了春航兩眼道：「老爺是尋我們相公的？我們相公叫請老爺裡面吃茶呢！」春航喜出望外，倒立定了。走不進去。跟班的又請了一遍，春航終是羞羞澀澀的不好意思。忽見裡面又有人出來說，請那一位跟著車走的老爺進去。春航只得整一整衣裳，隨了跟班的進了大門，便是一個院落，兩邊紮著兩重細巧籬笆。此時二月下旬，正值百花齊放，滿院的嫣紅姹紫，▉豔芬芳。上面小小三間客廳，也有鐘鼎琴書，十分精雅。不多一刻，蘇蕙芳出來，穿一副素色珍珠皮衣服，上前來請安。春航即一把拉住了手，卻是柔荑一握，春筍纖纖。二人並立了，差不多高。原來蕙芳也十七歲了，蕙芳對著春航笑道：「天天見面，尚未知貴籍大名。前日辱在泥塗，深感盛情原宥。至屢蒙青眼，實幸及三生。」春航心上十分詫異道：「吐屬之雅，善於詞令。」便道：「自睹勞容，便縈寤寐；鄙懷欽慕，只可盟心。乃不加訶譴，反蒙見招，正是巨眼深情，使我田湘幟沒齒不忘。」遂將籍貫、姓氏一一說明，又道些思幕的話。便你看我，我看你，相對無言了一會。
蕙芳即讓春航進內，走出了客廳，從西邊籬笆內進去，一個小院子。是一並五間：東邊隔一間是客房，預備著不速之客的臥處。中間空著兩間作小書廳，西邊兩間套房，是蕙芳的臥榻。春航先在中間炕上坐下，見上面掛著八幅仇十洲工筆《群仙高會圖》，兩邊盡是楠木嵌琉璃窗，地下鋪著三藍絨毯子，卻是一塵不染的。略坐一坐。蕙芳即引進西邊套房，中間隔著一重紅木冰梅花樣的落地罩，外間擺著兩個小書架。一個多寶櫥，上面一張小木炕，米色小泥繡花的鋪墊，炕几上供著一個粉定窯長方磁盆，開著五六箭素心蘭。正面掛著六幅金箋的小楷，卻是一人一幅，寫得停勻娟秀。一幅是度香主人，一幅是靜宜逸士，一幅是竹君詞客，一幅是劍潭山人，一幅是前舟外史，一幅是庸庵居士。像是幾首和韻七律詩。再看上款，是媚香囑和《長河修禊》七律六章原韻，春航心裡更加起敬。想道：
「原來他會作詩。」便問道：「這是和你的原韻，想必詩學是極淵深的。」蕙芳笑道：「草草塗鴉，不過湊幾句白話罷了，會作什麼詩？」春航道：「原唱呢，為何不寫出來？」蕙芳道：「去年袁寶珠替我寫了一幅，人家拿去看，遺失了。」春航再將蕙芳細細的看了一看，又道：「我看你舉止清高，吐屬嫻雅，絕不類優伶中人。你是幾時到京來學戲的？」蕙芳臉上便有愧色，歎了一口氣道：「問我的出身，原也是清白人家。父親也曾作過官。」春航立起來道：「失敬了，我原說不像小家出身。但你為何要學這個行業呢？」蕙芳便眼圈紅起來，道：
「請坐了，好說。」春航坐下，蕙芳道：「我小時隨宦雲南，八歲上母親死了，到十二歲父親被上司參劾，一氣成病，不到一月即故。本來兩袖清風，毫無私蓄，就有些須囊橐，都被幾個親戚長隨，豆分瓜剖的去了，單剩了一個老家人與我。在雲南住了一年多。可憐舉目無親，那些勢利場中，誰肯照拂，全仗老家人肩挑步擔過活。實在支持不下去了，只得同老家人回家。路上又吃盡了千辛萬苦，走了一年零兩月，才到蘇州。只落得蔓草荒煙，桑田滄海，親鄰冷眼，袖手旁觀，一枝之借，一飯之餐，竟不可得。在廟裡住了幾天，訪得一個親戚在直隸作幕，又費盡了九牛二虎之力．搭了糧船進來。先上了保定，到那親戚的住處一詢，誰知他鬧了一件事，已經發配口外去了，他的家眷也不知流落何處，你說這命運低不低？」春航道：「山窮水盡疑無路，以後便怎樣呢？」蕙芳道：「我們在保定作什麼？便想到京來尋一條生路，可可走到前門外，即遇見一個好人，是同鄉又是我的蒙師顧先生。他是個秀才，見了我們這般狼狽的光景，他便拉了我們到他寓處，前前後後問了一番。你說我這先生在京裡作什麼？」
春航道：「自然處館了。」蕙芳道：「他卻不處館，他的行為到有些像你，到今年也才二十七歲。他進京來便天天聽戲，錢都聽完了，戲卻聽會了，認識了許多的相公，遂作了教戲的師傅。遇著那年鄉試不中，他便燒了那些文章，入了聯錦班作了小生。」春航道：「這到是達人所為，毫無拘疑。」蕙芳道：「他收留了我們，遇著空閒時，便教我讀書寫字，並講究些詩詞，我們安安穩穩的住了。只可憐我那老家人，路上受了風霜，心內又愁悶，進了京就病；病了兩月死了。那時我更覺形單影只，進退維谷，只好依著先生為命。直到前年春間，先生苦勸我學戲，我起初不願，後來思想也無路可走，只得依了先生，學了幾出，漸漸的日積月累，久而自化。我那先生最好吟詩，每制一詩，必講給我聽，教我學作，不過不通就是了，自己卻也高興起來。誰知薄命不辰，深恩未報，先生去年夏間，又染時症物故，煢煢獨立，顧影自憐。」說到此，便硬咽起來。
春航聽了，也著實傷心，便道：「五年中星移物換，倒嘗了多少世態。」又安慰了幾句，吃了兩杯茶，蕙芳便問春航道；「你既好聽戲，於各班中可曾賞識幾個腳色麼？」春航笑道：「我是重色而輕藝，於戲文全不講究，腳色高低，也不懂得，惟取其有姿色者，視為至寶。起初孟浪，眼界未清，一遇冶容，便為傾國。及瞻仰玉顏，才覺妙住菩薩現蓮花寶座內，非下界凡人所得彷彿。前此真如王右軍學衛夫人書，徒費歲月耳，慚侮無盡。」蕙芳聽了春航幾句話，已有一半傾心，目視春航，好一會不言語，便又笑道：「你說以有姿色的為至寶，但不知所寶在那一樣？」春航便站起來，高興得手舞足蹈，滿面添花的道：「媚香你是解人，你試猜一猜？」蕙芳便紅著臉道：「我不會猜。」
春航道：「我也不為別的。」蕙芳便正色問道：「你為什麼？」春航道：「只要姿色好，情性好，我就為他死也情願。」蕙芳道：「人家好，干你什麼事，要為他死？你且說那可寶處？」春航道：「你聽我說，我輩作客數千里外，除了二三知己外，尚有四等好友得之最難，即得了又常有美中不足的不好處，就說可寶，也不能說他是至寶。」蕙芳道：「奇談！什麼四等的好友，定要請教。」春航道：「第一，是好天：夕陽明月，微雨清風，輕煙晴雪，即一人獨坐，亦足心曠神怡。感春秋之佳日，對景物而留連，或曠野，或亭院，修竹疏花，桐蔭柳下，閒吟徐步，領略芳辰，令人忘俗。」
蕙勞點頭道：「不錯，真是好的。第二，想必是好地了。」春航道：「是的。一丘一壑，山水清幽，卻好移步換形，引人入勝。第三，是好書，要不著一死句，不著一閒筆，便令人探索不盡。」蕙芳也點點頭。春航道：「第四，便是性靈中發出來的幾首好詩，也不必執定抱杜尊韓，有一句兩句，能道人所不能道者，便可與古人爭勝。」
蕙芳道：「是極，你真是個風雅通人。」春航道：「此四友是好的了，然也有不能全好處。好天，一月能有幾回？往往有上半天好，下半天變起來，便把上半天，也改壞了。到人意闌珊，便怕風怕雨的，不敢久留。好地，一省能有幾處？有必須徒步始通的地方，或險仄，或幽阻，沙石荊棘，十里八里的遠，便令人困乏起來，往往知其好處而不願遊覽。即如書，除了家弦戶誦幾部外，雖浩如煙海，究竟災梨禍棗的居多，就有翻陳出新處，又是各人的手筆，亦不能盡合人意。至於詩之一道，小而難工。也有初成時如煉金，再吟時同嚼蠟，反悔輕易落筆。此四友得之既難，得之而欲其全好則更難，所以說他是寶也，不能說他是至寶。只有你們貴行中人，便是四友外，一個容美盡善的寶友。」
蕙芳笑道：「寶友二字甚奇，我們並不知自己有可寶處。」春航道：「玉軟香溫，花濃雪豔，是為寶色。環肥燕瘦，肉膩骨香，是為寶體。明眸善睞，巧笑工顰，是為寶容。千嬌側聚，百媚橫生，是為寶態。憨啼吸露，嬌語嗔花，是為寶情。珠鈿刻翠，金▉飛霞，是為寶妝。再益以清歌妙舞，檀板金尊，宛轉關生，輕盈欲墮，則又謂之寶藝、寶人。」蕙芳道：「你這番議論原也極是，但有些太高太過處。」蕙芳口裡雖如此說，心裡著實感激春航，不免流波低盼，粉靨嬌融，把春航細細的打量，越看越看出好處來，眼中把那些富貴王孫，風流公子，盡壓下去了。
春航道：「茶煙琴韻，風雨雞鳴，思我故人，寸心千里，若非素心晨夕，何以言歡？而蕭寺生愁，殘燈寂寞，又安得有二三知己共耐淒涼？惟有你們這些好相公，一語半言，沁入心骨，遂令轉百鍊鋼為繞指柔。再如你這樣天仙化人，就使可望而不可即，使我學善才之見觀音，一步一拜，也都願意，何敢尚有他望？」蕙芳聽了，便止不住流下淚來，便道：「你的心，我知道了，不用說了。你且把到京以來，近日的光景，說給我聽。」春航就細細把去冬至今，說了一遍。蕙芳又笑起來道：「你真是一片癡情，十分妄想，卻又難為你這兩條腿，天天的跑，又站在戲園門口不動。」春航道：「若不是你，便請我也請不來。」蕙芳一笑，出去隨叫人拿進幾樣水果，幾樣菜，兩壺酒，讓春航小酌。
春航也不推辭，二人就在花梨四仙桌上對酌，各自吐了些肺腑。此時蕙芳心裡，已是十分貼切，全沒有半點勢利心腸。
當下吃畢了飯，又讓到裡邊屋裡坐了一坐，便吩咐跟班的，叫外面套車，送田老爺回寓。蕙芳挽住了春航的手道：「今日訂交，此生勿負。我蘇蕙芳如有虛言，有如皎日。你以後不必出來，我非早即晚，天天來看你一次。你須自己保重，努力前程。幸勿為我輩喪名，使外人物議。」春航聽了，轉愛為敬，直感入骨髓，已流下淚來。兩人相視嗚咽了一會，唯有那些跟班及使喚的人不解其意，以為怪事。一頭說，一頭走出來，送了春航上車，又叮囑了幾句，春航一直回寓不題。
這邊蕙芳也就睡了，卻細細把春航的說話記了一遍，又把他的光景想了多時。到睡了時，就見春航在面前，變了華冠麗服，儀容嚴肅的相貌，令人生畏；又變了一個中年的人，穿著一品服飾。恍恍惚惚作了一夜亂夢，到明日早上，就起得遲了。
已是早飯時，才洗了臉，吃了點心。跟班的進來道：「外面有客。」蕙芳問道：「是誰？」跟班的道：「是伏虎橋張老爺，同著開起盛銀號的潘三爺。」蕙芳只得穿了衣服，出來見了。
原來這張老爺就是張仲雨。這潘老爺叫潘其觀，是本京富翁，有百萬家財，開了三個銀號，兩個當鋪，又開了一個香料鋪，也捐一個六品職銜。原籍山西，在京已住了兩代。為人鄙吝齷齪，刻薄頑蠢，又是個色鬼，水陸並行晝夜不倦。卻有一個好處，是個怕老婆的都元帥。此刻他續娶的媳婦倒有八九分姿色，就是性情悍妒異常。他雖不喜歡這潘三。但又不許他外邊胡鬧。如逢潘三一夜不歸，他便坐了車，領著人，各處窯子裡搜尋，搜著了，鬧個落花流水。潘三無計可施，近生了個收買孌童之念，在各班中留心物色。
看中了蘇蕙芳。今日拉了張仲雨來，要替他說合。仲雨想：「這蕙芳人品高雅，未必肯跟潘其觀。」就支支吾吾不願作成。經其觀再三懇求，許以金帛重謝。只得同來，見景生情罷了。來到蕙芳家內坐下，說了些閒話。
你看這潘其觀怎生模樣：
五短身材，一個醬色圓臉，一嘴豬鬃似的黃騷毛，有四十多歲年紀。生得凸肚中間凹臀，俗而且臭。穿了一身青綢綿衣，戴一頂鑲絨便帽，拖條小貂尾，腳下穿一雙青緞襪灰色鑲鞋，胸前衣衿上掛著一枝短煙袋，露出半個綠皮煙荷包。淡黃眼珠，紅絲纏滿，笑瞇嘻的低聲下氣，裝出許多謙溫樣子。蕙芳無奈，只得坐下陪著。張仲雨看著蕙芳，卻像要說話又不說的光景。蕙芳低了頭，一回站起來，到窗前看那盆內種的蘭花，心上卻憶著田春航，又不好回他們出去，無精打采的坐立不安。那潘其觀坐著不動，也不開口，眼睛只注著蕙芳。張仲雨道：「咱們也不必找地方，就在這裡擺個酒兒，隨便弄兩樣菜不好麼？」潘其觀道：「很好，家裡又清淨。」蕙勞道：「好是好，我今日不能久陪二位，就要走，姑蘇會館有戲，第二齣就是我的戲。」潘其觀道：「那不要緊，不去亦使得。」蕙勞道：「那倒不能不去的。」潘其觀道：「你又沒有師傅，還伯什麼？這樣紅人兒怕得罪誰？」蕙芳不語，只得叫跟班的快備酒來。不多一會，擺上了酒菜，蕙芳讓坐，潘其觀推仲雨坐了首席。先飲了幾杯酒，潘其觀便絮絮叨叨，肉肉麻麻的說不斷。蕙芳好不厭煩，便心生一計：假獻慇懃，站起來敬了幾杯酒，扌害了幾回拳，心裡想灌醉了他，就好走路。
那曉得潘其觀最會鬧酒，越喝越不醉，酒下了肚，嘴裡就沒有好話，便伸出那又短又肥挺硬的那隻手來，攙住了蕙芳的手道：「好孩子，怎麼你總不去瞧瞧我，我很想你。每見了你的戲，晚上就做夢，倒親親熱熱的長在一塊兒頑，醒了便覺得困乏。你真害死我了，我又沒有兒子，要這一分大家財作什麼？你與我做個乾兒子，咱們爺兒倆天天的樂，不好嗎？」蕙芳聽了，幾乎氣得哭出來，眼睛一紅，心裡想道：「這奴才也不想想自己身分，這等可惡！待我賺他賺。」便忍住了氣，裝作笑容道：「三爺盡說瞎話，我這樣蠢孩子，那裡巴結得上。我見你天天聽戲，也不把眼睛梢瞧瞧我，也沒有喊過一聲好，今日在張老爺面前撒謊盡賺人。」幾句話說得潘其觀骨頭沒有四兩重了。
張仲雨心上詫異，暗想道：「這也奇了，不料蘇蕙芳倒喜歡潘其觀，難道錢可通神，我的財運來了，好發他一注大財。」
即便湊趣道：「潘三爺真個逢人就說你好，贊你的相貌，贊你的性情才技，沒有一天不說兩回。常說道：『只要你能有心向他，他就拿個銀號給你。」即向潘其觀道：「這話不是你親口說的麼？」其觀點點頭。蕙芳笑道：「你有幾個銀號？一個相公給一個，京城裡有幾百個相公，難道你有幾百個銀號不成？」
潘其觀道：「別人要想我一個大錢也不能，只要你肯，我什麼都肯。」蕙芳心裡已有了主意，對著潘其觀把眼一睃，把潘其觀的三魂七魄都勾了出來。仲雨也得意洋洋，把指頭敲著桌子，不住的喊好。蕙芳道：「潘三爺，你既心上有我，你今日必得暢飲一天，不可藏著量兒。」其觀道：「拿大杯來！」
蕙勞便親手去拿了兩隻大杯，將酒斟滿了，一人敬了一杯：又斟了兩杯道：「潘三爺，我今日本來要和你飲個成雙杯，實在酒量小，不能飲，你飲這雙杯。」潘其觀點頭播腦的飲了。又斟上兩杯，對著仲雨道：「張老爺，你也飲個成雙杯。」仲雨笑道：「你叫我和誰成雙？」蕙芳道：「你和我成雙好不好？今日請你先和潘三爺成雙。」仲雨把蕙芳額上彈了一彈，道：「我也配？」蕙芳逼著他乾，他也就乾了。此時潘、張兩人的酒，已有了七分，才又吃了兩樣菜。蕙芳便到房中換了一身衣裳出來，益發出落得齊整。潘三便把手捏腕的肉麻起來，急的蕙芳了不得，又不好跑開，只得與他們扌害拳，又唱了幾枝小曲。張仲雨見壁上掛著一張琵琶，就取下來，撥動弦索相和，慢慢的說著話。
已到申末酉初時候，蕙芳見他們尚未沉醉，便試他一試道：「潘三爺，有句話論理不當說，我們沒有什麼交情。但是，我急了，我欠人家一票銀子，約明日還他。今日我打算出去張羅，偏偏你這財神爺來了．可肯通融一肩？」潘其觀道：「要多少？」蕙芳道：「不多，二百兩。」潘三目視仲雨，仲雨道：「你瞧，這蕙芳難道只值二百銀子，你潘老三就支支吾吾起來。橫豎前後一樣。」其觀停了半晌，向套褲裡摸出一個皮帳夾，有一搭錢票，十弔八弔的湊起來。湊了二百弔京錢。遞與蕙芳道：「二百弔先拿去使罷。」蕙芳謝了一聲，便塞在靴掖子裡，又道：「怎麼好受了你這重賞。」潘其觀道：「憑你的良心罷。」蕙芳笑迷迷的，對潘三丟了個眼色，喜得潘三什麼似的，清涎直流出來。蕙芳即斟了一大杯酒，拿在手裡道：「看二百吊錢面上，今日破例敬潘三爺一個皮杯。」其觀一聽，已覺遍體酥酥，胸前發起喘來。蕙芳把酒含了一口，走到潘三身邊，笑迷迷的重又吐將出來，笑了一笑。潘三已張開口候著，蕙芳見了便將箸子夾了一塊魚，送到潘三嘴邊，潘三接了，蕙芳又夾起一塊自己吃下，便道：「呵唷，了不得了。」仲雨道：「不要鯁著了。」蕙芳道：「怕不是。」潘其觀道：「快拿飯來，一噎就好了。」
值席的拿了半碗飯來，蕙芳吃了幾口，仰著頭靠在椅背上，只說不中用，疼得很。仲雨道：「吃青果便可消得。」蕙芳又吃了幾個青果，仍說不好。潘三過來，把嘴湊近蕙芳臉上，想要個乖乖，說道：「你張開口待我望望。」蕙芳便把袖子掩了臉道：「這如何望得見？總為著敬你的皮杯。只要你多吃幾鍾，我就不疼了。」潘三道：「真麼？」便飲了一大碗，問道：「可好些麼？」蕙芳點點頭，其觀又飲了兩杯，才住了手。蕙芳便又呼起疼來，其觀強仲雨也飲了一杯，蕙芳便又說好些，隨說道：「我見你們吃得爽快，便忘了痛。」潘其觀此時迷了，酒已有了九分，那裡知是賺他，便拖住了仲雨，你一杯我一盞的起來。仲雨也醉了，便拿不定主意，痛喝了一陣。兩人酒已到十二分，一湧上來，潘其觀一個頭眩，往後一靠，便兩腳朝天，倒翻了一個筋斗，倒在地下。仲雨見潘三醉了，立起來哈哈的一笑，也就蹲了下去，倒在一邊。兩人在地上，像半死的光景，一動也不動。此時已是黃昏時候，蕙芳便叫把桌子撤了，笑道：「想吃天鵝肉，自作自受，叫你今日才曉得蘇媚香的利害。」隨吩咐跟班的：「扶他們在客廳炕上睡了，替他們脫了外面的衣服，拿一條大被蓋了，讓他二人同入巫山罷。」
蕙芳安排已畢，一面叫套車，一面到自己房中開了箱子，揀出小毛棉夾單紗五套衣服，並潘三的二百吊錢票，帶了一副鋪蓋，一總交跟班的拿出來，放在車上。蕙芳上了車，跟班跨了沿，一齊向春航寓處來。才到了衚衕口，月光下見一人站著，趕車的一看，卻認得就是田春航，便住了車，叫道：「老者爺，我們正到你那裡去。」蕙芳和跟班的聽見，一齊跳下車來，蕙芳拉住春航道：「你又在這裡做什麼？」春航道：「我候你一天不見來，我就不想活。我已在你門口立了多時，不好意思進來，所以就在這裡。」蕙芳歎口氣道：「你這冤家，真令人奈何不得你。」便請春航車裡頭坐了，自己跨著車沿，一路說話，到了廟門下來。跟班的即拿了衣包，扛了鋪蓋，一同進來，打發車回去，明日來接。
高品已經睡了，春航不好去驚動他，一徑到自己房內。田安伏在桌上瞌睡，春航剔亮了燈，叫醒了田安，說道：「快去泡茶。」田安擦擦眼睛，見一個美少年，只道是位公子，便急急的泡茶去了。蕙芳坐下，看他行李蕭條，心裡著實難過。便叫跟班的將衣裳、票子拿上來，道：「這五套衣服都是我平日穿過的，你不嫌舊，使收著。這票子送你作旅費。本來打算請你過去住，恐旁觀不雅。你若短少了東西，只管問我。」春航道：「這如何使得？我斷不好受。」蕙芳道：「你不受，便看輕我了。難道我拿了東西來賺你？你總不要存心。你存了心，便連你這情都假了。你只要依我一件，以後不許出來聽戲。」春航諾諾連聲，又講了些知心肺腑，彼此都有知遇之感，不禁慷慨欷▉起來，兩人對坐著，倒成了道義之交，絕無半點邪念，直談到雞鳴，方各和衣睡了。
且說潘、張兩人，醉到不醒人事。睡到四更，潘其觀翻一個身，即骨碌碌的滾下炕來，在地上坐著，想要小解，各處摸那夜壺。摸著了自己一隻鞋，拉下褲子，就在那鞋裡撤了一泡尿，大半撤在褲擋裡頭。模模糊糊的在地下亂摸，摸著了炕，重新爬上來。心裡細細的想，在那裡吃的酒。雖在醉中，還被他想著了蘇蕙芳，便又在炕上摸索，摸著了張仲雨，便當是蕙芳了，一把摟緊，口裡道：「好兒子，好心肝」的叫不絕聲，便亂拉亂扯，把棉被早已撩下地了。又把仲雨的衣裳盡力的扯，扯破了一件夾襖，手也酸了；將自己的褲帶，用力扯斷，倒不將褲子往下脫，只管往上拉，那一條尿褲，已是濕透，連褥子都浸濕了，卻拉不下來，只得貼緊了張仲雨的背亂動。仲雨醒來，像有人將他抱住搖動，心頭的酒便往喉嚨頭直衝上來，一回頭就吐。恰值潘其觀張開了口，倒敬了一個滿滿的七竅的皮杯。潘其觀臉上，厚厚的堆了一層，便大嚷起來，把頭亂擺，濺的各處都是。仲雨第二陣又來了，這一陣卻全是酒，一澆倒把其觀臉上澆淨，只覺得穢味難當。其觀急了坐起來，就把袖子在臉上亂擦，口裡「小東西，小妖精」的罵。仲雨聽了，便道：「你是誰？罵誰？」潘其觀罵道：「你這害人不淺的小兔子，塗了你的爹一臉糞。」張仲雨大怒，罵道：「誰是你的爹？」雙手一推，潘其觀滾下地來。仲雨坐起又罵道：「那個忘八羔子，敢在老爺炕上罵老爺。」潘其觀道：「你這兔子該死了，公然罵起你爹來，這還了得？」爬起來到炕上要打，正值張仲雨下來，碰著了，趁手一個把掌，潘其觀又栽了一交。仲雨道：「到底你是誰？」潘其觀放大了喉嚨，嚷道：「反了！反了！反了！你這賊兔子，竟打起你爹來了。你願意和你爹睡覺，倒裝糊塗不認得，難道我潘三爺來強姦你不成。」張仲雨想了一回道：「什麼潘三爺，難道你是潘老三，幾時跑到這裡來？」潘其觀又罵道：「不說你留我，倒說我跑來，你真是不死的惡兔子，你把張仲雨藏到那裡去了？」仲雨道：「呸，這麼糊糊塗涂鬧不清，我就是張仲雨」。
潘其觀道：「怎麼說，你冒充張仲雨來唬我？」這一場鬧。鬧醒了一家人，那些打雜的，看門的，都點了燈進來，覺得酒氣直沖。上前一照，只見張仲雨站著，腳下踏了棉被，潘其觀坐在地上，滿面花花綠綠，光著一隻腳，將手指著張仲雨。眾人見了，忍不住大笑，扶了潘其觀起來。張仲雨走近把潘其觀一認，潘其觀也把張仲雨一認，各背轉了身子走開，惹得眾人又笑。把被拉起，只見被底下濕透的一隻鞋，一股尿騷臭。地下一大灘黑影，棉被也污了半條。再看炕上，便糟蹋如毛廁一般，可惜了這一牀被褥。潘其觀道：「我的襪子那裡去了？」尋到中間地下，有一隻套褲，一隻襪子，皮帳夾內帳底條子撒了一地。潘其觀也不理會，隨他們拾起來。有兩人送上兩大盆熱水潘、張兩人淨淨臉。此時都已醒了酒。潘其觀覺得褲擋冰冷，用手一模，卻全是濕的，穿不住，脫了，問打雜的借了一條單褲，一雙鞋穿上。張仲雨對著潘其觀道：「奇怪！」潘其觀道：「怪奇！」二人前前後後的一想，便拍手大笑了一會。此時已經天明，太陽也出來了。潘其觀便問蕙芳藏在那裡，原來蕙芳交代了一番說話，方才出門。打雜的道：「昨夜你們兩位老爺睡了，不料華公子住在城外，打發人來把蕙芳叫去。這位老爺誰敢違拗他，只怕今日帶進了城，要住好幾天才回來。」
張仲雨道：「這倒難怪他，華公子是惹不得的。」潘其觀無可奈何，只可惜了二百吊錢，倒買張仲雨吐了他一臉，打了他一個嘴巴，只好慢慢的日後商量，再作道理，同了張仲雨鬱鬱而去。
這邊蕙芳與春航早上起來，洗洗臉，吃了點心。蕙芳見壁上掛了張琴。
即問春航道：「你會彈琴麼？」春航道：「略知一二。」蕙芳道：「何不彈一曲聽聽？」未知春航彈與不彈，且聽下回分解。
After infuriating Chun Hang, Zhong Qing sent the hundred gold prepared by Wang Xun to Gao Pin’s place as Chun Hang’s salary. Chun Hang sat in a daze for two days, pressured by the need for rice and coal, and found no way to borrow money. After being detained by Gao Pin, he had to temporarily rely on him for food.
One day, after having a meal, Gao Pin went to visit a guest, and Chun Hang went to the theater. He was thinking about Su Huifang, but he had no money to watch the play, so he could only stand at the entrance of the theater, waiting for Huifang to come and go. When it was time for the play to start, he saw Huifang get off the carriage at the entrance. Unfortunately, a crowd of people came to watch the play, and they pushed Chun Hang to the back, preventing them from meeting face to face. Chun Hang was very upset in his heart. He squeezed out of the crowd, but Huifang had already gone in. He could only stand there in a daze, waiting for her to come out. He saw many high-ranking gentlemen, who were on par with Huifang.
Chun Hang thought to himself, “I didn’t expect there to be such good gentlemen in the Lian Jin troupe. Their reputation is indeed well-deserved.” He waited for more than three hours before he saw Huifang come out with her head down. Two handsome young men, dressed in dazzling clothes, were followed by two servants, carrying cushions and clothes bags, and they got into the carriage with Huifang. Chun Hang knew that Huifang hadn’t seen him, and he walked back in a gloomy mood.
After a night, he went to the entrance of the theater the next day and waited for a day, but he didn’t meet her. That day was wasted, and he sighed endlessly. Chun Hang had been obsessed for a long time and it was hard for him to realize it. He went to find the Lian Jin troupe every day, waiting for Huifang. For more than ten days in a row, Huifang also saw the man who had fallen in the mud last time. Every time she got on and off the carriage, he was always standing at the entrance of the theater, staring at her like a drunk or a fool. She was very surprised. Because she took a closer look at his appearance, he was handsome and elegant, and although his face was a bit haggard, his jade-like bones and charming demeanor were evident. Huifang knew in her heart that this man had come for her, and she couldn’t help but feel affectionate, often giving him affectionate glances. Chun Hang was so happy that he followed Huifang’s carriage every day, all the way to the entrance of her residence in Jixiang Alley, where he lingered for a long time before leaving.
One day, Chun Hang’s luck came, and it was also the fate of everyone: he was following Huifang’s carriage, and Huifang noticed him, and she felt a bit of pity for him. As soon as she entered the door, she asked her servant to invite him in. The servant went out.
He looked at Chun Hang and said, “Sir, are you looking for our master? Our master has invited you in for tea!” Chun Hang was overjoyed, but he was too stunned to move. He couldn’t go in. The servant invited him again, but Chun Hang was still shy and embarrassed. Suddenly, someone came out from inside and said, “Please invite the gentleman who followed the carriage in.” Chun Hang had to straighten his clothes and followed the servant into the gate. It was a courtyard with two rows of delicate fences on both sides. It was late February, and all the flowers were in full bloom. The courtyard was full of bright red and purple flowers, and the fragrance was intoxicating. There were three small guest rooms upstairs, which were also equipped with bells, tripods, zithers, and books, and they were very elegant. After a while, Su Huifang came out, wearing a plain pearl leather suit, and came forward to greet him. Chun Hang immediately grabbed her hand, which was soft and slender like spring bamboo shoots. The two of them stood side by side, almost the same height. It turned out that Huifang was also seventeen years old. Huifang smiled at Chun Hang and said, “We see each other every day, but I don’t know your name yet. I was embarrassed to fall in the mud the other day, and I deeply appreciate your kindness. I’m lucky to have your favor, and I won’t forget it in my three lives.” Chun Hang was very surprised and said, “You speak so elegantly and are good at using words.” He then said, “Ever since I saw you, I’ve been thinking about you day and night; my admiration for you is so deep that I can only pledge my heart to you. You didn’t scold me, but instead invited me in. Your deep affection makes me, Tian Xiang, unforgettable.” He then explained his background and surname, and talked about some of his thoughts. They looked at each other and were silent for a while.
Huifang then invited Chun Hang in. They walked out of the guest room and went into a small courtyard inside the fence on the west side. There were five rooms in total: the guest room on the east side was prepared for unexpected guests. The two rooms in the middle were used as a small study, and the two rooms on the west side were Huifang’s bedroom. Chun Hang first sat down on the kang in the middle, and saw eight fine brush paintings of “The Gathering of the Immortals” by Qiu Shizhou hanging on the wall. The windows on both sides were inlaid with nanmu and colored glass, and the floor was covered with three blue velvet carpets, which were spotlessly clean. After sitting for a while, Huifang led him into the suite on the west side. There was a redwood ice plum pattern floor screen in the middle, and the outer room had two small bookshelves and a curio cabinet. There was a small wooden kang with a rice-colored small clay embroidered cushion. On the kang table, there was a long rectangular porcelain basin from the Fen Ding kiln, with five or six arrows of plain heart orchids. On the wall in front of him, there were six small regular script calligraphy works on gold paper, each one written by a different person, all of them neat and graceful. One was by Du Xiang, the host, one was by Jing Yi, the hermit, one was by Zhu Jun, the poet, one was by Jian Tan, the mountain man, one was by Qian Zhou, the historian, and one was by Yong An, the recluse. They seemed to be several seven-character quatrains in harmony. Looking at the title again, it was “Long River Xiuxi” seven-character quatrains six chapters in the original rhyme by Mei Xiang. Chun Hang was even more respectful in his heart. He thought to himself,
“She can write poetry.” He then asked, “This is in harmony with your original rhyme. Your poetry must be very profound.” Huifang laughed and said, “I just scribble a few sentences in vernacular, I can’t write poetry.” Chun Hang said, “Where is the original song? Why don’t you write it out?” Huifang said, “Last year, Yuan Baozhu wrote a poem for me, but it was lost when someone took it to read.” Chun Hang took a closer look at Huifang and said, “I see that you are noble and elegant, and you are not like a commoner. When did you come to Beijing to learn drama?” Huifang’s face showed a hint of shame, and she sighed and said, “If you ask about my background, I am originally from a decent family. My father was also an official.” Chun Hang stood up and said, “I’m sorry, I originally thought you were not from a small family. But why did you want to learn this profession?” Huifang’s eyes turned red, and she said,
“Please sit down, and I’ll tell you.” Chun Hang sat down, and Huifang said, “When I was a child, I followed my father to Yunnan. My mother died when I was eight years old. When I was twelve, my father was impeached by his superior and fell ill from anger. He died in less than a month. He was originally a clean official with no private savings. Even if he had some savings, they were all taken away by several relatives and divided up. All that was left was an old servant and me. We stayed in Yunnan for more than a year. It was pitiful to have no relatives in sight. Who would care for us in the world of power and wealth? We relied entirely on the old servant to carry the burden and make a living. When we couldn’t support ourselves any longer, we had to return home with the old servant. On the way, we suffered all kinds of hardships. It took us more than a year to get to Suzhou. All we found was desolation and desolation. Our neighbors were indifferent and watched from the sidelines. We couldn’t even borrow a branch or a meal. We stayed in a temple for a few days and found a relative who was working as a secretary in Zhili. We spent all our strength to get on a grain ship and came in. We first arrived in Baoding. When we inquired about the relative’s residence, we found out that he had caused a trouble and had been exiled. His family didn’t know where they had gone. Can you say that my fate is not low?” Chun Hang said, “When the mountains and rivers are exhausted and there seems to be no way out, what happened next?” Huifang said, “What could we do in Baoding? We thought about coming to Beijing to find a way to survive. As soon as we arrived at the front gate, we met a good man who was from the same hometown and was my mentor, Mr. Gu. He was a scholar. When he saw our miserable situation, he took us to his residence and asked us about our situation. What do you think my teacher does in Beijing?”
Chun Hang said, “Of course he stays in a guesthouse.” Huifang said, “He doesn’t stay in a guesthouse. His behavior is somewhat like yours. He is only twenty-seven years old this year. When he came to Beijing, he listened to plays every day. He spent all his money on plays, but he learned a lot from them. He got to know many gentlemen and became a drama teacher. When he failed the provincial examination, he burned all his articles and joined the Lian Jin troupe as a young actor.” Chun Hang said, “This is what a wise man would do, without any hesitation.” Huifang said, “He took us in. When he had free time, he taught me to read and write, and talked about poetry. We lived peacefully. Unfortunately, my old servant suffered from the wind and frost on the road, and he was also worried. As soon as he arrived in Beijing, he fell ill. He was sick for two months and died. At that time, I felt even more lonely and helpless. I had no choice but to follow my teacher’s orders. Until the spring of the year before last, my teacher persuaded me to learn drama. At first, I was reluctant, but then I thought that there was no other way to go, so I had to follow my teacher’s advice. I learned a few plays, and gradually, day by day, month by month, I became accustomed to it. My teacher was very good at reciting poetry. Every time he wrote a poem, he would recite it to me and teach me how to write it. Even if I didn’t understand it, I was happy. Who knew that I was unlucky and died of a disease last summer before I could repay his deep kindness. I was left alone, feeling sorry for myself.” When she said this, she choked up.
Chun Hang listened and was truly heartbroken. He said, “In the past five years, the stars have moved and things have changed. You have tasted so much of the world.” He comforted her for a while, had two cups of tea, and then Huifang asked Chun Hang, “Since you like to listen to plays, have you appreciated any roles in the various troupes?” Chun Hang laughed and said, “I value beauty over skill, and I don’t care about the content of the plays or the quality of the roles. I don’t understand them. I only value those who are beautiful and consider them treasures. At first, I was reckless and my vision was not clear. As soon as I saw a beautiful woman, I thought she was a beauty who could overthrow a country. But when I saw your jade face, I realized that the Buddha was really in the lotus seat of the Buddha, and ordinary people couldn’t imitate him. In the past, I was like Wang Youjun studying the letters of Wei Furen, wasting my time. I feel ashamed and endless.” After listening to Chun Hang’s words, Huifang was half in love with him. She looked at Chun Hang for a while without speaking, and then laughed and said, “You said that those who are beautiful are treasures, but I don’t know what you treasure?” Chun Hang stood up, danced with joy, and said with a beaming face, “Huifang, you are a wise man. Can you guess?” Huifang blushed and said, “I can’t guess.”
Chun Hang said, “I don’t care about anything else.” Huifang asked seriously, “What do you care about?” Chun Hang said, “As long as she is beautiful and kind, I am willing to die for her.” Huifang said, “What does it have to do with you if someone else is good? Why do you want to die for her? What do you treasure?” Chun Hang said, “Listen to me, we are guests thousands of miles away. Apart from two or three close friends, there are four kinds of good friends that are hard to find. Even if we find them, there are often shortcomings that are not good. Even if we say they are treasures, we can’t say they are the ultimate treasures.” Huifang said, “What a strange story! What are the four kinds of good friends? I must learn from you.” Chun Hang said, “The first one is good weather: sunset, bright moon, light rain, clear wind, light smoke, clear snow, even if one sits alone, it is enough to make one feel relaxed and happy. Appreciating the beautiful days of spring and autumn, facing the scenery and lingering, whether it is in the wilderness or in the pavilion, with tall bamboo and sparse flowers, under the shade of the phoenix tree and the willow, leisurely chanting and walking slowly, enjoying the fragrant morning, makes people forget about the world.”
Huifang nodded and said, “That’s right, it’s really good. The second one must be a good place.” Chun Hang said, “Yes. A hill, a gully, mountains and rivers are quiet and secluded, and it’s good to change the scenery with every step, which is fascinating. The third one is a good book, which doesn’t need a single dead sentence or a single idle pen, and makes people explore endlessly.” Huifang also nodded. Chun Hang said, “The fourth one is a few good poems that come from the spirit. They don’t have to stick to Du Zunhan, and if they have one or two sentences that can say what people can’t say, they can compete with the ancients.”
Hui Fang said, “Indeed, you are truly a refined and cultured person.” Chun Hang replied, “These four friends are good, but they also have their shortcomings. Good weather, how many times can we have it in a month? Often, the first half of the day is good, but the second half changes, ruining the good of the first half. When people’s desires are exhausted, they fear the wind and rain and dare not stay long. Good places, how many can there be in a province? There are places that can only be reached on foot, either narrow or secluded, with sand, stones, thorns, and a distance of ten or eight miles, which can make people tired. Often, they know the benefits but are unwilling to tour. As for books, apart from a few that are recited by families, although they are vast as the sea, most of them are disasters and calamities. Even if there are new things to be found, they are written by different people and cannot fully satisfy everyone. As for the path of poetry, it is small and difficult to master. There are times when it is like refining gold at first, but like chewing wax when recited again, regretting the ease of putting pen to paper. These four friends are hard to get, and it is even harder to get them to be perfect, so they are treasures, but not the ultimate treasures. Only you people in your noble profession are the beautiful and virtuous treasure friends outside of the four friends.”
Hui Fang laughed and said, “The term ‘treasure friend’ is very strange, we don’t know what is valuable about ourselves.” Chun Hang said, “Soft jade, warm fragrance, rich flowers, and snow-like beauty are the colors of the treasure. Round and thin, meaty and bone fragrant, are the body of the treasure. Bright eyes, good at flirting, clever smiles, and skilled frowns are the appearance of the treasure. Thousands of charms gathered on one side, hundreds of charms born horizontally, are the attitudes of the treasure. Innocent crying, sucking dew, charming language, and scolding flowers are the emotions of the treasure. Pearl and jade carvings, gold flying in the clouds, are the adornments of the treasure. Further enhanced by clear singing and wonderful dancing, sandalwood board and golden cup, winding and turning, light and about to fall, are also called treasure arts and treasure people.” Hui Fang said, “Your discussion is indeed very good, but some parts are too high and excessive.” Although Hui Fang said this, she was truly grateful to Chun Hang in her heart. She couldn’t help but look at him with low and flowing eyes, her face blushing and charming. She looked at Chun Hang carefully, and the more she looked, the more she saw his good points. In her eyes, those rich and noble princes and romantic sons were all suppressed.
Chun Hang said, “Tea smoke and zither sounds, wind and rain and rooster crowing, thinking of my old friends, a thousand miles in my heart. If it weren’t for a pure heart morning and evening, how could I talk about joy? And Xiao Temple is full of sorrow, the remaining lamp is lonely, and how can I endure the desolation with two or three confidants? Only you good gentlemen, with a word or half a word, can penetrate into my bones, and make me turn a hundred times of steel into a soft finger. Even if you are like a fairy who has become a human, even if you are within sight but not within reach, even if I learn from Shan Cai to see Guanyin, one step at a time, I am willing, how dare I have other hopes?” When Hui Fang heard this, she couldn’t help but shed tears, and said, “I know your heart, you don’t need to say it. You can tell me about your recent situation since you came to the capital.” Chun Hang then carefully told her about everything from last winter to now. Hui Fang laughed and said, “You are really a piece of infatuation, very delusional, but it’s hard for your two legs to run every day, and to stand still at the entrance of the theater.” Chun Hang said, “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be able to come even if I was invited.” Hui Fang laughed, went out and called someone to bring in some fruits, some dishes, and two pots of wine, and let Chun Hang have a drink.
Chun Hang did not refuse, and the two of them sat across from each other at the pear wood four immortals table, each pouring out their hearts. At this time, Hui Fang’s heart was already very close, and there was not a bit of snobbishness.
After eating, she invited him to sit in the inner room for a while, then ordered her entourage to call for a carriage outside to send Master Tian back to his residence. Hui Fang held Chun Hang’s hand and said, “Today we have made a commitment, do not fail in this life. If I, Su Hui Fang, have any false words, it will be like the bright sun. You don’t need to come out in the future, I will come to see you once a day, either early or late. You must take care of yourself and strive for a better future. Fortunately, do not lose your reputation for us, so as not to be criticized by outsiders.” When Chun Hang heard this, he turned his love into respect, deeply moved to the bone marrow, and tears flowed down. The two looked at each other and sobbed for a while, only those entourage and servants did not understand their meaning, and thought it was strange. As they were talking, they walked out, sent Chun Hang to the carriage, and gave him a few more instructions. Chun Hang went straight back to his residence without mentioning it.
On this side, Hui Fang also went to sleep, but she carefully remembered Chun Hang’s words and thought about his situation for a long time. When she went to sleep, she saw Chun Hang in front of her, transformed into a person with a splendid crown and a solemn face, which was awe-inspiring; and then transformed into a middle-aged man, wearing a first-class costume. She had a night of chaotic dreams, and when she woke up in the morning, she got up late.
It was already breakfast time when she washed her face and had some snacks. The entourage came in and said, “There are guests outside.” Hui Fang asked, “Who is it?” The entourage said, “It’s Master Zhang from Fu Hu Bridge, and Master Pan from Kai Qi Sheng Silver Shop.” Hui Fang had to put on her clothes and come out to meet them.
It turned out that this Master Zhang was Zhang Zhong Yu. This Master Pan was called Pan Qi Guan, a wealthy man in the capital, with a fortune of millions. He opened three silver shops, two pawnshops, and a spice shop, and also donated a sixth-rank official title. He was originally from Shanxi and had lived in the capital for two generations. He was stingy, mean, and stupid, and was a lecher, tirelessly pursuing both water and land day and night. However, he had one good point, he was a general who was afraid of his wife. At this moment, his current wife was quite attractive, but her temperament was extremely fierce and jealous. Although he did not like this Pan San, he did not allow him to mess around outside. If Pan San did not return home for a night, she would take a carriage, lead people, and search for him in various brothels. If she found him, she would make a big fuss. Pan San had no choice but to come up with the idea of buying a boy, and he was looking for one in each troupe.
He took a fancy to Su Hui Fang. Today, he brought Zhang Zhong Yu to speak for him. Zhong Yu thought, “This Hui Fang is of high character and may not be willing to follow Pan Qi Guan.” So he hesitated and was unwilling to make it happen. After Qi Guan pleaded again and again, promising to reward him with gold and silk, he had to come with him, and let the scene inspire feelings. When they sat down in Hui Fang’s house, they chatted casually.
Look at what Pan Qi Guan looks like:
He was short and had a round face the color of soy sauce, a mouth full of yellow bristles like pig bristles, and was in his forties. He was born with a protruding belly and a concave buttock in the middle, vulgar and smelly. He was wearing a green silk cotton suit, a velvet hat, a small mink tail, green satin socks and gray shoes on his feet, and a short smoking pipe hanging on the collar of his shirt, revealing half a green leather tobacco pouch. His pale yellow eyes were full of red threads, and he was laughing and whispering, pretending to be very humble. Hui Fang had no choice but to sit down and accompany him. Zhang Zhong Yu looked at Hui Fang, but it seemed like he wanted to say something but didn’t. Hui Fang lowered her head, stood up once, and looked at the orchids planted in the pot by the window. She was thinking of Tian Chun Hang in her heart, but it was not good for her to go back to them, so she sat and stood restlessly. Pan Qi Guan sat still and didn’t speak, his eyes only fixed on Hui Fang. Zhang Zhong Yu said, “We don’t need to find a place, let’s have a drink here, and casually make two dishes, isn’t it good?” Pan Qi Guan said, “Very good, it’s quiet at home.” Hui Fang said, “Good is good, but I can’t accompany you two for long today, I have to go, there is a play at the Suzhou Guild Hall, and the second act is my play.” Pan Qi Guan said, “That doesn’t matter, you don’t have to go.” Hui Fang said, “That can’t be done.” Pan Qi Guan said, “You don’t have a master, why are you still afraid? What kind of red person is afraid of offending someone?” Hui Fang didn’t speak, so she had to call her entourage to prepare the wine quickly. In a short while, the wine and dishes were served, Hui Fang invited them to sit, and Pan Qi Guan pushed Zhong Yu to sit in the first seat. After drinking a few cups of wine, Pan Qi Guan began to babble, his words were meaty and numb, and he couldn’t stop talking. Hui Fang was so annoyed that she came up with a plan: she pretended to be courteous, stood up and toasted a few cups of wine, and made a few bows, thinking of getting him drunk so she could leave.
Who knew that Pan Qi Guan was the best at making a fuss about wine, the more he drank, the less drunk he became. When the wine went down his stomach, there were no good words in his mouth. He stretched out that short, fat, stiff and hard hand, and held Hui Fang’s hand and said, “Good boy, why don’t you ever come to see me, I miss you so much. Every time I see your play, I dream about it at night, and we are close and warm together, and when I wake up, I feel tired. You are really killing me, I don’t have a son, what do I need this family fortune for? You be my godson, and we father and son will be happy every day, isn’t that good?” When Hui Fang heard this, she almost cried out in anger, her eyes turned red, and she thought to herself, “This slave doesn’t even think about his own status, he’s so disgusting! Let me trick him.” So she held back her anger, pretended to smile and said, “Master San, you are always talking nonsense, I am such a stupid child, where can I flatter you. I see you listening to the opera every day, you never even glance at me, you never shouted a good word, today you are lying in front of Master Zhang, trying to trick people.” A few words made Pan Qi Guan feel like he didn’t weigh four ounces.
Zhang Zhongyu was surprised and thought to himself, “This is strange, I didn’t expect Su Huifang to like Pan Qiguan. Could it be that money can communicate with the gods? My fortune has come, and I should give him a big fortune.”
He immediately joked, “Master Pan, you always speak highly of others, praising their looks, character, and talents. You always say, ‘As long as you are willing to be with him, he will give you a silver number.’ Isn’t this what you said yourself?” Qiguan nodded. Huifang laughed and said, “How many silver numbers do you have? One for each gentleman, there are hundreds of gentlemen in the capital, do you have hundreds of silver numbers?”
Pan Qiguan said, “Others can’t even want a big money from me, as long as you are willing, I am willing to do anything.” Huifang already had an idea in her heart, she glanced at Pan Qiguan, and hooked out Pan Qiguan’s soul. Zhongyu was also very proud, knocking on the table with his fingers, constantly praising. Huifang said, “Master Pan, since you have me in your heart, you must drink freely today, don’t hide your capacity.” Qiguan said, “Bring the big cup!”
Huifang personally brought two big cups, filled them with wine, and toasted one to each person: She filled two more cups and said, “Master Pan, I originally wanted to drink a pair with you today, but I can’t drink because I have a small amount of alcohol. You drink this pair.” Pan Qiguan nodded and drank it. She filled two more cups and said to Zhongyu, “Master Zhang, you also drink a pair.” Zhongyu laughed and said, “Who are you asking me to pair with?” Huifang said, “How about pairing with me? Today, I invite you to pair with Master Pan first.” Zhongyu flicked Huifang’s forehead and said, “Am I worthy?” Huifang forced him to drink, and he drank. At this time, Pan and Zhang’s alcohol had reached seven points, and they had only eaten two dishes. Huifang went to the room to change into a new set of clothes, which made her look more neat. Pan San squeezed his wrist and felt numb, which made Huifang very anxious. She couldn’t run away, so she had to play fists with them and sing a few small tunes. Zhang Zhongyu saw a pipa hanging on the wall, so he took it down, played the strings to accompany him, and talked slowly.
By the time of Shenmo and Youchu, Huifang saw that they were not drunk yet, so she tested them and said, “Master Pan, there is something that is not appropriate to say. We don’t have any relationship. But I am in a hurry. I owe someone a silver ticket and promised to pay it back tomorrow. Today I plan to go out and arrange it, but you, the god of wealth, came. Can you help me?” Pan Qiguan said, “How much do you need?” Huifang said, “Not much, two hundred taels.” Pan San looked at Zhongyu, and Zhongyu said, “Look, is Huifang only worth two hundred silver? You, Master Pan, are hesitating. It’s the same anyway.” Qiguan paused for a while, took out a leather wallet from his pants, and gathered up two hundred tickets of Beijing money. He handed it to Huifang and said, “Take these two hundred tickets first.” Huifang thanked him, put it in her boot, and said, “How can I accept your generous reward?” Pan Qiguan said, “It’s up to your conscience.” Huifang smiled and gave Pan San a wink, making Pan San happy, and saliva flowed out. Huifang then poured a large cup of wine, held it in her hand and said, “In the face of two hundred tickets, I will make an exception today and toast Master Pan a skin cup.” When Qiguan heard this, he felt soft all over and started panting. Huifang took a sip of the wine, walked to Pan San, smiled and spit it out again, and laughed. Pan San had already opened his mouth to wait, and when Huifang saw it, she picked up a piece of fish with chopsticks and sent it to Pan San’s mouth. Pan San took it, and Huifang picked up another piece and ate it herself, saying, “Oh, it’s terrible.” Zhongyu said, “Don’t choke.” Huifang said, “I’m afraid it is.” Pan Qiguan said, “Bring the rice quickly, and it will be fine after a bite.”
The host brought half a bowl of rice. Huifang took a few bites, leaned her head back on the chair, and complained about her discomfort. Zhongyu suggested, “Eating green fruits can help.” Huifang ate a few more green fruits, but still felt unwell. Pan San came over, leaned close to Huifang’s face, and asked her to open her mouth for him to look inside. Huifang covered her face with her sleeve and said, “How can you see anything? It’s all because of your respect for your wine cup. If you drink a few more cups, I won’t feel pain anymore.” Pan San asked, “Really?” He then drank a large bowl and asked, “Do you feel better?” Huifang nodded, and Pan San drank two more cups before stopping. Huifang started to complain about the pain again, and Zhongyu also drank a cup. Huifang said she felt better and added, “When I see you guys eating happily, I forget about the pain.” At this point, Pan San was drunk and didn’t realize he was being tricked. He started a drinking competition with Zhongyu. Zhongyu also got drunk and couldn’t make decisions, so he drank a lot. Both of them were so drunk that they fell to the ground, motionless. It was dusk, and Huifang ordered the table to be cleared, laughing, “You wanted to eat swan meat, now you have to suffer the consequences. Today, you will understand the power of Su Huifang.” She then ordered her servants to help them to the guest room to sleep, remove their outer clothes, and cover them with a large quilt, letting the two of them sleep together.
After arranging everything, Huifang called for a carriage and went to her room to open her trunk. She picked out five sets of clothes and Pan San’s two hundred diao money notes, along with a set of bedding, and handed them to her servant to put on the carriage. Huifang got on the carriage, and the servant followed. They headed towards Chunhang’s residence. When they reached the entrance of the alley, they saw a man standing under the moonlight. The coachman recognized him as Tian Chunhang, stopped the carriage, and said, “Old man, we were just heading to your place.” Huifang and her servant heard this and jumped off the carriage. Huifang grabbed Chunhang’s hand and asked, “What are you doing here again?” Chunhang replied, “I’ve been waiting for you all day. I couldn’t bear to live without seeing you. I’ve been standing outside your door for a long time, but I didn’t dare to come in, so I stayed here.” Huifang sighed and said, “You are really troublesome.” She then invited Chunhang to sit in the carriage, and they chatted on the way to the temple. The servant carried the clothes and bedding and followed them in, then sent the carriage back, telling the driver to come back the next day to pick them up.
Gao Pin was already asleep, and Chunhang didn’t want to disturb him, so he went straight to his own room. Tian An was dozing off at the table. Chunhang lit the lamp, woke up Tian An, and told him to make tea. Tian An rubbed his eyes, saw a beautiful young man, and thought he was a young master, so he quickly went to make tea. Huifang sat down and saw that his luggage was sparse, which made her feel sad. She asked her servant to bring the clothes and money notes, and said, “These five sets of clothes are what I usually wear. If you don’t mind that they are old, you can keep them. This money is for your travel expenses. I originally planned to invite you to stay with me, but I was afraid it would look bad. If you need anything, just ask me.” Chunhang said, “How can I accept this? I can’t.” Huifang replied, “If you don’t accept it, you are looking down on me. Do you think I’m trying to trick you? Don’t be suspicious. You just need to agree to one thing, don’t go out to listen to operas in the future.” Chunhang agreed repeatedly, and they talked about their feelings. They both felt a sense of understanding and couldn’t help but feel moved. They sat facing each other, becoming friends of righteousness, without any evil thoughts. They talked until the rooster crowed, and then they each went to sleep in their clothes.
Here is the translation:
Pan and Zhang were so drunk they were unconscious. They slept until the fourth watch of the night, when Pan Qiguan suddenly rolled off the bed and sat on the ground, fumbling for a chamber pot. Mistaking his shoe for the pot, he pulled down his trousers and urinated in it, wetting his clothes in the process. Groping around, he climbed back onto the bed. Still drunk, he thought of Su Huifang, and began searching for her on the bed. Mistaking Zhang Zhongyu for Huifang, he embraced him tightly, exclaiming affectionately and incessantly. In his confusion, he pulled off the quilt and tore Zhang’s jacket, straining his hand in the process. He then broke his own belt trying to pull up his urine-soaked trousers, which were too wet to pull down, and ended up pressing close to Zhang’s back. Zhang woke to the feeling of being shaken and started vomiting, which Pan inadvertently caught in his mouth, covering his face. Pan yelled out, his face a mess, as more vomit followed, clearing the filth from his face. In frustration, Pan wiped his face with his sleeve, cursing, “You little devil!” Zhang, confused, asked, “Who are you cursing?” Pan retorted, “You wretched little rabbit, you’ve smeared your father’s face with filth.” Zhang angrily replied, “Who’s your father?” Pushing Pan, he fell to the ground. Zhang got up and continued, “Who do you think you are, cursing like that on my bed?” Pan, furious, claimed, “You dare to hit your father? You’d sleep with your father but pretend not to recognize me? Am I Pan the Third supposed to rape you?” After a moment, Zhang said, “What Pan the Third? Are you Pan Lao San? When did you get here?” Pan accused, “You invite me, yet blame me for coming. You’re a cursed rabbit. Where have you hidden Zhang Zhongyu?” Zhang spat, “What nonsense! I am Zhang Zhongyu.”
Pan then said, “How so? You’re pretending to be Zhang Zhongyu to trick me?” This ruckus woke everyone in the house; servants and guards lit lamps and came in, finding the air thick with the smell of alcohol. They saw Zhang standing with a quilt underfoot, and Pan sitting on the floor, his face splattered with colors, barefoot, pointing at Zhang. The sight caused everyone to laugh, and they helped Pan up. Upon closer recognition, both turned away from each other, prompting more laughter. Lifting the quilt revealed a soaked shoe and a foul urine odor. The quilt and the floor were stained. The bed was a mess, and the bedding ruined. Pan asked, “Where are my socks?” Finding a trouser leg and a sock amidst scattered items on the floor, he ignored the cleanup. Servants brought basins of hot water for Pan and Zhang to wash their faces. By now, they were sober. Pan, feeling his wet trousers, changed into a borrowed pair and shoes. Zhang exclaimed, “Strange!” Pan echoed, “Indeed strange!” They laughed upon reflection. As dawn broke and the sun rose, Pan asked about Huifang’s whereabouts, learning that she had left after speaking earlier. A servant explained, “Last night after you two masters slept, Master Hua from outside the city sent for Huifang. No one dared to refuse him; he might keep her in the city for a few days.”
Zhang commented, “No wonder, Master Hua is not to be trifled with.” Pan, helpless and lamenting the loss of two hundred strings of cash, blamed Zhang for the mess and slap, resigning to sort things out later and left dejectedly with him.
On the other side, Huifang and Chunhang got up early, washed their faces, and had some refreshments. Huifang noticed a guqin on the wall.
She asked Chunhang, “Can you play the guqin?” Chunhang replied, “A little.” Huifang suggested, “Why not play a tune?” Whether Chunhang played or not, that will be revealed in the next episode.