話說蕙芳要春航撫琴，春航道：「少坐一坐。」便目不轉睛的看著蕙芳，蕙芳笑道：「難道你還認不仔細，只管發呆作什麼？」春航笑道：「我看卿旁研側媚，變態百出，如花光露氣，晚日迎風，眼光捉不住，倒越看越不能仔細。」蕙芳啐了一口，立起來把春航的鈕子解開，替他脫下衣裳。春航道：「待我自己來，你那裡慣，不要勞動了。」蕙芳即將衣包解開，取出一件小毛衣裳與他穿了，恰還合身。又叫他換了新靴新帽。
蕙芳笑嘻嘻的拿了鏡子，倚著春航一照，映出兩個玉人。春航看鏡中的蕙芳，正如蓮花解語，秋水無塵，便略略點一點頭，回轉臉來，卻好碰著蕙芳的臉，蕙芳把臉一側，起了半邊紅暈。
春航便覺心上一蕩，禁不得一陣異香，直透入鼻孔與心孔裡來。
此心已不能自主，忽急急的轉念道：他是我患難中知已，豈可稍涉邪念，便斂了斂神。蕙芳一笑走開了。春航換了新衣，依然丰姿奕奕，神采飛揚，與從前一樣。
蕙芳坐了，在書案上翻了一翻書，翻著一本詩稿，半真半行的字，有數十頁，面上題著《燕臺旅稿》。蕙芳隨手一揭，見是一首七言古詩，題是《惱公》詩，便低低的念起來道：
簾鉤戛玉聲玲瓏，櫻桃花映銀絲櫳。
綠雲欹側燕釵墮，年年錦字春機紅。
蕙芳道：「好詩！這派詩是學溫、李的三十六體，纖穠之極。」春航道：「偶一為之，亦只能貌似耳。」蕙芳又念下去道：
遠山寸碧雙眉翠，鮫綃半染胭脂淚。
玳瑁梁間燕子飛，鴛鴦瓦上狸奴睡。
蕙芳道：「好工致，韻亦轉得脆，狸奴句勝似燕子．再搭上鴛鴦瓦，更新。」再念道：
飄煙抱月一尺腰，
星眸欲妒春雲嬌。
蕙芳叫一聲「好」又道：「『近行前來百媚生，兀得不引了人魂靈，臨去秋波』，猶未足喻其妙也。」春航道：「光景倒像你。」蕙芳道：「我也配？」又念下去是：
玉螭細細盤條脫，金雀雙雙飛步搖。
多情郎似桐花風，日近雲鬟身不動。
軟愛香羅霧觳輕，嬌嫌錦帳銀鉤重。
蕙芳道：「好濃豔工穩。我見猶憐，你是為誰而作？既『日近雲鬟身不動』了，又何必天天上戲園呢？」春航便走過來，輕輕的靠在蕙芳椅背上道：「此人難道算不得戲園中人？從前思近芳澤而不能，如今倒也如願而償了。」蕙芳道：「是誰？是我們班裡的麼？」春航點頭說「是」。蕙芳道：「等我想一想像誰？上二句纖腰抱月，星眸妒雲，非袁瑤卿不足當此二語。下兩句軟愛羅輕，嬌嫌帳重，非金瘦香卻也不稱。是他二人麼？」春航搖搖頭。蕙芳道：「然則是誰呢？」春航道：「還有一人能兼二人之妙，你倒猜不著他。」蕙芳道：「我真猜不著，你老實說了罷。」春航笑道：「我老實說，是個寓言空空的，如果有人像他，就算那人罷了。」蕙芳也不追求，又念道：
畫欄珠箔懸蜻蜒，碧桃一樹開娉婷。
朝朝花下許郎看，只格一扇玻璃屏。
蕙芳便掩卷想了一想道：「好美人，花容月貌。好才子，繡口錦心。懸蜻蜒三字說什麼的，想有典故。」春航道：「李義山詩『曉簾串斷蜻蜒翼，羅屏但有空青色。』」蕙芳道：「這首我見過偶然忘了，看你底下怎樣轉接呢。」又念道：
郎彩桃花比儂面，桃花易見依難見。
妾貌常如月二分，郎心莫學文三變。
蕙芳道：「須得如此一開，底下便生出一番話來。文三變，可是說你變了心麼？」春航道：「是用《藝文序》上：『唐文章無慮三變』的一句。」蕙芳看著春航道：「這麼想來，你也算不得有良心的人。」春航道：「何出此言？」蕙芳道：「他的貌呢也不能常如月二分，你的心自必至文三變了。」春航笑道：「論詩那可以如此認真？便是十成死句了。」蕙芳一笑，又念道：
羅幃寂寞真珠房，麝臍龍髓憐餘香。
錦鱗三十六難寄，碧簫吹斷雲天長。
蕙芳點頭歎道：「人生世上，離合悲歡，是一定有的。」又念下去道：
綠繡笙囊掛東壁，無花無言春寂寂。
怨女思彈桑婦箏，宮人愁倚楊紀笛。
蕙芳道：「好巧對。這桑婦箏、楊妃笛實在借對得工巧。上句自然是用的《羅敷陌上桑》了。這楊紀笛，我記得張祜詩『小窗靜院無人見，閒把寧王玉笛吹』；又曾看過《貴妃外傳》：
明皇與兄弟同處，妃子竊寧王玉笛吹之，因此忤旨。可是用這個典故麼？」春航道：「也可算得，但搭不上『宮人愁倚』四字。我是用《集異記》上，帝至蜀，月夜登樓，故貴紀侍者紅桃，歌妃所制《涼州曲》，上御貴紀玉笛倚之，吹罷相視掩泣的事。」蕙芳點頭，又念道：
海棠醉墮蝴蝶飛，柳綿無力情依依。
井底水如妾心意，路旁塵惹君身衣。
蕙芳便覺淒然，作色道：「一往情深，纏綿排惻，好個有情人。底下便是結語了。」念道：「翠毛麼風拖紅尾。」蕙芳道：「此句劈空而來，筆勢奇崛，又推開了。鳳有紅尾的麼？」春航道：「溫飛卿詩有『秦王女騎紅尾風。』」蕙芳又念道：「跨風隨郎三萬里。一日香心思百回，閒時又逐爐煙起。」方才念完，只見高品進來道：「好詩！有如此嬌音，方配念這香豔的佳章。但詩中有一句，要改三個字，更覺貼切。」蕙芳走上一步，見了道：「昨夜要來請安，你已睡了。」高品笑道：「這麼說，你們已是睡過一夜的了。」蕙芳碎了一口道：「我們昨夜直談到此刻。」高品道：「臉上氣色不像。」春航道：「你說那一句詩要改？」高品道：「『井底水如妾心意』的對句。」蕙芳便又看著下句念道：「『路旁塵惹君身衣』沒有什麼不好。」高品道：「好原好，太空些，不如改做』車前泥染君身衣』，便真切有味。」蕙芳嫣然一笑。春航道：「到你開口，就沒有一句好話。」高品又將春航身上，細細打量了一會道：「我昨日卜了一卦，是：『天風垢，變山風蠱，互水天需。』其爻辭難解得很。」即念道：「『田獲一兔，往遇雨，需於泥。見金夫，遇主於廟，糯有衣袽，貞吉。』詳不出來。」
蕙芳卻呆呆的聽著，春航笑道：「你自會卜，倒不會詳。」高品也笑了。
蕙芳要問高品時，見窗外腳步響，有個人影來影去。春航問：「是誰？」聽得咳嗽一聲，應道：「是我，尋高老爺有句話說。」高品聽口聲便道：「妙兮，妙兮。」出來一望，果然是廟裡的唐和尚，問道：「你有什麼話說？」唐和尚便笑嘻嘻的鑽將進來，與春航見了，看見了蕙芳，便合著掌道：「阿彌陀佛，原來菩薩降臨，小僧有失迎接，罪過，罪過。怪不得昨晚一夜的祥雲瑞雨，今早佛殿上觀世音旁邊，一尊龍女香菩薩不見了，原來在這裡。」蕙芳也認得這個唐和尚，聽了掩口而笑。去年春航初到京時，也曾眠香訪翠，唐和尚為其拉過皮條，所以也常到裡邊來走走。後來厭他惡俗，不大與他往來了。高品是與他常頑笑的，便把他的帽子揪下，在他頂上摩了一摩，對著蕙芳說道：「媚香，我出副對，給你對對。」即說道：
「若錐處囊中，穎脫而出。」蕙芳笑了一笑，唐和尚便奪了帽子戴上，便道：「高老爺，你、你、你。」又不說了，嘻著嘴笑。蕙芳道：「我已對了。」即念道：「如飄浮水面，頂圓而光。」春航、高品都笑說道：「對得好，敏捷且好。」唐和尚笑道：「多謝、多謝，小僧有幸得逢菩薩贊揚，倒沒有說我的像雞巴。」便拉了高品出去，在院子裡講了幾句話，便自去了。高品復又進來，三人同吃了飯。蕙芳要聽春航彈琴，便把琴取了，解了琴囊，放在桌上道：「彈罷！可要焚香？」春航道：「焚香倒是俗套。」高品道：「有了媚香，已經香得簇腦門的了，自然不要焚香。」蕙芳便把高品推過，自己坐在琴桌邊，細細看著春航和弦。高品道：「我是不懂，倒像彈棉匠彈棉花一樣，有甚好聽？」蕙芳道：「你不懂，今日便是對牛彈琴。」恰好遇著高品屬牛，高品一笑道：「請你就把這對牛彈琴對出來。」蕙芳也不去想他，隨口說道：「沒有對。」高品道：「見免放箭。」蕙芳略停一停道：「你們那個李玉林倒屬兔，今年十六歲，你去叫了玉免兒來吧。」春航也要高品去叫玉林，高品也高興，即打發人叫玉林去了。又吩附備了幾樣菜。
春航和了一會琴，一三兩弦低些收不緊，只得和了個慢商，把一弦三弦各慢徽，再將二四五六七諸弦，仍用五音調法調好。散挑五，名指按十勾三。散挑三，中指按十勾一。彈了幾個《陳摶得道仙翁》。又點了些泛音，彈起《結客少年場》這套琴來。從四弦九徽上泛起，勾二挑六，勾四挑五，琮琮，彈了二十二聲，仍到九徽上泛止，彈的曲文是：
有田磽角，有馬齧蹄，磽角之田菀其特，齧蹄之馬隔花嘶。
四句後，便散挑七弦、六弦，勾四弦，挑六弦，勾二弦。
以下便是實音。見他左手大指，在二弦九徽上，揉了兩揉，以下彈了五聲，作一個掐起又三聲，中食兩指撮動四六兩弦，左手大指在六弦九徽上吟著。又彈了五聲，撮動七五兩弦。又彈五演，撮動五三兩弦。又彈五聲，撮動七五兩弦。又彈五演，撮動五三兩弦。共聽得有三十四聲。曲文是：
隔花驕馬善識人，骯髒少年意氣真。軟細飛雲履，光明一字巾。綈袍季子劍，風雨馮異薪。
是第一段，卻是抑揚頓挫，餘韻悠然。便接彈第二段，是剔七弦托七弦，起頭吟操綽注，便多了來往牽帶，指法入細，有激昂慷慨之態出來。彈到第十聲一撮，十五聲又一撮，到二十三聲卻聽得叮噹的兩聲，作了一個背鎖。甚是好聽。以下又彈了六聲。這段曲文是：大哥輕死，浩氣貫虹日。二哥輕錢財，恐鬼笑什一。小弟輕權勢，王侯不屈膝。
略頓一頓，再彈第三段，是勾一弦，左手中指，注下十三徽起。以下便在十三徽上勾二，勾三，勾四。便覺聲音洪大，商中有宮。又彈了幾聲，忽聽得啞啞啞的三聲，在七六五三弦上，彈出一個索鈴來，是最好聽的。以後又聽到第十三聲後，忽七弦上啷鈴鈴的四五聲。作一個短鎖，又將五七兩弦，四六兩弦，撮了四聲，又慢慢的彈了九聲住了。曲文是：
千秋今事業，意氣在少年。二十歲以下，當頭大哥前。三八多一齡，二哥我比肩。白日指天青，酹酒無丁寧。
春航要站起來，蕙芳把手按住春航的手道：「正好聽，快彈下去。」春航道：「彈完了。」蕙芳道：「怎麼這麼快？」
春航道：「這套琴就只三段。」蕙芳道：「太短，再彈長的。」高品笑道：「湘帆，媚香嫌你快，又嫌你短。你總得貼張千嬌百美膏才好。」春航道：「胡說！」蕙芳要去撕高品的嘴，高品便深深作揖道：「寬恕小生這一次罷。」惹得蕙芳倒笑了。蕙芳要春航彈《胡笳十八拍》，又要彈《洞天春曉》，說道：「這兩套我聽蕭靜宜彈得最好，他並有琴蕭合譜。他曾教過我吹簫。」春航道：「《洞天春曉》這套琴卻好，但太長。《胡筋十八拍》沒有什麼意思，於本意不大很合，不如彈一套《水仙操》罷。」又停了一會，再和好了弦，清清冷冷的彈起來。這套琴共十二段，指法最細，吟揉綽注，正是一分錯亂不得。
彈到第四五段，恍如見湘靈鼓瑟，馮夷擊鼓：第六七段，恍如見湘娥啼竹，列子御風，鳴嗚咽咽，如怨如慕，如泣如訴。真是拔劍斲地，搔首問天，清風瑟瑟，從窗隙中來。蕙芳與高品，都正襟危坐，靜氣斂容的聽著。忽然七弦六徽二分上低了，五弦六徽上高了，四弦九徽上也差了幾分。春航道：「奇了，宮商為何忽亂起來？」高品、蕙芳卻聽不出。春航又把弦和了一和，和不准，即住手問高品：「廟裡有彈琴的人麼？」高品道：「胡琴或者和尚會拉，琴是沒有人會彈的。」春航道：「必有會彈琴的人在外聽著，所以琴聲變了。」春航說完，忽聽院子內狂笑起來。倒把高品等嚇了一跳。
高品急出來看時，不是別人，恰是史南湘左手挽著王蘭保，右手攜了李玉林，面上已有了幾分酒意。又見玉林手內拈了一枝杏花，後面又跟著三四個人。高品見自己的跟班也在院子裡，高品問道：「你從何處來？」南湘道：「你叫相公瞞著我，倒問我從何處來？我今日同了靜芳到怡園，他們都在家，留我吃了飯。佩仙也在座，還有瑤卿、瘦香兩個。吃完了飯，佩仙家內有人來叫他，度香問起來，方知道是你叫的，我就辭了度香同來。」即指玉林手內的花道：「今日就在那裡賞杏花。」又問高品道：「你又幾時會彈琴，你要學琴，須我教你。方才這《水仙操》倒也彈得好。」高品道：「我何嘗會彈？彈琴的就是田湘帆。」南湘已聽見仲清講過田湘帆的才學，便道：「既是田湘帆，何不出來會我史竹君？」高品道：「我為介紹。」說到此，蕙芳已出來見了，即便拉了南湘進去。南湘道：「咦，你也在這裡，不料今日高卓然的齋堂倒成廠石季倫的金谷。」那邊春航亦迎出來，彼此相見，未免道了些仰慕的話。玉林、蘭保也與春航見了，與蕙芳坐在一處。南湘對著高品道：「卓然既叫相公，自然有酒，不要裝呆，快拿出來罷。」高品道：「酒是有，只沒有仙桃益壽丸。」南湘道：「我縱醉了，也不至樓上滾下樓來。」便都笑了。
高品的跟班同廚子把酒看肴上來。大家在圓桌上坐了。南湘與春航又談了些琴譜文藝，彼此均各敬服。高品道：「當今史竹君，是梨園的狄梁公；田湘帆，是戲班的李藥師。」南湘道：「你又胡言亂道了。」春航道：「怎麼說？我倒不明白。」高品道：「竹君序那《燕臺花選》，這些小旦，便為公門桃李，兔絲、馬勃盡是藥籠中物，這不是狄梁公麼？湘帆弄到精光，昨夜有個夤夜私奔的紅拂來，這不是李藥師麼？」大家都笑，唯蕙芳紅了臉道：「前日既然樓上跌下來，倒不變成了鱉，或是跌折了腿也好。」高品笑道：「樓上跌下來，總還平常，只怕在戲園門口跌在車轍裡，被騾子踏殺了，那倒可怕。」南湘問起來，高品就一五一十的說了，羞得春航無地可容。
南湘也大笑道：「湘帆真是韻人，絕代佳人以一跌感之，倒是從來未有之事。古聞孫壽墮妝，梁冀下馬。今見蘇郎唱戲，田子跟車。一副好對，持贈媚香罷。」蕙芳睃著南湘道：「你何苦也學著那嚼舌頭的人挖苦我。」高品道：「這話是恨我已深，其實我與你無仇無怨，何心這樣惡狠狠的？」蕙芳道：「你再說，我就卸你的底了。」高品道：「儘管卸，我卻不怕。」蕙芳便念道：「請筵享官、賞戴貂翎、會館副總裁、戲園行走、書畫廠校對、兼管南城街道廳、各梨園樂部、稽察各處新聞事務、到一處祭酒、汗淋學士、總管外務府大臣、麴部尚書、世襲一等史國公，加一急，繼樂一次高。」聽罷，眾人大笑。
這官銜是劉文澤編成的，席中惟有南湘一人知道，春航尚是創聞。高品道：「還有一個官銜你沒有說。」蕙芳道：「好像沒有了。」高品道：「還有監造兔園冊子呢。」南湘又笑。蕙芳不曾理會，即與蘭保、玉林在各人面前敬了幾杯酒。春航前次已見過玉林，看他豐致嫣然，雖遜蕙芳一籌，然比起從前賞識的一班相公，卻高得多。見他桃腮粉膩，蓮臉香生，另有一種體態丰姿。見他對高品更覺綢纓，倒像各分出了疆界來。
又看那王蘭保，卻是史南湘最得意的，春航倒有些怕他。柳眉貼翠，含嬌處亦復含嗔。鳳眼斜睃，似人情亦似有怒。徑行自遂，倜儻不羈。年紀十七歲，是個武旦，學得一手好拳腳。南湘是個放浪形骸之外的人，從前初識蘭保時，也曾大鬧過幾場，已後倒又相好起來。蘭保也知南湘的性情、脾氣，倒與他十分貼切。每到南湘醉後發狂，經蘭保當前，便已自醒。
今日席上唯春航不善飲酒，南湘那裡肯依，便猜拳行令的百般鬧起來。
偏是春航輸得多了，以後便不肯飲。南湘命蘭保斟了一杯酒，去灌春航。蘭保即拿著酒來，走到春航面前，蕙芳知春航不能飲酒，便湊著蘭保的手飲了。
蘭保笑道：「這干你什麼事？要你越俎而代？」蕙芳笑道：「這叫做借他人之杯酒，澆自己之壘塊。」蘭保道：「既然如此，倒請多乾幾杯。」便斟了幾滿杯酒，要蕙芳飲。蕙芳道：「我不愛飲了，適可而止。」蘭保道：「那由不得你，你不聞』失意睚毗間，白刃相交加』麼？」南湘、春航看著他們，高品對著王蘭保作嘴作臉，要他罰蕙芳的酒。李玉林則斜身單香肩，姨然而笑。蘭保也笑道：「你真不喝？」蕙芳有些怕他，只得陪著笑道：「蘭哥饒了我罷。」玉林也再三替他討情，蘭保終是不肯，猶罰了蕙芳一杯，方才開交。大家又飲過了一會，忽見蕙芳家內有人來叫蕙芳。蕙芳出去問道：「什麼事？那兩個醉漢怎樣了？」來人答道：「那兩個鬧了一夜，早上都回去了。方才來了一個面生人，說是廣東人，姓奚，叫奚十一老爺。慕你的名，在家候著。」蕙芳道：「什麼樣兒？不要又是潘其觀一類人。」來人道：「看他光景很闊，帶著四個跟班，三十來歲年紀。」蕙芳道：「回他去罷，說今日不回去呢。」來人去了。
蕙芳進來，春航問起何事？惹芳道：「家內有人尋我，我回他去了。」高品道：「是誰？蕙芳道：「不認得。來人說叫什麼奚十一，是廣東人。」高品道：「好累贅姓，兜頭一撇，握頸三拳，中間便絲絲的攪不清，這要假充個大老官。東方之夷有九種，不知他是那一種。」蕙芳道：「你倒好在廟門口，擺個測字攤子。」說得大家笑了。高品道：「今日清飲無趣，何不拿奚十一來做個令？」南湘道：「奚十一怎麼好做令？」
高品道：「我們三個人從《四書》上找那個奚宇，要從第一個，說到第十一個，說差了照字數罰酒。他們三個人，替我們分消。」春航道：「《四書》上未必有這許多奚宇。」南湘道：「就有也不能湊數。」高品道：「不過罰幾杯酒就是了，何妨試他一試，我先說。」即說道：「奚。」春航道：「那一句書的奚字，要說明白。」高品道：「奚取於三家的奚。」南湘便道：「子奚……女奚。」高品道：「多說了一句，罰兩杯。」南湘道：「不興說兩句麼？」高品道：「不興。」南湘就飲了。春航接著道：「此物奚……」高品贊道：「說得好！」便道：「夫如是奚……」又道：「天子穆穆，奚……」南湘道：「罰人罰到自己了，誰叫你說兩句。況這個奚，就是你說的第一個奚字，要倍罰十杯。」高品道：「我是一句四字，一句五字，又不算雷同，怎麼要罰？」南湘道：「你說不興說兩句的，如何亂起令來？」高品被他們逼住了，只得罰了五杯，慢慢的飲了。
輪到南湘，南湘便頓住了口，一時倒想不出來。高品道：「罰了五杯，我代你說。」南湘又想了一會沒有，只得飲了三杯，蘭保代了兩杯。高品說道：「是亦為政，奚……」南湘道：「怎麼我就想不著。」春航也想了一會道：「虞不用百里奚……」南湘拍著桌子道：「罰得冤！有庳之人奚……」春航、高品都贊好，應輪到高品說第七個，春航便搶說道：「則於事我者也，奚．…．」南湘便指著高品道；「如此則與禽獸奚……」
大家都笑起來。高品道：「都要罰。第七個奚字輪到我說，為什麼要你們搶說？」李玉林便斟起罰酒來，南湘、春航只圖說得爽快，倒也意不在罰。南湘飲了五杯，蘭保代了兩杯。春航飲了三杯，蕙芳代了四杯。
高品催南湘說第八個奚字，南湘道：「第七個你還沒有說，要罰。」因便叫蘭保斟酒。商品道：「豈有此理！你們都搶說了，叫我說出什麼來？還要罰我，天理良心何在？」李玉林也替高品說情，南湘只得依了，便道：「以粟易之。曰：許子奚……」春航道：「第九個到少。」便想了一想道：「與禮之輕者而比之奚與禮之重者而比之奚。」蕙芳便頓足道：「你何必要說兩句？」高品道：「好呵，罰九杯。」蕙芳道：「這不能。」高品那裡肯依，先罰慧芳五杯，再罰了春航四杯。南湘忽然想著了兩句，忍不住不說，也顧不成罰酒，便一氣說道：「南面而徵北狄怨，曰：奚……以其小者．信其大者，奚……」蘭保便跳起來道：「祖宗，你就愛飲也不犯拖累人。輪不到你說，要你說這兩句做什麼？」南湘也有些懊悔，高品道：「沒得說，十八杯。」南湘道：「十八杯斷乎不能，那真要服仙桃益壽丸了。」春航、蕙芳、玉林也替南湘討情，罰了九杯。南湘賭氣，一人獨自飲了。高品道：「我這第七個奚字，亦想著了。」便道：「故誠信而喜之，奚……」又接口道：」不以四方之食，供簿正曰奚。」春航掐指一數道：「這可該罰了，要說第十個，你說了第十一個。」高品道：「我說錯了。」「此惟救死而恐不贍，奚……」南湘數一數，又是九個。蕙芳便立起來，執定要罰高品十九杯。高品不肯，蘭保也幫著蕙芳要罰，不肯減數。經高品苦求，只罰了十一杯，玉林代丁三杯，高品一連飲了八杯。南湘想了一會，手在桌上畫了十畫，道：「勇士不忘喪其元，孔子奚……」底下是春航，也想了好一會，道：「子路宿於石門，晨門曰：奚……」高品道：『報應得快，罰十杯。你應該說十一了。』春航一想，果然錯了。蕙芳便攔住道：「你也看各人的酒量，不可一味的傻罰。」高品道：「酒令嚴如軍令，自然要執一的。」蕙芳道：「記著，明日飲罷。」高品道：「你們的開發倒可明日，酒可不能明日。」玉林道：「打個對折，喝五杯罷。」蕙芳又代了三杯，春航勉強飲了兩杯。底下是高品收令，想了一會道：「昔者趙簡子使王良與嬖奚……」說完。大家相視而笑。已有二更多天，吃了飯，各要散。蕙芳的車已等了多時，隨即辭了眾人，先回去了。王蘭保是同了南湘出來，李玉林的車尚未來接，都搭了南湘的車回家。
南湘先送了蘭保回去，又選李玉林到門口。
玉林留他進去，南湘道：「天不早了，改日再見罷。」便一徑回家。經王恂門口走過，南湘忽然口渴，便叫跟班的進去一問王少爺可睡了沒有？跟班的走到門房說知，管門的到書房，探看王恂、顏仲清尚未安睡。門上回過，王恂等便叫請進，史南湘進來。未知後事如何，且聽下回分解。
Huifang asked Chunhang to play the guqin, to which Chunhang replied, “Please, have a seat first.” He then stared intently at Huifang. Huifang, smiling, asked, “Can’t you recognize me? Why just stare blankly?” Chunhang responded, “Looking at you is like seeing a variety of beautiful transformations, like flowers shining with dew in the evening breeze. Your beauty is so captivating, the more I look, the less I can grasp the details.” Huifang playfully spat and stood up, beginning to unbutton Chunhang’s clothes and helping him out of them. Chunhang protested, “Let me do it; you’re not used to it. No need to trouble yourself.” Huifang then opened a clothing bag and pulled out a small woolen outfit for him, which fit perfectly. She also had him change into new boots and a new hat.
Huifang, with a giggling smile, took a mirror and leaned it against Chunhang, reflecting the image of two beautiful figures. Chunhang, seeing Huifang in the mirror, thought she looked like a lotus that could speak and autumn waters that were dust-free. He nodded slightly, turned his face, and accidentally brushed against Huifang’s cheek, causing her to blush on one side.
Chunhang felt a stir in his heart, unable to resist the intoxicating fragrance that penetrated his nostrils and heart.
He quickly reminded himself that she was a friend who had supported him through hard times, and he should not harbor improper thoughts, so he composed himself. Huifang smiled and walked away. Dressed in new clothes, Chunhang still possessed his elegant and vibrant demeanor, just as before.
Huifang sat down, flipped through some books on the desk, and found a poetry manuscript titled “Yantai Travel Draft” with dozens of pages of semi-cursive, semi-regular script. She randomly read a seven-character ancient poem titled “Annoying the Duke”:
The curtain hooks clink like jade, the cherry blossoms reflect against the silver bamboo.
The green cloud tilts and the swallow’s hairpin falls, each year the brocade writes of spring’s vibrancy.
Huifang exclaimed, “What a good poem! This style is derived from Wen and Li’s thirty-six styles, extremely delicate.” Chunhang remarked, “It was a spontaneous creation, merely an imitation.” Huifang continued reading:
Distant mountains a shade of green, eyebrows like emerald, silk lightly stained with rouge tears.
Tortoiseshell between the beams, swallows fly, on the roof tiles, a sleeping cat.
Huifang commented, “Such craftsmanship, and the rhyme snaps crisply; the cat line surpasses the swallows. Paired with the mandarin ducks on the tiles, it’s refreshing.” She read on:
Smoke embraces the moon at the waist an inch thin,
Star eyes jealous of the spring clouds’ charm.
Huifang exclaimed, “Excellent!” and added, “‘Nearby, as she approaches, all charm comes alive; how can one not be captivated? The autumn glance before she leaves,’ still does not fully capture its beauty.” Chunhang said, “It sounds just like you.” Huifang replied, “Am I worthy?” and continued:
Delicate dragon coils slip loose, twin golden sparrows flutter and sway.
A lover like the wind through paulownia flowers, the sun nears the cloud-like hair, the body remains still.
Tender love as light as mist, the heavy silver hooks of the silken tent despised.
Huifang remarked, “Such rich and vivid artistry. Who did you write this for, seeing as you’ve already reached ‘the sun nears her cloud-like hair, the body remains still,’ why must you go to the theater garden every day?” Chunhang approached and leaned lightly against the back of Huifang’s chair, replying, “Isn’t this person worth the theater garden? I’ve longed to be close to your fragrance and now finally have my wish fulfilled.” Huifang asked, “Who is it? Someone from our troupe?” Chunhang nodded and said “Yes.” Huifang pondered, “Let me think, who could it be? The first two lines about embracing the moon and being jealous of the clouds must be about Yuan Yaoqing. The last two lines about tender love and despising heavy curtains, if not Jin Shouxian, they would not fit. Are they about these two?” Chunhang shook his head. Huifang then asked, “So who is it?” Chunhang replied, “There’s one person who embodies the charm of both, but you can’t guess who it is.” Huifang said, “I really can’t guess, just tell me honestly.” Chunhang smiled and said, “To be honest, it’s all fictional. If anyone resembles the character, then it’s that person.”
Huifang, not pressing further, read on:
Pearl curtains hang with dragonflies, a single peach tree blooms elegantly.
Every morning beneath the flowers I promise my love, just a glass pane separates us.
Huifang closed the book and mused, “Such a beauty, with a face like the moon and a brilliant mind. What does ‘hanging dragonflies’ signify? There must be a story behind it.” Chunhang quoted, “Li Yishan’s poem: ‘Morning curtains break like dragonfly wings, the screen shows only the empty blue.’” Huifang said, “I’ve seen this poem before and just forgot about it. Let’s see how you continue.” She read further:
My love’s face outshines peach blossoms, blossoms are easy to find, my love is hard.
My beauty always half as bright as the moon, let not your heart change as did Wen’s thrice.
Huifang remarked, “It should open like this, then a story unfolds. ‘Wen changes thrice,’ are you saying your heart has changed?” Chunhang explained, “It’s from ‘Yiwen Xu’: ‘Tang prose changes without concern thrice.’” Huifang looked at Chunhang and said, “Thinking about it, you really can’t be called conscientious.” Chunhang asked, “Why do you say that?” Huifang replied, “If her beauty can’t always be like half the moon, then your heart must have changed three times over.” Chunhang laughed, “How can poetry be taken so literally? That would make it utterly cliché.” Huifang smiled and continued reading:
Silk curtains lonely as a pearl chamber, musk and dragon marrow linger with leftover fragrance.
Thirty-six brocades can’t send, a jade flute breaks the endless cloud sky.
Huifang nodded and sighed, “In this world, joy and sorrow, meeting and parting are inevitable.” She went on:
The green embroidered bag hangs on the eastern wall, no flowers, no words, spring silent.
The resentful woman plucks the mulberry wife’s zither, the palace maid mournfully leans on Yang Ji’s flute.
Huifang commented, “Such clever pairing. The mulberry wife’s zither and Yang Fei’s flute, perfectly matched. The former line surely uses ‘Luofu on the Mulberry Path.’ This Yang Ji flute, I recall Zhang Hu’s poem ‘Through the quiet window of the still courtyard, I play the Ning Wang jade flute,’ and I’ve also seen ‘Empress’s Biography’:
Emperor Ming shared his space with his brother, the concubine secretly played Ning Wang’s jade flute, thus offending the decree. Is that the allusion used here?” Chunhang replied, “It could be, but it doesn’t match ‘the palace maid mournfully leans.’ I used the story from ‘Collection of Marvels,’ where the emperor visits Shu, ascends the tower on a moonlit night, and the old favored servant Hongtao, sings the empress’s made ‘Liangzhou Song,’ leaning on the emperor’s jade flute, and after playing they look at each other and weep.” Huifang nodded and read on:
Drunk crabapple flowers, butterflies fly, willow cotton feeble with persistent affection.
Water at the well bottom like my heart’s intent, roadside dust clings to your clothes.
Huifang felt a deep sorrow and exclaimed, “Such deep affection and lingering emotions, truly a person full of love. This must be the conclusion.” She read, “Green feathers and the wind drag a red tail.” Huifang then said, “This line comes out of nowhere; it’s uniquely bold and pushes the boundaries. Do phoenixes even have red tails?” Chunhang replied, “Wen Feiqing’s poem mentions, ‘The princess rides the red-tailed wind.’” Huifang continued reading, “Traverse the wind alongside the gentleman for thirty thousand miles. A day of fragrant thoughts a hundred times over, and idle times follow the rise of furnace smoke.” Just as she finished, Gaopin entered and said, “What a beautiful poem! Only such a delicate voice is suited to recite such fragrant and exquisite verses. But there is one line in the poem that should be changed by three words to fit better.” Huifang stepped forward upon seeing him and said, “I came to wish you well last night, but you were already asleep.” Gaopin chuckled, “So it seems you have spent the night together already.” Huifang crisply replied, “We talked until this moment last night.” Gaopin observed, “Your complexion suggests otherwise.” Chunhang asked, “Which line of the poem do you think should be changed?” Gaopin responded, “The line ‘The water at the bottom of the well reflects my feelings as a concubine.’” Huifang then read the next line, “Dust by the roadside clings to your clothes,” and Gaopin commented, “It’s good, but too abstract. It would be better as ‘Mud before the carriage stains your clothes,’ giving it a more vivid sense.” Huifang smiled gracefully. Chunhang remarked, “Whenever you speak, it’s never anything nice.” Gaopin then scrutinized Chunhang and said, “I cast a divination yesterday: ‘Heavenly wind purifies, changes to mountain wind poison, and exchanges with heavenly need.’ Its lines are very difficult to interpret.” He recited, “‘A field catches a rabbit, encounters rain, needs in the mud. Meets a man of gold, encounters the master at the temple, sticky with rice-coated clothes, auspicious if steadfast.’ I can’t explain it.”
Huifang listened blankly while Chunhang laughed, “You know how to divine but not how to explain.” Gaopin also laughed.
As Huifang was about to question Gaopin, footsteps sounded outside the window, and a shadow moved back and forth. Chunhang asked, “Who is it?” After a cough, the reply came, “It’s me, seeking Lord Gao for a word.” Recognizing the voice, Gaopin exclaimed, “Wonderful, wonderful!” and upon going out, indeed it was Tang the monk from the temple, who asked, “What do you need to say?” Tang the monk cheerily came in, greeted Chunhang, and seeing Huifang, joined his palms and said, “Amitabha, so the Bodhisattva has descended. I am at fault for not greeting you properly. No wonder there was divine rain last night, and this morning the Dragon Lady Bodhisattva next to Guanyin in the temple is missing—turns out she’s here.” Huifang, recognizing Tang the monk and remembering how he had previously facilitated a meeting when Chunhang first arrived in the capital, laughed behind her hand. She had frequently visited back then but had later avoided him due to his vulgarity. Gaopin, who often joked with him, playfully pulled off his hat, rubbed it on his head, and said to Huifang, “Charming scent, I’ll make a couplet for you.” He then said, “If a sharp tool lies within the bag, its tip emerges.” Huifang smiled, and Tang the monk snatched his hat back and began to say to Gaopin, “You, you, you…” but then just grinned without finishing. Huifang declared, “I have already responded,” and recited, “Like floating on the water’s surface, round and shining.” Chunhang and Gaopin both laughed, saying, “Well matched, quick and good.” Tang the monk thanked them, “Thank you, thank you. I am fortunate to have the Bodhisattva’s praise, and you did not liken me to a rooster.” He then pulled Gaopin outside, spoke a few words in the courtyard, and left. Gaopin returned inside, and the three of them had a meal together. Huifang wanted to hear Chunhang play the guqin, so she took out the instrument, untied the bag, placed it on the table, and said, “Play then! Should we light incense?” Chunhang replied, “Lighting incense is too clich
é.” Gaopin added, “With the charming scent already strong here, we naturally don’t need to light incense.” Huifang pushed Gaopin aside and sat next to the qin table, watching Chunhang carefully tune the strings. Gaopin remarked, “I don’t understand this; it sounds like a cotton spinner at work, what’s there to listen to?” Huifang replied, “You don’t understand, today it is truly like playing the qin to a cow.” It just so happened that Gaopin was born in the year of the ox, and he laughed, “Please then play the qin to this cow.” Huifang, without thinking much about his comment, simply said, “There’s no match.” Gaopin replied, “Watch out, don’t shoot an arrow.” Huifang paused briefly and said, “Your Li Yulin belongs to the rabbit, he’s sixteen this year, why don’t you call Jade Rabbit here.” Chunhang also urged Gaopin to call Yulin, and Gaopin, pleased, sent for him. He also prepared a few dishes.
Chunhang played the qin for a while, finding some strings too slack to tighten properly, so he played a slow tune, adjusting the first and third strings slowly, then tuning the second, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh strings using the pentatonic scale method. He plucked the fifth string, his ring finger pressing the tenth fret and hooking the third. He plucked the third string, the middle finger pressing the tenth fret and hooking the first. He played several pieces from “Chen Tuan’s Attainment of Daoist Immortality.” Then he played some harmonic tones, starting a piece called “Guest of Youth Arena.” Starting from the fourth string at the ninth fret, he hooked the second and plucked the sixth, hooked the fourth and plucked the fifth, producing twenty-two notes, returning to the ninth fret to end the melody. The tune’s lyrics were:
Fields with sharp corners, horses nibble at hooves, the fields of sharp corners thrive uniquely, horses that nibble at hooves neigh across flowers.
After four lines, he plucked the seventh and sixth strings, hooked the fourth, and plucked the sixth, then hooked the second.
The following section used actual tones. His left thumb, on the second string at the ninth fret, rubbed twice, then played five notes, pinched up three more, his middle and index fingers moved the fourth and sixth strings, his left thumb intoning on the sixth string at the ninth fret. He played five notes, moved the seventh and fifth strings, played five more, moved the fifth and third strings, played another five notes, moved the seventh and fifth strings, played five more, moved the fifth and third strings, totaling thirty-four notes. The lyrical content was:
Proud horses recognize people across flowers, dirty youth with genuine spirit. Soft and fine flying clouds shoes, bright single-character scarf. Silk robes, Ji Zi’s sword, wind and rain bear different fuel.
This was the first section, marked by rises and falls, with a lingering aftertaste. He then began the second section, picking the seventh string, supporting the seventh string, starting with a poetic and elaborate intonation, which involved more complex finger movements, showing a spirited and generous demeanor. When he reached the tenth note, he plucked it, and at the fifteenth note, another pluck, hearing two clear sounds at the twenty-third note, forming a lovely harmonic lock. It was very pleasing to hear. He then played another six notes. The lyrics for this section were: The eldest brother despises death, his spirit penetrates the rainbow sun. The second brother despises wealth, fearing ghosts laugh at everything. The youngest brother despises power, nobles do not bend the knee.
After a brief pause, Chunhang played the third section, hooking the first string with his left middle finger, starting from the thirteenth fret. He then played hooks on the second, third, and fourth strings at the same fret, producing a loud sound with a mix of the gong and shang modes. After a few notes, he suddenly played three muted sounds on the strings seven, six, five, and three, producing a delightful bell-like effect. After the thirteenth note, there came four or five ringing sounds from the seventh string, followed by a brief lock, and then four quick plucks on the fifth and seventh, and fourth and sixth strings, before slowly playing nine notes to a stop. The music’s lyrics were:
“For a thousand autumns, this endeavor lives on, the spirit lies in the youth. Under twenty years of age, leading ahead of the eldest brother. By thirty-eight plus one year, I stand shoulder to shoulder with my second brother. Pointing to the azure sky in daylight, pouring liquor, none can deter.”
As Chunhang was about to stand, Huifang pressed his hand and said, “It’s getting interesting, keep playing.” Chunhang responded, “It’s already finished.” Huifang exclaimed, “How can it end so quickly?”
Chunhang explained, “This piece only has three sections.” Huifang complained, “That’s too short, play something longer.” Gaopin joked, “Xiangfan, Meixiang thinks you’re too quick and too brief. You really need a patch of ‘a thousand charms and beauties’ to be satisfactory.” Chunhang retorted, “Nonsense!” Huifang attempted to tear Gaopin’s mouth, but Gaopin bowed deeply and said, “Forgive me this once,” which made Huifang laugh. Huifang then requested Chunhang to play “The Eighteen Beats of the Nomad Flute” and “Spring Dawn in the Cave Heavens,” commenting, “I’ve heard these two pieces played best by Xiao Jingyi, who also has a combined score for guqin and flute. He once taught me to play the flute.” Chunhang said, “‘Spring Dawn in the Cave Heavens’ is indeed good, but it’s very long. ‘The Eighteen Beats of the Nomad Flute’ isn’t very interesting, doesn’t really resonate with me, perhaps play ‘Water Immortal Melody’ instead.” After a pause and retuning the strings, he played again, this time a piece with twelve sections, requiring very precise finger movements, each note critical to the melody.
By the fourth and fifth sections, it was as if Xiang Ling was playing the guqin, and Feng Yi was beating the drums; in the sixth and seventh sections, it seemed as if Xiang E was crying through the bamboo, and Liezi was riding the wind, the sounds mournful and longing, like a lamentation. It was as if drawing a sword to strike the ground, scratching the head to question the heavens, with a cool breeze flowing through the cracks of the window. Huifang and Gaopin sat upright, listening intently with serene expressions. Suddenly, the pitch on the seventh string at the sixth fret dropped slightly, and the fifth string at the same fret was too high, with the fourth string at the ninth fret also slightly off. Chunhang exclaimed, “Strange, why is the tuning suddenly off?” Neither Gaopin nor Huifang could tell. Chunhang tried to tune the strings again but couldn’t get it right, then asked Gaopin, “Is there someone at the temple who plays the guqin?” Gaopin replied, “Maybe a monk plays the huqin, but no one plays the guqin.” Chunhang suggested, “There must be someone who knows how to play the guqin outside listening, that’s why the sound changed.” As soon as Chunhang finished speaking, laughter erupted from the courtyard, startling Gaopin and the others.
Gaopin rushed out to see and found it was Shi Nanxiang, arm in arm with Wang Lanbao on the left and holding Li Yulin on the right, all slightly tipsy. Yulin was holding a branch of apricot blossoms, followed by three or four others. Seeing his own attendant in the yard, Gaopin asked, “Where did you come from?” Nanxiang replied, “You ask me where I came from when you had Xianggong hide it from me? Today I went with Jingfang to Yi Garden, everyone was home, they invited me to stay for a meal. Peixian was also there, along with Yaoqing and Shouxian. After the meal, someone from Peixian’s house called him, and only then did I learn it was your doing, so I left with Duoxiang.” He indicated the flower in Yulin’s hand, “We were adm
iring the apricot blossoms there today.” He then asked Gaopin, “Since when do you play the guqin? If you want to learn, I should teach you. The ‘Water Immortal Melody’ you played earlier was quite good.” Gaopin replied, “When have I ever played? The player was Tian Xiangfan.” Nanxiang, having heard of Tian Xiangfan’s talents from Zhongqing, said, “Since it’s Tian Xiangfan, why doesn’t he come out to meet me, Shi Zhu-Jun?” Gaopin said, “I’ll introduce you.” As they spoke, Huifang came out to meet them and quickly pulled Nanxiang inside. Nanxiang remarked, “Ah, you’re here too? I didn’t expect today’s gathering at Gaopin’s to turn into Jin Valley of Shi Jilun.” Chunhang also came out to greet them, and they exchanged words of admiration. Yulin and Lanbao also met Chunhang and sat with Huifang. Nanxiang said to Gaopin, “Since Gaopin is hosting, naturally there should be wine, don’t play dumb, bring it out quickly.” Gaopin replied, “There is wine, but no ‘immortal peach longevity pills.’” Nanxiang joked, “Even if I get drunk, I won’t be rolling down from the upper floors.” Everyone laughed.
Gaopin’s attendants and the cook brought out the wine and dishes. Everyone sat at a round table. Nanxiang and Chunhang discussed qin scores and literature, each expressing mutual respect. Gaopin said, “Today, Zhu-Jun of Shi is like Di Liang of the Pear Garden; Tian Xiangfan is like Doctor Li of the opera troupes.” Nanxiang dismissed it, “You’re talking nonsense again.” Chunhang inquired, “What do you mean? I don’t understand.” Gaopin explained, “Zhu-Jun wrote ‘Selections of Yan Terrace Flowers.’ These young female roles, they’re like peaches and plums of the official gate, and the bits of fluff and puff are all from the medicine basket. Isn’t this what Di Liang is known for? Xiangfan cleans up everything. Last night, a Red Sleeve who eloped in the middle of the night came by, isn’t this like Doctor Li?” Everyone laughed, but Huifang blushed and said, “Since I fell from the upper floor the other day, it would have been better if I had turned into a turtle, or at least broken a leg.” Gaopin joked, “Falling from the upper floor is normal, but it would be scary to fall in a cart rut at the theater gate and be trampled by a mule.” When Nanxiang asked about it, Gaopin explained in detail, leaving Chunhang feeling ashamed.
Nanxiang laughed heartily, “Xiangfan is truly a poet, a beauty of the ages moved by a single fall, an unprecedented event. In the past, we heard of Sun Shou losing his makeup, and Liang Ji dismounting his horse. Today we see Su Lang singing opera, and Tianzi following a cart. A perfect couplet, a gift for Meixiang.” Huifang glanced at Nanxiang and said, “Why must you also join in with those who wag their tongues to mock me?” Gaopin said, “This speech shows deep hatred, yet I bear you no grudge, why such fierce animosity?” Huifang replied, “Speak again, and I’ll dismantle your foundation.” Gaopin retorted, “Go ahead, I’m not afraid.” Huifang then recited a mock official title for him: “Please enjoy the banquet, appreciate wearing a marten fur hat, vice-president of the guild hall, opera garden attendant, proofreader at the painting and calligraphy factory, also managing the South City Street Office, inspecting various news affairs at all the Pear Garden clubs, making sacrifices at one place, a sweaty scholar, managing foreign affairs as a minister, chief secretary of the malt department, hereditary first-class Duke of Shi Country, add one urgency, succeed in joy once more.” Everyone burst out laughing.
This title was devised by Liu Wenzhe, and only Nanxiang among those present knew it, Chunhang was hearing it for the first time. Gaopin said, “There’s one more title you didn’t mention.” Huifang responded, “It seems there are no more.” Gaopin added, “There’s also the supervisor of the rabbit garden record book.” Nanxiang laughed again. Huifang ignored him and offered several toasts to Lanbao and Yulin in front of everyone. Chunhang had already met Yulin before and saw his graceful charm; although not quite as striking as Huifang, he was far superior to the young masters Chunhang had previously admired
. Seeing his peachy cheeks and fragrant lotus face, he possessed a different kind of allure and grace. Seeing him interact with Gaopin, it seemed as though they had clearly demarcated their boundaries.
Looking at Wang Lanbao, who was Nanxiang’s favorite, Chunhang felt somewhat intimidated. Lanbao had willow-like eyebrows close to emerald, containing coyness and also a hint of anger. His phoenix eyes squinted slightly, seeming affectionate yet also angry. He behaved independently and unrestrainedly. At seventeen years old, he was a martial female role expert in martial arts. Nanxiang, an unrestrained person outside his physical form, had initially caused a big stir when he first met Lanbao, but they later got along well. Lanbao knew Nanxiang’s personality and temperament very well, and whenever Nanxiang got drunk and became wild, Lanbao was able to calm him down immediately.
At today’s banquet, only Chunhang was not good at drinking, but Nanxiang wouldn’t let it be and started all sorts of games involving guessing and giving orders involving drinks.
Chunhang lost many rounds and then refused to drink more. Nanxiang ordered Lanbao to pour a cup and force it on Chunhang. Lanbao brought the wine over to Chunhang, but Huifang, knowing Chunhang couldn’t handle his liquor, reached over and drank it herself.
Lanbao laughed, “What does this have to do with you? Are you substituting for someone else?” Huifang replied with a smile, “This is called using someone else’s cup to douse one’s own thirst.” Lanbao then said, “If that’s the case, please drink a few more cups.” He poured several full cups, urging Huifang to drink. Huifang said, “I don’t want to drink anymore, enough is enough.” Lanbao replied, “You don’t get to decide that. Haven’t you heard ‘in moments of frustration, swords may cross’?” Watching this exchange, Gaopin made faces at Lanbao, signaling him to make Huifang drink. Li Yulin leaned in, half-smiling from the side. Lanbao also smiled and asked, “You’re really not going to drink?” Huifang, slightly afraid of him, could only laugh along and said, “Please spare me, Brother Lan.” Yulin also pleaded on her behalf several times, but Lanbao was relentless and made Huifang drink another cup before letting it go. After they drank for a while longer, someone from Huifang’s household came to call her out. Huifang went out and asked, “What’s the matter? How are those two drunkards doing?” The person replied, “They made a fuss all night and went back this morning. Just now, a stranger came, he’s from Guangdong, named Xi Shiyi, Mr. Xi. He admires your name and is waiting at your house.” Huifang asked, “What does he look like? I hope he’s not another like Pan Qiguan.” The person answered, “He looks quite wealthy, brought four attendants, and appears to be about thirty years old.” Huifang said, “Tell him I won’t be returning today.” The messenger left.
Huifang came back inside, and Chunhang asked what was the matter. Huifang said, “Someone was looking for me at home, I’ve sent them away.” Gaopin asked, “Who was it?” Huifang replied, “I don’t know him. The person said his name was Xi Shiyi, from Guangdong.” Gaopin joked, “Such a cumbersome surname, starting with a sweep and followed by three punches, it’s all tangled up in the middle like a knot; he must be pretending to be some high official. There are nine kinds of barbarians in the east, I wonder which kind he is.” Huifang retorted, “You might as well set up a fortune-telling stall at the temple gate.” This made everyone laugh. Gaopin suggested, “Since plain drinking is boring today, why don’t we use Mr. Xi Shiyi as a topic for our game?” Nanxiang asked, “How can Xi Shiyi be used for a game?”
Gaopin proposed, “Let’s find the character ‘Xi’ from the ‘Four Books,’ starting from the first to the eleventh instance, and anyone who makes a mistake has to drink as punishment. The three of us will share the task.” Chunhang doubted, “The ‘Four Books’ might not have that many mentions of ‘Xi.’” Nanxiang agreed, “Even if there are, it wouldn’t add up.” Gaopin said, “It’s just a few drinks as penalty, why not try it? I’ll start.” He simply said, “Xi.” Chunhang demanded clarification, “You must specify which part of the books that ‘Xi’ is from.” Gaopin responded, “Xi from the three families.” Nanxiang then said, “Son Xi… Daughter Xi.” Gaopin declared, “You spoke twice, that’s two cups as a penalty.” Nanxiang protested, “Isn’t it okay to speak twice?” Gaopin insisted, “It’s not allowed.” Nanxiang then drank the penalty. Chunhang followed with, “This item, Xi…” Gaopin praised, “Well said!” then continued, “If so, Xi…” and “The Son of Heaven, solemn and revered, Xi…” Nanxiang pointed out, “You’re penalizing yourself now, why did you speak twice? Moreover, that ‘Xi’ is the same as your first one, you should be penalized ten cups.” Gaopin argued, “Mine were phrases of four and five characters each, they’re not the same, why
should I be penalized?” Nanxiang countered, “You said no two sentences, why are you breaking your own rules?” Gaopin was cornered by their arguments and had to drink five cups slowly.
It was Nanxiang’s turn, but he hesitated, unable to think of anything. Gaopin said, “I’ll speak for you after five cups.” Nanxiang thought for a while without success, ultimately drinking three cups, with Lanbao covering for two. Gaopin then said, “This is also for governing, Xi…” Nanxiang exclaimed, “Why can’t I think of anything?” Chunhang then thought for a moment and said, “Yu does not use Bai Li Xi…” Nanxiang slammed the table and said, “Unjustly penalized! There are people of low stature, Xi…” Chunhang and Gaopin praised him, but it was Gaopin’s turn to say the seventh ‘Xi,’ Chunhang quickly said, “Thus, those who deal with me, Xi…” Nanxiang pointed at Gaopin and said, “In this case, it is with beasts, Xi…”
Everyone burst out laughing. Gaopin declared, “You all have to be penalized. It was my turn to say the seventh ‘Xi,’ why did you snatch it?” Li Yulin then began pouring the penalty drinks, Nanxiang and Chunhang, more focused on the fun of the game than the penalties, did not mind. Nanxiang drank five cups, Lanbao covered for two. Chunhang drank three cups, Huifang covered for four.
Gaopin urged Nanxiang to say the eighth ‘Xi,’ but Nanxiang replied, “You haven’t said the seventh yet, you must be penalized.” He then called Lanbao to pour the drink. Gaopin protested, “How can this be right! You all snatched the opportunity, what am I supposed to say? And now you want to penalize me, where is justice and conscience?” Li Yulin also pleaded for Gaopin, and Nanxiang eventually conceded, saying, “Exchange it for millet. Said: Xu Zi Xi…” Chunhang stated, “The ninth is too few.” He thought for a moment and said, “Compared with the lightness of courtesy, what is Xi to the weight of courtesy?” Huifang stomped her foot and said, “Why did you have to speak twice?” Gaopin declared, “Good, nine cups as penalty.” Huifang protested, “That’s not acceptable.” Gaopin was unyielding, first penalizing Huifang five cups, then Chunhang four. Nanxiang suddenly remembered two phrases, unable to resist speaking, and regardless of the penalties, blurted out, “Facing the north barbarians from the south, said: Xi… by trusting the lesser, believe the greater, Xi…” Lanbao jumped up and said, “Ancestor, even if you love drinking, don’t drag others into it. It wasn’t your turn to speak, why did you say those two sentences?” Nanxiang felt some regret, Gaopin declared, “No excuses, eighteen cups.” Nanxiang protested, “Eighteen cups is impossible, I’d really need the immortal longevity pills then.” Chunhang, Huifang, and Yulin also pleaded for Nanxiang, who was then penalized nine cups. Nanxiang, in a fit of pique, drank them alone. Gaopin then said, “I’ve also thought of the seventh ‘Xi.’” He stated, “Therefore, sincerely believed and liked, Xi…” then added, “Not using food from all directions, the steward says, what is Xi.” Chunhang counted and said, “You should be penalized, you were supposed to say the tenth, but you said the eleventh.” Gaopin admitted, “I spoke wrongly.” “This is only for saving lives and fearing insufficiency, Xi…” Nanxiang counted again, finding only nine. Huifang stood up, insisting on penalizing Gaopin nineteen cups. Gaopin refused, Lanbao sided with Huifang demanding the full penalty, but after Gaopin’s pleas, he was penalized only eleven cups, with Yulin covering three, and Gaopin drinking eight in a row. Nanxiang thought for a while, drew ten strokes on the table, and said, “A warrior does not forget the loss of his origins, Confucius Xi…” Below was Chunhang, who also thought for a while, then said, “Zi Lu stayed at the Stone Gate, in the morning at the gate he said: Xi…” Gaopin declared, “Punishment comes swiftly, ten cups as a penalty. You should have said the eleventh.” Chunhang realized his mistake. Huifang intervened, “You should also consider each person’s capacity to drink, not just blindly penalize.”
Gaopin replied, “The rules of the drinking game are as strict as military orders, they must be upheld.” Huifang stated, “Remember, we’ll drink up tomorrow.” Gaopin retorted, “Your debts may be for tomorrow, but the drinks cannot wait.” Yulin suggested, “Let’s split the difference, drink five cups.” Huifang covered three, and Chunhang reluctantly drank two. It was now Gaopin’s turn to conclude, he thought for a while and said, “In the past, Zhao Jianzi sent Wang Liang with the favored Xi…” After he finished, everyone looked at each other and laughed. It was well past the second watch of the night, they had dinner, and everyone was ready to leave. Huifang’s carriage had been waiting for a long time, she immediately bid everyone farewell and left first. Wang Lanbao had come with Nanxiang, and Li Yulin’s carriage had not yet arrived, so they all rode back with Nanxiang.
Nanxiang first dropped off Lanbao, then took Li Yulin to the gate.
Yulin invited him in, but Nanxiang said, “It’s late, we’ll meet another day,” and went straight home. Passing by Wang Xun’s gate, Nanxiang suddenly felt thirsty and sent his attendant to ask if Young Master Wang was asleep yet. The gatekeeper went to the study to check if Wang Xun and Yan Zhongqing were still awake. When the gatekeeper returned, Wang Xun called him in, and Shi Nanxiang entered. What happens next will be revealed in the following episode.