話說前回書中梅士燮赴任之後,一切家事,內而顏夫人掌管,外而許順經理,井井有條。子玉仍係讀書,經籍之外研磨諸子百家。到花晨月夕,則有二三知己,明窗淨幾,共事筆硯。
或把酒清談,或題詩分韻,所來往者劉文澤、顏仲清等為最密。
而怡園徐度香一月間亦過訪幾次,或遇,或不遇。
蓋度香局面闊大,現處福地,為富貴神仙,所以干謁謁紛紛而來,應酬甚繁。
即遇無事清閒之日,又須為諸花物色,茶靡石葉之香,鹿錦鳳綾之豔,雖傾倒一時,然較之小樓深處修竹一坪,紙帳開時梅花數點,反遜於玉、竹君等之清閒自在也。
卻說魏聘才其人在不粗不細之間,西流東列,風雅叢中,究非知已;繁華門下,盡可幫閒。目下與李元茂同住梅宅,一無所事,唯有出外閒遊。而元茂又另是一種呆頭呆腦的脾氣,與之長處,實屬可厭。聘才思量道:「我進京來本欲圖些名利,今在京數月,一事無成。且梅老伯又到江西去了,要兩三年才回,王老伯終是大模大樣,絕無一點關切心腸。長安雖好,非久戀之鄉,不如自己弄得一居停主人,或可附翼攀鱗,弄些好處出來,亦未可定。我想富三爺交遊最闊,求他覓一機會,不甚為難。」主意定了,就坐車進城,來到金牌樓富宅,先著小使到門上一問。
聘才聽說三爺不在家,在對門貴大老爺處打牌,小使出來,聘才道:「貴大爺我去年卻拜過他,未曾見著,今日正好拜他。」即到對門來,傳進片子,聽得裡面叫:「請!」開了兩扇中門,聘才進去,卻是小小一個院落,只見貴大爺從正廳上出來,迎上前,與聘才拉了手,讓聘才進屋內炕上坐。聘才道:「兄弟來過幾次,總值大爺出門,偏偏遇不著。」貴大爺道:「兄弟差使忙,輕易不出城,倒常想同富三哥出城找吾兄逛一天,不是他沒有空,就是我有事,再停兩天就好了。」又講了些閒話,聘才留心屋內卻也收拾乾淨,一並是三間,東邊隔去了一間做書房。院子內東邊是粉牆,西邊一個月亮門,內有一扇屏風擋著,想必是內室了。只見炕上掛一幅藍地白字的迴文詩句,一幅冷金箋對子,是戶部總理寫的。兩旁是八張方椅,東邊擺一書桌,一盆小小盆景,一面是幾張方杌。聘才正要開口,貴大爺道:「富三哥在此打牌,就在那屋子裡,咱們那邊坐罷。」就讓聘才進去。走到書房門口,有一小廝揭起了一個香色面簾,聘才跨將進去,只見富三將牌望桌上一放,打了一個呵欠,伸了一伸腰,見了聘才便站起來,笑嘻嘻的道:「久不見了,好呵?」聘才拉個手,見屋裡尚有兩人,一人面南,一人面北,那面南的即起身照應,那面北的便似照應不照應的,略把身子鬆一鬆,就坐了,仍看著手中的牌。聘才看那上首一位的相貌,一臉酒肉氣,兩撇黃鬚,一雙蛇眼,衣帽雖新,不合官樣,約有四十四五歲。下首一位,已有五十餘歲,是個近視眼,帶了眼鏡,身上也是一身新衣。聘才便問道:「這兩位沒有請教貴姓。」那上首的即答道:「姓楊,我是這裡的街坊。」又問那位年老的,老年的慢慢的答道:「我姓閻。」貴大爺道:「這位閻簡安先生,是華府中的師爺。那一位是精於地理的,又是富三哥的乾兄弟,就在東衚衕那大宅子裡,號梅窗,行八。」說罷,小廝移了一張凳子,就放在富三上首,大家坐了。富三道:「你好呵!你在城外天天的樂,你也不來瞧瞧哥哥。你知道哥哥惦記你,你就不惦記我。我找你兩三回,你躲著不出來,你天天兒瞧戲,好樂阿!」聘才笑道:「那裡的話。那一天不想著三爺。因我老伯到江西去了,一切家事是托兄弟照應的,所以事情多一點兒。」那姓楊的便問聘才道:「足下在梅大人宅裡?」聘才道:「是。」因問道:「認得梅宅麼?」那人道:
「怎麼不認得?他們塋地的樹,還是我種的呢。」貴大爺道:「這楊老八的風水是高明的,我們內城多半是請他瞧的。」聘才便又拉攏起來,只有那個閻簡安是冷冰冰的,只與富、貴兩人講話。富三爺道:「歇了罷,這牌打得悶人,就是我輸了,算帳罷。」閻簡安便道:「怎麼就歇?方才打了兩轉。」梅窗道:「算了,不用來了。」於是,大家起身散坐,點籌馬,是閻、富兩人輸了。聘才道:「倒是我吵散了。」富三一手捶著腰道:「我本來不喜歡這個,輸了錢還惹悶。」閻簡安道:「可不是。」楊梅窗笑道:「誰叫你們打得這麼燦頭?將牌都亂發的,不輸你輸誰?」閻簡安笑道:「你好,我瞧見你幾時又贏過錢?不過會訛人就是了,只好在我與富三哥面前混滂,在貴大哥跟前就不能了。」大家說笑了一陣,貴大爺即命小廝拿出酒肴來,是四五樣葷素菜,一壺黃酒,賓主五人小酌了一回。
席中聘才對那閻簡安問起華府的光景,那老閻就覺得有些高興,便道:「敝東公子,是人間少有的。府裡的闊大;是說不盡的。」聘才又問同事幾位?簡安道:「在府裡住的有十幾位,在老爺子任上的有十幾位,其餘來來去去走動的,不計其數。我是老爺子三十年的交情,同著出過兵,與那些個朋友是兩樣的光景,哥兒待我是父輩的禮數。其餘就難講了。」原來這個閻簡安,是個半生半熟的老篾片,卻與華公有舊,嫌其心窄嘴臭,脾氣古怪,所以叫他在府裡住著。華公子是更不對的。楊梅窗是個土篾片,但知勢利,毫無所能。又是個裡八府的人,怯頭怯腦。因與富三爺是乾兄弟,又拉攏了些半生半熟的闊老,仗著看風水為名,胡吹亂講的一味貪財,或與地主勾通,或與花兒匠工頭連手,賺下人的錢,也捐了個從九候選,至於堪輿之學,實在不懂。是日談次,倒與聘才合了式,便要與聘才換帖,聘才是樂得拉攏的,便十分應酬。只有那位老閻是勢利透頂的人,如何看得起聘才,聘才也深厭其人。五人歡敘了一回,各要散了,楊老八並約聘才另日再敘。
聘才便同到富三家裡來,又坐了一回,便把心事講起。富三爺道:「既然如此,何不就挪到舍下來,盤桓幾時。」重又說道:「我們舅太爺府中朋友最多。今日聽得老閻說,辭了那位出去,如今正少人呢。」聘才道:「舅太爺是那一位?」富三道:「你不記得去年在城外,瞧見那十幾輛車,車內那個貂裘繡蟒的,叫做華公子就是。」聘才心中十分歡喜,想道:這華公子勢燄熏天,若得合了式,弄個小小的出身,也還容易。
又遂問道:「他家去做朋友,不知要辦些什麼事?」富三道:「辦什麼呢?陪著喝酒,陪著看戲,閒空時寫兩封不要緊的書札。你還會彈唱,是更合他的心意了。這人本是個頂好的好人,只要盡拿高帽子孝敬他,他就喜歡,違拗他,他就冷了。我瞧你趨蹌很好,人也圓到,你肚子裡自然很通透的了。我們舅太爺筆底下也來的,去年老佛爺叫他和過詩,並說好,還賞了黃辮子荷包一對,四喜搬指兒一個呢。你要去,我明日就薦你,包管可成。」聘才聽得喜動顏色,忙作揖謝了。因又想著這個老閻有些礙眼。忽又想道:「各人辦各人的事,不與他往來便了。」再坐了一回,辭了富三回寓。
明日,富三就到華公府來,見了華公子,就薦聘才進府,幫辦雜務。華公子應了,說道:「我這裡到不拘人多人少,只要人好,是你的好朋友。自然不用講了。說請你去講一聲,請他來就是了。」即吩咐林珊枝傳諭總辦,將魏師爺修金欽饌說定,富三連連答應幾個「是」!又進去見了華夫人,就辭了,一徑出城,通知了魏聘才,請其明日就去。
是日聘才就與子玉說明,並謝數月叨擾。子玉吃驚道:「大哥何故要去,莫非嫌小弟有得罪之處麼?」聘才連連陪笑道:
「愚兄自到貴府以來,承伯父母同棣臺如此恩待,豈尚有不足?無奈愚兄此番進京,家父諄諭自己,定要謀一前程出京。
因此處稍可巴結,且富老三力為作合,且去看看光景。只隔一城,原可時常來的,棣臺若不忘懷,華府園亭,聞說是極好逛的。伯母前請棣臺先為稟明,明日起身時,再進去叩謝。」李元茂在旁,聞得聘才要進華府,心中有些難過,道:「你去了只剩了我,且你也少了個伴兒。我聞得華公子脾氣不好,你倒不要去吃釘板,還是在此罷,過年再說。」聘才道:「各人有各人的打算,我如今比不上你了。你是知縣少爺,享現成的福,我不但自己不能受用,還要顧家呢!」子玉聽到這句,便知不能強留,只得進去與顏夫人說了。顏夫人道:「既然如此,只好聽他自去罷。但者爺出門時,囑咐我好生看待,且說他倒能辦事。但此時也無甚多事,如果將來有事,再請他回來亦可。」
是晚即命子玉與聘才餞行,又送出四十兩銀子與聘才,聘才感激不盡。一夜與元茂談談講講,各有難分之意。
明早富三爺即遣人帶了兩輛車來接聘才,聘才即拜別顏夫人並子玉,又辭了元茂,收拾停妥,帶了四兒一徑上車。先到富宅略敘片時,富三親送到華府。到了門口,富三先著人回進去,並說魏師爺來了。聘才在車內一望這門面,就覺威嚴得了不得,就是南京總督衙門,也無此高大。門前一座大照牆,用水磨磚砌成,上下鏤花,並有花簷滴水,上蓋琉璃瓦,約有三丈多高,七丈多寬。左右一對大石獅子,有八尺多高。望進頭門裡,約有一箭多遠,見圍牆內兩邊盡是參天大樹,襯著中間一條甬道,直望到二門,就模模糊糊,不甚清楚。覺有數十人在那門口坐著。回事人進去了有半個時辰,才見出來,說:「請!」富三同魏聘才便下了車,二人整整衣裳走進。將近二門,見那一班人慢慢的站起來,約有二三十個,都是一色衣服,有幾個見了富三上前請安,並問道:「這位就是請來的師爺嗎?」魏聘才亦各照應了。走進二門,又是甬道,足有一百多步,才到了大廳。回事的引著,轉過了大廳,四面迴廊,闌干曲折,中間見方,有一個院子,有花竹靈石,層層疊疊。又進了垂花門,便是穿堂。再進了穿堂,便覺身入畫圖:長廊疊閣,畫棟雕樑,碧瓦琉璃,映天耀日。聘才是有生以來,沒有見過這等高大華麗,絢爛莊嚴,心上有些畏懼。富三是去熟的,引路的道:「請三爺到西花廳坐罷。」那人便曲曲折折走了好一會,方到了一個水磨磚擺的花月亮門站住了,就不進去了。咳嗽一聲,裡面走出四個年輕俊秀家童來。那人交代了說:「請進西花廳去。」聘才隨富三進得門來,是一個花園,地下是太湖石堆的,玲瓏透剔,下面是池水,俯見石罅中游出兩個金色鯉魚來。修竹礙人,狂花迎面。走了數十步,上了好幾層參差石蹬,接著一座石板平橋。過了橋,是個亭子,下了亭子,又是假山擋住,絕似獅子林光景,要從神仙洞內穿出,方見一所花廳。
接著又有幾處亭榭,綠樹濃陰,鳥聲噪聒。庭前開滿了罌粟、虞美等花,映襯那池邊老柏樹上垂下來的藤花,又有些海棠、紫荊等類。
來到花廳,前面是一帶雕闌,兩邊五色玻璃窗,中間掛一個絳色夾紗盤銀線的簾子。書童把紗簾吊起在一個點翠銀蝴蝶鬚子上。進得廳來,地下鋪著鴨綠絨毯,上頭是用香楠木板做成船室,刻滿了細巧花草。懸著一個匾額,是王鐸寫的「苔花岑雨聯情之館」的墨跡四圍珠纓靈蓋,燈彩無數。中間平門上刻著文徵明的草書,一張大炕都是古錦斑爛的鋪墊。炕几上供一個寶鼎,濃香芬馥。兩邊牆上糊著白花綾,一邊是掛著王右丞八幅青緣的山水,一邊是兩個博古廚,上頭盡放些楠木匣子,想是古書。所有桌凳杌椅盡是紫檀雕花,五採花錦鋪墊。
正是個錦天繡地,令人目炫神亂。富三與聘才就坐在椅子上,等有兩盞茶時候,忽見一個書童出來說:「公於今日不爽快,請三爺與師爺到東花園和各位師爺們見見,就請魏師爺在東花園與張師爺、顧師爺在一塊兒住罷。」富三又說:「替我請安。」聘才也站起身道:「替我亦說到。」小廝答應了「是」。窗外那個書童就請富、魏二位到東花園去,仍由舊路出了月亮門。
那東花園卻在前面東首,聘才跟著富三,重新向外彎彎轉轉,盡走的迴廊,處處多有人伺候。華府規矩:每一重門,有一個總管,有事出進都要登號簿的。聘才走了半天,心中也記不清過了多少庭院。及走到穿堂後身,東首有一條夾巷,覺有半里路長。又進了一重門,才見一個花園。這花園卻也不小,有亭有臺,有山有水,花木成林,又是一樣景致。這引路小廝交代了園中的人,就不進去了。那邊又有人來接引。進了斑竹花籬,是一所廳,兩進共有十間,還有些廂房。此中是張笑梅、顧月卿畫畫之處。顧、張二位出來相見,知道聘才是富三爺新薦來的,便陪著聚談。聘才見那張笑梅,倒也生得俊俏,是杭州人,年紀二十上下,是畫工筆人物的,就是吹竹彈絲也還來得。顧月卿是蘇州人,比笑梅略長兩歲,亦頗俊秀,是畫山水花草的。那邊還有個書啟先生叫王卿雲,是老公爺的舊友,有五十餘歲了。閻簡安是辦筆墨雜務,他二人又在一個院落,當下都請來見了。閻簡安道:「不料前日一見,今日就進我們府中來,有這等奇事。」聘才道:「小弟多蒙華公子謬愛,招之門下。無奈鉛刀襪線,一無所能,諸事全仗老先生們教訓。」
閻、王二老便道:「好說,好說,東人慕名請來的,自然是個名下無虛的了,我們都要請教。」聘才連聲說:「不敢。」富三爺道:「這魏老大是我的把弟,且係南城外梅大人的世姪,極有本事,最夠朋友的。此刻新來府中,一切都不在行,先生們自然要攜帶攜帶,都是一家人,倒不要生分才好。我明日見了我們舅太爺,還要面托的。」又對聘才道:「咱們到裡頭屋子,瞧瞧住那一間?」又同聘才到了裡頭一進,也是五間,東邊兩間張笑梅做房,聘才就在西邊兩間下榻,中間空了一間為會客之地。富三即叫將行李搬進,叫小廝們鋪設好了。
正要走時,只見一人進來,說道:「公子送了一桌酒席,就請三爺和各位師爺陪著魏師爺喝鍾酒,公子說不要見怪,實在坐不下,不能來陪,又給三爺道乏。」富三爺站起來道了謝。又道:「時候也不早了,剛是吃飯時候了。」大家就在中間屋子裡圓桌上吃起來,無拘無束,甚為暢快。聘才見這席菜,只是上不完,大碗、中碗、大碟、小碟通計有四十多樣。眾人直飲到二更,富三方辭了眾人出去。他的家人提燈伺候,聘才送到園門,富三又嘮嘮叨叨囑咐一番。聘才尚要送出,富三道:
「不要送了,回來你認不得進園子倒累墜,咱們歇天再見罷。」於是不顧而去。聘才進內又與張、顧二人談了好一回,又探問了好些府中光景方歇。
次日,張、顧二人,又引聘才去見了各項的朋友,連府中總管的爺們,以及帳房、司閽、司廚、管馬號、掌庫房,並各處門口掛號簿的人,凡有頭腦的,都一一見了。正是侯門如海,聘才初進來是一樣摸不著的,反覺拘束得很,連話也不敢多說一句,惟有小心謹慎,恭維眾人而已。看官記明:從此魏聘才進了華公府了,慢慢的就生出多少事來。此是後話,且按下不題。
卻說子玉因聘才去了,心中也著實思念了幾天。此時是四月中旬,因有個閏五月,所以節氣較遲,尚見芍藥盛開,庭外又有丁香、海棠等,紅香粉膩,素面冰心,獨自玩賞了一回。
鳥聲聒碎,花影橫披,不覺有些疲倦,因憶古人「風暖鳥聲碎,日高花影重」二語體物之工。復想起陸索蘭那日待我的光景,又尋出素蘭寫的扇子,細細的看了一回,因又想道:「我也要送他些東西才好。遂檢出古硯一方,好香墨兩匣,徐松陵墨蘭冊頁十二方,團扇一柄,即將前日所作送春二律,用小楷寫好,始而欲遣人送去。繼因長晝悶人,遂起了訪友的興致,尋芳的念頭。到上房稟過萱親,說訪劉、顏諸人,隨了小廝,登輿遍訪諸人,一無所遇,大為掃興。只得獨自來至素蘭寓所,恰值素蘭從戲園中回來,迎接進內,未免也有幾句寒溫。子玉即將所送之物,面贈素蘭,素蘭謝了,細玩一番。又見字畫端楷,重複謝了又謝。即同子玉到臥室外一間書室內,是素蘭書畫之所,頗為幽雅,因問子玉道:「今日為何獨自一人出來?可曾到過對門?見你心上人麼?」子玉笑道:「今日走了好幾處,沒有見著一個。我本為你而來,對門也未去,不知玉依在家不在家?」素蘭歎口氣不言語,子玉心疑,便問道:「香畹因何不快?」素蘭道:「我自己倒沒有什麼不快,我想起你心上人,你們背地裡這本糊塗帳,將來怎麼算得清楚,白教沒相干的眼淚,淌了許多,到底亦不曉得為什麼。問他,他又不說,猜抹也猜抹不出來。其實你們又不天天見面,何以就害得人到這個模樣呢,連他的師傅也不懂的,說他近來有些痰氣,無緣無故就酸酸楚楚,待人更不瞅不睬。從前見人不過冷淡些,卻沒有心事。自從你們怡園同席之後,他就不大招呼人,對我們講話,總喜歡說梅花,就搭不上這句話,也硬搭上來。說喜得是怡園梅崦,又要蕭靜宜畫了四幅各色的梅花,這也罷了。
忽又問起度香南邊定織來的綢緞,可有那折枝梅沒有,雜花的有沒有?難為度香竟找出幾匹來,如今現做了袍子、襖兒穿上了。你說這個心思奇不奇,不是為你是為誰?」子玉聽了便覺一陣心酸,止不住流下淚來,要說話。喉間若有物噎住說不出,只呆呆的看著素蘭。素蘭又道:「到底你們是怎樣的交情?我是你的功臣,為你也費了些神。因我有些像你,所以常來對我講些懵懂話兒。我說你這片心,不知人家知道不知道?
又不知人家待你,也有這種情分沒有?他倒說得好,這是我自己的心腸,管人家知道不知道,又管人家待我怎麼樣,橫豎我自己一人明白就是了。庾香先生,你心裡到底怎佯。你不妨對我說說。你當面不好意思的對他講,我替你代說,自然你也有一番思念他的心腸,何妨說給我聽聽。」子玉只是不語,素蘭料著是不肯說的,「我們同到他家去瞧瞧罷?」子玉略一躊躇道:「去也使得。」於是素蘭即同子玉走出門來,不多幾步,即到了秋水堂門口,見有五六輛車歇著。素蘭道:
「這光景是裡頭有客,只怕不便進去,不如回去,先著人進去看看何如?」子玉心上略有一分不自在,不曉裡面所請是何客,玉儂陪與不陪?又想起他家裡請客,斷無不陪之禮。毫無主意,只聽憑素蘭進退。
素蘭回到自己家門口,喚人往琴言處打聽,不多一刻,來說琴言臥病在牀,請客是他師傅長慶請分子,是部裡幾位經承先生,還是吃的早飯,不多一回就散的。素蘭道:「再請到裡面坐著等罷。」子玉聽見心中略定,只得重進裡面。無精打采的坐下。素蘭只管笑嘻嘻的問長問短,又問你到底待那玉儂何如?子玉被問不過,只得說道:「玉儂之事,其說甚長。」就把魏聘才途中所見情景,至今年會館中見他一齣《驚夢》,真是絕世無雙,情文互至,尚未悉其性情抱負。及到怡園為假琴官所戲,我說出思慕琴言,原為其守身如玉,落落難合,不料其自棄如此。那時玉儂在屏後聽了嗚咽欲絕,及同席時又彼此都講不出什麼來,倒像是前生相契,今生重逢,兩人心事你知我見,無用口說的光景。彼亦不期然而然,我亦無所為而為。
總覺心頭眼前,不能一刻棄置。你不說,我尚不知他背後如此牽掛。我為他,我是曉得他底蘊;他為我,難道他又曉得我什麼?且我有何感動他處,使他如此?倒不如不見面罷,省得見面時更多感觸。子玉說到此處,更神色慘淡,似有悲泣之意。
素蘭亦覺淒楚,便淌下淚來,半晌勸道:「你們兩人前生竟有些瓜葛,不然何至於此?以君才貌而論,是人人憐愛的。但似玉儂之冰雪心腸,獨為你纏綿宛轉。
以度香之百般體貼,亦算溫柔鄉中一個知己。我看玉儂待他,不如待君十分之二,難得度香更加愛惜,說道:『人各有緣,此中係天定,非人情能強。』且庾香屬意玉儂一人,毫不移動,此真是多情種子,非玉儂不足為庾香賞識,非庾香不足為玉儂眷戀。《國風》好色而不淫,其庾香、玉儂之謂乎!」子玉聽了,感激度香萬分,且愛素蘭之聰慧,不枉《曲臺花譜》中定作探花郎也。
因談了許多時候,素蘭又請子玉隨意用了些點心,著人再到琴言處探望。來人回來道:「起先之客倒散了。偏又來了一班人,說要叫琴言,長慶回他不在家,那些人不肯去,坐著等候。長慶因不認識他們,便不應酬,自到房裡吃煙去了。被他們闖進去,將長慶的煙槍搶了,要到兵馬司衙門出首他。長慶無法,只得賠禮,又請了他間壁糟房李四、緞子王三兩人解勸,閒人哄滿了一堂,正在那裡鬧不清楚呢。」子玉聽了,長歎一聲道:「我與玉儂要見一面,都如此之難。今日天也不早了,我也要回去,你明日見他時代為致意,說不可如此。必要保重身體;度香處倒要常去走走,不要叫人見怪。我是不能常出門的,遲幾天再見。你若見了度香,也為我多多致謝。歇一天我們去逛他園子呢。」素蘭道:「你幾時出來,約定日子到我這裡來,我約玉儂過來,倒是我這裡清淨。他師傅有些脾氣,偏偏玉儂遭逢著他,也是玉儂運氣不好。」子玉道:「他師傅怎樣脾氣?」素蘭道:「愛錢多,怕勢大,厭人窮。玉儂因度香所愛,故尚待得好,從前待別人就沒有這樣。」子玉聽了,又添了一件心事,放心不下,總之無可奈何,躊躊躇躇。見天氣已晚,只得硬了心腸出來,上了車回顧了幾次,一徑出了衚衕方才坐好。小廝跨上車沿,只見迎面兩馬一車,走的潑風似的,劈面衝來,偏偏是王通政,子玉躲避不及,只得要下來。王文輝連忙搖手止住,問了幾句話,也就點點頭開車走了。
今日子玉出門,只與素蘭談了半日,所訪不遇,倒遇見了丈人,好不納悶。意欲去望高品,又嫌路遠,且出門過久,又恐高堂見責,只得怏怏而回。
正是不如意事常八九,且聽下回分解。
The story continues from the previous episode where, after Mei Shixie assumed his post, all household affairs were managed by Madam Yan inside and Xu Shun outside, all in perfect order. Zi Yu continued his studies, delving into classical texts and various schools of thought. In the mornings and evenings, he would meet with a few close friends in a room with bright windows and a clean table, engaging in writing and ink grinding.
Sometimes, they would enjoy wine and engage in intellectual discussions or compose poetry. Frequent visitors included Liu Wenzhe and Yan Zhongqing, among others.
Meanwhile, Xu Duoxiang of Yi Garden visited several times within a month, sometimes finding Zi Yu at home, sometimes not.
Duoxiang’s situation was quite grand, living in a place of fortune, almost like a wealthy immortal, hence he had many visitors, and his social engagements were numerous.
Even on quiet days without other commitments, he needed to select various flowers and appreciate the fragrances of tea and the beauty of luxurious fabrics, though these pleasures were fleeting. He found more peace in the deeper, quieter parts of his house, like the small bamboo garden and the sight of a few plum blossoms, which he found more satisfying than the bustling social life.
Now about Wei Pincai, his character was neither too rough nor too refined, blending western and eastern styles, and although not a close friend, he was good enough for casual company. Currently, he was staying with Li Yuanmao in Mei’s house, idly passing his time, only leaving the house for leisure walks. Yuanmao had a rather dull temperament, and staying with him was quite tiresome. Pincai thought to himself, “I came to the capital hoping for fame and fortune, but after several months, I’ve achieved nothing. And with Elder Mei having gone to Jiangxi, not returning for a couple of years, and Elder Wang being indifferent, life in Chang’an, although pleasant, is not where I wish to stay for long. Perhaps I should establish my own place, possibly finding opportunities to climb socially and gain some benefits. Rich Lord San has extensive connections, maybe he can help find me an opportunity without much trouble.” With his mind made up, he took a carriage to the city and arrived at the wealthy Fu family’s mansion. First, he sent a servant to inquire at the door.
Pincai heard that Lord San was not home but was across the street at a wealthy gentleman’s house playing cards. After the servant came out, Pincai said, “I paid my respects to that gentleman last year but didn’t meet him. Today might be a good day to visit him.” He then went across the street, and after announcing his arrival, he heard someone inside say, “Please come in!” As the double doors opened, Pincai entered a small courtyard and saw the wealthy gentleman coming out from the main hall to greet him, shaking hands and inviting him inside to sit on the heated brick bed. Pincai said, “I’ve been here a few times, but always seem to miss you when you’re out.” The gentleman replied, “I’m often busy and don’t leave town much, but I frequently think of visiting with Brother Fu San for a day. It’s not that he doesn’t have time; it’s just that I’m often occupied. We should be able to meet in a couple of days.” After some small talk, Pincai noticed the room was well-kept, consisting of three sections with one converted into a study. In the courtyard, the east wall was painted white, and there was a moon gate to the west with a screen possibly hiding the inner chambers. A scroll with a blue background and white characters containing poetic verses hung above the brick bed, flanked by two solid gold scrolls written by the head of the Ministry of Revenue. Eight square chairs were positioned around the room, with a desk to the east holding a small bonsai and several stools. As Pincai was about to speak, the gentleman said, “Brother Fu San is playing cards here in the next room. Let’s sit there.” They moved towards the study, where a servant lifted a curtain for them. Inside, Fu San, after placing his cards on the table and stretching with a yawn, stood up with a smile upon seeing Pincai and asked, “Long time no see, how have you been?” Pincai shook his hand and noticed two other men in the room, one facing south and the other north. The man facing south stood up to greet them, while the man facing north seemed indifferent, simply loosening his posture and continuing to focus on his cards. Pincai noted that the man at the head of the table had a face flushed from drinking, with two tufts of yellow beard and snake-like eyes. Despite his new clothes, he did not look like an official and appeared to be in his mid-forties. The other man, over fifty, was near-sighted and wore glasses, also dressed in new clothes. Pincai
asked, “May I know your esteemed names?” The man at the head immediately replied, “My surname is Yang, and I’m a local here.” When asked about the older man, he slowly responded, “My surname is Yan.” The wealthy gentleman added, “This is Mr. Yan Jian’an, a consultant in the government office. The other is an expert in geomancy and Brother Fu San’s sworn brother. He lives in the large residence in East Hutong, number eight, known as Mei Window.” After some conversation, a servant moved a stool next to Brother Fu San, and they all sat down. Fu San said, “It’s good to see you! You’ve been enjoying yourself outside the city every day, yet you never visit your brother. You know I think about you, yet you don’t think of me. I’ve looked for you a couple of times, but you avoid coming out. You’re always watching plays, enjoying yourself!” Pincai laughed, “That’s not true. I think of you every day. Since my elder uncle went to Jiangxi, I’ve been in charge of the household, so I’ve been quite busy.” Yang then asked Pincai, “Are you staying at Elder Mei’s house?” Pincai replied, “Yes.” Upon further questioning if he knew the Mei residence, Yang said, “How could I not? I planted the trees in their cemetery.” The wealthy gentleman added, “Old Yang’s expertise in geomancy is highly regarded; most of us in the inner city consult him.” Pincai then grew closer to them, but Yan Jian’an remained aloof, speaking only to Fu and the wealthy gentleman. Fu San finally said, “Let’s stop; this game is getting boring. Even though I’m losing, let’s settle the accounts.” Yan Jian’an objected, “Why stop now? We’ve only played a couple of rounds.” Mei Window interjected, “Let’s call it a day; no need to continue.” They then stood up, tallied their losses, with Yan and Fu ending up as the losers. Pincai said, “I guess I’m the cause of the disturbance.” Fu San, clutching his waist, added, “I never liked this game; losing money only adds to the annoyance.” Yan Jian’an agreed, “Exactly.” Yang Mei Window joked, “Who told you to play so brilliantly? With such chaotic card dealing, who else would lose but you?” Yan Jian’an laughed, “You’re right; when have I ever seen you win money? You’re only good at swindling, which works in front of Brother Fu and me, but not in front of the wealthy gentleman.” After some laughter, the wealthy gentleman ordered a servant to bring out some dishes and a pot of yellow wine, and the five enjoyed a light drink.
During the meal, Pincai asked Yan Jian’an about the situation in the government office, which seemed to please the old man. Yan spoke highly of his young master, describing the grandeur of the residence as beyond words. Pincai inquired about his colleagues, and Yan explained that there were over a dozen living in the residence and several others who came and went frequently. “I’ve had a thirty-year friendship with the old master, having served in the military with him. My relationship with these friends is quite different; the young master treats me with the respect due to an elder. The rest are harder to say.” Yan Jian’an was an odd character, having a long-standing connection with the head of the household, who found his narrow-minded and foul-mouthed nature off-putting, which is why he stayed in the residence. The young master of the household was even less agreeable. Yang Mei Window, although a local and familiar with power dynamics, was incapable of much and rather timid. Because he was sworn brothers with Brother Fu San and had pulled some strings with other influential locals under the guise of consulting on geomancy, he often spouted nonsense for personal gain, sometimes colluding with landlords or foremen to make money, eventually securing a minor government position despite having no real expertise in geomancy. As the conversation continued, it seemed to suit Pincai, who was eager to network and readily reciprocated. However, the old Yan, being utterly mercenary, could not think highly of Pincai, who also deeply disliked him. After a while, everyone prepared to leave, and Old Yang arranged to meet Pincai again another day.
Pincai then accompanied Fu San to his home where they sat and discussed matters of the heart. Fu San suggested, “If that’s the case, why not move in with me for a while?” He added, “Our uncle has many friends in his mansion. Today, I heard from Old Yan that someone has left, and they’re short-staffed now.”
Pincai asked, “Which uncle are you referring to?” Fu San replied, “Don’t you remember last year outside the city, the man in the fur coat and embroidered python robe in one of those carriages? That was Master Hua.”
Pincai was delighted at the thought, realizing that aligning with the influential Master Hua could ease his way into a respectable position. He then asked, “What kind of work would I be doing if I went to work at his house?” Fu San explained, “What work? Accompany him in drinking, watching plays, and sometimes writing unimportant letters. You can also play and sing, which would really please him. He’s essentially a good man who likes to be flattered. If you oppose him, he turns cold. I see that you handle yourself well and are quite adaptable; you definitely understand the way things work. Our uncle was appreciated by the emperor last year for his poetry, and even received a pair of yellow braided purses and a four-happiness jade pendant. If you go, I’ll recommend you tomorrow, and I’m sure it will work out.” Pincai was thrilled and expressed his gratitude with a bow. However, he was slightly concerned about Old Yan’s presence but then thought, “Everyone handles their own affairs; I just won’t deal with him.”
After a while, he bid farewell to Fu San and returned to his lodgings.
The next day, Fu San went to Master Hua’s mansion and introduced Pincai for help with miscellaneous duties. Master Hua agreed, saying, “I don’t mind whether we have few or many people here, as long as they are good. Since he’s a friend of yours, that’s enough. Just tell him to come over.” He then instructed Lin Shanzhi to communicate this to the chief administrator and finalize arrangements with Wei Pincai, to which Fu San repeatedly agreed. After meeting Mrs. Hua and bidding her farewell, Fu San left the city to inform Wei Pincai to come the next day.
That day, Pincai explained the situation to Zi Yu and apologized for any inconvenience over the past few months. Zi Yu was shocked and asked, “Why do you want to go, big brother? Did I offend you in some way?” Pincai reassured him with a smile, “Ever since I arrived at your esteemed residence, I have been treated with great kindness by your parents and yourself. How could I be dissatisfied? However, my father explicitly instructed me to seek a better future in the capital. Since there’s an opportunity here and Fu San is willing to help, I should take a look. It’s just one city over; I can visit often. If you don’t forget me, the gardens at the Hua mansion are said to be wonderful to visit. Please inform your mother, and I will go and thank her in person tomorrow before I leave.” Li Yuanmao, who was present, felt sad about Pincai’s departure and said, “It’ll just be me left here, and you’ll be without a companion. I’ve heard Master Hua has a difficult temper. Maybe you shouldn’t rush into this and consider staying here until after the New Year.” Pincai replied, “Everyone has their own plans. I can’t compare with you now. You enjoy the benefits of a secure position, while not only can I not enjoy myself, I still have my family to think about.” Realizing he couldn’t convince Pincai, Zi Yu went to inform Madam Yan. She said, “Since that’s the case, we must let him go. But when he left, the master instructed me to take good care of him, noting that he was quite capable. Though there isn’t much to do at the moment, if anything comes up, we could ask him to come back.”
That evening, Zi Yu and Pincai had a farewell dinner, and Madam Yan gave Pincai forty taels of silver, which he gratefully accepted. He spent the night discussing and reminiscing with Yuanmao, both finding it hard to part.
The next morning, Fu San sent two carriages to fetch Pincai. After bidding farewell to Madam Yan, Zi Yu, and Yuanmao, and making his preparations, Pincai and his son boarded the carriage. First, they stopped briefly at Fu’s residence, then Fu personally escorted him to the Hua mansion. Upon arriving at the gate, Fu sent someone ahead to announce their arrival, and Pincai was awestruck by the grandeur of the entrance, which he thought surpassed even the governor’s mansion in Nanjing. The front featured a large reflective wall
made of polished bricks with carved flowers and a tiled roof, about three zhang high and seven zhang wide. Flanking the gate were two large stone lions, each over eight feet tall. As they entered, they saw a long driveway flanked by towering trees, leading to a second gate barely visible in the distance. It seemed like dozens of people were sitting at the gate. After about half an hour, the messenger returned and invited them in. Fu and Pincai alighted from the carriage, straightened their clothes, and walked towards the second gate, where about twenty to thirty men in uniform slowly stood up. Some came forward to greet Fu and asked, “Is this the master you’ve invited?” Pincai responded accordingly. They walked through the second gate, down a long path of over a hundred steps to a large hall. The guide led them around the hall to a courtyard adorned with flowers, bamboo, and spiritual stones, layered in tiers. They then passed through a flowering gate into a corridor and entered what seemed like a painted scene: corridors and pavilions with intricate carvings, gleaming tiles reflecting the sun. Pincai had never seen such opulence and grandeur, and he felt somewhat intimidated. Fu, familiar with the place, was led by the guide who suggested, “Please, Mr. Fu, take a seat in the West Flower Hall.” After a winding path, they stopped at a moon gate laid with polished bricks. A cough from inside prompted four young, handsome house servants to appear. They were instructed to enter the West Flower Hall. Pincai followed Fu through the gate into a garden with intricate rockeries and clear pool waters, where goldfish swam among the stones. They walked up several staggered stone steps to a stone bridge, crossed it to a pavilion, and then navigated around an artificial mountain, reminiscent of the Lion Grove Garden, before finally arriving at the flower hall.
Continuing, they passed several pavilions and lush trees with noisy birds. The courtyard was filled with poppies and other flowers, complementing the vine flowers hanging from old cypress trees by the pond, with crabapples and redbuds scattered about.
Upon reaching the flower hall, they saw a carved balustrade with multicolored glass windows on either side, and a red silk curtain with silver threads hung in the middle. A pageboy lifted the curtain, revealing an interior with a duck green velvet carpet, a cabin-like structure made of fragrant nanmu wood intricately carved with delicate flowers. Hanging above was a plaque inscribed by Wang Duan with “The Hall of Moss Flowers and Rain-Linked Sentiments,” surrounded by beaded tassels and numerous colorful lanterns. The central door bore calligraphy by Wen Zhengming, and the large kang was covered in ancient brocaded cushions. An incense burner filled the room with a thick fragrance. The walls were lined with white flowered damask, one side displaying a series of landscapes by Wang Youcheng in green borders, and the other side housed two antique shelves filled with nanmu boxes, likely containing ancient books. All the furniture, intricately carved from rosewood, was upholstered with brightly colored brocade.
The place was dazzling, overwhelming to the senses. Fu and Pincai sat down, and after waiting with tea for a while, a pageboy came out and said, “The master is not feeling well today. He asks Mr. Fu and the master to meet the other masters in the East Garden and suggests that Master Wei stay with Masters Zhang and Gu there.” Fu replied, “Give him my regards,” and Pincai also stood up and said, “Please convey my respects too.” The servant acknowledged and then led Fu and Wei out through the old route, exiting through the moon gate.
The Eastern Flower Garden was located ahead to the east. Following Fu San, Pincai took a winding path through the verandas, where attendants were plentiful. In the Hua mansion, each major gate had a supervisor and all comings and goings had to be recorded in a logbook. After walking for a long time, Pincai couldn’t remember how many courtyards they had passed. They finally reached a lane behind the main building, stretching about half a mile, and passed through another gate to see a garden. This garden was not small, featuring pavilions, platforms, mountains, and water, with trees and flowers creating a forest-like environment. The servant leading the way handed them off to another attendant in the garden and did not enter himself.
They were met by another guide who led them through a bamboo and flower fence into a hall that had ten rooms in two sections, along with some side chambers. This was where Zhang Xiaomei and Gu Yueqing worked on their paintings. Both artists came out to meet them, learning that Pincai was newly recommended by Fu San, and they all sat down together to chat. Pincai noted that Zhang Xiaomei, a Hangzhou native about twenty years old, was not only skilled in painting human figures but also played the flute and zither. Gu Yueqing, from Suzhou, was slightly older than Xiaomei by two years and also quite handsome, specializing in landscape and floral paintings. There was also a scholar named Wang Qingyun, an old friend of the elder master of the house, who was over fifty years old. Yan Jian’an, who managed the ink and brush supplies, and the two painters shared a courtyard, and now they all came together to meet.
Yan Jian’an remarked, “It’s a surprise that after our brief meeting the other day, you’ve joined us in our mansion.” Pincai responded, “I’m deeply honored by the young master’s unfounded favor and called upon to serve here. Unfortunately, I am but a novice in all tasks here and must rely entirely on the teachings of the senior masters.”
Yan and Wang, the two elders, said, “Well said, well said. Since you came here highly recommended, we naturally have much to learn from you.” Pincai humbly replied, “I dare not claim such a thing.” Fu San added, “This Wei Laoda is like a brother to me, and also a relative of the renowned Mei from outside the south city, very capable and a true friend. As he is new to our mansion and unfamiliar with our ways, you seniors must guide him. We are all one family here, so let’s not be strangers. Tomorrow, I’ll mention him to our uncle and ask for his support.” He then suggested to Pincai, “Let’s go inside and see which room you’ll stay in.” They went to a section with five rooms; Zhang Xiaomei occupied the two rooms on the east side, so Pincai took the two on the west, leaving the middle room for receiving guests. Fu San had the luggage moved in and everything arranged for Pincai.
Just as they were about to leave, a servant came in and announced, “The young master has sent over a table of food and invites Mr. Fu and all the masters to join Master Wei for a drink. The young master sends his apologies for not being able to join due to discomfort and wishes Mr. Fu well.” Fu San stood to express his gratitude. He then mentioned, “It’s getting late, just in time for dinner.” Everyone gathered around the table in the middle room and enjoyed a relaxed and delightful meal. The table was loaded with dishes, big and small, amounting to over forty varieties. They drank well into the night, and Fu San left only after the second evening watch, his servants waiting with lanterns. Pincai saw him to the garden gate, where Fu San gave some last instructions. Pincai offered to escort him further, but Fu San said, “No need to send me off; you might get lost coming back. Let’s meet again another day.” And with that, he left. Pincai then returned inside and talked with Zhang and Gu for a while longer, asking about many details of the mansion before finally retiring for the night.
The next day, Zhang and Gu introduced Pincai to various important people in the mansion, including the head stewards, the accountants, the gatekeepers, the kitchen supervisor, the stable master, and those in charge of the storerooms, as well as those responsible for the logbooks at each gate. It was like entering a sea of bureaucracy, and Pincai, new to this world, felt quite constrained, daring not to speak out of turn, and only cautiously flattering everyone. Note to the reader: From this point, Wei Pincai had entered the Hua mansion, and slowly various events began to unfold. This, however, is a story for another time, which we shall leave for now.
Let’s return
to Zi Yu, who felt a deep longing for Pincai over the next few days. It was mid-April, and due to the intercalary fifth month, the season was running late, still showing peonies in full bloom in the courtyard, along with lilacs and crabapples, their colors and fragrances mixing beautifully. Alone, he admired the flowers for a while.
Birdsong filled the air and shadows of flowers crossed his path, making him feel somewhat tired. He recalled the ancient lines, “The warm breeze breaks the bird’s song; the high sun deepens the flower’s shadow,” appreciating the beauty in these observations. He then remembered the day he spent with Lu Suolan and pulled out the fan she had written on, examining it closely. He thought, “I should send her something in return.” He selected an antique inkstone, two boxes of fine ink, a dozen scrolls of ink orchids by Xu Songling, and a round fan, writing a pair of spring-themed couplets in small script to send to her. Then, feeling the ennui of the long day, he decided to visit his friends. After informing his mother upstairs, he said he would visit Liu, Yan, and others, took a servant, and went out in his carriage. He found none of them, which was quite disappointing. He then went alone to Suolan’s residence, arriving just as she returned from a theater garden. She welcomed him inside, and after exchanging some warm greetings, Zi Yu presented her with the gifts, which she thanked him for and admired greatly. She praised his calligraphy and painting skills repeatedly.
They moved to a study room outside her bedroom, a place she used for her own painting and writing, quite elegant and quiet. She asked Zi Yu, “Why did you come out alone today? Did you visit next door? Did you see your beloved?” Zi Yu smiled and said, “I went several places today and didn’t see anyone. I came specifically for you, and I didn’t go next door. I don’t know if Jade Yi is at home or not.” Suolan sighed and remained silent, prompting Zi Yu to ask, “Why are you upset?” Suolan replied, “I’m not personally upset, but thinking about your beloved, all these secret accounts you two keep, how will you ever settle them? So many needless tears have been shed, and in the end, I don’t even understand why. When I ask her, she doesn’t say, and I can’t guess it either. Really, you don’t see each other every day, so why does it distress her so much? Even her master doesn’t understand; she says recently she’s been feeling a bit phlegmy, sour and indifferent without any reason, treating people even more dismissively. Before, she was just distant, but now she’s distracted. Since that gathering in the Yi Garden, she hardly greets anyone, always talking about plum blossoms. Even if it doesn’t fit the conversation, she’ll force it in, saying how she loves the plum blossoms in Yi Garden, and even had Xiao Jingyi paint four different plum blossom paintings. And then she suddenly asked about the silks ordered from the south by Duoxiang, wondering if there were any with plum branch patterns or mixed flowers. Somehow, Duoxiang managed to find several bolts, and now she’s made robes and jackets from them. Don’t you find this obsession strange? If it’s not for you, who is it for?” Zi Yu listened, feeling a pang of sadness, unable to stop his tears. He wanted to speak, but felt choked up and could only stare blankly at Suolan. Suolan continued, “What exactly is the nature of your relationship? I’m your confidante, and I’ve put in a lot of effort for you. Because I look a bit like you, she often comes to me with her confused thoughts. I wonder if you know how she feels about you?
Do you know if she has the same affection for you? She says it well: ‘It’s my own heart, whether others know or not, and whether they care about me or not, as long as I understand myself, that’s enough.’ Yu Xiang, what are you really thinking? You can tell me. If you’re embarrassed to speak to her directly, I can speak on your behalf. Naturally, you also care deeply about her, so why not share your thoughts with me?” Zi Yu remained silent, and Suolan guessed he wouldn’t speak, “Shall we go to her house and see?” Zi Yu hesitated but agreed, “That could work.” So Suolan walked out with Zi Yu, and in just a few steps, they reached the gate of Qiu Shui Hall, where several carriages were parked. Suolan said, “It looks like there are guests inside; it might be inconvenient to go in. How about we send someone to check first?” Zi Yu felt slightly uneasy, wondering
who the guests were and whether Jade Yi was accompanying them. He remembered that it was customary in her house to accompany guests. Without a clear idea of what to do, he left the decision to Suolan.
Suolan returned to her gate and sent someone to inquire at Qiuyan’s place. In a moment, the servant returned and reported that Qiuyan was ill in bed, and the guests were her master Changqing’s friends from the department, having an early meal and soon to leave. Suolan suggested, “Let’s wait inside for a bit longer.” Hearing this, Zi Yu felt a bit more settled and reluctantly re-entered. Sitting down listlessly, Suolan kept asking him about his feelings for Jade Yi. Overwhelmed by her questions, Zi Yu finally said, “The matter of Jade Yi is a long story.” He then recounted everything he had seen on his journey, including this year’s theater scene where he saw her in “The Startling Dream,” a performance of unmatched beauty and sentiment. He hadn’t fully understood her character and aspirations yet. When they were together at the Yi Garden, acting as fake qin officials, he had expressed his admiration for Qiuyan, who was known for her chastity, which he thought was unattainable, only to discover her self-abandonment later. At that time, Jade Yi, hidden behind the screen, had sobbed uncontrollably. When they sat together later, neither could say much, as if predestined lovers from a past life reuniting in this one, understanding each other’s hearts without words. It was spontaneous for both, without intention on his part.
He felt her presence constantly before his eyes and couldn’t let go for a moment. “You didn’t mention, and I wouldn’t have known her concerns. For her, I know her background; for me, does she really understand me? What have I done to affect her so? It might be better not to meet at all, to avoid the deeper emotional impact of our encounters.” As Zi Yu spoke, his expression became even more sorrowful, seemingly on the verge of tears.
Suolan also felt the sadness and began to cry, consoling him after a while, “You two must have had some connection in a past life; otherwise, why would it be like this? With your talents and looks, everyone loves you. But it seems Jade Yi’s icy heart melts only for you. With Duoxiang’s attention to every detail, she too finds a confidante in you. I see that Jade Yi doesn’t treat her as well as she treats you, not even one-tenth as well, which makes Duoxiang cherish her even more, saying, ‘Everyone has their destiny; this is ordained by heaven, not by human emotions.’ And Yu Xiang is devoted to Jade Yi alone, unwavering; truly a romantic at heart, not for anyone but Jade Yi. Isn’t this what the Book of Songs says about love without lust, about Yu Xiang and Jade Yi?” Hearing this, Zi Yu felt deeply grateful to Duoxiang and admired Suolan’s intelligence, not regretting naming her as the top candidate in the ‘Flower Ranking of the Pavilion.’
After talking for a while, Suolan offered Zi Yu some refreshments and sent another person to check on Qiuyan. The person returned and reported, “The earlier guests have left, but unexpectedly another group has arrived, asking for Qiuyan. Changqing told them she wasn’t home, but they refused to leave and waited. Not knowing them, Changqing didn’t entertain them and went to smoke in his room. They barged in, seized his smoking pipe, and threatened to report him to the local military commander. Changqing had no choice but to apologize and called Li Si from next door and Wang San, the silk merchant, to mediate. The room was full of bystanders, and it was quite chaotic.” Hearing this, Zi Yu sighed deeply, “It’s so hard to even meet with Jade Yi. It’s getting late today, and I need to go back. When you see her tomorrow, please send her my regards and tell her she must take care of herself; you should visit Duoxiang often, so people don’t talk. I can’t come out often; I’ll see you in a few days. If you see Duoxiang, thank her for me. Let’s visit her garden tomorrow.” Suolan replied, “Whenever you come out, just let me know in advance, and I’ll invite Jade Yi over. It’s quieter here. Her master is quite temperamental, and it’s unfortunate that Jade Yi has to deal with him; it’s really bad luck for her.” Zi Yu asked, “What’s her master like?” Suolan explained, “He loves money, fears power, and despises the poor. Because of Duoxiang’s affection, she still treats her well, unlike how she treats others.” Hearing this, Zi Yu added
another worry to his heart, uneasy and indecisive. Seeing that it was getting late, he steeled his heart to leave, looked back several times after boarding the carriage, and didn’t settle until they were out of the alley. As they rode along, they suddenly encountered two horses and a carriage rushing towards them like a whirlwind; it was Wang Tongzheng. Zi Yu couldn’t dodge in time and had to get down. Wang Wenhui quickly waved to stop, exchanged a few words, nodded, and drove off.
Today, Zi Yu had left home to talk with Suolan for half a day, not finding those he sought but unexpectedly meeting his father-in-law, quite puzzled by the encounter. He thought of visiting a high-ranking official but worried about the distance and being out too long, fearing his family’s reprimand, so he reluctantly returned home.
Indeed, things often don’t go as planned; let’s see how this unfolds in the next part of the story.