話說前回書中，陸素蘭應許了琴言約子玉出來相會，話便說了這一句，明日恰好是端午，是沒有工夫的。偏又接連唱了三天堂會戲，素蘭身子也乏了，又靜養幾天。這邊琴言是度日如年，天天使人來問他，把個素蘭弄得沒有主意。又因自己寓中來往人多，也不甚便。若借人地方，或是酒樓飯館，一發不好說話，又不便請陪客，使他們有懷難吐。想來想去，只得借逛運河為名，靜遊一天，倒也清靜。主意定了，便叫人到大東門外，僱了一個精緻的船。又把自家的玩器陳設，筆硯花卉等物，搬些下船安置。便知會琴言明日早晨下船，盡一日之興，也不約別人。因想起子玉處，怎樣去請呢，只好借度香名，遂將請他的緣故，細細寫明封了口，著人送了去；並吩咐對他門上，只說怡園徐老爺請他逛運河便了。
送信人照著吩咐，一徑到梅宅來，投了書信。子玉正在悶悶不樂，將子雲所贈之瑤琴，翻著琴譜，撿那容易的在那裡學彈。忽又將琴翻轉，將那琴銘誦了幾遍。只覺綠陰滿院，長日如年，想不出什麼解悶的事來。正在情緒煩悶之時，忽見雲兒拿了一封信進來，放在桌上，說怡園徐老爺送來的，明日請逛運河，並要回信呢。子玉取過書來一看，覺得封面上字跡，寫著梅少爺手啟，端端正正，不像子雲、次賢筆跡，因想道：「或是叫書童寫的也未可知。即拆開一看，第一行是陸素蘭謹啟，庾香公子吟壇云云。」心中倒覺跳了一跳，香畹何故作札來，莫非玉儂有什麼緣故麼？遂即一字字的細看，看完了又看，至兩三遍，臉上便自然發出笑來，便對雲兒道：「你去叫來人候一候，我即寫回信。」雲兒出去了，子玉又看了一遍，便覺心花大開，病已去了九分，遂即忙研墨伸紙。前半寫的是感激的話，後半寫的是必到的話，准於明日辰刻赴約。寫完了，又看了一回，也將信封了口，再寫簽，忽又想道：「怎樣寫呢？」略一躊躇，便悟道：自然也寫徐老爺了。寫完用上圖章，命雲兒交與來人，說明日必來。來人得了回信即回，呈與素蘭看了，見他寫得勤勤懇懇，感激不盡，便也喜歡，就拿了信，高高興興走到琴言處來。
才進二門，就聽得一片嚷鬧之聲。素蘭吃了一驚，便輕了腳步，走到東邊一間客房，從窗縫裡望去：只見有兩個人，一個坐著，一個站在中間捶臺拍桌子的罵人。素蘭看了，著實害怕。只見那坐著的穿一件青綢衫子，有三十來歲，黑油油一臉的橫肉，手裡拿著兩個鐵球，冷言冷語，半鬧半勸；那一個也有三十餘歲，生得短項挺胸，粗腰闊膀，頭上盤起一條大辮，身上穿著一件青綢短衫，腿上穿著青綢套褲，拖著青緞扣花的撒鞋，掄起了膀子，口中罵道：「什麼東西，小旦罷了，那一個不是你的老鬥。有錢便叫你，偏你這小雞巴羔的，裝妖作怪，裝病不見人。比你紅的相公，老爺們也常叫，好呢賞幾吊錢，不好滾你媽的蛋。小忘八蛋，你不滾出來，三太爺就毀你這小雜種的狗窩，還要揍你那老忘八蛋師傅呢。」那一個坐著的說道：「老三，且別生氣，你候著。我瞧他，今兒咱們來了，他不敢不出來。」
琴言家裡的幾個人，盡著招陪軟央，說道：「琴官實在有病，好不好都拿不定。這幾天如果好了，總叫他師傅領著到兩位太爺府上磕頭。今兒求你能高高手，實在他病勢沉得很，你就罵他，他也斷不能出來。他師傅又進城去了，總求你能施點恩。過了今天，明日再說，我們替你能陪個禮，消消氣罷。」便請了一安，拍著那人的背請他坐下。那人只是氣哄哄的不肯坐，那穿青衫的又說道：「老三，你聽這個說話不錯，咱們饒了他這一次，到明後日再來，如再不出來，咱們就拿鞭子抽他，他敢怎麼樣呢？」那琴官的人，即向那穿青衫的道：「求你能勸勸這位爺，索性候他病好了再來，明日瞧著是不能好的，你能總得寬幾天限。明日先叫他師傅到府上陪罪，候琴官好了，再同過來說罷。」又作了一揖，又送上兩鍾茶，將他的水煙袋裝好了煙，送給他。那人也只好收篷，便道：「不是我性子不好，實在情理不堪，就是六十二斤半，我也見過，倒沒有見過這樣大相公。你們打聽打聽，春林、鳳林這麼紅的人，你三太爺點一點頭，馬上就跟了來，從沒有上門不見人，叫人擋住，又撒謊說病著呢。猴兒崽子，躲著作什麼，又不是少隻眼睛，短條腿兒，見不得人。」那青衣的站起來說道：「老三算了，咱們也要吃飯去了。」那人道：「到那裡去吃飯？就叫他們預備飯，咱們吃了再說。」兩人仍又坐下了。琴言的人看這光景，似有訛詐之意，便想了一想，既碰著了瘟神，不燒紙是退不去的。只得進內問了琴言，提出兩吊錢來，陪著笑道：「本要留太爺們吃頓飯，今日廚子又不在家，恐作得不好，反輕慢了太爺們。琴官預備個小東，請你能各人上館去吃罷。」
便雙手將錢送上來。那青衫子的倒要接了，那短衫子的一看，只有兩吊錢，便又罵道：「他媽的巴子，兩吊錢叫太爺們吃什麼？告訴你，太爺們是不上白肉館、扁食樓的，一頓飯那一回不花十弔八弔，就這兩吊錢？」說著凸出了眼珠看著。琴言的人，倒也心靈，便又陪笑道：「不要忙，這原是孝敬一位太爺的，還有兩弔，再送出來。」即轉身又拿出兩吊錢，作了一個揖，再三求他們收了。那短衫子的尚作出怒容，那穿青衫子的便提了錢，搭上肩頭，一手拉了那人出來。
素蘭正在窗縫裡偷瞧，已驚呆了，不提防他們出來，急走時，已被那短衫子的看見了，便道：「你這個小雜種，又是誰，往那裡跑，快過來，你爺爺正要找你呢。」素蘭急得沒有命的跑了出來，那人也趕出大門，幸虧素蘭跑的快已回去了。這條衚衕卻是短的，兩家斜對門，都在衚衕口邊。那個人當是跑出衚衕，也不來追趕，便問琴言的人道：「方才這個小兔子，在那個班子裡，在什麼地方？他見三太爺就跑，三太爺偏要找他。」
琴言的人道：「這是登春班的，名字我倒想不起來，他住得遠，在石頭衚衕呢。」兩人還是胡言亂道，一路歪歪斜斜的去了。裡邊琴言聽得罵他，已經氣得發昏。
你猜著這兩人是誰？無緣無故來鬧？原來一個是華府中的車夫，那個青衫子是跟官廚的三小子，魏聘才花了八吊錢買出來的。
這邊陸素蘭跑了回去，嚇得心頭亂跳，兩額飛紅，幾乎哭出來了。急到房中坐了，定了定神。好一回心上又惦記著琴官，受了這一場辱罵，不知氣得怎麼樣子。欲要過去看他，恐又遇見那兩個，躊躇了半晌，到底放心不下，只得叫人先去看了，沒有人，方才三步兩步忙忙的過去。到琴言房裡，只見垂著藍紗帳，一片嗚咽之聲。素蘭挑起了帳子，一手拍著琴言道：「起來罷！好事來了，如今且不要氣，有一封信在這裡，給你看看。」琴言回轉身來，見了素蘭，更覺傷心，便歎了一口氣，說道：「橫豎我也要死了，活著這麼受罪，不如死了倒乾淨。蘭哥你是我的大恩人，既和我相好一場，索性作個全始全終的人。我死了，求你轉求度香，把我這屍骨，葬在怡園梅崦的梅樹下，我就作了鬼，也是快活的。再不然把我燒了灰，到那山高水深的地方，順風吹散了，省得留一個苦命的良跡在世間，叫人家想著，恨的恨，疼的疼。蘭哥、蘭哥！你是疼我的，你倒任我死罷，不用勸我。橫豎我才十六歲，已經活得不耐煩了，自小兒生在苦人家，又作了唱戲的，受盡了羞辱。我正不知天要叫我怎樣，要我的命，就快一點兒。又何必這麼糟蹋人呢？」
說罷，就大哭起來，說得素蘭也自哭了，意欲勸他，聽他這些話，方才又見了這兩個人，越想越替他難受，便也同哭個不住。
二人正正對哭了半個時辰。琴言見素蘭為他如此傷心，心中十分感激，便拉了素蘭的手，重新又哭，素蘭見琴言拉著他哭，知道是感激他的意思，便又想道：「琴言如此才貌，偏有如此磨折，是天地竟妒這些有才貌的人了。我素蘭也是花中數一數二的，若天地也要妒忌起來，也把這些磨折來磨我，便與玉儂一樣，那時節恐怕還沒有個知心解勸的人呢？」
又想道：「方才那兩個人趕罵出來，也是生平第一回，從此也惹些禍患出來，也未可知。」便也九轉迴腸，索性對著琴言大哭，哭得家裡人人驚駭，都走進來站著，怔怔的，勸又不敢來勸，知道是為日間所鬧的事了。有兩個人只得進來解勸，勸得各人略住了，然後出去拿了兩盆臉水，泡了兩碗茶，各自退出。這邊兩人雖止了哭，卻講不出話來，仍是嗚嗚咽咽的，含著眼淚。又停了好一回，陸素蘭開口道：「日間的事，是我目睹的，我也替你傷心死了。那個人像是個土包，只不知怎樣鬧起來的？可曉得他是那裡人？」琴言停了一停，尚是帶著哭道：「這兩人也沒有認識他的，據他們講是極兇惡的樣子，不知是那裡來的？無緣無故的就鬧起來。這就是我苦命人，命中注定有這些兇神惡煞。」素蘭畢竟心靈，沉思了一回道：「我看這兩人，像是大門子裡趕車的，或是三爺，不要就是那個姓魏的指使來的也未可知。」琴言道：「不知是不是，但則魏聘才何仇於我，要使人來吵呢？」既又一想，恍然大悟道：「不錯，不錯！定是魏聘才使來的。不然，斷無一進門來，無緣無故就罵的道理。
但是這魏狗才，於我有何仇恨，定要糟蹋我，逼我死呢？」素蘭道：「前日我原對你講過，叫你留點神，不要得罪他，果然他已先下手了。」又想道：「究竟也是我們胡猜，也作不得准的。」琴言不語，呆呆的，又道：「橫豎我也就死了，再有事，我也不怕。」素蘭道：「你竟說傻話，死活是命中注定的，難道你自己去尋死不成？況且你當真死了，也連累了一個人，也要死了。」琴言道：「我是沒有父母，又沒兄弟姊妹，連累了什麼人？乾淨的就是我一個。」素蘭道：「別人也連累不著，疼你的雖多，也不至於為你死的。你怎麼今日就想不起庾香來，難道他不要為你死嗎？你且看看這是誰寫的？」便把子玉的回信遞與琴言，琴言當下接過信來一看，便即放下道：「這是人家與徐老爺的信，你給我看作什麼？」素蘭笑道：「你且不要性急，這是信面，你且看裡頭寫的是什麼？」琴言只得抽出信來，從頭至尾看了一遍，又從起頭再看，一句句的念了，又看一遍，即微微的笑道：「這不是庾香回你的信麼，明日去逛運河，看信上是必定出來的。」素蘭道：「你願意他來，還是不願意他來？」琴言又微笑，應道：「這是你去請他來，就不曉得明日天氣好不好。五月間晴雨不定，不要明日一早就下起雨來，就不能來了。」素蘭笑道：「天從人願，咱們今日出了這許多眼淚。也可當得一天雨，明日準是晴天。今夜你好好睡一宵，明日早些起來，到我那邊同走，你對師傅只說到怡園去就是了。你身子不好，天氣是陰晴不定的，衣服多帶兩件，恐怕船上的風大。」當下說說談談，他二人漸有喜色，素蘭就同琴言吃了晚飯，又說了一回，二更多天，方才回去，琴言也就安歇了。
一夜病已退了八分，但添了一樣毛病，越要睡，越睡不著。
聽著打了四更，忽呼呼起了幾陣大風，就是傾盆大雨，雷電交加，琴言坐起來，長歎了幾聲。下過了一陣大雨，猶是蕭蕭索索的一陣細雨，雷聲轟轟，只是不住，直到天明時，才止住了。
琴言也倦極了，伏枕而臥，倒又熟睡起來。夢見素蘭與子玉先在船中，自己剛剛要上船來，忽見岸上跑出兩人：一個穿青的，光著脊梁，盤著辮子，趕上來一把揪了過去，罵道：「你這小雜種，日間裝病不見人，怎麼如今又跑到這裡來了？」琴言哭喊救命，把身子用力一掙，卻自己仍在牀上，驚得一身冷汗，已是紅日滿窗。
聽得窗外鸚鵡說起話來，道：「昨日的人又來了。」又把琴言唬了一大跳，只道又是他兩個人來找他。原來素蘭候了一回，不見琴言過來，只得著人來請，對他師傅說是同到怡園去的。長慶應允，就催琴言起來。淨了臉，吃了一碗冰燕，命跟班的撿出幾件衣裳包了，帶上車，辭了長慶，即到素蘭處來。
見了素蘭，問道：「你昨日可約定庾香到這裡來沒有？」素蘭道：「我是約他一直上船的，我猶恐他找不著，又著人假充怡園的人領他去了，此時一定先在船裡。我要等他們將酒席什物等類齊備了，省得臨時短少，也就要去了。」看那素蘭為人，又精細，又聰明，差不多趕上蕙芳，不過尚少蕙芳賺潘三的辣手，較之他人，也就算足智多謀了。
卻說子玉從二更躺下，也就巴不到天明，聽了這一場雨，便短歎長吁的怨命，唯恐明日早上也是這樣大雨，只怕萱堂就不叫他出門。起來開了窗子看天，恰又值南風大作，把雨直打進來。仰面看時，黑雲如墨，電光開處，閃爍金蛇。忽然一個霹靂，震得屋角都動，連忙閉上了窗，挑燈獨坐，幸到天明時就住了，尚有那斷斷續續的簷溜滴了好一回。此時已不及再睡，即叫醒了雲兒，天已大明，紅日將出。淨了臉，吃了茶，又用了些點心，走到上房，顏夫人尚未起來。子玉在外間叫丫鬟梳了髮，又復出來，各處尚是靜悄悄的。再到書房來，心上想道：「素蘭如此多情，況已屢次擾他，他雖然不在這上頭講究，我卻過意不去。若給他銀錢又恐被他著惱，當是輕看了他，只好送他些個東西罷。」
便即開了箱子，把向來親戚朋友們送他的零碎東西，撿了幾樣出來，又撿了兩匹江綢，兩匹湖綢，帶了十幾兩碎銀子。自己收拾好了，再欲到上房告稟，只見李元茂披著件短衫，赤了腳，慌慌張張進來道：「我今日特意早起，想不到你已經早起來了。」子玉道：「我今日出門有事，所以略早了些。」元茂道：「我有句話商量。」子玉正要問時，只見雲兒進來道：「徐老爺打發人來請，說客業已到齊了，就請少爺過去。」子玉也不及再問元茂，連忙便進上房，見顏夫人尚在梳頭，子玉把出門的事告稟。顏夫人道：「你這幾日身子好些，出去散散也好，只要早些回來，不要貪涼，坐在風口裡。多叫幾個人跟去，衣服也多包兩件。」子玉稟道：「衣服包好了，也用不著多人，雲兒一個就夠了。」顏夫人道：「隨你罷，須要早早回來，飲食也要小心。」子玉答應了「是！」出來穿了衣服，把所帶的東西衣包等件，先放上車。
正要出來，李元茂忽又前來攔住道：「你且慢走，我有一件要緊的事，必要商量。」子玉著急道：「有什麼事，快說罷！」元茂擦擦眼睛，打了一個呵欠，吞吞吐吐的說不出來。子玉道：「怎樣？有話剪絕快說。有人在門口候我，你快說罷。」元茂道：「誰候著你？這麼忙，今日還早得很呢。你聽那個賣甜漿粥的還沒有喊過來，你就如此著忙，作什麼！」子玉心上真有些厭煩，便道：「你說有話商量，問你你又不說，倒把些閒話講個不斷，到底有什麼話呢？」元茂道：「我這幾日真窮極了，問你借幾吊錢用用，就是這句話。」子玉道：「這件事也值得這麼要緊，你對賬房去說罷，總是一樣的。」說著就走，元茂一把拉住道：「好人，好人，你著雲兒去講一聲才好。我已向帳房借過，不好意思再去說，恐怕碰釘子。」子玉沒奈何，又叫雲兒進來，到帳房去說了。那邊答應了，元藏才放子玉出來。
這一纏繞，看表上已到巳初一刻，子玉即忙上車，往大東門來。路又遠，出得城時，已是午初，素蘭早已先到了，一面又叫人在路口探望。少頃，望見子玉乘車而來，下了車，素蘭衣冠楚楚的迎上岸來，請安問好。同上了船，便與子玉除了冠，脫了外面的衣服，素蘭也換了便服。子玉謝道：「多感雅意，十分周匝，使我負薪頓釋，得暢衿懷。領受盛情，何以圖報？」
素蘭笑道：「效力不周，偏偏玉儂今日病勢加重，不能出來。又因昨日有兩個無賴，把玉儂痛罵一頓，因此氣壞了。我昨日既約你出來，今日又不好來辭，只好我們二人權坐一坐，再散罷。我因玉儂病重，也覺心緒不佳。總之好事多磨，是一點不錯的。」幾句話說得子玉如冰水淋身，默然無語，怔怔的看著素蘭好一回，歎了一口氣道：「不料今日之事果然如此，不出我之所料。香畹，只可惜你白費了一番心，叫我無福之人不能消受。不曉我昨夜因這一場雨，就是千愁萬慮的，原知道今日是斷不能會著玉儂的。今日之勉強而來者，一來為你這番美情，不可辜負；二來或者天竟有不測的風雲，竟叫人想不到，也未可知。那知人間得意的事，是萬萬想不到。而失意的事，是一想就著的。玉儂之不能來，我早已想到，特不知玉儂此刻，還是猜我出來的，還是猜我不出來的？若猜我不出來的，倒也罷了；若猜我是出來的，只怕他此刻的愁悶，還要比我勝幾分呢。」
說著便已紅了眼睛，搖著頭道：「這也奇了，這也實在奇了。」素蘭見了忍不住要笑出來，便對子玉道：「我們如今同去找玉儂罷，去看看他的病何如？」子玉想了一想，道：「也可不必了，既然此地還見不著，就到那裡必要生出別故來，也是見不著的。」素蘭說：「他現病在牀，怎麼會見不著呢？」子玉道：「前日你我同去那一回，玉儂不病在牀嗎？後來我又去過兩次，皆沒有見著。今日再去，也是斷斷見不著的。」說至此，不覺淚下，又道：「玉儂！玉儂！我與你大約就是那一面之緣了。」又向素蘭道：「我本看得破，想得透，你只要勸他也看破，也想透才好，省卻了許多愁慮。」素蘭笑道：「你如今是悟透了，倘是玉儂為你今日竟自帶病出來見你，你還是看得破，看不破呢。若真是看破了，自然與他講明，以後兩下裡不用牽掛的了。若看不破，自然彼此仍舊要想念。你此刻是沒有見面，便想得明白，只怕見面，又想不明白了。」子玉竟默默無言可答，素蘭又笑道：「玉儂因不能來到，找了一個替身來會會你，不知你與他會不會？」子玉道：「是何等樣人，認得我麼？」素蘭道：「也是我們同班的，相貌與玉儂彷彿。玉儂之意不過是叫你望梅止渴的意思，不知你意下如何，可要他出來？」
子玉沉思了一回，道：「如不像玉儂，倒可以會會，如像玉儂，則當日怡園已經唐突過了，何必再叫婢學夫人呢！不但不願見那人，而且於玉儂實有所不忍。香畹，你是個明白人，想能見到，非我故作矯情。」素蘭道：「你的話也是，你是不肯見他，我偏叫他出來。」子玉尚要攔阻，已見素蘭從後艙喚出一個如花似玉的人來。子玉乍見倒有些模糊，一來於琴言只敘過一次，二來這幾月琴言容貌又消瘦了好些。從前是國色天香，清腴華豔。如今卻像落花無言，人淡如菊了。及到看得明白時，那琴言已是掩面嬌啼，冰綃淹漬，側身坐了，只是哭泣。 子玉道：「奇了，這不就是玉儂，香畹何故造這些話來哄我？」素蘭道：「不要認錯了，到底是不是？」子玉道：「怎麼不是？就只清減了些。這藐姑仙子，豈常人學得來的？」便道：「玉儂，你可以不必傷心了，你的心我都知道的。」話未說完，便見琴言止了哭，說道：「你的病好了麼？我知道你來過幾次，但我是沒有看過你，所以不好來。我昨日看了你與香畹的信，才徹底明白，倒是我害了你了。」說罷，又哭起來了。子玉道：「我是沒有什麼大病，不過身上稍有不快。況且我自知保養，只要你也看破些兒，也就容易好了。」便也淌下淚來。琴言道：「若非香畹昨日過來，我也死了，你今日也見不著我了。」便又哭了。子玉不解所云，見琴言如梨花帶雨，嬌柔欲墜的樣兒。
又見他說一句，哭一聲，不覺一股心酸，直透出來，也就忍不住哭了。到鬧得素蘭沒有主意，見兩人淒淒楚楚，倒像死別生離的光景，不知不覺也哭起來。
三人哭作一團，到底還是素蘭先住，便勸道：「今日請你們來，原為樂一天，何必哭哭啼啼。且已經半天過了，不到晚就要趕城，能有幾個時辰歡樂，不如大家笑笑罷。」子玉勉強答應道：「香畹之言極是，玉儂也不必傷心了。」琴言道：「有什麼歡笑呢？我們在怡園一敘，直到如今，是五個月。再候第二次歡敘，只怕也要一年了。這一年內，知道我能候得到候不到呢。大約這一場也就完結了。」說罷又哭，子玉勸道：「不妨，只要你身子好了，天天可以見得的，何必要一年呢。」琴言又哭道：「我就要好，只怕這魏聘才也不容我好，他是要我死了才甘心的。」子玉聽了吃驚道：「你倒不要錯怪這魏聘才，他背地裡到極口說你好的。」琴言頓足道：「你還不知道呢，他若說我好，也不造你的謠言了，也不叫人鬧上門了。」子玉不知緣故，便又問道：「這些話我全不懂得，聘才怎樣造謠言？又怎樣來鬧呢？」琴言道：「你問他就知道了。」於是素蘭就把聘才那日所講的話，細細述了一遍，驚得子玉神色慘淡，氣得說不出話來。停了一回道：「奇了！奇了！他在我家住了半年，我並沒得罪他，他何必要糟蹋我到如此光景呢？何以進了華公府就變壞了，正是夢想不到，以後我就斷絕他便了。但使人來鬧，又是怎樣呢？」素蘭、琴言聽得聘才進了華公府，才曉得鬧春陽館的就是他，則昨日的事，亦不必疑心了。素蘭又把昨日那兩人罵話，並趕他的光景，也述了一遍。子玉聽了又罵，又恨，忍不住又哭了。
此時船已開行，素蘭的家人把酒肴都擺上來，素蘭一面敬酒，一面勸，子玉、琴言只得坐了，悲從中來，無言相對，尚復何心飲酒。經素蘭苦勸，只得勉強飲了幾杯，終究是強為歡笑，亦不知何所為而然。在琴言心上，終覺得生離死別，只此一面，以後像不能見面的光景。子玉也覺得像是無緣，料定是不能常見的。此是大家心上，想到極盡頭處，自然生出憂慮來，這是人心個個相同，不過用情有至有不至耳。
當下船已走了三四里，三人靜悄悄的清飲了一回。子玉一面把著酒，一面看那琴言，如薔薇濯露，芍藥籠煙，真是王子喬、石公子一派人物，就與他同坐一坐，也覺大有仙緣，不同庸福。又看素蘭，另有一種丰神可愛，芳姿綽約，舉止雅馴，也就稱得上珠聯璧合。今日這一會，倒覺是絕世難逢的，便就歡樂頓出，憂愁漸解。琴言看子玉是瑤柯琪樹，秋月冰壺，其一段柔情密意，沒有一樣與人同處。正是傅粉何郎，熏香荀令，休說那王謝風流，一班烏衣子弟也未必趕得上他。若能與他結個香火因緣，花月知己，只怕也幾生修不到的。雖只有這一面兩面的交情，也可稱心足意了。漸漸的雙波流盼，暖到冰心。
這素蘭看他二人相對忘言，情周意匝，眉無言而欲語，眼乍合而又離，正是一雙佳偶，綰就同心，倒像把普天下的才子佳人，都壓將下來。難怪這邊是暮想朝思，那邊是忘餐廢寢。既然大家都生得如此，自然天要妒忌的，只有離多會少了。若使他們天天常在一處，也不顯得天所珍惜，秘而不露的意了。心上十分羨慕，即走過來，坐在子玉肩下，溫溫存存，婉婉轉轉的敬了三杯，又讓了琴言一杯。此時三人的恩情美滿，卻作了極樂國無量天尊，只求那魯陽公揮戈酣戰，把那一輪紅日倒退下去，不許過來。
正在暢滿之時，忽見前面一隻船來，遠遠的聽得絲竹之聲。
再聽時，是急管繁弦，淫哇豔曲。不一時搖將過來，子玉從船艙簾子裡一望，見有三個人在船中，大吹大擂的，都是袒裼露身；有一個懷中抱著小旦，在那裡一人一口的喝酒，又有兩個小旦坐在旁邊，一彈一唱。止覺得歡聲如迅雷出地，狂笑似奔流下灘，驚得琴言欲躲進後艙，子玉便把船窗下了，卻不曉得是什麼人。素蘭從窗縫裡看時，對琴言道：「過來瞧。」琴言過來，也從窗縫裡瞧了一瞧，便道：「這些蠢人，看他作什麼？」素蘭指著那下手坐的那一個道：「這就是與媚香纏擾的潘三。」琴言道：「哎喲！這個樣子，虧媚香認識他，倒又怎麼能哄得他？」素蘭道：「你沒有見，昨日那兩個，比他還要兇惡十倍呢！」琴言歎了一口氣，走轉來坐了。子玉道：「潘三是何等樣人？」素蘭也把他們的事，說了一遍，子玉連聲道：「可惡！可惡！這潘三竟敢如此妄想。幸虧是蘇媚香，若是別人，只怕也被他糟蹋了。」又問琴言道：「你可認得那些相公麼？」琴言道：「我竟一個都不相識，不知是那一班的？素蘭道：「我都認識。坐在懷裡的，是登春班的玉美，那彈弦子的叫春林，唱的是叫鳳林，皆是鳳臺班的。」子玉道：「看他們如此作樂，其實有何樂處？他若見了我們這番光景，自然倒說寂寥無味了。」
素蘭笑道：「各人有各人的樂處，他們不如此就不算樂。」看看紅日將近沉西，子玉此時心中甚是快樂，竟有樂而忘返之意。
琴言心上雖知天色已晚，卻也不忍催迫。素蘭恐晚了，不能進城，便叫船家快些搖擺，天不早了，於是一面即收拾起來。子玉便將帶來之物，分送二人，二人不好推辭，只得收了。子玉又將那包裡散碎銀，分賞了素蘭、琴言的人，又說辛苦了你們，眾人叩頭謝賞。
船到大東門，又各自上車。子玉拉著琴言的手道：「我們遲日再敘罷，諸事須要自解才好。」又流下淚來，琴言也哽咽道：「你放心去罷，將要關城了，咱們見面不在香畹處，就在怡園兩處。」子玉點了點頭，只得硬了心腸，各自上車。車夫怕晚了，加上一鞭，急急的跑了。
子玉回來，已點了燈，顏夫人問起來，只得隨口支吾了幾句。不知後事如何，且聽下回分解。
In the previous chapter, Su Lan had promised Qin Yan to arrange a meeting with Zi Yu. She mentioned it briefly, but the next day being the Dragon Boat Festival, she was too busy to follow through. Additionally, after attending three consecutive days of opera performances, Su Lan was exhausted and needed a few days of rest. Meanwhile, Qin Yan was anxiously waiting day by day, constantly sending people to inquire about Su Lan, which left her without a clear plan. Given the frequent visits to her residence, it wasn’t convenient to host there. Thinking of renting a public space like a restaurant or tavern was also problematic for speaking freely and without inviting other guests who might feel compelled to attend. After much consideration, she decided to rent a refined boat at the Great Eastern Gate for a quiet daylong retreat on the Grand Canal. She arranged her personal belongings, writing materials, and floral decorations on the boat. She informed Qin Yan that they would meet early the next morning to enjoy the day without other company. Wondering how to formally invite Zi Yu, she decided to use Du Xiang’s name, meticulously writing an invitation and sending it to him with specific instructions to his doorkeeper that it was an invitation from Xu Laoye of Yi Garden to tour the Grand Canal.
The messenger followed these instructions and delivered the letter to Mei’s residence. Zi Yu, feeling gloomy and listless, was idly flipping through a qin music book and reciting inscriptions from a qin gifted by Zi Yun. Feeling the oppressive stillness of a lengthy day, he couldn’t think of anything to relieve his ennui. At that moment, his servant Yun brought in a letter from Yi Garden’s Xu Laoye, inviting him for a boat tour the following day and requesting a reply. Upon examining the letter, Zi Yu noted the neat handwriting, different from Yun’s or Cixian’s, perhaps written by a clerk. Curiously, he opened it and saw it began with “Su Lan respectfully initiates,” addressed to Yu Xiang’s literary circle. Surprised, he wondered why Xiang Wan would send a message—could it involve Yuning? He read and reread the letter, each time smiling more, feeling almost completely cured by the diversion. He immediately set about writing a grateful and affirmative response, promising to attend the next morning. After sealing the letter and signing it as Xu Laoye, he sent Yun to return it to the messenger, who brought it back to Su Lan. Upon reading Zi Yu’s earnest and grateful reply, Su Lan was delighted and happily took the letter to Qin Yan.
As she entered the second gate, she was startled by loud voices. Treading lightly, she approached a guest room on the east side and peered through a window crack. She saw two men—one seated and the other standing, pounding on the table and berating someone. Su Lan was genuinely frightened. The seated man, about thirty, wore a green silk shirt and had a broad, shiny face; he held iron balls in his hand, speaking coldly and half-heartedly trying to calm the situation. The other man, also in his thirties, was robust with a large braid, dressed in a green silk jacket and trousers, wearing floral satin shoes, and was furiously cursing, “What rubbish, just a minor actor! Which one isn’t under your control? If they have money, they call you, and if not, it’s none of your concern. You act all high and mighty, feigning illness to avoid people. Even more popular masters are summoned by the lords, rewarded handsomely if pleasing, or dismissed otherwise. You little bastard, if you don’t show yourself, Third Master will destroy your den and beat your damned master too.” The seated man intervened, “Old Third, calm down. Let’s wait; I’m sure he won’t dare not show up now that we’re here.”
Inside, Qin Yan’s household staff tried to appease the visitors, explaining that Qin Yan was genuinely ill and its severity was uncertain. They promised that if he recovered in the next few days, his master would personally bring him to kowtow at the visitors’ residences. They pleaded for high-handed mercy since his condition was dire, suggesting they postpone the discussion until tomorrow. They invited the men to sit, offering them tea and freshly prepared tobacco in an effort to soothe them. One man grudgingly sat down while the other, the man in the green shirt, suggested, “Old Third, listen to them. Let’s spare him this time and return in a couple of days. If he still doesn’t show, we’ll whip him. What can he do about it?” The staff then suggested to the man in green, “Please advise your companion to wait until he recovers before returning. If he’s not better by tomorrow, his master will visit your residence to apologize. Once Qin Yan recovers, they will accompany him there.” They bowed deeply, served more tea, and prepared
his smoking pipe. The man eventually accepted the situation and said, “I’m not usually difficult, but this situation is unbearable. I’ve seen even the most influential figures behave, but never like this. Inquire around; even the most sought-after stars like Chun Lin and Feng Lin come when Third Master calls, never hiding behind lies of illness. What’s he hiding for, he’s not missing an eye or a leg, nothing to be ashamed of.” Agreeing to leave the confrontation for now, they accepted a peace offering of money, planning to return later.
Su Lan, witnessing this from the window, was stunned and didn’t expect them to come out so quickly. As they exited, the man in the short shirt noticed her and shouted, “You little rat, who are you running from? Come here, your grandpa’s been looking for you.” Su Lan, terrified, fled back home. The short alley, just a few doors down from each other, did not deter her pursuers who briefly considered chasing her. They asked Qin Yan’s staff about the “little rabbit” they saw, expressing a desire to find him.
Qin Yan’s staff, sensing the men’s deceitful intentions, realized they had encountered troublemakers who wouldn’t leave without a bribe. Reluctantly, they proposed keeping the men for a meal, but since the cook was not home, they feared the food wouldn’t be satisfactory and might disrespect the guests. Instead, they offered a small sum of money for the men to eat elsewhere.
They handed over the money with both hands. The man in the green shirt was about to accept it when the other, seeing it was only a small amount, cursed, “What can this little money get us? Tell you what, we don’t dine at cheap places; a meal costs at least ten or eight taels. What’s this?” Staring angrily, Qin Yan’s staff, quick-witted, reassured them, “Don’t rush; this was just for one of you, there’s another two taels coming.” Quickly fetching the additional money, they pleaded for the men to accept it. The man in the short shirt still looked angry, but the one in the green shirt took the money, put it on his shoulder, and dragged his companion out.
Su Lan, who had been peeking through the window, was shocked and didn’t notice them coming out. In her haste, she was seen by the man in the short shirt who called out to her as she ran, “You little mongrel, where are you running to? Come here, your grandpa is looking for you.” Su Lan, scared out of her wits, ran out, and fortunately, she was fast enough to escape. The alley was short, with both houses near its entrance. The man didn’t chase after her into the alley but asked Qin Yan’s staff where the “little rabbit” from the troupe was, insisting on finding him.
Qin Yan’s staff replied, “He’s from the Deng Chun troupe; I can’t remember his name. He lives far, in the Stone Alley.” The men continued their misleading talk and staggered away. Inside, Qin Yan, having heard the insults, was furious to the point of fainting.
Can you guess who these two men were, causing trouble without reason? One was a coachman from the Hua mansion, and the other, the man in the green shirt, was a kitchen helper, the third son who Wei Pintai had bribed with eight taels.
Upon returning, Su Lan was so terrified that her heart raced, her face flushed with the heat of near tears. She hurriedly sat down in her room to calm herself. After a while, her thoughts returned to Qin Yan, who had endured such harsh insults, and she worried about how upset he must be. Although she wanted to check on him, she hesitated, fearing she might run into those two men again. Eventually, unable to shake her concern, she sent someone to ensure the coast was clear before she hurried over to Qin Yan’s room. There, she found him behind a curtain of blue gauze, sobbing. Lifting the curtain, she comforted him, “Get up! There’s good news. Don’t be upset now. Here’s a letter for you to read.”
Turning around and seeing Su Lan brought Qin Yan even more sorrow, and he sighed deeply, “I might as well be dead. Living like this is torture; death would be cleaner. You’ve been a great benefactor to me, and since we’ve shared such closeness, please carry it through to the end. When I die, ask Du Xiang to bury my bones under the plum trees in Yi Garden. Even as a ghost, I’d be happier. Or burn my remains and scatter them in some remote, deep waters to rid the world of my miserable existence, sparing anyone the pain of remembering me. Lan, you care for me—let me die, don’t try to stop me. I’m only sixteen and already tired of living; born into poverty and shamed by a life in opera. What does fate want with me? If it wants my life, then let it end quickly instead of torturing me like this.”
Overcome with emotion, Qin Yan wept loudly, and his words made Su Lan cry too, wanting to comfort him but overwhelmed by the severity of his distress. The two cried together for a long time. Qin Yan, touched by Su Lan’s deep concern, gratefully grasped her hand and cried anew. Understanding his gratitude, Su Lan thought to herself, “Qin Yan is so talented and beautiful, yet he suffers so terribly. Fate must be jealous of such people. I, Su Lan, am also considered quite handsome—if fate begins to envy me too, I might suffer like Qin Yan, and who would console me then?”
She also worried, “The aggression of those two men earlier was unprecedented, and it might lead to more trouble.” Deciding to pour out her feelings, she wept openly, alarming everyone at home. They came in and stood by, hesitant to interrupt, knowing it stemmed from the day’s conflicts. A couple of people finally came forward to calm them down, after which they brought in water for washing and tea, then discreetly left. Although the crying stopped, neither could speak, still sobbing quietly. After a pause, Su Lan spoke, “I saw what happened today and am heartbroken for you. Those men seemed like brutish coachmen or maybe instigated by that Wei fellow. What exactly started the commotion? Do you know who they are?”
Qin Yan paused, his voice still shaky from crying, “I don’t know them. They appeared out of nowhere, ferocious and without cause. I’m just cursed with bad luck, destined to attract such demons.” Su Lan, always insightful, pondered, “They might be coachmen from the main gates, or possibly linked to Wei Pintai.” Qin Yan wondered, “Why would Wei Pintai have any reason to harass me?” Then, realizing, he exclaimed, “Yes, it must be Wei Pintai’s doing. There’s no other reason for them to come in and start insulting me without provocation. But why does Wei bear such malice towards me, pushing me towards death?”
Su Lan replied, “I warned you before to be cautious of offending him. It seems he has struck first.” She added, “But we’re speculating. We can’t be sure.” Qin Yan fell silent, then somberly said, “I might as well be dead. Nothing more can frighten me.” Su Lan objected, “Don’t talk nonsense. Life and death are predestined, and you can’t just seek death. Besides, your death would implicate someone else who would have to die too.” Qin Yan retorted, “I have no family, no siblings; who would I implicate? I’m alone.” Su Lan responded, “Others might not be affected much, though many care for you. Have you forgotten about Yu Xiang? Wouldn’t he die for you? Look at this letter—who wrote it?” She handed Qin Yan a reply from Zi Yu, which he initially mistook for a correspondence between others. Su Lan urged him to read the inside, which revealed a personal message from Zi Yu, agreeing to meet the next day for a boat ride, clearly indicating his intention to come. Qin Yan, slightly cheered, asked, “Do you
think he’ll really come? The weather in May is unpredictable; it might rain early tomorrow and prevent him from coming.” Su Lan optimistically said, “Tears we shed today should count as rain, ensuring clear skies tomorrow. Get a good night’s rest, wake up early, and come with me to the boat. Just tell your master you’re going to Yi Garden. It might be chilly on the boat, so bring extra clothes.”
With their spirits gradually lifting through their conversation, Su Lan stayed with Qin Yan for dinner and more chat until late into the night before returning home, while Qin Yan finally rested. His illness seemed to recede overnight, but anxiety replaced it, keeping him awake.
As dawn approached, a fierce wind brought heavy rain, thunder, and lightning. Qin Yan, sitting up in bed, sighed deeply. After the storm passed, a persistent drizzle and thunder continued until daylight when it finally stopped.
Exhausted, Qin Yan fell back to sleep and dreamt of Su Lan and Zi Yu on the boat. Just as he was about to board, he saw two men on the shore—one in blue, bare-backed and with a braided ponytail—grab him and shout, “You little wretch, pretending to be sick by day and running around now?” In his dream, he struggled and screamed for help, waking up in a cold sweat with the morning sun filling his room.
Hearing the parrot outside saying, “Yesterday’s people are back,” startled him again, fearing those two men had returned. However, it was just Su Lan, having waited a while for him, finally sending someone to fetch him, telling his master they were going to Yi Garden. After washing up and having a bowl of iced swallows’ nest for breakfast, he packed several outfits, said goodbye to his master, and went to meet Su Lan.
Upon arrival, he asked, “Did you manage to arrange for Yu Xiang to meet here?” Su Lan assured him, “I’ve arranged for him to come directly to the boat. Fearing he might not find it, I sent someone pretending to be from Yi Garden to guide him there. He should be on the boat by now. I’m just ensuring everything is ready before I head there myself.” Su Lan’s meticulous and intelligent planning was evident, rivaling that of Hui Fang, though she lacked Hui Fang’s ruthlessness in dealing with Pan San. After further discussions, Su Lan eventually left, and Qin Yan settled in, his spirits somewhat restored by the promise of the upcoming meeting.
Zi Yu went to bed around the second watch of the night and couldn’t wait until dawn. As he listened to the rainfall, he sighed and lamented his fate, fearing that if it continued to rain heavily in the morning, his mother would not allow him to leave the house. He got up to open the window to check the weather, but just then a strong south wind blew the rain inside. Looking up, he saw dark clouds like ink, and lightning that flashed like golden snakes. Suddenly, a thunderclap shook the building, and he quickly closed the window, lit a lamp, and sat alone until the rain stopped at dawn, though it still dripped from the eaves intermittently. By then, it was too late to sleep again. He woke up his servant Yun’er as it was already broad daylight and the sun was about to rise. After washing his face and having some tea and snacks, he went to the main house, but Lady Yan had not yet risen. Outside, Zi Yu had his maid do his hair and then he came out again, finding everywhere still quiet. When he went to the study, he thought to himself, “Su Lan has shown such affection, and I’ve disturbed her several times. Although she doesn’t mind, I feel uncomfortable. If I give her money, she might be upset, thinking that I’m belittling her. It’s better to give her some gifts instead.”
He then opened his trunk and selected a few items from the various gifts he had received from relatives and friends, including two bolts of Jiangsu silk and two of Hubei silk, along with more than ten ounces of silver coins. After packing these items, he was about to go to the main house to report his plans when Li Yuanmao rushed in, barefoot and wearing a short robe, and exclaimed, “I got up especially early today and didn’t expect you to be up already.” Zi Yu replied, “I have some business outside today, so I got up a bit early.” Yuanmao said, “I have something to discuss.” Just then, Yun’er came in and said, “Master Xu has sent someone to inform that the guests have all arrived and is asking for you to come over.” Without further discussion with Yuanmao, Zi Yu hurriedly entered the main house where Lady Yan was still dressing her hair. Zi Yu reported his intention to go out. Lady Yan said, “You’ve been feeling better these days; it would be good for you to go out, but make sure to come back early and avoid the cold by not sitting in drafts. Take more people with you and pack extra clothes.” Zi Yu replied, “The clothes are packed, and I don’t need many people; Yun’er alone is enough.” Lady Yan said, “As you wish, but make sure to come back early and be careful with your meals.” Zi Yu agreed and went to get dressed. He then placed the items he was bringing into the carriage.
As he was about to leave, Yuanmao suddenly came forward to stop him, saying, “Wait a moment, I have something important to discuss.” Zi Yu, in a hurry, urged, “What is it? Speak quickly!” Yuanmao hesitated and stammered, unable to speak clearly. Zi Yu said, “What is it? Speak quickly. There are people waiting for me at the door.” Yuanmao replied, “Who’s waiting? You’re in such a rush, and it’s still early. The vendor selling sweet porridge hasn’t even come by yet, and you’re already this busy?” Zi Yu, becoming impatient, said, “You mentioned you had something to discuss, but when I ask, you don’t speak and keep talking about irrelevant things. What is it?” Yuanmao then said, “These past few days, I’ve been really strapped for cash; I was wondering if I could borrow some money from you.” Zi Yu responded, “Is that matter so urgent? Just go to the accounting room; it’s all the same.” As he started to leave, Yuanmao grabbed him, pleading, “Please, have Yun’er mention it for me. I’ve already borrowed from the accounting room, and I’m embarrassed to ask again, fearing they’ll refuse me.” Reluctantly, Zi Yu called Yun’er to go and speak to the accounting room. After receiving a positive response, Yuanmao let Zi Yu leave.
This delay meant it was already the beginning of the hour of Si when Zi Yu hurriedly boarded the carriage and headed for the East Gate. The journey was long, and by the time he left the city, it was early afternoon. Su Lan had already arrived and had sent people to watch for him. Soon, Zi Yu was seen arriving by carriage. Su Lan, dressed immaculately, welcomed him ashore and exchanged greetings. They boarded the boat, where Zi Yu removed his formal outerwear, and Su Lan changed into more casual attire. Zi Yu thanked
her, saying, “I appreciate your thoughtfulness and the effort you’ve made, which has lifted my spirits and allowed me to unburden my heart. How can I ever repay such kindness?”
Su Lan smiled and said, “Despite my efforts, unfortunately, Yu Nong’s condition worsened today and she couldn’t come. Moreover, she was severely scolded by a couple of scoundrels yesterday, which upset her even more. Since I had already invited you, it wouldn’t have been right to cancel at the last minute, so we might as well sit here for a while and then leave. Given Yu Nong’s severe illness, I’m also not in the best of spirits. It’s true what they say, ‘Good things never come easy.’” Her words made Zi Yu feel as though he had been doused in cold water, and he stared at Su Lan silently for a long time before sighing, “I had expected today might turn out like this, and unfortunately, my fears were confirmed. Xiang Wan, it’s a pity that all your efforts were in vain, as I am not fortunate enough to enjoy them. I knew from last night’s rain that I would be filled with worries and that meeting Yu Nong today would be impossible. Today’s effort to meet was partly due to your kind intentions, which I couldn’t ignore, and partly in the hope that perhaps the unexpected might happen. Yet, the joys of life are often unexpected, while disappointments are as predictable as they come. I had already anticipated that Yu Nong might not come; I just wonder if she guessed whether I would show up or not. If she thought I wouldn’t come, then perhaps it’s for the best. But if she thought I would, her disappointment might be even greater than mine.”
Speaking thus, he teared up and shook his head, saying, “This is really strange, truly strange.” Seeing this, Su Lan couldn’t help but smile and suggested, “Why don’t we go see Yu Nong and check on her condition?” Zi Yu thought for a moment and replied, “There’s no need; if she’s not visible here, then going there would only lead to other complications, and we still wouldn’t see her.” Su Lan countered, “She’s bedridden; how could we not see her?” Zi Yu explained, “The last time we went together, wasn’t Yu Nong bedridden? And the two times I went afterward, I didn’t see her either. If we go again today, it will surely be the same.” At this point, tears fell as he continued, “Yu Nong, Yu Nong, it seems our fate was only meant for a brief encounter.” He then turned to Su Lan, “I’ve come to terms with it, and you should advise her to do the same, to save us all a lot of grief.” Su Lan smiled and said, “You seem to have reached enlightenment. But if Yu Nong had actually come out to meet you today despite her illness, would you still be able to see through it all? If you truly have, then naturally you’ll explain it clearly to her so that neither of you needs to worry anymore. But if not, you’ll still need to think about each other. You think you understand now because you haven’t seen her, but perhaps if you did, you wouldn’t be so clear.” Zi Yu had no reply to this, and Su Lan laughed again, “Since Yu Nong couldn’t come, she sent a substitute to meet you. Would you like to meet him?” Zi Yu asked, “What kind of person is he? Does he know me?” Su Lan replied, “He’s also from our circle, and he resembles Yu Nong. Yu Nong just wanted to give you a taste of the proverbial plum to quench your thirst. What do you think? Should he come out?”
Ziyu pondered for a moment and said, “If she doesn’t resemble Yu Nong, then perhaps I could meet her. But if she does resemble Yu Nong, then our encounter in the Yi Garden was already too abrupt. Why would I want my servant to mimic a lady again? Not only do I not wish to meet this person, but it would also be unbearable for Yu Nong. Xiang Wan, you are a sensible person; you can see this is not me being pretentious.” Su Lan replied, “Your words make sense, but since you refuse to meet him, I insist on bringing him out.” Ziyu tried to stop her, but Su Lan had already called out from the rear cabin a person as beautiful as a flower. At first sight, Ziyu was somewhat confused; he had only met her once before, and in the intervening months, her appearance had become much thinner. She was once the beauty of the nation, vibrant and radiant. Now, she seemed like a withered flower, as pale as a chrysanthemum. When he finally saw her clearly, she was already in tears, her silk handkerchief soaked, sitting sideways, weeping.
Ziyu exclaimed, “This is indeed Yu Nong! Xiang Wan, why fabricate such tales to deceive me?” Su Lan asked, “Are you sure it’s not her?” Ziyu replied, “How could it not be? She’s just a bit thinner. Such a fairy-like beauty is not something ordinary people could imitate.” Then he said, “Yu Nong, you needn’t be sad anymore; I understand your feelings.” Before he could finish, he saw her stop crying and say, “Is your illness cured? I know you have visited a few times, but I have not seen you, so it was difficult to come. Yesterday, after reading your letter with Xiang Wan, I fully understood; it turns out I have caused you harm.” With that, she burst into tears again. Ziyu replied, “I am not seriously ill, just a bit unwell. Besides, I know how to take care of myself. As long as you can also let go a little, it will be easier to recover.” Tears also streamed down his face. She said, “If it weren’t for Xiang Wan’s visit yesterday, I might have died, and you wouldn’t see me today.” Then she cried again. Ziyu, not understanding, saw her with tears like a pear blossom about to fall.
He heard her speak and cry alternately, and couldn’t help but feel a deep sorrow that compelled him to cry as well. The situation left Su Lan without a plan, seeing the two in such deep anguish, resembling a farewell as profound as death. Unintentionally, she also began to cry.
The three cried together, but it was Su Lan who stopped first, then advised, “Today, I invited you to have a day of joy. Why succumb to tears? Half the day is gone already, and we must hurry back to the city before evening. There’s little time left for joy, so let’s all smile instead.” Ziyu reluctantly agreed, “Xiang Wan is right, Yu Nong need not be sad anymore.” She said, “What’s there to laugh about? Our meeting at Yi Garden has lasted until now, five months. If we wait for another such happy gathering, it might be a year. Within this year, who knows if I can wait that long? Perhaps this is the end.” After saying this, she cried again, and Ziyu comforted her, “Don’t worry, as long as you are well, we can meet every day. There’s no need to wait a year.” She cried again, “Even if I recover, Wei Pin Cai won’t let me be. He wants me dead to be satisfied.” Ziyu, startled, said, “You shouldn’t misunderstand Wei Pin Cai; he has spoken well of you behind your back.” She stamped her foot, “You don’t know yet, if he spoke well of me, he wouldn’t have spread rumors about you or caused trouble at your door.” Ziyu, puzzled, asked further, “I don’t understand these things. How did Pin Cai spread rumors? And how did he cause trouble?” She replied, “Ask him yourself.” Then Su Lan recounted what Pin Cai had said that day, leaving Ziyu pale and speechless. After a pause, he said, “It’s strange! He lived in my house for half a year; I never offended him. Why must he ruin me like this? How could he have changed so much after entering Hua Gongfu’s residence? It’s beyond my wildest dreams. I will cut him off from now on. But why did he cause such trouble?” Su Lan and she, hearing that Pin Cai had entered Hua Gongfu’s residence
, realized that he was behind the trouble at Chunyang Pavilion, so yesterday’s incident was no longer doubtful. Su Lan also recounted the abuses and the chase from yesterday. Ziyu cursed and lamented, unable to hold back his tears again.
At that moment, the boat had already traveled, and Su Lan’s servants laid out the food and drinks. While offering toasts, Su Lan encouraged them, but Ziyu and she just sat there, silently facing each other, with no mood to drink. After much persuasion from Su Lan, they reluctantly drank a few cups, but the forced smiles were meaningless. In her heart, she still felt the pang of parting as if they might never meet again. Ziyu also felt destined not to see each other regularly. Such thoughts naturally led to worries, a common human emotion, differing only in intensity.
As the boat moved on, the three quietly drank for a while. Ziyu, holding his drink, admired her, who appeared like a dew-laden rose or a peony enshrouded in mist, truly a figure of princely grace, sharing a rare spiritual connection with him. He then looked at Su Lan, who also displayed a charming and refined demeanor, perfect in harmony and grace. Today’s meeting seemed exceptionally rare, bringing sudden joy and easing their sorrows. She regarded Ziyu as a figure of exquisite beauty and tenderness, unmatched even by historical figures of grace. If they could establish a lasting bond, it would be a fulfillment not easily achieved in many lifetimes. Even if their acquaintance was brief, it was profoundly satisfying. Gradually, their mutual glances warmed to each other.
Su Lan, observing their silent rapport and deep connection, saw in their expressions a longing to speak, eyes meeting and parting in silent conversation, a perfect couple bound by shared affection. It seemed they outshone all the talented and beautiful people under heaven. No wonder one was lost in daydreams, the other in sleepless nights. Since nature seemed envious of such perfect matches, it was only fitting that their meetings be rare. If they were to be together all the time, it would not reflect the cherished and concealed nature of their bond. Admiring their closeness, Su Lan came over, sat by Ziyu, and gently offered three toasts, then passed one to her. At this moment, their mutual affection was complete, like deities in a blissful realm, wishing that the battles of Lu Yang Gong could turn back the sun, forbidding it to set.
During this joyful time, they suddenly heard music from another boat approaching.
Listening again, it was a lively and sensual melody. Soon, the boat drew near, and Ziyu peeked through the cabin curtain, seeing three people on the boat, playing and singing loudly, half-dressed; one was drinking with a young performer in his arms, while two others played and sang. The joyous noise was like thunder from the earth, laughter like a torrential river. This startled her, making her want to retreat to the back cabin, but Ziyu lowered the boat window, not knowing who they were. Su Lan, peering through a gap in the window, said to her, “Come and look.” She came and glanced through the gap, then said, “What a fool, what are they doing?” Su Lan pointed to the one sitting lower down, “That’s Pan San, who has been troubling Mei Xiang.” She exclaimed, “Oh! To think Mei Xiang recognized him, how could she have been deceived by him?” Su Lan said, “You didn’t see, yesterday those two were ten times more fierce!” She sighed and turned to sit down. Ziyu asked, “What sort of man is Pan San?” Su Lan explained their affairs, and Ziyu repeatedly exclaimed, “Despicable! Despicable! How dare Pan San harbor such thoughts. Luckily it was Mei Xiang; if it were someone else, she might have been ruined too.” Then he asked her, “Do you recognize those young men?” She replied, “I don’t recognize any of them, I don’t know which group they are from.” Su Lan said, “I recognize them. The one being held is Yu Mei from the Deng Chun troupe; the one playing the strings is Chun Lin, and the singer is Feng Lin, all from the Feng Tai troupe.” Ziyu remarked, “Seeing them so merry, what joy do they really have? If they saw our situation, they would surely say it’s dull and flavorless.”
Su Lan laughed, “Everyone finds joy in their own way; they wouldn’t be happy otherwise.” As the sun neared the horizon, Ziyu felt genuinely happy, even contemplating staying out longer.
Although she knew it was getting late, she couldn’t bring herself to hurry. Fearing they might be too late to enter the city, Su Lan urged the boatman to row faster as it was getting dark
, then they started packing up. Ziyu distributed the items he had brought to the two of them, who couldn’t refuse and accepted them. Ziyu also distributed some loose silver to Su Lan’s and her people, thanking them for their hard work.
When the boat reached the great eastern gate, they each got into their carriages. Ziyu, holding her hand, said, “We’ll talk more another day; it’s best to resolve these matters ourselves.” Tears flowed again, and she choked up, “Go in peace; the gates will soon close. We’ll meet not at Xiang Wan’s but at Yi Garden.” Ziyu nodded, steeled his heart, and they each boarded their carriages. The coachman, fearing it was late, whipped the horses, and they hurried off.
When Ziyu returned home, he had already lit the lamps. Madame Yan asked about his day, and he responded evasively with a few words. What happens next, let’s find out in the next episode.