話說琴言在怡園與子玉敘了幾日，頗覺十分暢滿。到長慶葬事過了，忙了兩三天，琴言辛苦了，身子有些不快起來，意欲安頓幾天，再進華府。一日早飯後，臥在房中，見他師娘進來，琴言連忙站起。師娘叫他坐了，說道：「從前你進華府，不知華公子怎樣對你師父講的，師父也沒有對我說過。他在時我諸事不管，如今是要我支持門戶了。我想我們一年總要三千吊錢才夠花消。你看那天福、天壽掙得出來嗎？你沒有進華府時，一月內極少也掙得二三百吊錢。如今你又不進班子，這錢自然要出在華府裡，想他們也不肯白使喚人。你與我講定了，一月給我多少錢，其餘你自己存下，將來可成家立業，過一輩子的日子。今雖少了你師父一個，其餘還是一樣，就算省儉些，大約二百吊錢一月總要的。你師父蘇州也沒有家，我又回不去，我不守住這個舊業做什麼呢？三十幾歲的人了，還有什麼路走？開門七件事，好不難。
還有那些人情使費，是免不了的。我知道你是有良心的人，你替我想想，叫我怎樣，不靠你靠誰？」琴言聽了，呆了一會，心中想道：「這倒是件難事。
當初我也不知怎樣，也不曉師父得過多少錢。就聽得他們說，師父每月進府來領一次，也不知多少。如今師父死了，他們只怕未必照舊了。若除了華府，又問誰去要錢？難道還可以問度香商量麼？不比在外，常可見面。此刻師娘要我一月定給多少錢，這倒是件難事。況且公子近來待我又不如從前，這話怎好去問他？」想來想去，不得主意，答不出來。他師娘心上疑著華公子待琴言不知怎樣好，自然要一千就是一千，要二千就是二千。這幾天在琴言身上盤算，把個心想昏了。又恐琴言存著壞心，道是師父死了，便可撒開。所以長慶媳婦的心，想錢倒與長慶一樣，可稱良偶。便要緊擠住了琴言，做個靠山吃山、造水吃水的主意。見琴言不語，便生疑慮，又道：「你怎麼不說話？多少總要有個定數。」琴言道：「當日師父將我送進華府，原是避難，我實不知是怎樣講的。華府有錢給他，沒有錢給他，我也不知。且我進去之後，從沒有見著師父的面。
只聽說師父每月到府一回，也只在門房裡，不知領多少錢。此時我又不出去應酬，一月給師娘多少錢，原是應該的，但我拿不定主意自己有錢無錢，我怎敢隨口答應？設或答應了又不見錢呢，怎麼對得住師娘？」他師娘口中哼了一聲道：「我不信，我也不知細底。你師父是不知自己要死，若知道自己要死，也早對我說了。我聽得去年你沒有進去時，華公子就打發人出來說要買你，他可是不肯花錢的主兒？一個人憑良心過日子，怎麼師父一死，你就變起心來？」琴言聽了這些話，已氣得要哭，只得忍住了，說道：「這話只好等我進去了再商量，我自己是沒有留一個錢。去年及新年得的賞賜，就是前天那一包銀子。
師娘要三百吊錢一月，只怕不能有這許多，總要問明白公子才好定得。但是這句話，師娘代我想想，怎好自己去對公子講？」
他師娘冷笑道：「人在他家半年多了，還不好講？交情越重，錢應該越多了。若是不給錢的交情，要他做什麼？你不要裝糊塗，他又沒花過三千五千兩替你出師。若出了師，我自然不能對你講這些話了。還有那一種有良心的，念著師父、師娘，就出了師還常常孝敬，也是有的。不然你就對他說，叫他拿三千兩銀子來出師，我可以置些產業，倒比零碎的好。這兩條路憑你走那一條。你總要講明了，才可以進城。不然進去了，我又不能進來找你，便費了許多周折。」說罷起身出去了。琴言受了這些話，又不能駁他，心中好不氣苦。以為師父死了，這個身子由得自己，那知師娘更加利害。
氣忿忿的重新躺下，思前想後，毫無主意。傷心了一會，又想道：「我每逢想不透的，經香畹一說就明白了，此事非與他商量不可。」主意定了，帶了跟他的小孩子，隨身便服，走出門來。
到了素蘭寓處，卻值素蘭未回，意欲回家，又屬煩悶。想寶珠離此不遠，不如找他談談也好。才出得素蘭門口，見兩人站在街心。偶抬頭一看，一個是圓臉，生得混混沌沌，腳下倒是一雙皂靴。一個生得獐頭鼠目，便帽上拖著一綹長紅帽緯。
琴言低著頭，只顧走，覺那兩人就跟著他。聽得一人低低的說道：「好一朵鮮花。」又聽得一個說道：「咦，是那一家的，我竟不認識。我們且踩踩他。」又聽那個說道：「這才算個好腦袋呢。」琴言聽了，好不有氣，然也無奈何，只好由他們講。只聽得背後□□促促，腳步接著腳步，衣裳碰著衣裳，順風吹來鼻中，覺有狐臊氣。急行幾步，到了寶珠門口。叫小孩子進去問時，也不在家。琴言見那兩人又在後頭站著，心中氣極，便急急的回去，那兩人也就急急的跟來。琴言到了自己門口，一直低了頭進去了。
此刻正是散戲的時候，這些相公如何在家？琴言白白走了一回，路上又遇著這兩個厭物，更加納悶。進了房，長歎了一聲，不覺淚下。
偏有那師娘的表弟伍麻子，不看風色，走進來坐在炕沿，捏著潮煙袋，找了個紙條子，抽了二三十口，紙煤煙吹得一地。
又盤三問四的尋這樣，看那樣。琴言好不砂煩，也不理他。伍麻子吃了一會潮煙，問琴言道：「我聽說華府裡那些大爺們是不用說了，各人家裡都是大屋子，有十個八個小老婆陪著睡覺。
就是那些三爺、四爺、五爺，連那些趕車的、養馬的、鍘草的，新年上也穿著狐狸皮襖。」說到此，將手比著個樣子道：「這麼大的皮荷包，拴在腰裡，到賭場上解開來，盡是銀錁子，抓一把就押個孤丁。還有去年來找你鬧的那個姓金的三小子金三，在酒館子裡喝酒，也叫個打十不閒的陪陪。雖然是訛你爹的錢，然而也還有些出息，是真的嗎？怎麼這些人也這麼發財？」琴言心中只管納悶，更加煩惱，那裡有心聽他的話，只是不答應。
伍麻子又道：「我聽說這還不算什麼奇事。他家的銀子櫃子裡裝不下，就散堆在牆腳邊，到了兩三年不用他，受了潮氣要霉爛的，便發出曬晾。曬晾了一天，就有人將五兩的換他十兩的，將二兩的換他五兩的，他也不點數。偶然看出來，說：『我的銀子如何變小了？』那些人說：『曬了一天，曬乾了，自然收小了。』這句話我有些不信，難道這位公子，真當著銀子都曬得乾嗎？」琴言聽到此，不覺失笑道：「你這話是那裡聽來的。」伍麻子道：「我們有一班朋友，閒著沒有事，聚在一處就講這些話。城裡一個華公子，城外一個大園子裡的徐老爺，這兩家富貴，講一年也講不完。說那徐老爺的園子裡山子石底下，埋著十缸銀，十缸金。那看金子的財神爺是一頭黃毛，看銀子的財神爺是一頭的白毛。到半夜裡，他兩個便坐在園牆上嚇人，還要拿金錠、銀錠子打人。有時運的被他打著了，就撿了金銀回去，回去就發財。沒有時運的，被他打著了，撿起來是塊黃土，回去還要生病。我看財神爺也勢利，只奉承有時運的人。」琴言聽了，倒也好笑。
伍麻子正說得高興，忽外面有人叫他，就出去了。原來有兩個客來打茶圍，伍麻子招呼到客廳坐下，打量這二人，見一個衣賞很舊，穿著舊皂靴，頭上的小帽子油晃晃的，沾了些灰土。心上想：「他不是個監生老爺，就是個沒選期的老爺。那一人衣裳略新些，帽上拖著一綹紅線緯，雖不像個有錢的，或者倒是個老白相。」問了他們的姓，讓他們坐了。你道這兩人是誰？一個是烏大傻，一個是姬亮軒，他二人新在戲園裡認識。這日都在街上閒走，適相遇了，跟了琴言到門口。亮軒恍惚記得這了門，想了一會想著了，就猜方才見的是琴言。後又想起奚十一的話，說前月在聘才處叫他陪過酒，無疑是他。便與大傻講了，大傻見亮軒高興，欲贊成他進去，好吃個鑲邊酒，便道：「管他是與不是，既是相公寓裡，總可以進得的，我們且進去坐坐，喝杯茶也好。」亮軒道：「你高興就進去，我是奉陪的。」商量一會，才同了進去。
這邊伍麻子正在張羅，卻好天福、天壽散戲回來。見亮軒像是見過的，又記不清，請了安。那個大傻子，他們卻見過他，在園子裡聽襯戲的，便也請了安。大傻子迷迷盹盹的說道：「今日蘭保的《盜令》、《殺舟》，桂保的《相約》、《相罵》，實是個名人家數，他人做不來的。」亮軒道：「你們還認得我麼？」天福道：「有些面善，想不起來，好像那裡見過的。」天壽眼瞪瞪的看了一會，問道：「你能是不是去年同一位吃煙的老爺來？那位吃煙的同我師父打起來，還是你能拉開的。」
亮軒道：「你的記性好，天福就不記得了。」天福聽了也想起來，道：「哎喲！那一天好怕人。那位吃煙的好不利害，把桌子都打翻了，還直打到裡頭去。幸虧我躲得快，不然給他一腳，也踢個半死。」亮軒道：「可不是，虧我救了你們，你們感激我不感激呢？」天壽道：「那一位如今那裡去了？」亮軒道：「現在病著。」天福道：「天報！天報！叫他多病幾天。」大傻子道：「方才見個相公進來，叫什麼名字？」天福道：「沒有阿，我們就是師兄弟兩個。」亮軒道：「有一個進來的，比你們高些，有十六七歲了。」天壽道：「沒有，沒有。我們只有一個琴師兄，從華公府回來，如今他也不算相公，不唱戲了。或者你們看見的就是他。」亮軒道：「不錯，不錯，就是他。可以叫他出來見見麼？」天福搖頭道：「他不見人的，多少人知他回來了，要見見他，他總不肯出來。就只到怡園徐老爺處，除了他家，是不到第二家的。」大傻子道：「他既不肯出來，你領我們到他屋裡坐坐是可以的。」天壽搖頭道：「他要罵我們。」伍麻子站在廊前道：「我們這個琴官，如今是華公府的二爺，不見人了。二位老爺如高興，叫天福、天壽伺侯罷。」
大傻子望著亮軒道：「你們既然是舊交，自然也應敘敘，斷無空坐之理。」亮軒支吾道：「我還有點事。」天壽道：「你能沒有事，你能不肯賞臉。」亮軒道：「真有事。」伍麻子道：「坐坐罷，就有事也不必忙。如今他的師父不在了，他師娘就靠著這兩個孩子呢。」大傻道：「你也難得出來，我也走乏了，略坐一坐罷。」又問天福道：「你師父幾時不在的？」天福道：「前月二十五。」大傻道：「咳，我竟不曉得他死了。你們雖不認得我，你師父倒與我極相好的。」天壽道：「我也常見你在戲園裡，你怎麼坐不住，總走的時候多？」大傻子道：「我的朋友多，照應了一個，不照應那個，就招人怪了。」天福道：「我見你進來又出去，出去又進來，好像忙得很。」大傻道：「既到這個園子裡照應了，自然也要到那個園子去照應，不然也要招怪的。」伍麻子已走開。
少頃，亮軒要走，天福拖住了他，大傻卻不動身。只見打雜的進來，在桌子上擺了幾個碟子，天福道：「姬老爺請坐罷。」亮軒著急，對著大傻擠眉弄眼，要叫他走的意思。大傻裝作不見，一手摸著那幾根既稀且短的鼠鬚，拈了幾拈。亮軒見他不動，只得獨自想跑，說道：「我要小便。」天壽指著院子裡道：「那東牆角就可以。」亮軒走出屋子，到院子中間，撒開腳步就走。
不料天壽在後，扯著他的髮辮一迸，將亮軒的帽子落了下來，髮根拉得很疼。
天壽嘻嘻的笑，亮軒急回轉頭來，漲紅了臉道：「這是什麼頑法？」天壽揀了帽子，拍淨了灰，與他戴上，拉了他進來。
亮軒道：「我真有事，何苦纏我。」大傻子見了酒，喉嚨已經發癢，勸亮軒道：「他們這般至誠留你，你就賞他們點臉罷。既擺了出來，不賞他們的臉，也叫他們下不去。」亮軒無法，又見大傻不肯走，反留住他，想是大傻要做這個東。如果大傻作東，也就放心了，只得勉強坐下。天福、天壽各斟了酒。亮軒飲了兩杯，見大傻子放心樂意的喝酒，手裡抓了一把杏仁，不住的往嘴裡去，又見他吃了三個山裡紅，一個柿餅。
亮軒心上又想去看看琴言，此時已經點了燈，便對天福道：「你同我到你師兄屋子裡去坐坐罷。」天福道：「你定要見他，待我先去講一聲。」天福進去，見琴言在那裡看書，便說道：「外面有個姬老爺要見見你，見不見呢？」琴言道：「我見他作什麼呢？你見我見過人嗎？」天福沒趣，將要出來，琴言想要關門，不料亮軒、大傻已走到房門口，就都匾著身子擠進來。
琴言滿臉怒容，未開言，大傻子深深一揖，亮軒也曲著腰作了半個揖，滿面堆下笑來。琴言倒也無法，只得還了一揖，不好就走。他們也不待招呼就坐了。
亮軒瞇齊了鼠眼，掀唇露齒的要說話。大傻先說道：「怪道多天不見令師，原來歸天了，我竟全然不知。非但沒有具個薄分，連拜也沒有為拜一拜。多年相好，從前承他一番相待，倒也不是尋常的交情。」又搖著頭道：「荒唐，荒唐！不知那些聯幛的公分，有我的名字沒有？」亮軒笑容可掬的道：「我去年奉拜過的，偏值尊駕進了華府，以至朝思暮想，直到今日。
前日又聽得尊駕與敝東同席，我就沒福奉陪。敝東是個直爽人，不會溫存體貼，一切尚祈包涵，不要見怪。」琴言見這二人就是路上跟著他走的，心中甚惱。及見他們恭恭敬敬的作揖，一個說與師父相好，一個說與他敝東同席，正猜不出這兩個是什麼東西，也不來細問，含糊的答應了一聲，叫小子給了兩鍾茶。
大傻一面吃茶，見掛著一副對子，念將出來，錯了兩字。大傻腹內既屬欠通，眼光又係近視，倒最喜念對子看畫，充那假斯文。琴言看了暗笑，略略看他們的相貌，已經生厭。又見亮軒嘻著嘴說道：「我那敝東，其實很好交的。你是不知道他的脾氣，若混熟了，只怕還離不開呢。」大傻道：「不見那春蘭麼？」亮軒道：「春蘭固然。本來錢也花多了，自應心悅誠服的了。我那英官呢，借去用兩天，就用到如今不肯送還。這個小東西也戀著他，將我往日多少恩情付之流水。這也不能怪他，從來說白鴿子望旺處飛，也是人之常情。況且我這敝東，在京裡也算個闊老鬥，就與那華公子、徐少爺也不相上下，而且他們都是世交。前日那位徐少爺來，適值敝東不在家，他就到我書房來坐了好半日。送他出去時，他再三的約我去逛園。」大傻道：「你去沒有呢？」亮軒道：「我始而倒打算去，況且他往來那一班公子名士，都也與我相好。後來我想他還沒有做過外任，未必知道我們這一席是極尊貴的。若論坐位，是到處第一，我恐他另有些尊長年誼，不肯僭我，我所以沒有去。」大傻道：「可惜，可惜！我吃過他家酒席，只怕京裡要算第一家了。」琴言聽得坐不住，幸天福、天壽都在這裡，便對天福道：「你請二位到外面坐罷，我有事情。」便即走了出來。二人沒趣，只得同天福、天壽也出來了。
亮軒就想從此脫身，一徑的走，又被福、壽二人拉住。桌上又添了四小碟小菜、兩碗稀飯，亮軒心上想道：「這是什麼吃局，一樣可吃的菜也沒有，難道八碟乾果、四碟小菜、兩碗白粥，就算請客不成？要不然，是傻子與他講明，是要省錢的緣故。這個東，大約是傻子作定了，索性吃他娘的。」亮軒也舉箸吃了一會。大傻子已喝了兩壺酒，將四碟小菜也吃乾淨了，喝了兩碗粥，抹一抹嘴。見亮軒不甚高興，便對天壽道：「姬老爺是要喝熱鬧酒的，你叫人去添些菜來，酒燙得熱熱兒的，與姬老爺豁幾拳。今日是我拉他來的，你們巴結得不好，以後他就不肯來了。」亮軒打量是請他，便放了心，忙說道：「怎麼是這樣的，也算不得吃飯。」天壽道：「這原算不得吃飯，我當你們吃過飯了，隨便吃鍾酒兒坐坐的。既然姬老爺還沒有用飯，另預備飯就是了。」大傻道：「是阿，我也沒有吃飯。姬老爺也吹兩口的，你何不請他去躺躺。」天福道：「那一天真也見你吃了兩口，不過吹不多。」亮軒見大傻這般張羅，像個做東的樣子，便有些喜歡。天福同他們到了裡面，一面吩咐廚房添菜備飯。亮軒原不會吹煙，不過借此消遣。天福、天壽倒有幾口煙癮，便你爭我奪的上煙。大傻乘他們不留心，即走了出來。他也飽了，便蹋著破皂靴匆匆而去。
亮軒與福、壽二人說了一會話，問了些琴言光景。伍麻子來請吃飯，亮軒才找起大傻來，杳無影響，心中著忙，便變了神色，只管要找烏大傻。天壽說道：「他去了。這個人是坐不住的，我見他在戲園裡，一天總要走個十幾回，想必他就來的。我們先坐，不用等他了。」亮軒只得坐了。看菜是四碟兩碗，兩盤餑餑，就吃了些。終是無精打采，心上要想個脫身之計。
那伍麻子在旁，見大傻子先走了，看這位又是心神不定，像有心事，倒也猜不著他要跑。那長慶的媳婦，自從丈夫死後，家裡還是第一回開張留客，叫伍麻子好好照料，不要待慢了老鬥，故常在窗前站立。那兩個孩子本來不會說話，夾七夾八的。亮軒更坐不住，橫豎遲早皆走，吃完了，嗽了口，對天福道：「今日擾了你們，我只好明日補情的了，今日卻沒有帶錢。」天福聽了，呆了一呆，不敢答應。還是天壽略靈些，說道：「老爺既沒帶錢，府上在那裡住，叫人送老爺回府，就可以帶了來。」亮軒道：「這也不必，我明日送來罷。」伍麻子聽了，想道：「有些不妙，不料這兩位是這樣的。」便進來在窗戶邊站著，看看亮軒。亮軒想硬走出來，天壽拉住道：「不用忙，再坐坐。」亮軒不理，只要走，天福也來拉住。亮軒一想，不如拿出去年奚十一的手段來嚇嚇他，便喝道：「做什麼！那裡有天天帶著開發來的！我們叫相公，是積了幾回一總開發。你們這些不開眼的東西，還不放手，不要叫我生起氣來，也照去年的樣，給你們一頓打。」兩個孩子怕他，不敢說話。伍麻子是個不懂規矩的人，道是長慶死了，他表姊全要仰仗他。若頭一回買賣就是這樣，臉上覺得不好看，況且又是他幫著留的。聽了亮軒這些話，便動了氣，說道：「姬老爺，你這話講得不在理。你老爺又沒有來過兩回，伺候了半天，酒飯煙茶都是錢買來的，一個大錢不見面，倒要罵人不開眼。就說送你回府也沒有說錯，難道你沒有個住處？就是住店也有個店，住廟也有個廟。身邊不帶著，自然就到府上去領，這句話就算得罪了人麼？
你既沒有帶錢，難道不准你走，留你的東西做抵押不成？自然跟你回去。知道了一個地方，就歇一天給我們，也使得。」亮軒無言可答，再想說兩句大話，又說不出來。那樣雞肋身材，木瓜腦袋，就裝些威風，也嚇不動人，只得說道：「我是省你們跟我走，你當是什麼？你既不嫌路遠，就跟我去領賞。」伍麻子想那些跟兔不中用，便自己提了燈籠照了。亮軒輕輕的腳步，左繞右繞，還想遁去。無奈伍麻子緊緊的照著，亮軒只得回寓，叫他在門口等了，好不懊悔，上了大傻的惡當，心裡罵幾聲，開了拜匣，撿出幾張錢票，看來看去，猶如割他的肉一般，忍著心疼，撿了一張兩弔的，又於紙頁子內撿了一張一弔的，要找人送出，跟他的人又不在家。只得拈了一個紙條子，蘸上油點子出來，交與伍麻子，轉身就走。
伍麻子雖不認的字，但長慶生前將票子叫他取錢，也不知取了若干。一字到十字這幾個，憑你怎樣字寫，他都認得。燈下一看見是兩弔，便叫道：「姬老爺轉來！」亮軒欲待不理他，已跟進了門，只得應道：「還有什麼？」伍麻子道：「這兩吊錢怎樣，是賞我的麼？那相公開發，酒席錢呢？」亮軒道：「我不曉得，一總在內。」伍麻子道：「姬爺不要頑笑，既然這麼說，請收了。」便將票子遞過來。亮軒無奈，只得又添上那一弔，說道：「盡在乎此，你要不要也隨你罷。」伍麻子如何肯收，便發話道：「既然心疼著錢，也應打算打算，就不該進來。就是擺個酒，至少也得二十弔，何況添菜、吃飯！三吊錢，我們賞廚房打雜的還不夠呢。」亮軒不理，一直進去了。
伍麻子欲要跟進來，門房裡有人聽見，出來問是什麼事情。
伍麻子將細底說了，那管門的笑道：「我們這師爺也太想便宜了，既要樂又捨不得錢。你也算了，折了這一回本錢罷，不要在此囉唣，適或教我們老爺聽見了，倒不好。」伍麻子見亮軒已進去了，又不好跟進去，再經那門公勸告他，知道是奚十一的寓處，恐怕鬧出事來，只好轉回，卻也講了好些淡話，匆匆回家交帳。
長慶媳婦一見只有三吊錢，便說道：「那裡有這樣開發？你也在這裡多年了，你見收過三吊錢麼？怎麼不摔還他，也臊臊他的臉！腥不腥，臭不臭，兩個相公留了兩個客，煙茶酒飯，鬧得烏煙瘴氣的，還替人做跟班，提了燈籠送回去，接了三吊錢就夾著屁股回來。一個漢子連個數目字都不認得，難道你錢票子見得少麼？」把個伍麻子罵得火星直冒，嚷道：「我豈不知道，我見千見萬，也沒見這兩個不愛臉的，一個喝了兩碗粥先逃走了，這個也是時刻想跑，好容易逼住了他，送他回去。
我想十弔八弔，最少不去了。誰料他先還只給兩吊錢，這一弔還是後來加上的。那個忘八蛋肯接他的？他塞在你手裡，就跑進去了。我想跟他進去，有個管門的出來解勸，說是奚十一的寓處。那奚十一是好惹的？去年憑空的來找琴官，將姐夫一摔一個大筋斗，半天爬不起來，桌椅板凳打得粉碎。倘今日又遇見了他，可不要白挨一頓打，連這三吊錢也沒有，我所以只好接了回來。我豈不想他三十弔麼？」長慶媳婦道：「都是你們這些瞎眼睛的，也不分個人鬼。分明來打茶圍的，苦苦拉住他，將個臭蟲當作洋蟲。以後如遇這等不要臉的下作東西進來，務必攆他出去。太太這裡不是捨粥廠，又不是我的兒子，吃了抹抹嘴就走。當家的死後，今日還是頭一回開市，就遇著兩個混賬東西，與前年那個開薑店姓楊的楊八一樣，不是玉天仙還叫他姊夫呢。歸根兒是他媽的白吃白喝。這些個不要臉的狗雞巴□的，真他媽的可惡！」長慶媳婦叨叨了一回。到明日，伍麻子去照票子，誰知後來添的一弔還是張假的。又到奚十一寓處來找亮軒，倒被奚十一的家人罵了一頓。伍麻子受屈而回，只得自己賠上一吊錢，交清了賬，唯有咒罵亮軒而已。
琴言今日找著了寶珠、素蘭、商量師師娘要錢之事。不知寶、素二人有何良策，且聽下回分解。
The story begins with Qin Yan spending a few days with Zi Yu at Yi Garden, feeling quite content. After the funeral of Changqing, things got busy for two or three days, leaving Qin Yan exhausted and somewhat unwell. He wanted to rest for a few days before heading back to the Hua Mansion. One day, after breakfast, while lying in his room, he saw his master’s wife enter. Qin Yan quickly stood up, but she asked him to sit down and said, “When you first entered the Hua Mansion, I don’t know what Hua Gongzi told your master, and he never mentioned it to me either. Back then, I didn’t manage any of the affairs, but now I have to take charge of the household. I figure we need at least three thousand strings of cash a year to cover our expenses. Do you think Tianfu and Tianshou can earn that much? Before you went to the Hua Mansion, you earned at least two or three hundred strings of cash a month. Now that you are no longer in the troupe, that money has to come from the Hua Mansion. I doubt they’ll make you work for free. You should make an agreement with me—set a monthly amount you’ll give me, and the rest you can save for yourself, so that one day you can settle down and start a family. Even though your master is gone, things are still mostly the same, though we’ll need to be more frugal. We’ll still need at least two hundred strings of cash a month. Your master didn’t have a family in Suzhou, and I can’t go back there either. If I don’t keep running this business, what else can I do? I’m already over thirty, what other path is there for me? Managing a household is hard.”
She continued, “And there are always social obligations we can’t avoid. I know you’re a good-hearted person, so think about it. If I can’t rely on you, who else can I rely on?” Qin Yan listened, dazed for a moment, thinking to himself, “This is indeed a difficult matter. I never knew how much money Master was making, and I only heard that he went to the Hua Mansion once a month, but I don’t know how much he received. Now that Master is gone, they may not continue to give the same amount. And who else can I ask for money if not the Hua Mansion? Can I even approach Du Xiang to negotiate? It’s not like we can meet often anymore. Now that Master’s wife wants a fixed monthly sum from me, that’s a tough request. Besides, Hua Gongzi hasn’t treated me as well lately as he did before, so how can I bring this up to him?” Thinking it over, he couldn’t come up with a solution and remained silent.
His master’s wife, suspecting that Hua Gongzi might not be treating Qin Yan well, naturally thought that if she asked for one thousand strings, it would be one thousand; if she asked for two thousand, it would be two thousand. For the past few days, she had been calculating in her mind regarding Qin Yan, nearly driving herself crazy. She also feared that Qin Yan might harbor ill intentions, thinking that with his master gone, he could break free. Her thoughts about money were as aligned with Changqing’s as possible, making her an excellent match for him. She was determined to pressure Qin Yan, treating him as her financial security, depending on him just as one would rely on a mountain for food or water. Seeing that Qin Yan wasn’t speaking, she grew suspicious and said, “Why aren’t you saying anything? There has to be a set amount.” Qin Yan replied, “When Master sent me to the Hua Mansion, it was to escape a difficult situation. I truly don’t know what arrangements were made. Whether the Hua Mansion gave him money or not, I have no idea. After I went there, I never saw Master again. I only heard that he went to the mansion once a month and stayed in the porter’s lodge, but I don’t know how much money he received. Now, I don’t go out for social engagements, so it’s only right to give Master’s wife some money every month. But I can’t make a decision on how much I’ll have, so how could I agree lightly? If I promise something and the money doesn’t come through, how could I face you?”
His master’s wife snorted and said, “I don’t believe you, and I don’t know the details either. Your master didn’t know he was going to die; if he had known, he would have told me earlier. I heard that last year, before you went to the Hua Mansion, Hua Gongzi sent someone out to buy you, and he’s not someone who hesitates to spend money. Can a person with a conscience live their life that way? How can you change your heart as soon as your master dies?” Hearing these words, Qin Yan was on the verge of tears, but he held back and said, “I can only discuss this after I go to the mansion. I haven’t saved a penny. The rewards I received last year and for the New Year are the same as the silver bag I got the other day. Master’s wife is asking for three hundred strings of cash a month, but I’m afraid I can’t promise that much. I have to ask Hua Gongzi and get a clear answer before I can commit. But please consider, how can I talk to Hua Gongzi about this myself?”
His master’s wife laughed coldly and said, “You’ve been with him for more than half a year, and you still can’t bring it up? The closer the relationship, the more money you should be getting. What’s the point of a friendship if there’s no money involved? Don’t play dumb. He didn’t spend three or five thousand taels to help you graduate from the troupe. If he had, I wouldn’t be saying these things to you. There are some people with a conscience who, even after graduating, still remember their master and his wife and often send money out of respect. If not, just tell him to give three thousand taels to help you graduate, and I can use that money to buy some property, which would be better than these small amounts. You can choose one of these two options. But you must make it clear before going to the city. If you go, I can’t go in after you, and we’d waste a lot of time and effort.” With that, she got up and left.
Qin Yan, unable to argue with her, felt deeply frustrated. He thought that now that his master was gone, he would have more control over his life, but he hadn’t expected his master’s wife to become even more demanding. Filled with anger, he lay down again, thinking over the situation but finding no solution. After some time, he sadly thought, “Whenever I can’t figure things out, Xiang Wan always makes things clear for me with a single word. I must consult with him about this.” Having made up his mind, he took the child who accompanied him, put on his everyday clothes, and left the house.
When he arrived at Sulan’s residence, it turned out that Sulan had not yet returned. He thought of going home but felt troubled. He then remembered that Baozhu lived nearby, so he figured it might be better to talk to him. Just as he stepped out of Sulan’s door, he saw two people standing in the middle of the street. Glancing up by chance, he noticed that one had a round face, appearing quite dim-witted, wearing a pair of black boots. The other had a pointy face with sneaky eyes, and on his cap was a long red tassel.
Qinyan lowered his head and continued walking, but he felt that the two men were following him. He heard one of them say quietly, “What a lovely flower.” Then the other said, “Hmm, which family is she from? I don’t recognize her. Let’s mess with her a bit.” Then the first one added, “She really has a fine head on her shoulders.” Qinyan became quite angry upon hearing this, but there was nothing he could do, so he had to let them talk. He could hear hurried footsteps and the rustling of clothes behind him, and a faint scent of fox musk came with the breeze. He quickened his pace and soon reached Baozhu’s door. When he asked a child to go in and inquire, it turned out Baozhu was not home either. Seeing that the two men were still standing behind him, Qinyan became even angrier. He rushed back home, and the two men quickly followed. Once he reached his own door, he kept his head down and entered directly.
At that moment, it was the time when the theater performances were ending, so there was no way the actors would be at home. Qinyan felt that his trip had been in vain, and encountering those two scoundrels on the road only added to his frustration. He entered his room, let out a long sigh, and unknowingly, tears began to fall.
At that moment, there came Wu Mazi, the cousin of his master’s wife. Without considering the situation, he walked in and sat on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), fiddling with his moist tobacco pipe. After finding a small strip of paper, he took 20 or 30 puffs, filling the room with the smell of damp tobacco smoke.
He began nosily looking around and asking questions. Qinyan found him incredibly irritating but chose to ignore him. After smoking for a while, Wu Mazi said to Qinyan, “I heard that those lords in the Hua family are quite something. Each of them has a big house with ten or eight concubines to keep them company at night. Even the third, fourth, and fifth lords, the ones who drive carriages, raise horses, or cut hay, wear fox-fur coats during the New Year.” As he spoke, he gestured with his hands, “And they wear such large fur pouches tied to their waists. When they go to the gambling house, they open them up, and inside are all silver ingots. They grab a handful and place a bet. And that third son from the Jin family, Jin San, who caused trouble for you last year, also drinks in the taverns and hires escorts to keep him company, even though he extorted money from your father. But still, he seems to have done quite well for himself. Is that true? How do these people get so rich?”
Qinyan was already feeling troubled and had no interest in listening to his chatter, so he did not respond.
Wu Mazi continued, “I also heard that this is nothing. The Hua family’s silver can’t even fit in their chests, so they just pile it up by the walls. After two or three years of disuse, it starts to mold from the dampness, and they have to take it out to dry. After drying it for a day, people exchange five-tael pieces for ten-tael pieces, and two-tael pieces for five-tael pieces, and they don’t even bother to count it. Sometimes they notice and say, ‘Why has my silver shrunk?’ And the others reply, ‘Well, it dried out in the sun, so naturally it shrank.’ This part, I find hard to believe. Can silver really shrink from drying?”
Qinyan couldn’t help but laugh and said, “Where did you hear such nonsense?” Wu Mazi replied, “I have a group of friends, and when we’re idle, we get together and talk about these things. There’s this one rich young master inside the city, and another one outside with a large estate. These two families are so wealthy, we could talk about them for a whole year and not run out of stories. It’s said that in the estate of that rich master, beneath the ornamental rocks, there are ten jars of silver and ten jars of gold buried. The god of wealth who guards the gold has yellow hair, and the one guarding the silver has white hair. At midnight, they sit on the garden walls and scare people, throwing gold and silver ingots at them. If you’re lucky, you can pick up the gold and silver and take it home to become rich. But if you’re unlucky, you pick up nothing but yellow dirt, and when you get home, you’ll fall ill. I think even the god of wealth favors those with luck.”
Qinyan found this amusing.
Just as Wu Mazi was getting more excited with his storytelling, someone called him from outside, so he left. It turned out two guests had arrived for a tea gathering. Wu Mazi invited them into the living room. He took a good look at them and saw that one was dressed very shabbily, wearing old black boots, and his small cap was greasy and dirty with some dust. Wu Mazi thought to himself, “He must be either a scholar official or someone who hasn’t been selected for office yet.” The other guest’s clothes were slightly newer, and there was a red tassel on his cap. Though he didn’t seem wealthy, perhaps he was a seasoned loafer.
After asking their names and inviting them to sit down, do you know who these two men were? One was Wu Da Sha, and the other was Ji Liangxuan. They had recently met at the theater. That day, they had been wandering aimlessly in the streets and happened to run into Qinyan at her door. Liangxuan vaguely remembered the house and, after thinking for a while, realized it was Qinyan’s. He then recalled what Xi Shiyi had said, that last month he had been asked to drink with her at the hiring house, so it must have been her. He told Da Sha about this, and seeing that Liangxuan was excited, Da Sha, eager to get in on the fun and perhaps enjoy a nice meal, said, “Who cares whether it’s her or not? Since it’s an actor’s residence, we can definitely go in. Let’s go sit and have some tea.” Liangxuan replied, “If you’re keen, I’ll go along with you.” After some discussion, they both decided to go in.
Wu Mazi was busy making arrangements, when Tianfu and Tianshou came back from the theater. They felt like they had seen Liangxuan before but couldn’t remember clearly, so they greeted him politely. They did recognize Da Sha, as they had seen him watching a play in the garden, so they greeted him as well. Da Sha, in a daze, said, “Today, Lanbao’s performance of The Stolen Decree and The Boat Murder was excellent, and Guibao’s The Meeting and The Quarrel were truly the mark of a famous performer—no one else could pull it off like that.”
Liangxuan asked, “Do you remember me?” Tianfu replied, “Your face looks familiar, but I can’t quite place where I’ve seen you before.” Tianshou stared at him for a while and asked, “Weren’t you the one who came last year with a gentleman who smoked? That smoking gentleman had a fight with my master, and you were the one who pulled them apart.”
Liangxuan said, “You have a good memory; Tianfu doesn’t seem to recall.” Upon hearing this, Tianfu suddenly remembered and said, “Oh! That was a terrifying day! That smoking fellow was so fierce—he flipped the table over and even chased us inside! Luckily, I dodged quickly; otherwise, one kick from him would’ve left me half dead.” Liangxuan laughed, “Exactly! I saved you both that day. Aren’t you grateful to me?” Tianshou asked, “Where is that gentleman now?” Liangxuan replied, “He’s sick at the moment.” Tianfu muttered, “Serves him right! May his illness last longer.”
Da Sha interrupted, “I saw a gentleman come in earlier; what’s his name?” Tianfu replied, “There wasn’t anyone else. It’s just the two of us, fellow apprentices.” Liangxuan said, “There was someone who came in, a bit taller than you, around sixteen or seventeen years old.” Tianshou answered, “No, no. The only one we have is our senior apprentice Qinyan, who just came back from the Hua residence. But he doesn’t perform anymore, so he doesn’t count as an actor now. Maybe that’s who you saw.”
Liangxuan agreed, “Yes, yes, that’s him. Can you call him out to meet us?” Tianfu shook his head, “He doesn’t meet people. A lot of folks know he’s back, but no matter how much they want to see him, he refuses. He only goes to Mr. Xu’s residence in Yi Garden and doesn’t visit anyone else’s home.” Da Sha said, “If he won’t come out, why don’t you take us to sit in his room instead?” Tianshou shook his head, “He’d scold us for that.”
Wu Mazi, standing in front of the hallway, chimed in, “Our Qinyan is now a second master at the Hua residence. He doesn’t meet people anymore. If you gentlemen are interested, you can have Tianfu and Tianshou serve you instead.”
Da Sha turned to Liangxuan and said, “Since you’re old acquaintances, it would make sense to catch up. There’s no reason to sit here idly.” Liangxuan hesitated, “I still have something to do.” Tianshou remarked, “You’re just making excuses; you don’t want to give us the honor.” Liangxuan insisted, “I really do have something urgent.” Wu Mazi interjected, “Stay a bit longer. Even if you have something to do, there’s no need to rush. Now that their master is gone, these two boys are all that their mistress depends on.”
Da Sha said, “You rarely come out, and I’m tired from walking. Let’s just sit for a while.” He then asked Tianfu, “When did your master pass away?” Tianfu answered, “On the twenty-fifth of last month.” Da Sha exclaimed, “Oh, I had no idea he died. Although you don’t know me well, your master and I were very close.” Tianshou said, “I often saw you in the theater, but you never seemed to sit still; you were always walking around.” Da Sha replied, “I have many friends. If I attend to one and not the other, I’ll end up offending someone.” Tianfu added, “I noticed that you were always coming and going. You seemed quite busy.” Da Sha explained, “Once I’ve taken care of things in one garden, I have to do the same at another. Otherwise, I’d be criticized.”
At that point, Wu Mazi had already walked away.
A short while later, Liangxuan was about to leave, but Tianfu stopped him, while Da Sha remained seated. Just then, a servant came in and placed several dishes on the table. Tianfu said, “Master Ji, please sit down.” Liangxuan, growing anxious, winked at Da Sha, signaling that he wanted to leave, but Da Sha pretended not to notice. He casually stroked his few thin, short whiskers several times. Seeing that Da Sha wasn’t moving, Liangxuan thought of sneaking away and said, “I need to go to the restroom.” Tianshou pointed to a corner of the courtyard and said, “The east corner is fine.”
Liangxuan left the room and, as soon as he reached the middle of the courtyard, broke into a run.
Unexpectedly, Tianshou followed him and tugged on his braid, causing Liangxuan’s hat to fall off and painfully pulling at the roots of his hair.
Tianshou chuckled, while Liangxuan, his face flushed with anger, turned around and snapped, “What kind of joke is this?” Tianshou picked up the hat, dusted it off, and placed it back on Liangxuan’s head, pulling him back inside.
Liangxuan protested, “I really have something to do! Why are you forcing me to stay?”
Da Sha, seeing the wine on the table, was already tempted and said to Liangxuan, “They are sincerely inviting you to stay. Why don’t you give them some face? Now that the dishes are out, if you don’t, you’ll embarrass them.” With no other option, and seeing that Da Sha wasn’t planning to leave and might even offer to host the meal, Liangxuan reluctantly sat down. Tianfu and Tianshou poured drinks for everyone. Liangxuan drank two cups and noticed that Da Sha was happily drinking too, with one hand grabbing almonds and continuously munching on them. He had also eaten three hawthorns and a persimmon.
Liangxuan, still thinking of seeing Qinyan, noticed that the lamps were already lit and said to Tianfu, “Why don’t you come with me to sit in your senior apprentice’s room for a while?” Tianfu replied, “If you’re determined to see him, let me go and speak to him first.” Tianfu went inside and found Qinyan reading a book. He said, “There’s a Mr. Ji outside who wishes to see you. Will you meet him?” Qinyan replied, “Why would I want to see him? Have you ever seen me meet with people?” Tianfu, feeling awkward, was about to leave when Qinyan moved to close the door. But just as he was about to shut it, Liangxuan and Da Sha had already reached the doorway and squeezed their way inside.
Qinyan’s face was filled with anger, and before he could say anything, Da Sha gave a deep bow, and Liangxuan, with a wide grin, also gave a half bow. Qinyan, seeing this, had no choice but to return their bows and, though displeased, refrained from walking away. Without waiting to be invited, they both sat down.
Liangxuan, squinting his beady eyes, smiled and was about to speak, but Da Sha spoke first. “No wonder I haven’t seen your master for days; I had no idea he had passed away. I wasn’t aware of it at all. Not only did I fail to offer my condolences, I didn’t even pay my respects. We were good friends for many years. He treated me kindly in the past, not just as a casual acquaintance.” Da Sha shook his head, saying, “Such a shame, such a shame! I wonder if my name was included on any of the memorial banners?”
Liangxuan, still smiling, said, “I paid my respects last year, but unfortunately, you were already at the Hua residence, so I’ve been thinking about you day and night ever since. Recently, I also heard you shared a table with my employer, but I didn’t have the fortune to join you. My employer is a straightforward man, not very good with pleasantries. I hope you won’t take offense at that.”
Qinyan, realizing that these were the same two men who had followed him earlier, grew even more annoyed. Seeing them now bowing respectfully—one claiming to be a close friend of his master, the other mentioning that they had shared a table with his employer—Qinyan couldn’t figure out what their intentions were. However, he didn’t press the issue and replied vaguely, then ordered a servant to bring them two cups of tea.
As Da Sha drank his tea, he noticed a couplet hanging on the wall and began reading it aloud, but he mispronounced two words. Though he was uneducated and nearsighted, Da Sha loved to pretend to be a scholar by reciting couplets and admiring paintings. Qinyan couldn’t help but laugh to himself. After glancing briefly at their appearances, he grew more and more irritated. Meanwhile, Liangxuan, still smiling, said, “My employer is really easy to get along with. You just don’t know his temperament. Once you’re familiar with him, you might find it hard to leave his side.”
Da Sha chimed in, “Isn’t that the case with Chunlan?” Liangxuan replied, “Of course! He’s spent a lot of money on her, so it’s only natural that she’s completely won over. And then there’s Ying Guan. I lent him something for two days, and he’s kept it ever since, refusing to return it. That little thing seems to have a fondness for him, too. All the kindness I’ve shown him has been thrown away. But I can’t blame him—it’s only natural that people are drawn to those who are prosperous. Besides, my employer is quite the wealthy man in the capital, no less than Young Master Hua or Mr. Xu. They’re all old family friends. Just the other day, when Mr. Xu came to visit, my employer wasn’t home, so he stayed in my study for half a day. When I saw him off, he repeatedly invited me to visit his garden.”
Da Sha asked, “Did you go?”
Liangxuan replied, “At first, I planned to. After all, I get along well with the circle of scholars and young masters who frequent his place. But later, I thought about how he hasn’t held an official position yet, so he might not fully understand the status of our group. We are of the highest rank wherever we go, and I was worried that out of respect for his elders, he might not want to place me in such a position. That’s why I didn’t go.”
Da Sha sighed, “What a pity, what a pity! I’ve attended a banquet at his home, and I’d say it’s probably the best in the capital.”
Qinyan, feeling more and more uncomfortable, couldn’t sit still any longer. Luckily, both Tianfu and Tianshou were still present, so Qinyan said to Tianfu, “Please take these two gentlemen to sit outside. I have some matters to attend to.” With that, he walked out. Liangxuan and Da Sha, now feeling awkward, had no choice but to follow Tianfu and Tianshou outside.
Liangxuan tried to take this opportunity to slip away, but Tianfu and Tianshou pulled him back. The table was then filled with four small dishes and two bowls of porridge. Liangxuan thought to himself, “What kind of meal is this? Not a single dish is worth eating. Could it be that they consider these eight plates of dried fruits, four small dishes, and two bowls of plain porridge to be a banquet? Unless Da Sha has agreed with them to be frugal, it seems like he’s the one footing the bill. Well, I might as well eat up.”
So, Liangxuan reluctantly picked up his chopsticks and ate for a while. Da Sha, after finishing two jugs of wine, had cleaned off the four dishes and drunk two bowls of porridge. Wiping his mouth, he noticed that Liangxuan didn’t seem too happy, so he said to Tianshou, “Master Ji here enjoys lively drinking parties. You should order more food and have the wine heated properly, so we can play a few rounds of drinking games with Master Ji. I brought him here today, and if you don’t treat him well, he won’t want to come back in the future.”
Liangxuan, thinking that Da Sha was treating him to the meal, felt more at ease and quickly said, “This isn’t much of a meal at all.”
Tianshou replied, “This wasn’t meant to be a full meal. I thought you two had already eaten and were just here to drink a little. But since Master Ji hasn’t eaten, we’ll prepare a proper meal.”
Da Sha agreed, “Yes, I haven’t eaten either. Master Ji, why don’t you take a few puffs while you wait?”
Tianfu added, “I saw you take a couple of puffs last time, but not too much.”
Seeing Da Sha taking charge of the situation, Liangxuan began to relax and feel a bit pleased. Tianfu took them inside and gave instructions to the kitchen to prepare more food. Though Liangxuan didn’t actually smoke, he pretended to while waiting. Tianfu and Tianshou, however, had a habit of smoking and eagerly passed the pipe back and forth.
Taking advantage of their distraction, Da Sha, now full and content, quietly slipped out of the room. He hurried away, his worn black boots slapping the ground as he left in a rush.
Liangxuan chatted with Tianfu and Tianshou for a while, asking about Qinyan’s situation. Just then, Wu Mazi came to invite him to eat, and Liangxuan started looking for Da Sha, but he was nowhere to be found. Becoming anxious, his expression changed as he repeatedly asked about Wu Da Sha. Tianshou said, “He left. He can’t sit still. I’ve seen him at the theater—he has to get up and walk around at least ten times a day. I’m sure he’ll be back soon. Let’s sit down first; there’s no need to wait for him.” Liangxuan had no choice but to sit down. The meal consisted of four small dishes, two bowls, and two plates of steamed buns. He ate a little but remained distracted, trying to think of a way to excuse himself.
Wu Mazi, observing Liangxuan’s unease after Da Sha had left, couldn’t figure out that Liangxuan was planning to leave. This was the first time that the widow of Changqing had hosted guests since her husband’s death, and she had instructed Wu Mazi to take good care of the guests, especially the wealthy ones, so he was often standing by the window. The two boys, Tianfu and Tianshou, weren’t good conversationalists, and their chattering only made Liangxuan more restless. Determined to leave, Liangxuan finished eating, rinsed his mouth, and said to Tianfu, “Thank you for your hospitality today. I’ll make it up to you tomorrow, as I didn’t bring any money with me today.” Tianfu, startled, didn’t know how to respond. It was Tianshou, being a bit quicker-witted, who replied, “If you didn’t bring money, where are you staying? We can have someone escort you back, and you can bring it tomorrow.” Liangxuan replied, “That won’t be necessary. I’ll bring it tomorrow.”
Wu Mazi, overhearing this, thought to himself, “This isn’t good. I didn’t expect these two to be like this.” He stepped into the room and stood by the window, watching Liangxuan. Liangxuan tried to walk out, but Tianshou grabbed him and said, “No need to rush; sit a while longer.” Ignoring him, Liangxuan continued trying to leave, and Tianfu also tried to hold him back. Frustrated, Liangxuan decided to use the same trick that Xi Shiyi had employed last year to scare them. He shouted, “What do you think you’re doing? Who carries cash with them every single day? We actors accumulate our payments over several performances! You fools, let go of me, or I’ll get angry and beat you up like I did last year!” The two boys, frightened by his outburst, didn’t dare say anything further.
Wu Mazi, being unfamiliar with proper etiquette, felt indignant. He thought about how Changqing was dead and how his cousin (Changqing’s widow) now relied on him for support. He felt embarrassed at how things had turned out, especially since he had helped arrange the whole event. Angrily, he said, “Master Ji, what you’re saying isn’t right. You haven’t been here twice before, yet we’ve served you wine, food, and tea all day, which cost us money. Now you insult us, saying we don’t have proper manners. We even offered to send someone with you to collect the money from your residence—what’s wrong with that? Surely you have a place to stay, whether it’s at an inn or a temple. If you didn’t bring money, we’re not asking you to leave something as collateral! Of course, we’d follow you to collect it. We know where you live, and one night of waiting is no big deal.”
Liangxuan was at a loss for words. He wanted to make some grand statement, but nothing came to mind. With his frail build and simple mind, he couldn’t manage to intimidate anyone. All he could say was, “I’m just trying to save you the trouble of following me. But if you don’t mind the long walk, then follow me and you’ll get your reward.” Wu Mazi, realizing that relying on the boys wouldn’t help, took a lantern himself and led the way.
Liangxuan, trying to walk quietly, zigzagged left and right, still hoping to escape. However, Wu Mazi followed closely with the lantern, and Liangxuan had no choice but to return to his lodging. He told Wu Mazi to wait at the door. Inside, Liangxuan was filled with regret, cursing Da Sha under his breath for setting him up. He opened his money box and took out a few banknotes. Looking at them over and over again, it was as painful as cutting into his own flesh. With great reluctance, he selected a two-string note, and then, after rummaging through his papers, found a one-string note. He wanted to send someone to deliver them, but his servant wasn’t home. Left with no choice, he tore off a strip of paper, dipped it in oil, and handed it to Wu Mazi outside, then quickly turned to leave.
Though Wu Mazi couldn’t read, Changqing had previously taught him to recognize banknotes. He knew how to tell the difference between notes of one or ten strings, regardless of how they were written. Under the lantern light, Wu Mazi saw that it was a two-string note and called out, “Master Ji, come back!” Liangxuan, pretending not to hear, tried to ignore him, but Wu Mazi followed him inside, forcing him to respond, “What now?”
Wu Mazi replied, “This two-string note—are you giving it to me as a tip? What about the payment for the banquet and the drinks?” Liangxuan said, “I don’t know; it’s all included.” Wu Mazi retorted, “Master Ji, stop joking around. If it’s all included, then please take back this note.” He handed the banknote back to Liangxuan. Frustrated, Liangxuan reluctantly added the one-string note and said, “This is all I have. Take it or leave it.” Wu Mazi, refusing to back down, said, “If you’re so concerned about your money, then you should have thought about that before coming here. Just a banquet like this would cost at least twenty strings, not to mention the extra dishes and rice. Three strings wouldn’t even cover the tips for the kitchen staff and the servants.”
Without responding, Liangxuan walked straight inside.
Wu Mazi wanted to follow Liangxuan inside, but a servant in the porter’s lodge heard the commotion and came out to ask what was going on. Wu Mazi explained the situation in detail, to which the doorman laughed and said, “Our master here really tries to get everything cheap—wants to have fun without spending any money. You might as well just let it go this time and count your losses. Don’t cause a scene here. If our lord hears about this, it’ll be bad for you.” Wu Mazi saw that Liangxuan had already gone inside and, realizing he couldn’t follow him in after the doorman’s warning, understood that this was Xi Shiyi’s residence. Afraid of stirring up trouble, he reluctantly decided to leave, muttering a few complaints to himself as he hurried home to report.
When Changqing’s widow saw that only three strings of money had been brought back, she said, “What kind of payment is this? You’ve been here for years—have you ever seen us accept just three strings of money? Why didn’t you throw it back at him and shame him a little? What kind of nonsense is this? Two gentlemen entertain two guests, and after all the food, drinks, and smoke, you end up playing the servant, lighting a lantern to escort him home, and then you just come back with three strings of money? You can’t even count! Haven’t you seen enough banknotes in your life?”
She scolded Wu Mazi until his face was red with anger, and he shouted back, “Do you think I don’t know? I’ve seen more money than you can imagine, but I’ve never met two people so shameless! One of them drank two bowls of porridge and ran off first, and the other was trying to leave the whole time. I barely managed to corner him and take him home. I thought I’d get at least ten or eight strings of money, minimum! Who would’ve guessed he only gave me two strings at first, and I had to force him to add the third string. Do you think I wanted to accept it? He stuffed it into my hand and then ran inside. I tried to follow him, but the doorman came out and told me not to. He said it was Xi Shiyi’s residence. You know Xi Shiyi’s not someone to mess with! Last year, he came looking for Qinyan out of nowhere and threw my brother-in-law to the ground with one toss. He couldn’t get up for half a day, and the tables and chairs were smashed to pieces. If I’d run into him today, wouldn’t I have ended up beaten for nothing, and I’d have lost even these three strings of money? Do you think I don’t want thirty strings?”
Changqing’s widow responded, “You and the rest of you fools don’t even know how to tell the difference between people! It was obvious they were just here for free tea and company, yet you insisted on keeping them. You treated a stinking bug like a precious one. Next time, if any more of these shameless scoundrels come in, you must drive them out. This isn’t a charity! It’s not like I’m handing out free porridge, nor are they my sons. They come in, eat, and wipe their mouths clean as if nothing happened. It’s the first time we’ve opened for business since my husband died, and already we’ve run into two worthless scoundrels—just like that Yang Ba from the ginger shop a few years ago. If it weren’t for Yutianxian calling him ‘brother-in-law,’ he would’ve gotten away with even more. In the end, they’re all freeloaders, these shameless, disgusting sons of dogs!”
Changqing’s widow continued her rant for a while. The next day, when Wu Mazi went to cash the banknotes, he discovered that the one-string note added later was a counterfeit. Furious, he went to Xi Shiyi’s residence to find Liangxuan, but instead, Xi Shiyi’s household staff gave him a harsh scolding. Wu Mazi, feeling humiliated, returned home and had no choice but to cover the loss himself, paying one string of money out of his own pocket to settle the account. All he could do was curse Liangxuan under his breath.
As for Qinyan, he finally met with Baozhu and Sulan to discuss how to deal with the issue of their teacher’s wife asking for money. What solutions Baozhu and Sulan might have come up with remains to be seen in the next chapter.