話說琴言是晚聽姬亮軒、烏大傻說了多少瞎話，更加煩悶，幸他們就出去了。候到二更，不見寶珠、素蘭過來，只得睡了。
一夜無眠，到了次早，即叫小使去請他二人來。
是日，素蘭清早已為王文輝叫去。少頃，寶珠過來。寶珠道：「昨日失候，我到三更才回的，他們也忘了，沒有對我講。方才你們五兒說起來，方知道。兩三天總不見你，為什麼不出來散散悶？今日度香約賞杏花，咱們可同去了。」琴言道：「可以。我這兩日偶然感冒，覺得疲倦，今日也想出去散散。且假期已滿，也要打算進城了。」寶珠道：「再歇兩天進去也不要緊，進去了，咱們又會少離多了。」琴言道：「近來倒有件難事，我竟沒有主意，故請你與香畹來商量，怎麼代我想個法兒才好。」寶珠道：「什麼難事，你且說來。但你想不到的，只怕我也想不到。」琴言道：「昨日，我那師娘問我進華府時，華公子對你師父是怎樣講的，可曾得過他家的錢。又說家中一年的澆裹，須得兩千四百吊錢，要我給他二百吊錢一月，說定了方叫我進城。我想去年原為奚十一的事送我進去，我進去了也沒有見著師父，不知其中是怎樣的。今師娘忽然問我要二百吊錢一月，叫我怎麼打算得出來？又要我去對華公子講，又說師父死了，我就變了心，又說華府也沒有花過三千五千兩。如今要我去對公子講，要他出三千銀子與我出師，出了師，才不要我的養膳。不然，這一輩子就要定在我身上過活。我想如今又不去應酬，靠著府裡節下賞一點東西，如何一月積得上二百吊錢？你是明白人，這話可以對公子講得麼，不是件難事？師娘又不曉得其中的難處，一味的問我要錢。你替我想一想，有什麼法子，我是一無主意。」寶珠聽了，亦以為難，躊躇了一回，說道：「一年要二千四百弔，三年也就三千兩了。這養膳二字，是沒有盡期的。華公子性情不常，未必靠得定。若要他出師，或者看他高興倒能，但也須有個人去與他說。還有一層，他既與你出了師，你這人就算他的人了，以後就由不得你，只怕就要在他的府裡終局。這是要你立定主意的。」琴言道：「這些事我也想過，但此時雖沒有與我出師，我也不能自主。」寶珠道：「若有人與你出了師，你以後怎樣，還是在外呢，還是願進華府去呢？」琴言道：「此時我也不能定，且出了師，再打算出府。」寶珠笑道：「人家只有一出，你今有兩出，不要將來犯了七出。」琴言也笑了。
只見素蘭走來，琴言、寶珠讓坐了。琴言道：「你早上那裡去？」素蘭道：「今早王大人叫我去，我當是什麼緊要事，原來很不緊的一句話。我與劍潭、庸庵談了一會，方才到家。知道你請我，不知有何差委？」寶珠將方才的話與素蘭講了，素蘭拍手笑道：「果然，果然不出我們所料！我真佩服他。據我說是出師的妙，你且應承他出師。」琴言道：「好容易的話，你倒輕輕的一口斷定了。這三千頭打那裡來，我豈能去對華公子講的？」素蘭道：「定要三千？二千呢？可以不可以？」寶珠道：「這事有點邊兒了。請你來商量，你第一句答應出師，第二句就劈斷銀價，這是胸有成竹的話，豈不是可成麼？」琴言道：「也要個旁人去說，三千、二千，我也不能對他講的。」寶珠問素蘭道：「就算只要二千，你有何高見？倒要請教請教。」素蘭道：「這件事我與一個人十天前已想到，而且商量了一回，但是未必然之事，所以沒有對人講起。」寶珠道：「你說佩服的是誰？」素蘭道：「那一天我與媚香閒談，偶然講起玉儂來，媚香說他師娘…」素蘭說到此，便從窗外望了一望，說道：「此處說話，那邊聽不真麼？」琴言道：「聽不見的。」素蘭道：「媚香說他師娘與他師父一樣利害，只怕這一輩子要靠在玉儂身上。玉儂雖不唱戲，究竟沒有出師。若論玉儂的錢，也就不少，看來此時未必有存餘。若四五千吊錢可以出得師，我們代他張羅張羅，或是幾個相好中湊湊，也可湊得一半。就說的是你、王氏弟兄、瘦香、佩仙等，想沒有不肯的。若能湊出一半，那一半就容易了。」寶珠道：「出師之後怎樣呢？」素蘭道：「那倒沒有商量到這一層。只要出了師，這身子就是自己的了。那自然由得你。」寶珠道：「若在華府中，也與不出師一樣，由不得他。」素蘭道「華公子也沒有買他，他師父當日又沒有寫賣字給華府，怎麼由不得他，難道在那裡一世麼？」寶珠道：「此處說話，到底不方便，我們何不同去找媚香商議。一同到度香處，看看杏花，連碧桃也開了許多。不知今年節氣這麼早，我記得碧桃往年是三月中開的。度香今日也不請客，我們幾個人去談談未嘗不可。」琴言也甚樂從，換了一身衣服，一面叫套了車。素蘭、寶珠都是走來的，二人便吩咐跟班回去套車，並吩咐所帶的衣服，都到蘇家佩香堂來。
二人即同坐了琴言的車，到蕙芳寓處。
卻值蕙芳在寓，三人進內，只見蕙芳在書桌上看著幾本冊頁，見他們進來，笑面相迎，說道：「今日可謂不速之客三人來。」三人笑了一笑，且不坐下，就看那冊頁。寶珠先搶了那本畫的，那兩人也湊著同看，有山水，也有花卉，卻畫得甚好，原來蕙芳新求屈道翁畫的。看到末後一頁，是一個美人倚闌惆悵的光景，闌外落花滿地，雙燕飛來，像是：「落花人獨立，微雨燕雙飛」的詩意。琴言觸動了當年那個燈謎，忽忽如有所感，看題著一首絕句，琴言默念是：
春色關心燕燕飛，杏花細雨不沾衣。
倚闌獨自增惆悵，芳草天涯人未歸。
又將那一本字也看了。蕙芳讓三人坐下，問道：「你們還是不約而同，還是約了同來的。」寶珠道：「約齊來的，我們同到度香處看杏花罷。」蕙芳道：「今日又有局嗎？」寶珠道：「局是沒有，也算個不速之客何妨？」蕙芳點首笑應。素蘭、寶珠的衣服與車都來了，二人即換了衣服。蕙芳進內也換了，又問道：「你們同來竟一無所事，單為看花麼？」素蘭道：「事有一件，到怡園再講罷。」蕙芳道：「何不先講講，此刻還早，到度香處尚可略遲。」素蘭就將琴言的師娘要他出師的話，略說了幾句。蕙芳道：「何如？我前日對你講，你還說這也未必然之事，誰知竟叫我說著了。但要辦這事，其實也不很難，就怕娘兒們的說話不作準，一會兒又不願了。或是說定了數目，又要增添起來。且誰去與他講呢？」素蘭道：「那倒不要緊，就是我們也可以去講的。」蕙芳道：「既如此，且到怡園再商量罷。」於是一同上車，徑往怡園來。
進了園，看不盡絳桃碧柳，綠水青山。過了一座紅橋，繞了十重綺戶，才到東風昨夜樓邊。只聽得樓上清歌檀板，有人在那裡唱曲。四人便住了腳步，聽像度香的聲音，唱著一枝《懶畫眉》，四人細聽是：
漫說瑤臺月下幸相逢，又住了群玉山頭第一峰。耐宵宵參橫月落冷惺鬆，又朝朝銅瓶紙帳春寒重，且請試消息生香一線中。
眾人聽不出什麼曲本上的，覺得笛韻淒清，甚為動聽。聽得子雲笑道：「到底不好，還是你來，我來吹笛。」又像次賢唱道：
則這勾闌星月夜朦朧，聽盡了曲唱江城一笛風。相和那簾鉤敲戛玉丁冬，引入離愁離恨的梅花夢，作到月落參橫蕭寺鐘。
四人正在好聽，忽然止了，聽得次賢說道：「其實唱起來，音節倒好。」又聽得子雲說道：「何不將工尺全譜了，教他們唱起來。」四人知道不唱了，齊走進去。書童匆忙上樓通報。
寶珠等走上扶梯，進得樓來，次賢、子雲笑面相迎，見了琴言、蕙芳等更加歡喜，說道：「今日倒料不著你們來。」寶珠道：「都是我請來的。」又對次賢道：「瘦香身子不快，不來了。」
琴言於此樓還是初次上來，見這樓彎彎曲曲，層層迭失，有好幾十間，圍滿了杏花。有三層的，有兩層，五花八門，暗通曲達，真成了迷樓款式。又望見前面的桃花塢，隔了一座小山。
一條清溪，那桃花已是盛開，碧桃還只半含半吐，連著那邊杏花，就如雲蒸霞蔚一般。看樓中懸著一額是「東風昨夜樓」，有一副長聯，看是：
一夜雨廉纖，正燕子飛來，簾捲東風，北宋南唐評樂府：
三分春旖旎，問杏花開未，窗間青瑣，紅牙白□選詞場。
次賢、子雲看他四人今日打扮分外好看，豔的豔，雅的雅，倒像有心比賽的一般。此刻都還穿著小毛外褂，琴言是玄狐耳絨，寶珠是玄狐抓仁，蕙芳是雲狐抓仁，素蘭是骨牌塊雲狐乾尖。四人相對，就是珊瑚玉樹交枝，瑤草琪花弄色，覺得樓外千枝紅杏，比不上樓中四個玉人。次賢、子雲雖時常相對，此刻亦還顧盼頻頻。子雲道：「今日無肴，只有小飲，你們餓了，就吃起來罷。」蕙芳道：「我真有些餓了。」子雲吩咐先拿幾樣點心來，隨後就擺了幾樣肴饌，大家小酌。寶珠道：「方才聽你們唱的是什麼曲本？音節倒像很熟，而曲文卻沒有見過。」
次賢道：「這是我當年一個好友，制了一部《梅花夢》的曲本，有二十齣戲。前日從書箱內找出來，將《九宮譜》照著他的牌了填了工尺，倒也唱得合拍。卻只填了這一齣《入夢》，其餘不知唱得唱不得。明日與你們班裡教師商量，可以譜他出來。」蕙芳道：「那倒可惜了。我聽這曲文甚好，還是你自己按譜罷，若與我們教師，他便亂塗亂改，要順他的口，去的去，添的添，改到不通而後止。若能移宮換羽，兩下酌改就好了，除非要請教那位屈先生。」次賢道：「他偏這音律上不甚講究。彈琴之外，一無所好。你與他講，他又說三代之後樂已亡，故將《樂記》並入《禮記》。」四旦皆笑。子雲道：「我今日得了些江瑤柱，但是乾的，作起湯來，雖不及新鮮的，比那尋常海味還好些。」琴言道：「我聞新鮮荔枝與江瑤柱別有滋味，不同凡品。若那乾荔枝，也就沒甚可愛，還比不上桂圓。那乾江瑤不知是怎樣的？」蕙芳忽然大有感慨，呆呆不語，俯首若思。子雲頗覺詫異，見他是倜儻詼諧慣的，何以忽然如此。次賢問道：「媚香有什麼心事麼？」蕙芳道：「沒有。」子雲道：「方才很高興的，此刻為何不樂呢？」寶珠等也看出蕙芳有些不快。蕙芳不語，停一會說道：「花能開幾日？」次賢接道：「七十年。」蕙芳道：「何以能七十年？」次賢道：「人生在世，以七十年算，活一年開一年。」蕙芳道：「今年的花，不是去年的花。」子雲道：「有去年花，就有今年花。」蕙芳又道：「今年的花，留得到明年麼？」子雲道：「看留的人怎樣？」素蘭道：「你們忽然學起參禪來。」琴道：「據我看，是開花不如不開好。」寶珠道：「何故？我說花謝不如不謝好。」蕙芳道：「不謝也是不謝的花。你聽玉儂說，荔枝鮮的時候何等佳妙，及乾了，便覺酸得可厭。何以形貌變而氣味也會變呢？大約人過了幾年，也就是清而變濁，細而變粗，甘而變酸了。」寶珠接道：「就是酸些，也是妙品，總比俗味強多了。」說得三旦齊聲歎息。次賢、子雲頗覺得意。蕙芳又道：「我們要看靜宜到七十歲時，還是這樣不是？」次賢笑道：「春華秋實，各有其時。就是荔枝鮮的時候，配得上楊玉妃。如今乾了，也還配得上屈道翁，總還是在棗栗之上。」說得大家笑了。
子雲道：「這一比雖切，然究竟委屈了道翁。他卻不酸，還比為乾江瑤罷。」次賢道：「那更委屈了。你是浙人，自然誇贊江瑤。若說那乾江瑤，真像那從良老妓，回憶當年，姿態全無，餘腥尚在。」寶珠問次賢道：「食品之內，究以何物為第一？」次賢道：「我口不同於人口，不敢定。以我所好，以魚為第一。」琴言、蕙芳皆道：「說得是。」次賢道：「食品中也分作幾樣。如人品不同，有仙品，有神品，有逸品，有妙品，有宜烹龍煮鳳，有宜吸月餐露，使其相反，兩不為佳。故往往我說這樣好，他說這樣不好。《孟子》曰：口之於味也有同嗜焉。
大概是論易牙所調的味，皆合人之口味。若今日的廚子，也就單合他自己的口味了。」子雲道：「正是。譬如去年那個熊掌，真真糟蹋了。怪不得晉靈公要殺宰夫，想是他也剩這一個，若還有幾對留著，也不至恨到如此。」說得合席皆笑。
寶珠對琴言道：「上一回對戲目的對，你出四個字的，以後我也想著一副。」琴言道：「是什麼？」寶珠道：「《遊湖借傘》，《搜山打車》。」琴言道：「真好，工穩之極。」蕙芳道：「就是《別母亂箭》，可以對《訓子單刀》。」素蘭道：「這麼對，還有《鬧朝撲犬》，也可對得《打店偷雞》。」子雲笑道：「到底他們記得熟，可以不假思索。」次賢道：「自然，我們雖也記得幾個，究竟是半生半熟的。」子雲道：「我有一個擺骰子的頑意兒，試試你們的心思。」叫取三顆骰子來，蕙芳道：「又是那個飛曲文的麼？」子雲道：「不是，這容易多著呢。將三顆骰子擺成一句詩色樣，隨你算。譬如四可以算人，也可以算花，也可以算水，也可以算風。像什麼就算他什麼，這不很容易麼？我與靜宜喝酒，你們擺來。」寶珠便接了過去，道：「待我擺擺看，不知擺得出來，擺不出來。」便擺了一個麼，一個四，一個五，口中念道：「日邊紅杏倚雲栽。」次賢、子雲都贊道：「擺得好。這五算雲，更覺典雅，我們賀一杯。」素蘭將骰子抓過去道：「我也擺一個。」擺了三個紅，念道：「紅杏枝頭春意鬧。」子雲也贊了好，這三個紅都得個鬧字意，即對次賢道：「我們也賀一杯。」蕙芳道：「枝頭兩字，似欠著落。」即擺了一個四，兩個五，念道：「一色杏花紅十里。」子雲道：「這個更擺得好。狀元歸去馬如飛，此是湘帆的預兆，我們公賀，就是媚香也應賀一杯。」蕙芳聽子雲說得好，也覺喜笑顏開的飲了一杯。琴言取過骰子，擺了一個四、兩個三，說道：「你們都說杏花，我卻說句桃花。」念道：「桃花流水杳然去。」子雲道：「很好，原沒有限定杏花，各樣皆可說得的。」與次賢各飲了一杯。寶珠擺了兩個三，一個麼，念道：「雙宿雙飛過一生。」子雲與次賢贊了，飲畢。蕙芳搶過來，接著擺了兩個六，斜擺了一個四。素蘭笑道：「你們看他這麼忙，搶了我的去，又擺出這個色樣，定有個好句出來。」蕙芳便念道：「珍珠簾外向人斜。」大家一齊贊道：「好個珍珠簾外向人斜，擺得真像，合席各飲一杯。」素蘭擺了兩個六，一個四，念道：「十二樓中花正繁。」次賢、子雲也飲一杯。琴言擺了兩個麼，一個三，念道：「一一歸巢卻羨鴉。」次賢把琴言瞅了一眼，心中暗忖道：「今日玉儂出語甚是頹唐，為何他偏說這些句子？」後來大家亂擺了一陣，有說得像的，也有說得不像的。大約今日擺的，要推蕙芳第一了。
吃過了飯，又下樓逛了一會，過了小山，過了石樑，便是留春塢。就在留春塢內煮茗清談。寶珠對子雲將琴言的師娘要他出師，及蕙芳、素蘭的主意說了一遍。子雲道：「若果如此，倒也很好。」便問蕙芳道：「你們有這力量作此義舉麼？」蕙芳道：「若說力量，原也勉強，但集腑成裘，也還容易。我與瑤卿、香畹三人可以湊得六百金，王氏弟兄、佩仙、庚香可以湊得四百金。」次賢道：「我來一分，出二百金，前舟可出三百金，庸庵、竹君二人可出三百金。庚香、湘帆、劍潭不必派他，湊起來已得一千八百了。若要三千，還少一千二百兩，不消說是度香包圓了。」子雲道：「難道華星北倒乾乾淨淨，一文不花，這麼便宜。」蕙芳道：「據我說，不必要他出錢。如今與他講，就是一總要他拿出來，他也肯，但是玉儂只好在他家一輩子了。」子雲點頭道：「說得是。我想你們都不甚寬餘，一時仗義擠了出來，恐後來自己受困。如今通不用費心，在我一人身上，只要你們去講。講妥了，銀子現成，叫他們來領就是了。但以速成為妙，一來玉儂假期已滿，也不宜常在外邊，適或進去了，再找他出來也費事。明日你們就去，盡其所欲，自無不妥的。」三旦皆應了幾個「是」。琴言見子雲如此仗義，感激不盡，不覺流下淚來，便跪下拜謝。子雲連忙攙起，見琴言如此光景，頗覺惻然，說道：「玉儂何必傷感，我看你終非風塵中人。不過一舉手之勞，何足稱謝！」三旦見琴言的淒惻是生於感激，子雲之慷慨是生於憐愛，都也棖觸起來，淚珠欲墮。子雲問道：「這話誰去講呢？須得個老成會說話的。若你們去，恐不中用。」蕙芳道：「此事少不得葉茂林，玉儂是他同來的，又是他教的戲，他也老成，會說話。」琴言連連點頭道：「必得他去才妥。」子雲道：「既如此，你們早些回去罷。今晚就請葉茂林去，講妥了，我明日聽信，碰玉儂的運氣何如。我宅裡還有點事；不能陪你們，要過那邊去。」子雲帶了家人先出園去了，回到住宅。
這邊四旦個個喜歡，辭了次賢，也同去找了葉茂林，告知此事。茂林一口應承，又對蕙芳道：「停一會兒，你與我同去。我年紀老了，笨嘴笨舌的，恐說不圓轉，你在旁幫個腔兒。那位慶奶奶嘴裡，好像畫眉哨的一般，我有幾分怯他。」蕙芳道：「人說他倒是個直性人，順了他的毛，倒也易的很的。」琴言、寶珠、素蘭先回去了。
蕙芳與茂林練了一番話，約定晚飯後同去，蕙芳也便回來。
卻值田春航來看蕙芳，蕙芳即與他吃了飯，談了一會，春航去了。茂林已在外面候了多時。定更後了，茂林提了燈籠，照著蕙芳，到了長慶家。也不找琴言，找了伍麻子，請了長慶媳婦出來。蕙芳見他紮了白包頭，穿了孝衫，下面倒是條長綠綢褲子，白布弓鞋，黃瘦臉兒，長挑身材，三十來歲年紀，像個嘴尖舌利的人。見了蕙芳卻不認識，問茂林道：「這位是誰？」茂林道：「這是班裡的蘇大相公。」蕙芳上前見了禮，叫了嬸娘。長慶媳婦還了禮，請他坐下，問葉茂林道：「你們二位，什麼風吹進這冷門子來？」茂林笑嘻嘻的說道：「竭誠來與嫂子請安的。為我曹大爺沒了，嫂子究竟是個不出閨門的婦道家。適或外面有什麼使喚我處，可以叫伍老麻來說聲，我是閒著，盡可效勞。」長慶媳婦道：「阿喲喲，言重言重！多謝你看顧我們的好心。我想我們當家的在日，那間屋子裡，一天至少也有十幾個人，圍著那盞燈，一個起來，一個躺下，倒像吏部裡選缺一樣，挨著次序來。到他死了，不要說是人，連狗也沒有一個上門。那兩個孩子也不好，麻子又戇頭戇腦的不在行。我想這個門戶也支不起，心上想另作別計。我娘家在揚州，娘今年才五十歲。大兄弟開了個估衣鋪，聞得很好。我想回去，手內又沒有錢。你兄弟在日，是東手來，西手去，不要說別的，單這一盞燈，一年就一千多弔，還有別樣花消，一家的澆裹呢。這兩個傻孩子賠飯賠衣裳，一月掙得幾個錢？昨日有兩個生人來打茶圍，他們就留他喝酒吃飯，吃了就走。麻子跟了他去，才開發了三吊錢，你想這買賣還作得作不得？想起來直臊死了人。」葉茂林道：「如今事情也難，不比從前了，都是打算盤的。你看那家寓裡到晚沒有人來？就是空坐的多，吃酒的少。你方才說回南方的主意倒好，究竟是個婦道家，住在京裡，無親少故的，要支持這個門戶原也不容易。不如帶幾千兩銀子，與令弟開個大舖子，倒是個上策。」長慶媳婦笑道：「阿喲喲，你倒說得好！若有幾千銀子，我也不著急了。原是為的兩手空空，所以為難。我前日不是和琴言商量麼，我說我要靠你的了，你去對華公子說，可一月給我二百吊錢。他又說不能，也不敢去對他說。我說你既不能拿錢回來，難道將我弔在西風裡麼？況且華公子在他面上也沒花過什麼錢。我說你何不請個人去對他講，拿個三五千兩銀子來出了師，以後就由你怎樣。我有了這一總銀子，也可過得一世，自然不向你要養老送終了。他又支支吾吾的，沒有爽爽快快的一聲。」蕙芳道：「嬸娘，果然要他出師麼？如今倒有個湊趣的人。今日原為著這件事來與嬸娘商量。」長太慶媳婦道：「是那一處人，現作什麼官？」蕙芳隨口說道：「是個知縣，是江南人，這個人甚好，就是不大有錢。前日見了琴言，很贊他，想他作兒子，所以肯替他出師。
昨日與我們商量，若要花三五千兩，是花不起的，三千吊錢還可以打算。」長慶媳婦口裡「阿喲」了幾聲道：「三千吊錢就要出師！你想那琴言去年唱戲時，半年就得了整萬吊錢。如今與他出師，這個人就是他的，他倒幾個月就撈回本來。嘖，嘖，嘖！有這便宜的事情，我也去乾了。」茂林道：「嫂子不是這麼說。譬如還唱戲呢，原可以掙得出來。若賣去作兒子，是要攻書、上學、娶親，只有賠錢，那裡能掙錢？況且這個人是善人，成全了他也好。」長慶媳婦道：「我也不管什麼，只要他花得起錢，能依我的數，就教他來出師。」蕙芳道：「嬸娘，你到底要多少錢，說個定數兒，我好去講，或是添得上來，添不上來，再說…」長慶媳婦道：「老老實實，是三千兩上好紋銀，我也肯了。他能不能？他若不能，我還候著華公子。他是個有名花錢的主兒，或者一萬八千都可以呢。不然還有徐老爺，他是愛他的，更好說話。我忙什麼！」蕙芳冷笑道：「嬸娘但聽華公子的聲名，三千五千兩原不算什麼。但是華公子近來不甚喜歡他。非但不肯替他出師，只怕還要打發他出來。嬸娘在外頭如何知道？我們是常到他府裡去的，如今是一間閒房給他住著，也不常使喚他。新年我們去叩歲，公子每人賞一個元寶，何以他倒沒有賞呢？那一日我見他箱裡，一總只得六十幾兩銀子，還是去年中秋節積到如今，才積得這點東西。那徐老爺近來不比從前，也有些煩了，況他與徐老爺終是冷冷的。徐老爺肯替他師，也早出了，不等到今日。除了這兩人，你想要二百吊錢一月，否則三千銀子出師，能不能？嬸娘是明白人，難道近來在家一個多月了，還看不破他心事來？遇著這個機會，我們去說，叫他再添些。嬸娘也看破些，與自己親兒子一樣，讓些下來，兩邊一湊也就成了。三千吊錢原少，二千銀子我可保得定的。」長慶媳婦道：「你來說，更要為顧著我，也不可丟了你們紅相公的身分。如今這麼樣罷，殺人一刀，騎馬一跑，要爽快。我雖是個梳頭裹腳的婦人，卻不喜歡疙疙瘩瘩。我讓二百兩，二千八百是不可少的。」茂林見他口風有些鬆了，對蕙芳道：「如今這麼樣，你去對那位老爺說，只算他照應了孤兒寡婦，行好事，也是陰德，叫他出二千四百銀。我們中間人不要他一個錢謝儀，都貼在正數內。慶嫂子你可不必板住了，事體以速為妙。一二日成功了，也叫慶嫂子爽快，他是直性人，作不得轉彎事。」長慶媳婦心內細想：「萬一華府打發出來，這孩子又強，不肯唱戲，也是不好。就是徐老爺，他心上人也多。不如應許了罷，二千四百兩，已有六千吊錢，也不算少了。」
主意已定，口中還說要添，經不得葉茂林這個老頭子，倒是一條軟麻繩，嫂子長，嫂子短，口甜心苦，把個長慶媳婦，像個躁頭騾子似的，倒捆住了，只得應允。蕙芳道：「你倒擔承了，不知那邊花得起，花不起。若真湊不起來，倒叫嬸娘見怪，空費了半天唇舌。」茂林笑道：「你倒膽小，就是他湊不上來，短了一千八百，你這個紅人兒替他張羅張羅，值什麼事？橫豎他也不至負你。」蕙芳道：「只好如此，且看緣法。」於是約定了明日早飯後就有回信，如成了，就送銀子來，並要這邊寫張字據給他。一番話，也講到三更天了。蕙芳便請長慶媳婦進內，他們還要到琴言處談談。長慶媳婦謝了一聲，先進去了，心裡想道：「姓蘇的這小雜種好不利害，二千四百兩，從三千吊錢添起，我若軟一點兒，就被他欺定了。內裡他倒想賺一注大錢。這般可惡！」自言自語的也就睡了。蕙芳與茂林到琴言房內，把事講定了的話與琴言說了，琴言甚是喜歡，只候明日就可跳出樊籠了。蕙芳與茂林也就回去。
明日一早，蕙芳就到怡園，子雲尚未過來。在次賢處等候，一連兩起的人，將子雲請了過來，說明此事。子雲也甚喜歡，就傳總管的，叫他去開了二千四百兩的一張銀票，格外又一張五十兩的，賞與茂林。蕙芳也不耽擱，急忙回去吃了飯，找了茂林，先將五十兩送了他，茂林感激不盡，即同到長慶媳婦家來。蕙芳說：「費了多少力，他才湊了一千九百兩，我代他借了五百兩，一總開了一張票子在此，請收了。」茂林就代寫了一張字據，與琴言收執。長慶媳婦見事成了，才備了幾個碟子請茂林、蕙芳，叫琴言陪了小酌。蕙芳道：「我吃過飯了，不消費心，葉先生請獨用罷。」即對琴言道：「你去收拾收拾，辭辭師父的靈，謝謝師娘的恩，就同我到那邊去，我再同你進城去謝華公子，也不宜遲了。」琴言依了他，帶回的東西也不多，叫人幫了那小使收拾捆紮停當。蕙芳叫人一擔挑了回家，又拿出十吊錢的票子，代琴言分賞眾人。琴言穿了衣帽，拜了師父的靈，倒也傷心哭了一會。又向師娘拜辭，長慶媳婦也著實傷心，掉了好些眼淚，又囑咐了幾句話。茂林見此光景，也無心飲酒，隨著出來。長慶媳婦直送到門口，琴言灑淚而別，回到蕙芳寓處。
明日，長慶媳婦謝了茂林一百吊錢，茂林倒也不想，已心滿意足的了。誰知琴言命中磨蠍頗多，雖出了師，忽又生出氣惱來。未知後事如何，且聽下回分解。
The story goes that, that evening, Qin Yan listened to Ji Liangxuan and Wu Dashao talk nonsense for quite some time, which made her even more annoyed. Fortunately, they eventually left. By the second watch of the night, neither Baozhu nor Sulan had come, so she had no choice but to go to bed.
She couldn’t sleep the whole night. The next morning, she immediately sent a servant to call the two of them over.
That morning, Sulan had already been summoned by Wang Wenhui. After a while, Baozhu arrived. Baozhu said, “I missed seeing you yesterday. I didn’t return until the third watch, and they forgot to tell me. It was only just now when Wuer mentioned it that I found out. I haven’t seen you in two or three days. Why haven’t you come out to relieve your worries? Today we have a gathering at Xiangyue to enjoy the apricot blossoms; would you like to join us?” Qin Yan replied, “Sure. I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather these past two days, a little tired. I was also thinking of going out today to relax. Besides, my break is over, and I have to plan on going back to the city.” Baozhu said, “It doesn’t matter if you rest for another two days before going back. Once you’re in the city, we’ll see each other even less.” Qin Yan said, “Lately, there’s been a troubling matter, and I don’t know what to do, so I wanted to consult with you and Xiangyuan to figure out a solution.” Baozhu replied, “What troubling matter? Tell me about it. But if you can’t think of a solution, I’m afraid I might not be able to either.” Qin Yan said, “Yesterday, my master’s wife asked me about my time at the Hua residence, asking what Hua Gongzi told my master, and whether we had received any money from their household. She also said that the household expenses are 2,400 strings of cash a year, and she wants me to give her 200 strings a month. She said she wouldn’t let me go to the city unless we settled this. Last year, it was for Xi Shiyi’s matter that I was sent to the city. After I arrived, I never even saw my master, and I have no idea what really happened. Now, all of a sudden, my master’s wife is asking me for 200 strings a month. How can I possibly come up with that? She’s also asking me to talk to Hua Gongzi about it, saying that after my master died, I changed my heart, and that the Hua family hasn’t even spent 3,000 or 5,000 taels. Now she wants me to ask Hua Gongzi to give me 3,000 taels so I can officially leave the apprenticeship, and only after that will I no longer have to pay for her upkeep. Otherwise, I’ll be stuck with this responsibility for the rest of my life. I’m not attending any social gatherings anymore, and I can only rely on the occasional gifts from the mansion. How could I ever save 200 strings of cash a month? You’re a sensible person. Do you think I could even bring this up with Hua Gongzi? Isn’t this an impossible task? My master’s wife doesn’t understand how difficult this situation is and keeps asking me for money. Please help me think of a way—I’m completely at a loss.”
Baozhu listened and also thought it was difficult. After pondering for a while, she said, “Needing 2,400 strings a year means 3,000 taels in three years. This term ‘upkeep’ seems to have no end. Hua Gongzi’s temperament is unpredictable, and you can’t rely on him. If you want to leave the apprenticeship, perhaps he might agree if he’s in a good mood, but someone will still need to talk to him. Besides, once you’re officially out of the apprenticeship, you’ll belong to him, and you won’t be able to make your own decisions. You might even end up spending the rest of your life in his residence. You’ll have to make a firm decision on this.” Qin Yan said, “I’ve thought about this too, but right now, even though I haven’t officially left the apprenticeship, I still can’t make my own decisions.” Baozhu said, “If someone helps you leave the apprenticeship, what will you do afterward? Would you stay outside or go back to the Hua residence?” Qin Yan replied, “I can’t decide at the moment. I’ll leave the apprenticeship first and then plan what to do next.” Baozhu laughed, “Most people only leave once, but you have two opportunities. Just be careful not to make any mistakes in the future.” Qin Yan also laughed.
At that moment, Sulan arrived, and Qin Yan and Baozhu invited her to sit down. Qin Yan asked, “Where did you go this morning?” Sulan replied, “This morning, Lord Wang called me over. I thought it was something important, but it turned out to be nothing significant. I had a chat with Jiantan and Yong’an before coming home. I knew you were looking for me, but I don’t know what task you have for me?” Baozhu then recounted what had just been discussed. Sulan clapped her hands and laughed, “As expected! It’s just as we anticipated! I truly admire them. In my opinion, it’s best for you to leave the apprenticeship. You should agree to it.” Qin Yan said, “It’s easy for you to say. Where am I supposed to get 3,000 taels from? How could I possibly bring this up to Hua Gongzi?” Sulan said, “Does it have to be 3,000? How about 2,000? Would that work?” Baozhu said, “Now we’re getting somewhere. We asked you to come and give your opinion, and the first thing you did was suggest leaving the apprenticeship. The second thing you did was cut down the amount of money needed. You must already have a plan—so it’s doable, right?” Qin Yan said, “We still need someone else to talk to him. Whether it’s 3,000 or 2,000, I can’t bring it up myself.” Baozhu asked Sulan, “Even if it’s just 2,000, what brilliant idea do you have? I’d love to hear it.” Sulan said, “I thought of this with someone about ten days ago, and we discussed it briefly, but since it wasn’t certain, I haven’t mentioned it to anyone.” Baozhu asked, “Who are you so impressed by?” Sulan replied, “The other day, I was chatting idly with Meixiang, and the topic of Yurong came up. Meixiang said that Yurong’s master’s wife is just as difficult as his master was and that Yurong will probably rely on them for the rest of his life. Although Yurong doesn’t perform anymore, he still hasn’t officially left the apprenticeship. If we’re talking about Yurong’s money, he doesn’t have a small amount, but right now, it’s likely he doesn’t have any extra to spare. If 4,000 to 5,000 strings of cash could get him out of the apprenticeship, we could help him arrange it. We could ask a few of his close friends to chip in, and we’d probably be able to gather half of it. I’m thinking of you, the Wang brothers, Shouxiang, and Peixian. I don’t think they’d refuse. If we can raise half, the other half will be easier to handle.” Baozhu asked, “What will happen after he leaves the apprenticeship?” Sulan said, “We haven’t discussed that part yet. Once he leaves the apprenticeship, he’ll have control over his own life. Naturally, he’ll be free to do as he pleases.” Baozhu said, “If he stays in the Hua residence, it’ll be the same as not leaving the apprenticeship, and he won’t have control over his own life.” Sulan replied, “Hua Gongzi hasn’t bought him, and his master didn’t write a sale agreement with the Hua family. How could he not have control over his own life? Do you really think he’ll be stuck there forever?” Baozhu said, “It’s inconvenient to discuss this here. Why don’t we go and find Meixiang and consult with her? We can also head to Duxiang’s place to enjoy the apricot blossoms, and many of the peach blossoms are blooming too. It’s strange that this year the flowers are blooming so early; I remember that in previous years the peach blossoms wouldn’t bloom until mid-March. Duxiang isn’t hosting any guests today, so it wouldn’t hurt for us to go there and chat.” Qin Yan was delighted with the idea, so she changed into a new outfit and called for the carriage to be prepared. Sulan and Baozhu had both walked there, so they instructed their attendants to return home to fetch their carriage, as well as to bring their belongings to the Su family’s Peixiang Hall.
The two of them took Qin Yan’s carriage together and headed to Huifang’s residence.
When they arrived, they found Huifang at home. The three of them entered and saw Huifang sitting at her desk, looking over some booklets. Upon seeing them enter, Huifang smiled and welcomed them, saying, “Today, we have three unexpected guests.” The three of them smiled back, but instead of sitting down, they began looking at the booklets. Baozhu was the first to grab one with paintings, and the other two gathered around to look as well. The booklet contained landscapes and flowers, all beautifully painted, as it turned out, by the artist Qu Dao Weng, whom Huifang had recently commissioned. The last page depicted a beautiful woman leaning on a railing, lost in melancholy, with fallen petals covering the ground outside, and two swallows flying by. The scene evoked the poetic sentiment: “A lone figure stands among falling flowers, as swallows fly in the light rain.” Qin Yan, recalling an old riddle, was suddenly filled with emotion. She read the quatrain inscribed on the page to herself:
“Spring concerns itself with the swallows’ flight,
Apricot blossoms and fine rain leave no trace on the clothes.
Leaning on the railing, increasing the melancholy,
Far away, the fragrant grass stretches where none return.”
They then turned to another booklet, this one filled with calligraphy. Huifang invited the three of them to sit and asked, “Did you all come by coincidence, or did you plan this?” Baozhu replied, “We planned it. We’re heading to Duxiang’s place to admire the apricot blossoms.” Huifang asked, “Is there another gathering today?” Baozhu said, “There’s no gathering, but being unexpected guests wouldn’t hurt, would it?” Huifang nodded and smiled in agreement. Sulan and Baozhu’s clothes and carriage had arrived, and the two of them changed their outfits. Huifang also went inside to change and asked, “Did you really come just to see the flowers, or is there something else?” Sulan said, “There’s one thing, but we’ll talk about it when we get to Yiyuan.” Huifang said, “Why not talk about it now? It’s still early, and we can afford to be a little late to Duxiang’s place.” Sulan then briefly mentioned the situation with Qin Yan’s master’s wife wanting her to leave the apprenticeship. Huifang said, “What do you think? I told you the other day, and you said it wasn’t likely to happen. Who would have thought I’d be right! But dealing with this isn’t too hard; the real concern is that women’s words can’t always be trusted. One minute they agree, and the next, they change their minds. Or they might settle on a sum, only to demand more later. And who’s going to speak to her on your behalf?” Sulan replied, “That’s not a problem. We can go talk to her ourselves.” Huifang said, “In that case, let’s discuss it further when we get to Yiyuan.” With that, the group got into the carriage and headed straight to Yiyuan.
Once they entered the garden, they were greeted by the sight of crimson peach blossoms and emerald willow trees, clear waters, and verdant hills. They crossed a red bridge and wound through ten layers of ornate doors until they reached the side of the Dongfeng Last Night Pavilion. They could hear the sound of a clear singing voice accompanied by a clapper from above. Someone was singing a tune. The four of them stopped in their tracks, recognizing the voice as Duxiang’s, singing a section from Lan Huamei (Lazy to Paint Eyebrows). They listened closely to the lyrics:
“They say it’s lucky to meet beneath the moon on Jade Terrace,
Living on the first peak of Qunyu Mountain.
Though night after night the stars set and the moon wanes coldly among the pines,
And day after day the copper vase and paper screens feel the heavy chill of spring,
Let’s try to find a thread of fragrance amidst this.”
The group couldn’t place the melody exactly, but the flute’s mournful tones were deeply moving. They then heard Ziyun say with a laugh, “It’s still not quite right. You take over—I’ll play the flute.” Then it seemed that Ci Xian began to sing:
“Under the hazy moon and stars by the balustrade,
We’ve listened to the songs of Jiangcheng’s flute and the wind.
Now the ringing of jade chimes mixes with the sounds of lament,
And pulls us into a dream of plum blossoms,
Where the moon sets and the stars hang low, and the bell of the Xiao Temple tolls.”
The four of them were thoroughly enjoying the performance when it suddenly stopped. They heard Ci Xian say, “Actually, the melody’s quite nice when sung.” Then Ziyun said, “Why don’t we transcribe the full score so we can teach it to them?” Realizing the singing had ended, the four of them proceeded inside, while a servant hurriedly went upstairs to announce their arrival.
Baozhu and the others climbed the stairs and entered the building. Ci Xian and Ziyun welcomed them with smiles, and upon seeing Qin Yan, Huifang, and the others, they were even more delighted. “We didn’t expect you to come today,” they said. Baozhu replied, “I invited them all.” She then added to Ci Xian, “Shouxiang isn’t feeling well, so she won’t be joining us.”
This was Qin Yan’s first time inside this building. She noticed that it was full of twists and turns, with layers upon layers, and contained dozens of rooms surrounded by apricot blossoms. Some parts of the building had three floors, others two, and it was designed in such a labyrinthine manner that it resembled a maze. From where she stood, she could also see Taohua Wu (Peach Blossom Ravine), separated by a small hill.
A clear stream ran between them, with peach blossoms already in full bloom on one side, while the green peaches were just beginning to open. The sight of the peach and apricot blossoms together looked like clouds and mist, a vibrant and beautiful scene. Inside the building, a plaque hung that read “East Wind Last Night Pavilion,” and on it was a long couplet that read:
“In the delicate rain of the night, the swallows return, the curtain rolls with the east wind,
Northern Song and Southern Tang debating the music of the court.
The spring is filled with charm—has the apricot blossom opened yet?
Outside the window, green latticework and red teeth select the words of poetry.”
Ci Xian and Ziyun observed that the four women were particularly well-dressed today, each with her own unique style, elegant and refined, as though they were intentionally competing. At the moment, all four were wearing small fur jackets: Qin Yan had a coat of black fox ear fur, Baozhu wore one of black fox with curled edges, Huifang’s was of cloud fox fur, and Sulan’s was of domino-patterned cloud fox with sharp points. The four of them together seemed like corals and jade trees intertwined, with rare flowers displaying their colors. The countless apricot blossoms outside paled in comparison to the four beauties inside. Although Ci Xian and Ziyun were accustomed to seeing these women, today they couldn’t help but gaze at them frequently.
Ziyun said, “There’s no feast today, just a light meal. If you’re hungry, feel free to start eating.” Huifang said, “I’m actually a bit hungry.” Ziyun then instructed the servants to bring out some snacks, and soon after, several dishes were laid out, and everyone began to enjoy a small drink. Baozhu asked, “What piece were you singing earlier? The melody seemed familiar, but I don’t recognize the lyrics.”
Ci Xian replied, “It’s from a script called Plum Blossom Dream, which a close friend of mine wrote long ago. There are twenty scenes in total. The other day, I found it in an old chest and matched the lyrics to a piece from the Nine Palace Score system. It fits well with the melody. However, I’ve only written out the score for this one scene, ‘Entering the Dream.’ I’m not sure if the others can be sung. Tomorrow, we can ask the teachers in your troupe to see if they can write out the rest of the score.”
Huifang said, “That would be a shame. I really liked the lyrics, but if you give it to our teachers, they’ll make all sorts of changes. They’ll add and remove parts to suit their taste until the whole thing no longer makes sense. It would be better if you made some careful adjustments yourself, shifting the keys slightly, unless we ask for advice from Mr. Qu.”
Ci Xian responded, “He’s not very particular about musical theory. Other than playing the qin, he has no other hobbies. If you bring it up with him, he’ll say that after the Three Dynasties, music was lost, and that’s why The Book of Music was incorporated into The Book of Rites.” The four women laughed at this.
Ziyun said, “Today, I managed to get some dried scallops, though they’re not as good as fresh ones. Still, they’re better than ordinary seafood.” Qin Yan commented, “I’ve heard that fresh lychees and scallops have a special taste, something out of the ordinary. But dried lychees aren’t appealing at all, and they’re not as good as longans. What are dried scallops like?”
Suddenly, Huifang became deeply reflective, falling silent with her head lowered, as if lost in thought. Ziyun, surprised by the change, was puzzled, given Huifang’s usual witty and playful nature. Ci Xian asked, “Meixiang, is something on your mind?” Huifang replied, “Nothing.”
Ziyun said, “You were in such high spirits just now, why are you suddenly so down?” Baozhu and the others also noticed that Huifang seemed a bit out of sorts. After a pause, Huifang finally said, “How long do flowers bloom?”
Ci Xian responded, “Seventy years.” Huifang asked, “Why seventy years?” Ci Xian explained, “A human life is about seventy years, so as long as you’re alive, flowers will bloom each year.”
Huifang said, “But the flowers this year aren’t the same as last year’s.” Ziyun replied, “If there were flowers last year, there will be flowers this year too.” Huifang then asked, “But will this year’s flowers last until next year?” Ziyun answered, “That depends on who’s caring for them.”
Sulan interjected, “Are you all suddenly studying Zen?” Qin Yan added, “In my opinion, it’s better if the flowers never bloom.” Baozhu asked, “Why is that? I think it’s better if flowers don’t wither.”
Huifang replied, “Even if they don’t wither, they’re still the same flowers. You heard what Yurong said earlier about how fresh lychees are wonderful, but once dried, they become unpleasantly sour. How can something’s appearance change, and its taste change as well? Perhaps people are the same. After a few years, clarity turns to murkiness, refinement becomes coarseness, and sweetness becomes sourness.”
Baozhu responded, “Even if they become sour, they’re still a delicacy, much better than something ordinary.” This comment prompted all three women to sigh in unison, while Ci Xian and Ziyun smiled, clearly pleased.
Huifang added, “We’ll have to see if Jingyi is still the same when she turns seventy.” Ci Xian laughed, “Spring flowers and autumn fruits each have their season. When lychees are fresh, they match Yang Yuhuan. Now that they’re dried, they still pair well with Qu Dao Weng. Even so, they’re still better than dates and chestnuts.” This remark made everyone laugh.
Ziyun said, “Though that comparison is apt, it’s still a bit unfair to Qu Dao Weng. He isn’t sour, so perhaps comparing him to dried scallops would be better.”
Ci Xian responded, “That would be even more unfair. You’re from Zhejiang, so naturally, you praise dried scallops. But comparing dried scallops is like reminiscing about an old courtesan who’s reformed her ways. Though the grace is long gone, the faint smell of the past lingers.”
Baozhu asked Ci Xian, “Among all foods, what do you consider to be the best?”
Ci Xian replied, “My preferences differ from others, so I can’t say for sure. Personally, I like fish the most.” Qin Yan and Huifang both agreed, “That makes sense.”
Ci Xian continued, “Food can be divided into several categories, just like people. There are immortal foods, divine foods, exquisite foods, and wonderful foods. Some ingredients are fit for cooking dragons and phoenixes, while others are best paired with moonlight or morning dew. If you mix them up, neither will be at its best. That’s why I might say one dish is good, while someone else might disagree. As Mencius said, ‘People’s tastes vary when it comes to flavor.’”
They all walked up the stairs and entered the pavilion. Ci Xian and Zi Yun greeted them with smiles, and when they saw Qin Yan, Huifang, and the others, they were even more delighted. “We didn’t expect you to come today,” they said. Baozhu replied, “I invited everyone.” Then she turned to Ci Xian and added, “Shouxiang isn’t feeling well, so she didn’t come.”
This was Qin Yan’s first time in this pavilion. She noticed that it was full of winding passages, with several layers and dozens of rooms, all surrounded by apricot blossoms. Some parts of the building had three floors, others two, and it had a maze-like design. From where she stood, she could see Taohua Wu (Peach Blossom Ravine), separated by a small hill.
A clear stream flowed between them, and peach blossoms on one side were in full bloom, while the green peaches were just starting to open. Together with the apricot blossoms, it looked like a sea of clouds and mist. She noticed a plaque hanging inside the pavilion that read “East Wind Last Night Pavilion,” with a couplet inscribed:
“A light rain fell through the night, just as the swallows returned;
The curtains roll in the east wind, as Northern Song and Southern Tang debate the music of the court.
The spring is full of charm—have the apricot blossoms bloomed yet?
Outside the window, green latticework and red teeth select the words of poetry.”
Ci Xian and Zi Yun noted how elegantly the four women were dressed today, each in their own style—vibrant or refined—as though competing with one another. They all wore small fur jackets: Qin Yan had one of black fox fur with ear trimmings, Baozhu’s was black fox with curled edges, Huifang’s was cloud fox fur, and Sulan’s was domino-patterned cloud fox fur with sharp points. The four women, sitting together, looked like coral and jade trees intertwined, like rare flowers blooming with vibrant colors. The apricot blossoms outside paled in comparison to the four beauties inside. Even though Ci Xian and Zi Yun often saw them, today they couldn’t help but glance at them repeatedly.
Zi Yun said, “There’s no formal meal today, just a light snack. If you’re hungry, please help yourselves.” Huifang said, “I’m actually a bit hungry.” Zi Yun then instructed the servants to bring out some snacks, and soon a few dishes were set out, and they began to enjoy a small drink. Baozhu asked, “What was the song you were singing earlier? The melody sounded familiar, but I didn’t recognize the lyrics.”
Ci Xian replied, “It’s from a play called Plum Blossom Dream, written by a close friend of mine. There are twenty scenes in total. I found it in an old chest the other day and matched the lyrics to the melody using the Nine Palace Score. It fits quite well. But I’ve only written out the score for the scene Entering the Dream, and I’m not sure if the rest can be sung. Tomorrow, we can ask the teachers in your troupe to see if they can help complete the rest of the score.”
Huifang said, “That would be a shame. I really liked the lyrics, but if you give it to our teachers, they’ll make all sorts of changes, adding and removing parts to suit their taste until it no longer makes sense. It would be better if you made some careful adjustments yourself, unless you want to consult Mr. Qu.”
Ci Xian replied, “He’s not too particular about musical theory. Other than playing the qin, he doesn’t have any other hobbies. If you talk to him, he’ll say that after the Three Dynasties, music was lost, and that’s why The Book of Music was incorporated into The Book of Rites.” The four women laughed at this.
Zi Yun said, “I managed to get some dried scallops today. Though they’re not as good as fresh ones, they’re still better than most ordinary seafood.” Qin Yan commented, “I’ve heard that fresh lychees and scallops have a special taste, unlike anything else. But dried lychees aren’t appealing at all, and they’re not as good as longans. What are dried scallops like?”
Huifang suddenly became lost in thought, staring blankly and lowering her head as if contemplating something. Zi Yun, noticing this, was puzzled, since Huifang was usually lively and witty. Ci Xian asked, “Meixiang, is something on your mind?” Huifang replied, “Nothing.”
Zi Yun said, “You were so cheerful just a moment ago. Why are you feeling down all of a sudden?” Baozhu and the others also noticed that Huifang seemed a bit out of sorts. After a pause, Huifang finally said, “How long do flowers bloom?”
Ci Xian responded, “Seventy years.” Huifang asked, “Why seventy years?” Ci Xian explained, “A human life is about seventy years, so as long as you’re alive, flowers will bloom every year.”
Huifang said, “But the flowers this year aren’t the same as last year’s.” Zi Yun replied, “If there were flowers last year, there will be flowers this year too.” Huifang then asked, “But will this year’s flowers last until next year?” Zi Yun answered, “That depends on who’s taking care of them.”
Sulan interjected, “Are you all suddenly discussing Zen philosophy?” Qin Yan added, “In my opinion, it’s better if the flowers never bloom.” Baozhu asked, “Why is that? I think it’s better if the flowers never wither.”
Huifang replied, “Even if they don’t wither, they’re still the same flowers. You heard what Yurong said earlier about how wonderful fresh lychees are, but once they dry out, they become unpleasantly sour. How can something’s appearance change, and its taste change as well? Perhaps people are the same. After a few years, what was once clear becomes murky, what was refined becomes coarse, and what was sweet becomes sour.”
Baozhu responded, “Even if they become sour, they’re still a delicacy. It’s still better than something ordinary.” This prompted all three women to sigh in unison, while Ci Xian and Zi Yun smiled in satisfaction.
Huifang added, “We’ll have to see if Jingyi remains the same when she turns seventy.” Ci Xian laughed, “Spring flowers and autumn fruits each have their own season. When lychees are fresh, they match Yang Yuhuan. Now that they’re dried, they still go well with Qu Dao Weng. Even so, they’re still better than dates and chestnuts.” This made everyone laugh.
Zi Yun said, “That’s a good comparison, but it’s still a bit unfair to Qu Dao Weng. He’s not sour at all, so maybe comparing him to dried scallops would be better.”
Ci Xian responded, “That would be even more unfair. You’re from Zhejiang, so of course, you praise dried scallops. But comparing dried scallops is like reminiscing about an old courtesan who has reformed her ways. The grace is long gone, but the faint smell of the past remains.”
Baozhu asked Ci Xian, “Among all foods, what do you consider to be the best?”
Ci Xian replied, “My tastes are different from others, so I can’t say for sure. But personally, I like fish the most.” Qin Yan and Huifang both agreed, “That’s a good choice.”
Ci Xian continued, “Food can be divided into several categories, just like people. There are immortal foods, divine foods, exquisite foods, and wonderful foods. Some are fit for cooking dragons and phoenixes, while others are better paired with moonlight and dew. If you mix them up, neither will be good. That’s why what I find delicious, someone else might not. As Mencius said, ‘People’s tastes in food vary.’”
Zi Yun responded, “In general, Yi Ya’s cooking catered to everyone’s tastes. But today’s chefs only cater to their own tastes.”
The four women, all quite pleased, bid farewell to Ci Xian and went together to find Ye Maolin to inform him of the situation. Maolin immediately agreed to help and said to Huifang, “Wait a moment, you should come with me. I’m getting old and my speaking skills aren’t what they used to be, so I might not handle this smoothly. You can help me out if needed. That Mrs. Qing has a sharp tongue, like a bird chirping, and I’m a bit intimidated by her.” Huifang replied, “People say she’s straightforward. If you go along with her, she’s actually quite easy to deal with.” Qin Yan, Baozhu, and Sulan then returned home.
Huifang and Maolin rehearsed their conversation for a while and agreed to go after dinner. Huifang then returned home.
Just then, Tian Chunhang came to visit Huifang. They had dinner together and chatted for a while before Chunhang left. Maolin had been waiting outside for quite some time. By the time they left, it was already past the evening watch. Maolin carried a lantern and guided Huifang to the house of the Changqing family. Instead of looking for Qin Yan, they found Wu Mazi and invited Mrs. Changqing to come out.
When Huifang saw her, she noticed that she was wearing mourning clothes—a white headscarf and a long white robe—but below, she wore long green silk pants and white cloth shoes. Her face was thin and yellowish, and she had a tall, slender figure. She appeared to be in her thirties and looked like someone sharp-tongued and quick-witted. When she saw Huifang, she didn’t recognize her and asked Maolin, “Who is this?” Maolin replied, “This is Master Su from the troupe.” Huifang stepped forward, paid her respects, and called her “Auntie.” Mrs. Changqing returned the greeting, invited her to sit, and asked Maolin, “What wind blew you two into this quiet place?”
Maolin, with a smiling face, replied, “We’ve come sincerely to greet you. Now that Lord Cao has passed, you are a virtuous woman who stays inside the house. If there’s anything you need outside, just send Wu Mazi to let me know. I’m free and happy to help.”
Mrs. Changqing responded, “Oh, you’re too kind! Thank you for your concern. When my husband was alive, this house was always filled with people. Every day, at least a dozen people would gather around that lamp—some getting up, others lying down—waiting for their turn, just like candidates awaiting their assignments in the Ministry of Personnel. But since he passed, not only have the people disappeared, even the dogs don’t visit anymore. The two children aren’t doing well, and Mazi is clueless, not knowing how to handle things. I feel that this household can’t be sustained, so I’ve been thinking of another plan. My family is in Yangzhou, and my mother is only fifty years old. My elder brother has opened a clothing shop, and I’ve heard it’s doing quite well. I’d like to go back, but I don’t have any money. When my husband was alive, money came in one hand and went out the other. Just that lamp alone cost over a thousand strings of cash a year, and there were many other expenses. The two children need food and clothes, and we barely earn anything. Yesterday, two strangers came for tea, and the children invited them to stay for wine and food. After eating, they left, and Mazi only managed to get three strings of cash from them. Tell me, how can this business survive? It’s embarrassing!”
Maolin said, “Times are tough now, not like before. Everything’s calculated down to the last penny. You see, these inns are empty at night, with more people sitting idle than drinking wine. What you said about returning to the south sounds like a good plan. After all, as a woman, it’s hard to maintain a household here in the capital without family around. It would be much wiser to take a few thousand taels of silver and help your brother open a larger shop.”
Mrs. Changqing laughed, “Oh, you’re speaking so easily! If I had a few thousand taels, I wouldn’t be in this predicament. The problem is, I’m penniless, and that’s what makes things difficult. Didn’t I discuss this with Qin Yan the other day? I told him I’d have to rely on him now, and asked him to talk to Hua Gongzi about giving me 200 strings of cash a month. But he said he couldn’t do it, and didn’t dare to ask him. I told him, ‘If you can’t bring money back, are you going to leave me hanging in the wind? Besides, Hua Gongzi hasn’t spent any real money on you either. Why don’t you ask someone to talk to him and get three to five thousand taels to officially leave the apprenticeship? Then I won’t need to ask you to support me in my old age.’ But he just hemmed and hawed, without giving a clear answer.”
Huifang said, “Auntie, do you really want him to leave the apprenticeship? Actually, there’s someone who could help. I came today specifically to discuss this with you.” Mrs. Changqing asked, “Who is this person? What official position does he hold?”
Huifang casually replied, “He’s a county magistrate from Jiangnan. He’s a good man, but not very wealthy. The other day, he met Qin Yan and was quite impressed, saying he’d like to take him as his son and help him leave the apprenticeship. He discussed it with us yesterday. He can’t afford to spend three to five thousand taels, but he could manage three thousand strings of cash.”
Mrs. Changqing exclaimed, “Three thousand strings to leave the apprenticeship! Do you know how much Qin Yan earned when he performed last year? He made over ten thousand strings in just six months. Now, if he leaves the apprenticeship and this man takes him in, he’ll make that back in just a few months. What a bargain! If that’s the case, I’d do it too.”
Maolin interjected, “Sister-in-law, it’s not like that. If he were still performing, he could earn that much. But if he becomes someone’s adopted son, he’ll need to study, go to school, and get married, all of which cost money. There’s no way he could earn money in that situation. Besides, this man is kind-hearted, and it would be good to help him out.”
Mrs. Changqing said, “I don’t care about all that. As long as he can pay what I ask, he can have him.” Huifang said, “Auntie, how much are you asking for, exactly? Give me a clear number, so I can negotiate. If it can be increased, I’ll see what can be done.”
Mrs. Changqing replied, “Honestly, three thousand taels of good silver, and I’ll agree. Can he manage that? If not, I’ll still wait for Hua Gongzi. He’s known for being generous with money, and might even give me eight thousand or more. If not, there’s always Mr. Xu, who adores him. He’s even easier to talk to. What’s the rush?”
Huifang gave a cold laugh and said, “Auntie, you’ve heard about Hua Gongzi’s reputation, and three or five thousand taels is indeed nothing to him. But recently, he’s lost interest in Qin Yan. Not only is he unwilling to help him leave the apprenticeship, but he’s even thinking of sending him away. How would you know that, living outside? We visit his residence often. These days, Qin Yan is given an empty room and is rarely called upon. When we went to pay our respects for the New Year, Hua Gongzi gave each of us a gold ingot as a gift, but Qin Yan didn’t receive anything. That day, I saw that Qin Yan only had about sixty taels of silver in his chest, which he had saved since last Mid-Autumn Festival. Mr. Xu, too, isn’t as affectionate as he once was, and their relationship has always been lukewarm. If Mr. Xu were willing to help him leave the apprenticeship, he would have done it long ago. He wouldn’t have waited until today. Besides these two, do you really think anyone else would give you 200 strings of cash a month or three thousand taels to leave the apprenticeship? Auntie, you’re a smart woman. Haven’t you seen his change in heart during the month he’s been at home? We’ve come with this opportunity, and we can ask for a little more, but if you could be more flexible, treat him like your own son, and lower your expectations a bit, we could make this work. Three thousand strings is too little, but two thousand taels I can guarantee.”
Mrs. Changqing replied, “If you’re going to speak on my behalf, you must also protect Qin Yan’s reputation. Let’s make this clear and straightforward. I may be a woman, but I don’t like things dragging on endlessly. I’ll lower the amount by two hundred taels, but not less than two thousand eight hundred taels.”
Maolin, seeing that she had softened a bit, said to Huifang, “Here’s what we can do. You go and tell the benefactor that he’ll be helping out a widow and her children, which is a virtuous deed and will bring him good fortune. Ask him to provide two thousand four hundred taels, and we won’t
The plan was settled, but Mrs. Changqing still insisted on asking for more money. However, she couldn’t resist Ye Maolin’s persistent persuasion—he acted like a soft rope, flattering her with sweet words until Mrs. Changqing, despite her stubbornness, eventually relented, feeling as though she had been tied up like a mule with no way out. She finally agreed. Huifang said, “You’ve made a commitment, but what if he can’t actually raise the money? If he can’t come up with the full amount, Auntie, won’t you be upset and feel we wasted all this time talking?” Maolin laughed and said, “You’re too timid. Even if he falls short by 1,800 taels, you, as his close friend, can easily help raise the remaining amount. It’s not such a big deal. He surely won’t let you down.” Huifang replied, “I suppose that’s the best we can do. Let’s see how it all works out.”
They agreed that by the following morning after breakfast, they would have an answer. If successful, the money would be delivered, and a written agreement would be made. Their discussion went on until the third watch of the night. Huifang then invited Mrs. Changqing to return inside while they went to Qin Yan’s place to discuss further matters. Mrs. Changqing thanked them and went inside, thinking to herself, “That little rascal Su is quite cunning! From 3,000 strings of cash, they’ve only raised 2,400 taels. If I had softened even a little, I would’ve been completely swindled. They’re trying to make a big profit out of this! How detestable!” Muttering to herself, she went to bed.
Huifang and Maolin went to Qin Yan’s room and informed her of the agreement. Qin Yan was very pleased, now only waiting for the next day to finally escape her predicament. Huifang and Maolin then went home.
The next morning, Huifang went to Yiyuan, but Ziyun hadn’t arrived yet. She waited at Ci Xian’s place, and after sending for Ziyun twice, he finally arrived. Huifang explained the situation, and Ziyun was also pleased. He immediately called the steward and ordered a silver note of 2,400 taels to be issued, along with an extra 50-tael note as a reward for Maolin. Huifang didn’t delay, quickly went back home to eat, and then found Maolin. She gave him the 50 taels, for which he was very grateful. They then headed to Mrs. Changqing’s house together. Huifang said, “We worked hard, but he was only able to gather 1,900 taels. I’ve borrowed 500 taels on his behalf, so here’s the full amount in this note. Please accept it.” Maolin then wrote out the agreement, which Qin Yan signed to acknowledge receipt.
Seeing that everything had gone through successfully, Mrs. Changqing prepared a few dishes to host Maolin and Huifang, asking Qin Yan to join them for a small drink. Huifang declined, saying, “I’ve already eaten, so there’s no need. Let Mr. Ye enjoy it on his own.” She then turned to Qin Yan and said, “Go prepare yourself, pay your respects to your master’s spirit, thank your teacher’s wife, and then come with me. We’ll go into the city to thank Hua Gongzi as well. We shouldn’t delay any further.” Qin Yan agreed, and since she didn’t have many belongings to pack, she had her servant help with the arrangements. Huifang sent someone to carry the items home and even took out a 10-string cash note to distribute as rewards to the staff on Qin Yan’s behalf.
Qin Yan dressed in formal clothes, paid her respects to her master’s spirit, and tearfully mourned for a while. She then bid farewell to her teacher’s wife, Mrs. Changqing, who was also deeply saddened, shedding many tears and offering a few parting words of advice. Seeing this, Maolin lost his desire to drink and followed them outside. Mrs. Changqing escorted them all the way to the door, and Qin Yan left with tears in her eyes, heading to Huifang’s residence.
The next day, Mrs. Changqing thanked Maolin by giving him 100 strings of cash, though Maolin hadn’t expected it and was already quite satisfied. However, fate was not kind to Qin Yan, as even though she had successfully left the apprenticeship, new troubles soon arose. What happened next remains to be seen, and we will have to wait for the next installment to uncover the story.