話說琴言出師之日，就是華公子賞花之日。明日，華公子吩咐珊枝著人去叫琴言回來，珊枝派了一個外跟班姚賢，一早出城。到了長慶寓處，見了伍麻子。說假期已過，叫他進城。
伍麻子道：「琴言麼，昨日有人替他出師，已經搬了出去，恐怕未必進城來了。」姚賢聽了一驚，道：「這話怎麼說！我家的人怎樣私自放走了，如今他搬在那裡？」伍麻子道：「我不知道，聽得說替他出師的，是個江南人，想必就在他家了。」姚賢道：「豈有此理！你們就要出師，也回明公子，沒有這樣的。我們公子知道了，如何肯依，那就了不得了。」伍麻子道：「不干我事，這是他師娘作主，誰能攔阻他的！」姚賢道：「如今到底在什麼地方？我好去找他問個明白。」伍麻子道：「住處實在不知，只聽得說，他還進城呢。況且他還有多少東西在城裡，豈肯扔掉了，自然還要進城來的。」伍麻子說得不明不白，急得姚賢什麼似的，又問道：「你們奶奶呢？待我當面問他。」麻子道：「他不在家，一早上墳去了。」姚賢無奈，只得出來，走到戲園門口，正待閒望，忽聽後面車聲轔轔，直衝過來。躲開一看，卻像兩個相公，坐在車裡頭的好像琴言。待要趕上看時，車已去遠了。姚賢想道：「原來他倒在外邊這樣快樂，一定又到那裡去陪酒了。」姚賢一面想，一面走，忽前面來了兩個熟人，一個二十九歲叫孟七，是徐子雲的家人；一個三十九歲叫胡八，是奚十一的家人，都是本京人，那胡八與姚賢是兩姨中表，這三個人都是相好的。這日胡八因主人患病無事，出來找了孟七聽戲，想到館子裡去吃飯，遇見了姚賢，又是城裡出來的，便一把拉住，各人問了好，便邀進了館子，要了幾樣菜、兩壺酒，細酌閒談。孟七問起姚賢，倒有空出城閒逛，姚賢道：「那裡能閒逛？我們的差使是有專司的，就沒有事，也不能遠離一步。今日公子叫我來找琴言，假期已滿，叫他回去。誰知又找不著他。」孟七聽了，怔了一怔，道：「還要叫他進府嗎？」姚賢道：「正是。我方才到他師父家，遇見一個麻子，說得不明不白。說昨日一個江南人，替他出了師，同了去了。
我想他現在我們府裡，外人如何敢替他出師，又帶他去？這也實在是個奇聞。況我們公子待琴言怎樣的恩典，一月給他師父二百銀，格外還有賞賜。他的分兒，在府裡除了林珊枝，還有誰比得上他？他竟絕不感恩，辭也不辭，竟同人走了。我想天下竟有這樣忘恩負義的人，我回去稟明了公子，定然要拿轉來，這就看他的造化罷。」孟七聽了，笑道：「那裡的話，這是誰哄你的？琴言好好的在這裡，何曾同什麼江南人出京。這是訛言，聽不得的。」姚賢道：「這倒不是訛言，是他家裡講的。」孟七道：「你別信這話，你且喝一鍾，我告訴你，這琴言從他師父死了，告假出來，卻天天總在我們園裡，我們老爺為他請了半月多客。至於出師的事，不曉得是琴言求我們老爺的，還是我們老爺願意與他出師的。昨日，我們管總的叫我去到日新銀號，開了一張二千四百兩的銀票，又一張五十兩的，交與蘇蕙芳，替琴言出師的。方才我們在路上，還見他同蕙芳坐在一車，又到我們園裡去了。看這光景，想是我們老爺要使喚他。
我們當是不在你們府裡了，所以來伺候我們老爺。若知道還在你們府裡，我們老爺與你公子這般相好，我見他們彼此常送古董玩器，很重的東西都肯送。若要這個人，只消寫個貼兒與你們公子，難道公子不肯送他？何必花此二千四百銀，真冤不冤？」姚賢道：「原來如此。就是你們老爺要他，也應告訴我們公子一聲，現在還沒有出府。不是我說，你們老爺也有點冒失。」
那胡八道：「這琴言我沒見過，不知怎樣生得好呢。就是我們老爺，前月在宏濟寺魏大爺處，叫他陪了一天酒。將我們姨奶奶的一對翡翠鐲子賞了他。這鐲子在廣東買，還值一千四百塊錢，在京裡更貴了。如今我們老爺病到了，也沒見他來看過一回，這人大概是沒有良心的。既跟了你們公子，又想跟他們老爺，可見是個無恒心的了，以後還不知要跟准呢。」他二人不知底裡，隨口講了一遍似是而非的話。
姚賢吃了飯，道了謝，就進城來見了珊枝，將琴言近日的事，先照伍麻子，後照孟七、胡八的話，沒有少說一句，說得順口，還添了好些。又說路上見他與一個相公同車，想是陪酒去了。珊枝聽了，呆了一會，說道：「這是什麼話？是真的，還是假的？我要照你的話回，若有假的在裡頭，就了不得了。」
姚賢道：「我怎敢撒謊？這是徐老爺家的孟七爺，並奚家的胡八爺，講得有憑據，我敢添一句，對出謊來，是好耍的麼？」珊枝心裡細想道：「琴言何敢如此負恩？非特公子白疼了他，我也白白的照應他一番了。」又轉念道：「看他的心總是勉強在此，心上又有什麼梅少爺，自然在外面快樂。但到徐老爺處也還罷了。怎麼連魏聘才、奚十一都陪酒來了？就不顧自己身分，也應留公子臉面。翡翠鐲子也不算什麼寶貝，就這麼下作。偏在府裡時裝腔作勢，十三太保的樣兒，冷氣逼人。原來也報應在我眼裡。此時就要替你遮瞞也不能了，不如照直說罷。這是有骨氣的人作的事，也可臊臊人的臉，他身分好，不像個唱戲的，全沒有半點下作脾氣。如今好罷，倒是那有些下作脾氣的，不敢告假，鬧出笑話來。」主意定了便走到內書房，在粉牆外低低的喊叫那小香兒。聽得香兒在裡頭咯吱吱的笑，喊了幾聲才出來。香兒問：「是什麼事？」珊枝說：「要回話。」香兒道：「公子到園裡去了…」珊枝道：「公子一人去的，還是同奶奶去的？」香兒道：「公子在這裡帶了寶姐姐、珍姐姐、蕊姐姐到園裡，還是看桃花去了。奶奶沒有去。」珊枝又聽裡面一人說話：「你聽是誰？」那人道：「是林珊枝兒，還有誰！」珊枝知是花珠、荷珠，就急往園中來。只見姹紫嫣紅，和風駘蕩，一徑往留仙院走去。到了園後，聽得笑聲盈耳，又像念詩的，卻是女兒聲口。珊枝便輕了腳步，繞到西邊，隱身在太湖石後，從石穴中遠遠望去，只見蕊珠穿了桃紅綢襖，綠綢背心，跪在桃花林下，背的是《長恨歌》，背到了：
攬衣推枕起徘徊，珠箔銀屏迤邐開。
雲髻半偏新睡覺，衣冠不整下堂來。
風吹仙袂飄飄舉，猶似《霓裳羽衣舞》。
玉容寂寞淚闌干，梨花一枝春帶雨。
到了「梨花一枝春帶雨」，便重了兩句，背不下去。公子哈哈大笑道：「跪了之後，還背不出來，只好打了。」見蕊珠漲紅了臉，越想越想不出來。旁邊愛珠在那裡笑他，寶珠在公子身後抓著臉羞他，羞得蕊珠要哭出來。這兩日公子與夫人把這十珠作個消遣法子，教他們念唐詩，念熟了背，背錯了要罰。
如錯得多的，跪了還要打幾下手板。今日寶珠背了李義山《無題》六首，錯了一字，沒有記過。愛珠背了《琵琶行》，竟一字不錯。蕊珠背《長恨歌》，已經錯了許多，故跪在地下，又背不出來，那三珠又一言半語的笑他，他已氣得難愛，又不敢站起來跑了出去。
華公子在那裡笑得有趣，忽見太湖石洞穴像有人偷望，便問一聲：「誰在太湖石背後？」倒把珊枝唬了一跳，忙走上前，垂手站立。公子道：「你來為什麼又不上來，要躲在石後？」珊枝道：「奴才方才走來，聽得公子正說著話，故在太湖石後瞧一瞧，再上來。」公子道：「有什麼話說？」珊枝道：「今早打發姚賢去叫琴言，姚賢回來了。」公子道：「琴言呢？」珊枝道：「琴言沒有回來。」公子道：「琴言怎麼還不回來？難道還有事呢？」珊枝道：「這琴言恐怕不能來的了。」公子聽了，倒吃一驚，道：「怎麼說，琴言有病麼？」珊枝道：「沒有。」公子道：「既沒有病，為什麼不能來呢？」珊枝故作吞吞吐吐的，公子十分疑心，忙道：「姚賢回來是怎樣說的，你快說，不要支吾。」珊枝道：「說了恐公子生氣。」公子聽了十分疑心，就追緊了，珊枝將姚賢回來所說的話，細細說了。
四珠婢聽了，也覺詫異。那蕊珠尚跪在地下呆呆的看著珊枝講話，自己忘其所以，花片落了一頭，還拿一片花瓣在嘴裡嚼了一會，吐在愛珠手上，愛珠瞅了他一眼。
華公子聽了這些話，不覺大怒，把臉都氣得白了，連說：「有這等事！可恨！可恨！琴言喪盡天良，人間少有。而度香笑裡藏刀，欺人太甚，難道我就罷了不成！你明白還叫姚賢去，務必把他叫來，我問問他，是何緣故。我也不管什麼徐度香，我自然不能依他，與他評個理，天下有這麼欺人的事情麼？若不相好的人也罷了，既係相好，就不該有心欺人。從前何以不早與他出師！要到我這裡來了，才賣弄他的家私，替他出起師來。這琴言實在可恨。那一樣待差了他，一心向著那邊！」珊枝婉言勸道：「公子請息怒，琴言本來進京未久，他師父又是個不會教訓的，由他的性兒慣了。在這裡半年，不要說沒有委屈處，就走遍天涯，也找不出這地方。不曉得他為什麼，背地裡總是顰眉淚眼的。他另有心事，講不出來。這種沒良心的人，公子還放他心上作什麼！據奴才想，倒不生氣，看他在徐老爺處也不長的，徐老爺園裡天天有十個八個人，若待他與眾人一樣，他必不相安。斷沒有將野雞養成成家雞的，壞了良心還有什麼好處，只怕天也不容。況且那個奚十一，奴才雖不認識他，聽說是極混帳的人，也陪他喝酒，豈不辱抹殺人。奴才想這一件下作事，就不到徐老爺處，也可以不要他了。」公子聽了珊枝的話，氣略平了些。
珊枝又對寶珠丟個眼色，寶珠也勸道：「珊枝的話說得是。琴言若果真心向著公子，就有人替他出師，他也不肯瞞著公子，必來稟明一聲。如果他來稟明公子，難道公子不肯與他出師？這個人又糊塗，又沒有良心，還要他人作什麼呢？況去年原是他自己要來的，今年又是他自己要去的，公子待他的恩典，那一個不知道？這是他自己沒福，消受不起。若公子必要他進來，諒他也不敢不來，但倒像少不得這個人，他自己一發看得自己尊貴了。奴才想以後隨他來也好，不來也好，橫堅府裡不少這個人。至於徐老爺，自然更不該，但勸公子也不必與他較量，為著一個不要緊的人，傷了兩代世交情分。且人自然也說徐老爺不好，搶人家的人，豈有不贊公子大量麼？」
公子被這兩人勸了一番，氣雖平了些，究不能盡釋，坐著不語。
蕊珠跪了這半天，雖有個墊子墊著，膝蓋也跪得很疼，又遇著要小便起來，滿臉飛紅，那要笑要哭的光景，令人可憐。
公子生了這一回氣，又聽珊枝、寶珠說話，就忘了他還跪著。
蕊珠急了，只得說道：「跪到明日，也想不出的了，要打倒是打罷。」公子聽了，倒笑了一笑，道：「起來罷，我也忘了你還跪著。」蕊珠站起來，曲著腰，將膝蓋揉了揉，徜徜徉徉的走開道：「冤不冤，跪了這半天。」找個僻靜地方小解去了。華公子起身回夫人房內，寶珠、愛珠隨了進去，珍珠等蕊珠同行。珊枝慢慢的送公子出了園，正要走時，忽然一把花瓣撒了他一頭，急回頭看時，見蕊珠、珍珠罵道：「人家跪著，你倒在石洞裡偷看人，瞎掉你的眼睛。」珊枝道：「明日還要挨打呢。」說著也就走開了。
公子回房，見了夫人，欲不題起，心上又忍不住，就將子雲與琴言出師的事說了。華夫人道：「什麼叫作出師？」華公子道：「當年他師父也是花錢買的，所以掙的錢都歸他師父。有人替他出了師，那就不算師父的人，由他自己作主了。昨日度香花二千四百兩與琴言出師的。」華夫人道：「這麼說，琴言就是度香的人了。」公子道：「可不是麼！我心上實在有氣，度香眼底無人，也不告訴我一聲，公然如此。我明日倒要親去問問他，我還要將琴言攆出京去，不許他在京裡。」華夫人笑道：「為這點事，也值得生氣？人家愛替他出師，干我們甚事？究竟琴言也算不得我們家裡人，他不願意在這裡，隨他罷了。
度香的老爺與我們老爺是至好，何必為著琴言，傷了世交的情份。我勸你可以不必，琴言到底算個優伶，若鬧起來，這狎優二家就難免了。」華公子素來敬愛夫人的，聽他心平氣和的講，心中的氣亦消了一大半，口內答應了一句：「說得是。」但又捨不得琴言。忽又轉念過來，欲行不可，欲罷不能，惟是無情無緒的光景。華夫人又寬解了一回，華公子只得暫為放開。過了一夜，明早忽又惱起來，叫珊枝將琴言的衣箱什物裝了車，寫了個帖兒，著珊枝親到怡園，面交度香，看他怎樣。珊枝只得遵命而行。
這是琴言出師第二日，琴言原要今日進去，適子雲於初六日要請客，一來與南湘、春航送場，並請屈道生，約子玉、仲清等相陪。今日已是初四，索性到初七進去，並說寫個字貼與華公子，說他過了假期，一因身子不快，二因留他逛幾天。所以琴言倒也心安，樂得多頑幾日。
那日蕙芳出門去了，琴言便到怡園來。此時梨花已開，子雲、次賢與寶珠在梨院閒談，琴言進來相見了。次賢笑道：「玉儂，如今由你自己作主了，不如辭了華府，到這裡來罷。」琴言笑道：「我倒很願，但怎樣去辭那邊呢！」子雲笑道：「那還了得？華星北必說我奪其所好，這官司還打得清麼？不要弄到叩閽起來。到初七日也可回去了，你是幾時出來的？」琴言道：「正月二十七。」子雲道：「已四十天了，怎麼這樣快？」琴言道：「我在府裡，又覺日子慢，在外面又覺得快了。」子雲對次賢道：「這兩天竹君、湘帆都在那裡抱佛腳呢。湘帆無怪乎其然，他要在媚香跟著爭個臉。竹君也坐得定能寫字作文，可見功名心切，是人人不免的。」次賢道：「今年有兩條道路，不中進士，還可以考試博學宏詞。中了宏詞科，比那進士不好些麼？」子雲道：「比中進士難多著呢，我是不能想這個好出身。想中個進士還不算妄想，偏又補了缺，叫人掃興得很，今年只好看人熱鬧了。你們看今年竹君、湘帆二人誰拿得穩？」
次賢道：「他二人本事不相上下，湘帆是當行出色之文，竹君是才氣比縱橫，恐怕遇著那冬烘考官，就要委屈了。殿試工夫，竹君不及湘帆，若試宏詞，竹君倒要擅長了。我看今年庚香是必得的，劍潭、卓然也有九分。」子雲道：「你自己呢，一發拿得穩了。」次賢道：「也不去考，我自知無福。」子雲道：「這叫什麼話？你不應舉也罷了，還可以說得無心進取。這宏詞原是品定海內人才，就是那些老前輩退居林下的，還耒應考，豈有全才如你，倒不去的？那時我托人硬把你薦了，由不得你不去。」次賢笑而不答。寶珠道：「若考中了，作什麼官呢？」子雲道：「翰林院編修。」琴言道：「庚香是個秀才，也可考麼？」子雲道：「可以。」琴言道：「你自然也去的。」子雲道：「現任官不准考，我已補了缺。就是前舟，只怕也不能的了，五月前後總可得缺。」
正說話間，忽然管門的進來稟道：「華公子打發人來，要面見老爺，還有幾個箱子送來。」子雲詫異，道：「什麼箱子？叫來人進來。」話言未了，只見珊枝已走到梨院。琴言望見珊枝，早躲進屋後，潛身聽他所為何事。珊枝見子雲、次賢，請過了安，說道：「公子與二位老爺請安，有一封信在此。」便雙手呈上。子雲接來，看見封面上有「皮箱四個，面交徐二老爺查收」，才即問了華公子好，將書拆開，次賢在帝同看，只見寫道：
正月二十七日，小價琴言因其師長慶病故，告假一月，經理喪葬，今已逾假數日。弟於昨日著家人姚賢出城喚彼回來，始知吾兄已為琴言出師，並已收用。今將其箱籠什物一並送上，祈即查收轉交，想琴言斷無顏面前來自取也。但聞此子下流已甚，曾於各處陪酒，不擇所從，惟利是愛，弟聞之髮指。本欲拘回重處，猶恐有負尊意。但以後務宜嚴加管束，勿使仍蹈前愆。兄雖大度優容，不與較量，而弟必留心查察，如有聞見，必為詳達，代兄攆逐，勿使名園玷辱也。匆匆此布，並候通履。
子雲看了，正不知從何說起，不白之冤，有口難辯，氣得兩手冰冷，與次賢面面相觀，冷笑了幾聲。次賢問珊枝道：「你公子對你說什麼？」珊枝道：「沒有講什麼，就叫小的將琴言的箱子交明老爺，問有回售沒有回信。」子雲氣得說不出來，次賢道：「奇了，這話從何說起？此時也不及寫回字，明日我同徐老爺見你公子當面講罷。」珊枝答應了「是」，退了出去，將箱子送來交與門上，自行回去不題。
這邊琴言尚不知緣故，似乎聽得將箱子送來。知珊枝去了，忙走出來，見子雲面貌失色，靠在椅上。寶珠與次賢還看那信，琴言過來要看，次賢意欲藏過，子雲道：「給他看看，這是那裡說起？華星北真不是人，聽了誰的話，這般糟蹋人，可惱！可惱！」琴言不看此信還可，看了不由得傷心起來，一字字看去，忽然一腔怒氣，直湧上來，眼前一陣烏黑，喉中如物噎住，透不得氣，兩眼一翻，望後便倒。把子雲、次賢、寶珠皆唬呆了，連忙扶住了他。子雲掐定人中，次賢一手扶住了背，一手摩著他心，聽得喉咽裡痰響，次賢抱起了，將他坐在身上。有一盞茶時候，才見琴言將頭一點，又俯著身，吐了一塊痰，又嘔了許多。寶珠道：「好了，好了。」便拍著他。琴言漸漸的蘇來。兩眼一睜，淚如泉湧。子雲等看了，好不傷心，寶珠的眼淚索落落掉個不住。大家扶了他到醉翁牀上，將個枕頭與他靠了。子雲道：「不要傷心，明日我同你去一對，就明白了。」琴言忽然放聲大哭，這一哭真有三年不雨之冤，六月飛霜之慘。
子雲等攪得柔腸寸斷，這三個人也無從勸得一句，直哭到一個時辰，尚是有淚無聲，黯然而泣。
子雲見琴言如此，甚是傷心，因想道：「華星北過於欺人，不問真假。我本要與他講個明白，但我去剖辯，倒長了他的志氣，道是去招陪他了。索性罷了，斷了這個交情，也不要緊。」說道：「玉儂不必哭了，你的好處，都是共見的，這些話有誰信他？一定是林珊枝從中調唆，以至如此，連我也怪到這樣。我想你那一處不可安身，豈必定要仗著他？既將你的箱子送了來，你也索性不必去見他了。再去見他，必遭羞辱，且在這裡住幾天，再作商量。」琴言猶是嗚嗚咽咽的，道了謝，說道：「你這樣恩義待我，叫我沒齒不忘，又為我受這些氣惱，總是我這苦命人害了多少人。我實在不要活了，死了倒乾乾淨淨，氣惱也沒了。在一日恨一日，已經多活了兩年，如今極該死的時候。」說了又哭。次賢說道：「你當初進華府時，我早對度香說過，必無好處，如今既已出來，倒也是件好事。以後你就一無罣礙，由你怎樣。舊業自然不理的了，你就在這園中與我作個忘年小友，我將那琴棋書畫、詞賦詩文教你件件精通，將來成個名流，不強如在華府當書童麼？應該自己歡喜才是，何必傷心呢。且他也是氣忿時候寫的，自然就沒有好話了。」子雲道：「靜宜說得是，我將來索性將你們那一班一齊請了過來，在園中住下，都不要唱戲，幾年後倒栽培一班人物出來，總比那些不通舉人與那三等秀才強了百倍。」即對次賢道：「失言，失言！你是優貢，已不在秀才之列了。」次賢道：「我固是個秀才，但你也是個舉人。」子雲道：「我原不通的。」寶珠要解琴言的愁悶，便笑向次賢道：「優貢，優貢，我們這優班，還在貢班之上。我們念起書來，就真是那學而優，適或作了官，又成了仕而優了。」次賢笑道：「這還了得？非但罵我，連度香也罵在裡頭了。」寶珠深深陪罪道：「怒我無心之言。」子雲也笑了，琴言方止了哭。
只見蕙芳來了，見了琴言光景，著實詫異，問了緣故，便拍手稱快道：「天下有這麼好事，真求也求不到，還哭什麼呢？」次賢又將子雲不要他們唱戲，要他們在園裡的話說了。蕙芳道：「這是極好的，只怕我們生了這個下賤的命，未必能有此清福。我這兩年內就想要改行，但又無行可改。這跟官一道，與唱戲也在伯仲之間。若做買賣，又不在行。且在這京裡，就改了行，人家也認識，總要出了京，才能改圖。你道我唱戲真願麼？叫作落在其中，跳不出來。就一年有一萬銀子，成了個大富翁，又算得什麼？總也離不了小旦二字。我是決意要改行的。」寶珠道：「我的心也與你一樣，但不知天從人願否？」是夜三旦在園中談談說說，琴言亦解了許多愁悶。子雲對蕙芳道：「玉儂在你那裡也是不便，你不能在家陪著他，不如叫他到我這裡住幾天罷。以後再作這個道理，總要與他想個萬全的法子。」蕙芳道：「起初原不過想留他一兩天就進城的，如果常在我那裡，真也不甚便。他又比不得從前了。不如搬到這裡來，也有個散悶地方，不知玉儂意下如何？」此時琴言有甚主意，便說道：「這裡卻方便些。」於是寶珠、蕙芳是夕也陪了琴言，同在園中梨花院內住了一夜。子雲回宅後，次賢也自回房。他們三人同榻，足足講到五更才睡。
且說珊枝回去，華公子便問到怡園見了度香怎樣光景，珊枝道：「今日見他們在梨花園內，奴才進去見琴言、寶珠，琴言見了奴才，即躲開了。徐老爺問了公子好，將帖兒拆開看了一會，一句話也沒有講，就只冷笑一聲。蕭老爺說不及寫回字了，回去與公子請安，我們明日見了公子當面講罷。奴才將箱子交給他們門上，也就收了。」華公子打發珊枝去後，心上想子雲必定認個不是，自將琴言送來，可以消釋此恨。誰知不發一言，公然笑納，連回字也不給一個，這般可惡，還是蕭次賢周旋了一句。這一氣就如周公瑾遇了諸葛武候一般，不覺雙眉倒豎，臉泛濃霜，倒也講不出什麼話來。未知後事如何，且聽下回分解。
On the day Qin Yan left her apprenticeship was also the day Hua Gongzi hosted a flower viewing. The next day, Hua Gongzi instructed Shanzhi to send someone to fetch Qin Yan. Shanzhi assigned the task to an outside servant named Yao Xian, who set off early in the morning to leave the city. Upon arriving at Changqing’s residence, he encountered Wu Mazi and said, “The holiday is over. Qin Yan is to return to the city.”
Wu Mazi replied, “Qin Yan? Someone helped him leave the apprenticeship yesterday, and he has already moved out. I doubt he’ll be returning to the city.” Yao Xian was shocked and exclaimed, “What are you saying? How could our household allow him to leave without permission? Where has he moved to?” Wu Mazi said, “I don’t know. I heard that someone from Jiangnan helped him leave the apprenticeship. He’s probably staying at that person’s house.”
Yao Xian responded angrily, “This is absurd! If someone wants to leave the apprenticeship, they should at least inform the young master. This situation is unacceptable. When Hua Gongzi finds out, he won’t take it lightly.” Wu Mazi replied, “It’s none of my business. His master’s wife was in charge. Who could have stopped her?” Yao Xian demanded, “Where is he staying now? I need to find him and get to the bottom of this.” Wu Mazi said, “I really don’t know where he’s staying. But I’ve heard that he will return to the city soon. After all, he still has many belongings in the city. He wouldn’t just abandon them.”
Wu Mazi’s vague answers only left Yao Xian feeling more frustrated. He asked, “Where is your mistress? I need to ask her directly.” Wu Mazi replied, “She isn’t home. She went to the cemetery this morning.” Left with no other option, Yao Xian left the residence. As he stood by the gate of the theater, he suddenly heard the rumbling sound of a carriage approaching from behind. He quickly moved aside and, glancing at the passing carriage, saw two gentlemen seated inside, one of whom looked like Qin Yan. Just as Yao Xian was about to chase after the carriage, it had already gone too far. He thought to himself, “So, he’s out there enjoying himself. He’s probably off to drink somewhere again.”
As Yao Xian continued walking, deep in thought, he encountered two acquaintances. One was Meng Qi, a 29-year-old servant of Xu Ziyun, and the other was Hu Ba, a 39-year-old servant of Xi Shiyi. Both were locals, and Hu Ba was Yao Xian’s cousin through his aunt. The three of them were on good terms. That day, Hu Ba was free because his master was ill, so he had gone out with Meng Qi to listen to an opera, planning to have lunch at a restaurant afterward. When they met Yao Xian, who had just returned from the city, they pulled him aside. After exchanging pleasantries, they invited him into the restaurant, where they ordered a few dishes and two pots of wine. They drank leisurely while chatting. Meng Qi asked Yao Xian why he had the chance to wander outside the city. Yao Xian replied, “Wander? I wish! We have specific duties, and even when there’s nothing to do, we can’t stray too far. Today, Hua Gongzi sent me to find Qin Yan because his leave is over, and he needs to return. But I couldn’t find him anywhere.”
Meng Qi was startled and asked, “You’re still looking for him to return to the manor?” Yao Xian confirmed, “Exactly. I just went to his master’s house and met some guy named Mazi, but his words were unclear. He said someone from Jiangnan helped Qin Yan leave his apprenticeship and took him away yesterday. I can’t believe that anyone would dare to let him leave the apprenticeship without our permission and take him away! Especially considering the way our master treats Qin Yan—he gives his master 200 taels of silver each month, plus extra rewards. Other than Lin Shanzhi, who else in the household could match his privileges? But Qin Yan doesn’t even show gratitude! He didn’t even say goodbye and just left with someone else. It’s beyond belief. When I report this to Hua Gongzi, he will definitely demand Qin Yan’s return. Let’s see what happens to him then.”
Meng Qi laughed and said, “What nonsense! Who told you that? Qin Yan is still here, and he certainly didn’t leave the capital with any Jiangnan person. That’s just a rumor.” Yao Xian responded, “It’s not a rumor. That’s what his household told me.” Meng Qi said, “Don’t believe it. Have a drink, and I’ll tell you what’s really going on. Qin Yan took a leave of absence after his master passed away, and he’s been staying with us at the garden. Our master has been hosting guests for more than two weeks on his behalf. As for the matter of leaving the apprenticeship, I don’t know whether it was Qin Yan’s request or our master’s offer, but yesterday, our steward went to the Rixin Silver Exchange to issue a silver note for 2,400 taels, plus an additional 50 taels, which was given to Su Huifang to help Qin Yan leave his apprenticeship. Just now, we saw him with Huifang in a carriage on the way to our garden. It seems like our master has some plans for him.”
Meng Qi continued, “He’s probably not at your manor anymore, so he’s now serving our master. If your master knew that Qin Yan was still with us, considering how well they get along—often exchanging valuable antiques—Hua Gongzi could easily send a note requesting Qin Yan. Do you really think our master wouldn’t send him back? Why would he spend 2,400 taels of silver unnecessarily? What a waste of money!”
Yao Xian said, “So that’s what’s going on. Still, if your master wanted Qin Yan, he should’ve informed Hua Gongzi. Qin Yan hasn’t officially left the manor yet. I have to say, your master was a bit reckless in this matter.”
Hu Ba chimed in, “I’ve never seen this Qin Yan. How good-looking could he be? I remember last month, our master invited him to accompany Wei Daren at Hongji Temple for a day of drinking. He even gifted him a pair of jade bracelets that belonged to our madam. Those bracelets were bought in Guangdong and were worth 1,400 silver coins. They’re even more valuable in the capital. Now, our master is seriously ill, and Qin Yan hasn’t visited him once. This guy must have no sense of loyalty. First, he follows your master, then he tries to follow ours. He seems like someone who doesn’t stick to one path. Who knows who he’ll end up following next?”
The two of them, not knowing the full story, continued to talk in half-truths.
After Yao Xian finished his meal, he thanked his hosts and returned to the city to report to Shanzhi. He relayed all the details about Qin Yan, first recounting what Wu Mazi had said, followed by the conversation with Meng Qi and Hu Ba, not leaving out a single word. As he narrated the events, he even added some embellishments of his own, claiming that he had seen Qin Yan riding in a carriage with another gentleman, likely heading off to drink.
Shanzhi listened in silence for a while before responding, “What are you saying? Is this true or false? If I relay your story and there’s any untruth in it, this could turn into a serious problem.”
Yao Xian protested, “How could I dare lie? This information comes directly from Meng Qi, who works for Mr. Xu, and Hu Ba, who works for Xi’s household. They have credible sources. Would I risk lying about such a matter?”
Shanzhi reflected quietly, thinking, “How could Qin Yan be so ungrateful? Not only did Hua Gongzi treat him with kindness, but I personally took care of him as well. I always felt his heart wasn’t really with us, and he’s always been preoccupied with that Mei Shaoye. He must be enjoying himself outside. But even if he’s staying with Mr. Xu, how could he lower himself to accompany Wei Pincai and Xi Shiyi for drinks? He has no regard for his own status, nor for Hua Gongzi’s reputation. Even the jade bracelets aren’t worth much if he’s going to act so disgracefully. He used to act so aloof and superior in the manor, like a princely figure. Now, his true nature is revealed before my very eyes. There’s no covering for him anymore. I may as well report the truth. He carries himself with dignity, unlike a typical performer. It’s ironic that someone with less self-respect wouldn’t dare take leave, yet Qin Yan’s recklessness has made him a laughingstock.”
With her mind made up, Shanzhi headed to the inner study. Standing outside the whitewashed wall, she called softly for Xiaoxiang. From inside, Xiaoxiang’s laughter could be heard, and after a few calls, she finally came out. Xiaoxiang asked, “What’s the matter?” Shanzhi replied, “I need to report something.” Xiaoxiang said, “Hua Gongzi has gone to the garden…” Shanzhi asked, “Did he go alone, or with the madam?” Xiaoxiang replied, “He’s taken Sister Bao, Sister Zhen, and Sister Rui to the garden to admire the peach blossoms. The madam didn’t go.” From inside, another voice could be heard asking, “Do you know who’s out there?” The response came, “It’s Lin Shanzhi, who else!” Recognizing the voices of Huazhu and Hezhu, Shanzhi quickly made her way to the garden.
The garden was full of vibrant colors, with a gentle breeze blowing. Shanzhi walked directly toward Liuxian Pavilion. As she neared the back of the garden, she heard laughter and what sounded like a young girl reciting poetry. Quietly, she tiptoed around to the west side and hid behind a Taihu stone. Through a small hole in the stone, she saw Rui Zhu kneeling beneath a peach blossom tree, dressed in a peach-red silk jacket and a green silk vest, reciting from The Song of Everlasting Regret. She recited:
“Rising, she pushed aside her clothes and pillow, and paced to and fro,
The pearl curtains and silver screens trailed as they opened.
Her cloud-like hair was half undone from sleep,
Her robe was disheveled as she stepped down from the hall.
The wind lifted her celestial sleeves as if she were dancing the Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Coat dance.
Her jade-like face was lonely, streaked with tears,
Like a pear blossom wet with spring rain.”
When she reached the line “Like a pear blossom wet with spring rain,” she stumbled and repeated the line twice, unable to continue. Hua Gongzi burst out laughing and said, “Kneeling yet still unable to recite? I suppose I’ll have to punish you.” Rui Zhu’s face turned red as she struggled to remember, while Ai Zhu, standing nearby, laughed at her. Bao Zhu, standing behind Hua Gongzi, made faces to tease her, which embarrassed Rui Zhu to the point of tears.
For the past few days, Hua Gongzi and the madam had been using the ten young women as a form of amusement, teaching them to recite Tang poems. Once they memorized them, they had to recite them. If they made mistakes, they would be punished. Those who made many mistakes would have to kneel and receive a few smacks on the hand.
That day, Bao Zhu had recited six of Li Yishan’s Untitled poems, making only one mistake, so she wasn’t punished. Ai Zhu had flawlessly recited The Song of the Pipa. Rui Zhu, on the other hand, had made several mistakes while reciting The Song of Everlasting Regret, which was why she was kneeling. Despite her struggles, the other three girls continued to mock her. Rui Zhu, already frustrated, could barely hold back her tears but didn’t dare stand up and leave.
Hua Gongzi, still laughing, suddenly noticed someone peeking from behind the Taihu stone and called out, “Who’s hiding behind the Taihu stone?” Startled, Shanzhi quickly stepped forward, hands respectfully at her sides. Hua Gongzi asked, “Why didn’t you come forward earlier? Why were you hiding behind the stone?” Shanzhi replied, “I just arrived, but when I heard you speaking, I hesitated and stood behind the stone to observe before stepping forward.”
Hua Gongzi asked, “What do you have to say?” Shanzhi replied, “This morning, I sent Yao Xian to call for Qin Yan. Yao Xian has returned.”
Hua Gongzi asked, “Where is Qin Yan?”
Shanzhi responded, “Qin Yan hasn’t returned.”
Hua Gongzi, surprised, asked, “Why hasn’t he come back yet? Is there something keeping him?”
Shanzhi hesitated and said, “It seems Qin Yan might not be coming back.”
Hua Gongzi was taken aback. “What do you mean? Is Qin Yan sick?”
Shanzhi replied, “No, he’s not sick.”
Hua Gongzi asked, “If he’s not sick, why won’t he come back?”
Shanzhi pretended to be hesitant, which only heightened Hua Gongzi’s suspicions. He urged her, “What did Yao Xian say? Speak quickly and don’t delay.”
Shanzhi, fearing Hua Gongzi’s anger, hesitated again and said, “I’m afraid if I tell you, you’ll be upset.”
Now extremely suspicious, Hua Gongzi pressed her further. Shanzhi then proceeded to tell him everything Yao Xian had reported, without holding anything back.
The four servant girls listened in surprise. Rui Zhu, still kneeling on the ground, was dazed as she watched Shanzhi speak. She lost track of time, and as flower petals fell on her head, she absentmindedly took one and chewed on it for a while before spitting it out into Ai Zhu’s hand, who gave her a glance.
Hua Gongzi, having listened to the entire story, grew furious. His face turned pale with anger, and he exclaimed, “How can this be! This is outrageous! Qin Yan has lost all sense of decency—such a heartless person is rare. As for Du Xiang, hiding his schemes behind a smile and deceiving me like this, does he think I’ll just let this go? Make sure Yao Xian goes to bring him here. I want to know the reason behind this. I don’t care about Xu Du Xiang or anyone else—I’m not going to let him get away with this without a proper explanation. How could anyone treat me like this, especially someone I considered a close friend? If we weren’t on good terms, that would be one thing, but to betray me like this? Why didn’t he leave the apprenticeship earlier? Now, after he’s come here, he flaunts his wealth and arranges to leave the apprenticeship without even telling me. Qin Yan is truly detestable. In what way have I mistreated him, that he would act so ungrateful and side with someone else?”
Shanzhi gently tried to calm him down. “Please, Gongzi, don’t be so angry. Qin Yan hasn’t been in the capital for long, and his master wasn’t a good teacher, letting him grow accustomed to doing as he pleases. He’s been here for half a year and hasn’t suffered any mistreatment—no place could be better than this. I don’t know why, but he’s always moping around in secret, never expressing his true feelings. He must have something on his mind that he can’t speak about. Someone without a conscience like him isn’t worth troubling yourself over. In my opinion, you shouldn’t waste your anger. I doubt he’ll stay with Mr. Xu for long. Mr. Xu’s residence is always filled with ten or more people, and if Qin Yan is treated like everyone else, he won’t be content. You can’t turn a wild bird into a domesticated one. If he’s lost his conscience, he won’t find anything good coming his way, not even from heaven. And as for Xi Shiyi, I don’t know him personally, but from what I’ve heard, he’s a despicable person. The fact that Qin Yan is drinking with him only tarnishes his own reputation. In my opinion, even if he doesn’t stay at Mr. Xu’s, we shouldn’t take him back.”
Hua Gongzi’s anger subsided a little after hearing Shanzhi’s words.
Shanzhi exchanged a glance with Bao Zhu, who also tried to calm him down. “Shanzhi is right. If Qin Yan truly respected you, even if someone offered to help him leave the apprenticeship, he wouldn’t have kept it from you. He would have come to you for permission. If he had asked you, would you have refused to let him leave? He’s foolish and heartless. Why should we keep him around? Last year, he wanted to come here, and now he wants to leave. Everyone knows how generous you’ve been to him, and yet he doesn’t appreciate it. It’s his own misfortune that he can’t handle such kindness. If you insist, I’m sure he wouldn’t dare disobey and will return. But it’s as if he believes he’s irreplaceable, which only makes him think even more highly of himself. In my opinion, let him come or go as he pleases. We don’t need him here. As for Mr. Xu, we shouldn’t hold this against him. It’s not worth damaging a long-standing friendship between two families over someone as insignificant as Qin Yan. People will say it’s Mr. Xu who acted improperly by taking someone else’s man, and they’ll praise your magnanimity.”
Hua Gongzi, though somewhat calmed by their words, still couldn’t entirely shake off his anger and remained silent.
Rui Zhu, having knelt for such a long time, felt her knees aching despite the cushion beneath her. She also needed to relieve herself, her face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. Her expression, caught between wanting to laugh and cry, was pitiful to see.
Hua Gongzi, absorbed in his anger and the conversation with Shanzhi and Bao Zhu, had forgotten that Rui Zhu was still kneeling.
Finally, Rui Zhu, at her wit’s end, said, “Even if I kneel until tomorrow, I still won’t remember the lines. If I’m to be punished, just do it already.”
Hua Gongzi laughed and said, “Get up. I forgot you were still kneeling.”
Rui Zhu stood up, bending over slightly as she massaged her sore knees. She walked away slowly, muttering to herself, “Isn’t this unfair? Kneeling for so long!” She headed off to a quiet place to relieve herself.
Hua Gongzi stood up and returned to the madam’s quarters, followed by Bao Zhu and Ai Zhu. Zhen Zhu and the others accompanied Rui Zhu. Shanzhi slowly escorted Hua Gongzi out of the garden. Just as she was about to leave, a handful of flower petals was suddenly thrown at her. She turned around quickly to see Rui Zhu and Zhen Zhu yelling, “You were hiding behind the rocks watching people kneel. May your eyes go blind!”
Shanzhi retorted, “You’ll be the ones getting punished tomorrow!” Then, she walked away.
When Hua Gongzi returned to the madam’s room, he wanted to avoid bringing up the matter but couldn’t help himself. He told her about Ziyun and Qin Yan leaving the apprenticeship.
The madam asked, “What does it mean to leave the apprenticeship?”
Hua Gongzi explained, “In the past, Qin Yan’s master bought him, so all the money Qin Yan earned went to his master. Now that someone has paid for him to leave the apprenticeship, he no longer belongs to his master and can make his own decisions. Yesterday, Du Xiang paid 2,400 taels for Qin Yan to leave the apprenticeship.”
The madam replied, “So now Qin Yan belongs to Du Xiang?”
Hua Gongzi answered, “Exactly! I’m furious about this. Du Xiang thinks he’s above everyone, not even bothering to inform me. How dare he! I’ll go see him tomorrow and demand answers. I’ll even chase Qin Yan out of the capital and forbid him from staying here.”
The madam laughed and said, “Is this really worth getting upset over? If Du Xiang wants to help Qin Yan leave the apprenticeship, what does it have to do with us? After all, Qin Yan never truly belonged to our household. If he doesn’t want to stay, let him go.”
Du Xiang’s master and our master are close friends. Why should we let Qin Yan damage such a long-standing relationship? I advise you not to pursue this matter further. After all, Qin Yan is just a performer. If this situation escalates, it will only tarnish the reputation of both the elite and the entertainers.” Hua Gongzi, who had always respected his wife’s calm and reasonable demeanor, felt much of his anger dissipate as he replied, “You’re right.” However, he still felt reluctant to let go of Qin Yan. His thoughts vacillated between acting on his anger and letting it go, leaving him conflicted and unsettled. After more comforting words from his wife, Hua Gongzi finally decided to let it go, at least for the time being.
The next morning, however, his anger flared up again. He instructed Shanzhi to pack Qin Yan’s belongings into a cart and write a note. Shanzhi was to personally deliver the items to Du Xiang at Yiyuan to see how things stood. Shanzhi had no choice but to follow the orders.
This was the second day after Qin Yan had left the apprenticeship. He had originally planned to return to the city today, but Ziyun had scheduled a banquet for the 6th of the month to bid farewell to Nanxiang and Chunhang, as well as to invite Qu Daosheng, Zi Yu, and Zhong Qing. Since it was only the 4th, Qin Yan decided to wait until the 7th to return, planning to write a note to Hua Gongzi explaining that his leave had been extended due to his health and that he had stayed a few extra days for leisure. Feeling no rush, Qin Yan was happy to enjoy a few more carefree days.
That day, Huifang was out, so Qin Yan went to Yiyuan. By then, the pear blossoms were in full bloom, and Ziyun, Ci Xian, and Bao Zhu were chatting leisurely in the pear courtyard when Qin Yan arrived. Ci Xian joked, “Yurong, now that you’re free to make your own decisions, why not leave Hua’s residence and come here?” Qin Yan laughed and said, “I’d love to, but how do I explain things over there?”
Ziyun laughed as well, saying, “That would be a real scandal. Hua Xingbei would surely accuse me of stealing his favorite person. That kind of dispute would be hard to resolve! Let’s not start a fuss over this. You can go back on the 7th. When did you leave?” Qin Yan replied, “On the 27th of the first month.” Ziyun said, “It’s already been 40 days! How time flies!” Qin Yan replied, “Time drags when I’m in the manor, but it flies when I’m outside.”
Ziyun then turned to Ci Xian and said, “These past two days, Zhu Jun and Xiang Fan have been cramming for exams. It’s no surprise with Xiang Fan—he wants to outshine Meixiang. But Zhu Jun, who is usually so steady and diligent, is now writing essays with great urgency. It just goes to show that the desire for fame spares no one.”
Ci Xian said, “This year there are two paths: even if one doesn’t pass the jinshi exam, one can still try for the Broad Knowledge and Profound Learning examination. Isn’t passing that just as prestigious as being a jinshi?” Ziyun replied, “It’s much harder than passing the jinshi exam! I can’t even dream of such a high achievement. Passing the jinshi is already a lofty goal, but I missed my chance by filling an official vacancy. Now I can only watch others succeed. Who do you think has the best chance this year—Zhu Jun or Xiang Fan?”
Ci Xian replied, “They’re equally talented. Xiang Fan’s writing is outstanding, while Zhu Jun’s talent is broad and versatile. But if they encounter a narrow-minded examiner, Zhu Jun might be at a disadvantage. In the final court examination, Xiang Fan might outperform Zhu Jun, but in the Broad Knowledge test, Zhu Jun will likely excel. I’m confident Geng Xiang will succeed this year, and Jian Tan and Zhuoran also have a good chance.”
Ziyun said, “And what about you? You’re bound to succeed as well.” Ci Xian replied, “I’m not even taking the exam. I know my limits.” Ziyun said, “What are you talking about? Even if you don’t aim for official titles, you’re still highly regarded. The Broad Knowledge exam is meant to assess the best talent in the country. Even retired elders are taking part. How could someone with your abilities not participate? I’ve already recommended you, so you won’t be able to decline.”
Ci Xian just smiled and said nothing. Bao Zhu asked, “If someone passes, what position will they get?” Ziyun replied, “They’ll be appointed as an editor at the Hanlin Academy.” Qin Yan asked, “Can Geng Xiang, as a scholar, take the exam?” Ziyun replied, “Yes, he can.” Qin Yan said, “Then you should participate too.” Ziyun replied, “As an official, I’m not eligible to take the exam. I’ve already filled a vacancy. Even Qian Zhou might not be able to take part now—he should secure his position around May.”
As they were chatting, a gatekeeper suddenly came in to report, “Hua Gongzi has sent someone to deliver a message to see the master. He’s also sent a few boxes.” Ziyun, surprised, asked, “What boxes? Let the messenger come in.” Just as he spoke, Shanzhi entered the pear courtyard. When Qin Yan saw Shanzhi, he quickly hid behind the house to listen to what was going on.
Shanzhi greeted Ziyun and Ci Xian and then said, “Hua Gongzi sends his regards to both of you. Here’s a letter from him.” He presented the letter with both hands. Ziyun took it and saw that the outside was marked, “Four luggage boxes, to be delivered to Mr. Xu.” Ziyun asked after Hua Gongzi and then opened the letter, which he read with Ci Xian. The letter said:
“On the 27th of the first month, Qin Yan took a month’s leave to handle the funeral arrangements after the death of his master Changqing. His leave has now expired. Yesterday, I sent my servant Yao Xian to summon him back, only to learn that my dear brother has already helped Qin Yan leave the apprenticeship and taken him into his household. Now, I send his luggage and personal belongings to you, trusting that you will receive them. I doubt Qin Yan has the nerve to come collect them himself. I’ve also heard disturbing rumors that this man has been degrading himself by drinking with disreputable people wherever he pleases, caring only for profit. I am enraged by this news. My initial intention was to bring him back and severely punish him, but I hesitate to go against your wishes. In the future, please ensure strict supervision to prevent him from repeating his past misdeeds. Though you may be generous and magnanimous, willing to overlook the matter, I will be vigilant. If I hear of any further misconduct, I will take immediate action to expel him and ensure your garden is not disgraced. I write this in haste and await your response.”
Ziyun read the letter and was at a loss for words, feeling deeply wronged and unable to defend himself. His hands grew cold with anger as he exchanged glances with Ci Xian, both of them letting out a few bitter laughs. Ci Xian asked Shanzhi, “What did your master tell you?” Shanzhi replied, “He didn’t say much. He just instructed me to deliver Qin Yan’s luggage to Master Xu and to ask if there was a response.” Ziyun was so angry he couldn’t speak. Ci Xian said, “This is strange. Where is all of this coming from? There’s no point in writing a reply right now. Tomorrow, I’ll go with Master Xu to meet your master and discuss this face to face.” Shanzhi acknowledged this, left the boxes at the gate, and went back without further discussion.
Meanwhile, Qin Yan, unaware of the situation, overheard that his luggage had been sent over. Knowing that Shanzhi had left, he quickly came out and saw Ziyun looking pale, slumped in his chair. Bao Zhu and Ci Xian were still reading the letter. Qin Yan walked over and reached for the letter, but Ci Xian wanted to hide it. Ziyun said, “Let him see it. What’s all this about? Hua Xingbei is truly despicable! Who did he hear this from to slander someone like this? Infuriating!”
Before reading the letter, Qin Yan felt troubled, but after reading it, his heart sank into despair. Each word cut deeper, and suddenly a wave of rage surged through him. His vision blurred, his throat tightened as if something was stuck, and he couldn’t breathe. His eyes rolled back, and he collapsed. Ziyun, Ci Xian, and Bao Zhu were all shocked and rushed to help him. Ziyun pressed on Qin Yan’s philtrum while Ci Xian supported his back and rubbed his chest. They could hear the phlegm rattling in his throat. Ci Xian lifted Qin Yan onto his lap. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Qin Yan finally stirred, leaned forward, and coughed up a chunk of phlegm, followed by more vomiting. Bao Zhu said, “He’s better now,” while patting his back. Qin Yan slowly regained consciousness, and when he opened his eyes, tears flowed uncontrollably. Seeing this, everyone felt heartbroken, and Bao Zhu couldn’t stop her own tears. They helped Qin Yan over to the “Drunken Sage” bed and propped him up with a pillow. Ziyun said, “Don’t be so upset. Tomorrow we’ll go together and get to the bottom of this.”
Suddenly, Qin Yan burst into loud sobs, the kind that expressed years of pent-up sorrow and grievances, akin to the tragic injustice of an unseasonal snowfall in June. Ziyun and the others were deeply moved by his grief, unable to find the right words to console him. Qin Yan wept for nearly an hour, reduced to silent tears, his sorrow overwhelming.
Seeing Qin Yan in such distress, Ziyun was heartbroken and thought to himself, “Hua Xingbei has gone too far, making accusations without verifying the truth. I was going to confront him and clear things up, but if I do, it’ll only give him more leverage. He’ll think I’m coming to grovel before him. It’s better to just cut ties with him—this friendship isn’t worth maintaining.” He said, “Yurong, stop crying. Everyone knows your true character. Who would believe what he’s saying? It’s clear that Lin Shanzhi is behind this, stirring up trouble and making things worse, even turning me into a target. Why must you rely on someone like Hua? Now that they’ve sent your things back, there’s no need to see him again. If you go, you’ll only face humiliation. Stay here for a few days, and we’ll figure out a better plan.”
Qin Yan, still sobbing softly, thanked him, saying, “You’ve shown me such kindness, and I’ll never forget it. Yet you’re also suffering because of me. It’s my cursed life that brings harm to others. I don’t want to live anymore—it would be cleaner if I just died. The longer I live, the more I hate myself. I’ve already lived two years longer than I should have. Now, it’s time for me to die.” With that, he began crying again.
Ci Xian interjected, “When you first joined Hua’s household, I warned Du Xiang that nothing good would come of it. Now that you’ve left, it’s actually a blessing. You’re no longer bound by anything, and you can do whatever you please. Forget about your old life. Stay here in the garden and be my companion. I’ll teach you everything—music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, essays—until you master them all. Wouldn’t it be better to become a cultured person rather than a servant at Hua’s mansion? You should be happy, not sad. After all, that letter was written in anger—it’s no surprise it contains harsh words.”
Ziyun added, “Jingyi is right. I’m thinking of bringing all of you over here to live in the garden. You won’t have to perform anymore. In a few years, I’ll turn you into a group of accomplished people. You’ll be far better than those shallow scholars and mediocre gentry.” Then, turning to Ci Xian, he added, “Forgive me for my slip of the tongue—you’re already a superior scholar, not one of those ordinary ones.” Ci Xian laughed and replied, “I may be a scholar, but you’re a degree holder yourself.” Ziyun said, “I’m no intellectual.”
Bao Zhu, eager to lift Qin Yan’s spirits, joked with Ci Xian, “As a superior scholar, you’re still below us in the actor class. When we study, we become true scholars, and when we become officials, we’ll be scholars-turned-officials!” Ci Xian laughed and said, “Now, that’s too much! Not only are you mocking me, but you’re dragging Du Xiang into it too!” Bao Zhu bowed deeply and apologized, “Forgive my careless words.” Ziyun also laughed, and Qin Yan finally stopped crying.
At that moment, Huifang arrived. Seeing Qin Yan’s state, she was surprised and asked what had happened. After hearing the explanation, she clapped her hands and said, “This is great news! It’s a blessing you couldn’t even have wished for! Why are you still crying?” Ci Xian then repeated Ziyun’s plan to have them stay in the garden without performing. Huifang said, “That’s an excellent idea, but I’m afraid we were born into this lowly fate and might not be able to enjoy such a peaceful life. I’ve been thinking of changing professions for the past two years, but there’s no other path for me. Government work is no better than performing, and I don’t know how to do business. Even if we change professions here in the capital, everyone still knows us. We’d have to leave the city to start anew. Do you think I really enjoy performing? I’ve fallen into it and can’t escape. Even if I earned ten thousand silver a year and became wealthy, what would that mean? I’d still be stuck with the label of a ‘dan’ (female role). I’m determined to change my profession.”
Bao Zhu agreed, “I feel the same way, but who knows if fate will allow it?”
That night, the three of them—Bao Zhu, Huifang, and Qin Yan—stayed together in the pear courtyard of the garden, talking and easing Qin Yan’s sorrows. Ziyun said to Huifang, “It’s inconvenient for Yurong to stay with you. Since you can’t always be home with him, why not have him stay here for a few days? We’ll figure out a long-term solution later.” Huifang replied, “Initially, I only planned to have him stay for a day or two before he returned to the city. But if he stays with me for too long, it won’t be convenient. Things aren’t the same as before. He might as well move here. It’ll be a better place for him to relax. What do you think, Yurong?”
Qin Yan, having no strong opinions, said, “This place would be more convenient.” So, that evening, Bao Zhu and Huifang stayed with Qin Yan in the pear courtyard. Ziyun returned home afterward, and Ci Xian also retired to his room. The three of them chatted until dawn.
Meanwhile, when Shanzhi returned, Hua Gongzi asked how things had gone at Yiyuan with Du Xiang. Shanzhi replied, “I found them in the pear garden. When I arrived, I saw Qin Yan and Bao Zhu. As soon as Qin Yan saw me, he hid. Mr. Xu inquired about your well-being and opened the letter to read it. He didn’t say a word, only smiled coldly. Mr. Xiao said there wasn’t time to write a reply and suggested they would meet with you tomorrow to discuss it face to face. I left the luggage with their gatekeeper, and they accepted it.”
After sending Shanzhi, Hua Gongzi thought to himself, “Ziyun must realize he was in the wrong and will send Qin Yan back himself, making peace between us.” But to his surprise, not a word was returned, and they calmly accepted the luggage with no reply at all. Only Xiao Ci Xian had made any comment. This infuriated Hua Gongzi even more
. His anger boiled over, and his face darkened like Zhou Yu’s upon encountering Zhuge Liang. He couldn’t even find the words to express his rage. What would happen next remains to be seen in the following chapter.