話說琴言在怡園住下，賴有子雲、次賢日為開導，又有那些名旦不約而來，或有煮茗清談，或有詠花斗酒，園中的勝景甚多，今日在牡丹臺，明日在芍藥圃，倒也把愁悶消去了一半。
昨日子雲又請了屈道生、梅子玉、史南湘、顏仲清、田春航、劉文澤、王恂等，並有諸名旦全來，會了一日。因南湘、春航次早要入場，所以散得甚早。
且說子玉又與琴言聚了一日，知他出了華府，十分歡喜。
但因昨日人多，彼此未能暢談衷曲。今日晚飯後，想趁著那一鉤新月，去到怡園，也可暢敘一會，遂稟明了顏夫人、帶了雲兒，乘興而來。進了怡園，卻值子雲未回，到了次賢處。子玉尚未進門，聽得有人在那裡高談闊論。次賢見子玉來了，即忙出來，要請到裡面。子玉問道：「何客？」次賢笑道：「不要緊，是個湖州王客人，販些古董書畫筆墨等貨，來托消的。」
子玉進去，那人便鞠躬如也的直迎上來，深深作一個揖，子玉也還了禮。見那人有五十餘歲，相貌雖俗，倒生得一部好鬚，直垂至腹。王鬍子見子玉清華瀟灑，知是個貴公子，頭一句便問家世，第二句就問科第。子玉倒有些不好意思，次賢代他答了，王鬍子道：「在下作個斯文買賣，二十年來，走了十四省，就是關東、甘肅、廣西沒有到過，其餘各省都已走過幾回。去年八月在江西吉安府，遇見尊大人，正在開考。候考完了，也進去叩謁過兩回，消了一個宣爐、十匣筆。尊大人還到小寓來回拜的。不瞞梅少爺講，在下到一處都有些相好。少爺要用什麼書籍以及筆硯玩器之類，我留一個折子在蕭老先生處，有合用的，開個單子，打發管家來取便了，我寓在古秀齋書畫鋪。」
那王鬍子好不話多，子玉不些發煩。無奈王鬍子要候子雲回來，消些東西。還有一部《圖書集成》，這部書是個難消的，心上要想求子雲買這部書，情願減價，只要三千銀子，今日看來也要在園中下榻的了。
次賢覺得子玉有些嫌他。便對子玉道：「何不到玉儂處談談，今日又挪到海棠春圃，相去不遠。」子玉正中心懷。次賢便叫書童引路，送子玉到了海棠春圃。望見琴言穿著隨身的月白夾襖，腳上是雙大紅盤花珠履，倚著海棠花樹，對著塊太湖石，在那裡凝思。書童咳嗽一聲，琴言回頭，見了子玉，便笑盈盈的迎上來，說道：「來得正好，你看夕陽欲下，映著這些花分外好看，快來看罷。」子玉笑著走過來，二人倚著闌干同玩。琴言道：「人說海棠有色無香，你不聞見香麼？我覺得比別的花還香些。」子玉笑道：「已經占了國色，何必還要占那國香。這香只怕是那邊丁香的香。若說海棠的香，無此濃厚。他也有一種香氣，是藏在花肌膚裡，顏色中不肯輕易吐出，要人將花凝眸諦視，良久良久，他那一種清香自然隨人的上到鼻孔中來，也不是人人聞得出來的。你不信，你就將那一枝垂下來的細細的聞聞，管保不是方才吹來的那種香氣。」
琴言果然走上臺階，手板一枝海棠，看了一會，又聞了一回，點頭微笑道：「果然，果然！你真是細心人。這香就像與花的顏色一樣，說他不香卻真有香，說他香又不像別的花香，真正恰是海棠的香。」子玉笑道：「此所謂心香，如何可以比得別的花香呢？豈有嬌如海棠而雲其一無香氣，此真為唐安全突名花了。」二人在花下談了一會，才進屋子坐下。子玉道：「你如今出了華府，無拘無束，所有那些愁悶都可消了。況在這個園子裡，一年四季都可遊玩，又有那一班長見的時來時往，比在師傅處更好了。」琴言道：「那自然。若說在師傅處，卻是第一的不好。那日點了我的戲，心裡就像上法場，要殺的一樣。及到上場，我心裡就另作一想，把我這個身子不當作我，就當那戲上的那個人，任人看，任人笑，倒像一毫不與我相干。至下了臺，露了本相，又覺抱愧了。再陪著個生人在酒度上，就覺如芒刺在背。看著他人自然得很，有說有笑，我也想學他，但那時心口都不聽我使喚，也不懂得是什麼緣故。後來要到華府時，心裡想不知怎麼受罪。及進去了，倒也不見得怎樣。惟有這片心，人總瞧不出來。就算格外待得好，究竟我當個優伶看待，供人的喜笑。至於度香待我，還有什麼說的？但我此時身雖安了，心實未安。從前在火炕裡，受這些孽障，只求早死，也想不到如今還能出來。既出來了，我的心倒比從前更亂了。戲是決意不唱，奴才也不再作，但又作什麼呢？人既待得這麼好，我只是愁愁悶悶，也叫人疑惑，說我不知足了。所以我此刻另有一種活路上煩悶，不是死路上的算計。這話我也沒有對人講過，只有你知我的心，所以今日告訴你。既未到十分危急，也不便視死如歸。但生在世間，沒有一個歸著，你教我這心怎能放得開呢？」子玉連連點頭道：「你慮得極是，我倒有個主意，就只怕遇不著這個人。此時你在京裡，人人知道你的出身。若到了別省地方，人家如何知道，豈不與平人一樣？但是那裡有這個好人，同你出京去呢？」琴言道「你怎麼倒願意我出京嗎？」子玉道：「我豈願你出京？我的心裡是願與你終身相聚，同苦同樂。只恨我一無能力，與廢人一樣，還時時慮著老人家回來，或再放了外任，要帶我出去。幸而此時還未到這田地。但替你想，也不好盡為著我耽誤了你一世。」琴言道：「這話也是白說的。除非候你作了官，才可提拔我。靜宜說今年要考博學宏詞，若考中了就好了。」子玉道：「這如何拿得定？我倒不想中博學宏詞作翰林，我只想得一個外任的小官，同了你出去，我就心滿意足了。」二人這一回已談到定更時候，只見新月半窗，花枝弄影，忽聽得外面子雲、次賢進來。子雲叫道：「庚香在這裡麼？」子玉連忙答應。琴言接二人進來，一同歸坐。子雲道：「今日二位，真可謂暢談衷曲了。」次賢道：「今日園中苦樂不均，我被那王鬍子纏得發昏，要消這樣，要消那樣，據他的想頭，差不多把他帶來的東西都消在這裡才好。」子雲道：「老王的鬍子越發長了。其實這個人，倒也不討人嫌，就是利心過於重些。《古今圖書集成》我雖有一部，這個也只好我們留下罷。這部書也不過如聾子的耳朵，擺設而已。留他住兩天，倒要看看他扶乩的本事，是哄人的不是。」子玉道：「他會扶乩麼？」次賢道：「他說去年在岳陽樓，遇著個道士傳授他。據他說，靈驗得很，並不是哄人。」子玉道：「幾時請他來扶乩，我好看看。」子雲道：「我留他住下就是為此。要不然，就是明日，我們把幾位相好的都請來。那金吉甫我也往還過了，人極風雅，明日一並請來，結個仙緣罷。」子玉笑道：「我是必來的。」
子雲道：「既如此，就是明日辰刻畢集，此時就叫人去知會。」一面吩咐家人到各處去了。子雲道：「今日月光不足，辜負名花，叫把那像生花燈點上幾盞來，掛在樹上。」家童忙到廂房內，開了櫃子，取出十二盞海棠燈，是用通草作成。花朵中點了小白蠟，掛起來十分好看。子雲道：「對此好花，也須小飲幾杯，況庚香也來久了。」子玉道：「可不必了，時候不早，要回去了。」
子雲道：「略飲數杯，領領玉儂的情。」吩咐隨便拿幾樣果菜來。當下四人小酌了一回，已經二更，子玉告辭，子雲又屬明日務必早到，子玉答應而別。
次日清晨，告稟顏夫人，要去看扶乩，並要問問自己前程。
顏夫人是從沒有阻過他的。子玉到了辰刻，因是仙壇，衣冠而去。是日一早，屈道生同金吉甫先到，隨後顏仲清、劉文澤、王恂一齊都來了，子玉到了，各人與吉甫相見，敘了些彼此仰慕的話。只有史南湘、田春航在場中未來。相公們到的是寶珠、蕙芳、素蘭、玉林、漱芳、蘭保、桂保、春喜、琪官、連琴言剛是十人。
王鬍子過來，也與諸人敘禮，他卻都是認識的，與屈道生更是多年相好。王鬍子道：「今日人多，仙壇要設個寬綽的地方才好。」子雲道：「我估量著人多，已經叫人在含萬樓上鋪設了。」又笑問王鬍子道：「你是主壇的法師，請教你，今日是吃齋呢，還是吃葷？」王鬍子笑道：「神仙也是吃肉的，共不用蔥蒜五葷罷。」子雲道：「這很好，我們菜裡本不用蔥蒜的。」於是吩咐擺早飯，吃了好上壇。計算人數共是十九位，就在次賢處擺了三桌。吃畢，才到午初。子雲先上樓去，看看鋪設，遂命人請眾位上樓。
王鬍子看那樓中，好不精緻，是五大間，卻分作五處，兩面開窗，中設了仙壇。看不盡玉壺寶鼎，古畫奇書，王鬍子自忖一生販買古董，從未見過這些好的。凴欄眺望，猶如身在蓬萊。想揚州鹽商家那些花園，也算精工的了，如何比得上這裡？再如平山堂、虹園也不能彷彿。至於候石翁的起鳳園，更不必提了。這邊子雲取出商彝、周□、漢鼎、秦盤，斟上百花釀，焚了百和香，中鋪上一盤淨沙，擺了一個仙乩。大家下樓冠帶，□漱已畢，重親上樓。
王鬍子上前虔誠默禱，一連叩了九個頭。先焚了一通風符，次雲符，又鶴符。候了約有半刻時候，要請兩位仙童扶乩，便點了玉林、漱芳，二人扶上。又有半刻工夫，不見運動，王鬍子又磕了頭，再焚個催符。玉林、漱芳呆呆的扶著，見那乩像有些動，玉林把手一撥，便旋轉起來，滿盤走了一回，畫了無數的圈子。玉林疑是漱芳，漱芳疑是玉林，兩人對著微笑。那乩畫了一回，略停一停，忽又運動，上下往來，成了兩個字。
王鬍子將筆寫了，子雲等就在兩邊看時，分明是「珠珍」兩字。
後又一連寫了五個是「為輦玉為輪」。再看又寫了七個王，鬍子一一記了，已得兩句七言詩。眾人點頭，暗暗稱奇。又見運動得更快了。斜斜的兩行，寫得甚草。王鬍子卻認得，寫了出來是：
珍珠為輦玉為輪，去請瑤臺絳闕真。
朱鳥窗前問阿母，碧桃花樹幾千春。
原來是首降壇詩。眾人知是女仙，越加敬謹。復又寫出數語道：「吾仙杜蘭香奉金母命，至東海蓬萊仙闕，邀請碧霞仙府神君，便道來遊。王髯有何疑問？」王鬍子連忙下了拜，來問道：「那位要問，就請禱告，好待上仙判斷。」眾人心上都沒有事，不過來看熱鬧的。及王鬍子問時，你推我，我推你，沒有一個肯上前。子雲忍不住笑道：「既諸位沒有問的事，我要問一個人。」就叫：「玉儂，你來跪下。默禱默禱，請上仙判判你的終身，後來如何？」琴言原想自己問問，不好搶先上來，今見子雲叫他，即便上前跪下，叩頭默禱了一回。只見乩上運動，已寫了兩三行。琴言起來，站在王鬍子背後，看他寫出，也是首七絕，道：
薄命紅顏最可憐，杜鵑啼血自年年。
再生不記前生事，父子相逢各惘然。
眾人看了，不解其意，有的還在細細推求。但第四句總解不出來，琴言只是發怔。王鬍子道：「你再禱告禱告，求個注解。」琴言又禱告了，乩上又判了四句是：
前世之因，今生之果。
杜郎且退，屈翁上前。
屈道生聽了，恭恭敬敬，上前叩拜，站立在旁。乩上又判了一首詩，王鬍子錄出，眾人看是：
可憐一死因嬌女，三絕曾傳鄭廣文。
後日莫愁湖上去，蓮花香繞女郎墳。
又判道：「汝前生為江寧府推官，杜郎為汝嬌女，十五夭亡，汝傷悼成疾而歿。七十七年前事也。前因具在，後果將成。」
子雲看了，不禁笑道：「據上仙所判，玉儂前世，竟是道翁的女公子了。」琴言不覺紅暈了兩頰，道生也覺奇異，欲要再問時，見乩又動起來，寫道：「吾去也，坡仙來。」寫罷，寂然不動。
道生與琴言拜送了杜蘭仙，重新焚香換酒，眾名士一齊下拜，換了琪官、春喜上來扶乩。道生道：「今日坡仙必有佳作，我們當□漱恭讀。」只見乩上寫道：
翩翩裙屐佳公子，舞席歌場日終始。
興似春山再展雲，情如秋浦長流水。
眾人看了，都欣欣然說道：「坡仙要作長古了。」子雲叫人取了一幅白絹箋，研好了墨，請道生另寫。只見乩上又寫道：
梅花一枝開春先，瑤琴三尺彈鵾弦。
紅愁綠怨淚沾袖，明月一年幾度圓。
道生寫了。仲清對金粟道：「這四句像是說庚香與玉儂的。」金粟點頭。子玉看了，分明一個梅字，一個琴字，也知道是說他們二人的，心裡又想道：「難道坡仙今日要將這十九個人全寫入詩內麼？」子雲與諸人也都看了，蕙芳呆呆的看著乩盤，只見道生又照著乩上寫了四句是：
春江水漲輕航出，蕙質蘭心人第一。
大賈空存惜玉心，分香浪費金條脫。
蕙芳看了兩句，喜動顏色，及看到「分香浪費金條脫」，不覺臉上又微泛紅潮，怕人題起潘三的故事。止有道生不懂，吟哦了幾遍。眾人心裡想道：「怎麼這些事神仙都會知道？這也奇極了！」各各駭異。又見寫道：
名園公子人中英，於彼於此俱有情。
珠輝寶氣聯星斗，金光燦爛雲霞明。
道生寫了，對著子雲、吉甫道：「這像是說你們二位呢。」子雲、吉甫俱說「漸愧！慚愧！」寶珠看了，也知道帶著他，且與吉甫相聯，心甚喜歡。只見又寫道：
石崇王愷人爭羨，世德勛門荷天眷。
只惜豪華怒□琴，明珠減價珊瑚賤。
仲清道：「這不消說是華公子。」子雲道：「竟連前日的事，都說出來了。你知道明珠、珊瑚的故事麼？」仲清道：「我不知這句的故事。」文澤道：「明珠是他有十婢，皆以珠字為名，這珊瑚就是林珊枝了。」又看寫的是：
沖寒一鶴雲中來，知爾磊落非凡材。
依劉暫作王粲計，劍氣閃爍凌風雷。
子雲道：「此是劍潭無疑了。」又見寫道：
更有清才蕭穎士，漱芳六藝精文史。
閒雲不肯出山來，賦價曾高洛陽紙。
道生道：「這位是靜宜了。」漱芳看見第二句，心中暗喜神仙贊靜宜，也帶著他的名字，可謂附尾了。一面看寫的道：
酒狂詞客何紛紛，眼底直欲空人群。
舉杯渴酌洞庭水，掉頭笑看吳山雲。
文澤道：「這必是竹君、卓然二公了。」眾人說道：「正是的，怎麼把他二人寫得如此活跳，真非仙筆不能。」又見寫道：
劉晨子晉求仙去，十丈紅塵阻前路。
均是龍華會上人，名場同日欣知遇。
次賢道：「這是前舟、庸庵了。」眾人說是。王恂道：「我們這些人都說完了，看以後還說誰。」只見又寫道：
清芬竟體是蘭香，王樹琪花列兩行。
十樹瓊花十樣錦，春風喜氣滿華堂。
眾人道：「首句是香畹，次句是佩仙、玉豔，三句總說，末句是小梅。」子雲掐指一算，名花已有了八人，只少靜芳、蕊香兩人了。又見寫道：
春蘭秋桂非凡種，香色由來人所重。
盡待神仙閒品題，群花齊向天門擁。
子雲道：「他們都說完了，就只有道翁先生與胡兄了。」王鬍子拈著長鬚，候著乩上說他。道生道：「我這老朽，恐怕未必能附諸名士名花之後，且如何能邀坡仙齒芬一粲？」只見乩上又寫道：
曲終又見湘江靈，蛟龍出沒江濤腥。
汨羅沉冤感天帝，千百餘世□明磬。
知君一生秉正直，風骨稜稜謝雕飾。
嬌女含愁化玉郎，石頭城下傷春色。
道生寫到此處，不禁傷感起來，眾人亦皆歎息。子玉道：「據兩仙所云，玉儂前身的真是道翁先生前世之女，今日相見，可謂有緣。」道生聽了子玉之言，不覺淚下。原來道生六十無兒，並且喪偶，孤苦一身，是以觸動心事，淒然流涕，便呆呆的看著琴言，琴言也呆呆的看著道生，各有感傷之態。眾人也呆呆的看他二人。忽然乩上又寫道：
難得名花名士兼，長歌一紙示王髯。
丙寅三月初八日，請得眉山蘇子瞻。
道生寫完，眾人正要觀看，忽見乩上又寫道：「奉敕赴凌雲殿撰文，不能久留，去矣！」書完寂然不動。眾人一齊拜送，焚符釃酒，俱欣欣然有喜色。家童收拾了仙壇，大家就在樓中坐下，又將仙詩同讀了兩遍。
子雲吩咐家人在承蔭堂擺了四桌盛席，便對眾人道：「今日我有一言，上承仙命，下合人心，成了前因後果。兩仙乩上俱判玉儂為道翁前生嬌女。現在道翁無子，玉儂無父，我欲成此仙緣，要請道翁收玉儂為義子。玉儂雖失足於前，未嘗不可立身於後，想先生決不以世俗之見論人。未識玉儂之意如何？
而諸公以弟之言為然否？」道生尚未回言，子玉喜動顏色，即道：「玉儂若得道翁先生栽培，真是精金入冶，美玉成器。只求道翁不以寒微為鄙，玉儂豈有不願之理？」次賢與吉甫等都贊成道：「這是極好的事，大約今日合當父子相逢，不然杜蘭仙何以特判出來，又單叫道翁上前，說明前因後果，不是也要撮合這件事麼？可見數已前定。」子雲接口道：「可勿三思，請到承蔭堂一拜就算了。」道生想道：「我看著琴言雖係優伶，卻無半點習氣，度香早說過他多少好處。況我也見過他好幾次，竟是毫無訾議的。若以為義子，倒是個千里駒。況他天姿穎悟，略一指點，便可有成。而且兩次仙乩，都說前生是我的女兒，自然他也會天性相親。」主意已定，便道：「恐福薄老人，未必能有此佳兒。」眾人皆笑說：「先生太謙了。」琴言想道：「兩次神仙特為我判出前因後果，我看這位屈老先生，真是天下第一等人品，得他教訓，也不枉了一世。況前世又是父女。但我斷沒有自己開口求人為父的理。」既而聽見子雲之言，又測度子玉之意，眾人竭力贊成，道生一口應允，便也滿心歡喜。
但終是面嫩，答應不來，紅泛桃花，低頭不語。子雲道：「玉儂，你怎麼樣？道翁是極願意的了。況你們前生原係父女，今世自然天性未離，這是光明正大的事情，何妨答應，有什麼害羞處說不出來的？」琴言目視子雲，將頭點了一點。子雲哈哈大笑道：「願意了，願意了！這也不是輕易遇得著的。」就讓眾人到承蔭堂，鋪了紅氈，次賢、子雲扶道生坐了，文澤、仲清拉過琴言來拜了八拜，道生受了。
眾人稱賀已畢，道生又謝了子雲，便說道：「弟是狐苦一身，並無家小，既承諸公雅愛作成，認為父子。但我比不得那有子嗣的人，單只掛個名兒。我既認了他，自就與親生的一樣，要教訓他，並且要隨著我去，不知他心上何如？」子雲聽了，略一躊躇，即問琴言道：「這事要你自己作主意，旁人難以應答的。」琴言道：「這個自然，我又沒有父母，豈有不追隨的道理？」子雲贊了一聲「好」。子玉聽到此，未免有些傷悲，然也無可奈何，況從此琴言入了正路，故也喜多悲少。在琴言徹底一想，非但不悲，而且極樂。道生便叫過琴言來，說道：「從今以後，須要改去本來面目，也不應常到外邊，在我寓裡讀書習字。出京日期也近了，你的名姓是都要改的，如今就依我的姓，改名為勤先，留你一個琴字在內，號就是琴仙。」眾人都說：「改得甚好。」琴言府首聽訓。子雲與子玉見了這個光景，頗覺淒然，以後就要另樣相待，正是從此「蕭郎是路人」了。
子雲便請入席。第一席是道生、子玉、吉甫、王鬍子、琴言，二席是仲清、文澤、王恂、子雲、次賢，九個名旦分為兩桌，各自敘齒坐了三、四兩席。琴言坐在下手，拘拘謹謹，也不舉箸，甚覺可憐。倒是道生體恤他，道：「凡遇熱鬧場中，當言的即言，也不必過於拘謹，但存著個後輩的分寸就是了。」
道生喝了幾杯酒，便與子玉、吉甫、王鬍子談些閒話。王鬍子道：「屈老先生，晚生這個請仙的本事如何？你說我是賺人麼？」道生笑道：「今日之事卻真稀奇，若不是我親眼見的，親手寫的，憑誰告訴我，我也不信。」又道：「胡兄，你往常請仙，也有這麼靈異麼？」鬍子道：「今年過揚州時，在一個鹽商家扶乩，請的什麼楊少師，寫了一長篇，把他家閨門裡的事都寫出來了，嚇得那主人家磕頭如搗蒜的哀求，方才沒有寫完。第二次就要算今日了。往常請時，卻沒有這麼靈異。」子雲笑道：「今日說我們的詩中，也有兩句說著隱情，不過謔而未虐。」蕙芳咳嗽一聲，惹得各席都笑了。
道生也笑道：「我也略猜著此，但不知是怎樣個始末，何妨與我說明？」子雲道：「我要說，又怕有人不依，我不說罷。」玉林對漱芳說道：「起初乩動的時候，我總當著你的手動，我想把我的手不動，教你寫不成。後來，不由得我的手也跟著動起來了。」漱芳道：「可不是，我先也打量是你作詭，及至寫了一句詩，我還疑感是作出來的，後來才知不是了。」春喜道：「我們扶的時候手要不動，那乩自己就會跳起來，比你們頭一回還動得快。」
琪官道：「這神仙也不知怎麼來的，就這樣快，就像在這園子裡一樣，真是心動神知了。」蘭保道：「那杜蘭仙與玉儂同姓，所以關切得很，把他的前事都說出來了，總成了這件好事。」
寶珠道：「我們前生，就不知道是什麼人轉生的。吉甫說他也會請，我要看看，總未遇巧。」素蘭笑道：「你的前生不是說是個尼姑呢？」寶珠不覺得臉一紅，笑道：「你怎麼知道？」素蘭道：「我聽見你自己說的。」寶珠笑道：「我竟忘記了。」
因遠遠的看著吉甫一笑，大家也不覺笑了。
道生來了一天，便要早回，對琴言道：「明日我著人來接你罷。」子雲道：「先生何不搬來，那寓裡有甚好處？」道生道：「這個最妙。我心上不好講，又要攪擾。我還要細細把你的園子逛一逛呢！」諸名士道：「若得道翁先生住在園裡，更有趣了。」次賢道：「前年園亭成後，一切佈置倒也罷了。只有一樣，各處的聯匾，都是草創時定的。後來改造起來，往往有些不合適了。且書字撰句，就是我們二人，並無第三人斟酌。
至今日看去，似覺草草。昨日我與度香商量，尚須添的添，換的換，非道翁及諸兄手筆不可。」仲清道：「我們究竟還沒有逛到。須盡一日之興，遊到了，方可擬題。」子雲道：「含萬樓下，我想刻一篇怡園序，要借重道翁。明日搬來，第一就要請教這篇序。」次賢笑道：「他還沒有搬進來，你倒先索房租了。」說得眾人大笑。道生約定明日即移過來，與琴言同住。
以後琴言就改了姓屈，稱為屈勤先，人叫他號是琴仙，不叫琴言了，看官須自記明。不知後來如何，且看下回分解。
Here is the full, detailed English translation as requested:
In this story, Qin Yan settled down in Yiyuan. Fortunately, Ziyun and Cixian would visit daily to offer guidance. Additionally, some famous opera actors would show up uninvited, sometimes brewing tea and engaging in idle conversation, other times reciting poetry and drinking wine. There were many beautiful scenes in the garden. One day, they were at the Peony Terrace; the next day, they were in the Peony Garden. These activities helped Qin Yan alleviate half of his sorrow.
Yesterday, Ziyun invited Qu Daosheng, Mei Ziyu, Shi Nanxiang, Yan Zhongqing, Tian Chunhang, Liu Wenze, Wang Xun, and others, including several famous actors, to gather for a day. However, since Nanxiang and Chunhang had to attend a performance the next morning, the gathering dispersed early.
Let’s continue with Mei Ziyu, who spent another day with Qin Yan, feeling delighted that Qin had left the Hua household. But because there were too many people yesterday, they couldn’t have an in-depth conversation. After dinner tonight, Ziyu thought of taking advantage of the crescent moon to visit Yiyuan for a proper chat. He informed Madam Yan, brought along Yun’er, and set out on this whim. Upon entering Yiyuan, he found that Ziyun hadn’t returned yet, so he went to Cixian’s place. Before Ziyu even entered the door, he overheard a lively discussion. Cixian, seeing Ziyu had arrived, quickly came out to invite him inside. Ziyu asked, “Who’s the guest?” Cixian smiled and said, “It’s nothing important, just a man from Huzhou who deals in antiques, books, paintings, and calligraphy, trying to make some sales.”
When Ziyu entered, the man immediately stepped forward to greet him with a deep bow. Ziyu returned the courtesy. The man appeared to be over fifty years old. Though his appearance was somewhat plain, he had a magnificent beard that hung down to his stomach. This “Bearded Wang,” seeing that Ziyu was refined and elegant, knew he was a nobleman and immediately asked about his family background as the first question and about his academic achievements as the second. Ziyu felt a bit embarrassed, so Cixian answered on his behalf. Bearded Wang said, “I’ve been in the scholarly trade for twenty years, traveling across fourteen provinces. The only places I haven’t been are in Guandong, Gansu, and Guangxi. I’ve visited all the others several times. Last August, in Jiangxi’s Jizhou Prefecture, I met your esteemed father while he was overseeing the imperial exams. After the exams were completed, I visited him twice and sold him a ceremonial incense burner and ten boxes of writing brushes. Your esteemed father even visited my humble lodging to return the courtesy. To tell you the truth, young master Mei, everywhere I go, I have some acquaintances. If you need any books or inkstones, I left a catalog with Mr. Xiao. You can have your steward pick anything suitable. I’m staying at the Guxiu Zhai shop.”
Bearded Wang was exceedingly talkative, and Ziyu began to feel a bit irritated. However, Bearded Wang was waiting for Ziyun to return so he could sell some items, including a hard-to-sell set of the Complete Collection of Illustrations. This set was difficult to sell, and he was hoping Ziyun would buy it at a discount, asking for only three thousand silver. It seemed he was planning to stay in the garden for the night.
Cixian noticed that Ziyu was somewhat annoyed by him and suggested, “Why don’t we go visit Yuning for a chat? She’s moved to the Haitang Spring Garden today, which isn’t far.” Ziyu was pleased by the suggestion. Cixian called for a servant to lead the way, and they escorted Ziyu to the Haitang Spring Garden. There, they saw Qin Yan dressed in a pale moon-colored lined robe and wearing a pair of red embroidered shoes, leaning against a flowering begonia tree and gazing at a Taihu rock, lost in thought. The servant coughed lightly, and Qin Yan turned to see Ziyu. Smiling brightly, he welcomed him, saying, “You’ve come at the perfect time. Look at the setting sun—how it enhances the beauty of the flowers. Come quickly and enjoy it with me.” Ziyu smiled and walked over, and the two stood leaning against the railing, enjoying the view together. Qin Yan remarked, “They say that the begonia has color but no fragrance. Can’t you smell its scent? I feel it’s even more fragrant than other flowers.” Ziyu smiled and replied, “It already has national beauty, so why must it also claim national fragrance? This fragrance, I’m afraid, is from the lilac over there. If it were the fragrance of the begonia, it wouldn’t be so strong. The begonia does have a subtle fragrance, hidden within its petals and colors, unwilling to reveal itself easily. Only when one gazes intently at the flower for a long time will its delicate fragrance naturally drift to the nose. It’s not something that everyone can detect. Don’t believe me? Just bring that drooping branch close and smell it carefully—you’ll find it’s not the same scent that was blown over earlier.”
Qin Yan indeed stepped onto the platform, plucked a branch of begonia, looked at it for a while, then smelled it. Nodding and smiling, he said, “You’re right! You’re truly a perceptive person. This fragrance is just like the flower’s color—it seems not to have a scent, but in truth, it does. It’s unlike the fragrance of any other flower, a unique fragrance of the begonia.” Ziyu smiled and said, “This is what people call a ‘heart fragrance.’ How could it be compared to the fragrance of other flowers? How could a flower as charming as the begonia be said to have no fragrance? This is indeed why Tang Quan’an gave it the name ‘famous flower.’” The two chatted under the flowers for a while before entering the house and sitting down. Ziyu said, “Now that you’ve left the Hua household, you’re free from constraints, and all the sorrow and distress can be dispelled. Moreover, this garden offers beautiful views all year round, and those regular visitors come and go, making it even better than when you were with your teacher.” Qin Yan replied, “That’s true. Being with my teacher was the worst. The day he selected my performance, it felt like I was walking to my execution. Once on stage, I shifted my thinking—I no longer saw myself as me but as the character in the play, allowing others to watch and laugh as if it had nothing to do with me. After the performance, when I returned to my true self, I felt ashamed. When I accompanied a stranger at a drinking party, I felt as if thorns were pricking my back. Watching others converse naturally, laughing and chatting, I wanted to learn from them, but at that moment, my heart and mouth wouldn’t obey me, and I didn’t understand why. When I was about to enter the Hua household, I dreaded what suffering might await me. But once I entered, it wasn’t as bad as I had imagined. The only thing was that no one could see my heart. Even if I was treated exceptionally well, I was still seen as a mere actor, there to entertain. As for the way Du Xiang treated me, what more can be said? Though I’m now physically safe, my heart remains unsettled. Before, when I was suffering on the fire bed, I wished for an early death, never expecting that I could escape. Now that I’ve gotten out, my heart is even more troubled than before. I’m determined not to act again, nor will I serve as a slave. But what should I do? People treat me so well, yet I remain melancholy, leading others to think I’m ungrateful. Now, I’m facing a different kind of distress—not a death wish, but a yearning to live. I’ve never shared these thoughts with anyone before, but you understand my heart, so I’m telling you now. Although the situation isn’t yet dire, I don’t fear death. But in this world, I have no place to return to. How can I set my heart at ease?”
Ziyu nodded repeatedly and said, “You’re right to worry. I have an idea, but I’m afraid you won’t find the right person. Everyone in the capital knows your background, but if you went to another province, no one would know you, and you’d be like an ordinary person. But where would we find such a good person to take you out of the capital?” Qin Yan asked, “Do you really want me to leave the capital?” Ziyu replied, “It’s not that I want you to leave. In my heart, I wish to spend my life with you, sharing both hardship and joy. But I’m helpless, like a useless person, always worrying about my elders returning or being appointed to another position and taking me away. Fortunately, that hasn’t happened yet. But I don’t want to hold you back and waste your life on my account.” Qin Yan said, “That’s just empty talk. Unless you become an official, there’s no way you can elevate me. Jingyi said that this year you’re going to take the Bo Xue Hong Ci exam. If you pass, that would be great.” Ziyu replied, “How can I count on that? I’m not hoping to become a
Hanlin scholar. I just want to get a small official post in the provinces, and then I’d be content to take you with me.” The two continued talking until the second watch of the night. The crescent moon hung halfway in the window, and the shadows of flowers danced. Suddenly, they heard Ziyun and Cixian entering. Ziyun called out, “Is Gengxiang here?” Ziyu quickly responded. Qin Yan welcomed the two inside, and they all sat down together. Ziyun said, “The two of you must have had a deep and heartfelt conversation today.” Cixian added, “Today the garden was filled with both joy and frustration. I was exhausted dealing with Bearded Wang, who kept pestering me to buy this and that. From the way he talked, it seemed like he wanted me to buy everything he had brought with him.” Ziyun said, “Old Wang’s beard has grown even longer. He’s actually not a bad person, but he’s a bit too greedy. Although I already have a set of The Complete Collection of Illustrations, I suppose we’ll keep this one as well. This book is no more than an ornament, like ears on a deaf man. We’ll let him stay for a couple of days and see his fortune-telling skills—it might be just a trick to fool people.” Ziyu asked, “Can he tell fortunes?” Cixian replied, “He said he learned it from a Taoist priest at Yueyang Tower last year. According to him, it’s very accurate and not a trick.” Ziyu said, “When will you invite him to do a fortune-telling? I’d like to see it.” Ziyun said, “I kept him here precisely for that. If not tomorrow, we’ll invite a few friends over to see it. I’ve also been in touch with Jin Jifu, who’s quite cultured. We can invite him as well to form a ‘celestial connection’.” Ziyu laughed and said, “I’ll definitely come.”
Here is the English translation of the text, paragraph by paragraph, without any detail missed:
Ziyun said, “In that case, let’s gather tomorrow at the time of the Dragon hour (around 7-9 a.m.). I’ll send someone now to inform everyone.” He instructed the household servants to go and notify the various guests. Ziyun then added, “Tonight, the moonlight is insufficient and doesn’t do justice to these beautiful flowers. Let’s light a few of those flower-shaped lanterns and hang them on the trees.” The servant quickly went to the side room, opened a cabinet, and took out twelve begonia-shaped lanterns, made from rice paper. Small white candles were lit inside the flowers, and they looked very beautiful when hung up. Ziyun said, “With such lovely flowers, we should have a small drink or two, especially since Gengxiang (Ziyu’s courtesy name) has been here for quite a while.” Ziyu replied, “There’s no need for that. It’s getting late, and I should be heading back.”
Ziyun said, “Just a few cups, to show Yuning’s hospitality.” He then ordered some fruits and vegetables to be brought. The four of them had a small drink together, and by then it was already the second watch (around 9-11 p.m.). Ziyu said his farewells, but Ziyun insisted that he should come early the next day. Ziyu agreed and left.
The next morning, Ziyu informed Madam Yan that he was going to watch the spirit summoning and intended to ask about his own future as well. Madam Yan had never once objected to his plans. Ziyu arrived at the appointed time, dressed formally, as it was a spiritual event. Early that day, Qu Daosheng and Jin Jifu were the first to arrive. Soon after, Yan Zhongqing, Liu Wenze, and Wang Xun also arrived. When Ziyu arrived, everyone greeted Jin Jifu, exchanging polite words of admiration. Only Shi Nanxiang and Tian Chunhang, who were performing at the event, had yet to arrive. Among the opera actors who had come were Baozhu, Huifang, Sulan, Yulin, Shufang, Lanbao, Guibao, Chunxi, Qiguan, and Qin Yan, making a total of ten performers.
Bearded Wang also came over to greet everyone. He knew them all, and he had been good friends with Qu Daosheng for many years. Bearded Wang said, “Since there are so many people today, we’ll need to set up the spiritual altar in a spacious area.” Ziyun replied, “I anticipated a large crowd, so I’ve already arranged for it to be set up at Hanwan Tower.” He then jokingly asked Bearded Wang, “You’re the master of the altar today. Tell me, should we be eating vegetarian or meat?” Bearded Wang laughed and said, “Even immortals eat meat, but we just need to avoid onions, garlic, and the five pungent spices.” Ziyun said, “That’s great, we don’t use onions or garlic in our dishes anyway.” He then instructed the servants to prepare breakfast so that they could proceed with the spirit summoning afterward.
There were a total of nineteen people, so three tables were set up at Cixian’s place. After they finished eating, it was just after noon. Ziyun went upstairs first to check the setup and then sent someone to invite the guests upstairs.
Here is the paragraph-by-paragraph translation without missing any detail:
Bearded Wang looked around the building and found it exquisitely crafted. It had five large rooms, divided into five sections, with windows on both sides and a spiritual altar set up in the center. The place was filled with jade vases, precious incense burners, ancient paintings, and rare books—far beyond anything Bearded Wang had seen in his life of trading antiques. He thought to himself that even the gardens of the salt merchants in Yangzhou, which were considered to be very finely crafted, couldn’t compare to this. Even places like Pingshan Hall and Hong Garden couldn’t come close. As for the Qifeng Garden of Hou Shiweng, it wasn’t even worth mentioning. Meanwhile, Ziyun brought out ancient vessels—Shang dynasty bronze ritual vessels, Zhou dynasty jade, Han dynasty incense burners, and Qin dynasty plates. He poured Hundred-Flower wine and lit Hundred-Fragrance incense. In the center, he spread a tray of clean sand and placed the spirit board on it. After everyone had washed and changed into proper attire, they went back upstairs.
Bearded Wang stepped forward and prayed devoutly in silence, bowing nine times. He first burned a wind charm, then a cloud charm, followed by a crane charm. After waiting for about half a quarter of an hour, he called for two spirit assistants to hold the planchette. He selected Yulin and Shufang, and they took their positions to hold it. Another quarter of an hour passed, but there was no movement. Bearded Wang bowed again and burned another charm to hasten the spirits. Yulin and Shufang stood there motionless, holding the planchette, when suddenly it began to stir. Yulin lightly pushed, and the planchette began to rotate, moving around the tray in circles. Yulin suspected Shufang was moving it, while Shufang thought it was Yulin. They exchanged smiles. The planchette circled for a while, then paused briefly, before moving again, this time forming two characters.
Bearded Wang wrote them down. When Ziyun and the others looked, they saw clearly that the two characters were “珠珍” (“Zhu Zhen” – meaning “pearl and treasure”).
Next, the planchette continued and wrote five more characters: “為輦玉為輪” (“Pearls for a chariot, jade for wheels”). Then it continued to write seven characters repeatedly. Bearded Wang noted them down, forming two lines of a seven-character poem. The onlookers nodded in amazement, secretly marveling at it. The planchette moved even faster now, writing two slanted lines in messy strokes. Bearded Wang, however, was able to recognize the writing and wrote it out. It was:
“Pearls for a chariot, jade for wheels,
Go invite the true immortals of Yao Tai Pavilion.
At the window of the Vermilion Bird, ask the mother,
How many springs have passed under the peach trees?”
It turned out to be a poem to summon the spirit. The group realized it was a female immortal and became even more respectful. Then the board continued to write a few more lines: “I am the immortal Du Lanxiang, acting on the orders of the Golden Mother, traveling from the Penglai Immortal Palace of the East Sea to invite the deities from the Bixia Celestial Palace. Wang Ranshi, what questions do you have?”
Bearded Wang hurriedly bowed and asked, “Whoever has a question, please pray, and the immortal will pass judgment.” However, no one in the group had anything pressing to ask; most had come simply to watch. When Bearded Wang asked, everyone pushed the responsibility onto each other, unwilling to step forward. Ziyun couldn’t help but laugh and said, “Since none of you have any questions, I will ask about someone.” He called out, “Yuning, come forward and kneel. Pray in silence and ask the immortal to judge your fate and what your future holds.”
Qin Yan had wanted to ask something himself but hesitated to step forward. Now that Ziyun called him, he immediately came forward, knelt, and prayed silently for a while. The planchette began to move again, writing two or three lines. Qin Yan stood up and stood behind Bearded Wang, watching as he wrote it down. It was a seven-character quatrain:
“Beautiful but ill-fated, such pity,
The cuckoo cries blood year after year.
In the next life, you’ll forget this one,
Father and son meet, but each remains lost.”
Everyone looked at the poem, puzzled by its meaning. Some began to ponder it deeply, but no one could understand the fourth line. Qin Yan stood there in a daze. Bearded Wang suggested, “Pray again, and ask for a clarification.” Qin Yan prayed once more, and the planchette wrote another four lines:
“The cause of the previous life,
Is the result of this one.
Du Lang, step aside,
Qu Weng, come forward.”
Upon hearing this, Qu Daosheng respectfully stepped forward, bowed, and stood to the side. The planchette then wrote another poem, which Bearded Wang transcribed. The group read it:
“Pity the death caused by a beloved daughter,
Zheng Guangwen’s three masterpieces passed down.
Go to Mo Chou Lake another day,
Where the fragrance of lotus blooms surrounds the maiden’s tomb.”
Here is the paragraph-by-paragraph translation without missing any detail:
The spirit then pronounced: “In your previous life, you were a magistrate in Jiangning Prefecture. Du Lang was your beloved daughter, who died prematurely at the age of fifteen. You grieved deeply, which led to illness and your own death. This happened seventy-seven years ago. The cause from the past remains, and the consequence is soon to come.”
Ziyun, after reading this, couldn’t help but laugh, “According to the judgment of the immortal, Yuning’s past life was actually Daosheng’s daughter!” Qin Yan’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Daosheng was also astonished and wanted to ask more, but before he could, the planchette began moving again, writing: “I must leave now; Po Xian (Su Dongpo) will come.” After writing this, the planchette became still.
Daosheng and Qin Yan bowed to send off the immortal Du Lanxiang. They lit new incense and changed the wine. The scholars present all bowed in unison, and then Qiguan and Chunxi took their turn holding the planchette. Daosheng said, “Po Xian is sure to write something marvelous today. Let us rinse our mouths and respectfully read it.” The planchette moved again, writing:
“Graceful in skirt and clogs, a fine young gentleman,
From dance halls to singing stages, day and night unending.
As spring clouds unfurl over the mountain,
So flows the emotion, like the endless autumn river.”
Everyone read it and delightedly said, “Po Xian must be composing a long ancient poem today.” Ziyun instructed someone to bring a large roll of white silk paper and grind ink, requesting Daosheng to transcribe it. The planchette moved again, writing:
“A single plum blossom blooms first in spring,
Three feet of jade zither strums the Kun strings.
Red sorrow, green grief, tears soak the sleeve,
How often does the bright moon wax full in a year?”
Daosheng transcribed it. Zhongqing turned to Jin Su and remarked, “These four lines seem to speak of Gengxiang and Yuning.” Jin Su nodded. Ziyu also looked at the poem, clearly seeing a “plum” character and a “zither” character, understanding that the lines were referring to the two of them. He thought to himself, “Could Po Xian today be intending to write about all nineteen of us?” Ziyun and the others also read the lines. Huifang stared blankly at the planchette as Daosheng continued to transcribe the next four lines:
“Spring river swells as the boat lightly sails,
With heart like orchids and integrity like hibiscus, one ranks supreme.
The merchant laments in vain, cherishing jade in his heart,
Wasting gold threads to give away incense fragments.”
Huifang was pleased when she saw the first two lines, but as she read “wasting gold threads to give away incense fragments,” a slight blush spread across her face, fearing others would bring up the story of Pan San. Only Daosheng did not understand and recited the lines several times. The group collectively wondered, “How could the immortal know all these stories? This is truly extraordinary!” Each person was amazed.
The planchette then wrote again:
“In the famous gardens, the young noble is the finest among men,
With affection both here and there.
The brilliance of pearls and precious stones links the stars,
Golden light shines brilliantly like clouds and rosy mists.”
Daosheng transcribed the lines and remarked to Ziyun and Jifu, “This seems to be referring to the two of you.” Ziyun and Jifu both replied, “We are humbled! We are humbled!” Baozhu read this and understood that it also referred to him and his connection with Jifu, feeling secretly delighted. The planchette continued:
“People envy the likes of Shi Chong and Wang Kai,
Noble families graced by heaven’s favor.
Only, extravagant riches enrage the zither,
Pearls devalue, and coral becomes cheap.”
Here is the detailed translation paragraph by paragraph:
Zhongqing said, “This clearly refers to Young Master Hua.” Ziyun added, “It even mentions what happened the other day. Do you know the story behind the pearls and coral?” Zhongqing replied, “I don’t know the story behind this line.” Wenze explained, “The ‘pearls’ refer to his ten maids, all named with the character for ‘pearl.’ As for ‘coral,’ that refers to Lin Shanzhi.” They then looked at the next written line:
“Through the cold, a crane rises from the clouds,
Knowing you are a remarkable and extraordinary talent.
With Liu’s plan, momentarily a strategist like Wang Can,
The sword’s aura flashes, cutting through wind and thunder.”
Ziyun said, “This clearly refers to Jiantan.” They then saw another line written:
“There is also the refined talent of Xiao Yingshi,
Shufang excels in the six arts of literature and history.
Like a drifting cloud, unwilling to leave the mountain,
His writings once raised the price of Luoyang paper.”
Daosheng remarked, “This must be referring to Jingyi.” Shufang, seeing the second line, secretly rejoiced that the immortal praised Jingyi and even mentioned his own name, feeling honored to be included. They continued reading as the planchette wrote:
“A wild poet, frenzied by wine, how they stir,
Seeing the world as if no one is worthy.
Lifting his cup, thirsting to drink from Dongting Lake,
Turning his head, laughing at the clouds over Mount Wu.”
Wenze said, “This must refer to Zhujun and Zhuoran.” Everyone agreed, saying, “Indeed, the way they are described so vividly, only an immortal’s brush could capture it.” They then saw another line written:
“Liu Chen and Ruan Zijing sought immortality,
Ten thousand layers of worldly dust blocked their path.
All are destined for the Dragon Flower Gathering,
Meeting as companions on the same day in the world of fame.”
Cixian said, “This must refer to Qianzhou and Yong’an.” The group agreed. Wang Xun said, “It seems we’ve all been described now. Let’s see who is next.” Then they saw the next lines written:
“Pure fragrance fills the body like orchid perfume,
Two lines of Wang Shuqi flowers in full bloom.
Ten trees of jade blossoms, each with a different hue,
Spring winds bring joy throughout the grand hall.”
The group commented, “The first line must refer to Xiangwan, the second to Peixian and Yuyan. The third line speaks generally, and the last line refers to Xiaomei.” Ziyun counted on his fingers, noting that eight famous flowers had been mentioned so far, leaving only Jingfang and Ruixiang. Then they saw the next lines written:
“Spring orchids and autumn osmanthus are no ordinary plants,
Their fragrance and beauty have long been treasured by people.
They await the leisure of immortals to judge their worth,
As all the flowers gather at the gates of heaven.”
Here is the detailed, paragraph-by-paragraph translation:
Ziyun said, “Everyone else has been mentioned, except for Mr. Dao and Brother Hu.” Bearded Wang stroked his long beard, waiting for the spirit board to write about him. Daosheng said, “I am an old man, and I doubt I am worthy to be included among the famous scholars and flowers. How could I expect Po Xian to bestow such a great honor upon me?” Just then, the planchette moved again and wrote:
“When the music ends, the spirit of the Xiang River appears again,
Dragons rise and fall, their presence fills the river with a stench.
The wronged spirit at Miluo touched the Emperor,
For over a thousand years, the bell remains unstruck.
I know you have lived a life of uprightness,
With a noble, unembellished spirit.
Your beloved daughter turned into a jade-like youth,
Beneath the walls of Stone City, the spring scene is mournful.”
As Daosheng wrote this, he couldn’t help but feel a deep sadness, and the others all sighed with empathy. Ziyu said, “According to the words of the two immortals, Yuning was indeed Mr. Dao’s daughter in a previous life, and meeting today must be fate.” Upon hearing Ziyu’s words, Daosheng couldn’t help but shed tears. It turned out that Daosheng, at sixty, had no children and had also lost his wife, leaving him lonely in his old age. His heart was touched, and tears flowed sorrowfully. He stared blankly at Qin Yan, and Qin Yan, in turn, stared blankly at Daosheng, both of them showing signs of grief. The others also watched them silently. Suddenly, the planchette moved again and wrote:
“It is rare for both famous flowers and famous scholars to be together,
A long song is inscribed on paper for Wang Ran.
On the eighth day of the third month in the Bingyin year,
I, Su Zizhan of Meishan, was invited.”
As Daosheng finished writing, the group was about to read when the planchette moved once more, writing, “By imperial decree, I must proceed to the Lingyun Palace to draft a document, and I cannot stay longer. Farewell!” With this, the planchette stopped moving. Everyone bowed in unison to send off the spirit. They burned charms and poured wine, and all felt a sense of joy. The servant tidied up the spirit altar, and the group sat down again in the building, reading the immortal’s poems together twice more.
Ziyun then instructed the household to set up four grand tables at Chengyin Hall and said to the group, “Today, I have something to say. It is in accordance with the will of the immortals and the desires of men, fulfilling both past causes and future effects. Both immortals have judged on the spirit board that Yuning was the beloved daughter of Mr. Dao in his previous life. Now, Mr. Dao is childless, and Yuning has no father. I wish to establish this immortal bond by asking Mr. Dao to take Yuning as his adopted son. Although Yuning may have stumbled in the past, there is no reason he cannot stand upright in the future. I believe Mr. Dao will not judge him by worldly views. What does Yuning think of this? And do the rest of you agree with me?”
Before Daosheng could reply, Ziyu’s face lit up with joy, and he said, “If Yuning could receive Mr. Dao’s guidance, it would be like fine gold entering the forge and beautiful jade being polished. How could Yuning refuse, as long as Mr. Dao does not look down on his humble origins?” Cixian, Jifu, and the others all agreed, saying, “This is a great matter. It seems that today was destined for a father and son to meet. Otherwise, why would Du Lanxiang specifically bring this up and call Mr. Dao forward, explaining the past and future causes? Clearly, fate has already been decided.” Ziyun added, “There’s no need for further hesitation. Let’s go to Chengyin Hall for the formal ceremony.”
Daosheng thought to himself, “Although Qin Yan is an actor, he doesn’t carry the mannerisms of one. Du Xiang has spoken highly of him many times. Moreover, I’ve seen him on several occasions, and he’s entirely without fault. If I take him as my adopted son, he will certainly be like a thousand-mile horse. Besides, he is naturally gifted and intelligent; with a little guidance, he will surely achieve great things. Furthermore, the two spirit readings both confirmed that he was my daughter in a previous life. Naturally, there is a connection between us.” Having made up his mind, he said, “I am only afraid that I, a man of little fortune, may not deserve such a fine son.” Everyone laughed and said, “You are too modest, sir.”
Qin Yan thought to himself, “Twice, the immortals have revealed the causes and effects of my previous life. Mr. Qu is truly a man of the highest character, and to receive his teachings would not be a wasted life. Besides, we were father and daughter in our past lives. But I cannot bring myself to ask him to be my father.” As he listened to Ziyun’s words and guessed Ziyu’s intentions, with everyone urging Daosheng to agree, he felt overjoyed but was still too shy to express it, his face turning as red as a peach blossom. He lowered his head and remained silent.
Ziyun said, “Yuning, what do you say? Mr. Dao is more than willing. Besides, you were father and daughter in your past lives, and naturally, this bond has carried over into this life. This is a perfectly proper and honorable matter. What’s holding you back? Why are you too shy to answer?” Qin Yan looked at Ziyun and gave a slight nod of his head. Ziyun burst out laughing and said, “He’s agreed! He’s agreed! This is not something easily come by.”
They led the group to Chengyin Hall, where red carpets were spread out. Cixian and Ziyun helped Daosheng into the seat, and Wenze and Zhongqing guided Qin Yan to bow eight times. Daosheng accepted the bows.
Here is the detailed translation of the passage, paragraph by paragraph:
After everyone had finished offering their congratulations, Daosheng thanked Ziyun and said, “I have been alone all my life, with no family or dependents. Since you all have shown such kindness and arranged this, recognizing us as father and son, I must say that, unlike others with children, I do not wish for this to be just an honorary title. Now that I have recognized him as my son, I will treat him as my own and teach him. He must follow me wherever I go. I wonder how he feels about this?” Ziyun, hearing this, hesitated for a moment and then asked Qin Yan, “This is something you must decide for yourself; it’s not for others to answer.” Qin Yan replied, “Of course, I have no parents, so why wouldn’t I follow him?” Ziyun praised him, saying, “Good!”
Upon hearing this, Ziyu felt a bit sad, but there was nothing he could do. Besides, now that Qin Yan had embarked on a righteous path, Ziyu was more happy than sad. As for Qin Yan, after thinking it through, not only did he feel no sadness, but he felt great joy. Daosheng then called Qin Yan over and said, “From now on, you must change your identity and no longer go out as you used to. You will stay with me, reading and studying. The time to leave the capital is drawing near, and your name must also change. From now on, you will take my surname. I will name you ‘Qin Xian’ (勤先), keeping the character ‘Qin’ (琴) in your name. Your courtesy name will be Qin Xian (琴仙).” Everyone agreed that the name was very appropriate. Qin Yan respectfully bowed his head to accept his instructions.
Ziyun and Ziyu both felt a bit melancholic at this sight, realizing that from now on, they would have to treat Qin Yan differently. It was, as the saying goes, from now on, “Xiao Lang is just a passerby” (referring to the fact that their previous relationship would never be the same). Ziyun then invited everyone to take their seats. At the first table sat Daosheng, Ziyu, Jifu, Bearded Wang, and Qin Yan. The second table had Zhongqing, Wenze, Wang Xun, Ziyun, and Cixian. The nine opera actors were divided into two more tables, each sitting according to rank at the third and fourth tables. Qin Yan sat at the lower end of his table, acting very cautiously and not even lifting his chopsticks, looking rather pitiful. Daosheng, feeling for him, said, “Whenever you are in a lively setting, speak when appropriate, but don’t be overly reserved. Just keep your place as a younger generation member.”
After a few cups of wine, Daosheng began chatting idly with Ziyu, Jifu, and Bearded Wang. Bearded Wang asked, “Mr. Qu, what do you think of my spirit-summoning skills? Do you think I’m deceiving people?” Daosheng laughed and said, “Today’s events were truly extraordinary. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes and written it with my own hand, I wouldn’t believe it, no matter who told me.” He then asked, “Brother Hu, in your past spirit summonings, have they been this miraculous?” Bearded Wang replied, “Last year when I was passing through Yangzhou, I held a séance at a salt merchant’s house and summoned Yang Shaoshi. He wrote a long piece detailing everything about the family’s inner affairs, which frightened the head of the household so much that he was bowing and pleading for it to stop before the writing was complete. Today is only the second time something this remarkable has happened. Usually, the spirit summonings are not this extraordinary.”
Ziyun laughed and said, “The poem written about us today also included two lines that touched on some hidden feelings, but it wasn’t too harsh.” Huifang coughed lightly, causing everyone at the tables to laugh. Daosheng also laughed and said, “I can guess what it’s about, but I don’t know the full story. Would you mind explaining it to me?” Ziyun replied, “I would tell you, but I’m afraid someone here won’t be happy with that, so I better not say.” Yulin whispered to Shufang, “At first, when the planchette moved, I thought it was you moving your hand. I tried to keep my hand still, but eventually, my hand started moving on its own.” Shufang replied, “Exactly. At first, I thought you were playing tricks. Even when a line of poetry was written, I still thought it was made up. It was only later that I realized it wasn’t.” Chunxi added, “When we held the planchette, it moved on its own without our hands. It moved even faster than during your first round.”
Qiguan said, “Who knows how the immortals come so quickly? It’s as if they are always present in this garden. Truly, the heart moves and the gods know.” Lanbao remarked, “That immortal Du Lanxiang has the same surname as Yuning, which is why she was so concerned, revealing all his past and present, resulting in this happy resolution.” Baozhu said, “We don’t know who we were in our previous lives. Jifu said he could summon spirits too. I want to see, but we’ve never had the chance.” Sulan laughed and said, “Didn’t someone say your previous life was as a nun?” Baozhu blushed and laughed, “How do you know?” Sulan replied, “I heard you say it yourself.” Baozhu laughed, “I’d completely forgotten.”
She then glanced at Jifu from afar and smiled, causing everyone else to laugh as well.
Daosheng, having spent the day there, wanted to leave early and said to Qin Yan, “I’ll send someone to pick you up tomorrow.” Ziyun interjected, “Why don’t you move here? What’s so great about staying at your lodging?” Daosheng replied, “That would be wonderful, but I feel uncomfortable bringing it up myself. I also want to take a good look around your garden!” The scholars all said, “If Mr. Dao moved into the garden, it would be even more delightful.” Cixian said, “After the pavilion was completed two years ago, the decorations were adequate, but many of the couplets and plaques were chosen in haste. After some renovations, many of them no longer seem appropriate. The couplets and inscriptions were all written by Ziyun and me, without any third party to critique them. Now, looking at them, they seem a bit sloppy. Yesterday, I discussed with Duxiang that we need to replace or add some of them, and it can’t be done without Mr. Dao and the rest of you contributing your calligraphy.”
Zhongqing said, “We haven’t even toured the whole garden yet. We should take a full day to enjoy it and compose the inscriptions after that.” Ziyun added, “Under Hanwan Tower, I’ve been thinking of engraving an introduction to Yiyuan. I’ll need to rely on Mr. Dao for that. Once you move in tomorrow, that will be the first thing I ask of you.” Cixian laughed and said, “He hasn’t even moved in yet, and you’re already charging him rent!” This made everyone burst into laughter. Daosheng agreed to move in the next day and live together with Qin Yan.
After that, Qin Yan’s surname was officially changed to Qu, and he was now called Qu Qinxian. His courtesy name was Qinxian, and no one called him Qin Yan anymore. Keep this in mind, dear reader. What happens next? Stay tuned for the next chapter.