話說屈道翁選了南昌府通判，領憑之後，就要起身，這幾天就有些人與他餞行，常不在園。那些名士、名旦也輪流與琴仙作餞。
田春航、史南湘殿試過了，正是萬言滿策，鐵畫銀鉤。春航竟占了鼇頭，大魁天下，授了修撰之職。南湘在二甲第四，點了庶常。雁塔題名，杏林賜宴，好不有興，比起去年春間的春航來，就天壤之別了。這春航偏是姓蘇的與他有緣。去年虧了蘇蕙芳遂了他的心願，本以風月因緣，倒成了道義肝膽，使春航一腔感激，不得不向正路上走，因此成就了功名學問。今年會試，房官雖薦了他的卷子，大總裁已經駁落。內中有一位總裁，姓蘇，名臣泰，現任兵部大堂，翰林出身，後又承襲了侯爵，就是華公子的泰山。看了春航的文字，大加贊賞道：「此人才調不凡，雖掞藻摛華，過於靡麗，倒是個詞臣格調，可以黼黻太平。」大總裁猶以為未可。及看他《五經》通明，策對平允，遂中了他三十四名。蘇侯到填榜時，拆對墨卷，見他這一筆楷字，心中大喜，知他殿試必在前列，果然被他中了狀元。春航謁見座師，蘇侯倒沒有講起，房師與他講了，所以春航感激這個恩師與別位不同。這蘇侯少年時也是個風流學士。
年近五旬，夫人之外，尚有四位如君，貴承七葉，位列通侯，但艱於嗣子。正夫人止生了兩位千金，長的是華夫人，第二位小姐也十九歲了，要選個才貌雙全的女婿，所以還沒有字人。
蘇侯初見了春航這般人物，心上十分中意，意欲附為婚姻，問他已有了妻室，暗暗歎息。
且說春航搬進了新宅，凡車馬服飾，一切器用，盡是蕙芳一人之力。蕙芳數年所積，也就運用一空。此時蕙芳已辭了班子，常常過來與春航照應。春航要留他在宅裡住，他又不肯。
但春航大大小小的事，皆係他一人調度，春航萬分感激，意欲分任其勞，實在又不及他精明周到。蕙芳又是個好勝脾氣，就是沒有辦過的，他先就訪問了，想得澈底澄清，一無翳障，不要春航費一點心。就是那個許貴，也十分靈慧，惟有那老田安，只可看門而已。
一日，春航正與蕙芳商議要接家眷，無人可托的話，蕙芳願身任其勞。忽然到了家信，是其太夫人的諭帖。春航連忙拆讀，一看之後，不覺淚下。蕙芳心驚，便在春航背後同看。原來春航的夫人，於二月內暴病而亡。太夫人傷心萬狀，家中止有一老僕，並一僕婦，諸事草草，甚望春航會試回來。適值春航之母舅張桐孫，前任直隸天津府知府，因與上臺不合，告病回家。家居數年，情況不支。且上司已換，只得起程來京，定於三月十五日挈眷起身，偕了田太夫人來都，數日間就要到了。
春航看完，一悲一喜，喜的是慈母將來，晨昏得事，悲的是朱弦已斷，中饋無人。且春航又是個鍾情人，想起在家時，釵荊裙布，唱隨之樂，不覺大慟起來。蕙芳十分勸慰，勸道：「老太太不日就到，你極該打起精神才好。如今倒自己苦壞了，教老太太見了不更傷感麼？」春航只得暫止悲痛，明日就為太夫人收拾上房，鋪陳一切。吩咐下人，從今以後稱呼蕙芳為蘇大爺。蕙芳也感激春航相待之意。
過了十餘日，田太夫人已到，春航接到良鄉，母子相見，悲歡各半。太夫人在路已知春航中了狀元，因此更念起亡媳來。
春航又拜見了舅父、舅母，無人不為春航喜歡。進了城，他母舅在春航處暫住了幾日，賃了住房，方才搬去，春航在太夫人面前說起蕙芳的好處，也是落難才唱戲的，如今已出了班子，他父親在雲南做過州同，是個書香之後，在京甚為相得，一切都賴藉他。因此田太夫人待蕙芳甚好，蕙芳更加相安了。
卻說史南湘館選後，便搬進怡園，在清涼詩境住了。他的脾氣又與春航兩樣，把那些同年同館朋友不放在眼裡，也不出去應酬，天天與屈道翁、蕭次賢、徐子雲一班人，詩酒陶情。
閒時又有寶珠、素蘭、蘭保、漱芳等一班名旦，不是垂簾度曲，就是對酒當歌。南湘素有才名，如今加上個翰林名號，更有那求文求詩的接踵而來。他又怕煩，常請金粟、子玉等代筆。至於不要緊的，連琴仙、蕙芳、素蘭、寶珠的佳章都有在裡面，好在人人說好，沒有一個看得出來。南湘本要接夫人來京，一因任上兩大人無人侍奉，二因他夫人利害，常要阻他的清興，勸他戒酒。南湘有些懼內，本來只好狂飲狂遊，鰥居倒也不妨。
今日已是五月初四，道翁定於初七日起身，眾名士餞行已過。今日道翁一早進城，為華公子請去了。南湘來找次賢、子雲，都不在園裡，即到春風沉醉軒來，只見琴仙手托香腮，在那裡顰眉淚眼，見南湘進來，連忙起身。南湘笑道：「我道你此番自然長了學問，誰知還是那樣見識。人生離合悲歡，是一定之理，各人免不來的，何必作那兒女囁嚅、楚囚相對的光景？快不要這樣。你看半陰半晴，時涼時燠，這般好天氣，何不同我到吟秋榭去看看龍舟，如今算你們祖上的遺風餘韻了。」
琴仙因與子玉就要離別，雖然敘了幾日，心上還是丟不開，鬱鬱的想念，被南湘道破了，只得強起精神。也因悶坐無聊，便隨著他到吟秋榭去。南湘忽又說：「我們何不去請了庚香、吉甫兩人來，作個清談雅集，倒也有趣。」琴仙聽了，正合他意，便道：「很好，你打發人去請來。」南湘道：「你找張紙來，我寫個字帖兒去。」琴仙找了一張詩箋，南湘寫了兩行狂草，著家人騎了快馬，即刻請了金少爺、梅少爺來。
家人奉命先到梅宅投了字帖，卻好金粟正在子玉處，吃了早飯，正想同子玉到怡園來。二人看了字，吩咐來人先去了。
子玉、金粟都是隨身便服，各帶了書童，坐車到怡園。自有南湘的家人引進，知道主人在吟秋榭，便從山邊小徑抄入練秋閣前，下了船。這個船是天天有人伺候的，不須找人蕩槳。雙槳分開，啞啞軋紮的，從蓮萍菱芡中蕩去，見白鷺橫飛，綠楊倒掛，已覺妙不可言。穿過了紅橋，望見吟秋榭邊，靠著一個龍舟，今日卻未裝滿，恐天要下雨，只裝了幾層油綢蠟絹。到了水榭闌邊，已見琴仙靠在第二層欄杆，望見他們來，在上面微笑點頭。下面欄前有幾個書童站著。
金粟、子玉上了岸，進了第一層，聽得樓上叮叮噹噹的響，又聽得南湘朗吟東坡的《水調歌頭》道：「我欲乘風歸去，只恐瓊樓玉宇，高處不勝寒。」噹的一聲，像把個玻璃缽擊碎了，遂狂笑進來。金粟笑道：「何物狂奴，悲歌擊節？」南湘見金粟等進來，益發大笑。金粟道：「此是端午，又非中秋，忽然念那《水調歌頭》做什麼？」南湘道：「我因看這副對子，不覺擊節起來。」琴仙道：「若依著時令，只可改作：『我欲乘龍歸去，只恐珠宮貝闕，深處不勝寒。』」南湘贊道：「改得好。教我們館中朋友改這一句，定想不到『深』字，必改個『低』字。」子玉、金粟大笑。子玉道：「你也把他們太薄了。」金粟道：「他們的文章詩賦，倒合古時候的格調，也是有本而來。」南湘道：「什麼格調？」金粟笑道：「《清平調》，不是太白先生遺下來的？」子玉道：「這《清平調》三字甚合。」
南湘道：「只怕還有些清而不平，平而不清的。」金粟道：「文章之妙，在各人領略，究竟也無甚憑據。我看庾子山為文，用字不檢，一篇之內，前後疊出。今人雖無其妙處，也無此毛病。宋之問以土囊謀人佳句，試看佳句何如？王勃《滕王閣序》最傳誦者，為落霞秋水一聯，然亦不過寫景而已。」南湘道：「我們今日作何消遣？你看天也晴了。去年是初六日，我記得是仲清泰山的生日，那日所以仲清沒有能來。今年竟都不在坐。」
又道：「玉儂兩三天就要走了，今日庾香應當怎樣，也應大家敘個痛快。這一別不知幾年再見呢。」子玉、琴仙聽了，都覺淒然，幾乎墮淚。
琴仙道：「我們何不下船去坐坐。一面走，一面看，比這閣子倒還好些。」子玉道：「果然船裡好。」南湘道：「我們就下船去，我備了幾樣酒果，船裡去談，一發有趣。」說著都下船來。南湘叫書童帶了筆研，又把酒肴也擺下船來，蕩動雙槳。南湘道：「庾香、玉儂何以不開口談談？再隔兩天就談不成了。」子玉道：「談也是這樣，亦只兩天半了。就算再敘兩次，還只好算一天。」琴仙眼皮一紅，斜靠著船窗，看那池中的燕子飛來飛去，掠那水面的浮萍，即說道：「這個燕子今年去了，明年還會回來麼？」子玉道：「怎麼不會來？管保這兩個燕子明年又在這裡了。」金粟笑道：「何以拿得這樣穩呢？」子玉道：「『似曾相識燕歸來』，不是就是去年的麼？」琴仙道：「『無可奈何花落去』呢？難道落花還會吹上枝麼？」子玉道：「花落重開也是一樣，不過暫時落劫罷了。」琴仙道：「落花劫也太多，有落在水裡的，有落在圂裡的。若落在水裡的還好，到底乾淨些。既然落了下來，倒也是他歸結之所了。」
子玉也與琴仙並坐，靠在一個窗裡，慢慢的蕩到橋邊，只見一群鴨子從橋洞裡過來，琴仙道：「你看這鴨子是一群同著走，倒沒有一個離群的。」子玉道：「人生在世，倒沒有這些物類快活，毫無拘束。」南湘對著金粟微笑，金粟點點頭，聽著他們講話。子玉道：「人生離合也沒有什麼一定，你看天上的雲，總是望一邊去的。你不見今日是兩來的雲，東邊的會遇著西邊的麼？」琴仙仰首看天，道：「只怕有橫風來吹散他。」子玉道：「那邊有橫風來吹得散，難道這邊沒有橫風來吹合他？」琴仙笑道：「那就要四面風才能。」南湘道：「只怕還有八面風呢。」子玉也笑了。琴仙道：「你看那個鯉魚好不有趣，他一個獨自擺尾而去。」子玉道：「你試看轉來不轉來？」琴仙道：「未必能轉來了。」子玉心裡默禱道：「鯉魚你若能游轉來，玉儂也就能轉來，你須順我的心。」那魚真又轉來，一直挨著船身過去了。子玉喜道：「何如？我要他轉來他就轉來了。」琴仙道：「你怎樣的叫他轉來？」子玉道：「我心上想他，他也就順了我的心。這是天從人願。」琴仙對著子玉笑了一笑。
南湘叫擺過酒來，家童擺好了。金粟道：「庾香、玉儂過來喝一杯罷。」一面把船蕩到練秋閣前，南湘道：「去年靜宜有個《水滸傳》的酒令，媚香掣著了《潘金蓮雪天戲叔》，媚香那個神色，再沒有這麼好笑，不料湘帆今日竟能如此了。」金粟道：「湘帆真不負媚香。」說著，歎了一口氣。南湘道：「也幸遇著了媚香，若遇了別人，未必有這管教他的本領。若天天朝歌夜弦，只怕湘帆真要做鄭元和了。可惜，可惜！媚香若是個女身，此刻就是狀元夫人了，偏又要多生出個雀兒來，教湘帆有欲難遂，伉儷不諧。」子玉恐琴仙不願聽這些話，便把些別樣話來打斷他。南湘、金粟也因琴仙在座，便不說了。
船又蕩到了桂嶺，子玉道：「我們蕩轉去，到蘭徑、菊畦、稻莊去罷。」南湘道：「也只可到蘭徑罷。我看那邊水淺，這船如何去得？」琴仙道：「要到稻莊去，就要走圍牆邊那帶河，過了水閘，全是大河。從菊畦背後，就到了稻莊，還可以到桃花源，就到不得蘭徑。」金粟道：「這里路我沒有走過，就這樣去。」於是一路的蕩去，又覺別開生面。金粟道：「庾香你也該臨別贈言，做首詩贈玉儂。」子玉道：「我們聯句罷。」金粟道：「這個恐不能，各人是各人的情意，未必聯得上來。」琴仙道：「前日靜宜畫了一柄扇子，是個《怡園餞別圖》，度香於那一面填了一首《金縷曲》，還空了一半。」說罷，便從袖子裡拿了出來，給與金粟等看了，見畫的是古香林屋，內中畫幾個人在那裡餞行的光景，度香的詞也做得甚好。子玉道：「我們就和他的韻罷。」南湘道：「你先來。」子玉一面閒談，一面著想，即成了一闋，寫了出來，南湘、金粟看著，琴仙念道：「何事雲輕散。問今番、果然真到，海枯石爛？」南湘道：「一開口就沉痛如此，倒要看看底下怎樣接得來。」琴仙念了一句，已經哽塞住了，到「海枯石爛」四字，便接連流下幾點淚來。再讀時，聲音就低了好些。停了一停，又念道：「離別尋常隨處有，偏我魂消無算。已過了、幾迴腸斷。只道今生長廝守，盼銀塘、不隔秋河漢。誰又想，境更換。」琴仙到此忍不住哭了。金粟道：「這是庾香不好，誰叫他做得如此傷心？倒不怪玉儂要哭。」子玉也落下淚來，只得忍住，要勸琴仙。琴仙又要哭，又要看，拿著那詞稿，被眼淚滴濕了一半。
南湘道：「我念給你聽，你也念不來了。」琴仙猶帶著泣，聽南湘念道：「明朝送別長亭畔。忍牽衣、道聲珍重，此心更亂。」南湘念到此，也幾乎念不出來。金粟聽了，也覺慘然難忍。琴仙已放聲大哭，南湘勉強又念道：「門外天涯……」將詞稿放下道：「我不念了。」斟了一杯酒喝了，便□腳而臥，口中吟道：「一聲《河滿子》，雙淚落君前。哀猿夜吟，令人腸斷。」琴仙痛哭了一會，子玉勉強勸住了，把絹子替他試了眼淚，琴仙還望著那詞稿，想人念完了。金粟只得念道：「門外天涯何處是，但見江湖浩漫，也難浣、愁腸一半。若慮夢魂飛不到，試宵宵、彼此將名喚。墨和淚，請君玩。」琴仙哭了一個發昏，把個子玉哭得柔腸寸斷。金粟歎道：「這首詞也不枉玉儂這些眼淚，真是一字一珠，一珠一淚，一淚一血，旁人尚不忍讀，何況玉儂？」便叫子玉索性在扇上寫好了。子玉道：「你們和的呢？」金粟道：「這是絕唱，還和什麼？可不必了。」子玉寫好。這一會淒楚，連南湘、金粟也沒有興致，即上了岸。正逢子雲、次賢回來，大家在尋源仙墅坐了一會，道翁也回來了。
子雲還要留金粟、子玉小飲，子玉坐在此倒覺心酸，便同金粟各自回去。
明日，道翁還有事進城。琪官因與琴仙一同來京，且同一師傅學戲，如今見他跳出樊籠，得以出京，心裡甚為感慨，便單請琴仙過來話別。因想請琴仙，必須請子玉，又托琴仙轉約子玉於初六日同去。琴仙應了，果然把子玉請了出來。子玉那日先到文輝處拜壽，耽擱了一早晨，吃了面，即便辭回。王恂留住不放，陸夫人也留他。子玉是一腔心事，如何留得住？只得將實話悄悄的告訴了仲清。仲清與王恂說了，方才放他出來。
子玉喜歡，一徑就到琪官寓處，進去見琴仙已等了好一會，還有一個老年人在那裡說話。見了子玉，那人就站起身來。作別而去，琴仙還謝了一聲。琪官送客轉來，請子玉到他書房裡坐下。子玉問起方才這人，琴仙道：「他叫葉茂林，是我們教戲的師傅，聞我要出京，今日送了幾樣東西來。」子玉見琴仙面似梨花，朱唇淺淡，眼睛哭得微腫，說不出那一種可憐可愛的模樣，只呆呆的看著他。琴仙這兩日千慮萬愁，也不知從何處說起，倒一句話也沒有，就只一汪眼淚，在眼皮裡含著，只要題起心事，便一滴就下。
琪官見他們兩人四目相泣，一樣的神色，知道九分。但自己想著從前的事，不免也有些悲楚。三人坐了許久，都不言語。
琪官與琴仙坐在一凳，拉著琴仙的手說道：「琴哥，你如今是好了，上了岸，看我們落在水裡。想我們同來的十個人，到京後死的死，散的散，就剩下你我兩個。你如今又要去了，就只有我一個。想到咱們在船上的時候，那幾個又是不投機的。哥哥，你說咱們兩個生在一處，死在一處。有一天你受了人家的氣，晚上想要跳河，我拉住了你，你還恨我。我說要跳河咱們同跳，你才住了，哭了半夜，自己將塊帕子撕得粉碎。到明日看時，才曉得撕了我的帕子。你還拿新的還我。到了天津那一天，船碰壞了，我們睡在艙裡避風，你睡著怕冷，叫我將背擁了你的背，你才睡著。及到了京，又分開在兩處。我想起，好不傷心！」琴仙聽了，眼淚直流下來，琪官也哭起來了。子玉本來傷心，今見他二人都哭，再將琴仙前前後後一想，怎麼還忍得住，便也淚流滿面。琪官又道：「你從前給我那個水晶貓兒，我還當著寶貝一樣。現在天天學字，拿他做鎮紙。去年林小梅要我的，我不肯給他。我說是哥哥路上給我的，我要留著他。」琴仙道：「你給我那琥珀扇墜兒，我也留著。」便也執著琪官的手道：「我此去，也不知怎樣，我這般苦命，料是沒有什麼好處的。還是你們在京裡好，大家相幫著，還有個照應。我如今出了京，只好聽我的運氣，好好歹歹，隨遇而安。適或蒼天見憐，過了一二年，我寄父或者又進京，我隨了來，與你們還可見得一面。也未可知。或不然，你們出了京，到外省來，做個萍水相逢，也論不定的。若論我們的緣分，就是今日這一敘了，那也是天數，無可挽回，只好來生再見。或者情緣不斷，再成個相識，或做了親弟兄更好了。」說罷又哭。子玉勸道：「離合之數，原是對待的局面，有離自然就有合，難道不准你再進京來？適或玉豔將來也到江西去，也是難料的。如今且把心事丟開，你一路保養身子要緊。先有那十八站旱路，就極辛苦的。你再將身子傷感壞了，在路上更是不好，我們這片心也放不下。事已如此，只得聽天由命罷。」琴仙將子玉看了一眼，歎口氣道：「我何嘗不這麼想。前幾天要他一天長似一天，把一月並做一天才好。到這兩日，反要他一天短似一天，一會兒就上了路，望不見這京城裡，倒也死了心。譬如人斷了氣，這魂靈隨風飄去。偏又望來望去，還隔著一天。今日已是這樣，明日又怎生挨得過去！」說著從新又哭。
琪官道：「琴哥，不要哭了，我想你那義父是個好人，絕不至像那易老西兒，將人買去幾個月，又不要了，那是何等俗物！況你這義父，又無親生兒子，待你好是不用說的了。你人又聰明，不比我生得笨。他教你讀起書來，飛黃騰達，也是意中之事。將來自然必念著患難弟兄。那時我們還要仗著你呢。
況此去一路好山好水，遊玩不盡，也不至煩悶。我明年滿了師，也由我怎樣，我找個便人，同著他來找你。我隨便都願意作，我實不願唱戲。」琴仙道：「你來找我，要我活著才好。適我已經死了，你就怎樣？不如你先寄封書來問問，得了我的信再來。」琪官道：「何必說死說活呢？哥哥總喜歡詛怨自己。」子玉道：「是極了，玉儂總要咒自己。譬如去年你進華府的時候，你也口口聲聲咒自己要死，如今偏好好兒的出來了。那時怎想到今日？那時既想不到今日，自然今日也想不到後日。焉知不應了玉豔的說話？我勸你放開些罷。若說玉豔要找個便人同到江西，這也不難。我們老爺現在江西，只要我太太肯教我去，我就同了玉豔來訪你。」琴仙瞅著子玉道：「你真能到江西來嗎？」子玉道：「這也沒有什麼不能，我要到江西省親，自然太太也肯教我去的。」琴仙道：「若說太太的心，是慈悲的，就恐捨不得你，不教你去。」子玉道：「太太不教我去，我也要去。」琴仙道：「好容易？幾千里路，你就想去，就太太准你去，我也不願你去。況且你去了，又要回來，做什麼吃這一路的辛苦？這個念頭斷不必起他，倒是我三年兩年之內，進京來看你們為妙。你們一個都不准來。」於是談談講講，琴仙略減了些酸楚。琪官備了酒席，請他們二人坐了。今日就是八珍羅列，也難舉箸，酒落愁腸，一滴已醉。
三人勉強飲了一巡，琴仙已經醉了，離了席，到書桌邊，看見那個水晶貓兒，真在都盛盤裡，不覺淒然有感。見一個絕小的方錦匣子，揭開看時，是六顆骰子。琴仙放在手中，重新入席，拿了個空碟兒，對著子玉、琪官說道：「三心和同，有始有終。擲個全紅。」▉瑯一聲擲下，卻也奇怪，倒像有神明佑護著他，卻好碰著六個全紅。子玉大喜，琴仙也覺開懷。琪官笑了一笑，取骰子在手，也對著琴仙、子玉說道：「三心和同，後是相逢，二十四紅。」又說道：「你們看我擲。」琴仙、子玉看時，也是個六紅。子玉更加喜歡道：「這不用說了，兩個全紅，豈是容易碰著的？謝天地神明，先給個信兒。」琴仙還要再擲，琪官把骰子收起道：「不用擲了，兩擲皆應了口，再擲就不能靈驗了。」子玉恐再擲未必有全紅，也勸琴仙不要擲了。若論這副骰子再擲一擲，保管也是個全紅，何以琪官即行收起，不教琴仙再擲呢？原來這骰子六面皆是紅的，並無二色，那是琪官做的頑意。今日琴仙被他賺了，解了好些愁悶。
這一回也談了許久，琴仙恐他義父回來，只得要早散，琪官也不好久留他。子玉想後日送他的人多，不好說話，便從身上解下一個小玉琴，送與琴仙道：「此是我常佩的東西，給你算個記念罷。」琴仙接了，一陣心酸，也從身邊解下個五色玉梅花，遞與子玉道：「這也是我常佩的。」子玉也收了，各人佩上。子玉道：「明日一天怎樣？」琴仙道：「你也不用來了。後日起身得早，你斷不要送我。今日就叩辭了。」跪將下去，子玉也忙跪下，兩人對叩了頭，站起來，兩人眼淚像四串珠子一樣，滴個不住。琴仙又與琪官也辭了行，也叫不必來送。琪官道：「這是什麼話？就半夜起身，也是要送的。」琴仙、子玉皆謝了琪官，各人上車，灑淚而散。
明日端午，道翁在園，琴仙也要收拾些零碎。那名旦九人，是要到子雲處來賀節的，見了一見。子雲也無心緒，沒有請客，就止與南湘、次賢、屈氏父子，在練秋閣小飲了幾杯，看了一看龍舟，應了景兒。
到了初六日，道翁一早命家人押了行李先走，自己與琴仙到了辰初方才上車。其時送行的不計其數。道翁一班老友，有到園中來的，有在城外等候的。華公子本要出城親送，道翁再三阻了，沒有來，止打發家人代叩送行，預先送了程儀六百金。
子雲也送了六百，文澤送了二百，道翁的盤費很富足了。子雲、次賢各備車馬跟著，一直送出城外，直到十里之外皇華亭。只見南湘、仲清、文澤、金粟、王恂、子玉、春航，領著那蕙芳、寶珠、素蘭、漱芳、玉林、蘭保、桂保、琪官、春喜九個名旦，在皇華亭等候。道翁等連忙下車，極口辭謝。各人皆要把盞。
那九個名旦見了琴仙，一齊上來，握手的握手，牽衣的牽衣。
琴仙見了這九人，已覺悲酸萬狀。又見子玉躲在人後，在那裡拭淚，不覺一陣心痛，頭暈眼花，跌倒在地。慌得眾人連忙扶起，拍的拍，喚的喚。把個子玉急得如痰迷心竅一般，直瞪瞪兩眼，一句話說不出，淚落如雨。子雲、次賢慌了，救醒了琴仙，便說道：「快扶他上車罷。」道翁交代家人劉喜好好服侍。子雲謂道翁道：「令郎與他們幾年在一處，一刻要分手，自然是難忍的。道翁先生，我們倒不敢久留了，一路福星，請升輿罷。」道翁見琴仙如此，心內甚慌，與諸人作了一個揖，又握著子雲、次賢的手道：「從此別後，只好魂夢相隨。感激之私，令人口不能說。惟祝諸公雲程萬里，富貴雙全而已。」也不覺老淚涔涔，諸名士與名旦亦各灑淚。道翁上車，領著琴仙而去。
正是：
雙輪碾動如飛去，回首雲山已渺茫。
眾人勸回子玉，子玉直著眼睛望不見琴仙的車，才放聲一哭而回。不知後事如何，且聽下回分解。
After Qu Dao Weng was selected as the Assistant Magistrate of Nanchang Prefecture and received his official documents, he was ready to depart. Over the next few days, various people hosted farewell banquets for him, and he was often away from the garden. Many well-known scholars and famous opera singers also took turns hosting farewell parties for Qin Xian.
Tian Chunhang and Shi Nanxiang had completed the final imperial exam. Their papers were filled with eloquent writing, and their calligraphy was strong and elegant. Chunhang took first place and was awarded the position of Xiuzhuan (editor in the Hanlin Academy). Nanxiang, ranked fourth in the second tier, was appointed as a Shuchang (assistant official). Their names were engraved on the Goose Pagoda, and they were invited to a banquet at the Imperial Academy. This marked a significant difference compared to Chunhang’s status the previous spring. Chunhang’s destiny seemed particularly intertwined with the Su family. Last year, it was thanks to Su Huifang that his wishes were fulfilled. What began as a romantic affair unexpectedly developed into a deep, righteous friendship, leading Chunhang to feel immense gratitude and motivating him to pursue a proper path, eventually achieving success in his studies and official career. During this year’s metropolitan exam, even though the examiners recommended his paper, the chief judge initially rejected it. However, one of the chief judges, Su Chen Tai, currently a Minister of War and a former member of the Hanlin Academy, praised Chunhang’s writing. Su Chen Tai remarked, “This person has extraordinary talent. Although the language may be overly ornate, he has the style of a scholar who could contribute to the prosperity of the country.” The chief judge was still hesitant. Upon reviewing Chunhang’s understanding of the Five Classics and his well-reasoned policy responses, they ranked him thirty-fourth. When Su Chen Tai later unsealed the exam papers and saw Chunhang’s beautiful regular script, he was overjoyed and predicted that Chunhang would rank highly in the palace exam. Indeed, Chunhang emerged as the top candidate. When Chunhang met his mentor, Su Chen Tai did not mention their earlier connection, but his examiner did. Thus, Chunhang felt particularly grateful to this teacher, unlike with any other. Su Chen Tai, in his youth, had also been a talented and romantic scholar.
Now approaching fifty, Su Chen Tai had, besides his wife, four concubines. His family had enjoyed noble status for seven generations, but he had no male heirs. His official wife had borne two daughters. The elder daughter was married to Hua Gongzi, while the younger, at nineteen, had yet to find a suitable match, as they sought a son-in-law with both talent and good looks.
When Su Chen Tai first met Chunhang, he was very impressed and considered proposing a marriage alliance. However, upon learning that Chunhang was already married, he sighed in regret.
Now, Chunhang had moved into his new home. All the carriages, horses, clothing, and household items had been provided entirely by Huifang. The savings Huifang had accumulated over the years were now completely spent. At this time, Huifang had retired from the opera troupe and frequently came to assist Chunhang. Although Chunhang wanted Huifang to live in his residence, Huifang refused.
Nevertheless, Huifang handled all of Chunhang’s affairs, large and small. Chunhang was deeply grateful and wanted to share the burden, but he could not match Huifang’s thoroughness and efficiency. Huifang, being competitive by nature, would always investigate matters beforehand, ensuring everything was clear and without confusion, sparing Chunhang from any trouble. Even Xu Gui was quite clever, though the elderly Tian An could only serve as a gatekeeper.
One day, Chunhang and Huifang were discussing arrangements for bringing his family to the capital. When they couldn’t think of a suitable person to entrust with the task, Huifang offered to handle it personally. Suddenly, a letter arrived from Chunhang’s mother. Chunhang hurriedly opened and read it. Upon finishing, he couldn’t help but shed tears. Huifang, alarmed, read the letter over Chunhang’s shoulder. It turned out that Chunhang’s wife had died suddenly from illness in February. His mother was deeply grieving, and with only one elderly servant and a maid at home, everything had been handled hastily. She earnestly hoped for Chunhang to return after the exams. Around this time, Chunhang’s uncle, Zhang Tongsun, the former Prefect of Tianjin, had retired due to conflicts with higher officials and returned home. After several years of difficult circumstances, his situation had become untenable, and now, with the change of leadership, he had no choice but to return to the capital, planning to bring Chunhang’s mother with him and set off on March 15th. They were due to arrive in the capital within a few days.
Upon reading the letter, Chunhang felt a mix of sorrow and joy—joy that his mother would soon be with him, and sorrow that his wife was gone and there would be no one to manage the household. Chunhang, being deeply sentimental, remembered the happy times with his wife back home, singing and working together, and began to weep bitterly. Huifang consoled him, saying, “Your mother will arrive soon. You must pull yourself together. If you wear yourself out with grief, it will only cause more pain for your mother when she sees you.” Chunhang had no choice but to stifle his sorrow for the moment and began preparing the main house for his mother’s arrival, arranging everything accordingly. He instructed the servants to address Huifang as “Master Su” from then on. Huifang was touched by Chunhang’s kindness.
About ten days later, Chunhang’s mother arrived. Chunhang went to meet her in Liangxiang. When mother and son reunited, their emotions were a mixture of joy and sorrow. His mother had already learned of Chunhang’s success as the top candidate on the way, which made her miss her late daughter-in-law even more.
Chunhang also paid his respects to his uncle and aunt, who were all pleased with Chunhang’s success. After entering the capital, his uncle and aunt stayed with Chunhang for a few days before renting a house and moving out. In front of his mother, Chunhang spoke highly of Huifang, explaining how Huifang, once an opera singer who had fallen on hard times, had now retired from the troupe. Huifang’s father had been a sub-prefect in Yunnan, so he came from a scholarly family. In the capital, Huifang had been a great help in every aspect. Chunhang’s mother, therefore, treated Huifang with great kindness, and Huifang became even more comfortable in his new role.
After Shi Nanxiang’s appointment was finalized, he moved into Yiyuan Garden and took up residence in the “Cool Poetry Realm.” His temperament was quite different from Chunhang’s, as he disregarded his peers and colleagues, never bothering to socialize or attend gatherings. Instead, he spent his days indulging in poetry and wine with Qu Dao Weng, Xiao Zixian, and Xu Ziyun.
In his leisure time, he was also surrounded by renowned opera performers such as Baozhu, Sulan, Lanbao, and Shufang. They would either perform behind curtains or sing while drinking. Nanxiang, already famous for his literary talents, now carried the title of Hanlin scholar, attracting an endless stream of people seeking his poetry and writing. He found it bothersome and often asked Jin Su and Ziyu to write on his behalf. For less important requests, even the poetic verses of Qinxian, Huifang, Sulan, and Baozhu were included, and everyone praised the work, unable to tell the difference. Nanxiang had initially planned to bring his wife to the capital, but two factors held him back. First, there were two elders at his post who had no one to care for them. Second, his wife was rather strict, always advising him to abstain from drinking, which dampened his enjoyment. Nanxiang, slightly fearful of his wife, could only indulge in wild drinking and merry adventures in her absence, so his current bachelor lifestyle didn’t bother him much.
It was now the fourth day of May, and Dao Weng was scheduled to leave on the seventh. The farewell gatherings with the scholars had already concluded. Early that morning, Dao Weng had gone into the city at the request of Hua Gongzi. Nanxiang sought out Zixian and Ziyun, but they were not in the garden, so he went to Chunfeng Shen Zui Pavilion. There, he found Qinxian sitting with her hand supporting her cheek, frowning and tearful. When she saw Nanxiang enter, she quickly stood up. Nanxiang laughed and said, “I thought you would have learned something by now, but I see your perspective hasn’t changed. The joys and sorrows of life, the partings and reunions, are inevitable for everyone, so why indulge in such sentimental, pitiful displays? Look at the weather, half sunny and half cloudy, cool one moment and warm the next—it’s such a lovely day. Why don’t we go to Yin Qiu Pavilion and watch the dragon boat races? This is, after all, a remnant of your ancestors’ tradition.”
Qinxian had been melancholic, distressed over her upcoming separation from Ziyu, even though they had spent several days together. Nanxiang’s words struck a chord with her, and though she tried to cheer up, she couldn’t shake the sorrow entirely. Yet, sitting idly and feeling restless, she agreed to go with him to Yin Qiu Pavilion. As they left, Nanxiang suddenly said, “Why don’t we invite Gengxiang and Jifu to join us for some elegant conversation? It would be quite entertaining.” Qinxian, pleased with the suggestion, responded, “That sounds great. You send someone to invite them.” Nanxiang said, “Bring me some paper, and I’ll write a note.” Qinxian found a sheet of poetry paper, and Nanxiang wrote a couple of lines in wild cursive script, then sent a servant on horseback to deliver the message to Young Master Jin and Young Master Mei.
The servant first arrived at Mei’s residence with the letter, just as Jin Su was having breakfast at Ziyu’s place. The two had planned to visit Yiyuan Garden together after eating. Upon reading the note, they instructed the messenger to return first.
Ziyu and Jin Su, both dressed in casual attire, each brought along a page boy and took a carriage to Yiyuan Garden. Nanxiang’s servants led them in, knowing that the host was at Yin Qiu Pavilion. They took a shortcut along a mountain path and boarded a boat at Lian Qiu Pavilion. The boat, which was always manned, required no one to row. As the double oars parted the water with soft creaks, they glided through lotus leaves and water caltrops. White egrets flew overhead, and the green willows drooped over the water—a scene so beautiful it was beyond description. They passed under the Red Bridge and saw a dragon boat moored by Yin Qiu Pavilion. Today, it wasn’t fully decorated, likely because rain was expected, so only a few layers of oilcloth and waxed silk covered it. As they approached the pavilion, they saw Qinxian leaning against the second-floor railing. Upon spotting them, she smiled and nodded. A few page boys stood by the lower rail.
Jin Su and Ziyu disembarked and entered the first level of the pavilion. From above, they heard the sound of clinking and clattering, followed by Nanxiang reciting Su Dongpo’s Shui Diao Ge Tou, “I wish to ride the wind and return, but I fear the palace of jade towers, too cold to endure at such heights.” Suddenly, there was a loud crashing sound, as if a glass bowl had shattered, followed by Nanxiang’s wild laughter. Jin Su laughed and said, “What crazed soul is here, singing sorrowfully and pounding in rhythm?” Nanxiang saw Jin Su and the others arrive, and laughed even louder. Jin Su said, “It’s the Dragon Boat Festival, not the Mid-Autumn Festival, so why are you reciting Shui Diao Ge Tou?” Nanxiang replied, “I was looking at this couplet and couldn’t help but recite it.” Qinxian said, “If we were to follow the season, you should change it to: ‘I wish to ride the dragon and return, but I fear the pearl palaces, too deep to endure in their coldness.’” Nanxiang praised, “Excellent revision! If we asked our fellow scholars to revise this line, they would never come up with ‘deep.’ They would surely use ‘low’ instead.” Ziyu and Jin Su burst into laughter. Ziyu said, “You underestimate them too much.” Jin Su added, “Their writings and poetry do follow ancient styles, rooted in tradition.” Nanxiang scoffed, “What tradition?” Jin Su laughed, “The Qingping Diao—wasn’t that left behind by the great Li Bai?” Ziyu said, “The term Qingping Diao suits this situation perfectly!”
Nanxiang said, “I’m afraid there are still some instances of being clear but not smooth, or smooth but not clear.” Jin Su replied, “The beauty of writing lies in each person’s interpretation, and ultimately, there is no definite standard. I’ve seen Yu Zishan’s writings, where he uses unrefined words, repeating them throughout a single piece. Modern writers may not have his brilliance, but they also don’t have that flaw. Song Zhiwen once plotted to steal someone’s fine verses. Look at those lines now, are they really so special? The most famous part of Wang Bo’s Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng is the couplet about the falling sunset and autumn waters, but in the end, it’s just descriptive imagery.”
Nanxiang responded, “What should we do for entertainment today? Look, the weather has cleared up. Last year, on the sixth day, I remember it was Zhongqing Taishan’s birthday, so he wasn’t able to join us. This year, none of them are here.”
He added, “Yunong will be leaving in two or three days. Today, we should really spend time together and make the most of it. Who knows when we’ll meet again?” Ziyu and Qinxian, hearing this, both felt a sense of sorrow and nearly shed tears.
Qinxian said, “Why don’t we go for a boat ride? Walking and sightseeing along the way would be better than just sitting here in the pavilion.” Ziyu agreed, “Indeed, it’s better on the boat.” Nanxiang added, “Let’s go down to the boat then. I’ve prepared some wine and fruits, and we can talk on the boat. It’ll be even more fun.” With that, they all went down to the boat. Nanxiang asked the page boy to bring ink and brushes, and he also had the wine and food placed on the boat. As the oars started moving, Nanxiang said, “Yuxiang, Yunong, why aren’t you talking? In just a couple of days, there won’t be a chance to talk anymore.” Ziyu responded, “Talking is just the same as always. It’s only two and a half more days. Even if we talk twice more, it still only counts as one day.”
Qinxian’s eyes reddened as she leaned against the boat window, watching the swallows fly to and fro over the floating duckweed on the water. She said, “Do you think these swallows will return next year after they leave this year?” Ziyu replied, “Why wouldn’t they? I’m sure these same two swallows will be here again next year.” Jin Su laughed, “How can you be so certain?” Ziyu replied, “Isn’t it said, ‘the swallows return as if they know the place’? Aren’t they the same swallows from last year?” Qinxian responded, “‘The falling flowers cannot be made to return,’ though. Can fallen flowers be blown back onto the branches?” Ziyu said, “Fallen flowers bloom again all the same. It’s only a temporary fall.” Qinxian replied, “But there are many fates for fallen flowers—some fall into the water, others into the mud. If they fall into the water, at least they remain clean. Once they’ve fallen, it’s their final resting place.”
Ziyu sat beside Qinxian by the window, as the boat slowly moved toward the bridge. A flock of ducks passed under the bridge. Qinxian remarked, “Look at those ducks, all walking together, none of them separated from the group.” Ziyu said, “Humans in this world don’t seem to live as carefree as these creatures, without any constraints.” Nanxiang smiled at Jin Su, who nodded, listening to the conversation. Ziyu continued, “There’s no fixed pattern for human partings and reunions. Look at the clouds in the sky, they’re always drifting in one direction. Do you think the clouds coming from the east will meet the ones from the west today?” Qinxian looked up at the sky and said, “I’m afraid a gust of wind might blow them apart.” Ziyu replied, “If there’s a wind on that side to blow them apart, isn’t there also a wind on this side to blow them together?” Qinxian smiled, “That would require wind from all directions.” Nanxiang said, “There might even be eight directions of wind.” Ziyu also laughed. Qinxian then remarked, “Look at that carp, how amusing, swimming away all by itself.” Ziyu responded, “Do you think it will turn back?” Qinxian said, “It probably won’t turn back now.”
In his heart, Ziyu silently prayed, “Carp, if you turn back, then Yunong will also return. You must follow my wish.” To his surprise, the fish really did turn back, swimming right alongside the boat. Ziyu exclaimed joyfully, “How about that? I wished for it to turn back, and it did!” Qinxian asked, “How did you make it turn back?” Ziyu replied, “I thought about it in my heart, and it followed my wish. This is heaven answering human desires.” Qinxian smiled at Ziyu.
Nanxiang called for the wine to be served, and the servant boy set everything up. Jin Su said, “Yuxiang, Yunong, come have a drink with us.” As the boat drifted to the front of Lian Qiu Pavilion, Nanxiang said, “Last year, Jingyi came up with a drinking game based on The Water Margin. Meixiang drew ‘Pan Jinlian’s Snow Day Play with her Uncle,’ and her expression was so funny—no one could have expected Xiangfan to be like this today.” Jin Su remarked, “Xiangfan didn’t let Meixiang down.” He sighed. Nanxiang said, “It’s fortunate that he met Meixiang. If it had been anyone else, they might not have had the power to discipline him. If he spent every day singing and playing music, Xiangfan might have become the next Zheng Yuanhe. What a pity, what a pity! If Meixiang were a woman, she would be a Top Scholar’s wife by now. But fate has dealt her a different hand, leaving Xiangfan with unfulfilled desires and an unharmonious marriage.”
Ziyu, fearing that Qinxian might not like this topic, quickly changed the subject. Nanxiang and Jin Su, noticing Qinxian’s presence, also stopped talking about it.
The boat drifted toward Gui Ridge. Ziyu said, “Let’s head back and go to the Orchid Path, the Chrysanthemum Patch, and the Rice Village.” Nanxiang replied, “We can only go to the Orchid Path. The water is shallow on the other side, how can the boat get through?” Qinxian said, “If we want to go to the Rice Village, we have to follow the river by the wall. After passing through the water gate, there’s nothing but wide rivers. Beyond the Chrysanthemum Patch, we’ll reach the Rice Village, and we could even get to the Peach Blossom Spring, but not to the Orchid Path.” Jin Su said, “I’ve never taken this route before, let’s go this way.” And so they continued rowing, finding new and beautiful scenery along the way.
Jin Su said, “Yuxiang, since this is our farewell, you should give a parting gift—a poem for Yunong.” Ziyu suggested, “Why don’t we write a linked verse?” Jin Su replied, “I’m afraid that won’t work. Everyone has their own feelings, and they might not flow together.” Qinxian said, “The other day, Jingyi painted a fan, with a scene titled ‘Farewell at Yiyuan.’ Duoxiang wrote half a poem on one side, leaving the other half blank.” As she spoke, she took the fan out of her sleeve and showed it to Jin Su and the others. The painting depicted an ancient fragrance house, with a few people gathered for a farewell. Duoxiang’s poem was also beautifully written. Ziyu said, “Let’s follow his rhyme scheme.” Nanxiang said, “You go first.”
While chatting, Ziyu composed a verse and wrote it down. Nanxiang and Jin Su looked on as Qinxian recited, “What causes clouds to scatter lightly? This time, will we truly see the end, when seas dry and rocks crumble?” Nanxiang said, “You’ve opened with such a sorrowful tone, let’s see how the rest will follow.” Qinxian read another line, but her voice faltered, and as she reached the phrase “when seas dry and rocks crumble,” tears began to fall. She tried to read on, but her voice grew weaker. After pausing, she continued, “Partings happen everywhere, but my soul is torn apart endlessly. How many times have I already been heartbroken? I thought we would always be together in this life, looking forward to the Milky Way not separating us.” At this point, Qinxian couldn’t hold back her tears anymore and began to cry. Jin Su said, “This is Yuxiang’s fault. Who told him to write something so heartbreaking? No wonder Yunong is crying.” Ziyu also shed tears, though he tried to hold them back to comfort Qinxian. Qinxian, torn between crying and reading, held the poem, and her tears soaked half of the paper.
Nanxiang said, “Let me read it for you since you can’t continue.” Qinxian, still crying, listened as Nanxiang read: “Tomorrow, I will bid you farewell by the roadside pavilion. I can barely bear to hold onto your sleeve and say ‘Take care,’ but my heart is even more troubled.” At this point, Nanxiang almost couldn’t continue. Jin Su, listening, also felt overwhelmed by sadness. Qinxian began to cry loudly. Forcing himself, Nanxiang continued: “Beyond the gate, where does the horizon lie…” but then he put the poem down and said, “I can’t read anymore.” He drank a cup of wine and lay down with his feet stretched out, murmuring, “One line of ‘He Man Zi,’ and tears fall before you. The mournful apes howl through the night, breaking one’s heart.”
Qinxian cried for a while, and Ziyu tried to comfort her, wiping her tears with a handkerchief. Qinxian still gazed at the poem, hoping someone would finish it. Jin Su, feeling obliged, continued: “Beyond the gate, where does the horizon lie? I only see the vast lakes and rivers, and even they cannot wash away half of my sorrows. If you fear that dreams cannot reach across the distance, try calling each other’s names every night. The ink mixed with tears—please, savor it.”
Qinxian wept uncontrollably, and Ziyu, seeing her tears, also felt his heart break. Jin Su sighed, “This poem was worth all of Yunong’s tears. Truly, every word is a pearl, every pearl a tear, every tear a drop of blood. Even outsiders can’t bear to read it, let alone Yunong.” He suggested that Ziyu write it on the fan. Ziyu asked, “What about the rest of the poem we were going to write?” Jin Su replied, “This is a masterpiece. There’s no need to continue.” So Ziyu wrote it on the fan.
The scene was so sorrowful that even Nanxiang and Jin Su lost interest in further conversation. They got off the boat just as Ziyun and Zixian returned, and everyone sat in Xun Yuan Xian Villa for a while. Dao Weng also returned.
Ziyun wanted Jin Su and Ziyu to stay for a small drink, but Ziyu, feeling melancholic, left with Jin Su, each returning home.
The next day, Dao Weng had some business to attend to in the city. Qi Guan, who had come to the capital with Qinxian and had learned opera from the same teacher, felt deeply emotional seeing Qinxian escape the confines of their former life and prepare to leave the capital. Qi Guan invited Qinxian over for a farewell, and knowing that Qinxian would surely invite Ziyu, he asked Qinxian to bring Ziyu on the sixth day. Qinxian agreed and successfully invited Ziyu.
On the day of the farewell, Ziyu first went to Wen Hui’s place to celebrate a birthday, which delayed him until late morning. After a quick meal of noodles, he tried to leave, but Wang Xun insisted on him staying, as did Lady Lu. Ziyu, however, was preoccupied with thoughts, so he discreetly told Zhongqing the truth. Zhongqing explained to Wang Xun, who then allowed Ziyu to leave.
Ziyu happily headed straight to Qi Guan’s residence, where he found Qinxian waiting for some time. There was also an elderly man present, talking with Qinxian. When Ziyu arrived, the man stood up and took his leave. Qinxian thanked him as he left. After Qi Guan saw the guest out, he invited Ziyu to sit in the study. Ziyu asked who the man was, and Qinxian replied, “His name is Ye Maolin, our opera teacher. He heard that I’m leaving the capital, so he came today to bring me some gifts.”
Ziyu noticed that Qinxian’s face, as delicate as a pear blossom, had lost its color, her lips pale, and her eyes swollen from crying, giving her a pitiful yet endearing appearance. Ziyu could only stare at her blankly. Qinxian, burdened with countless sorrows over the past few days, didn’t know where to start, so she remained silent, her eyes welling with tears, ready to fall at any moment.
Qi Guan, seeing the silent exchange of tears between the two, understood most of what was going on. Thinking of the past, Qi Guan couldn’t help but feel a bit sorrowful as well. The three of them sat quietly for a long time, not saying a word.
Sitting next to Qinxian, Qi Guan held Qinxian’s hand and said, “Brother Qin, you’re lucky now—you’ve made it to shore, while we’re still stuck in the water. Think about the ten of us who came to the capital together. After arriving, some died, and others drifted apart. Now, it’s just you and me. And now you’re leaving too, so it will be just me left. I remember when we were on the boat, the others didn’t get along with us. You always said we would live and die together. One day, you were so upset that you wanted to jump into the river at night. I stopped you, and you were angry at me. I said, if you jump, we jump together. Only then did you stop. We cried half the night, and you tore my handkerchief into pieces. The next day, you realized it wasn’t yours and gave me a new one to replace it. When we got to Tianjin, the boat was damaged, and we slept in the cabin to shelter from the wind. You were cold in your sleep and asked me to huddle against your back so you could sleep. Then, when we arrived in the capital, we were separated. Thinking back on it all, it’s heartbreaking.”
Hearing this, Qinxian’s tears flowed down her cheeks, and Qi Guan also started crying. Ziyu, already feeling sorrowful, saw them both crying and, thinking of Qinxian’s past, could no longer hold back his own tears, which streamed down his face. Qi Guan continued, “You gave me that crystal cat, and I still treasure it. Every day when I practice calligraphy, I use it as a paperweight. Last year, Lin Xiaomei wanted it, but I wouldn’t give it to him. I told him that my brother gave it to me on the journey, and I have to keep it.” Qinxian said, “You gave me that amber fan pendant, and I still keep it.” Holding Qi Guan’s hand, Qinxian said, “Now that I’m leaving, who knows what will happen. My fate has always been bitter, so I don’t expect much good to come of it. You two are better off in the capital, where you can help and support each other. Now that I’m leaving, I can only leave everything to fate, whether good or bad, and go wherever life takes me. If Heaven takes pity on me, maybe in a year or two, my foster father will return to the capital, and I’ll come back with him. Then we can see each other again. But if not, maybe you’ll leave the capital and we’ll meet again in another province. Who knows? If fate dictates that today’s gathering is our last, then it’s beyond our control. We can only meet again in the next life. Perhaps we’ll continue our bond then, or even become true brothers.” After saying this, Qinxian cried again.
Ziyu tried to comfort her, saying, “Separation and reunion are natural cycles. If there is separation, there will be a reunion. Why wouldn’t you be able to come back to the capital? Or maybe Yu Yan will go to Jiangxi in the future. Nothing is certain. For now, you should put these thoughts aside and focus on taking care of yourself. The journey ahead is tough, especially with the eighteen stages of dry roads. If you make yourself sick with grief, the journey will be even harder, and we won’t be able to stop worrying about you. Things have already come to this point; we can only leave it to fate.”
Qinxian glanced at Ziyu and sighed, “Do you think I haven’t considered this? A few days ago, I wished the days would stretch longer, that a month could be squeezed into a single day. But now, I want each day to pass faster so I can leave quickly, without looking back at this capital city, and I’ll feel more at peace. It’s like someone dying, their soul drifting away with the wind. But no, I keep looking back, and there’s still one more day between me and leaving. Today is like this, how will I get through tomorrow?” With that, she started crying again.
Qi Guan said, “Brother Qin, stop crying. I think your foster father is a good person, not like that despicable old Yi, who would buy people for a few months and then abandon them. What a vulgar person! Moreover, your foster father has no biological sons, so it goes without saying that he treats you well. You’re smart, not foolish like me. If he teaches you to study, it’s only natural that you’ll rise to success. In the future, you will surely remember your brothers from the hard times. We’ll have to rely on you then.
And as you travel, you’ll see beautiful mountains and rivers, so you won’t be too bored. Next year, I’ll finish my apprenticeship, and then I’ll decide what to do. Maybe I’ll find a companion and come look for you. I’d be willing to do anything, but I really don’t want to continue acting.”
Qinxian responded, “If you come looking for me, I hope I’ll still be alive by then. What if I’m already dead? Then what will you do? It’s better if you write a letter first to ask about me, and only come after you’ve received my reply.”
Qi Guan said, “Why talk about life and death like that? You always like to curse yourself.”
Ziyu chimed in, “Exactly, Yunong, you’re always cursing yourself. Remember last year when you went to Hua’s mansion? You kept saying you would die, but here you are, perfectly fine and out of there now. Back then, could you have imagined today? Just as you couldn’t foresee today, you can’t predict what tomorrow will bring. Who knows, Yu Yan’s words might come true. I advise you to lighten up. As for Yu Yan’s suggestion of finding someone to go to Jiangxi, that’s not difficult. Our master is in Jiangxi right now. If my wife allows me to go, I’ll travel there with Yu Yan to visit you.”
Qinxian looked at Ziyu and asked, “Would you really come to Jiangxi?”
Ziyu replied, “Why not? If I want to visit my family in Jiangxi, my wife will surely let me go.”
Qinxian said, “Your wife has a kind heart, but she might not want to part with you and might not let you go.”
Ziyu replied, “Even if she doesn’t let me, I’ll still go.”
Qinxian said, “It’s not that easy. It’s thousands of miles away. Even if you want to go and your wife lets you, I don’t want you to come. And once you’ve come, you’ll have to return, so why go through all that hardship? It’s better if I return to the capital in a few years to visit you. None of you should come.”
After more talking, Qinxian’s sadness eased slightly. Qi Guan prepared a meal and invited the two of them to sit down. Yet, even with a lavish spread of delicacies, they found it hard to eat. The wine only deepened their sorrows, and with just one drop, they were already tipsy.
They reluctantly drank a round, but Qinxian soon became drunk, left the table, and went over to the desk. There, he saw the crystal cat placed in a dish, which made him feel even more melancholic. He also noticed a very small square silk box, which, when opened, contained six dice. Qinxian held them in his hand, returned to the table, and took an empty dish. He said to Ziyu and Qi Guan, “Our hearts are united, from beginning to end. Let’s roll all red.” With a loud clatter, he threw the dice, and, surprisingly, as if protected by some divine force, all six dice landed showing red. Ziyu was overjoyed, and Qinxian also felt a sense of relief. Qi Guan smiled, picked up the dice, and said to Qinxian and Ziyu, “Our hearts are united, and we will meet again. Twenty-four reds.” He added, “Watch me roll.” As Qinxian and Ziyu watched, the dice also came up all red. Ziyu was even more delighted and said, “There’s no doubt about it now. Two rolls of all red—how rare is that? We must thank the heavens and the gods for giving us this sign.”
Qinxian wanted to roll again, but Qi Guan quickly gathered the dice and said, “There’s no need to roll again. Both rolls have fulfilled our wishes, and if we roll again, it might lose its magic.” Ziyu, fearing that another roll might not result in all red, also persuaded Qinxian not to roll again.
Now, if those dice were rolled again, they would undoubtedly show all red, but why did Qi Guan quickly put them away and not let Qinxian roll again? It turned out that all six sides of the dice were red, with no other color. Qi Guan had done this as a playful trick. Today, Qinxian fell for it, and it helped alleviate much of his sorrow.
They talked for a long while, but Qinxian, worried that his foster father might return, had to leave early. Qi Guan also felt it wouldn’t be appropriate to keep him much longer. Ziyu, thinking that many people would come to see him off the next day, making it difficult to speak privately, untied a small jade qin from his waist and gave it to Qinxian, saying, “This is something I’ve always carried. Take it as a memento.”
Qinxian, feeling a surge of emotion, also untied a five-colored jade plum blossom from his side and handed it to Ziyu, saying, “This is something I’ve always carried as well.” Ziyu accepted it, and both men fastened each other’s gifts to their waists. Ziyu then asked, “What about tomorrow?” Qinxian replied, “There’s no need for you to come. I’ll be leaving early the day after tomorrow, so you absolutely must not see me off. Consider this our final farewell today.” With that, he knelt down. Ziyu quickly knelt as well, and the two bowed their heads to each other. As they stood up, their tears fell like beads on a string, continuously dripping.
Qinxian then bid farewell to Qi Guan as well, telling him not to come to see him off either. Qi Guan protested, “What are you talking about? Even if you leave in the middle of the night, I’ll still come to see you off.” Qinxian and Ziyu both expressed their gratitude to Qi Guan, and each got into their carriages, parting in tears.
The next day was the Dragon Boat Festival. Dao Weng stayed in the garden, while Qinxian busied himself with packing up small belongings. The nine famous opera performers had gone to Ziyun’s place to celebrate the festival, where they briefly met with him. However, Ziyun, lacking the mood to host guests, only drank a few cups with Nanxiang, Zixian, and Qu’s father and son at Lian Qiu Pavilion, watching the dragon boat races in the spirit of the occasion.
On the sixth day of the month, Dao Weng ordered his servants to take the luggage ahead in the early morning. He and Qinxian didn’t depart until the hour of the dragon (around 7–9 AM). By that time, countless people had gathered to see them off. Dao Weng’s group of old friends—some coming to the garden, others waiting outside the city—were all there. Hua Gongzi had originally wanted to personally escort them out of the city, but Dao Weng had repeatedly declined, so instead, Hua sent his servants with a farewell message and six hundred gold coins as a travel gift in advance.
Ziyun also gave six hundred gold coins, and Wenze sent two hundred. Dao Weng’s travel funds were more than sufficient. Ziyun and Zixian each prepared carriages and horses and followed the group, escorting them out of the city all the way to the Huanghua Pavilion, ten miles away. There, they found Nanxiang, Zhongqing, Wenze, Jin Su, Wang Xun, Ziyu, Chunhang, along with Huifang, Baozhu, Sulan, Shufang, Yulin, Lanbao, Guibao, Qi Guan, and Chunxi—nine famous opera performers—waiting to bid farewell.
Dao Weng and the others hurriedly got out of the carriage and expressed their heartfelt thanks. Each person raised a cup to toast.
When the nine performers saw Qinxian, they rushed over, some holding his hands, others pulling at his sleeves.
Seeing these nine people, Qinxian felt an overwhelming sorrow. Then, catching sight of Ziyu hiding behind the others, wiping away his tears, Qinxian suddenly felt a sharp pain in his heart. His vision blurred, and he collapsed to the ground. Everyone was alarmed and rushed to help him up, some patting his back and others calling his name. Ziyu, in a daze as if his mind was clouded, stood frozen, his eyes wide open, unable to speak a word, tears streaming down like rain.
Ziyun and Zixian were flustered but managed to revive Qinxian. They quickly said, “Help him into the carriage.” Dao Weng instructed his servant, Liu Xi, to take good care of him. Ziyun then turned to Dao Weng and said, “Your son has spent years with these people, so parting from them is naturally hard to bear. Sir, we won’t keep you any longer. Safe travels, and please get in the carriage.”
Dao Weng, deeply worried upon seeing Qinxian in such a state, clasped his hands in gratitude to everyone, shaking hands with Ziyun and Zixian, and said, “After this parting, we can only meet in dreams. My heart is full of gratitude, but words fail me. I can only wish you all success and prosperity.” Tears welled up in his eyes as he spoke, and the other scholars and performers also shed tears.
Dao Weng boarded the carriage, taking Qinxian with him, and they departed.
As the wheels spun rapidly, carrying them away, they looked back to see the mountains and clouds growing distant.
The others tried to comfort Ziyu, but he stared after Qinxian’s carriage until it disappeared from sight. Only then did he break down, crying loudly as he returned. What happens next? We’ll have to wait for the next chapter.