話說春航已聘了蘇侯的小姐，只等七月七日完畢婚姻。五月過了，正是日長炎夏，火傘如焚。
且說劉文澤補了吏部主事，與徐子雲同在勛司，未免也要常常上衙門。這些公子官兒，那裡認真當差，不過講究些車馬衣服，借著上衙門的日子，可以出來散散。戲館歌樓，三朋四友，甚是有興。一日，文澤回來，路過林春喜門口，著人問了春喜在家，文澤下了車進去。遠遠望見春喜穿著白□絲衫子，面前放著一個玻璃冰碗，自己在那裡刷藕，見了文澤，連忙笑盈盈的出來。文澤道：「你也總不到我那裡去，你前日要我那白磁冰桶，我倒替你找了一個，而且很好，不大不小的，我明日送來給你。」春喜道：「多謝費心，我說白磁的比玻璃的雅致些。」文澤看了書室中陳設，便道：「你又更換了好些？」春喜道：「你看我那幅畫是黃鶴山樵的，真不真？」文澤道：「據我看不像真的。」春喜道：「靜宜給我的，他說是真的。」
文澤笑道：「若是真的，他也不肯給你，知你不是個賞鑒家。」春喜笑道：「好就是了，何必論真假。」文澤見春喜兩間書室倒很幽雅。前面一個見方院子，種些花草，擺些盆景，支了一個小卷篷。後面一帶北窗牆子內，種四五棵芭蕉，葉上兩面皆寫滿了字，有真有行，大小不一，問春喜道：「這是你寫的麼？懸空著倒也難寫。」春喜道：「我想『書成蕉葉呢文猶綠』之句，自然這蕉葉可以寫字。我若折了下來，那有這許多蕉葉呢？我寫了這一面，又寫那一面。寫滿了，又擦去了再寫。
橫豎他也閒著，長這些大葉子，不是給我學字的麼？我若寫在紙上，教人看了笑話。這個蕉葉便又好些。我還畫些草蟲在上面，我給你瞧，不知像不像。」便拉了文澤走到後面，把一張小蕉葉攀下來，給文澤看，是畫些蜻蜓、螳螂、促織、蜂蛛各樣的草蟲。文澤笑道：「這倒虧你，很有點意思，只怕你學出來，比瑤卿還要好些。」春喜道：「瑤卿近來我有些恨他。他的畫自然比我好，但他學了兩三年，我是今年才學的。春間請教請教他，不是笑我，就是薄我，問他的法子，他又不肯說。
近來我也不給他看了，他倒常來要我的看。我總要畫好了才給他看呢。我問靜宜要了許多稿子，靜宜說我照著他畫，倒不要看那芥子園的畫譜。」又笑嘻嘻的對著文澤道：「我與你畫把扇子。」文澤道：「此時我不要，等你學好了再畫。」春喜道：「你們勢利，怎見得我此時就畫得不好？你若有好團扇，我就加意畫了。」說罷就跑了進去，拿了一柄團扇出來，畫著一枝楊柳，有一個螳螂捕蟬。那翅張開，一翅在螳螂身下壓住，很像嘶出那急聲來。那螳螂兩臂扎住了蟬項，口去咬他，兩眼鼓起，頭上兩鬚一橫一豎，像動的一樣。文澤看了，大贊道：「這是你畫的麼？」春喜點點頭。文澤道：「我不信。」春喜道：「你不信，我當面畫給你看。」文澤道：「你將這把扇子給我罷。」春喜道：「這扇子我自要留的。」文澤道：「我不管你留不留，我只要這把，你落了款罷。」春喜只得落了款，送與文澤。文澤道：「看你這畫，已經比瑤卿好了，字也寫得好。」春喜道：「瑤卿原只會畫蘭竹與幾筆花卉，山水尚是亂畫的，草蟲他更不會。此時說我比他好，我也不安，將來或者趕得上他。」正說話間，只見仲清、王恂同著琪官、桂保進來。
文澤見了大喜，問道：「怎麼今日不約而同，都到這裡來？」仲清道：「庸庵要到蕊香那裡去，卻遇見玉豔，想同到新開的莊子裡去坐坐。見你的車在門口，所以進來。」文澤道：「莫非就是那唐和尚開的安吉堂麼？聞得那地方倒好，他又將寺裡的幾間房子也通了過去，我們就去。」春喜道：「怪熱的天，在這裡不好嗎？」桂保道：「那裡也好，內中有幾間屋子，擺滿了花卉，大天篷涼爽得很。倒是那裡好。」即催了春喜，換了衣裳，都上車，到了安吉堂對門車廠裡，卸了車。文澤等走進，掌櫃的忙出櫃迎接，即引到後面一個密室，卻是三間，隔去一間，並預備了牀帳枕席。外面擺了兩個座兒，一圓一方，都是金漆的的桌凳。上面鋪炕，掛了四幅屏畫，是畫些螃蟹，倒還畫得像樣。上頭掛一塊桃紅綢子的賀額，寫著「九重春色」四字，上款是「歸雲禪師長兄、瑞林親臺長兄開張之喜」，下款也是兩個人名字。一幅朱箋對聯，寫的金字是：
磨墨再煩高力士，當罏重訪卓文君。
眾人看了大笑，仲清道：「怪不得這裡熱，被這些聯額字畫，看得出汗。」再看兩邊牆上兩個大橫披，一個姓馬的寫的字，其惡俗已到不堪，那一幅畫甚離奇，是畫的張生遊寺。文澤等又笑了一陣。掌櫃的進來張羅了一會，親手倒了幾杯茶出去，遂換走堂進來點菜。王恂道：「這裡的生炒翅子、燒鴨子是出名的，就要這兩樣。」各人又分要了好些，皆是涼菜多，熱菜少。走堂的先擺上酒杯、小菜，果碟倒也精緻。送上陳紹、木瓜、百花、惠泉四壺酒來，放下一搭紙片。那邊桌上點了一盤小盤香，中間一個冰桶，拿了些西瓜、鮮核桃、杏仁、大桃兒、葡萄、雪藕之類，浸在冰裡。首坐仲清，次文澤，次王恂，琪官、春喜、桂保相間而坐。來了幾樣菜，各人隨意小酌閒談。
文澤問起子玉，還是前月初七日送行時見他。仲清道：「庾香已後大約未必肯出門的了，我們去看過他幾次，他又病了幾天，儼然去年夏天的模樣。他這個元神，此時正跟著玉儂在長江裡守風，只怕要送他到了南昌，才肯回來呢。」琪官聽了，眉顰起來，神情之間，頗有感慨，說道：「初六那一日，我請他們敘了半日，雖然彼此啼哭，卻也還勸得住，不料至皇華亭，彼此變成這形象，我此時想起，還替他們傷心。」王恂道：「那天幸是沒有生人在那裡，若有生人見了他們這個光景，豈不好笑？玉儂倒還遮飾得過，有他們一班人送他，自然離別之間，倒應如此的。就是庾香遮飾不來，直著眼睛，拉他上車，還掙著不動，又有那一哭，到底為著什麼事來？幸虧度香催道翁走了，不然，他見了也要猜疑。」文澤道：「可不是？庾香與湘帆比起來，正是苦樂不同。湘帆非但與媚香朝夕相親，如今又對了闊親，偏偏又是個姓蘇的，而且才貌雙全。你道湘帆的運氣好不好？我看咱們這一班朋友，就是他一個得意。」仲清道：「自然。」王恂道：「竹君近來倒沒有從前的意興，這是何故？」仲清道：「竹君麼，他因不得鼎甲，因此挫了銳氣。如今看他倒有避熱就涼之意，是以住在怡園，不與那些新同年往來。」文澤道：「今年你們若考中了宏詞科，也就好了。倒要勸勸庾香，保養身子要緊。」仲清、王恂點頭。
桂保對王恂道：「從前我在怡園，行那一個字化作三個字的令，你一個也沒有想得出來。我如今又想了一個拆字法，分作四柱，叫做舊管、新收、開除、實在四項。譬如這個酒字…」一面說，一面在桌子上寫道：「舊管一個酉字，新收一個三點水，便成了一個酒字。開除了酉字中間的一字，實在是個灑字。都是這樣。你們說來，說得不好，說不出的，罰酒一杯。」
春喜道：「這個容易，也不至於罰的。我就從天字說起，舊管是個天字，新收一個竹字，便合成了笑字。開除了人空，實在是個竺字。」眾人贊道：「好。」琪官道：「我也有一個，舊管是個金字，新收一個則字。」說到此，便寫了一個鍘字：「開除了一個貝字，實在是個釗字。」桂保道：「金字加個則，是個什麼字？」琪官道：「有這個字，我卻一時說不出來。」春喜道：「這字好像是鍘草的鍘。」琪官道：「正是。」桂保道：「以後不興說這種冷字。若要說這種冷字，字典上翻一翻，就說不盡。且教人認不真，有甚趣味？」琪官被駁得在理，也不言語。仲清道：「倒也有趣，我們也說幾個。我說舊管是個射字。新收一個木字，是榭字。開除了身字，實在是村字。」
桂保道：「好，說得剪截。」文澤道：「舊管是個圭字，新收一個木字，是桂字。開除了土字，實在是杜字。」王恂道：「舊管是個寺字，新收一個言字，是詩字。開除了土字，實在是討字。」桂保道：「這個比從前的田字講得好了。我說舊管是個一字，新收一個史字，是吏字。開除了口字，實在是丈字。」
琪官道：「我的舊管是串字，新收了心字，是患字。開除了口字，實在是忠字。」春喜道：「我舊管是昌字，新收門字，是個閶字。開除了曰字，實在是間字。」仲清道：「我舊管是賤字，新收三點水，是濺字。開除了貝字，實在是淺字。」文澤道：「我舊管是波字，新收一個女字，是婆字。開除了波字，實在是女字。」春喜道：「怎麼說？鬧錯了。舊管是波字。怎麼開除也是波字？新收是女字，怎麼實在又是女字？內中少了運化。」桂保道：「這要罰的。」文澤笑道：「我說錯了，我是想得好好兒的。」便說道：「開除是皮字，不是波字。」琪官笑道：「這是什麼字，一個婆字少了皮字？」春喜道：「要把那三點水揪下來，把女字抬上去，不是個汝字？」
文澤笑道：「正是汝字。」桂保道：「太不自然，要罰一杯。」文澤笑道：「不與你們來了。」飲了一杯，王恂道：「舊管是眇字，新收三點水，是渺字，開除了目字，實在是沙字。」桂保道：「舊管是士字，新收了口字，是吉字。開除了一字，實在是個古字。」文澤道：「這張口可惜生下了些，湊不攏，也要抬上些才好。」眾人皆笑。桂保道：「這個批評未免吹毛求疵。就算略差些，也用不著抬女字的那麼使勁。」眾皆大笑。琪官道：「舊管是胡字，新收三點水，是湖字。開除了沽字，實在是月字。」春喜道：「舊管是邑字，新收個才字，是挹字。開除了口字，實在是把字。」文澤道：「這個令沒有什麼意思，我不說了，還說別樣罷。」飲了幾杯酒，只聽得隔壁唱起來，眾人聽是唱的《南浦》道：「無限別離情，兩月夫妻，一旦孤另。」桂保謂春喜道：「小梅你近來很講究唱法，南曲逢入聲字，應斷，還是可以不斷呢？」春喜道：「若說入聲，是應斷的。」桂保道：「自應唱斷。你聽方才唱的，卻與我們唱的一樣，笛上工尺妻字，是五六工尺工，一字，笛上工尺是六五。你聽兩月夫妻一旦孤另，這『一』字怎麼斷呢？」春喜道：「這是要把板眼改正了，就斷了。如今唱的工尺妻字的五字自中眼起，六字的腰板，工字的頭眼，尺字的中眼，工字的末眼，一字上的工尺是六字的頭板、頭眼、中眼，五字的末眼。如此唱法，一字怎麼能斷？然一字不斷，究竟不合南曲唱入聲的規矩。你要這一字斷，卻也不難，只要將妻字上的工尺五字拖長，六字改為中眼，工字改為一字的頭板，尺字改為一字的頭眼，六字改為中眼，五字改為末眼，音節截斷，便合南曲入聲唱法。」
一手拍著桌子道：「你聽，兩月夫妻，一旦孤另。」桂保道：「你真講得不錯。」又道：「你知道唱南曲，有用一凡工尺的沒有？」春喜道：「南曲是沒有一凡的，是人人盡知。惟有一處，我問過你令兄，他是個刺殺旦。我問他南曲笛子上有一凡沒有，他也說沒有。我說你做《刺梁》那一齣，是南北合套，梁冀所唱之曲皆係南曲，到看報時唱的『酒困潦倒』這『潦倒』上的工尺，就吹出一凡。因為鄔飛霞接唱北曲，不能不出調，所以非一凡不可。你說南曲用一凡，就只有此一處，並無第二處。」桂保點點頭道：「我也聽得我哥哥與人講，大約還是你對他說的。」春喜道：「若說不講究唱也罷了，既要講究，唱錯的還不少呢。譬如那《小宴》一齣，南北合套音節最好。若以人之神情摹想當日光景，至《驚變》處，唱到『恁道是失機的哥舒翰』，非用五六五出調高唱不可。既驚變矣，則倉皇失措之神自在言外。且下文還有社稷摧殘等語，慢騰騰低唱是何神理？」琪官道：「這也論得極是。我想那些口白，也都有不妥當處，一氣說完，後來唱出，全無頭緒，若斷章摘句起來，幾至不通。」春喜道：「可是不麼。譬如《陽告》一齣，出場時一口說盡，所以後頭唱的曲文，與口白文氣不接。如今班中唱的個個是如此。要依我，就改他口白。」桂保道：「怎樣改呢？」春喜道：「你記第一段的口白是：『望大王爺早賜報應』，與《滾繡球》一枝『他因功名阻歸』，文氣不接。第二段口白：『在神前焚香設誓』與《叨叨令》一枝『那天知地知』，文氣又不對。第三段口白『勾去那廝魂靈與奴對證』，與《脫布衫》一枝『他好生忘筌得魚』，文氣又不接。依我要把第一段口白『奴家敫桂英，因王魁負義再娶，要到海神廟把昔日焚香設誓情由哭訴一番，求個報應。來此已是，不免徑入。』把這一段說完進廟，再向大王爺案前哭訴，之後也只說『奴家敫桂英，與濟寧王魁結為夫妻，誰想他負義又娶。媽媽逼奴必嫁，奴家不從，致遭毆辱，忿恨難伸，故到殿前把已往從前之事訴告一番，求大王爺早賜報應。當時那王魁呵』再唱那《滾繡球》一枝，文氣便接。唱完之後，再說『定盟之時，神前設誓，誓同生死，若負此心，永墮地獄。呵喲，是這麼的□。』這才是『神前設誓，天知地知呢』。這只唱完，說道『不是奴家心腸忒狠，他到京中了狀元，另娶韓丞相之女為妻，一旦把奴休了，是令人氣憤不過□。』把他頭一段口白分作三段，這就通身文氣都接了。」仲清、文澤、王恂道：「這都改得好，但如今講究唱崑腔的也不少，怎麼就不曉得這些毛病呢？」春喜道：「唱清曲的人，原不用口白，他來改正他做什麼？唱戲曲的課師，教曲時總是先教曲文，後將口白接寫一篇，擠在一處，沒有分開段落，所以沿襲下來，總是這樣。」眾人正在談得高興，只聽那間房後面角門一響，房內腳步聲，有人走出來。眾人留心看時，簾子一掀，鑽出個光頭來，穿件黃□絲短僧衣，藍綢褲子，散著褲腳，趿著青線網涼鞋，搖著鵝毛扇子。見了眾人，滿面堆下笑來，搶步上前，和著雙手，半揖半叩的見文澤等三人，又與桂保等三人拉了拉手，原來是唐和尚。文澤讓他坐了，唐和尚鞠躬如也，坐在炕沿上。走堂的倒了一鍾茶給他，唐和尚道：「這茶不好，你另沏壺雨前，放些珠蘭在裡面。少爺們在此，好好的伺候。」走堂的笑嘻嘻的答應了。唐和尚道：「今日少爺們這麼高興，到小莊來。」王恂道：「我們來過多回了。」和尚笑道：「少爺說謊，今日尚是頭一次。少爺們若到來，我沒有不曉得的。如果酒多了，還可以裡面坐坐。」
文澤道：「那倒不消，我們聞了那氣味就要醉的。」唐和尚道：「如今田老爺是貴人了，他搬出後，我也沒有見著他。好容易一年之內，中舉、中進士、中狀元，這是天上文曲星，人間豈常有的？不是我說，也幸遇見了那位蘇相公，倒被他管好了。未見那蘇相公以前，田老爺又不是如今的魏大爺一樣？天天鎖著房門，在戲園子裡過日子。那位高老爺更有趣，我是不敢見他的。遠遠的見著房門，就躲起來，不然就是賊禿長，賊禿短，嬉皮笑臉的，沒有頑笑不開口。有一回頑得我苦。我們寺裡做法事，他不曉得那裡去買了一個角先生，塞在我袖兜裡。後來有些客來，在房裡閒坐，我熱了脫衣，一翻袖子，落了下來，惹得那些人大笑，說我買去送尼姑的。他還將白粉在那先生腦袋上寫了四個字，是『歸雲小像』。臊得我要死。停一停我見了他，他忍不住笑，我才知道是他算計我。我說：『高老爺，你這麼刻薄，我天天拜佛，保佑你多下一場。』去年果然應了我的口，沒有中。不然，他今年榜眼沒有，探花是一定有的。」
仲清等大笑。
唐和尚道：「我聽得說，這位蘇相公如今也出了班子，田老太太認他為義子，宅裡都稱他為二老爺，是真的麼？」文澤道：「沒有的話。蘇相公也沒有住在那裡，他們下人稱呼他為蘇大爺是真的。」唐和尚道：「這蘇相公本來好，斯斯文文，和和氣氣，見了我們也是待得一樣，必恭必敬，不當我們是個和尚，少了頭髮看待。不像那個什麼琴相公，在華府裡的，見人板著臉，一點笑容也沒有。」王恂道：「方才裡頭吹唱的是誰？」唐和尚道：「那就是魏大爺。」文澤道：「那個魏大爺？」仲清道：「魏聘才在這裡作寓。」唐和尚道：「魏大爺，想少爺們都認識的。」王恂道：「認識之至。」唐和尚道：「這個人真好，真是個滿場飛。近來他也要出京了。方才是楊八爺、張、顧二位師老爺在那裡，大家高興，唱了幾只曲子。」
仲清道：「他出京怎麼？」和尚道：「他捐了個從九品，如今是分發湖北去了，這也是他運氣好。正月裡被賊一偷，偷去衣服、銀錢等物，共有千金，也就把他的家私去了一半。後來他又包了那個玉天仙，每月一百五十吊錢，四五個月也支持不來，漸漸的當賣東西起來。我常常勸他道：『婊子無情，兔子無義，你的錢也乾了，他的情也斷了。』誰知這玉天仙竟不給人料著，他與魏大爺十分相得，竟拆散不開，倒拿出他的積蓄來，與他捐了分發，說定了嫁他，到出京時同走。這魏大爺以後非但不要花錢，倒還可以使他的錢。誰料婊子之中，也有這等有情有義的人，不是奇事嗎？最可笑是那潘三，他因欠玉天仙的嫖錢不能還，他就引他的表姪去逛，留他表姪住下，他就偷跑了。
他表姪住了兩夜才明白，即至要走，那些撈毛的要錢，又不叫他走。他表姪沒法，只得同那婊子坐了車回家，當了兩票當，才打發了婊子。他表姪忙至潘老三家內告知，家中大鬧了一場。
潘老三沒法，只得將手腕上的肉，自己咬下了兩塊。人都說他為嫖割股，你們說這個自行傷可笑不可笑？」於是大家大笑，道：「那潘三本不是個東西。」文澤道：「我知道你與奚十一相好。」唐和尚道：「這奚大老爺鬧得很，今年生了毒瘡，幾乎性命不保，還是我醫好他的。如今他也要到班了，七月內有缺就是他的。我想人生聚散是一定的。去年有位富三老爺，是魏大爺相好，魏大爺托我照應，才選了湖北。有個貴大爺，是富三爺的相好，他們是朝夕不離的，也得了湖北的同知。如今魏大爺又要到湖北去了，他們這三位相好，仍舊聚在一處，豈不是緣分麼？譬如你們三位，也是天天相見的，在京做官是一樣，將來如果都放了外任，一個做撫臺，一個做藩臺，一個做臬臺，仍舊的聚在一個城內，豈不有趣？」說罷大笑，恭惟得文澤等甚是歡喜。
那三個相公看著唐和尚脅肩諂笑，好不難看。仲清道：「連日未見瑤卿。」琪官道：「瑤卿近日從著吉甫學琴呢，竟是足不出戶。吉甫也真好靜，他當日教過梅卿彈琴，自梅卿死後，他的《梅花三弄》是再不彈的了。你說這也算深於情了。」仲清道：「吉甫的人本沈靜高雅，於這些文玩無上無不精通。」大家談論，日已西沉，文澤等也要散了，王恂叫走堂的報帳，文澤又搶作東，兩人爭執，謙讓一回。唐和尚對著走堂的把嘴扭了一扭，走堂的出去交代了櫃上，進來說道：「這帳兩位少爺不用爭會，唐大爺已會過了。」文澤道：「這怎麼說？」王恂道：「斷無此理。」唐和尚笑道：「些須敬意，三位少爺肯賞臉，常來坐坐就沾光多了。況和尚沒有折本的買賣，明日就拿著緣簿到宅裡來，少爺只要多寫一筆就是。」說了又大笑，拿著扇子在他們三人身上扇了幾扇。仲清等倒不好再說，只得謝了一聲，說：「我們竟吃到十一方了。」說著，大家又笑了一陣，帶了三旦出來。唐和尚與掌櫃的送出大門，看上了車，方才進去。
卻說魏聘材與玉天仙相好，倒得了他的嫖錢，捐了分發，掣著湖北，好不有興。已另租了幾間房子，從寺裡搬出來，與玉天仙同居。這兩日置備些出京物件，已買了一個丫頭，僱了一個老婆子，玉天仙做起奶奶來。這玉天仙本是揚州瘦馬，到京來頗有聲名。但年紀已二十七歲，比聘才大了兩年。相貌極為標緻，看著還像二十來歲人，更兼彈唱皆精，與聘才甚為合意，故成了夫妻。聘才想起去年元茂所借之當還沒有歸還，便到孫宅去找他，誰知元茂同了他兩個舅子下通州赴考去了，只好認了晦氣。到出京那幾日，一起一起的餞行，潘其觀、奚十一、張仲雨、馮子佩、楊梅窗、張笑梅、顧月卿、唐和尚等輪流作餞，唐和尚的莊子好不熱鬧，聘才又辭了幾天行。
白菊花未從良時與玉天仙同在一局，且甚相好，結為異姓姊妹，玉天仙長菊花兩歲。菊花與奚十一講了，要請玉天仙過來餞行，奚十一豈有不肯之理？即請了玉天仙到家。菊花出外迎接。到了裡面見了禮，坐下各談契闊。玉天仙道：「我見四妹從了良，又遇見這位多情的老爺，我便心上羨慕。不料的我的運氣不好，去年吃了一場官司。我看這個魏大爺倒很有情，為我吃了這些苦，還是待我一樣，而且比前更好，我所以定了主意嫁了他。又見他手頭不寬，在京裡費用大，候選無期，遂把歷年積下的東西與他捐了分發。雖是磕頭蟲，到底也算個老爺，比咱們接客時總強了。」菊花道：「自然，姐夫雖然是個小官，姐姐到底是位太太。你妹夫雖是個大老爺，妹子終是個偏房。衙門雖比你家大些，這名分是不及你。而且他家裡還有好幾房人在家，將來知道怎樣？那裡及得姐姐一馬一鞍的安穩。況且姐夫又年輕，又俊俏，人又能乾，那裡選得出這種人呢。」
玉天仙道：「你見過你姐夫麼？」菊花道：「姐夫也常來找我們老爺，所以我也看見過他幾次，人才是沒有說的。」玉天仙面有喜色，笑道：「只要裙裡香，管他十二房。妹妹這麼個人，妹夫豈有不一心一意的。你看那楊八妹夫也是個從九，再沒有選期，盡仗著看風水，能賺多少人？他家裡也利害，如今與六妹妹也遠了，那六妹妹也真教他賺苦了，那個人才沒良心呢。聽說他上了回江南，也不知是誰賺他，叫他給門戶中帶了一封信。他到江南就坐著轎子，穿著衣帽，拿著眷晚生的帖去拜。到了門，投了帖，還是轎夫說：『老爺，這是個忘八家。』他才沒有進去，你說怯不怯？」聽得菊花也歡喜了。二人又笑了一會，就叫了個女先兒來，唱了半天，又叫個耍猴的來頑了一回。
玉天仙吃了飯，謝了菊花要回，菊花送出來。到了二門，兩人還是依依的拉著手，站住說話。姬亮軒在書房裡聽得清清楚楚，便剜破窗紙，閉著一眼，睜著一眼，從窗隙裡望將出去。
先見一個老婆子拿了衣包，又一個小丫頭拿了一根長煙袋、一把團扇。只見玉天仙一身華服，滿頭珠翠，很像個奶奶模樣。
不大不小，一個容長臉兒，容光滑潔，體態風騷，裙下金蓮約有四寸，甚是伶俏，比菊花身材略高了些。菊花穿件蛋青紗衫，內襯桃紅衫，下是月白紗褲，穿著厚底堆絨蝴蝶鞋。兩鬢堆鴉，高鬟滴翠，臉上微帶幾點俏麻，美目含情，春容滿面。把姬亮軒看得筋酥骨軟，口內流涎。誰料這個窗紙還是舊年糊的，風吹日曬，也脆極了。亮軒只顧偷看，把個額角靠在紙上，拍的一響，裂破了一塊。玉天仙回頭見窗內有人偷看他們，玉天仙也就走了出去。菊花送出二門，看上了車，轉身回來，抬頭望見亮軒的窗紙破處，他尚在裡百偷看。欲要笑時，已勉強忍住，低著頭進去了。
聘才出京之日，唐和尚直送到十里長亭，灑淚而別。聘才回家接了父母，同往湖北，後來書中就沒有他的事了。要敘李元茂、孫嗣徽在通州小考，鬧了一個小小的笑話，且俟下回分解。
Chunhang had already arranged the marriage with Lord Su’s daughter, and the wedding was set for the seventh day of the seventh month. As May passed, the days grew longer, and the scorching summer heat intensified.
Liu Wenze, having been appointed as a Ministry of Personnel official, worked in the same department as Xu Ziyun, and both of them had to report regularly to the office. However, these young officials didn’t take their duties too seriously. Instead, they focused more on their carriages, clothing, and using work as an excuse to socialize. They often visited theaters and pleasure houses, enjoying their time with friends.
One day, as Wenze was on his way back from the office, he passed by Lin Chunxi’s house and asked his servant if Chunxi was home. Upon hearing that he was, Wenze got out of his carriage and went inside. From a distance, Wenze saw Chunxi wearing a white silk shirt and sitting in front of a glass bowl filled with iced lotus root. As soon as Chunxi saw Wenze, he greeted him with a bright smile and said, “You never visit me, but the other day, you mentioned wanting my white porcelain ice bucket. I found a nice one for you, the perfect size. I’ll bring it to you tomorrow.”
Chunxi replied, “Thank you! I’ve always thought white porcelain looks classier than glass.”
Wenze glanced around the study and commented, “You’ve changed some of the decorations.”
Chunxi said, “Look at this painting—it’s by Huang He Shanqiao. Do you think it’s authentic?”
Wenze examined it and said, “It doesn’t look genuine to me.”
Chunxi responded, “Jingyi gave it to me, saying it’s real.”
Wenze laughed, “If it were real, he wouldn’t have given it to you, knowing you’re not much of a connoisseur.”
Chunxi laughed, “As long as it looks good, why care about authenticity?”
Wenze admired the two elegant rooms of Chunxi’s study. In front was a small square courtyard planted with flowers and potted plants, and a small awning provided shade. Behind the study, four or five banana trees were growing by the northern wall, their leaves covered with writing—some in standard script, some in cursive, varying in size. Wenze asked, “Did you write this? It must be hard to write in midair.”
Chunxi explained, “I thought of the phrase ‘words written on banana leaves remain green,’ so naturally, banana leaves are perfect for writing. If I cut them down, I wouldn’t have as many leaves to practice on. I write on one side, then on the other, and when they’re full, I wipe them clean and start again. These leaves are just sitting here growing large, perfect for me to practice my calligraphy. If I wrote on paper, people might laugh at me. But writing on banana leaves is more forgiving. I even paint little insects on them. Let me show you; tell me if they look realistic.”
He led Wenze to the back and plucked a small banana leaf, showing him various drawings of dragonflies, mantises, crickets, bees, and spiders. Wenze chuckled, “You’ve got talent! This is quite creative. You might surpass Yaoqing.”
Chunxi replied, “I’m actually a bit upset with Yaoqing lately. His painting is certainly better than mine, but he’s been at it for two or three years, while I just started this spring. When I asked him for advice, he either laughed at me or dismissed me. And when I asked him for his techniques, he wouldn’t share them. Now I don’t let him see my work anymore, but he keeps asking to see it. I’ll only show him once I’ve perfected it. Jingyi gave me a lot of practice pieces, telling me to follow them instead of relying on the painting manual.”
Chunxi then smiled and said, “Let me paint a fan for you.”
Wenze replied, “Not now—wait until you’ve improved.”
Chunxi teased, “You’re too picky. Who says my painting isn’t good now? If you have a nice round fan, I’ll paint something special for you.”
With that, Chunxi dashed inside and returned with a round fan on which he had painted a scene of a praying mantis catching a cicada. The cicada’s wings were spread wide, with one wing pinned under the mantis’ body, as if it were making a sharp, shrill sound. The mantis had its forelegs gripping the cicada’s neck, about to bite, its eyes bulging, and its antennae pointing in different directions, as if in motion. Wenze was impressed and exclaimed, “Did you really paint this?”
Chunxi nodded. Wenze said, “I don’t believe it.”
Chunxi replied, “If you don’t believe me, I’ll paint it in front of you.”
Wenze said, “Just give me this fan.”
Chunxi hesitated, “I want to keep this one for myself.”
Wenze insisted, “I don’t care whether you want to keep it or not. I want this fan. Just sign it.”
Chunxi had no choice but to sign it and give it to Wenze. Wenze admired the work, saying, “This is already better than Yaoqing’s. Your calligraphy is also excellent.”
Chunxi remarked, “Yaoqing can only paint orchids, bamboo, and a few simple flowers. His landscapes are a mess, and he doesn’t know how to paint insects at all. I’m not comfortable with you saying I’m better than him now, but maybe I’ll catch up to him someday.”
As they were talking, Zhongqing, Wang Xun, Qiguan, and Guibao arrived together. Wenze, delighted, asked, “Why have you all come here at the same time today without arranging it?”
Zhongqing replied, “Yongan wanted to visit Ruixiang, but we ran into Yuyan and thought about going to the newly opened estate. When we saw your carriage outside, we decided to come in.”
Wenze asked, “Is this the one opened by the monk Tang at Anji Hall? I’ve heard the place is nice, and he’s even added a few rooms from the temple to it. Let’s go there.”
Chunxi said, “It’s terribly hot today. Isn’t it fine to stay here?”
Guibao replied, “That place is great too. There are rooms filled with flowers, and the large canopy keeps it nice and cool. It’s actually better there.”
They urged Chunxi to change his clothes, and then they all got into their carriages and headed to Anji Hall. Once they arrived at the carriage yard opposite the hall, they got out. The shopkeeper hurried out to greet them and led them to a private room in the back. It was a three-room suite, with one room separated for bedding and curtains. Outside, there were two seating areas—one with a round table, the other with a square one—both made of gold-lacquered wood. On the wall hung four paintings of crabs, which were quite lifelike. Above the paintings hung a peach-colored silk banner inscribed with the words “Ninefold Spring Scenery,” with a dedication reading, “Congratulations to Brother Guangyun Chan Master and Brother Ruilin on their grand opening.” There was also a red paper couplet written in gold:
“To grind the ink once more for Gao Lishi,
And revisit the brazier with Zhuo Wenjun.”
Everyone laughed heartily after looking at the decorations, and Zhongqing said, “No wonder it feels so hot in here! Just looking at these tacky couplets and paintings is enough to make anyone sweat.” They then glanced at two large horizontal banners on the walls. One, written by someone with the surname Ma, was unbearably vulgar. The other was a strange painting depicting Zhang Sheng touring a temple, which caused Wenze and the others to laugh again.
The shopkeeper entered, busily preparing for their meal, personally serving them a few cups of tea before leaving to bring in the waiter to take their orders. Wang Xun remarked, “The stir-fried shark fin and roasted duck here are famous. Let’s order those two.” Each person added their own orders, mostly cold dishes with only a few hot ones. The waiter first brought out the wine cups and small dishes. The fruit plates, delicately prepared, contained preserved fruits. They were also served four pots of wine: Chen Shao, Papaya, Hundred Flowers, and Huiquan. A small incense burner was lit on the nearby table, and an ice bucket held various treats—watermelon, fresh walnuts, almonds, large peaches, grapes, and chilled lotus roots—soaked in ice water.
Zhongqing sat at the head, followed by Wenze, then Wang Xun. Qiguan, Chunxi, and Guibao sat interspersed among them. A few dishes arrived, and everyone drank and chatted casually.
Wenze asked if anyone had seen Ziyu recently. Zhongqing responded, “The last time we saw him was when we bid farewell on the seventh of last month. After that, I don’t think Yuxiang will be stepping out anymore. We’ve visited him a few times, and he’s been ill for a few days, looking just as he did last summer. Right now, his spirit seems to be following Yuning down the Yangtze River, likely staying with him until they reach Nanchang before returning.”
Qiguan, hearing this, frowned and showed a trace of sorrow in his expression. He said, “On the sixth of last month, when I invited them over for a farewell gathering, we managed to hold back the tears, though it wasn’t easy. But by the time we reached the Huanghai Pavilion, things changed, and I still feel sad whenever I think about it.”
Wang Xun added, “Thankfully, there were no outsiders there that day. If any stranger had witnessed their behavior, they would have found it laughable. Yuning managed to keep his composure, as there were many people seeing him off, and such emotions are to be expected during farewells. But Yuxiang—he couldn’t control himself. He stood there staring, pulling him into the carriage and refusing to let go, and then that crying—what was all that for? It’s a good thing Duoxiang urged Dao Weng to leave quickly. Otherwise, even he would have been suspicious of what was going on.”
Wenze remarked, “Exactly! Comparing Yuxiang’s situation with Xiangfan’s is like comparing two completely different worlds. While Yuxiang suffers, Xiangfan has everything he could wish for. Not only is he close to Meixiang day and night, but now he’s set to marry into a prestigious family—another Su, no less, both talented and beautiful. Can you believe Xiangfan’s luck? Among our group of friends, he’s the only one who’s truly prospering.”
Zhongqing agreed, “Of course.”
Wang Xun then asked, “Why has Zhujun (Shi Nanxiang) been less enthusiastic lately? What’s the reason?”
Zhongqing replied, “It’s because he didn’t make it into the top three ranks, which has dampened his spirits. Now, he seems to prefer avoiding the heat and seeking a quiet place, which is why he’s been staying at the Yiyuan garden and avoiding interactions with the newer officials from this year.”
Wenze commented, “If some of you pass the upcoming ‘Hongci’ examination, that would be great. We should also remind Yuxiang to take care of his health.”
Zhongqing and Wang Xun nodded in agreement.
Guibao turned to Wang Xun and said, “I remember when we were at Yiyuan, I gave that riddle where one word splits into three. You couldn’t figure it out at the time. Now I’ve come up with a new word puzzle—this time divided into four categories: ‘Old management,’ ‘New collection,’ ‘Elimination,’ and ‘Reality.’ For example, take the word 酒 (wine)…” As he spoke, he began writing on the table. “The old management is 酉 (the radical for alcohol), the new collection is three drops of water (氵), which together form 酒 (wine). Eliminate the middle stroke of 酉, and the result is 洒 (to sprinkle). It’s all like this. You all take turns, and if anyone fails to come up with something good, they’ll have to drink a cup as a penalty.”
Chunxi replied, “That’s easy. We won’t be drinking much today. I’ll start with the character 天 (heaven). The old management is 天, and the new collection adds a bamboo radical (竹), making 笑 (to laugh). Eliminate the ‘person’ radical, and the result is 竺 (bamboo).”
Everyone praised him, “Well done.”
Qiguan said, “I have one too. The old management is the character 金 (gold), and the new collection is the character 则 (standard).” He wrote out the character 鍘 (to cut): “Eliminate the 贝 (shell) radical, and the result is 釗 (bright).”
Guibao said, “What’s the combination of 金 and 则?”
Qiguan replied, “It’s the character for ‘cutting grass’—鍘.”
Guibao responded, “We should stop using such obscure words. If we start flipping through dictionaries for rare characters, we could go on forever, and no one will recognize the words. Where’s the fun in that?”
Qiguan, seeing his point, remained silent. Zhongqing remarked, “This is actually quite interesting. Let’s keep going. I’ll try one. The old management is 射 (to shoot), the new collection is 木 (wood), making 榭 (pavilion). Eliminate the body radical, and the result is 村 (village).”
Guibao praised him, “Nicely done!”
Wenze continued, “The old management is 圭 (jade tablet), the new collection is 木 (wood), making 桂 (osmanthus). Eliminate the 土 (earth) radical, and the result is 杜 (stop).”
Wang Xun added, “The old management is 寺 (temple), the new collection is 言 (speech), making 詩 (poetry). Eliminate the 土 radical, and the result is 討 (to demand).”
Guibao commented, “That’s better than what we did with the character 田 (field) last time. I’ll say the old management is 一 (one), the new collection is 史 (history), making 吏 (official). Eliminate the 口 (mouth) radical, and the result is 丈 (husband).”
Qiguan said, “My ‘old management’ is the character 串 (string), and with the addition of 心 (heart), it becomes 患 (suffering). After removing the 口 (mouth) radical, the resulting character is 忠 (loyalty).”
Chunxi said, “My ‘old management’ is the character 昌 (prosper), and with the addition of the radical 門 (gate), it becomes 閶 (Chang, as in Chang’an, the city). After removing 曰 (say), the resulting character is 間 (space).”
Zhongqing continued, “My ‘old management’ is the character 賤 (cheap), and with the addition of the three water radicals (氵), it becomes 濺 (splash). After removing the 貝 (shell) radical, the resulting character is 淺 (shallow).”
Wenze said, “My ‘old management’ is the character 波 (wave), and with the addition of 女 (woman), it becomes 婆 (old woman). After removing 波, the resulting character is 女 (woman).”
Chunxi protested, “Wait a minute! You’ve got it wrong. How can your ‘old management’ be 波, and after removing it, it’s still 波? You added 女, but how can the final result still be 女? You missed the transformative process.”
Guibao added, “That deserves a penalty.”
Wenze laughed, “I misspoke. I had it right in my mind.” Then he corrected himself, “After removing 皮 (skin), not 波.”
Qiguan laughed and said, “What kind of word has 婆 (old woman) without 皮?”
Chunxi said, “You should remove the three water radicals and add 女, which makes it the character 汝 (you).”
Wenze chuckled, “Exactly, it’s the character 汝.”
Guibao commented, “That feels unnatural. You deserve to drink a cup as punishment.”
Wenze laughed, “I’m done playing with you all.” He drank his cup of wine, and Wang Xun said, “The ‘old management’ is the character 眇 (dim), and with the addition of the three water radicals, it becomes 渺 (vast). After removing the 目 (eye) radical, the resulting character is 沙 (sand).”
Guibao said, “The ‘old management’ is the character 士 (scholar), and with the addition of the 口 (mouth) radical, it becomes 吉 (good fortune). After removing the 一 (one) radical, the resulting character is 古 (ancient).”
Wenze joked, “You’re speaking with your mouth wide open, yet things aren’t quite aligning. You should raise it up a little more.”
Everyone laughed, and Guibao remarked, “That’s nitpicking. Even if it’s a little off, it doesn’t need to be pushed so hard like with the 女 radical earlier.”
Everyone laughed even more. Qiguan said, “The ‘old management’ is the character 胡 (beard), and with the addition of the three water radicals, it becomes 湖 (lake). After removing the character 沽 (to sell), the resulting character is 月 (moon).”
Chunxi said, “The ‘old management’ is the character 邑 (city), and with the addition of 才 (talent), it becomes 挹 (to scoop). After removing the 口 (mouth) radical, the resulting character is 把 (handle).”
Wenze remarked, “This word game isn’t very interesting. Let’s switch topics.”
They drank a few more cups of wine, and soon they heard singing coming from the next room. It was a performance of the song Nanpu, and they could hear the lyrics, “So much sorrow in parting, two months as a couple, now suddenly alone.”
Guibao turned to Chunxi and asked, “Xiaomei, you’ve been paying more attention to singing techniques lately. Should the entering tone in Southern Opera be broken off or can it remain continuous?”
Chunxi replied, “If it’s an entering tone, it should be broken off.”
Guibao nodded, “Yes, it should be sung with a break. Did you hear how that singer just now performed? It was the same as we do. The ‘工尺’ (musical notes) for the word ‘妻’ (wife) are 5-6, ‘工尺’ for ‘一’ (one) are 6-5. How could the word ‘一’ not be broken?”
Chunxi responded, “It’s because they haven’t adjusted the beat correctly. If they did, it would break. The way it was sung, the ‘五’ (five) in ‘妻’ starts in the middle of the beat, the ‘六’ (six) is at the middle beat, the ‘工’ (note) is at the first beat, and the ‘尺’ (note) is at the middle beat. For ‘一’, the ‘工尺’ begins with the first beat of ‘六’, then continues with the middle beat of ‘五’. Sung this way, there’s no break, but that doesn’t follow the rule of breaking the entering tone in Southern Opera. If you want the ‘一’ character to break, it’s simple—just extend the note on ‘妻’ and adjust the beats for the rest of the notes. Then the break will match the Southern Opera tradition.”
He tapped the table as he continued, “Listen: ‘兩月夫妻，一旦孤另’ (Two months as a couple, now suddenly alone).”
Guibao laughed, “You’re absolutely right.”
Guibao asked again, “Do you know if Southern Opera ever uses the note 一凡 (a specific musical note)?”
Chunxi replied, “Southern Opera doesn’t usually use 一凡. Everyone knows that. However, there is one instance where it’s used. I asked your brother, who plays the stabbing dan role, about it. I asked if Southern Opera had 一凡 on the flute, and he said no. But I told him that during ‘刺梁’ (Stabbing Liang), which blends both Northern and Southern styles, all the songs Liang Ji sings are Southern Opera. When the report is read aloud, the ‘酒困潦倒’ line uses 一凡 on ‘潦倒’. That’s because Wu Feixia follows with a Northern tune, so 一凡 is necessary. If you’re talking about Southern Opera using 一凡, that’s the only instance—there’s no second example.”
Guibao nodded, “I remember my brother mentioning that, and I’m sure it’s because you told him.”
Chunxi added, “If we’re not being meticulous, that’s one thing. But if we are, there are many mistakes in current performances. Take the play Xiaoyan for instance, which combines Southern and Northern tunes beautifully. When it comes to the ‘惊变’ (Sudden Change) scene, the line ‘你道是失機的哥舒翰’ should be sung with a strong and high tone to reflect the character’s panic. The relaxed, low tones some singers use completely miss the emotional intensity of the moment.”
Qiguan agreed, “That makes sense. I also think the spoken lines often lack clarity. They’re delivered in one breath, and by the time the singing starts, there’s no coherence. If we examine them more closely, they often seem disjointed.”
Chunxi said, “Exactly. Take the play Yanggao for example. The spoken lines in the opening are so rushed that they don’t connect well with the lyrics that follow. Nowadays, all the performers do it this way. I’d prefer to rewrite the spoken parts.”
Guibao asked, “How would you rewrite them?”
Chunxi replied, “The first line is, ‘望大王爺早賜報應’ (I hope the Great Lord grants swift justice), followed by the song Gunxiuqiu‘s ‘因功名阻歸’ (Fame prevents a return), but the flow of the text is off. The second line, ‘在神前焚香設誓’ (Burn incense and swear before the gods), is followed by Daodaoling‘s ‘那天知地知’ (Heaven and Earth bear witness), which also doesn’t match. And the third line, ‘勾去那廝魂靈與奴對證’ (Take that wretch’s soul and bring it to me for confrontation), is followed by Tuobushan‘s ‘好生忘筌得魚’ (He forgets his humble origins after catching the fish). These don’t connect well. I’d rewrite the first section to go like this: ‘I, Jiao Guiying, have come here because Wang Kui betrayed me and remarried. I’ve come to the Sea God Temple to cry out for justice.’ Then she would enter the temple and explain her grievances, followed by the song Gunxiuqiu. This would make the whole narrative smoother.”
Zhongqing, Wenze, and Wang Xun all nodded, “That’s a great revision! But with so many people studying Kunqu now, why hasn’t anyone fixed these flaws?”
Chunxi replied, “Kunqu singers usually don’t use spoken lines, so they don’t bother correcting them. When teaching actors, instructors typically teach the songs first and tack on the spoken lines afterward without breaking them into proper sections. That’s why these mistakes persist.”
As they were chatting, the door to the adjacent room creaked, and they heard footsteps approaching. The door curtain lifted, and a bald man in a yellow silk monk’s robe appeared. He wore loose blue silk trousers with
the legs tucked in and a pair of blue woven sandals. He held a feather fan and smiled widely as he walked toward the group, clasping his hands and bowing slightly. It was none other than Monk Tang. He greeted Wenze and the others with a bow and shook hands with Guibao and the others.
Wenze offered him a seat, and Monk Tang sat at the edge of the kang (a raised, heated platform). The waiter poured him a cup of tea, but Monk Tang said, “This tea isn’t good. Brew a pot of rainwater tea with some jasmine buds. Serve the young masters properly.” The waiter nodded with a smile.
Monk Tang then said, “It’s a pleasure to see the young masters enjoying themselves here today.”
Wang Xun replied, “We’ve been here many times.”
Monk Tang laughed, “Don’t tease me. This is your first visit today. If you come more often, I’ll definitely know. If you drink too much, you’re welcome to rest inside.”
Wenze said, “That won’t be necessary. Just the smell of the place is enough to get us drunk.”
Monk Tang replied, “Well, these days, Lord Tian has become a nobleman. Ever since he moved out, I haven’t seen him. It’s rare to see someone achieve such success in one year—passing the imperial examination for provincial graduate, metropolitan graduate, and then becoming the top scholar. That’s like a literary star descending from heaven! People like that are rare on earth. Not to mention, it was fortunate that he met Master Su, who guided him so well. Before meeting Master Su, wasn’t Lord Tian just like the current Master Wei, locking himself in his room and spending all his time at the theater? And that Lord Gao—he’s even more entertaining! I wouldn’t dare face him. Whenever I’d see his door from afar, I’d quickly avoid him. If I didn’t, he’d call me ‘bald rascal’ this and ‘bald rascal’ that, joking around endlessly.
“Once, he really played a trick on me. We were holding a Buddhist ceremony at the temple, and I don’t know where he got it, but he slipped a horn into my sleeve. Later, some guests came by and were sitting in the room chatting. It got warm, so I took off my outer robe, and the horn fell out. Everyone burst into laughter, saying I must have bought it as a gift for a nun. To make it worse, he had even written the words ‘Guiyun’s Miniature’ in white powder on the horn. I was so embarrassed I wanted to die. Later, when I saw him, he couldn’t stop laughing. Only then did I realize it was all his doing. I told him, ‘Master Gao, you’re so wicked! I pray to Buddha every day, hoping you’ll fail your exams again.’ And sure enough, last year, he didn’t pass. If not for that, he would’ve surely taken second place in the exams this year, if not third.”
Zhongqing and the others burst into laughter.
Monk Tang continued, “I heard that this Master Su has also left the theater. Madam Tian has adopted him as her godson, and in their household, they now call him ‘Second Lord.’ Is that true?”
Wenze replied, “Not quite. Master Su hasn’t moved in with them, but the servants do call him ‘Master Su,’ that’s true.”
Monk Tang said, “Master Su has always been a good person—polite, gentle, and respectful to everyone. Even when he sees monks like us, he treats us with the same courtesy, never looking down on us just because we’re bald. He’s nothing like that other person, that Mr. Qin from the Hua residence. He always wears a stern face and never cracks a smile.”
Wang Xun asked, “Who was playing the flute and singing just now?”
Monk Tang replied, “That was Master Wei.”
Wenze asked, “Which Master Wei?”
Zhongqing said, “Wei Pingcai is staying here as a guest.”
Monk Tang added, “You all must know Master Wei well.”
Wang Xun responded, “Of course we do.”
Monk Tang went on, “He’s a good fellow, always full of energy. He’s planning to leave the capital soon. Just now, he was with Master Yang, Master Zhang, and Master Gu, and they sang a few songs together, enjoying themselves.”
Zhongqing asked, “Why is he leaving the capital?”
Monk Tang explained, “He donated money to get a minor official rank, and now he’s being assigned to Hubei. It’s actually good luck for him. Earlier this year, in the first month, his house was robbed, and the thieves made off with his clothes, silver, and other belongings—about a thousand taels worth—half his fortune. Then, he spent a lot of money on that courtesan Yutianxian, paying her 150 strings of cash per month. After four or five months, he couldn’t keep up and started selling off his possessions. I often warned him, ‘Prostitutes are heartless, just like rabbits. When your money’s gone, so is their affection.’ But to everyone’s surprise, Yutianxian didn’t act as people expected. She and Master Wei became so close that they couldn’t be separated. In fact, she even gave him her savings to help him pay for his new post. She’s promised to marry him and leave the capital with him when he goes. So now, not only does he not need to spend money on her, but he can also use her money. Isn’t it amazing that there’s actually a courtesan with such loyalty and affection?”
The group laughed at this, and Monk Tang continued, “The funniest part is about that scoundrel Pan San. He owed Yutianxian a gambling debt he couldn’t pay, so he took his cousin to visit her and left the poor fellow behind while he sneaked off. His cousin stayed with Yutianxian for two nights before realizing what had happened. When he tried to leave, the debt collectors wouldn’t let him go without paying. He had no choice but to go home with the courtesan, pawn two pieces of jewelry, and settle the debt. Then, he rushed to Pan San’s house to confront him, and a huge argument broke out.”
Pan Lao San had no choice but to bite off two pieces of flesh from his own wrist. People said he did this to pay off his gambling debts at the brothel. Can you imagine how ridiculous it is to self-inflict such an injury?” At this, everyone burst into laughter, agreeing, “That Pan San is truly worthless.”
Wenze said, “I know you and Xi Shiyi are close.”
Monk Tang responded, “Oh, that Lord Xi caused quite the trouble this year. He developed a severe abscess and nearly lost his life, but I was the one who cured him. Now, he’s preparing to join the ranks. There’s a vacancy in July, and it’s practically his. I believe in fate when it comes to the coming and going of people. Last year, there was a wealthy Lord Fu San, who was good friends with Lord Wei. Thanks to Lord Wei’s recommendation, Lord Fu was appointed to Hubei. Another gentleman, Lord Gui, who was close to Lord Fu, also became a Hubei magistrate. And now, Lord Wei is heading to Hubei as well. The three friends, reunited in one place—that’s fate, isn’t it? It’s like the three of you—always seeing each other every day here in the capital. If one day you’re all assigned to posts outside the city—one as a governor, one as a provincial commander, and one as a justice minister—all in the same city, wouldn’t that be amusing?” With this, he burst into laughter, delighting Wenze and the others.
The three gentlemen found Monk Tang’s flattery and his obsequious demeanor quite laughable. Zhongqing commented, “I haven’t seen Yaoqing for a few days.”
Qiguan replied, “Yaoqing has been learning the qin from Jifu recently, and he’s hardly left the house. Jifu, too, is very fond of solitude. After Mei Qing passed away, he hasn’t played the Meihua Sanlong (Three Variations on Plum Blossoms) again. You could say he’s deeply sentimental.”
Zhongqing added, “Jifu is a man of quiet elegance, skilled in all the refined arts.”
As they continued chatting, the sun began to set, and Wenze and the others were ready to leave. Wang Xun called for the waiter to settle the bill, but Wenze insisted on paying. The two of them argued, politely refusing each other several times. Monk Tang signaled to the waiter with a subtle gesture, and the waiter went out to check with the cashier. When he returned, he said, “There’s no need for the two young masters to argue over the bill. Lord Tang has already settled it.”
Wenze said, “What do you mean by that?”
Wang Xun added, “That’s out of the question.”
Monk Tang laughed, “It’s just a small token of my respect. It’s an honor for you young masters to visit. If you come more often, I’ll benefit greatly from your presence. Besides, I never make a loss in my business. Tomorrow, I’ll come to your homes with the donation ledger, and you can each write a large sum in it.” He laughed again, waving his fan playfully over their heads. Zhongqing and the others, finding it difficult to refuse, simply thanked him and said, “It seems we’ve enjoyed ourselves until nearly eleven!” They all laughed again and left, taking the three actors with them. Monk Tang and the manager saw them off at the door, helping them into their carriages before returning inside.
Meanwhile, Wei Pingcai had struck up a close relationship with Yutianxian, and through her connections, he managed to cover his gambling debts and secure a post in Hubei. He had rented a few rooms and moved out of the temple to live with Yutianxian. Over the past few days, they’d been preparing for their departure from the capital, buying various necessities. They even hired a maid and an old woman to help around the house. Yutianxian now played the role of a proper wife. Originally from Yangzhou, Yutianxian had once been a famous courtesan, but at 27 years old, she was now two years older than Wei Pingcai. Nevertheless, her appearance was still youthful, and she looked no older than 20. Moreover, she was exceptionally skilled at both singing and playing instruments, which pleased Pingcai immensely, and so they became husband and wife.
Pingcai, however, recalled that he still owed Yuanmao some money from the previous year, which he had yet to repay. So, he went to Sun’s residence to find him, only to learn that Yuanmao had gone to Tongzhou with his two brothers-in-law to take the exams. Frustrated, Pingcai had no choice but to let it go. As the day of their departure approached, he was constantly being treated to farewell banquets, hosted by friends such as Pan Qiguan, Xi Shiyi, Zhang Zhongyu, Feng Zipei, Yang Meichuang, Zhang Xiaomei, Gu Yueqing, and Monk Tang. Monk Tang’s manor was particularly lively, and Pingcai had to delay his departure by several days due to all the farewells.
Bai Juhua, who had once been in the same troupe as Yutianxian and was quite close to her, had since left the life of a courtesan. The two had sworn sisterhood, with Yutianxian being two years older. Juhua mentioned to Xi Shiyi that she wanted to invite Yutianxian for a farewell gathering. Naturally, Xi Shiyi had no objections and promptly invited Yutianxian to his home. Juhua personally went out to greet her. After exchanging pleasantries and sitting down, they caught up on old times.
Yutianxian said, “I saw you, Sister, leave this life and find a good, loving husband, and I couldn’t help but envy your luck. I never imagined that my own fate would be so different. Last year, I even ended up involved in a lawsuit. But this Lord Wei has truly been kind to me, enduring all kinds of hardships for my sake, and his treatment of me hasn’t changed. In fact, he’s even more devoted than before, which is why I’ve decided to marry him. I saw that he wasn’t well-off, and life in the capital is expensive. There was no end in sight to his appointment, so I used all the savings I’d accumulated over the years to help him secure his post. Even if it’s just a minor rank, at least he’s an official now. It’s far better than the life we used to lead.”
Juhua replied, “Of course! Even though your husband may hold a small official post, Sister, you’re still a proper lady. My husband may be a high-ranking official, but I’m still just a concubine. His household is much grander than yours, but in terms of status, I can’t compare to you. And besides, his family already has several other wives, so who knows what the future will bring? You, on the other hand, can live peacefully with your husband, who is young, handsome, and capable. Where else could you find someone like that?”
Yutianxian asked, “Have you seen your brother-in-law?”
Juhua replied, “Yes, he often comes to visit our master, so I’ve seen him a few times. He’s quite the handsome man, no doubt about it.”
Yutianxian’s face lit up with joy, and she laughed, “As long as a woman has charm, it doesn’t matter if there are twelve wives! With a wife like you, how could your husband not be entirely devoted to you? Look at Yang Bameifu—he’s just a minor official with no hope for promotion, yet he relies entirely on fortune-telling to make money. His household is difficult to deal with, and now he’s distanced himself from the Sixth Sister. That poor woman really suffered under him. He’s a truly heartless person. I heard that when he went to Jiangnan, someone tricked him into delivering a letter to a disreputable family. He arrived all dressed up in his official attire, carried in a sedan chair, and handed over the letter with a greeting card that said ‘From a younger disciple to an elder.’ But when he reached the gate, the sedan bearers told him, ‘Master, this is the house of a notorious scoundrel.’ Only then did he realize and avoid going inside. Isn’t that embarrassing?”
Hearing this, Juhua also found it amusing. The two of them laughed for a while longer, then called a singer to perform for half the day. Later, they invited a monkey performer for entertainment.
After dinner, Yutianxian thanked Juhua and prepared to leave. Juhua accompanied her to the second door. Even as they were about to part, they still clung to each other’s hands, reluctant to say goodbye, standing there and chatting.
Inside the study, Ji Liangxuan overheard their conversation clearly. Curious, he poked a hole in the paper window, closed one eye, and peeped out through the gap.
First, he saw an old woman carrying a bundle of clothes, followed by a young maid holding a long tobacco pipe and a round fan. Then, he saw Yutianxian herself, dressed in luxurious attire with her head adorned with pearls and jade, looking every bit like a proper lady. She was neither too tall nor too short, with an oval face, smooth and glowing skin, and a coquettish demeanor. Her feet, bound in delicate golden lotus shoes, were about four inches long, and she moved with grace and elegance. She was slightly taller than Juhua.
Juhua was wearing a light blue gauze top with a peach-colored undershirt and pale blue gauze pants, paired with thick-soled butterfly-embroidered shoes. Her hair was piled high on her head, adorned with jade hairpins, and her face had a few charming freckles. Her eyes sparkled with emotion, and her whole expression was lively and full of springtime charm.
Ji Liangxuan, watching from inside, was so captivated that his body felt weak, and he began to drool. But the window paper had grown brittle from weathering, and as he leaned his forehead against it, it suddenly tore with a loud crack. Yutianxian turned around and saw someone spying on them through the window. She quickly left. Juhua escorted her to the second door, helped her into the carriage, and turned back. As she looked up, she noticed the tear in the window paper and saw Ji Liangxuan still peeping. She suppressed her laughter, lowered her head, and went back inside.
On the day Wei Pingcai left the capital, Monk Tang accompanied him to the Ten-Mile Pavilion, where they tearfully said their goodbyes. Pingcai returned home, collected his parents, and they all set out for Hubei together. After that, his story disappeared from the narrative.
Next, the tale will recount the small exam in Tongzhou involving Li Yuanmao and Sun Sihui, which led to a minor but amusing incident. All of this will be detailed in the next chapter.