話說前回書中，華公子將自己扇子與素蘭換了，後被華夫人問起來，方知將夫人寫畫的桃花扇子與了他，甚是懊悔。一日，即命家人去叫素蘭，說明叫他帶了前日的扇子來。那日素蘭正在蕙芳處商議開那古董鋪的事情，蘇、陸之外，尚有袁寶珠、金漱芳、王蘭保、李玉林要來，大家商議那古董書畫等物公湊些起來，也就不少。況且怡園花木極多，盡可分些來應用。我們何不先開起來，再到南邊制辦，也未嘗不可。若要等買齊了，就有兩三月耽擱去了。
蕙芳道：「如今我們幾個人湊起那古玩來，能有幾樣？而且也沒有很好的東西，奇書名畫更少，開張起來，空空的什麼樣子？若盡靠些花木，不成個花局子了麼？」寶珠道：「要湊東西其實也不難。若說書畫，前日我見度香園中曬晾，也數不清有多少。一種書有十幾部的，他要這許多作什麼？法帖重的很多，若畫那似假似真的也有幾十箱，橫豎將來總飽蠹魚的了，分些來他豈有不肯的？至於古玩，好的自然不好去要他。他那不愛的東西，要幾件來，也就擱不下了，就怕什麼香料、針□、顧繡的東西倒少，又要新鮮，賣不得舊的，後來再買也可以的。這房子也不用收拾，一切俱好，器皿什物皆有。我們一班人全進去，也住不滿他。只要作些廚櫃等物，一完備就可開張，中秋前後盡來得及了。」漱芳、蘭保同聲說：「好！」又說：「就這麼著，我們大家去找度香商量。」正商議間，忽見素蘭的人進來說：「華公子打發人叫，立等進城。」素蘭道：「他叫幾個人？」那人道「就叫你一個，說叫帶了扇子去。」素蘭道：「我道他叫我作什麼，原來是為這把扇子。」蕙芳道：「這扇子一定是他夫人寫的了，所以來要回去。」素蘭就辭了眾人，到家換了衣服，帶了人上車，一徑到華府來，先到門房應酬了幾句話，再到珊枝處問了緣故。
珊枝道：「我不知道，或者要你寫什麼。」素蘭在珊枝房裡略坐了一坐，珊枝道「公子在園中，就去見見罷，省得他等。」
於是珊枝領著素蘭徑入園來。只見秋色斑斕，燦然可愛。問了園童，方知在潭水房山。二人登高涉水，過竹穿林的走了好些地方。到了門口，珊枝先回明了。
素蘭進來見了公子，公子正在那裡畫扇子，旁邊站著個小丫鬟，還有兩個小書童，素蘭請過安，站在一邊，華公子命他坐了，素蘭見公子所畫的扇子，也是兩枝紅白桃花，設色鮮明，甚是可愛。華公子知他愛看，便遞給他道：「你看看有什麼毛病麼？」素蘭接了過去，看了道：「兼工帶寫，得意得神。錢舜舉、徐熙合為一手。」公子道：「前日那把扇子帶來沒有？那是人家的，那一天我沒有理會，帶在身邊。昨日那人來取時，我才想起給了你。這扇子卻要還他。」素蘭從扇袋裡取了來，雙手奉上。公子看了一看，擱過一邊，便道：「你的書法，我是請教過了。你的詩詞，我尚未見。何不將那《梁州序》也作一首，賞賞這扇上桃花？」素蘭笑道：「字已是勉強的，詩詞上沒有工夫，不敢獻醜。」公子笑道：「太拘泥了。你這樣靈慧人，怕不是繡口錦心，作出來還要比人好。不要謙，今日在這裡逛半天。既要製曲，自然不可無酒。」叫香兒到小廚房要幾樣果品，並要那蓮心酒來。公子道：「你們這班人，為什麼從前定要學戲？既學了戲，倒又不專於戲，學成了多少本事。我想從前戲旦中，也沒有你們這一派。就有幾個小聰明的，也拿不出手，況且他們的品行，我就不好說了。」素蘭道：「我們這樣本事算得什麼？因是我們這等人是不應會的，所以會寫幾個字，會畫幾筆畫，人就另眼相待，先把個好字放在心裡。
若將我們的筆墨，換了人的名氏，直怕非但沒有說好，盡是笑不好的了。」公子笑道：「這話也有些理，但真好真歹，人也看得出來。若你們的筆墨，真是那小孩子寫的仿格，小丫頭描的花樣，難道也說好不成？況且我又奉承你作什麼？好歹自然要分得清，豈可沒人之善。但是你們後來這個行業倒難，這碗飯也不是終於好吃的。」素蘭道：「如今我們幾個人，現在想出一條道路。」就將蕙芳、寶珠等要開書畫、古董，並些針線、香料、花卉、綢緞等物合成一個大舖子的話說了。公子點頭道：「這倒罷了，你們這幾個人也只好老於是鄉。這個舖子幾時開呢？」素蘭道：「此時貨物都不全，所有東西皆要到蘇杭去置買。先想湊些書畫等件，佈置起來，原不當買賣作，不過這幾個人沒有事，在那裡坐了，作個公局的意思。至於要等置齊物件，必要到十月才能完備。」華公子道：「要些什麼東西，定要到蘇杭去，京裡置不出來？」素蘭道：「那裡便宜。至於花繡刻絲等物皆是蘇杭來的。」公子道：「定要那些東西麼？依我倒不要。若賣那些東西，倒俗了。」素蘭笑道：「不過有這些東西搭配著熱鬧些，不然也與那些書畫鋪一樣。且既作買賣，那伙計的薪俸飯食也須出在裡頭。」公子道：「自然。既開鋪了，就要打算盤了。設或將來我來買把扇子，你也必得開個虛價兒。」說得素蘭笑了。公子道：「你要些刻絲顧繡的東西，只怕我倒有，若用得用不得，就不可必了。前日聽說庫房裡蛀壞了幾個箱子，糟蹋了多少東西，大約有七八十年沒有用著他，還是我老老太太遺下來的，只怕用不得，顏色黯淡，花樣古老了。如果用得，我每樣給你些，教你開成這個舖子。至於古董書畫也有，要好的不能，不過中等的。」素蘭請安謝了，道：「府上中等的，就是外頭上等的了。」正說間，香兒領著兩個書童，拿了酒盒來。珊枝見素蘭喝酒，想沒有什麼差使，便走開了。華公子道：「喝一杯潤潤詩腸，好得佳句。」素蘭道：「今日真要出醜，恐石子裡搾不出油來。」公子道：「不用謙，況且是曲，一發熟極生巧。」素蘭接過酒壺，與公子斟了，自己也斟了一杯，心中好不思索。且看那潭水房山的景致，屋是一統五間，東邊臨水，像怡園練秋閣光景。西邊疊疊層層的危石，盤著藤蘿薜荔，陪著松柏桐杉。池內荷葉半凋，尚有幾朵殘荷，餘香猶膩，其餘草花滿地，五彩紛披。後面玻璃窗內，望見綠竹蕭疏，清涼爽目。素蘭飲了幾杯，公子道：「你看過後面那塊石頭沒有？」素蘭道：「沒有。」公子領他從屋西到後面竹林中。素蘭見有個石臺，上面豎著一石，如春雲岫模樣，頂平根瘦，有八尺多高，渾身是穴。公子向石根邊一個小穴，指與素蘭道：「你看這個字。」素蘭看時，是個「洞天一品石」五個字，又一行是：「五月十九日米芾記。」素蘭道：「這就是米元章的一品石麼？聞是共有八十一穴。」公子道：「你數數看。」素蘭數了一會，那高處及頂上的，如何望得著？也就不數了。看了一會，問公子道：「我聞米元章拜石，成了佳話，後人便繪他的《拜石圖》。聽得這塊石在安徽無為州衙門裡，怎麼取來的？」公子道：「米元章拜的石，不是這塊。那是無為軍中一塊英石，也生得玲瓏。這是他寶晉齋的洞天一品。若要考清這塊石的來歷，一時也說不清。這是我祖太爺在南邊作官時，地下刨出來的。從運河運到張家灣，特作了四輪的大車，用十二套的牛才拉進來。」素蘭又到各地逛了一逛，重複進來，要了紙筆，說道：「方才倒想了幾句，只是不好。」便寫了出來是：
春光早去，秋光又遍，一片閒情空戀。齊紈皎潔，寫他紅粉娟妍。恨隨流水，人想當時，何處重相見？韶華在眼輕消遣，過後思量總可憐。休負了，金樽淺。
華公子看了，不禁狂叫好道：「你這首真是黃絹幼婦，可稱絕妙。恰是題畫的桃花，何等淒清宛轉，動人情味。」連吟了四五遍，忽將素蘭看了一會，素蘭低了頭。公子淒然動容，歎了一聲，又問素蘭道：「你這首詞是何寓意，要說得這樣？」素蘭道：「也沒有寓意。公子是畫的桃花，況今秋天，似乎不能與春日賞桃花一樣題法。」公子道：「這個自然，但你另有寓意。不然，何以要說『恨隨流水，人想當時，何處重相見』呢？而且又說：『韶華在眼輕消遣，過後思量總可憐。』這明明是由後思前，翻悔從前輕看春光之意。但憑你怎樣惜春，而春不肯留，又將如何呢？」素蘭被他說破詞中之意，只得遮飾道：「其實我倒沒有什麼寓意，公子這一講，倒像有意題的了。」公子笑道：「你明明將琴言借題發揮感諷我，但究竟是他負我，非我負他。我如今一想，在我這裡也終非了局，如今他倒好了。」素蘭見他說明，不能再辨，只得說道：「公子之待琴言，原是沒有說的。但琴言用情專一，不善變通。倘使琴言一進京來，就遇公子，有這番恩典，他竟可以殺身相報，至死不怨的。」公子道：「他與梅庾香，到底是怎樣交情？」素蘭道：「他與梅庾香的交情，其實也不甚親密，就是兩心相照，悲多歡少，這是人人解不出來的。一見就哭，大約前世有點因果在裡頭。那日扶乩說琴言原是屈公前生之女，我想庾香前世，又是琴言什麼，也未可知。」華公子道：「這事渺茫，譬如你作了琴言，當怎樣待人呢？」這句話，素蘭倒有些難答，支支吾吾起來。華公子笑道：「你作了琴言，待庾香怎樣，在我這裡又當怎樣？事齊乎，事楚乎？必有一個主意。」素蘭面泛桃花，只是不語。公子道：「這有什麼不好說？況我們皆是光明正大，無一毫闇昧之心，難道一人只許有一個知已，不准有兩個麼？」素蘭道：「若論知已，自然越多越好。就以蕙芳之與田春航，瓊卿之與之金吉甫而論，春航固是蕙芳的知已，吉甫固是瓊卿的知已。蕙芳之待春航，瓊卿之待吉甫，也是報知已之報了。事雖不同，情則一也。然而他們待外人也是這樣，心裡卻有權衡，外面若無軒輊，不露出厚薄來。所以人也不能說他們，也不能妒他們。若琴言之心，沒有一點曲折，這樣就是這樣，那樣就是那樣。所謂孤忠苦節，不避艱險，不顧利害，其實也是他的好處。」公子點頭道：「你說得是，我畢竟不是他的知已。但度香又怎樣的待他，算知已不算呢？」 素蘭道：「若說度香待他，真也是個知已。度香第一能包容，第二能體貼。琴言之待度香，或冷一會，或熱一會，笑一會，哭一會，挺撞一會。度香非但全不芥蒂，倒反過意不去，百般的安慰他。所以他視度香也算一個知已。」華公子道：「這麼看起來，我還不如度香。這也是各人的性情，勉強不來的。」又問：「那漱芳呢？」素蘭道：「漱芳是個和而不同的，外面雖和順，內裡卻有把持。」公子道：「你看我的珊枝如何？你要直說，不許恭惟他。」素蘭一想，這個倒定要恭惟幾句才好，若實說了，是要鬧出亂子來的，便道：「這個人還有什麼議論呢？又忠直，又正派，知恩報恩，還有什麼說話。公子恩能逾格，珊枝公而忘私，城外人都是這麼講。」公子大笑道：「這句話有些違心之論。我聞珊枝頗不利於人口。」素蘭見公子口是如此說，心上覺得很樂，便答道：「沒有說他的人，他待人也好，說他怎麼呢？」公子道：「雖然這麼說，我看他是個有心胸的人，就取他見事明白，說話透徹，一句話從了口裡說出來，就與人兩樣。所以我倒喜歡他。就是肚子裡不甚通，不如你們。我也曾教他念念詩，學學字，總弄不上來。今年稍明白些，尋常通候的書信，也可以寫寫了。就這一樣，別無他能。」素蘭道：「他自小沒有人教過他，但他這等聰明，也沒有學不來的。」當下喝了些酒，又吃了些點心之類，又領了他逛了逛各處地方。
天色將晚，素蘭告辭，公子道：「你若沒有事，你今天住在這裡，不必出城了。」素蘭一怔，尚未答應，公子笑道：「這有何妨，難道是瓜田李下麼？」素蘭不語。公子又笑道：「我教你住在這裡，也有個意思。先不是說那刻絲顧繡的東西？你若住在此，我晚上就教他們翻出來，明日你看看可用得，檢些去，省得又費第二回手。不過是這個意思。」素蘭起初當是戲言，及聽了這話，甚是感激，便道：「果然，天也晚了，也恐趕不出城，我也要與珊枝談談，就在他那裡住罷。」公子道：「很好，我就去看那些東西。」說罷，帶了小丫鬟進去了，一徑到夫人房裡，將素蘭的和詞給他瞧。夫人看了，贊好道：「是今天題的麼？字不是你寫的，是珊枝寫的麼？比往日好多了。」華公子笑道：「正是。」又道：「前日庫房樓上那幾箱的花繡片子，聽得說都壞了，還有好的在裡面麼？」夫人道：「那六個箱子，壞的算起來，也不過三分，有七分好的，而且倒是頂好的材料，如今新的還不及他。我已將好的挑了出來，分給十珠了。此刻還有三箱存著，要挑還可挑得出兩箱，問他怎麼？」公子道：「我想留著這些東西也無用，霉爛了也可惜，不如賞人。如今有幾個相公，要開個舖子，正要到南邊買些東西，又沒有人去買，我想起來，何不把這些賞了他們，我們自己也用不著的。」夫人道：「明日再挑些看看，如有好的，就給他們。」當夜無話。
素蘭在珊枝房內歇了，珊枝聽得素蘭在公子面前贊他好，十分歡喜，就與素蘭談心，又要與他換帖。素蘭雖不滿珊枝，但見他這番相待，也樂得送情，應許了與他結盟。二人談了半夜，方各安睡。
明日，華公子吩咐將那三個箱子抬下樓來，再叫十珠婢挑選，選出兩箱可用，都是些繡蟒以及刻絲顧繡的裙料、褂料，還有枕簟、桌圍、椅披，各色鋪墊料，並零件荷囊、扇袋的花片子，共裝了兩大箱，算起價來，也值數千金，叫人抬出去，放在珊枝屋裡。公子又問寶珠要出那文房什物以及玩器、書畫閒放著不用的那本帳來。寶珠找了出來，公子看了，把筆點出了幾十樣是：「新坑大端硯四方、中端硯六方、□石硯十方、假銅雀硯二方，徽墨二十匣、印色一斤，田黃石圖章兩匣、青田石圖章兩匣、壽山石圖章十匣、昌化石圖章十匣，嘉興刻花竹筆筒十個，大銅爐四座，大磁瓶一個、大磁甌一個、宜興茶壺二十把，雲南玉碗一對，玉盤一個，圍棋子兩副，象牙象棋子兩副，寶晉齋帖兩部、閣帖兩部、絳帖兩部，其餘雜帖數十種，南扇五十把、團扇四十把、繡花宮扇二十把，宣紙二百張、高麗箋紙一百張、藍絹紅絹箋共四十張、白礬絹四匹、冷金捶金箋對紙共六十張、虛白箋一大捆，湖筆大小二百枝，香珠三十掛，香料十斤，英德石四座，玉煙壺四個、瑪瑙煙壺八個、水晶煙壺十二個，玉如意四匣，宋元名款贗筆字畫四十軸，手卷十二個，冊頁二十本。」把十珠婢忙個半天，才找全了，堆了幾張桌子。公子吃過飯，點清了，也一樣一樣的搬到外邊，叫素蘭點了，珊枝與他開了一篇帳單。素蘭見了，喜不可言，這也再想不到的事情，竟有了半個古董鋪了。在珊枝處吃了飯，珊枝幫他一樣樣裝好，裝了幾木箱，用棉花碎紙塞了空處，免得車上碰壞，也收拾到下午時候。華公子出來，素蘭謝了，說了多少感恩的話。公子道：「我昨日與你講明的，沒有什麼好東西在裡頭，這個比不得自己留下的。若舖子裡賣的東西，也不過如此。若拿真古董出來，人也未必認得。」素蘭道：「這已好極了，一刻時候要找這些東西，那裡去找？」就謝了公子出城。珊枝已預備了一個大車，拉了這幾個箱子，與素蘭送出城去不題。
且說蕙芳等昨日早上見華公子叫了素蘭進城，後來打聽得一夜未歸，今日又將一日，尚未見他回來，心裡猜疑為什麼事耽擱兩日。再著人到素蘭處打聽，恰好素蘭已回。少頃，素蘭到蕙芳處來，講華公子要他題那《桃花曲》，並待他一番光景，賞他好些東西，這舖子竟可開成了。
蕙芳也甚喜歡，即同到素蘭處，點了兩枝蠟，開了箱子，一件一件的看了，對素蘭道：「這些東西若全買起來，也要好幾千銀子，而且未必有這好材料。再到度香處添幾樣，就可添可不添了。我明日就把櫥櫃制辦起來，叫花兒匠來收拾花草。八月中秋竟可以開了。」素蘭道：「題個什麼名字呢？」蕙芳道：「我想題為九香樓可好麼？」素蘭道：「好個九香樓，妙極，妙極！」又請了寶珠、漱芳、玉林、蘭保等來，大家看了，都極喜歡，同贊素蘭能乾，叫華公子這般傾倒起來，又贊他題的曲子。素蘭頗為得意。
明日，寶珠等到子雲處，將華公子賞給素蘭的東西，一一說了，並要子雲回去，也把帳單看了，點出：花玻璃燈二十對，大小玻璃雜器四十件，料珠燈八盞，各色洋呢十板，各色紗衣料一百匹、各色貢緞二十匹、各色湖縐一百匹、各色綢綾一百匹，座鐘四架、掛鐘四架，洋表二十個，真古銅器一件，贗古銅器七件，碧霞璽帶板兩副，寶石大小六件，零星玉器一包，贗筆書畫一箱，各色鄣絨衣料十匹，沉香半斤，檀香四斤，各種香料四十斤，各種丸散三十瓶，香牛皮十張、佳紋席十張，湘妃竹扇料一捆，桄榔木對聯兩副，描金紅花磁碗四桶，其餘玩意物件數十件。花木隨時搬出，不入數內。開了一個單子給與寶珠，寶珠大樂，謝了謝，道：「這幾日不必搬出，到開市那幾天，搬到那邊去罷。」春航知道他們要開舖子，又聞得華公子、徐度香幫了許多物件，也要與蕙芳些東西。但係蘇小姐過門未久，雖然魚水情深，但將蕙芳之事驟然說起，恐他疑心，要吃醋起來，只得托辭要了二百兩赤金，送與蕙芳添買貨物。
蕙芳本想不受，但恐春航心上過不去，又見寶珠、素蘭得了多少東西，自己又有好勝之心，只得收了，托子雲著人到蘇杭添置一切。子雲封了金子，開了一個清單，寫了一封書，著人到他乃兄署中，叫管總的徐福親自制辦。
一日，子雲正與靜宜、南湘、高品閒話，只見書童拿了一包書信進來。子雲一看封面，是屈道翁在南京途中寄來的，心中一喜。折了總封，裡頭有十幾封信與各相好，卻都是琴言筆跡，說自己跌壞了膀子不能寫，無非是些道謝等語，內有懷怡園諸同人五古一篇，並沿途七律八首。又見琴言另有一封信，子雲拆開，內裡是三封，一封是諸名士同啟，一封是眾弟兄同啟，一封庾香才子手啟。子雲一一折看，與他們及與諸名旦的寫得已經沉痛，及看與子玉的信，是和的《金縷曲》，只見寫著是：
豈料真如此。只朝朝、淚珠盈把，袖痕凝紫。煙水孤村何處也，回首迷離難視。又雨細、斜風不止。若果夢魂飛不到，望長天、早趁江雲駛。須一刻，走千里。報君近事心先喜。縱生離、隻身還在，自應勝死。勉強加餐期日後，要使形骸尚似。居兩地、從今伊始。自古多情成積恨，恨東流、不接西流水。腸斷矣！寫此紙。
子雲等看了大奇，道：「不料玉儂竟能與庾香那首工力悉敵，一樣沉痛。」高品道：「玉儂學問幾時長的？我去年沒有見他能如此。」次賢道：「這是新進長的，不料受乃翁陶熔了幾天，就這些進境。若過兩年，不知要好到怎樣呢！」南湘道：「我只道庾香這首詞是絕唱，不能和的，誰又想和出這一首來，我看倒非玉儂不能。」又見另寫著一紙道：
本要依韻，因原唱爛字韻不能再用，勉強拾取，反失性情，故另換韻。六月初九日，阻風燕子磯，見鐵索練孤舟，俗稱乃陳妙常妝樓下，即秋江送別處。回想從前置身優孟，曾演此事，不料今履其地矣。觸目傷心，愁多於水。猶幸南風打頭，吹我北向。夜夢偏左，言與心違；村雞一鳴，攬衣起坐。傷哉，傷哉！何可言也！勉力加餐，願期後會，請自寬解，以侍晨昏。夏秋多厲，千萬珍重。琴言百拜。
子雲等看了，歎息一會。子雲道：「怎樣呢？將庾香請來罷。」次賢道：「不可。這首詞他若見了，必有一番傷心痛哭，那時在這裡倒教他難為情。不如送去與他，索性使他哭個盡性罷。」子雲即著人將琴言並道生的信，送與子玉。
卻說子玉自前日春航處見了諸名旦，單少了琴言一人，又感傷了數日。一夜在睡夢中，忽見雲兒走來道：「少爺，琴言回來了。」子玉聽了大喜，即問道：「在哪裡？」雲兒道「就在門外。」子玉忙到大門外一望，只見煙水茫茫，查無涯涘，便失驚道：「這是什麼地方？」迷迷離離，心無主意，沿著江堤走去，唯見白浪滔天，帆檣來往。走了一箭遠路，忽又見雲兒趕來道：「琴言在船上呢，聞說在燕子磯下守風。」子玉道：「此地到燕子磯有多遠？」雲兒道：「這是觀音門，燕子磯就在前面了。但須得個船渡去。」二人在江邊站了一會，見有一個小艇來，蘭槳咿啞，極其乾淨。到了岸邊，仔細一看，那蕩槳的可不就是琴言。子玉叫道：「玉儂從那裡來？」只見琴言拭一拭淚，將船攏了岸，子玉上了船，卻又不見了雲兒。子玉模模糊糊的問道：「雲兒呢？」琴言道：「他又到前面去了。」子玉聽琴言講道：「一月之別，令人想死，你看我的眼睛都哭腫了，你倒絕不想著我。你那首詞我將他燒了灰，吞在肚裡，變了一肚子眼淚，哭也哭不出來。」子玉道：「可不是？你那上車時，我眼前一陣烏黑，倒像坐在你的車沿上，同了你去。後來你把我推下來，我像跌醒似的，回去了，病了十幾天，怎麼說我不想著你呢？」琴言道：「你怎麼能到此地來？隔了二千五六百里路呢。」子玉道：「方才雲兒同我來的，我覺也不甚遠，一出大門，便到這裡。」琴言一面蕩槳，一手搭在子玉膝上，說道：「我如今恨你，我作了東流水，你作了西流水，接不到一處來。」子玉尚未回言，只見琴言裊裊婷婷的站起來，坐在子玉懷裡，一手勾了子玉的肩。子玉甚覺不安，要扶他起來，忽然不是琴言，變了一個十七八歲女郎，高鬟滴翠，秋水無塵，麵粉口脂，芬芳竟體。子玉大驚，要推他起來，卻兩手無力，一身癱軟，只好怔怔的看著他。聽得那女郎低低說道：「良宵風月，千里姻緣。妾家不遠，長板橋頭，青樓第二門便是。君如不棄，願訂綢繆。」子玉大駭，心跳了一會，說：「桑中陌上，素所未經，此言何其輕出，一入人耳，力不能拔。知卿雖是戲言，但僕不願聞此。」急欲起身離坐，被那女郎挽住，□□的笑道：「世間有此呆郎，是何腐見，踽踽涼涼，一至於此。但君拳拳於杜玉儂，非為色耶？男女相悅，天經地義，君何以膠柱之性，作刻舟之想。且兩人鑿枘，情何以生？你若非好色之心，你且將愛玉儂的心說出來。君雖口具雌黃，想難文飾。若以貌論，你看杜玉儂及我麼？如今是淚眼將枯，面黃於蠟，憔悴欲死，勸你不必假惺惺，棄了他罷。」
把子玉一把摟緊。子玉大窘，只得叫道：「雲兒快來！」那女郎又道：「呆郎，你叫什麼？難道天下有女子調戲人的麼？」子玉道：「你將何為？」那女郎道：「我也不過憐才愛貌的心，君固男子，豈無能為事耶？」子玉越急。正在無法，只見一個船攏將過來，船窗相對。卻見琴言坐在艙裡，吟他的《金縷曲》，淒惋欲泣。
子玉叫道：「玉儂救我！」那女郎發起怒來，將他一推，狠狠的罵了一句，道：「世間有此措大，令人氣忿欲死！」子玉見兩船相並，便從船艙裡跨了過去。一見琴言，喜不可言，但仔細看他，果然是淚眼將枯，面黃於蠟，見了子玉，惟有掩面悲啼，子玉便覺心如刀割。琴言說道：「誰叫你老遠的來，怎麼忘了我的話？我是叫你不要來的，你看這一派長江，太太心上不惦記你麼？適或受了些驚險，叫我如何當得起？」便嗚嗚的哭起來。子玉好不傷心，極意寬慰。琴言道：「我今和了你的詞。」即取出來給與子玉。子玉接了過來一看，不見有什麼詞，就是從前到華府去時寄他那塊帕子，唯覺血淚斑斑可數。子玉此時心中如萬箭攢心，停了一會，問道：「為何你一人在此，你那義父道翁先生呢，那裡去了？」琴言道：「你問我那義父麼？」歎了一聲，又淚如雨下，停了半晌說道：「我也為要見你一面。不然，這個地方就是我葬身之地了。」子玉不解所言，尚要問他，只聽得後船艙有人出來，不見猶可，一見嚇得魂不附體。原來不是別人，是他父親梅學士，滿面怒容，見了他大喝道：「無恥的東西，在家作得好事，如今又背了你母親跑出來，這還了得？」子玉這一唬，口中不覺「哎呀！」一聲，要想往那個船上躲時，一腳踏了空，「撲通」的一響，落在江裡。
將身一掙，出了一聲冷汗，原來是個夢境。只聽得蟲聲唧唧，月照紗窗，倚枕自思，唯有黯然神傷而已。
明日，子雲處送了琴言的和詞來，子玉看了，一慟欲絕。
過了半天，將這信與這詞足足念了有百餘遍，又喜琴言學問大進，竟成了名作，便縫了一個古錦囊，置了此詞，佩在身上。
不知後事如何，且聽下回分解。
Here is the paragraph-by-paragraph translation of the text, without missing any detail:
In the previous chapter, Mr. Hua had exchanged his fan with Su Lan, and later, when Madam Hua asked him about it, he realized that he had given away the peach blossom fan painted by his wife. He deeply regretted it. One day, he ordered his servant to summon Su Lan and told him to ask her to bring the fan she had received. That day, Su Lan was at Huifang’s place, discussing the opening of the antique shop. Besides Su and Lu, Yuan Baozhu, Jin Sufang, Wang Lanbao, and Li Yulin were also present. They discussed pooling their resources for the antique shop and agreed that it would already be quite substantial. Moreover, the Yi Garden had many flowers and plants that could be used. They thought it might be better to open the shop right away and procure more items from the south later, instead of waiting and delaying for two or three months to collect everything.
Huifang said, “What kind of antiques can we gather between a few of us? And we don’t have many valuable items. There are even fewer rare books and famous paintings. If we open now, the shop will look empty. If we rely solely on flowers and plants, wouldn’t it become a flower shop?” Baozhu said, “Gathering items isn’t that difficult. As for books and paintings, I saw many drying in Du Xiang’s garden the other day—there were so many I couldn’t count. He has entire collections of books, with dozens of volumes each. What does he need all of those for? He has many duplicate copies of calligraphy models, and as for paintings, there are dozens of boxes full of them, real or fake. They’ll eventually all just be food for silverfish. If we ask for some, he surely won’t refuse. As for antiques, it’s true the best ones might be hard to get, but there are plenty of things he doesn’t care about. We could ask for a few, and they wouldn’t clutter up his place. However, we might lack fresh items like incense and needlework, and we can’t sell old things—those could be bought later. The house doesn’t need much preparation; it’s already well-equipped with furniture and other items. Even if we all moved in, we wouldn’t fill it. All that’s needed is to add some kitchen cabinets, and once everything’s ready, we could open by mid-autumn.” Sufang and Lanbao both agreed, saying, “Great! Let’s go find Du Xiang and discuss it with him.”
Just as they were talking, someone came in and said, “Mr. Hua has sent someone to fetch you, and they are waiting to go into the city.” Su Lan asked, “Did he call for anyone else?” The person replied, “No, just you. He said to bring the fan with you.” Su Lan said, “So that’s what he wants me for—it’s about the fan.” Huifang said, “That fan must have been written by his wife, so he’s asking for it back.” Su Lan then said goodbye to the group, went home to change clothes, and brought her servant to Mr. Hua’s residence. She first greeted the doorman and exchanged a few words before going to Shanzhi to inquire about the matter.
Shanzhi said, “I don’t know, maybe he wants you to write something.” Su Lan sat in Shanzhi’s room for a little while, and Shanzhi said, “Mr. Hua is in the garden—why don’t you go see him and save him the wait?”
So Shanzhi led Su Lan into the garden. The autumn scenery was resplendent, beautifully radiant. After asking the garden servants, they learned Mr. Hua was in the pavilion by the pond. They walked a long way, crossing bamboo groves and streams, before finally arriving at the door. Shanzhi went ahead to announce their arrival.
Su Lan entered and saw Mr. Hua, who was in the middle of painting a fan, with a young maid and two young pages standing nearby. Su Lan greeted him and stood to the side. Mr. Hua invited her to sit. Su Lan noticed that the fan Mr. Hua was painting also had two peach blossoms, one red and one white. The colors were vivid and striking, very pleasing to the eye. Mr. Hua, knowing that Su Lan liked to look, handed her the fan and said, “Why don’t you take a look and see if there’s anything wrong with it?” Su Lan took the fan, examined it, and said, “It combines fine brushwork with sketching—it’s truly a masterpiece, reminiscent of Qian Shunju and Xu Xi combined.” Mr. Hua said, “Did you bring the fan from the other day? It belongs to someone else, and that day, I wasn’t paying attention and kept it with me. Yesterday, that person came to retrieve it, and I remembered I had given it to you. I’ll need to return it to them.”
Su Lan took the fan from her fan case and handed it over with both hands. Mr. Hua looked at it, set it aside, and said, “I’ve seen your calligraphy before, but I haven’t yet seen your poetry. Why don’t you compose a verse from The Liangzhou Suite to accompany the peach blossoms on this fan?” Su Lan smiled and said, “My calligraphy is already barely passable, and I don’t have the skill for poetry. I wouldn’t dare make a fool of myself.” Mr. Hua laughed and said, “You’re being too modest. Someone as talented and quick-witted as you surely has a poetic heart and a brilliant mind. Whatever you write will certainly be better than most. Don’t be so modest. You’ve already spent half the day here, and no poem can be written without wine.” He then called for Xiang’er to fetch some fruit and the lotus seed wine from the kitchen.
Mr. Hua said, “Why did you all insist on learning opera back then? You’ve learned it, yet you don’t fully dedicate yourselves to it. You’ve picked up many skills, but in the past, even the clever opera performers didn’t amount to much. Those who had some talent couldn’t truly stand out, and as for their conduct, I won’t even mention that.” Su Lan replied, “What skills do we have to speak of? It’s precisely because people like us aren’t supposed to know these things. So when we can write a few characters or paint a few strokes, people look at us differently and think highly of us right from the start.”
This translation preserves every detail, dialogue, and interaction, without summarization or omission.
Here is the paragraph-by-paragraph translation of the text, without missing any detail:
“If we were to use our brushwork and attribute it to someone else, I’m afraid that not only would no one praise it, but it would also become the subject of ridicule,” Su Lan said. Mr. Hua laughed, “There’s some truth to that, but people can still tell good work from bad. If your brushwork was truly like that of a child copying or a little maid drawing patterns, could anyone say it was good? Besides, why would I flatter you? Whether something is good or bad must be judged accurately. It’s not right to overlook someone’s merits. However, the path you all have chosen now is indeed difficult. This way of making a living isn’t always easy.” Su Lan replied, “Now a few of us have come up with an idea.” She then explained the plan of Huifang, Baozhu, and the others to open a shop selling books, paintings, antiques, and also items like needlework, incense, flowers, and silk. Mr. Hua nodded and said, “That’s fine. You all may as well stay in your hometown and settle down. When do you plan to open this shop?” Su Lan said, “At the moment, we don’t have all the goods. We need to purchase most of the items from Suzhou and Hangzhou. For now, we are thinking of gathering some books and paintings to set things up. We’re not really doing it for business; it’s more of a public meeting place for the few of us to sit together. But to gather everything, it will probably take until October to be fully ready.”
Mr. Hua asked, “Do you need to get all these things from Suzhou and Hangzhou? Can’t you find them in the capital?” Su Lan replied, “It’s cheaper there. Things like embroidered silk and threadwork all come from Suzhou and Hangzhou.” Mr. Hua said, “Do you really need those things? In my opinion, you don’t. If you sell those, it might make the shop too common.” Su Lan laughed and said, “Including those things just makes the shop a bit livelier. Otherwise, it would be like any other shop selling books and paintings. And since we’re doing business, we’ll need to cover the staff’s wages and food.” Mr. Hua agreed, “Of course. Once you open the shop, you’ll have to manage the accounts. If I come to buy a fan, you’ll have to quote me a proper price, right?” This made Su Lan laugh. Mr. Hua continued, “If you need things like embroidered silk, I might have some, though I can’t say whether it’s usable. I heard that some boxes in the storeroom got moth-eaten, and a lot of things were ruined. These items have probably been unused for seventy or eighty years—left behind by my great-grandmother. I’m afraid they might be too old, the colors too faded, and the designs outdated. If they’re usable, I’ll give you some to help stock your shop. As for antiques and paintings, I have some, but they’re only of medium quality.” Su Lan bowed in thanks, saying, “What’s considered medium quality in your residence would be top quality elsewhere.”
At that moment, Xiang’er entered with two young pages, carrying a box of wine. Shanzhi saw that Su Lan was drinking and, thinking she had no duties to attend to, excused herself. Mr. Hua said, “Have a cup of wine to stir your poetic inspiration and come up with some good verses.” Su Lan said, “I’m afraid I’ll embarrass myself today—it’s like trying to squeeze oil from a stone.” Mr. Hua said, “Don’t be so modest. Besides, the more familiar you are with the craft, the easier it becomes to create something good.” Su Lan took the wine jug and poured a cup for Mr. Hua, and then one for herself, while she pondered deeply. She observed the scenic surroundings of the pond and garden: the house had five connected rooms, with the eastern side facing the water, much like the view from the Lianqiu Pavilion in Yi Garden. To the west, layers of jagged rocks were draped with vines and ivy, accompanied by pines, cedars, and sycamores. The lotus leaves in the pond were half-wilted, though a few remaining blossoms still gave off a lingering fragrance. The ground was covered with wildflowers in vibrant colors. Through the glass windows at the back, one could see the sparse green bamboo, offering a cool and refreshing view.
After a few cups of wine, Mr. Hua asked, “Have you seen that stone at the back?” Su Lan replied, “No, I haven’t.” Mr. Hua led her from the western side of the house to the bamboo grove in the back. There, Su Lan saw a stone platform with a tall stone standing upright, resembling a spring cloud peak. The top was flat, and the base was thin, rising over eight feet tall, full of holes. Mr. Hua pointed to a small hole near the base of the stone and said, “Look at these characters.” Su Lan looked closely and saw the inscription “First-Grade Heavenly Cave Stone” and another line: “Recorded by Mi Fu on the 19th of May.” Su Lan exclaimed, “So this is Mi Fu’s famous First-Grade Stone! I’ve heard it has eighty-one holes.” Mr. Hua said, “Why don’t you count them?” Su Lan counted for a while, but the higher ones and those at the top were hard to see, so she stopped. After a moment, she asked Mr. Hua, “I’ve heard the story of Mi Fu bowing to a stone, which became quite famous. There’s even a painting called Mi Fu Bows to a Stone. I thought that stone was in the magistrate’s office in Wuwei Prefecture, Anhui. How did this one get here?” Mr. Hua replied, “The stone Mi Fu bowed to wasn’t this one. That one was a Ying stone in Wuwei Military District, which was also very exquisite. This stone is from his Treasure of Jin Studio, the First-Grade Heavenly Cave Stone. As for how this one got here, I can’t explain it all at once. It was unearthed when my great-grandfather was serving as an official in the south. It was shipped from the Grand Canal to Zhangjiawan, where a special four-wheeled cart was made, and it took twelve oxen to pull it here.”
After wandering around and seeing more sights, Su Lan returned and asked for some paper and a brush. She said, “I’ve thought of a few lines just now, but they aren’t very good.” She then wrote the following:
“Spring light has long gone, autumn light now fills the land,
A heart filled with idle feelings, lost in vain attachment.
The silken fabric is pure and bright, writing of beauty’s grace.
Regret flows with the water, memories of the past,
Where can we meet again?
Youthful days slip away lightly, and when I think of them later, it’s always with pity.
Don’t let the golden cup remain shallow.”
This translation stays true to every detail, including all dialogue and descriptive elements, without summarization or omissions.
Here is the translation of the text paragraph by paragraph, without missing any detail:
When Mr. Hua read Su Lan’s poem, he couldn’t help but exclaim, “This poem is truly like ‘yellow silk given by a young woman’—it can be called a masterpiece. It perfectly matches the peach blossoms in the painting. How moving and delicate, filled with deep emotions.” He recited it four or five times, then looked at Su Lan for a moment. Su Lan lowered her head. Mr. Hua, moved by emotion, sighed and asked, “What meaning does this poem convey for you to write it like this?” Su Lan replied, “There is no special meaning. Since you painted the peach blossoms, and it’s autumn now, I thought it inappropriate to write the same way one would for spring.” Mr. Hua said, “That’s true, but there’s something more to it. Otherwise, why would you write, ‘Regret flows with the water, memories of the past, where can we meet again?’ And also, ‘Youthful days slip away lightly, and when I think of them later, it’s always with pity’? Clearly, this reflects looking back and regretting having taken springtime lightly. But no matter how much you cherish spring, it won’t stay—what can be done about that?”
Su Lan, realizing Mr. Hua had seen through the deeper meaning of the poem, could only cover it up by saying, “Honestly, I didn’t have any particular meaning in mind, but with your explanation, it does seem like I wrote it with intent.” Mr. Hua laughed and said, “You clearly used Qin Yan as the subject to express your feelings and criticize me, but in the end, it was he who wronged me, not the other way around. Now that I think about it, staying with me was never a lasting solution for him. He’s better off now.” Su Lan, hearing Mr. Hua’s explanation, could no longer argue and said, “Your treatment of Qin Yan was beyond reproach. But Qin Yan, being so devoted and inflexible, might have felt differently. Had he met you upon arriving in the capital and received your favor, he might have been willing to repay you with his life, never regretting it.” Mr. Hua asked, “What kind of relationship did he have with Mei Yuxiang?” Su Lan replied, “Their relationship wasn’t particularly close. It was more like a mutual understanding, with more sorrow than joy, something no one could quite explain. Every time they met, they would cry. There must have been some karmic connection from a previous life. Once, when divining, we learned that Qin Yan was the daughter of Qu Yuan in a previous life. Who knows what connection Yuxiang had with him in a past life?”
Mr. Hua said, “Such things are vague. If you were Qin Yan, how would you treat others?” Su Lan found this difficult to answer and began to hesitate. Mr. Hua laughed and said, “If you were Qin Yan, how would you treat Yuxiang, and how would you treat me? Should you stay or leave? You must have some opinion.” Su Lan’s face flushed, and she remained silent. Mr. Hua said, “What’s so hard to say? Besides, we are all open and honest, with nothing hidden. Does it mean a person can only have one confidant and not two?” Su Lan replied, “When it comes to confidants, the more the better. For example, look at how Huifang treats Tian Chunhang and how Qiongqing treats Jin Jifu. Chunhang is Huifang’s confidant, and Jifu is Qiongqing’s. The way Huifang treats Chunhang and the way Qiongqing treats Jifu are expressions of gratitude toward their confidants. While the circumstances differ, the emotions are the same. However, they both maintain a balance in their hearts, treating outsiders equally without revealing any favoritism. No one can blame or envy them. As for Qin Yan, his heart has no twists or turns—what is, is, and what isn’t, isn’t. He embodies unwavering loyalty, never avoiding hardship or considering personal gain, and that’s actually his strength.”
Mr. Hua nodded and said, “You’re right. I was never his true confidant. But what about Du Xiang? How did he treat him—was he considered a confidant?” Su Lan replied, “When it comes to Du Xiang, he was indeed a confidant. First, Du Xiang was very tolerant, and second, he was considerate. Whether Qin Yan was cold one moment, warm the next, laughing one moment, or crying the next, whether he acted out or stayed calm, Du Xiang never took offense. In fact, he felt sorry for Qin Yan and always comforted him in every way possible. So, Qin Yan also regarded Du Xiang as a confidant.” Mr. Hua said, “In that case, I’m still not as good as Du Xiang. But this is just a matter of temperament—there’s no forcing it.” Then he asked, “What about Sufang?” Su Lan replied, “Sufang is harmonious but not weak. On the outside, she may seem gentle, but inside, she holds her ground.”
Mr. Hua asked, “What do you think of my Shanzhi? Speak frankly, no need for flattery.” Su Lan thought for a moment and realized it was best to say something flattering to avoid any trouble. She said, “What is there to criticize? Shanzhi is loyal and upright, always repaying kindness. There’s nothing more to say. You, sir, treat her with great kindness, and Shanzhi repays it selflessly. Everyone outside the family talks about how virtuous she is.” Mr. Hua laughed and said, “That’s a bit of a lie. I’ve heard that Shanzhi doesn’t have the best reputation.” Su Lan noticed that while Mr. Hua said this, he seemed pleased, so she replied, “If no one criticizes her, that’s because she treats everyone well—what is there to criticize?”
Mr. Hua said, “Although that may be true, I see her as someone with a big heart. She understands things clearly and speaks plainly. Once she says something, it’s very different from what others say, and that’s why I like her. But she’s not as skilled as you. I’ve even tried to teach her poetry and calligraphy, but she just can’t grasp it. This year, she’s finally learned a bit, and she can write simple letters. That’s her only skill.” Su Lan said, “No one taught her when she was young, but with her intelligence, she can certainly learn.” After drinking some wine and eating some snacks, Mr. Hua took Su Lan around the different parts of the residence.
As evening approached, Su Lan prepared to take her leave. Mr. Hua said, “If you have no urgent matters, why not stay here tonight instead of leaving the city?” Su Lan hesitated and hadn’t responded yet when Mr. Hua laughed and said, “What’s the harm? Are you worried about being in a compromising situation?” Su Lan remained silent. Mr. Hua continued with a smile, “The reason I’m asking you to stay is simple. Remember the embroidered silk and threadwork we talked about earlier? If you stay, I’ll have the servants take it out tonight, and tomorrow you can take a look at what’s usable and pick some pieces. That way, we avoid a second trip.”
At first, Su Lan thought it was just a joke, but after hearing his explanation, she felt very grateful and said, “Indeed, it’s getting late, and I might not make it out of the city. I’ll stay and have a chat with Shanzhi and spend the night in her room.” Mr. Hua said, “That’s perfect. I’ll go check on those items now.” He then took a young maid with him and went straight to his wife’s room, where he showed her the poem Su Lan had written. His wife looked at it and praised it, saying, “Was this written today? The handwriting doesn’t look like yours. Did Shanzhi write it? It’s much better than before.” Mr. Hua laughed and said, “Exactly.” He then asked, “The embroidered pieces from the storeroom, the ones on the top floor that were said to be damaged—are there still good ones left?” His wife replied, “Out of the six boxes, only about thirty percent were damaged. The remaining seventy percent are in excellent condition, better than anything newly made. I’ve already picked out the good ones and distributed them to the Ten Pearl maids. There are still three boxes left, and I could probably pick out two more boxes of usable material. Why do you ask?” Mr. Hua said, “I think it’s a shame to let these things go to waste. They’ll only rot in storage. We should give them away. There are some young scholars who are opening a shop and need to buy goods from the south, but they don’t have anyone to do the shopping. I thought, why not give these things to them? We won’t need them.” His wife said, “Tomorrow, I’ll sort through them and give them what’s still good.”
That night, Su Lan stayed in Shanzhi’s room. When Shanzhi heard that Su Lan had praised her in front of Mr. Hua, she was overjoyed and shared her feelings with Su Lan, even suggesting they exchange friendship tokens. Although Su Lan wasn’t particularly fond of Shanzhi, she was moved by her sincerity and agreed to form an alliance with her. They stayed up talking until late at night before finally going to sleep.
Here is the paragraph-by-paragraph translation of the text without missing any detail:
One day, Zi Yun was chatting with Jingyi, Nan Xiang, and Gao Pin when a page boy came in carrying a bundle of letters. Zi Yun saw the front of the package and realized it was sent by Qu Daoweng while en route to Nanjing, which delighted him. He opened the main envelope, inside of which were over ten letters for various friends, all written in Qin Yan’s handwriting. The letters explained that he had injured his arm and couldn’t write properly, but they were mainly expressions of gratitude. One of the letters contained a five-character ancient-style poem for the members of Yi Garden, as well as eight seven-character regulated verses composed during his journey. Zi Yun also saw another letter from Qin Yan and opened it. Inside were three letters: one was addressed to a group of famous scholars, one to a group of brothers, and one to Yu Xiang. Zi Yun read through each, and the letters to the famous scholars and the actors were deeply emotional. When he opened the letter addressed to Zi Yu, it contained a poem written in the style of the Golden Thread Song, which read:
“Who could have expected this? Day after day, my tears flood my sleeves, staining them purple. In a solitary village by the misty waters, where can I even look back? The sight is blurred, difficult to see. The wind and rain continue, blowing ceaselessly. If my dreams can no longer fly to you, I look to the vast sky, hoping to ride the clouds away. In just one moment, a thousand miles can pass. I bring you good news, which should bring joy to your heart. Though we part in life, and I remain alive, it’s still better than death. Strive to stay well until the day we meet again, to preserve your body and spirit. Though we are now in two places, this is just the beginning. Since ancient times, deep emotions have only accumulated into deep regret. I regret that the eastern-flowing river can never meet the western-flowing river. My heart is broken! And thus, I write this.”
Zi Yun and the others were amazed after reading it, saying, “Who would have thought that Yu Nong could match Yu Xiang’s original poem in skill and depth? It’s just as sorrowful.” Gao Pin said, “When did Yu Nong’s talent grow so much? Last year, I didn’t see him capable of this.” Ci Xian replied, “It must be a recent development. Who would have thought that after spending a few days with Naixiong, he would have improved this much? If he continues for another two years, who knows how good he’ll become!” Nan Xiang added, “I thought Yu Xiang’s poem was a masterpiece that couldn’t be matched, but who could have imagined that Yu Nong would write a poem like this? I think no one but Yu Nong could have written such a response.” They then noticed another note written by Qin Yan:
“I wanted to follow the rhyme, but the original poem’s rhyme is too overused, so I couldn’t use it again. I forced myself to pick new rhymes, but in doing so, I lost the emotional flow. That’s why I changed the rhyme. On the ninth day of the sixth month, I was delayed by winds at Yan Zi Ji, where I saw a lonely boat tied with iron chains, commonly called the makeup tower of Chen Miao Chang. This was the place where one bids farewell to autumn on the river. Reflecting on the past, I once played the role of You Meng in a play and acted out this story, never expecting that I would now be walking in the same place in real life. The sight before me stirs my heart, and my sorrow is deeper than the waters. Fortunately, the south wind is blowing, pushing me northward. My dreams are always strange, going against what I wish in my heart. At the sound of the village rooster, I rise from bed, overcome with emotion. Alas, alas! What more is there to say? Please take care of yourself and eat well, so that we may meet again in good health. The summer and autumn seasons are harsh; take care of yourself a thousand times over. Qin Yan, with deepest respects.”
Zi Yun and the others sighed after reading the letter. Zi Yun said, “What should we do? Should we invite Yu Xiang over?” Ci Xian replied, “No, if Yu Xiang sees this poem, he’ll surely be heartbroken and cry bitterly. It would only embarrass him to cry here. Better to send it to him and let him cry to his heart’s content in private.” Zi Yun immediately had someone send the letters from Qin Yan and Daosheng to Zi Yu.
Meanwhile, Zi Yu had been feeling melancholic for several days after visiting Chun Hang’s residence and seeing all the famous actors, except for Qin Yan. One night, as he was sleeping, he suddenly dreamed that Yun’er came and said, “Young master, Qin Yan has returned.” Zi Yu was overjoyed and asked, “Where is he?” Yun’er replied, “He’s just outside the door.” Zi Yu rushed to the main gate and, upon looking out, saw only misty water stretching endlessly with no shore in sight. Startled, he said, “Where is this place?” Confused and directionless, he walked along the riverbank, seeing only white waves crashing against the sky and boats passing by with their masts and sails. After walking a distance, Yun’er suddenly appeared again, saying, “Qin Yan is on a boat. He’s sheltering from the wind at Yan Zi Ji.” Zi Yu asked, “How far is Yan Zi Ji from here?” Yun’er replied, “This is Guanyin Gate. Yan Zi Ji is just ahead, but we’ll need a boat to get there.” The two stood by the river for a while until they saw a small boat approaching, with its clean oars gently dipping in the water. When it reached the shore, Zi Yu looked closely and saw that the person rowing the boat was none other than Qin Yan.
Zi Yu called out, “Yu Nong, where have you come from?” Qin Yan wiped away his tears and pulled the boat ashore. Zi Yu boarded the boat, but Yun’er had disappeared. Zi Yu, confused, asked, “Where did Yun’er go?” Qin Yan replied, “He’s gone ahead.” Qin Yan then said, “It’s been only a month since we parted, yet it feels like a lifetime. Look at me—I’ve cried so much that my eyes are swollen, but you don’t seem to have missed me at all. I even burned the poem you wrote for me and swallowed the ashes. Now I have a belly full of tears, but I can’t cry them out.” Zi Yu replied, “How can you say that? When you got into the carriage, everything went black before my eyes, and it felt like I was sitting on the edge of your carriage, going with you. But then you pushed me out, and I woke up, feeling as if I had fallen. I was sick for more than ten days after that. How can you say I didn’t think of you?”
Qin Yan said, “But how did you manage to come here? We’re more than 2,500 miles apart.” Zi Yu replied, “Yun’er brought me here. It didn’t feel far at all. As soon as I stepped out of the gate, I was here.” As Qin Yan rowed, he placed one hand on Zi Yu’s knee and said, “I hate you now. I’ve become the east-flowing river, and you’ve become the west-flowing river. We can never meet again.” Before Zi Yu could respond, Qin Yan gracefully stood up and sat in Zi Yu’s lap, wrapping one arm around Zi Yu’s shoulder. Zi Yu felt extremely uneasy and tried to push him away, but suddenly Qin Yan transformed into a young woman, about seventeen or eighteen years old. She wore a tall headdress adorned with emeralds, her eyes were clear as autumn waters, her face powdered and her lips red, exuding a fragrance from head to toe. Zi Yu was shocked and tried to push her away, but his arms were weak, and his body felt limp. He could only stare at her blankly. The young woman softly said, “A fine night with the moon and wind, a fated meeting across a thousand miles. My home is not far, just past Longban Bridge, at the second door of the blue building. If you don’t disdain me, I’d like to form a bond with you.” Zi Yu was terrified, his heart racing, and said, “We’ve never met before—how can you speak so lightly? Your words have entered my ears and can’t be taken back. Even if you’re joking, I don’t want to hear it.”
He quickly tried to get up and leave, but the young woman held him back, laughing as she said, “What a foolish man! Why are you so uptight and rigid? You seem so lost and lonely. Are you really so devoted to Du Yu Nong? Is it not because of desire? Love between men and women is a natural thing. Why are you so rigid, like clinging to a broken reed or carving your love into a drifting boat? If the two of us aren’t compatible, how can love arise? If you aren’t driven by lust, then tell me what it is about Du Yu Nong that makes you love him. Even if your words seem virtuous, it’s hard to believe. Now, if we’re talking about appearance, do you think Du Yu Nong is more beautiful than I am? By now, his eyes are swollen from crying, and his face is yellow and
waxy, haggard to the point of death. You don’t need to pretend anymore. Give him up.”
This translation maintains every detail, dialogue, and nuance without summarization or omission.
Here is the paragraph-by-paragraph translation of the text, without missing any detail:
The young woman held Zi Yu tightly. Zi Yu, in great distress, could only shout, “Yun’er, come quickly!” The young woman said, “Foolish boy, why are you shouting? Is it possible for a woman to tease a man?” Zi Yu asked, “What do you intend to do?” The young woman replied, “I am only moved by your talent and appearance. You are a man; can you not handle this?” Zi Yu became even more anxious. Just as he felt completely helpless, another boat drew closer, and the windows of the two boats aligned. He saw Qin Yan sitting in the cabin, reciting his Golden Thread Song, with tears of sorrow in his voice, almost to the point of crying.
Zi Yu called out, “Yu Nong, save me!” The young woman became furious, pushing him away harshly and cursing, “How could there be such a useless scholar, making me so angry I could die!” Seeing that the two boats were side by side, Zi Yu quickly climbed across to the other boat. Upon seeing Qin Yan, his joy was indescribable. But as he looked more closely, he saw that Qin Yan’s eyes were indeed swollen and dried out from crying, his face as pale as wax. When Qin Yan saw Zi Yu, he covered his face and sobbed, which pierced Zi Yu’s heart like a blade. Qin Yan said, “Who told you to come all this way? Did you forget my words? I told you not to come. Look at the vast Yangtze River. Doesn’t your mother worry about you? What if something dangerous happens? How could I bear the responsibility?” Then he started crying again. Zi Yu felt immense sorrow and tried his best to comfort him.
Qin Yan said, “I have composed a response to your poem.” He took it out and handed it to Zi Yu. Zi Yu took it and looked, but instead of seeing a poem, it was the handkerchief that Qin Yan had sent him when he visited the Hua residence. It was stained with blood and tears, so vivid they could be counted. At that moment, Zi Yu felt as if thousands of arrows pierced his heart. After a while, he asked, “Why are you here alone? Where is your foster father, Mr. Daoweng? Where has he gone?” Qin Yan replied, “Are you asking about my foster father?” He sighed deeply, and tears streamed down his face like rain. After a long pause, he said, “I came just to see you one more time. Otherwise, this place would be where I’m buried.” Zi Yu didn’t understand and was about to ask further, when someone came out from the back of the boat. Seeing the person, Zi Yu was so terrified that his soul nearly left his body. It wasn’t just anyone—it was his father, Scholar Mei, his face full of anger.
Scholar Mei shouted at him, “Shameless wretch! First, you caused trouble at home, and now you’ve run away from your mother—this is outrageous!” Zi Yu, frightened out of his wits, couldn’t help but cry out, “Oh no!” and tried to hide on the other boat. But as he took a step, his foot slipped, and with a loud splash, he fell into the river.
With a jolt, he awoke, drenched in cold sweat. It was all just a dream. He could hear the chirping of insects, and the moonlight was shining through the gauze window. Leaning on his pillow, he was filled with sadness and sorrow.
The next day, a message came from Zi Yun’s residence with Qin Yan’s response poem. After reading it, Zi Yu was overcome with grief, almost to the point of collapse.
He spent half the day reading the letter and the poem over a hundred times. Despite his sorrow, he felt joy at Qin Yan’s scholarly improvement, as the poem had become a masterpiece. He then sewed an ancient brocade pouch, placed the poem inside, and kept it close to him.
What happens next will be revealed in the following chapter.
This translation captures every detail and dialogue, maintaining the original content without summarization or omission.