話說琴仙上船，聞道翁跌壞，連忙進艙看視，道翁道：「此刻略清爽些，就是半個身子動不來，想也就好的。我已服了好些藥，你今日到何處去？」琴仙便說去逛莫愁湖，有個杜仙女墓，與仙乩上說的相對。道翁也覺詫異，道：「果然有這個墳，有碑記沒有呢？」琴仙道：「沒有碑記。」也將紅衣女子的光景述了一遍。道翁猜是蓮花神指點，父子兩個說了一會話。
琴仙又將石翁所贈的詩，與道翁看了。道翁不覺動氣，因說道：「此老遊戲散漫，習與性成，老來還是這樣。我就素鄙其人，不過愛其才耳。將這扇子撕了罷。」琴仙即將扇子撕得粉碎，一夜無話。
明早將要過關，忽然起了大頂風，走了錨，白浪滔天，把船倒打上去，一直打到了燕子磯，方才收住，連忙拋錨打橛，加纜守風。道翁叫過琴仙來，吩咐道：「京中諸好友也應寫封信去道謝道謝，我膀子疼，你替我寫，我念給你。寫行書就是了，不必盡要楷書。」一面靠在靠枕上，一面念給琴仙，大同小異寫了十幾封，又寫了好些詩，足足寫了大半天。傍晚風小了些，道翁知他寫乏了，便叫劉喜同他上岸去散散。劉喜同了琴仙，到燕子磯上逛了一逛，又到宏濟寺看了懸崖撒手處，再到了鐵索纜孤舟，名勝不一而足，直到天黑而回。琴仙想和子玉的詞，便臥在牀想了半夜才妥。明日依然大風，不能開船，即寫了這首詞，又寫了一封信。此外又寫了兩封，一與眾名士，一與眾弟兄，與道翁的信一處封了。道翁命家人進城，交城守營加封遞寄。
道翁一生於筆墨一事，耗費心血，又傷於酒，前日這一跌已中了心，有時清楚，有時昏憒，若痰湧上來，便迷了心，連話也說出來。兼之老年人了，大小便也不甚便，這些下人如何肯來服事？就只劉喜一人又兼買辦，料理飲食，是以琴仙徹夜無眠，在中艙伺侯。偏遇了日日頂風，江中船來來往往，壞了多少。道翁自想：「此病未必能好，就好了，也是半身不遂之症。雖道路不多，但這個癱痪人，到省去怎樣見得上司？不如在此醫好了，再去也不遲。」主意定了，叫人進城去租公館，遂租了旱西門內一個護國寺養病，即搬運行李，開發船價。道翁與琴仙乘輿進了城，到了寓所，倒也乾乾淨淨的一的客房，每月房租銀三兩。道翁與琴仙對面做房，中間空了兩間。琴仙見這四間屋子甚是乾淨，院子時有兩株大槐樹遮住了，不見天日。後面也是個大院子，卻是草深一尺，樓下有口棺木放著，卻是空的。一邊是四五間廂房，一間做了廚房，那幾間與下人住了。一邊是牆，牆上有重門通著外面。初搬進來，尚未佈置妥當，箱籠堆滿一處。劉喜等先將道翁並琴仙的牀帳鋪設好了，琴仙自將筆研玩意佈置，也掛了些字畫。自此住在廟裡，請醫調治。
誰知道翁命逢陽九，歲數將終，非特不能好，倒添出別樣病來。因他一生心血用枯，素有李長吉嘔血之病，近來好了幾年，此時重又大發，一日嘔吐數次，神昏色喪，臥牀不起。過了二十餘日，更加沉重。琴仙見此光景，心如油沸，日夜在神前焚香禱告，願以身代。道公自知不免，見琴仙如此孝心，更增傷感：「設或中道棄捐，教他如何歸著，依靠誰人？」想到此，淚流不已。正在悲傷之際，琴仙捧了藥碗進來，見了道翁，不敢仰視，惟淚盈盈的站在一邊。道翁叫他上來，琴仙放下藥碗，在牀沿坐了。道翁執了他的手，叫了聲「琴兒」，便覺喉間噎住，說不出來。琴仙淚似穿珠，滴個不住，只得把袖子掩了面。道翁又一絲半氣的接了一句，說：「我害了你了，你好端端……」琴仙忍住了哭，叫聲：「爹爹，且請保重。這年災月晦，也是人人常有的。」道翁又歎了一聲。琴仙道：「藥已煎好了，請服罷。」道翁道：「病已至此，還服什麼藥？可不必了。但我死後，你仍舊…」又歇了一會，說道：「仍舊到京去。我看你心氣已定，我可放心。但我生無以為家，死無以為墓，照伍大夫以鴟夷裹屍，沉我於燕子磯下罷，切勿殯葬。」
琴仙聽了，肝腸寸斷，雙膝跪在牀前，淚流滿面，惟雙手捧著藥碗。道翁勉強吃了一口，咳嗽一聲，又吐出許多血來。
時日將暮，琴仙方寸已亂，不知怎樣，只聽柏樹上那幾個老鴉，呀呀呀的叫個不住。又有一梟鳥在破樓上，鼓吻弄舌，叫得琴仙毛髮森豎。時已新秋，天氣晝熱夜涼，琴仙身上發冷，到自己房裡去穿衣。走到中堂，一燈如豆，那盞小琉璃，也是昏昏欲滅。窗外新月模糊，見樹邊有個人影一閃，即不見了。
琴仙唬得打顫，連忙叫人，劉喜偏有事去了，那三個不見個影兒，也不知在那裡。琴仙戰兢兢的走到房中，不防牀前一個大烏黑的東西衝將出來，把琴仙一撞，「哎呀」一聲，栽倒在地。
那東西一溜煙走了，唬得琴仙渾身發抖。停了好一回，爬起來，燈又滅了。再到外頭來點了燈，重到房來，見地下有個小木蓋子，將燈一照，牀前一個大碗翻在那裡。原來劉喜見琴仙天天不能吃飯，今日將蓮子薏苡蒸了一隻一百天的大肥筍鴨子與琴仙，也只吃了幾塊。劉喜又怕那幾個同伴要偷吃，便將蓋子蓋了，放在牀下。不防那裡來了一個大獅毛狗，聞見了香味，倒來打掃一空，還把琴仙撞了一交。
琴仙穿了個半臂，坐了一會，聽得後頭有響聲，便又叫聲張貴，不聽得答應。琴仙又不敢去看，劉喜是請大夫沒有回來，又問了一聲：「是誰？」也沒有答應。再聽得一聲很響，像似棺材暴起來，又像鬼叫了幾聲，琴仙好不害怕。想到佛前去求告，卻又心驚肉跳的不敢前去。要不去，心又不安。重到道翁房裡看時，見昏昏沉沉的睡著了，便放大了膽，燒了一爐香，就在院子裡跪下，叩頭默禱，禱了三刻工夫方才起來，樹上落下一個蟲，在髮頂上蠕蠕的動。琴仙心慌，將袖子拂了下來，拿了香爐，走進了房，方才坐下，心上還突突的跳。忽見自己肩上有三寸來長的一條蠍虎，爬到胸前來。琴仙魂不附體，不敢用手去攆他，將半臂一抖，蠍虎又倒走了回去，那尾還在他頸上一捎，琴仙骨節酥麻，不知怎樣，只得將半臂脫了，扔在地下。那蠍虎又從頸上爬在頭上，琴仙唬得哭叫起來。
卻好劉喜回來了，進來見了，拿扇子打下來，一腳踏死。
琴仙已唬得滿身寒毛直豎，眼淚汪汪，且遍體發燒，眼睛冒火。
劉喜與他放了蚊帳，看他牀下只有一個空碗，便問道：「那鴨子呢？」琴仙道：「我不在房，一個大黑狗進來吃了。」劉喜罵了一聲：「那裡來這個害瘟疫的狗？我還不敢放在廚房裡，恐伙計們嘴饞，來撕了幾塊去，倒請了這只狗了。」琴仙道：「你為何去了這半天才回？」劉喜道：「那王大夫今日到儀徵縣去了，要耽擱三四天才回。我只得去請了李大夫，也是個名醫，住的遠，來回有二十里路呢。」又問道：「老爺此刻怎樣？」琴仙道：「還是這樣。」劉喜道：「如果老爺有些長短便怎樣呢？」琴仙又哭道：「如果有什麼不好，我也是死。」劉喜歎了一聲，到道翁房裡來看了一看，就到後頭去了。
琴仙又到道翁的房來，只聽得劉喜嚷道：「不好了，這些箱子到那裡去了？」琴仙聽了，慌忙出來，走到後面廂房裡看時，就剩了幾個書畫箱，其餘搬運一空。見張貴、汪升、錢德的李行都沒有了，此刻還不回來？這門開著，豈沒有人進來的，如何是好呢？況且盤費銀子也都在箱內。老爺房內一個小扁箱，只有幾件單紗衣服。大爺你的東西全偷去了，你房裡那個小箱子，也是幾件紗衣。現在我身邊存不到二十兩銀子，適或有起事來，這怎麼樣呢？琴仙急得沒有主意，只得說道：「這事斷不可對老爺講，別急壞了他，且等張貴等回來，再作商量。」
琴仙與劉喜等到天明，絕無影響，方知三人偷了東西走了。
琴仙卻不是心疼東西，見道翁如此模樣，設有不測，則殯殮之費皆無，如何是好？便哭了半日，只剩下一個劉喜，又不能分身尋覓。
忽聽得道翁叫人，琴仙急忙過去，見他歪轉過身，當他要解手，問了他，搖搖頭，心上要坐起來。琴仙叫劉喜來幫著扶起，把兩個大靠枕靠了背。道翁道：「你們去找我那些詩文集來。」琴仙忙去開了箱，一部一部的搬過來。道翁問了書名，又過了目，叫留下一本近作詩稿子，一本書畫冊，其餘都叫燒了。琴仙哭道：「這些詩文著你，一生的心血在內，正可留以傳世，為何要燒了呢？」道翁道：「你不知道，我沒有這些東西，我也不至今日這個模樣，總是他誤了我。若留下他，將來是要害人的。教人學了我，也與我一樣，偃蹇一生，為造物所忌。斷斷留不得，快拿去盡行燒了。」琴仙萬種傷心，十分無奈，只得到外面燒了幾種，又自藏了幾種，道翁將方才留的詩文字畫付與琴仙道：「這個給你作紀念。」琴仙見此光景，就要忍住哭，也忍不住了，只是掩面嗚咽。道翁又叫取筆硯來，琴仙磨了墨送上，道翁要紙，琴仙又送上紙，扶正了他。劉喜搬過一張小桌，放在牀前，琴仙在旁照應。道翁喘了一會，劉喜擰了毛巾與他擦了臉，嗽了口。
道翁執著筆，顫巍巍的，一大一小，寫了一篇放下，又喘了一回，眼中掉下淚來，叫一聲：「琴兒，我有句話吩咐你。」琴仙含淚聽訓。道翁道：「你雖幼年失路，但看你立志不凡，我不須多囑，你回京後自然舊業是不理的了，徐度香處盡可寄身。」琴仙聽到此，便哭起來，不能答應。道翁又道：「這個遺言你收好了，將來到京之後與度香，他必有個道理。」琴仙接了過來，看是：
六月八日偕侯石翁遊涼山，登絕山獻，為罡風吹落墮地，致份腰足。歸臥不起，嘔血數斗，現寓白下蕭寺中，彌留之際，旦夕間事也。傷哉！傷哉！素車無聞，青繩誰弔，骸輕蟬蛻，魂咽之潮。一抔之土何方，六尺之孤誰托？琴兒素蒙青眼，令其來依。嗚呼？度香知我，自能慰我於九原也。殘魂不餒，當為報德之蛇；稚子有知，亦作感思之雀。肝膽素照，神魂可通，不盡之言，伏惟矜察。七月七日屈本立絕筆。
琴仙看了。不覺慟倒在地，劉喜也哭了，道翁命劉喜扶起琴仙，琴仙獨自倚牀而哭，道翁道：「不必哭了，我累了你。殯殮之後，即埋我於江岸，也不必等過百日，你速速進京罷。你將我的文憑送到石翁處，托他在制臺前繳了，要他與我做篇傳。人雖不足傳，但我一生之困苦艱難也就少有的。」琴仙只自掩面哭泣，不能答應，劉喜也淚落不止，滿屋中忽覺香風拂拂，道翁叫劉喜與他擦了身子，換了衣裳，桌上焚了一爐香，道翁跏趺而坐。琴仙偷眼看他。像個不吉的光景，只見又提筆來。在紙上寫了四句道：
一世牢騷到白頭，文章誤我不封候。
江山故國空文藻，重過南朝感舊遊。
題罷，擲筆而逝。琴仙一見，又昏暈倒了，慌得劉喜神魂失措，一面哭，一面拍醒琴仙。琴仙跪在牀前，抱了道翁雙足，哭得昏而醒，醒而昏，足足哭了半天。劉喜連連解勸道：「大爺，事已如此，人死不能復生，料理後事要緊。這麼個熱天，也不宜耽擱。」琴仙那裡肯聽，又哭了好一會，直到淚枯聲盡，人也起不來了。劉喜扶了他起來，又拿水來與他淨了臉，琴仙才敢仰視，只見道翁容顏帶笑，玉柱雙垂，室中餘香未散。琴仙對劉喜道：「你看老爺是成了仙了。」劉喜道：「老爺一生正直，豈有不成仙之理。」劉喜與琴仙商議道：「前日扣下船價二十兩，已用了四兩，還有十六兩。我的箱子，他們算有良心，沒有拿去，內中破破爛爛也可當得二三十千，共湊起來，五十吊錢是有的。老爺的後事也只得將就辦了。或者報喪之後有些分子下來，也未可定。但這件事怎樣的辦呢？」〕
琴仙道：「這些事我都不知道，盡要仗你費點心的了。」劉喜道：「這個不消吩咐。」於是先將道翁扶下，易簀之後，點了香燭，焚了紙錢，昨日請的李大夫方來，聞得死了，即忙回轉。劉喜出去料理，一個人又沒有幫手。棺材買不到，只得向和尚買了那一口停放在後樓的，就去了二十二千大錢。其餘做孝衣，叫吹鼓手，請僧唸經，僱了一個廚子，忙得不了。琴仙諸事不能，惟在牀前守屍痛哭，水漿不入口者兩日。劉喜又疼他，也無空勸他。入殮之後，停放中堂，琴仙穿了麻衣，在靈幃伴宿，劉喜也開鋪在一邊。此時正是中元時候，是個蘭盆鬼節。南京風俗，處處給鬼施食，燒紙唸經，並用油紙札了燈彩，點了放在河中，要照見九泉之意。一日之內，斷風零雨，白日烏雲，一刻一變。古寺中已見落葉滿階，蕭蕭瑟瑟。夜間月映紙窗，秋蟲亂叫，就是歡樂人到此，也要感慨，況多愁善哭如琴仙，再當此煢煢顧影，前路茫茫，豈不寸心如割！正是死無死法，活無活法。若死了，道翁這個靈樞怎樣？豈不做了負恩人？若活了，請教又怎樣熬這傷心日子？數日之間，將個如花如玉的容顏，也就變得十分憔悴了，飲食也減了。一個來月，日間惟喝粥兩碗，不是哭，就是睡，也似成了病的光景。
那日晚上，酸風動魄，微雨打窗，琴仙反覆不寐，百感交並起來。在房裡走了幾步，腳下又虛飄飄的。聽得劉喜鼻息如雷，琴仙走去看時，見枕頭推在一邊，仰著面，開著口，鼻孔朝天，鼾聲大振，一手摸著心坎。又見一個耗子，在他鋪上走去，聞他的鼻子。琴仙恐怕咬他，喝了一聲，耗子跳了過去，琴仙也轉身回鋪。聽得劉喜鼻子哼哼哼的叫了幾聲，便罵起來，忽然一搶出來，往外就跑，唬得琴仙毛骨聳然，不知何故，忙出來拉他。劉喜撞開長窗，望著大樹直奔上去，兩手抱住不放。
琴仙不解其故，倒唬得呆了。停了一會，不見響動，才大著膽走上前，見劉喜抱著樹，又在那裡打鼾。琴仙見他尚是睡著，便叫了幾聲，推了幾推，劉喜方醒過來，問道：「做什麼？」琴仙道：「你是什麼緣故？睡夢中跑出來，抱住了樹。」劉喜方揉揉眼，停了一停，道：「原來是夢。我方才張貴來扯我的被窩，我正要捉他，問他的箱子，一趕出來抱住他，不想抱著了樹，又睡著了。」自己也笑了一笑，琴仙又害怕，又好笑，同了進來，關了窗子，劉喜倒身復睡。
琴仙也只得睡下，恍恍惚惚的，一會覺自己走出寺來，見對面有個書鋪，招牌寫著華正昌三字，有個老年掌櫃的照應了他。琴仙即進鋪內，忽聽鑼聲鍠鍠，又接著作樂之聲。回頭看時，見一對對的旌旗幡蓋，儀從紛紜，還有那金盔金甲，執刀列道，香煙成字，寶蓋蟠雲，玉女金童，華妝妙像，過了有半個時辰。末後見一座七香寶輦，坐著一位女神，正大華容，珠瓔蔽面。看這些儀仗並那尊神都進寺裡去了，琴仙也跟了進去，卻不是那個寺，寶殿巍峨，是個極大所在。只見那些儀從人唱名參見後，兩班排立，弓衣刀鞘，儼似軍中，威嚴要畏。琴仙躲在一棵樹後偷望，見那尊神後站著許多侍女，宮妝豔服，手中有捧如意的，有捧巾櫛的，有捧書冊的，有執扇的。只見那尊神說了幾句話，卻聽不明白。見人叢裡走出一個童子來，約十二三歲。雖然見他清眉秀目，卻已頭角崢嶸，英姿爽颯，走上階去，長揖不拜。又見那尊神似有怒容，連連的拍案，罵那童子，見那童子口裡也像分辨。兩人覺說了好一會話，然後見那尊神顏色稍和，那童子也就俯首而立。又見那尊神向右手站的一個侍女說了一句什麼，那侍女便入後殿。少頃，捧著一個古錦囊出來，走近童子身邊。那童子欲接不接似的，雙手將衣衿拽起，侍女把錦囊一抖，見大大小小的，新新舊舊，五顏六色，共有百十來枝筆，一齊倒入那童子衣兜裡。見那童子謝一聲，站了一會，尊神又與他講了好些話，那童子方徐行退下。
琴仙看他一直出了廟門，心上想道：「這不知是什麼地方？那個童子好不兀傲，到了此處，還是那樣凜凜的神色，怎麼跪也不跪的，想是個有根氣的人，來歷不小。」琴仙將要出去，只見一個戴金襆頭穿紅袍的神人進來，仔細一看，就是他義父屈道翁。琴仙吃了一驚，心上卻不當他是死的。因為這個地方，不敢上前相見，仍躲在樹後。見他義父上階，打了一恭。那尊神也不回禮，略把手舉了一舉，見他義父恭恭敬敬站在一旁。
那尊神問了幾句話，便聽得一聲雲板，兩邊鼓樂起來。尊神退入後殿去了，儀從亦紛紛各散。見他義父獨在階下徘徊，仰瞻殿宇。琴仙此時忽想他已身死，一陣傷心，上前牽住了衣哭起來。見他義父也覺淒然，便安慰他道：「琴兒，你受苦了，也是你命裡注定的。不過百日困苦，耐煩等候，自有個好人來帶你回去。」琴仙想要問他幾件事情，卻一件也想不起，就記得方才那個童子，問道：「方才有個童子進來，那尊神給他許多筆，始而又罵他，這童子是什麼人？」道翁道：「這童子前身卻不小，從六朝時轉劫到此刻，想還罵他從前的罪孽。後來是個大作家，名傳不朽的。三十年後見他一部小小的著作，四十年後還有大著作出來。」琴仙又問道：「這位尊神是何名號？」道翁道：「低聲。」便左右顧盼了一會，用指頭在琴仙掌中寫了兩字，琴仙看是殿娥二字，也不甚明白，再要問時，道翁已望外走，琴仙隨在後頭。見他出了廟門，上了馬，也有兩個皂隸跟著。道翁把鞭梢一指道：「那邊梅翰林來了。」琴仙回頭一看，只見江山如畫，是燕子磯邊，自己仍在船上，道翁也不知去向。忽見一個船靠攏來，見子玉坐在艙裡，長吁短歎。
琴仙又觸起心事，欲要叫他，那船已與他的船相並。琴仙又見他艙裡走出一個美人來，豔妝華服，與子玉並坐。琴仙細看，卻又大駭，分明就是他扮戲的裝束，面貌一毫不錯。自己又看看自己，想不出緣故來。見他二人香肩相並，噥噥唧唧，好不情深意密，心上看出氣來。忽見那美人拿了一面鏡子，他們兩人同照，聽得那美人笑吟吟的說道：「一鏡分照兩人，心事不分明。」聽得子玉笑道：「有甚不分明？」琴仙心上忍耐不住，便叫了一聲：「庾香好麼？」那子玉毫不聽見。琴仙又叫了一聲，只聽子玉說道：「今日好耳熱，不知有誰罵我。」那美人忽然望見琴仙，便說道：「什麼人在這裡偷看人？」便將鏡子望琴仙臉上擲來。琴仙一躲，落在艙裡，那邊的船也不見了。
琴仙拾起鏡子來一照，見自己變了那莫愁湖裡採蓮船上的紅衣女子，心中大奇。忽又見許多人影，從鏡子裡過去，就是那一班名士與一班名旦。自己忽將鏡子反過來，隱隱的有好些人映在裡面，好像是魏聘才、奚十一等類。正看時，那鏡子忽轉旋起來，光明如月，成了一顆大珠，頗覺有趣。忽然船艙外伸進一隻藍手，滿臂的鱗甲，伸開五個大爪，把這面鏡子搶去了。
琴仙「哎喲」一聲，原來是夢。睜眼看時，已是日高三丈，劉喜早已起身了。
琴仙起來，得喜伺候洗臉。琴仙呆呆的想那夢，件件都記得逼清，將兩頭藏過，單將中間的夢與劉喜說了，老爺像成了神，但是位分也不甚大。劉喜道：「只要成了神就是了，想必天上也會升轉的。」劉喜一會兒就送上飯來，說要到侯老爺那裡去，告訴老爺這件事情，要他將文憑找出來。琴仙道：「文憑也在那個衣箱子裡，也偷了去了，怎樣好呢？」劉喜道：「偷去了麼？那只好求侯老爺與制臺講明，想人已死了，也沒有什麼要緊的。」劉喜伺候了飯，脫了孝衫，便到鳳凰山侯石翁處來。那侯石翁自從見道翁跌了這一交，甚不放心。隔了一日，來找道翁的船，已不見了，當是開了船，只道他已經到任，再不料他已經身故，心上又想起琴仙：「見了那首詩，不知是喜是惱，想來經我品題，自然歡喜。但看他生得這般妙麗，卻冷冰冰的，少些風趣。可惜如此美男，若能收他作個門生，足以娛此暮年。」正在胡思亂想，只見劉喜進來，在地下叩頭。
石翁問道：「怎麼你又回來了，不曾跟去麼？」劉喜將道翁歸天之事，細細說了。又將遺言囑托並張貴等偷去衣箱、銀錢等物，並文憑也偷去了，如今少爺在寺裡守靈，連衣食將要不給起來。石翁聽大驚，道：「有這等事！我道是已經到任去了，那知道這個光景！」便也灑了幾點淚。劉喜道：「此時總要求老爺想個法子才好。」石翁道：「屈才爺相好呢盡多，但皆不在這裡。我只好寫幾封信，你去刻了訃聞，拿來我這裡發，也有些分子來，就可以辦喪事了。我與屈老爺多年相好，況且他還有個孤兒在此，我自然要盡力照應的。官事我明日去見制臺說，就著江、上兩縣緝拿張貴等，並要行文到江西，恐他們將這文憑到江西去撞騙，也不可不防的。這些事都在我。明日還到寺裡弔奠，面見你們少爺，再商量別的事。」劉喜叩謝了回來，對琴仙講了，琴仙也沒有什麼感激。明日石翁去見了制臺，說知此事，又到上元縣與劉喜補了呈子，知縣通詳了，一面緝拿逃奴，一面行文到江西去了。 石翁過了一日，備了一桌祭筵，一副聯額，親到寺裡來上香奠酒，痛哭了一場，倒哭得老淚盈盈，甚是傷感。琴仙在孝幃裡也痛哭，心上想道：「此老倒也有些義氣，聽他這哭倒也不是假的。」石翁收了淚，叫自己帶來的人掛了匾額，看了一看，歎口氣，走進孝幃。琴仙忙叩頭道謝，石翁蹲下身子，一把挽住，也就盤腿坐下，挨近了琴仙，握了琴仙的手，迷離了老眼。此時石翁如坐香草叢中，覺得一陣幽香，隨風攢入鼻孔，此心不醉而自醉。見他梨花似的，雖然容光減了好些，那一種叫人憐惜疼愛的光景，也增了許多。琴仙心上不悅，身子移遠些，石翁倒要湊近些，說道：「不料賢姪遭此大故，昨日劉喜來說了方知。不然，我還當往江西去了。前月初十日，我到江邊，見你們已開了船，誰知道有這些事。如今你心上打算怎樣？」琴仙心裡很煩，但不得不回答幾句，便說道：「承老伯的厚意，與先父張羅一切，甚是感激不盡。小姪的意思，且守過了百天，覓塊地，將先人安葬了，那時再作主意。」
石翁道：「這是什麼主意！你令先尊是湖北人，汨羅江是他的祖居。他數代單傳，並無本家親戚。你若到那裡去，是沒有一個人認得的。況如今又是孑然一身，東西都偷光了，回湖北這個念頭可不必起了。京裡人情勢利，況你令尊也沒有什麼至交在京裡。從來說：『人在人情在。』不是我說，賢姪你太生得嬌柔，又在妙齡，如何受得苦？那奔走求食，好不難呢！就我與你令尊，是三十年文章道義之交，我不提拔你，教誰提拔你？輪也輪到我，我是義不容辭的。歇天我來接你回去，這靈柩且寄停在這裡，一兩月後，找著了地，再安葬不遲。你且放寬了心，有我在此，決不教你無依無靠。你天資想是極好，將來成了名，也與你令尊爭口氣，我也於臉有光的。就此定了主意，不必三心二意。」
琴仙見他這個樣子，兩隻生花老眼看定了他，口中雖說得正大光明，那神色之間，總不像個好人。心上又氣又怕，臉已漲紅，低了頭，又不肯答應。石翁把琴仙的手握在掌中，兩手輕輕的搓了幾搓，笑迷迷的又問道：「前日扇上那首詩，看了可懂得麼？」琴仙心中更氣，把手縮進，將要哭了，便要站起來走開。石翁拉住道：「且慢，還有話說。你在京裡時，認得些什麼人？」琴仙想不理他，又不好，只得忍住了氣道：「人也認得幾個。」石翁道：「是些什麼人？」琴仙道：「都是一班正正經經的，倒也沒有那種假好人。徐度香、梅庾香之外，還有幾人也是名士。」石翁笑道：「徐度香麼，是曉山相國的公子，他與你相好麼？」琴仙道：「是，現在先君還有一封遺書與他，托他照應的。」
石翁笑道：「了不得了，快不要去。這些紈袴公子，你如何同得來的！他外面雖與你相好，心上卻不把你當作朋友。你倒不要多心，不是我說，你的年紀太小，又生得這好模樣，京城的風氣極壞，嘴貧舌薄，斷斷去不得。你去了，也要懊悔的。自然在我這裡，你令尊九泉之下也放心。你拜我作義爺也好，拜我作老師也好，我又是七十多歲的人，人家還有什麼議論？且我家裡姬妾也有好幾個，疼你的人也多，娘兒們一樣，自然有個照應。你若要到京，這路途遙遙的，路上我就不放心。而且人要議論我不是，怎麼把個至交的遺孤撇在腦後，也不照應，讓他獨自去了。你想這句話，我如何當得起？」琴仙只當沒有聽見，灑脫了手，站得遠遠的。石翁沒趣，睜大了三角眼，瞅了他一會，又道：「我是一片好心，你倒不要錯了主意。」便起身要走，琴仙只得又叩了兩個頭，道：「小姪不認得外邊，就算謝過孝了。」
石翁要扶他，琴仙已站了起來，離遠了，石翁走出窗外，當著琴仙送他，尚可說兩句。誰知琴仙竟已入幃。石翁無奈，只得走了回去。想了半日，明日著人送了一擔米、一擔炭、四兩銀來，試試琴仙的心受不受，若受了，自然慢慢的還肯到他家裡去。誰知琴仙執不肯受，劉喜也不敢作主，只得原物璧還。石翁甚怒，罵他不受抬舉，已後也就無顏再來。但心裡一分恨，一分愛，一分憐，終日之間，方寸交戰，作了許多詩。幸蘇州巡撫請了他去，勾留兩月始歸。
不知後事如何，且聽下回分解。
Here is the text translated paragraph by paragraph into English:
The story goes that the Qinxian boarded the boat and heard that Daoweng had fallen and hurt himself. He hurried into the cabin to check on him. Daoweng said, “I feel a little better now, but half my body can’t move. I think it will get better. I’ve already taken some medicine. Where are you going today?” Qinxian replied that he was going to visit Mochou Lake, where there was a grave of the immortal lady Du, which matched what the spirit board had told them. Daoweng was surprised and said, “So there really is such a grave? Is there an inscription on the tombstone?” Qinxian replied, “No, there is no inscription,” and he described the appearance of the woman in the red dress. Daoweng guessed that it was the Lotus Flower Goddess who had given them a sign, and the father and son talked for a while.
Qinxian then showed Daoweng the poem that Stone Elder had given him. Daoweng was visibly annoyed and said, “That old man is frivolous and careless. His habits have become second nature, and even in his old age, he’s still like this. I’ve always despised him, only appreciating his talent. Tear up that fan.” Qinxian immediately tore the fan into pieces, and they spent the night without speaking further.
The next morning, they were about to pass through the customs when a strong wind suddenly arose, causing the anchor to slip. White-capped waves surged into the sky, tossing the boat around until it finally came to rest at Yan Zi Ji. They quickly dropped anchor and tied up the boat to hold against the wind. Daoweng called Qinxian over and instructed, “You should write some letters to thank our friends in the capital. My arm hurts, so you write while I dictate. You can write in cursive; it doesn’t have to be formal script.” As he leaned against the pillow, he dictated the letters to Qinxian. They wrote more than a dozen letters, all somewhat similar, along with several poems, which took up most of the day. In the evening, when the wind had died down a bit, Daoweng, knowing that Qinxian was tired from writing, told Liu Xi to take him ashore for a walk. Liu Xi accompanied Qinxian to stroll around Yan Zi Ji, visiting sights like the Hanging Cliff Leap and the Iron Chain that tethered the solitary boat. There were many famous sights, and they did not return until nightfall. Qinxian lay in bed thinking about Ziyu’s poetry and pondered until midnight before settling his thoughts. The next day, the strong wind persisted, preventing the boat from sailing, so he wrote a poem and a letter. In addition, he wrote two more letters, one to the famous scholars and another to the brothers. These were sealed together with Daoweng’s letter. Daoweng ordered a servant to go into the city and deliver the letters to the city guard post for forwarding.
Daoweng had spent his life devoted to literature and writing, but he was also harmed by his drinking. The fall he suffered earlier had affected his heart. Sometimes he was lucid, and other times he was confused. When phlegm surged up, his mind would become clouded, and he could barely speak. In addition, being elderly, his bowel and bladder functions were not very good, and the servants were unwilling to care for him. Only Liu Xi, who also handled the purchasing and meals, took care of him, leaving Qinxian sleepless through the night, attending to him in the central cabin. They encountered strong winds day after day, with many boats on the river being damaged. Daoweng thought to himself, “This illness may not be curable. Even if I recover, I will be paralyzed on one side. Although the journey isn’t far, how could a paralyzed man like me face the authorities in the capital? It would be better to stay here and recover before proceeding.” With this plan in mind, he sent someone into the city to rent a house. They found a place at Huguo Temple inside the Hanxi Gate to recover, moved their luggage, and settled the boat’s fare. Daoweng and Qinxian then entered the city and arrived at their lodging, which was a neat and tidy guest room. The monthly rent was three taels of silver. Daoweng and Qinxian stayed in rooms opposite each other, with two empty rooms in between. Qinxian found the four rooms to be very clean, with two large locust trees in the courtyard blocking out the sunlight. Behind the house was another large courtyard, where the grass was a foot deep, and there was an empty coffin placed in a room downstairs. On one side were four or five side rooms, one of which was used as a kitchen, and the others were for the servants. On the other side was a wall with a heavy door leading outside. After they moved in, the place was still not fully organized, with luggage piled up in one area. Liu Xi and the others first set up the beds and curtains for Daoweng and Qinxian. Qinxian also arranged his writing tools and hung some calligraphy and paintings. From that time, they stayed at the temple and hired a doctor for treatment.
Who would have thought that Daoweng’s fate would coincide with the ominous ninth year, and his life was coming to an end? Not only did he fail to recover, but new ailments arose. He had spent his life exhausting his mental and physical energy, and he had long suffered from a condition of coughing up blood like Li Changji. Though it had been better for several years, it flared up again, and he vomited several times a day, his complexion pale and his spirit dimmed. He could no longer get out of bed. After more than twenty days, his condition worsened. Seeing this, Qinxian’s heart was in turmoil, and he burned incense and prayed day and night, even wishing to sacrifice his life in place of Daoweng. Daoweng, knowing his end was near, was deeply moved by Qinxian’s filial devotion. He lamented, “If I die midway, how will he return, and who will he rely on?” As he thought of this, tears streamed down his face. Just then, Qinxian came in with a bowl of medicine. He stood beside Daoweng with tears in his eyes, not daring to look up. Daoweng called him over, and Qinxian put down the bowl and sat on the edge of the bed. Daoweng took his hand and, with a choked voice, said, “Qin’er…” but his throat tightened, and he could not speak. Qinxian’s tears fell like pearls on a string, and he had to cover his face with his sleeve. Daoweng, with a faint breath, continued, “I have wronged you. You were living a good life…” Qinxian stifled his sobs and said, “Father, please take care of yourself. This calamity is something everyone faces.” Daoweng sighed again. Qinxian said, “The medicine is ready, please take it.” Daoweng replied, “My illness has reached this point; what use is medicine now? There’s no need for it. But after I die, you must still…” He paused for a while and said, “You must still go to the capital. I can see that your mind is determined, and now I can rest easy. But I have no family in life, and no grave in death. Follow the example of Minister Wu, wrap my body in a reed mat, and sink me under the waters of Yan Zi Ji. Do not bury me.”
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Qinxian listened, his heart breaking, and knelt in front of the bed, his face covered in tears, holding the bowl of medicine with both hands. Daoweng forced himself to take a sip, coughed, and then vomited a large amount of blood.
As dusk approached, Qinxian became completely flustered, not knowing what to do. All he could hear were the crows in the cypress trees, cawing endlessly. There was also an owl perched on the broken tower, making strange noises with its beak and tongue, which made Qinxian’s hair stand on end. It was early autumn, the days were hot, but the nights were cool. Qinxian felt a chill and went to his room to put on some clothes. As he walked into the central hall, a single small lamp flickered dimly like a bean, and the little glass lamp was also faint and about to go out. Outside the window, the new moon was hazy, and he saw a shadow flash near the trees, but it quickly disappeared.
Qinxian was so frightened that he started trembling. He called out for someone, but Liu Xi was away on some errand, and the other three servants were nowhere to be seen; it was unclear where they had gone. Shivering with fear, Qinxian cautiously walked back to his room. Suddenly, something big and black rushed out from beside his bed, knocking him over. He cried out, “Ah!” and fell to the ground.
The thing darted away like smoke, leaving Qinxian trembling all over. After a long while, he managed to get up, only to find the lamp had gone out. He went outside, relit the lamp, and returned to his room, where he saw a small wooden lid on the floor. When he shone the light near the bed, he saw a large overturned bowl. It turned out that Liu Xi, noticing that Qinxian had been unable to eat for days, had steamed a hundred-day-old fat bamboo shoot duck with lotus seeds and coix seeds for him. Qinxian had only eaten a few pieces. Liu Xi, fearing that the other servants might steal it, had covered it with a lid and placed it under the bed. Unexpectedly, a large shaggy dog had smelled the food and come to clean it out, knocking Qinxian over in the process.
Qinxian put on a half-sleeve jacket and sat down for a while, but then heard noises coming from the back. He called out for Zhang Gui but received no response. He was too afraid to go check and realized Liu Xi had not returned from fetching the doctor. He called out again, “Who’s there?” but still received no answer. Then, he heard a loud noise, as if a coffin had suddenly risen, followed by what sounded like a ghost’s cries. Qinxian was terrified. He thought about going to pray at the Buddha’s altar, but his heart pounded so violently that he didn’t dare move. Yet, not going made him even more uneasy.
He mustered his courage and went to Daoweng’s room. Daoweng was lying there, sleeping soundly. Qinxian, feeling braver, burned some incense, knelt in the courtyard, and bowed in silent prayer for about fifteen minutes. Just as he stood up, a bug fell from the tree and wriggled on his head. Panic-stricken, Qinxian brushed it off with his sleeve, picked up the incense burner, and walked back to his room. He sat down but still felt his heart racing. Suddenly, he noticed a three-inch-long gecko on his shoulder, crawling down toward his chest. Qinxian was so scared he nearly lost his soul. He didn’t dare brush it off with his hand, so he shook his half-sleeve jacket, causing the gecko to retreat, but its tail brushed against his neck. The sensation sent shivers down Qinxian’s spine, leaving him paralyzed. He had no choice but to remove his jacket and toss it on the floor. The gecko crawled from his neck to his head, and Qinxian, terrified, burst into tears, crying out loud.
Just then, Liu Xi returned. Seeing the situation, he took a fan, knocked the gecko down, and stomped it to death.
Qinxian, still trembling with fear, had goosebumps all over his body, his eyes brimming with tears. His whole body felt feverish, and his eyes burned as if on fire.
Liu Xi set up the mosquito net for him and noticed only an empty bowl under the bed. He asked, “Where’s the duck?” Qinxian replied, “While I was out of the room, a big black dog came in and ate it.” Liu Xi cursed, “Where did that plague-ridden dog come from? I didn’t even dare leave it in the kitchen, for fear that the servants would sneak a few pieces, and now a dog has had it all!” Qinxian asked, “Why did it take you so long to come back?” Liu Xi replied, “Doctor Wang went to Yizheng County today and won’t return for three or four days. I had no choice but to fetch Doctor Li, another famous physician, but he lives far away—twenty li round trip.” He then asked, “How is the old master now?” Qinxian said, “Still the same.” Liu Xi sighed and asked, “If something happens to the old master, what will we do?” Qinxian burst into tears again, saying, “If anything bad happens, I’ll die too.” Liu Xi sighed, then went to check on Daoweng and afterward headed to the back.
Qinxian followed him to Daoweng’s room but then heard Liu Xi shouting, “This is bad! Where have all the boxes gone?” Alarmed, Qinxian hurried to the back side room to check and found that only a few boxes containing books and paintings remained, while everything else had been moved out. Zhang Gui, Wang Sheng, Qian De, and Li Xing were all gone, and none of them had returned. The door was wide open—clearly, someone had come in. What were they going to do? Moreover, all their travel expenses and silver were in the stolen boxes. In the small flat chest in Daoweng’s room, there were only a few light silk garments, and the same was true of the small chest in Qinxian’s room—just a few silk clothes. Now there was less than twenty taels of silver left. If something happened, how could they manage? Qinxian was so anxious that he had no idea what to do. He could only say, “We absolutely mustn’t tell the old master about this. We can’t upset him. Let’s wait until Zhang Gui and the others return, then we’ll figure something out.”
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Qinxian and Liu Xi waited until dawn, but there was no sign of the three men. They finally realized that the three had stolen their belongings and fled.
Qinxian wasn’t particularly upset about the stolen items, but seeing Daoweng in his current state, he worried that if something unfortunate happened, they wouldn’t even have enough money for funeral expenses. How would they manage? He wept for half the day. Now only Liu Xi was left, and he couldn’t leave to search for the others.
Suddenly, they heard Daoweng calling for someone. Qinxian hurried over and saw Daoweng turning to his side, as if he needed to relieve himself. When Qinxian asked him, Daoweng shook his head but seemed to want to sit up. Qinxian called Liu Xi to help, and they propped him up with two large pillows behind his back. Daoweng said, “Go fetch my poetry and essay collections.” Qinxian quickly opened a chest and brought out the volumes one by one. Daoweng asked for the titles and looked through them, then asked to keep a recent manuscript of his poems and a book of calligraphy and paintings. He ordered the rest to be burned. Qinxian cried, “These poems and writings are the fruit of your life’s hard work. They should be passed down to future generations. Why do you want to burn them?” Daoweng replied, “You don’t understand. If I hadn’t written these things, I wouldn’t be in this state today. It’s these writings that ruined me. If they are left behind, they will only harm others. If someone follows my example, they will end up like me, living a difficult life and being despised by the world. They must not be kept. Go, burn them all.” Qinxian was deeply heartbroken but had no choice. He burned some of the writings outside but secretly kept a few. Daoweng handed Qinxian the poems and paintings he had just saved and said, “Keep these as a memento.” Seeing this, Qinxian tried to hold back his tears but couldn’t and sobbed, covering his face.
Daoweng then asked for pen and ink. Qinxian ground the ink and presented it to him. Daoweng asked for paper, and Qinxian brought that too, helping him sit upright. Liu Xi moved a small table in front of the bed, and Qinxian stayed by his side to assist. Daoweng panted for a while, and Liu Xi wrung out a towel to wipe his face and rinsed his mouth.
Daoweng held the brush with trembling hands, writing unevenly. After finishing a piece, he rested again, tears falling from his eyes. He called out, “Qin’er, I have something to tell you.” Qinxian, with tears in his eyes, listened attentively. Daoweng said, “Though you were led astray in your youth, I can see you are determined, and I need not say much. When you return to the capital, you won’t concern yourself with your old pursuits. You can depend on Xu Duxiang for support.” Upon hearing this, Qinxian burst into tears and couldn’t respond. Daoweng continued, “Keep this final message. When you arrive in the capital, give it to Duxiang. He will surely understand.” Qinxian received the letter and saw it was written as follows:
“On the eighth day of June, I traveled with Master Hou Shi to Liangshan. While climbing to the peak, I was blown down by a strong wind, resulting in injuries to my waist and legs. Since then, I have been bedridden, vomiting blood by the bucketful. Now lying in Xiao Temple in Baixia, I am near death, with the end expected any moment. Alas! Alas! Who will mourn in a simple cart, and who will offer a green rope to honor me? My body is light, like a cicada’s shed skin; my soul swallowed by the tides. Where shall my grave be, and who will care for this orphan? Qin’er has always been my trusted companion; let him rely on you. Alas! Duxiang, you know me well and can comfort me in the afterlife. If my soul does not perish, I shall become a snake to repay your kindness. If my young son understands, he too will become a bird of gratitude. Our friendship has always been sincere, and our spirits shall communicate. Though my words are incomplete, I entrust you to understand. Written on the seventh day of the seventh month, my final words.”
After reading this, Qinxian collapsed to the ground in grief. Liu Xi also wept. Daoweng ordered Liu Xi to help Qinxian up. Qinxian leaned against the bed, weeping bitterly. Daoweng said, “Stop crying. I have caused you so much trouble. After my funeral, bury me by the riverbank. There’s no need to wait a hundred days; you must go to the capital as soon as possible. Take my credentials to Master Hou Shi and ask him to submit them to the provincial governor. Have him write a eulogy for me. Though I am not worthy of one, my life has been filled with hardship and struggle, which is rare.” Qinxian could only cover his face and cry, unable to respond. Liu Xi, also crying, couldn’t stop the tears. Suddenly, the room filled with a fragrant breeze. Daoweng asked Liu Xi to wipe his body and change his clothes. An incense burner was lit on the table, and Daoweng sat cross-legged. Qinxian sneaked a glance at him, sensing something ominous. Then he saw Daoweng pick up the brush again and write four lines:
“My life filled with grievances till my hair turned white,
My writings doomed me, no titles came in sight.
Mountains and rivers, once my homeland dear,
Now revisiting the past, it brings only tears.”
After finishing, Daoweng threw down the brush and passed away. Upon seeing this, Qinxian fainted again. Liu Xi was in a panic, crying while trying to revive Qinxian. After Qinxian woke up, he knelt at the bedside, holding Daoweng’s feet, crying so hard that he fainted and woke again, repeating the cycle for half the day. Liu Xi continuously tried to console him, saying, “Master, things are already like this. The dead cannot come back to life. We must quickly take care of the funeral arrangements. It’s such a hot day; we can’t afford to delay.” But Qinxian couldn’t listen and continued to cry for a long time until his tears dried up, his voice was gone, and he was too weak to get up. Liu Xi helped him to his feet, brought water for him to wash his face, and Qinxian finally dared to look up. He saw that Daoweng’s face was calm, with a peaceful smile, his hands resting like jade pillars, and the lingering fragrance still filled the room. Qinxian said to Liu Xi, “Look, Father has become an immortal.” Liu Xi replied, “The old master was righteous all his life; how could he not become an immortal?”
Liu Xi and Qinxian discussed the situation. “The other day we held back twenty taels of silver for the boat fare. We’ve used four taels, so sixteen remain. Luckily, they didn’t take my chest, and although it’s filled with old junk, we can probably get two or three thousand coins for it. Altogether, we’ll have about fifty strings of cash. That should be enough for the old master’s funeral. Perhaps after reporting the death, we’ll receive some donations as well. But how should we handle this matter?”
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Qinxian said, “I don’t know how to handle these matters. I’ll have to rely on you to take care of everything.” Liu Xi replied, “No need to mention it.” He then helped Daoweng’s body into a proper position, laid him in his final resting place, and lit incense and candles, burning paper money. The doctor they had called the day before, Doctor Li, arrived, but upon hearing that Daoweng had died, he quickly left. Liu Xi went out to handle the arrangements, but he had no one to assist him. They couldn’t find a coffin, so they had to purchase the one that had been sitting in the back of the temple, which cost them twenty-two thousand coins. They spent the rest of the money on mourning clothes, hiring musicians, inviting monks to chant scriptures, and employing a cook. It was a busy time. Qinxian, unable to handle anything, could only sit by the bed, guarding the corpse and weeping, refusing to eat or drink for two days. Liu Xi felt sorry for him but was too occupied to offer much comfort. After the burial preparations were made, the body was placed in the central hall. Qinxian wore mourning clothes made of hemp and kept vigil beside the coffin. Liu Xi also set up a bed next to him.
It was the time of the Zhongyuan Festival, the Ghost Festival of the seventh lunar month. In Nanjing, it was customary to offer food to ghosts everywhere, burn paper money, chant scriptures, and float lanterns made of oiled paper on the river, symbolizing a light to guide the dead. The weather was erratic that day, with intermittent wind and rain, and the skies filled with dark clouds that changed from moment to moment. The ancient temple was already strewn with fallen leaves, rustling quietly. At night, the moon shone through the paper windows, and the sound of autumn insects echoed loudly. Even someone in a joyful mood would feel melancholic in such an atmosphere, let alone someone as prone to sadness and weeping as Qinxian. Facing an uncertain future, his heart was torn to pieces. He found himself in a state where death seemed neither an option nor an escape. If he died, who would take care of Daoweng’s remains? He would be an ungrateful son. But if he lived, how could he endure such heartbreaking days? In just a few days, his once radiant face had become pale and worn. He barely ate, and after a month, he only managed to drink two bowls of porridge a day, spending his time either crying or sleeping, appearing as if he had fallen ill.
One evening, a cold wind swept through, chilling him to the bone, and light rain tapped on the windows. Qinxian tossed and turned, unable to sleep, overwhelmed by a surge of emotions. He paced the room, but his legs felt weak and light, as if floating. He could hear Liu Xi snoring loudly, so he went to check on him. Liu Xi had pushed his pillow aside and was lying on his back with his mouth open, snoring so heavily that his nostrils were pointed straight up, with one hand resting on his chest. Qinxian noticed a rat running across Liu Xi’s bed, sniffing at his nose. Afraid the rat might bite him, Qinxian shouted, and the rat leapt away. Qinxian returned to his bed, but soon heard Liu Xi muttering in his sleep and cursing, before suddenly jumping out of bed and running outside. Qinxian was so startled that his hair stood on end, not knowing what was happening. He hurried after him and saw Liu Xi run toward a large tree outside, where he threw his arms around it and held on tightly.
Qinxian, not understanding what was happening, stood frozen in fear. After a moment of silence, he mustered his courage and approached, only to find Liu Xi still hugging the tree and snoring. Realizing that Liu Xi was sleepwalking, Qinxian called out to him several times and shook him awake. Liu Xi rubbed his eyes and, after a moment, said, “It was just a dream. I dreamt that Zhang Gui came to pull the blanket off me. I was about to catch him and ask about the missing chest, so I chased him and hugged him. But I ended up hugging the tree and fell asleep again.” He laughed at himself. Qinxian, both scared and amused, helped him back inside and closed the window. Liu Xi lay down and quickly fell back asleep.
Qinxian, too, returned to bed. In a half-dream, half-awake state, he dreamt that he walked out of the temple and saw a bookstore across the street with a sign that read “Huazhengchang.” An elderly shopkeeper was inside attending to him. Qinxian entered the shop, and suddenly he heard the sound of gongs and drums, followed by music. Turning around, he saw a procession of flags and banners, with ceremonial figures and soldiers in golden helmets and armor carrying weapons, forming a grand parade. Incense smoke curled into characters, and a jeweled canopy hung over swirling clouds. Jade maidens and golden boys in beautiful attire filled the scene, and the entire procession lasted for about half an hour. Finally, a seven-tiered palanquin appeared, carrying a goddess with an imposing presence, her face veiled with pearls and jewels. The entire procession entered the temple, and Qinxian followed them in, but the temple was no longer the one he had known. The grand hall was majestic and vast, unlike anything he had seen before. The attendants announced the arrival of the goddess, and two rows of warriors stood in formation, armed and ready, exuding a sense of awe and authority.
Qinxian hid behind a tree and watched. Behind the goddess stood many maidservants, dressed in elaborate palace attire. Some held ruyi scepters, others held combs and towels, some carried books, and others held fans. The goddess spoke a few words, but Qinxian couldn’t understand them. Then, from the crowd, a young boy of about twelve or thirteen stepped forward. Though his features were delicate and handsome, he already had a commanding presence. He ascended the steps and bowed deeply but did not kneel. The goddess seemed to grow angry, repeatedly slapping the table and scolding the boy. The boy, in turn, seemed to argue back. They exchanged words for a while, and eventually, the goddess’s expression softened, and the boy stood respectfully with his head bowed. The goddess then turned to a maidservant standing on her right and said something. The maidservant left for the back hall and soon returned, carrying an ornate silk pouch. She approached the boy, who hesitated to accept it, pulling at the edges of his robe. The maidservant shook the pouch, and out spilled about a hundred or so pens, big and small, new and old, in a variety of colors, all falling into the boy’s robe. The boy gave his thanks and stood there for a while longer, while the goddess spoke to him again at length. Finally, the boy bowed and slowly retreated.
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Qinxian watched as the boy walked out of the temple gates, thinking to himself, “Where is this place? That boy had such an arrogant demeanor. Even here, his expression remained so stern, and he didn’t kneel. He must be someone of great lineage, not an ordinary person.” Just as Qinxian was about to leave, he saw a god-like figure wearing a golden headdress and a red robe enter. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was none other than his adoptive father, Qu Daoweng. Startled, Qinxian was unsure if his father was truly dead. Since this was a sacred place, he didn’t dare approach and continued hiding behind the tree. He watched as his adoptive father ascended the steps and bowed deeply. The deity did not return the salute but only raised a hand slightly, while Qinxian’s adoptive father stood respectfully beside him.
The deity asked a few questions, and soon there was the sound of a wooden cloudboard, followed by the rising of drums and music from both sides. The deity retreated into the inner hall, and the attendants dispersed. Qinxian saw his adoptive father pacing below the steps, gazing up at the temple. At that moment, Qinxian suddenly remembered that his adoptive father had passed away, and he was overcome with grief. He ran forward, grabbed his father’s robe, and began to cry. Seeing this, his father appeared sorrowful as well and comforted him, saying, “Qin’er, you have suffered, but it is all fated. You will only endure this hardship for a hundred days. Be patient, and a good person will come to take you back.” Qinxian wanted to ask his father several things, but he couldn’t remember any of them except for the boy he had just seen. He asked, “There was a boy earlier who received many pens from the deity, and the deity scolded him as well. Who is this boy?” Daoweng replied, “That boy had an important past life. He has been reincarnating since the Six Dynasties. The deity likely scolded him for his past sins. In the future, he will become a great writer, and his name will be remembered forever. Thirty years from now, he will publish a small work, and forty years later, a great masterpiece will be completed.” Qinxian then asked, “What is the name of this deity?” Daoweng replied, “Speak quietly.” He glanced around and then used his finger to write two characters on Qinxian’s palm. Qinxian saw that the characters read “Dian E” but didn’t fully understand. When he wanted to ask more, Daoweng was already walking away, heading toward the exit. Qinxian followed behind him and saw his father mount a horse, accompanied by two attendants in dark robes. Daoweng pointed his whip and said, “Over there, Hanlin Mei has arrived.” Qinxian turned around and saw a beautiful landscape like a painting—it was the edge of Yanzi Ji, and he was back on the boat. His adoptive father had disappeared.
Suddenly, another boat came alongside his, and he saw Ziyu sitting inside, sighing deeply. Qinxian’s heart stirred with emotion, and he wanted to call out to him. The two boats drew closer, and Qinxian saw a beautiful woman step out from Ziyu’s cabin, adorned in fine clothes. She sat beside Ziyu. Qinxian looked carefully and was shocked—it was clearly himself in the costume he wore for a performance, the face unmistakable. He looked at himself again, unable to comprehend the situation. He saw Ziyu and the woman sitting shoulder to shoulder, whispering intimately, and Qinxian became filled with anger. The woman then took out a mirror, and the two of them gazed into it together. Qinxian heard the woman laugh softly and say, “Two people reflected in one mirror, yet our hearts are unclear.” Ziyu laughed and said, “What’s unclear?” Qinxian, unable to contain his frustration, called out, “How is Yu Xiang doing?” But Ziyu didn’t hear him. Qinxian called out again, but this time he heard Ziyu say, “My ears are burning today. I wonder who’s cursing me.” The woman then spotted Qinxian and said, “Who’s that spying on us?” She threw the mirror at Qinxian’s face. He dodged, and the mirror fell into his cabin. The other boat vanished.
Qinxian picked up the mirror and looked into it. He was astonished to see that he had turned into the woman in the red dress from the lotus boat at Mochou Lake. He was bewildered. Then, in the mirror, he saw many figures pass by—famous scholars and renowned performers. He flipped the mirror over and saw faint reflections of people inside, among them Wei Pingtai and Xi Shiyi. As he was looking, the mirror suddenly began to spin, glowing brightly like the moon and transforming into a large pearl. It was quite intriguing. Just then, a blue hand with scaly skin and five large claws reached into the cabin and snatched the mirror away.
Qinxian cried out in alarm, “Oh no!” He awoke—it had all been a dream. When he opened his eyes, the sun was already high in the sky, and Liu Xi had long since gotten up.
Qinxian got up, and Liu Xi helped him wash his face. Qinxian, still dazed by the vivid dream, remembered every detail clearly. He decided to keep the beginning and end of the dream to himself and only told Liu Xi about the middle part, mentioning that his adoptive father seemed to have become a deity, though not of very high rank. Liu Xi said, “As long as he became a deity, that’s what matters. I’m sure he’ll rise higher in heaven.” After a while, Liu Xi brought breakfast and said he needed to go to Master Hou to inform him of the situation and ask him to retrieve the official documents. Qinxian said, “But the documents were in the chest that was stolen. What can we do?” Liu Xi replied, “They were stolen? In that case, we’ll have to ask Master Hou to explain the situation to the provincial governor. Since the master is already dead, it shouldn’t be a big issue.” After serving breakfast, Liu Xi changed out of his mourning clothes and went to visit Master Hou at Fenghuang Mountain.
Master Hou, since hearing about Daoweng’s fall, had been worried. He had gone to check on Daoweng’s boat the day before, but it was gone. He assumed Daoweng had continued his journey and had already arrived at his post. Little did he know that Daoweng had passed away. He was also thinking of Qinxian: “After seeing that poem, I wonder if he was pleased or upset. I suppose he must be happy after I praised it. But he’s so handsome, yet so cold and lacking in charm. What a pity that such a beautiful man has so little spirit. If only I could take him as a student, he would bring joy to my old age.” While lost in these thoughts, Liu Xi entered and knelt on the ground.
Master Hou asked, “Why are you back? Didn’t you go with them?” Liu Xi then told him the full story of Daoweng’s death, the theft of the chests, money, and documents, and how Qinxian was now keeping vigil in the temple, struggling even to afford food and clothing. Master Hou was shocked and said, “What! I thought they had already arrived at their post. How could this have happened?” He shed a few tears. Liu Xi said, “Now we must rely on you to come up with a solution.” Master Hou replied, “Qu Daoye had many good friends, but none of them are nearby. I’ll write a few letters, and you can have the obituary engraved and bring it to me for distribution. We’ll collect some donations, which should cover the funeral expenses. I was a close friend of Qu Daoye for many years, and now that he has left behind a son, I will do everything I can to help. Tomorrow, I’ll meet with the provincial governor and ask the magistrates of Jiang and Shang counties to track down Zhang Gui and the others. We must also send a letter to Jiangxi, as I fear they might use the stolen documents to commit fraud there. Don’t worry, I’ll handle everything. Tomorrow, I’ll go to the temple to offer my condolences and discuss the other matters with your young master.” Liu Xi thanked him and returned to inform Qinxian, who didn’t express much gratitude. The next day, Master Hou met with the provincial governor, explained the situation, and filed a petition with the magistrate of Shangyuan County. The magistrate issued orders to apprehend the fugitives and sent official letters to Jiangxi to prevent the thieves from using the stolen documents for fraud.
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Here is the text translated paragraph by paragraph into English:
The next day, Master Shi prepared a table of offerings and a pair of couplets and personally went to the temple to offer incense and wine for the memorial service. He cried bitterly, with tears streaming down his wrinkled face, deeply saddened. Qinxian, inside the mourning canopy, also wept, thinking to himself, “This old man does seem to have some sense of loyalty. His tears and sorrow seem genuine.” After wiping away his tears, Master Shi instructed his attendants to hang the plaque. He looked at it, sighed, and walked into the mourning canopy. Qinxian hurriedly knelt to express his gratitude. Master Shi squatted down, grabbed Qinxian’s arm, and sat down cross-legged next to him. He held Qinxian’s hand, his old eyes clouded with emotion. At that moment, it felt as though Master Shi were sitting in a field of fragrant herbs, as a delicate fragrance filled the air and intoxicated his senses without any need for wine. Even though Qinxian’s once radiant face had lost some of its glow, there remained a delicate beauty that evoked pity and affection. Qinxian felt displeased and moved away slightly, but Master Shi edged closer, saying, “I didn’t expect you to face such a tragic event. It wasn’t until Liu Xi told me yesterday that I found out. Otherwise, I might have already gone to Jiangxi. On the tenth of last month, I went to the riverbank and saw that you had already set sail. Who could have foreseen all this? What are your plans now?”
Though Qinxian was irritated, he felt obligated to respond politely, so he replied, “I am deeply grateful for your kindness in handling everything for my late father. My plan is to observe the hundred-day mourning period, find a plot of land, and bury my father. After that, I’ll figure out what to do next.”
Master Shi responded, “What kind of plan is that? Your father was from Hubei, and the Miluo River is your ancestral home. He was the sole heir of his family, with no relatives there. If you go back, no one will recognize you. Besides, now you’re all alone, and all your possessions have been stolen. The idea of returning to Hubei is out of the question. The people in the capital are cold and calculating, and your father didn’t have any close friends there. As they say, ‘Without people, there is no affection.’ I’m not trying to criticize you, but you’re too delicate and young—how will you endure the hardships? Struggling to make a living is no easy task. Your father and I shared thirty years of friendship, bonded by literature and moral principles. If I don’t support you, who will? It’s my duty to help you. After the rain clears, I’ll take you home. We’ll leave your father’s coffin here temporarily, and in a month or two, once we’ve found a burial place, we can lay him to rest. Don’t worry, as long as I’m here, I won’t let you be left without support. You have great potential, and when you make a name for yourself, it will bring honor to your father’s memory, and I will take pride in that as well. This is settled—there’s no need to second-guess.”
Seeing Master Shi’s demeanor, with his eyes fixed intently on him, and though his words sounded grand and honorable, his expression was far from trustworthy. Qinxian felt both angry and afraid, his face flushed red, and he lowered his head without responding. Master Shi grasped Qinxian’s hand, gently rubbing it, smiling as he asked, “Did you understand that poem I wrote on the fan the other day?” Qinxian became even more upset, pulled his hand away, and was on the verge of tears. He stood up, intending to leave. Master Shi grabbed him, saying, “Wait, there’s more to discuss. While you were in the capital, did you meet anyone?” Qinxian, reluctant to engage further, suppressed his anger and replied, “I know a few people.” Master Shi asked, “Who are they?” Qinxian replied, “They’re all respectable people. No one pretends to be something they’re not. Besides Xu Duxiang and Mei Yuxiang, there are a few others who are also well-known scholars.”
Master Shi laughed and said, “Xu Duxiang? He’s the son of Xiangguo Xiaoshan. Are you on good terms with him?” Qinxian replied, “Yes, my father even left a letter for him, asking for his support.”
Master Shi laughed, “That’s no small matter! But don’t go. Those idle rich young men—how could you possibly get along with them? On the surface, they may seem friendly, but deep down, they don’t truly see you as a friend. Don’t misunderstand me, but you’re too young and too handsome. The atmosphere in the capital is terrible. People there are sharp-tongued and will gossip mercilessly. You’ll regret going there. Here, with me, your father’s spirit can rest in peace. You could call me your adoptive father or your teacher—either way, I’m over seventy years old. What would anyone have to say about that? Besides, I have several wives and concubines at home, and many of them are fond of you. They’ll take care of you like one of their own. If you want to go to the capital, the journey is long, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable letting you go alone. People would criticize me, saying, ‘How could he abandon his close friend’s orphan without offering help?’ How could I live with that?”
Qinxian acted as though he hadn’t heard, shook off Master Shi’s hand, and stood far away. Master Shi, feeling embarrassed, glared at him with his triangular eyes and said, “I’m only trying to help you, but you’re misinterpreting my intentions.” He stood up to leave, and Qinxian had no choice but to kneel and bow twice, saying, “I don’t know anyone outside, so I thank you for your kindness.”
Master Shi reached out to help him up, but Qinxian had already stood and moved away. Master Shi walked outside, expecting Qinxian to see him off, but Qinxian had already retreated into the mourning canopy. Master Shi had no choice but to leave. After pondering for a while, the next day he sent a cart of rice, a cart of coal, and four taels of silver to test Qinxian’s reaction. If Qinxian accepted the gifts, it would mean he might be willing to come to his house later. However, Qinxian refused to accept the gifts, and Liu Xi didn’t dare make the decision, so they returned everything. Master Shi was furious, cursing Qinxian for being ungrateful. Afterward, he was too ashamed to visit again. But in his heart, he felt a mix of anger, love, and pity, and his thoughts warred within him all day, inspiring him to write many poems. Fortunately, the Governor of Suzhou invited him to stay for two months, which distracted him from his emotions.
What happens next remains to be seen in the following chapter.
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