話說魏聘才、李元茂回家時已三更，梅宅關了門落了鎖，四兒敲了半天，才有人來開了。兩人走到房中，聘才免不得將不小心丟銀子的話，抱怨了元茂兩句。元茂無言可答，各自安睡。到了次日，只得央了許順，借了十吊錢的票子，分作兩張，寫了一封字，叫四兒送與葉茂林，分給二喜、保珠。後來子玉盤問，聘才、元茂只推張仲雨請去聽戲下館子，卻將實情瞞過了。

　　過了兩日，已是元宵佳節，李性全帶著元茂，到會館中吃年酒去了，聘才出去逛燈未回。子玉一人正在無聊，恰好梅進進來說道：「劉少爺、顏少爺、王少爺，請少爺出去逛燈，都在門口等著。」上玉稟過父母，梅進即叫套了車，雲兒跟著出來。仲清等卻在車裡等著，見於玉出來便下了車。劉文澤道：「如此良宵，千金一刻，我們趁著燈月，倒是步行好些，把車跟在後頭，回來再坐罷。」子玉道：「甚好。」四人慢慢的走，一路閒談，不多時就到了燈市。

　　一進燈棚裡，便人山人海的擁擠起來，還夾著些車馬在裡頭。子玉等在那些店舖廊下，慢慢地走。只見那些店舖，都是懸燈結綵，有掛玻璃燈，有掛畫紗燈，有裡頭擺著燈屏，有門外搭著燈樓；還有那些賣燈的，密密層層的擺著。幸喜街道寬闊，不然也就一步不能行了。還有那些人在門口放泥筒，放花炮，流星趕月，九龍戲珠，火樹銀花，鑼鼓絲竹，真是太平景象，大有豐登，因此人人高興，慶賞元宵。又見有一隊香車秀攆過來，也都開著簾子，丫鬟僕婦坐在車沿上，點著九合沉速香。那些奶奶們，在大玻璃窗內，左顧右盼。文澤、王恂等也各留神凝視，有好看的，有不好看的，但華妝豔服，燈光之下，也總加了幾個成色。四人走路也不能齊集，有些參前落後起來，約過了七八輛後，又有了幾輛接上前隊，便擠住了開不開。

　　此時子玉在前，剛剛被那車軸攔住，過不去，文澤見車裡一個少婦，生得頗好，打扮也十分華美，子玉恰恰的擠在車前，文澤見那少婦目不轉睛的看著子玉，見子玉倒低了頭，卻無路可走。見那少婦一手把著車門，將身子一鬆，伸出一隻腳來，正是三寸蓮鉤，纖不盈握。見他先盤了那邊的腿，然後將蓮鉤縮進，盤好坐了，那只纖手也就放下。見他對著子玉嫣然微笑。

　　文澤扯扯王恂的衣服，低低的說道：「你看似為著庾香，要顯顯他的蓮瓣。」王恂點頭。仲清又在文澤後面說道：「焉知他不是為著你？」文澤笑道：「不像。」又低低的叫道：「庾香，那《施公案》有什麼好看，你盡望著那幾對燈。」子玉回轉臉來，卻與那少婦相對，見那少婦還在玻璃窗內看他，頗覺不好意思。

　　一會兒車才開動，文澤見那車沿下，掛了一個小洋燈，畫著兩個如意，一面寫著四個小字是：起盛號潘。後頭又是一輛。

　　也是一個少婦，卻生得奇醜，堆滿了一臉黑肉，涂起粉來，雖然晚上，也看得是紫油油的，打扮倒各樣的講究，還在裡頭抹巾障袖的做作。文澤看他燈籠上貼著一個「花」字。開動車，接著過去了。四人又逛了幾處，街道又窄小起來。文澤對子玉道：「方才這個少婦，那樣顧盼你，你也不回個情兒，倒只管看那舊紗燈，什麼意思？難道那樣少婦，還不足以當一盼麼？」

　　子玉笑道：「我沒留心他，他也不曾看我，是物色你們的。」四人說說笑笑，又看了幾處燈。

　　只見一群婦女，也是步行，結著隊亂撞過來。四人看這婦女們有十幾個，有綢衣的，有布服的，油頭粉面，嘻嘻笑笑，兩袖如狂蝶穿花，一身如驚蛇出草。他也不顧人好讓不好讓，直擁過來。內中一個想是大腳的，一腳踏來，踏著了王恂靴頭。

　　王恂一隻新皂靴黑了半邊，被他踏得很疼，說不出來，覺得這一腳就有三十多斤氣力。王恂急忙讓開。又見一個三十幾歲一個婦人，身量生得很高，穿著雙高底鞋，眼望著燈。腳下踏著了一塊磚，身子一歪，幾乎栽倒，恰拾碰著子玉，他就把子玉的胸前一把揪牢，才站穩了。子玉倒幾乎跌下，唬得心中亂跳，正不知他是何緣故。那人放了手嗤嗤的笑，一齊擠了過去。聽得有個婦人說道：「這些爺們實在可恨，睜著大眼睛瞧人，難道他家裡沒有娘兒們的，故意擋了路不放人走。」仲清等聽了大笑。王恂道：「真晦氣，被他這一腳，踏得我很痛，他還說我們擋了路看他。」子玉方定了神，說道：「我方才被他這一揪；真唬殺我。我當他認錯了人，不要動手打起來，這不是晦氣？不料婦女中，竟有這樣蠢材。較起才見的車中人，真又有天壤之隔了。」文澤哈哈大笑道：「不上高山，不見平地。你原來是皮裡陽秋，暗中摸索。那個車中少婦，得你這一贊，也不枉他顧盼多時了。」子玉也覺微笑，又道：「這些燈也沒有什麼好逛，路又難走。不如坐車回去罷。」王恂道：「早得狠，回去也無甚意思。」文澤道：「我們到怡園去看燈罷，還聽得有好燈謎，去猜幾個頑頑也好。」子玉道：「我不認得主人，既是晚上，又是便服，如何去得？」仲清道：「這倒不妨。徐度香這個人，卻是我輩，全不在形跡上講究的；況且他園中，還有蕭靜宜，更是個清高滿灑的人，就去逛逛，倒也不妨。」三人都要去，子玉也中得同去。於是各上了車，書童跨了車沿，望怡園來。

　　約有二里路，過了南橫街，到怡園門口下了車。只見一帶都是碎黃石砌成的虎皮園牆，園門口是綢子紮成的五彩牌坊，只空出見方五尺「怡園」兩個大字。下掛著四盞一串八行五色畫花琉璃燈。進了園門，屋內八扇油綠灑金的屏門。靠門一張桌子，圍著六七個人，在那裡寫燈虎字條。旁邊一張春凳，擺著些荷包、花炮，及文房四寶，預備送打著的彩。正中間頂篷上，懸著個五色綵綢百褶香雲蓋，下掛一盞葫蘆式樣玻璃燈。

　　再進裡邊，卻是三面欄杆，靠牆一個方亭子，塘上一盞扁方玻璃燈，上貼著許多字條，底下圍著一簇，約有二十來人。走上亭子臺階，卻巳看見迎面寫著八個燈謎。仲清將要看時，只見怡園的家人上來請安，說：「少爺們何不到裡邊逛逛？」文澤即問他主人，那人說道：「我們老爺在外赴席未回，蕭老爺在家。」王恂道：「我們猜了幾個燈謎。再進去不遲。」於是同看第一個是：「雙棲穩宿無煩惱，認得盧家玳瑁梁。」下注《禮記》一句。子玉正在思索，只聽得王恂問仲清道：「這可是知其能安，燕而不亂也？」仲清道：「只怕是的。」再看第二個是：「任他萬水千山遠，雁帛魚書總得來。」下注《易經》一句。仲清道：「這個真是『行險而不失其信』。」子玉道：「那第四個『落花人獨立，微雨燕雙飛。』打一字的準是『倆』字。」文澤道：「這第七個『荒村雨露眠宜早，野店風霜起要遲。』兩句打古人名的，想是『息夫躬』。」子玉道：「不錯。」王恂道：「我們去報罷。」仲清道：「我們索性把那四個也打完了，再報不遲。那第二個『鴉背夕陽明』，打《禮記》一句。必是『日在翼』。」子玉道：「那首七律打古樂府八題的，第一聯『記得兒家朝復暮，秦淮幾折繞香津。』準是《子夜》與《金陵曲》。」仲清道：「第二聯下旬『月影偏嫌暗風塵』是《夜黃》，那上句『雨絲莫遣催花片』不知是什麼？」

　　文澤道：「或者是《休洗紅》。那第三聯是『長夜迢遙聞斷漏，中年陶寫漫勞神。』必是《五更鐘》、《莫愁樂》。」王恂道：

　　「第七句『鴉兒卅六雙飛穩』不消說是《烏生八九子》了。」仲清道：「末句『應向章臺送遠人』，大約是《折楊柳》。就是第五條『降生辰巳之年』，打《詩經》一句，及第八條『不著一字盡得風流』打《唐詩》一句，猜不著。」正說著，只聽得有人問道：「降生辰巳之年，可是『維虺維蛇』？」園門口的人回說不是。文澤道：「不要給人搶去了，我們去報罷。」大家走下亭子。子玉道：「那首《詩經》的，我已想著了，必是『不屬於毛』。」仲清道：「很是。這句實在虧你想。」

　　王恂道：「那打唐詩一句的，不要是『殷子正書空』？」文澤道：「且報一報試試。」大家到園門口，一個個報去，裡頭都答應了「是」，就是末後一個沒有猜著。王恂道：「自也詩無敵。」裡頭也答應了「是」。只見一人又拿了一盞燈出來，將先掛的那盞燈換下。見屏門後頭走了出一個人來，子玉見他有三十來歲，生得眉清目秀，氣體高華，穿得一身雅淡衣服，閒閒雅雅的過來。

　　見文澤、仲清、王恂三人一齊迎上前來，稱呼他為靜宜先生。那人與三人見了禮，又向子玉作了個揖，子玉連忙還禮。

　　文澤即對蕭次賢說道：「這位是梅庾香，是當今無雙士。靜宜先生沒有會過麼？」次賢道：「今日識荊，實為萬幸」便請四人進內，於玉道：「今晚便服，未免不恭，容另日專誠晉謁罷！」次賢笑道：「庾香先生，當今名士，不應瑣瑣及此。況主人也不在家，我輩聊以聚談，切勿拘以禮節。」子玉難以固辭，只得同著走出亭子，兩旁卻是十步一盞的地燈，照見一塊平坦空地，迎面不遠，就是很高的峭壁了。峭壁之下，一帶雕窗細格的五間卷棚、簷下掛著一色的二十多盞西香蓮洋琉璃燈。次賢讓進屋內，分賓主坐下。與文澤、王恂、仲清都是認識的，單與子玉敘了些傾心仰慕的話。子玉見他出言有體，舉止不凡，也知道是個名士，便也頗為浹洽。談了一會，用過了茶，有書童從裡間出來，送出一分一分的燈謎彩來，擺在桌上，是些湖筆，徽墨、端硯、雅扇之類，惟有子玉所猜的「落花人獨立，微雨燕雙飛」的彩最重，是古錦囊裡的瑤琴一張。子玉見琴忽忽如有所思，因見彩禮過重，與仲清等再三推卻。次賢問道：

　　「這琴是庾香先生猜著的麼？」子玉道：「是小弟胡猜的，斷不敢當此厚贈。」次賢道：「這是園主人為杜玉儂而設，另有深意，幸勿見卻。琴後尚須鎸銘，俟鎸好再行送上。」說畢便令小廝，仍將瑤琴抱了進去。其餘彩禮，交給各跟隨收存。原來琴言因制燈謎時，喜誦「落花人獨立」這一聯，度香隨囑次賢，以詞意為琴言寫圖，所以這燈謎即以琴作彩，原是於遊戲之中，寓作合之意。非但子玉不知杜玉儂為何人，就是仲清、文澤等也未能悉。大家問時，次賢不即說明，答以久後必知。

　　閒談了一回，仲清說起都中值此試燈時節，可惜無南來巧燈，殊為減色。

　　次賢道：「諸兄要看燈麼？也容易，雖非來自南邊，卻還不俗。」便令小廝引道，沿著峭壁，走有一箭多遠，卻是一層層的石蹬，上了三十餘級，轉了峭壁，後面就是一個白石平臺。

　　中間團團的一個亭子，那窗子都是用內凹外凸的整玻璃鑲成。

　　走進亭內，地下鋪著栽絨毯子，中間一張大圓桌，周圍都是扇面式凳子，拼起來，剛剛扣著桌子一個圈兒。仲清等因是夜天氣不寒，就在外面回闌上坐著，小廝們抬了些圓茶几來，每人面前一張，送了茶，仰觀淡月朦朧，疏星布列；俯視流煙淡沱，空水澄鮮，頗覺心曠神怡。遠遠望去，只見回巒疊嶂，飛閣層樓，隱隱約約，看視不明，尚未見一盞燈火。忽見亭子前面太湖石山洞，一對明燈照出一雙玉人來。走到面前看時，一個是袁寶珠，一個是金漱芳。仲清問道：「你們藏在那裡？」寶珠道：「我們在前面小船室下棋。」文澤道：「相公阿曾點個隻眼？」寶珠、漱芳都笑了一笑。座中就是子玉不認得，那日雖見漱芳的《題曲》，也是上妝容貌。此時看他骨香肉膩，玉潔晶瑩；寶珠亭亭玉立，弱不勝衣，便想道：「這兩個姿色似可與琴官相並，但不知性情何如。」正想著，猛聽得臺下雲鑼一響，對面很遠的樹林裡，放起幾枝流星趕月來，便接著一個個的泥筒，接接連連，遠遠近近，放了一二百筒。那蘭花竹箭，射得滿園，映得那些綠竹寒林，如畫在火光中一般。泥筒放了一回，聽得接連放了幾個大炮，各處樹林裡放出黃煙來，隨有千百爆竹聲齊響，已掛出無數的煙火：一邊是九連燈，一邊是萬年歡；一邊是炮打襄陽城，一邊是火燒紅蓮寺；一邊是阿房一炬，一邊是赤壁燒兵。遠遠的金闐鼓驟，作萬馬奔騰之勢，那些火鳥火鼠，如百道電光，穿繞滿園，看得子玉等目眩神駭。

　　文澤想道：「可惜無酒，負此花燈。」聽得次賢說道：「如此良夜，諸兄何不小飲幾杯。」即吩咐取酒來。不一會，小廝們取了四壺酒交給寶珠、漱芳，走到各人面前，將茶碗撤去，把茶几揭起了一層蓋子，便是一個鑲成的攢盒，共有十二碟果菜，銀杯象箸都鑲在裡面，十分精巧。寶珠、漱芳都斟了酒，次賢說：「請！」大家淺斟細酌起來。酒過數巡，臺下雲鑼一響，四處的煙火放完，只見各處樹梢上顫巍巍的掛起無數彩燈來，有飛禽，有花朵，錯錯落落，越添越多，不一時，周圍四面約有數千。樹上的燈都點齊了，地上又舞出幾百片彩雲燈來，五色迷離，盤折回繞。鑼聲響處，舞出一條金龍，有十數丈長，飛舞如真龍一般。少頃，神仙洞裡舞出一條青龍，接著又是一條白龍，那樹林裡舞出一條烏龍，煙火光中，又舞出一條火龍，都是十餘丈長，滾成一處，數十面鑼聲，鬧得像驚濤駭浪，變幻煙雲，甚是好看。又滾出幾十個大大小小毯燈，在那雲龍中間滾旋，引得那五條龍張牙舞爪，天矯攫拿，看得眾人個個出神。

　　忽見怡園家人上前說道：「史少爺來了！」大家起身看時，只見兩人扶著史南湘，踉踉蹌蹌，一步步的跺著石蹬上來。

　　將到臺前，便霍然的大吐起來。

　　吐了一會，搖著頭，喘吁吁的在臺前站住，指著眾人道：

　　「你們好，你們好……」便說不出來，小廝先拿了一碗溫水與他嗽了口，又說道：「你們好樂！」仲清道：「你且坐下，歇歇再說。」扶上亭子，他就坐在地下，寶珠等上去見他，他把頭點點。文澤道：「你在那裡喝得這樣？」南湘又搖搖頭。寶珠到次賢耳邊說了幾句話，次賢命小廝去拿了一個小小的金盒子，取出一丸藥來，放在碗內，用開水化了，遞給寶珠，捧到南湘身邊，彎了腰給他喝，南湘搖頭不要。寶珠道：「這是醒酒湯，喝了就好了。」南湘心裡明白，把湯喝完，閉著眼道：「我醉欲眠君且去。」便放身欲睡。次賢恐著了涼，便命家人扶他到後面小座落裡炕上去睡，扶了南湘進去，把門帶上。子玉問次賢這是什麼丸，次賢道：「這是度香自制的，任憑喝得爛醉，只須一丸下去，宿酒盡消，且補元氣，名為仙桃益壽丸。」

　　不多一會，只見南湘已開了門走將出來，說道：「有趣，有趣！幾作了劉玄石一醉三年，險些兒被人埋在地下。」仲清道：「你酒已醒了，還說醉話。」漱芳已擰了一塊濕手巾來，南湘擦了臉道：「這是什麼地方？」眾人皆笑，次賢笑道：「竹君，這是黃鶴樓，你怎麼認不清了？」南湘近前一看，狂笑起來，說道：「原來靜宜也在這裡，你們到底幾時來的？」眾人聽了又笑，寶珠、漱芳拉他到亭外看了一會，南湘方知道是怡園，細細一想，便又大笑。將要問時，忽然滿園的金鼓盈天，爆聲大發，風馳火驟，聲勢駭人，四面八方，百獸齊集，盡是五色綢紗糊的，彩畫得毛片逼真：一邊馳出一隊象燈，一邊馳出一隊虎燈；一邊馳出一隊犀牛，一邊馳出一隊獅子；還有黑熊、白兕、赤豹、黃羆，奇奇怪怪，約有數百，足下都有四個小輪，用人拉著飛跑，鼻裡生煙，口中吐火，覺得如雷轟電掣，地塌山崩。看得子玉等神驚膚栗。這邊百獸，那邊群龍，合將攏來，黑霧沖天，火光遍地，大有赤壁鏖兵之勢。鬧了好一會，猛聽得一聲響，半天裡放起一個九子炮來，只見地下火光一散，如穿梭一般，霎時滿園寂寂，不見一燈。眾名士齊聲喝采道：「真有天地化工，孫吳兵法之妙，我們皆目所未見。」仲清道：「今日舞這一會燈，我算起來，至少也有一千餘人。這園裡那裡來這許多人？」次賢道：「若盡用人，自然就多了。這五條龍燈是盡用人為，那些百獸與彩雲都用輪子展動，一人能頑得好幾個。以獸牽獸，就要明白進退疾徐之節，也是預先操演的。今日所用大約還不滿二百人。」眾名士盡皆歎服。次賢讓客下山，到個寬大地方小憩，大家未便就散，只得隨著他下了山。

　　穿過幾處神仙洞，依著樹屏竹徑，走到一處是梨花園，次賢讓客進內。也過了好幾重門戶，進了朝東五間三明兩暗的西洋房。此中點綴得甚佳，琴牀畫桌，金鼎銅壺，斑然可愛。正中懸著一額，是屈本立寫的「宜春閣」三字，一邊是陸素蘭寫的幾幅小楷，一邊是袁寶珠畫的幾幅墨蘭，中間地上點著一盞仿古雞足銀燈，有四尺高，上面托著個九瓣蓮花燈盞，點著九穗，照得滿屋通明。一一坐了，次賢道：「我們何不再飲幾杯？」眾人道：「我們在亭子上已飲多了，可以不必酒了，倒是清淡罷。」南湘道：「我今日的酒不曉得怎樣醒的？」寶珠道：

　　「我們今日醒眼觀醉。倒也有趣。」南湘道：「瑤卿，我記得你還灌我一大碗酒。」眾人笑道：「這人醉糊塗了，到底飲了多少酒來？」南湘道：「今日我同高卓然、張仲雨，帶了王靜芳、李佩仙在酒樓上飲了一天，也不曉得有多少，他們都醉得先走了。我送靜芳回去，順路到庸庵家，問知出外逛燈，我也去逛燈。也不知趕車的什麼意思，就拉我到這裡，園門口的人說你們在裡面賞燈，就扶了我進來。」一面說，就懷裡掏出一團燈謎字條，大家看時：一個是「春風一曲費纏頭」，一個是「馬兒快快隨」，都打戲名，一個是《賞秋》，一個是《趕車》。寶珠對漱芳笑道：「你的一個，我的一個，都被他猜著了。」南湘笑道：「原來是你們做的。」即對子玉道：「庾香，此二君何如？你看他們的相貌、才藝，你評評，還是我說謊的麼？」又指著兩邊的書畫道：「你再看看，這是瑤卿畫的，那是香畹寫的，你看外邊那班假名士，能夠如這班真相公嗎？」

　　子玉笑道：「小弟早巳認過，吾兄尚還刻刻在心。」南湘道：「以後你們這一班，見我們不許請安，只許稱號，如違了要罰的。」寶珠道：「這倒與度香、靜宜一樣脾氣，就是這樣便了。」王恂道：「庾香，你看這瑤卿，與你去年戲園所見的怎樣？這真偽可能相混麼？」子玉笑道：「瓦礫豈可僭稱珠玉？那個名字，叫他改了才好。」寶珠不解，便問王恂，王恂就將去年所見保珠，子玉聽錯的話說了，寶珠嫣然而笑。

　　於是漱芳拉了王恂下棋，文澤觀局。子玉同寶珠看那墨蘭，贊不絕口；南湘、仲清、次賢同坐在醉翁牀閒話。南湘道：「靜宜兄，還記得『只有酒狂名下士，醉吟許上岳陽樓』佳句否？」

　　次賢道：「那裡及得『只恨仙人丹藥少，不教酒滿洞庭湖』名句足傳。」仲清道：「若教酒滿洞庭湖，只怕史竹君早巳醉死了。靜宜先生，明日可與他寫個竹醉圖。」次賢點頭微笑。子玉乘他們說話時，悄悄的問寶珠道：「這兩天可曾見你們同班的琴官？」寶珠聽了，把子玉打量了一番，問道：「你同琴官相好麼？」倒把子玉問住了，很不好意思，只得答道：「向未交接，不過聞名思慕。」寶珠道：「他如今不叫琴官，改名為琴言，今日可惜遲來一步，度香帶他赴席去了。」子玉心裡想道：「我與他直如此緣慳，要接談的福分都沒有。」一面想，怔怔的看著寶珠，寶珠也怔怔的看著子玉，四目勾留，都出了神。劉文澤一回頭看見這光景，輕輕的向子玉肩上一拍道：「瑤卿好不好？」子玉當是問琴言，便道：「他的《驚夢》這一齣，直是天上神仙。」寶珠嚲然一笑。子玉回想過來，自知所問非所答，幸而話未說錯，隨同文澤走到南湘這邊來。仲清問次賢，可有好燈謎被人打去？次賢道：「就是昨日有兩封情書，被一個少年猜去，適值我有事走開，沒有問得這人姓名住址。」仲清向次賢要出那兩封情書底稿來，同著眾人看時，一封是藥名，一封是花名，只見上寫著：

　　小億去年，細辛。金閶款聚，蘇合。黃始笑指，牽牛。油壁香迎，車前。猥以量斗之才，百合。得逐薰衣之隊，香附。前程萬里，悔覓封侯，遠志。瘦影孤棲，猶思續命，獨活。問草心誰而主，王孫。怕花信之頻催，防風。雖傅粉郎君，青絲未老，何首烏。而侍香小史，玉骨先寒，腐婢。惟有申禮自持，防已。殘年獨守，忍冬。屈指瓜期之將及，當歸。此心荼苦之全消，甘遂。書到君前，白及。即希裁答，旋覆。五月望日，半夏。玉瞻肅衽，白斂。

　　子玉道：「好個春燈謎面子。」寶珠道：「我最愛傅粉郎君一聯。」南湘道：「我們這裡只有庾香算得傅粉郎君，你愛他麼？」寶珠笑了一笑，子玉倒臊得臉都紅了。再看那封回書是：

　　尺嫌傳馥，素馨。芳柬流丹，刺紅。腸宛轉以如回，百結。歲循環而既改，四季。億前宵之歡會，夜合。帳祖道之分飛，將離。玉女投壺，微開香輔，合笑。金蓮貼地，小步軟塵，紅躑躅。一自遠索長安，空憐羞澀，米囊。遲回洛浦，乍合神光，水仙。在卿則脂胭粉奩，華容自好，扶麗。在我已雪絲霜鬃，結習都忘，老少年。過九十之春光，落英幾點，百日紅。祝大千之法界，並蒂三生，西番蓮。計玉杓值寅卯之間，指甲。庶鈿盒卜星辰之會，牽牛。裁成霜素，剪秋羅。欲發偏遲，徘徊。二月十六日，長春。寅刻名另肅，虎刺。

　　仲清道：「這兩封情書，就不是燈謎，也香豔極了。況且隱藏藥名、花名，恰切不移。這猜著的人，真是個絕世聰明人了，可借不知是誰？」文澤道：「這兩封書，都是靜宜先生的手筆麼？」次賢道：「那封原書，是度香的手筆。」說著，王恂已經下完了棋，倒輸了漱芳三子。子玉因夜色已深，隨同南湘等告辭；子玉並說度香來園，先為致意，改日專誠再來的話，次賢答應著，送出各人上車而散。再聽下回分解。

It was past midnight when Wei Pintcai and Li Yuanmao returned home. The gate of Mei’s residence was locked, and it took some time for someone to come and open it after their knocking. Entering their rooms, Pintcai couldn’t help but complain to Yuanmao about accidentally losing some silver coins earlier that evening. Yuanmao had no reply, and they each retired to sleep. The next day, they had to ask Xu Shun for a favor, borrowing a note worth ten diao to split between them, and sent a letter along with Si’er to give to Ye Maolin to distribute to Er Xi and Bao Zhu. Later, when Zi Yu asked, Pintcai and Yuanmao merely said they went out with Zhang Zhongyu to listen to an opera and eat, thus hiding the true circumstances.

Two days later, during the Lantern Festival, Li Xingquan took Yuanmao to the guild hall for the New Year’s wine, while Pintcai went out to enjoy the festival lights and had not yet returned. Zi Yu was home alone and bored when Mei Jinjin came in and said, “Young Master Liu, Young Master Yan, and Young Master Wang are here to invite you to enjoy the lanterns; they are waiting at the gate.” After getting permission from his parents, Mei Jinjin quickly arranged a carriage, and Yun’er followed them out. Zhong Qing and others were already waiting in the carriage, but when they saw Zi Yu coming, they got out. Liu Wenzhe suggested, “On such a fine evening, worth its weight in gold, let’s walk under the lantern-lit moon, and follow the carriage when we return.” Zi Yu agreed. The group walked slowly, chatting leisurely, and soon reached the bustling lantern fair.

Entering the lantern tent, it was packed with people and even some carriages squeezed inside. Zi Yu and the others walked under the sheltered shopfronts. The shops were festively decorated with hanging lanterns—some glass, some silk-painted, and others displaying screens of lights or lantern structures outside the doors. Thankfully, the street was wide; otherwise, it would have been impossible to walk. People were also setting off fireworks, adding to the spectacle with lively sounds and bright displays, making it a truly peaceful scene celebrating the first full moon of the year. Suddenly, a procession of fancy carriages passed by, their curtains open with maids and servants seated on the edges, lighting up the night with sweet-smelling incense. The ladies inside peered out through large glass windows, while Wenzhe, Wang Xun, and others watched intently, some faces pleasing, others not so much, yet all brightened by the lantern light. As the carriages passed, the group could hardly stay together, some moving ahead or falling behind.

At this moment, Zi Yu was stuck in front because of a carriage that had blocked the way. Wenzhe noticed a well-dressed young woman inside the carriage, gazing unblinkingly at Zi Yu, who, finding no way forward and feeling a bit embarrassed, lowered his head. The young woman, loosening her grip on the carriage door, elegantly stepped out, revealing her dainty bound feet, first positioning one leg then retracting the other gracefully, her delicate hand finally resting by her side. She smiled sweetly at Zi Yu.

Wenzhe nudged Wang Xun and whispered, “It seems she’s showing off her lotus feet for you.” Wang Xun nodded. Zhong Qing added from behind Wenzhe, “How do you know it’s not for you?” Wenzhe laughed, “Unlikely.” He then teased, “Yu Xiang, why are you so captivated by those lantern pairs instead of the ongoing scene?” Zi Yu turned around, only to find the young woman still watching him from behind the glass, making him even more self-conscious.

When the carriage eventually moved on, Wenzhe noted a small Western-style lantern hanging under the carriage painted with lucky motifs and marked with the name “Qi Sheng Hao Pan.” Another carriage followed, carrying a rather unattractive woman, her face heavily made-up to the point of appearing greasy even at night, dressed meticulously but in a pretentious manner. Wenzhe observed a character “Hua” (flower) stickered on her lantern. After these carriages passed, the group continued their stroll through increasingly narrower streets. Wenzhe mentioned to Zi Yu, “That woman earlier seemed quite interested in you, yet you didn’t respond at all, merely gazing at those old silk lanterns. Was she not worthy of even a glance?”

Zi Yu replied, “I didn’t pay her any mind, nor did she look at me; she was watching you guys.” The group laughed and moved on to view more lantern displays.

A group of women, also walking, came bustling through. They were dressed

in silks and cotton, their hair oiled and faces powdered, laughing merrily. Their sleeves fluttered like butterflies, their movements as sudden as startled snakes. They didn’t seem to care whether it was proper to let others pass, just pushing their way forward. One of them, apparently not bound-footed, stepped heavily on Wang Xun’s foot.

Wang Xun’s new black soap boots were half blackened by the step, causing him quite a bit of pain. He hastily moved aside. Then he saw a woman in her thirties, tall and wearing high-soled shoes, looking at the lanterns but stumbling on a brick, nearly falling over but managing to stabilize herself by grabbing onto Zi Yu’s chest, startling him significantly. After the woman let go, she giggled and pushed her way through the crowd. Some women remarked loudly, “These gentlemen are so annoying, staring blatantly; don’t they have women at home? They just block the way on purpose.” Zhong Qing and others laughed heartily at this, and Wang Xun commented, “Bad luck, that step hurt a lot, and she even accused us of blocking the way.” Zi Yu, having regained his composure, said, “I was really scared when she grabbed me; I thought she mistook me for someone else. Wouldn’t it be bad luck if a fight had broken out? It seems there really are such uncouth people among women. Compared to the ladies in the carriages earlier, there’s really a world of difference.” Wenzhe laughed out loud, “Without climbing high mountains, one cannot see the plains. You are truly discerning in secret. That woman in the carriage would be pleased with your praise; she did look back at you for quite some time.” Zi Yu smiled again and suggested, “There’s nothing much to see with these lanterns, and the road is difficult to walk. Maybe we should take the carriage back.” Wang Xun agreed, “It’s too early to return, and there’s not much fun in that.” Wenzhe then suggested, “Let’s go to Yi Yuan to see the lanterns; I heard there are good lantern riddles to solve.” Zi Yu replied, “I don’t know the owner, and since it’s late and we are informally dressed, how can we go?” Zhong Qing assured, “That shouldn’t be a problem. Xu Duoxiang, the owner, is among our acquaintances and doesn’t care much about appearances. Moreover, his garden also hosts Xiao Jingyi, a truly refined and generous person. It’s fine to go and have a look.” The three friends agreed, so Zi Yu joined them. They all got into the carriages, with the attendants perched on the edges, and headed towards Yi Yuan.

It was about two miles away. After passing Nanheng Street, they arrived at the gate of Yi Yuan. The gate was flanked by walls made of small yellow stones resembling tiger skin, and the entrance featured a colorful silk archway, leaving a square opening five feet across with “Yi Yuan” written in large characters. Below it hung four lanterns strung together, each decorated with eight rows of five-colored painted glass. Entering the garden, they saw an eight-paneled door painted oil green with gold, and by the door stood a table surrounded by six or seven people writing lantern riddle strips. Next to it was a spring bench with various items like pouches, fireworks, and the four treasures of the study, prepared as gifts for those who solved the riddles. Above, in the main tent, hung a multicolored silk canopy with a hundred pleats, beneath which dangled a gourd-shaped glass lantern.

Further inside, there was a square pavilion against the wall, over a pond with a flat glass lantern above, covered with many riddle strips and surrounded by a crowd of about twenty people. Stepping up to the pavilion, they immediately saw eight lantern riddles written across from them. Zhong Qing was about to read them when a servant from Yi Yuan came up to greet them, asking, “Why don’t the young masters explore further inside?” Wenzhe asked about their host, to which the servant replied, “Our master is out at a banquet, and Elder Xiao is at home.” Wang Xun said, “Let’s solve a few riddles first before going deeper.” They then began with the first riddle: “Two birds nest peacefully without worries, recognizing the tortoiseshell beams of the Lu family,” with a quote from the “Book of Rites.” Zi Yu pondered this, hearing Wang Xun ask Zhong Qing, “Could this be ‘knowing their place, the swallows are not chaotic’?” Zhong Qing replied, “Probably so.” The second riddle read: “Despite thousands of waters and mountains far away, letters and gifts always reach,” annotated with a quote from the “I Ching.” Zhong Qing

said, “This truly means ‘proceeding in peril without losing faith.’” Zi Yu added, “The fourth one, ‘fallen flowers stand alone, light rain flies with the swallows,’ must mean the word ‘pair.’” Wenzhe suggested, “The seventh one, ‘it’s better to sleep early in a desolate village and rise late in a roadside inn,’ probably refers to the ancient name ‘Xifu Gong.’” Zi Yu agreed, “Correct.” Wang Xun said, “Let’s report these answers.” Zhong Qing suggested, “Let’s finish all four first before reporting. The second one, ‘crow backs the setting sun bright,’ from the ‘Book of Rites,’ must be ‘the sun is on the wings.’” Zi Yu said, “The first couplet of the ancient music bureau with eight titles, ‘remembering home from morning till night, how many bends does the Qin Huai River make?’ must be ‘Midnight’ and ‘Tune of Jinling.’” Zhong Qing said, “The latter half of the second couplet, ‘moonlight especially dislikes the dark dust,’ is ‘Night Yellow,’ but I don’t know what ‘don’t let the rain threads urge the petals’ refers to.”

Wenzhe said, “Perhaps it’s ‘Rest from Washing Red.’ The third couplet, ‘long night distant hearing the broken leaks, middle-aged Tao writes leisurely,’ must be ‘Five More Bells’ and ‘Don’t Worry Music.’” Wang Xun added, “The seventh line, ‘thirty-six pairs of crows fly steadily,’ must be ‘Eight or Nine Sons of the Crow.’” Zhong Qing concluded, “The last line, ‘should go to Zhangtai to send off the distant guest,’ is probably ‘Breaking Willow Branches.’ The fifth one, ‘born in the years of Chen and Si,’ quotes a line from the ‘Book of Songs,’ and the eighth, ‘without a word all charm is grasped,’ quotes a line from ‘Tang Poetry’; I can’t guess those.” As they were discussing, someone asked, “Born in the years of Chen and Si, could it be ‘only vipers and snakes’?” The person at the gate replied it wasn’t. Wenzhe said, “Let’s not let someone else get it first; let’s go report these answers.” They all walked down from the pavilion. Zi Yu said, “I’ve thought of the ‘Book of Songs’ one; it must be ‘not attached to fur.’” Zhong Qing agreed, “Indeed. It’s great you thought of that.”

Wang Xun asked, “Could the ‘Tang Poetry’ one be ‘Yin Zi writing emptily’?” Wenzhe said, “Let’s report it and see.” They all went to the gate, and each reported their answers. Inside, they all responded with “yes,” except the last one wasn’t guessed correctly. Wang Xun said, “The poetry is unmatched.” Inside, they also responded with “yes.” Just then, someone brought out a lantern, replacing the one previously hung. From behind the screen door, a man in his thirties, with clear eyes and a refined demeanor, dressed in elegant light clothing, leisurely approached.

Seeing Wenzhe, Zhong Qing, and Wang Xun, they all greeted him, calling him Mr. Jingyi. The man greeted the three and then made a bow to Zi Yu, who hurriedly returned the gesture.

Wenzhe then said to Xiao Ci Xian, “This is Mei Yu Xiang, a peerless gentleman of our time. Haven’t you met Mr. Jingyi before?” Ci Xian said, “Meeting you today is indeed a great fortune” and invited the four inside. Zi Yu said, “I’m dressed informally tonight, which might seem disrespectful; allow me to come another day to pay a formal visit.” Ci Xian laughed, “Yu Xiang, a gentleman of your stature shouldn’t be so meticulous. Besides, the host isn’t home, and we are just gathered here for a chat, so please don’t worry about formalities.” Zi Yu found it hard to refuse and had to follow them out of the pavilion. On either side were ground lanterns every ten steps, illuminating a flat open area. Not far ahead, a high cliff loomed. Below the cliff, a row of five rolled-roof pavilions with eaves hung with uniform rows of more than twenty Western-style glass lanterns scented with lotus. Ci Xian invited them inside, where they sat down, hosts and guests on either side. Ci Xian was already acquainted with Wenzhe, Wang Xun, and Zhong Qing, but he had a heartfelt conversation with Zi Yu. Zi Yu, recognizing him as a distinguished man, also felt quite close. After a while, they had some tea, and an attendant came out from the inner room, bringing various prizes for the lantern

riddles laid out on the table—lake pens, Hui ink, Duan inkstones, and elegant fans, among others. The prize for the riddle Zi Yu guessed, ‘fallen flowers stand alone, light rain flies with the swallows,’ was the most substantial, consisting of an ancient brocade bag containing a Yaoqin zither. Seeing the zither, Zi Yu seemed lost in thought, and seeing that the prize was too generous, he and Zhong Qing repeatedly declined it. Ci Xian asked, “Did Yu Xiang guess this zither?” Zi Yu said, “It was merely my wild guess; I truly don’t deserve such a generous gift.” Ci Xian said, “This was prepared by the garden owner for Du Yunnong with a deeper meaning; please don’t refuse it. The zither still needs an inscription, which will be engraved before being formally presented.” Saying this, he instructed a servant to take the Yaoqin back inside. The other prizes were handed over to the attendants for safekeeping. It turned out that when the zither was being prepared for the lantern riddle, the garden owner enjoyed reciting the couplet ‘fallen flowers stand alone,’ so he instructed Ci Xian to use the couplet’s theme to write a picture on the zither. Therefore, this lantern riddle prize, a zither, was intended as a playful yet meaningful gesture. Not only did Zi Yu not know who Du Yunnong was, but even Zhong Qing, Wenzhe, and others were also unaware. When everyone asked, Ci Xian didn’t explain right away, only saying that they would know eventually.

After chatting for a while, Zhong Qing mentioned that it was a pity there were no clever lanterns from the south to add color to the festival.

Ci Xian said, “Do you brothers want to see the lanterns? It’s easy, although they’re not from the south, they’re still quite extraordinary.” He then instructed a servant to lead the way along the cliff, walking a distance of about an arrow’s shot, where a series of stone steps led up thirty or more steps, turning around the cliff to a flat white stone platform.

In the middle of the platform was a round pavilion, its windows made of concave-convex whole glass.

Entering the pavilion, the ground was carpeted, and in the center was a large round table, surrounded by fan-shaped stools that, when pieced together, perfectly encircled the table. Zhong Qing and the others, since it was a warm night, sat on the outside railings. Servants brought round tea tables, placing one in front of each person and serving tea. Looking up, they saw the faint moon shrouded by sparse stars; looking down, they saw the misty river reflecting the clear sky, feeling a sense of spaciousness and peace. From afar, they could see layered hills and pavilions, faint and indistinct, making it hard to see clearly, and no lanterns were visible yet. Suddenly, in front of the pavilion, a Taihu rock cave lit up, revealing a pair of jade figures as a bright lantern shone out. Approaching to see, one was Yuan Baozhu, and the other was Jin Shufang. Zhong Qing asked, “Where were you hiding?” Baozhu said, “We were playing chess under the front boat chamber.” Wenzhe asked, “Did your husband only give a wink?” Baozhu and Shufang both smiled. Zi Yu, who didn’t recognize them since he had only seen Shufang’s “Theme Song” in makeup the other day, now saw their bone-fragrant, crystal-clear flesh; Baozhu stood slenderly, too fragile for her clothes, and thought, “These two beauties could stand alongside Qin Guan, but I wonder what their temperaments are like.” Just as he was pondering, he suddenly heard a loud gong from below, and far across in the woods, several “shooting stars chasing the moon” fireworks were set off, followed by hundreds of clay cannons firing continuously, near and far. The bamboo firework arrows shot throughout the garden, lighting up the cold bamboo forest as if painted by the firelight. After the clay cannons fired for a while, several large cannons sounded, and smoke rose from the woods, followed by the simultaneous crackling of thousands of firecrackers, hanging countless fireworks: on one side, “Nine Connected Lanterns,” on the other, “Endless Joy”; one side depicted the “Siege of Xiangyang City,” the other, “Burning of the Red Lotus Temple”; one depicted “Burning of the Epang Palace,” the other, “Burning of the Soldiers at Red Cliffs.” From afar, the drums of Jintian hastened, creating the momentum of thousands of horses galloping, with fire birds and fire mice

like hundreds of lightning bolts crisscrossing the garden. As Zi Yu and the others watched in dazzled amazement, the fireworks continued.

Wenzhe thought, “It’s a pity we have no wine to accompany these beautiful lanterns.” Hearing Ci Xian say, “On such a fine night, why don’t you gentlemen have a few drinks?” he immediately ordered wine to be brought. In no time, servants brought four jugs of wine to Baozhu and Shufang, who went around to each person, replacing the tea bowls with tea tables that lifted to reveal a layer of lids, each inlaid with a tray containing twelve dishes of fruit and vegetables, with silver cups and ivory chopsticks neatly arranged inside, all very exquisite. Baozhu and Shufang poured the wine, and Ci Xian said, “Please!” Everyone began to drink modestly. After several rounds of drinks, the gong sounded again, the fireworks finished, and suddenly countless colorful lanterns trembled on the treetops, including birds and flowers, scattered and increasing in number. In no time, the surroundings were adorned with thousands of lanterns. As the lanterns on the trees were lit, the ground danced with several hundred colored cloud lanterns, with five colors blending and winding. At the sound of the gong, a golden dragon, several tens of meters long, danced as if a real dragon. Soon, a green dragon danced out from the Fairy Cave, followed by a white dragon, and from the woods danced a black dragon; amidst the fireworks, a red dragon danced, all more than ten meters long, rolling together, with dozens of gongs sounding like thunderous waves, creating a spectacle of shifting smoke and clouds, truly a sight to behold. Then several large and small carpet lanterns rolled out among the cloud dragons, enticing the five dragons to display their fangs and claws, with heavenly agility and force, leaving everyone utterly enchanted.

Suddenly, a servant from Yi Yuan approached and announced, “Young Master Shi has arrived!” Everyone stood up to see, and two people were helping Shi Nanxiang, who was staggering step by step up the stone steps.

As he reached the platform, he suddenly vomited profusely.

After vomiting for a while, he shook his head and stood gasping at the front of the platform, pointing at everyone and saying:

“You’re all good, you’re all good…” but he couldn’t say more. A servant quickly brought him a bowl of warm water to rinse his mouth, and he added, “You’re all so merry!” Zhong Qing said, “Sit down and rest a bit before you speak.” Helping him into the pavilion, he sat down on the ground. Baozhu and others approached to see him, and he nodded his head. Wenzhe asked, “Where did you drink so much?” Nanxiang shook his head again. Baozhu whispered a few words to Ci Xian, who then ordered a servant to bring a small golden box, took out a pill, placed it in a bowl, dissolved it with boiling water, and handed it to Baozhu, who bent down to let him drink it. Nanxiang shook his head, refusing. Baozhu said, “This is a sobering soup; you’ll feel better after drinking it.” Nanxiang, understanding, drank the soup and then closed his eyes, saying, “I’m drunk and wish to sleep; you go ahead.” He then lay down to sleep. Ci Xian, worried he might catch cold, ordered the servants to help him to a small bed in the back room to sleep, closing the door behind him. Zi Yu asked Ci Xian what the pill was, and Ci Xian said, “This is a self-made remedy by Duoxiang; no matter how drunk one is, just one pill will clear the hangover and also replenish vitality, named ‘Peach of Immortality for Longevity.’”

In a short while, Nanxiang opened the door and came out, saying, “Interesting, interesting! I nearly made a three-year drunk of Liu Xuan Shi, almost buried alive.” Zhong Qing said, “You’re sober now, yet still talking drunk.” Shufang had already brought a damp towel, and Nanxiang wiped his face, asking, “Where is this place?” Everyone laughed, and Ci Xian joked, “Zhu Jun, this is Huanghelou; how can you not recognize it?” Nanxiang looked closely, laughed wildly, and said, “So Jingyi is also here; when did you all arrive?” Everyone laughed again, and Baozhu and Shufang took him outside the pavilion for a while until Nanxiang realized he was in Yi Yuan, thought carefully, and then laughed again. When he was about to ask, suddenly the whole garden was filled with the sound of drums, the noise was terrifying, from all directions,

a gathering of all beasts, all made of five-colored silk paper, painted so lifelike: on one side, a group of elephant lanterns charged, on the other, a group of tiger lanterns; one side had rhinoceroses, the other lions; there were also black bears, white rhinoceroses, red leopards, yellow bears, strange and varied, about several hundred, each with four small wheels pulled by people running, with smoke coming from their noses and fire from their mouths, feeling like thunder and lightning, the earth collapsing and mountains crumbling. Watching this, Zi Yu and the others were terrified. On this side were all the beasts, on the other were the group of dragons, coming together, with black mist filling the sky and firelight covering the ground, truly a scene of the Battle of Red Cliffs. After a great commotion, a sudden loud noise erupted, and a “Nine Sons Cannon” fired in the sky, the ground firelight scattering like shuttles, and in an instant, the whole garden was silent, not a single lantern visible. The distinguished guests all shouted in unison, “Truly a work of divine craftsmanship, with the ingenuity of Sun Wu’s military strategies, a sight we have never seen before.” Zhong Qing said, “Considering the dance of the lanterns today, there must have been at least a thousand people involved. Where could so many people come from in this garden?” Ci Xian said, “If we used everyone, naturally there would be many. The five dragon lanterns were entirely manned, while the beasts and cloud lanterns were moved with wheels, one person able to play several parts. With beast pulling beast, one must understand the timing of advance and retreat, also requiring prior practice. Today, we used no more than two hundred people.” The distinguished guests were all amazed. Ci Xian invited the guests down the mountain to a spacious place for a brief rest; it was inconvenient for everyone to disperse immediately, so they followed him down the mountain.

Passing through several fairy caves and along tree-screened bamboo paths, they reached a pear orchard, where Ci Xian invited the guests inside. They also passed through several gates and entered a Western-style house facing east with five rooms, three bright and two dark. Inside, the decoration was exquisite, with zither beds, painted tables, golden tripods, and bronze pots, all charmingly lovely. In the center hung a plaque written by Qu Benli with the three characters “Yi Chun Ge” (Spring Pavilion), on one side were several small scripts written by Lu Sulan, on the other side were several ink orchid paintings by Yuan Baozhu, and in the middle of the floor, a nine-petaled lotus lamp stood about four feet tall on an antique chicken-footed silver lamp, lighting up the entire room brightly. After everyone sat down, Ci Xian said, “Why don’t we have a few more drinks?” The others said, “We’ve already drunk a lot on the pavilion; we don’t need more wine, let’s just keep it light.” Nanxiang said, “I don’t know how I woke up from today’s drinking.” Baozhu said, “Today we watched the drunk with clear eyes. It was quite interesting.” Nanxiang said, “Yaoqing, I remember you even poured me a big bowl of wine.” Everyone laughed, “This man is confused from the drink, how much did he actually drink today?” Nanxiang said, “Today I drank with Gao Zuoran, Zhang Zhongyu, and brought Wang Jingfang and Li Peixian to a wine restaurant for a day, I don’t know how much, they all got drunk and left first. I escorted Jingfang home, and on the way stopped by Yong An’s house, learned he was out enjoying the lanterns, so I also went to enjoy the lanterns. I don’t know what the carriage driver was thinking, just pulled me here, and the people at the garden gate said you were inside enjoying the lanterns, so they helped me come in.” As he spoke, he took out a bundle of lantern riddle strips from his jacket, and everyone looked: one was “spring wind a tune costing entanglements,” another “the horse hurries along,” both using play titles, one for “Enjoying Autumn,” the other for “Chasing the Carriage.” Baozhu laughed to Shufang, “One is yours, one is mine, he guessed them all.” Nanxiang laughed, “So it was you who made them.” Then he turned to Zi Yu, “Yu Xiang, how about these two gentlemen? You look at their looks and talents, you judge, am I lying?” He also pointed to the books and paintings on both sides, “You look again, this is Yaoqing’s painting, that’s Xiangwan’s writing, can the

fake literati outside compare to these true gentlemen?”

Zi Yu smiled, “I’ve long recognized them, my brother still keeps them in mind constantly.” Nanxiang said, “From now on, you guys in this group, when you see us, don’t bow, just use titles, if you violate this, you’ll be fined.” Baozhu said, “This is just like Duoxiang and Jingyi’s temperament, just like that then.” Wang Xun said, “Yu Xiang, how does this Yaoqing compare to the one you saw in the garden last year? Can the real and fake possibly be mixed?” Zi Yu smiled, “How can rubble dare claim to be pearls and jade? That name, he should change it to be better.” Baozhu didn’t understand, so she asked Wang Xun, who then explained about last year’s Baozhu and Zi Yu’s misheard words, which made Baozhu smile sweetly.

Then Shufang pulled Wang Xun to play chess, Wenzhe watched the game. Zi Yu watched the ink orchids with Baozhu, praising them endlessly; Nanxiang, Zhong Qing, and Ci Xian sat on the Drunkard’s Bed chatting leisurely. Nanxiang said, “Jingyi brother, do you still remember the fine line, ‘Only the wine-crazed under the poet’s name, drunkenly willing to ascend Yueyang Tower’?” Ci Xian said, “How can it compare to the famous line, ‘Only regretting the immortals’ elixirs are few, not letting wine fill Dongting Lake’?” Zhong Qing said, “If we let wine fill Dongting Lake, I’m afraid Historian Zhu would have died of drunkenness long ago. Mr. Jingyi, you should write him a ‘Bamboo Drunk Picture’ tomorrow.” Ci Xian nodded and smiled. Zi Yu, while they were talking, quietly asked Baozhu, “Have you seen your classmate Qin Guan these two days?” Baozhu looked Zi Yu over and asked, “Are you close with Qin Guan?” This question stumped Zi Yu, leaving him quite embarrassed, only able to reply, “I’ve never met her, just heard of her and admired her.” Baozhu said, “She’s no longer called Qin Guan, she’s changed her name to Qin Yan, unfortunately, you came a step too late today, Duoxiang took her to a banquet.” Zi Yu thought to himself, “My fate with her is so sparse, not even the fortune to talk with her.” While thinking, he stared blankly at Baozhu, who also stared blankly back at Zi Yu, their eyes locked, both lost in thought. Liu Wenzhe, turning his head and seeing this scene, gently patted Zi Yu’s shoulder and asked, “Is Yaoqing good?” Zi Yu, thinking he was asking about Qin Yan, replied, “Her ‘Startling Dream’ play is truly heavenly.” Baozhu burst into a gentle laugh. Zi Yu, realizing his mistake, was glad he hadn’t spoken wrongly, and followed Wenzhe to where Nanxiang was. Zhong Qing asked Ci Xian if any good lantern riddles had been taken by others? Ci Xian said, “Just yesterday, two love letters were guessed by a young man; just when I had to step away, I didn’t get the chance to ask this person’s name and address.” Zhong Qing asked Ci Xian to bring out the drafts of those two love letters to look at with everyone; one letter used medicine names, the other used flower names, with the text as follows:

Last year, minor bupleurum. Golden gate gathering, storax. Huang began pointing, cowherd. Oil wall fragrance welcoming, plantain. With the capacity of a bushel, lily. Following the team of perfume pouches, cyperus. The journey of a thousand miles, regret seeking a marquis, telegraph plant. The thin shadow lives alone, still thinking of prolonging life, dong quai. Asking whose heart the grass belongs to, prince. Afraid of the frequent urging of the flower’s message, windbreak. Although with rouge and young lord, black hair not old, fleeceflower root. And serving fragrance, little historian, cold bones early, aconite. Only with presenting gifts to maintain oneself, antidote herb. The remaining years alone guarding, winter enduring. Counting fingers to the melon’s season nearing, angelica. This heart’s bitterness completely dissolved, sweet after. Letter arriving before you, white reaching. Hoping for a prompt reply, soon return. Fifth month’s full moon day, pinellia. Jade gazing respectfully, white arranging.

Zi Yu said, “What a splendid set of spring lantern riddles.” Baozhu said, “

I love the ‘with rouge and young lord’ couplet the most.” Nanxiang said, “Here, only Yu Xiang can be considered ‘with rouge and young lord,’ do you love him?” Baozhu smiled, leaving Zi Yu blushing red. Then they looked at the reply letter:

Inch complains of passing fragrance, common jasmin. Fragrant note flows with vermilion, hollyhock. Intestines winding as if returning, knotweed. Years cycle and already changed, four seasons. Billion previous night’s joyful meeting, night-blooming cereus. Canopy path’s separation flying, about to leave. Jade lady throws the pot, slightly open fragrance aids, laughing together. Golden lotus touches the ground, small steps on soft dust, red azalea. Ever since seeking Chang’an far, empty pitying shyness, rice pouch. Late return to Luo River, suddenly merging divine light, water fairy. With you, rouge and powder case, self-admiration in beauty, helping beauty. With me, already snow hair frost mane, forgetting all practices, old youth. Passing ninety springs’ light, scattered petals few points, hundred-day red. Wishing the vast dharma realm, paired stems three lives, western lotus. Plan jade spoon during tiger and rabbit hours, fingernail. Hopefully jeweled box divines stars’ meeting, cowherd. Cut into frost fabric, cut autumn gauze. Desire to send delayed, hesitating. Sixteenth day of the second month, long spring. Tiger hour formally solemn, tiger thorn.

Zhong Qing said, “These two love letters, even if not lantern riddles, are extremely fragrant and passionate. Moreover, hiding medicine and flower names, fitting perfectly. The person who guessed them is truly a uniquely clever individual, too bad we don’t know who it is.” Wenzhe asked, “Are these two letters both written by Mr. Jingyi?” Ci Xian said, “That original letter was written by Duoxiang.” As they spoke, Wang Xun had finished the chess game, losing three pieces to Shufang. Zi Yu, as the night deepened, along with Nanxiang and others, took leave; Zi Yu also conveyed Duoxiang’s greetings to the garden, saying he would come again another day to pay respects, to which Ci Xian responded, sending everyone to their carriages before dispersing. To find out what happens next, listen to the following part of the story.

　　話說子玉等散後，徐子雲才回，因夜色已深，時交於末，便一徑回宅。

　　琴言自去年謁見子雲之後，也隨著一班名花天天常到怡園，子雲愛之不亞於寶珠。但琴言生性高傲，冷冷落落，不善應酬，任憑黃金滿斗，也買不動他一笑。一切古玩飲食衣服，只要他心愛，徐子雲無不供給，也算相待十分，琴言未嘗不知感恩，卻只算得半個知己。自那進京這一天路上見了子玉，便認得是夢中救他出陷坑的人，時時刻刻放在心上。又姑蘇會館唱戲那一日，見他同了一班公子，還有魏聘才、李元茂在座，問起葉茂林，始知這位公子就姓梅，已應了梅花樹下之兆。從此，一縷幽情如沾泥柳絮，已被纏住。

　　這幾日晚間，夢見子玉好幾次，恍恍惚惚的，不是對著同笑，就是對著同哭。

　　又像自己遠行，子玉送他，牽衣執手。又像遠行了，重又回來，兩人促膝談心。模模糊糊，醒來也記不真切。雖知道是個世家公子，卻不知道他的性情嗜好，與度香何如，又恐他是個青年輕薄寡情短行之人。又恐他豪貴驕奢要人趨奉的人。但細看他溫存骨格，像個厚道正人，斷不至此。一日又夢見寶珠變了他的模樣，與自己唱了一齣《驚夢》，又想不出這個理來。次日，子雲到園來，次賢講起昨諸諾人來園看燈，並子玉打著了琴言的燈謎，即將子玉的才貌痛贊了一番。子雲聽了，心裡頗為喜歡，即道：「這個梅庾香，他雖不認得我，我去年恰見過他。我們也有世誼，他令祖相國，與先叔祖總憲公是同年至好。這梅庾香的外貌卻沒有說的，不知品行如何？」次賢道：「持重如金，溫潤如玉，絕無矜才使氣的模樣。雖然片時相晤，我已知其不丸。」二人談了半天，子雲沒有出門。到酉刻，寶珠同了琴言到園。子雲見了笑道：「玉儂此番好了，我替你覓著了配對，你卻不要忘了我。」倒把琴言嚇了一跳，登時發起急來，止不住眼淚直流道：「度香，我承你盛情，不把我當下流人看待，我深感你的厚恩。即使我有伺候不到處，你惱我，恨我，罵我，攆我，我也不敢怨你。只不犯著勾引入來糟蹋我。請問：什麼叫配對不配對，倒要還我一個明白。」子雲自知出言孟浪，覺得無趣，只得叫寶珠陪著他，用好言勸慰自去便借看畫為名，到次賢房中去了。

　　這裡袁寶珠用手帕替他擦了淚痕，就將史南湘的醉態，及妝點情形，說得琴言歡喜了，便同在一張牀榻上坐著道：「看昨日這幾個打燈謎的人，內中一個叫梅庾香的，年紀不過十七八歲，相貌生得最好。」琴言道：「這人也姓梅麼？」寶珠道：「他曾問起你來。」琴言沉吟道：「姓梅的他說會過我麼？」

　　寶珠道：「便是奇怪得很，我因他就只問你一個，只道你們自然在一處飲過酒。問他可與你相好，他支吾了一句，說什麼向未交接，不過聞聲思慕，似乎不像見過的。又說看見你《驚夢》這齣戲唱得很好。」琴言想道：「不要這姓梅的，就是那天看戲的梅公子。」因問寶珠道：「這梅公子，可是初六那天，在姑蘇會館東邊樓上看戲的？」寶珠笑道：「那天我又沒有唱戲，那裡知道是他不是他？」琴言呆呆的想了半晌，又問寶珠道：「他的相貌可同我們班裡陸香畹差不多？就隻眼睛長些，覺得光彩照人；鼻子直些，覺得滿面秀氣，是不是呢？」寶珠道：「這麼說。你們很熟的了，為什麼要瞞著人呢？」琴言無言可答，想起那天的夢來，便道：「你同這姓梅的相好幾年了？」寶珠道：「昨日才見面的。」琴言道：「我不信。若是昨日才見，怎麼前日晚上，倒會變了他的樣兒呢？」琴言說了這句話，用袖子掩著嘴笑。倒將寶珠懵住了，道：「玉儂你說些什麼鬼話？」琴言道：「不是鬼話，你變了他模樣，還唱柳夢梅呢。」寶珠益發摸不著頭腦道：「你到底還是裝瘋，還是做夢？」琴言嫣然的一笑，就把那天梅公子看戲，以及夢見變了他唱戲的話，細細說了一遍。寶珠道：「這人原也生得好，若真個的同你配著唱這出《驚夢》，倒是一對。就可惜我不會變。」琴言默然良久。道：「咳，可惜昨日出去了，沒有見他一面。」寶珠試出琴言屬意子玉，便道：「你可曉得今日錯怪了度香麼？」琴言道：「怎麼？」寶珠道：「他所說替你覓著的配對，你道是那個？」琴言悄悄的道：「難道就是梅公子不成？」寶珠道：：不是他是誰？」琴言道：「我當是度香有心糟蹋我，卻不曉得他所說打燈謎的人就是他。」寶珠道：「據我看來，你同這梅公子大有緣法。我去叫度香明日請他來，與你會一會面，你說好不好？」說著站起身來要走，琴言一把拉住寶珠衣服道：「你又胡鬧了，一來我從未與梅公子會過，知道是他不是他，萬一不是他，便怎樣；就算是他，也不曉得他心性何如。二來剛才我衝撞了度香幾句，怎麼轉得過臉來？」

　　這裡說得熱鬧，那曉得徐子雲同蕭次賢，早巳轉到隔壁套間內，竊聽得逼真，把門一推，子雲、次賢走將出來，琴言一見，羞得紅了臉，就背轉身坐了。子雲道：「玉儂還怪我不怪我？」琴言低頭不語，子雲道，「就算我錯了一句話，也是無心之言。

　　況且你又不是女孩子，怕什麼配對不配對，難道真把你配了梅庾香不成？」說得次賢、寶珠都笑起來。寶珠道：「不要說了，他已經明白過來了。我們何不去請了庾香來與他見一見。」子雲道：「知道是他不是他，我自有道理。」寶珠、琴言即在怡園吃了晚飯，坐到二更而回。

　　次日，子雲即去拜望子玉，彼此道了些景仰渴想的話，就約定於十九日晚間一敘。出來順道到王恂、劉文澤、史南湘等處看望，俱未晤見。回來想道：「這梅庾香果然名不虛傳，玉儂又屬意於他，將來見了面，不消說是他的人了。」又想這：「玉儂的脾氣，差不多的人都猜摸不著，倘或一言不合，就可以決絕的。即使梅庾香是個多情人，也未必能像我這樣體貼。

　　據瑤卿說來，與玉儂改了名字，他全然不知，可見素未浹洽。

　　就看過一齣戲，想來也不過賞識他的相貌，未必心上只有這個琴言，我倒要試他一試。」又想道：「若是十九那一天，竟叫玉儂陪酒，他初次見面，就是彼此有心也難剖說，旁人也看不出來。我如今用個移花接木之計，先把玉儂藏了，另覓一個像玉儂的人，用言打動他，看他如何，自然就試出來了。」主意已定，即向次賢、寶珠說知。

　　到了十九日這一日，一切安排停當。申刻時候，梅子玉到了怡園，主人迎接，進了梅崦。這梅崦是園中名勝，且值梅花盛開，在大山之下，梅林叢中，有數十間分作五處，屋圍著花，花圍著屋，層層疊疊，望之林屋不分。

　　內中陳設古玩，不能細說。只覺人在花中，不數羅浮仙境，真人間香雪海也。

　　居中一所是個梅花心，以五間並作一間，復間作五處，上懸一塊匾額，就是」梅崦」二字。兩旁一副對聯是：梅花萬樹鼻功德，古屋一山心太平。中懸著林和靖的小像，迎面擺一張雕梅花的紫檀木榻。榻上陳著一張古錦囊的瑤琴。子雲讓子玉進內坐了，子玉道：「前日斗膽在此試燈，已成不速之客，今日又蒙寵召，坐我瑤齋，主人情重，何以克當？」子雲道：「庾香先生，景星卿雲，相見恨晚，前日失迓為罪。今蒙不棄，惠然肯來，私心實深欣幸。」子玉問道：「今日坐間尚有何客，靜宜先生何以不見？」子雲道：「靜宜現有小事，少刻奉陪。即指著榻上的琴道：「今日此酌，專為玉儂贈琴而設，未便另邀他客，致撓情話。」子玉道：「弟正要動問，前日因何為打一燈謎，有此厚贈？這玉儂究係何人，吾兄如此鄭重？」子雲便令小廝，將琴囊解開，雙手送交子玉道：「琴後攜有銘款，請試一觀。」子玉接過琴來看時，玉軫珠徽，梅紋蛇斷，絕好一張焦尾古琴，後面鎸著兩行漢篆，其文曰：

　　琴心沉沉，琴德愔愔。其人如玉，相與賞音。

　　四句琴銘下，又鎸著一行行書小字，是：「山陰徐子雲為玉儂杜琴言移贈庾香名士清賞。」下刻圖章兩方：陰文是「次賢撰句」四字，陽文是「靜宜手鎸」四字。

　　子玉想起寶珠改名之言，知道玉儂就是琴官，卻喜出望外，便深深一揖，道了謝，仍令小廝囊好。子雲試他道：「聞說吾兄與玉儂相與最深，可是真的麼？」子玉道：「弟因家君管教極嚴，平素足不出戶，就只開春初六那日，在姑蘇會館看見他一齣《驚夢》的戲，有人說起他的名字叫琴官，覺得色藝俱佳。

　　直到前日在此，於無意中詢知閣下替他改名為琴言，卻從未與他會過，相與之說，恐是訛傳。吾兄將來晤見琴言，尚可詢問。」

　　子雲道：「吾兄賞識不錯，可曉得琴言頗有情於吾兄麼？」

　　子玉笑道：「情之一字，談何容易？就是我輩文字之交，或臭味相投，一見如故；或道義結契，千里神交。亦必兩意眷注，始可言情，斷無用情於陌路人之理。琴言之於弟，猶陌路人也。弟已忘情於彼，彼又安能用情於弟乎?」子雲道：「據吾兄品評琴言，比前日所見寶珠何如？」子玉因想琴言、寶珠都是子雲寵愛，未便軒輊，便道：「大凡品花，必須於既上妝之後，觀其體態。又必於已卸妝之後，視其姿容。且必平素熟悉其意趣，熟聞其語言，方能識其情性之真。弟於寶珠、琴言均止一見，一係上妝，一係卸妝，正如走馬看花，難分深淺。」子雲道：「假使有人以琴言奉贈，吾兄將何以處之？」子玉道：「憐香惜玉，人孰無情。就使弟無金屋可藏，有我度香先生作風月主人，正不愁名花狼藉也。」

　　正說著，只見寶珠同著花枝招展的一個人來，子玉一看不是別人，就是朝思暮想的琴言，心裡暗暗吃驚。又聽得子雲道：「玉儂，你的意中人在此，過來見了。」琴言嫣然一笑，走上來請了一個安，倒弄得子玉坐不是，站不是，呆呆的只管看那琴言。那琴言又對子雲也請了安。寶珠道：「庾香，我竟遵竹君的教不為禮了。」子玉道：

　　「是這樣脫俗最好，玉儂何不也是這樣？」琴言微微的一笑，不言語。子玉看看琴言，又看看寶珠，覺寶珠比琴言，面目清豔了好些，吐屬輕倩了好些，舉止閒雅了好些。心裡尋思道：

　　「原來琴言不過如此，何以那兩回車中瞥見如此之好，而唱起戲來又有那樣丰神態度呢？而且魏聘才贊不絕口，徐子雲又鍾情到這樣，真令人不解。「一面想，那神色之間，微露出不然之意來。子雲卻早窺出，頗得意用計之妙。寶珠道：「你們彼此相思已久，今日初次見面，也該說兩句知心話，親熱親熱，為什麼大家冷冰冰的，都不言語。」說著就拉著琴言的手，送到子玉手內。子雲道：「可不是，不要因我們在這裡礙眼，不好意思。」說得子玉更覺接不是，不接又不是的，只得裝作解手出來，又在窗外看了一回梅花。經子雲再三相讓，然後遲遲疑疑的進屋。子雲道：「這裡太敞，我們到裡間去坐。」寶珠走近鏡屏一摸，那鏡屏就像門似的旋了一個轉身，子玉等走了進去，那鏡屏依舊關好。子玉看套間屋子，也像五瓣梅花，卻不甚大。正留心看那室中，只見玻璃窗外，一個人拿著個紅帖回話說：「賈老爺要見。」子雲道：「我在這裡陪客，回他去罷。」那人道：「這位老爺說，有要緊話，已經進來了。」寶珠道：「不是賈仁賈老爺麼？」子雲道：「可不就是他？」寶珠道：「我正要去尋他，我們何不同去見他一見。」子雲道：「尊客在此，怎好失陪。」子玉道：「我們既是相好，何必拘此形跡。」子雲告了罪，寶珠又囑咐琴言好生陪著，遂一同出去。

　　那鏡屏仍復掩上，屋內止剩子玉、琴言兩人，琴言讓子玉榻上坐了，他卻站在子玉身旁，目不轉瞬的看著子玉，倒將子玉看得害羞起來，低了頭。

　　琴言把身子一歪，斜靠著炕几，一手托著香腮，嬌聲媚氣的道：「梅少爺，大年初六那天，你在樓上看我唱戲的不是？」

　　子玉把頭點一點。又道：「你曉得我想念你的心事麼？」子玉把頭搖一搖。琴言道：「那瑤琴的燈謎，是你猜著的麼？」子玉又把頭點一點。又道：「好心思，你可曉得度香的主意麼？」子玉又把頭搖一搖。琴言用一個指頭，將子玉的額拾起來，道：「我聽得寶珠說，你背地裡很問我，我很感你的情。今日見了面，這裡又沒有第三個人，為什麼倒生分起來？」子玉被他盤問得沒法，只得勉強的道：「玉儂，我聽說你性氣甚是高傲，所以我敬你。為什麼到京幾天，就迷了本性呢？」琴言道：

　　「原來你不理我，是看我不起，怪不得這樣不瞅不睬的，只是可惜我白費了一番心。」說著臉上起了一層紅暈，眼波向子玉一轉，恰好眼光對著眼光，子玉把眼一低，臉上也紅紅的，心裡十分不快。琴言惺鬆鬆兩眼，乘勢把香肩一側，那臉直貼到子玉的臉上來，子玉將身一偏，琴言就靠在子玉懷裡，嗤嗤的笑。子玉已有了氣，把他推開，站了起來，只得說道：「人之相知，貴相知心。你這麼樣，竟把我當個狎邪人看待了。」琴言笑道：「你既然愛我，你今日卻又遠我。若彼此相愛，自然有情，怎麼又是這樣的。若要口不交談，身不相接，就算彼此有心，即想死了也不能明白。我道你是聰明人，原來還是糊糊塗涂的。」子玉氣得難忍，即說道：「聲色之奉；本非正人。但以之消遣閒情，尚不失為君子。若不爭上流，務求下品，鄉黨自好者尚且不為。我素以此鄙人，且以自戒，豈肯忍心害理，蕩檢逾閒。你雖身列優伶，尚可以色藝致名。何取於淫賤為樂，我真不識此心為何心。起初我以你為高情逸致，落落難合，頗有仰攀之意。今若此，不特你白費了心，我亦深悔用情之誤。

　　魏聘才之贊揚，固不足信，只可惜徐度香愛博而情不專，推以人之餡媚奉承為樂，未免紈袴習氣。其實焉能□我？」說著，氣忿忿的要開鏡屏出去，那曉得摸不著消息，任你推送，只是不開。

　　正急的無可如何，只聽得鏡屏裡輕輕的一響，子雲、次賢、寶珠都在鏡屏之外，迎面笑盈盈的走進來，那琴言一影就不見了，把個子玉嚇得迷迷糊糊的。只聽得子雲笑道：「好個坐懷不亂的柳下惠，失敬，失敬！就是罵我徐度香太挖苦些。」子玉一回轉頭來，那知眾人都在鏡屏對面套間之內。子玉與次賢見了禮，即向子雲告辭道：「今日出門忘了一件要事，只好改日再來奉擾。」子雲笑道：「庾香兄，必是因適才唐突，見怪小弟。裡間屋內酒席已經擺好，請用一杯，容小弟負荊請罪。」

　　次賢道：「小弟才來，正擬暢談衷曲，足下拂然欲去，是怪我奉陪得遲了。」寶珠一手拉著子玉進套間屋內，道：「你且再看看你的意中人，不要哭壞了他。」子玉見一人背坐著在那裡哭泣，只道就是剛才的那個琴言。因想他既知哭泣，尚能悔過，意欲於酒席中間，慢慢的用言語感化他。那曉得他倒轉過臉來，用手帕擦擦眼淚，看著子玉道：「庾香，你的心我知道了。」子玉聽這聲音似乎不是琴言，仔細一看，只覺神采奕奕，麗若天仙，這才是那天車中所遇，戲上所見的這個人。子玉這一驚。倒象有闇昧之事被人撞見了似的，心裡突突的止不住亂跳，覺得有萬種柔情，一腔心事．卻一字也說不出來。發怔了半晌，猛聽得有人說道：「主人在那裡送酒了。」子玉如醉方醒的走上去還了禮，卻忘了回敬。寶珠遞了一杯酒來，方才想起把酒送在自己坐的對面。次賢道：「足下是客，那有代主人送酒之理。」子玉始知錯了坐位，只好將錯就錯的送了一杯，定了神，又替主人把盞。子雲再三謙讓，便道：「這杯酒我代庾香兄轉敬一人。」就擺在子玉肩下道：「玉儂，你坐到這裡來。」琴言只得依了，斟了一杯酒送在子雲面前。又與寶珠斟了酒，然後入席。天色已暮，點上燈來。子玉道：「今日之事甚奇，方才難道是夢境迷離。」說得合席都笑，琴言向來不肯輕易一笑，聽了這句話，也不覺齒粲起來。那美目流波光景，令人真個消魂，不要說子玉從沒有見過，就是子雲與他盤桓了將及一月，也是破題兒第一回。知他巧笑，是為著子玉。未免愛極生妒。所喜寶珠的丰姿意態，也趕得上琴言。更見子玉溫文爾雅，與琴言並坐，卻是一對玉人，轉又羨而忘妒。這裡子玉重把琴言細看，覺日間所見的琴言，眉雖修而不嫵，目雖美而不秀，色雖潔而不清，面貌雖有些像，而神色體態迥然不同。

　　猜不透是一是二，遂越想越成疑團，卻又不便問他們。

　　酒過數巡，次賢道：「庾香兄，今日可曾見那瑤琴上鎸的字麼？」子玉道：「我倒忘了道謝，鐵筆古心，的是名手。但此燈謎也還易打，度香先生所說為玉儂而設，究竟不知其故？」

　　子雲指著琴言道：「弟是為他看我制燈謎時，喜誦『落花』、『微雨』兩句。又因他名字是琴，所以借此為彩，原是要替他卜個生平知己。可巧是吾兄猜著，不枉弟一番作合之心。」子玉道：「卻之不恭，受之有愧，當為玉儂珍重藏之。」琴言面有豫色。寶珠見了，將唐詩改了一字念道：「尋常一樣琴前月，才有梅花便不同。」子雲、次賢同聲贊道：「琴字改得好。」

　　子玉看琴言顏色微慍，知是寶珠以他名字為戲，便道：「若非瑤卿胸有智珠，不能改得如此敏妙。」子雲等還道是尋常贊語，惟有琴言深感子玉之情，替他報復了這個琴字。次賢道：「今日玉儂，何以一言不發？」子雲道：「他本來像息夫人似的，將來靜宜可將那『花如解語還多事，石不能言最可人』，替他寫一副對子。」子玉只管點頭。寶珠道：「他是只會作夢，那裡會說話？」琴言瞅了寶珠一眼。

　　子玉想道：「這分明與前見的一些不同，難道竟是兩個人。」

　　子雲見子玉、琴言兩意相投的光景，便道：「庾香兄不是有事麼？為什麼不打發人回去，我們可以暢飲。」子玉支吾道：「雖有小事，遲到明日尚卻不妨。足下好客，可惜前日同來的一班好友都不在此。」子雲道：「他們是常來的，不妨另日再敘。」子玉道：「此外尚有個卓然高品。」子雲道：「我也認識。」琴言道：「這個名字倒起得別緻。」子雲舉杯照子玉道：「難得玉儂開了金口，我們當浮一大白。」子玉飲畢，又照了次賢，也飲乾了。

　　寶珠道：「我們今日何不以玉儂說話為令，他說一句話，我們合席飲一杯。」子雲笑道：「這令很新，就是這樣。」子玉道：「說一句話，合席飲一杯酒，這個令未免酒太多。他和誰說，誰飲一杯不好麼？」琴言點頭。寶珠道：「這個恐怕有弊。」於雲道：「不妨，就吃醉了，我有醒酒丸。」於是大家依允。

　　琴言問子雲道：「是什麼醒酒丸？這丸叫什麼名字？」子雲一一說了，共是兩杯。琴言問次賢道：「今日為什麼回來得這樣遲？」次賢道：「替人做媒，回來遲了。」也飲一杯。琴言把子玉看了一看，都不言語，回轉頭來問子雲道：「這園梅花共有多少株？」寶珠咳嗽一聲，子雲道：「約有二千株。」該是一杯。

　　寶珠過來，替子雲斟了，就便向子雲耳邊說了一句。琴言道：「你們改令，是要罰十杯。」子玉道：「沒有人改的。」寶珠過來要與子玉斟酒，琴言把子玉的杯子拿了道：「我又沒有和他說話，為什麼要給他酒吃呢？」寶珠道：「他和你說話也是一樣。」琴言道：「這個我不依。」子玉倒不好意思道：「我原是想酒吃罷了，吃一杯罷。」琴言道；「你要吃，用他的杯子。」寶珠要來取琴言的酒杯，琴言早巳搶在手內藏了，寶珠沒法，只得另取一隻酒杯斟了酒，送到於玉面前。子玉正要伸手去取，琴言用左手蓋著酒，只不許飲。大家看這隻手，豐若有餘，柔若無骨，宛然玉筍一般。任你鐵石心腸，也怦怦欲動。

　　子雲雖曾經握過，此時也只能豔羨而已。子玉憶起日間那個琴言的手，又粗又黑，始知必非一人。寶珠心生一計，便道：

　　「你們大家看他的纖纖女手作什麼？」琴言把手一縮，寶珠隨即取了這杯酒，送在子玉手內。琴言向子玉道：「這杯酒你偏不要吃。」子玉答應。子雲道：「玉儂你該替我作主人，敬客一杯才是。」寶珠接口道：「況這個令，那頭一句話，就不算向庾香說的，難道這句話也是和別人說的不成？」琴言想了一想，這話有理，只得一笑。

　　子玉飲完酒，便問寶珠道：「方才這個玉儂，到底是誰？」

　　寶珠笑道：「這個要問你的玉儂。」子雲笑著喚道：「玉齡！你再來給梅少爺瞧瞧。」只見裡面套間內走出一個人來，卻是頭裡那個假琴言，垂手正色，侍立在子雲身旁。這假琴言是華公子家八齡班內的一個，名字叫玉齡，本是子雲家人，送給華公子。因其面貌有些相像，所以叫回應用。這就是子雲移花接木之計。

　　子玉一見，頗難為情，始恍然知初見那個琴言，實在是假的，疑團盡釋。子雲道：「我是要試試庾香的眼力，所以刻畫無鹽，唐突西子。今果被識透，足見高明。」就令玉齡取了兩個大玉杯來道：「你代我敬梅少爺一杯。」玉齡斟了，送與子玉。子玉接著道：「酒已多了，天也不早了，我們用飯罷。」子雲道：「吾兄若不飲這杯酒，是真怪小弟了。玉齡你替我喝一杯，代我陪罪。」玉齡果將那一杯也斟了，大大的飲了一口。寶珠給他幾片春橘過酒，又飲了兩口方才飲完。子玉沒法，只得一口氣飲了一半，吃了些水果。琴言又擠了些春橘水在酒內，然後慢慢的飲乾。

　　子玉今日初會琴言，天姿國色已經心醉。又飲這一大杯，雖說酒落歡腸，究竟飲已過量，覺得眼前花花綠綠的，支持不住。子雲不敢再敬。大家吃飯，洗漱畢，子玉便要告辭。倒是琴言恐怕他醉了不受用，向子雲要了一服仙桃益壽丸，泡製好了，吹得不甚熱，給子玉服了。不多一會，子玉心裡十分清爽，又把琴言飽看了一番，雖彼此衷曲不能在人前細剖，卻已心許目成，意在不言之表了。子玉令雲兒抱了瑤琴，向子雲、次賢道了謝出來。琴言悄悄的問後會之期，子玉心裡覺得十分難受，勉強的道：「稍有空閒，即當相聚。」大家送到上車地方，大有依依不捨之意，一直望他車子出了園門，寶珠、琴言也各上車回去。欲知後事，再聽下回分解。

After Ziyu and others dispersed, Xuzi Yun returned home. It was late at night, and because it was getting very dark, he headed straight home.

Qinyin has been visiting Yi Garden daily with a group of famous beauties since meeting Xuzi Yun last year. Xuzi Yun cherished her as much as he did his precious pearl. However, Qinyin was naturally proud and aloof, not good at socializing, and no amount of gold could coax a smile from her. Xuzi Yun provided everything she favored—antiques, food, clothes—and treated her very well. Qinyin was grateful, yet she considered him only a half-confidant. Ever since she saw Ziyu on the road to Beijing, she recognized him as the man from her dreams who rescued her from a pit, and she constantly thought of him. On the day they went to the theater in Suzhou, she saw him with a group of young noblemen, including Wei Pincai and Li Yuanmao. She asked about Ye Maolin and learned that this young master was named Mei, which was the sign she had seen under the plum tree. Since then, her hidden affections for him were like willow catkins in the mud, inextricably entangled.

These past few nights, she dreamt of Ziyu several times, vaguely, sometimes smiling with him, sometimes crying with him.

It was as if she herself was traveling, and Ziyu was sending her off, holding her clothes and hands. It was as if after a long journey, she returned, and they sat knee-to-knee, talking heart-to-heart. All was blurry, and upon waking, she could hardly remember any details. Although she knew he was a nobleman’s son, she did not know his personality or preferences and feared he might be a frivolous and fickle young man. She also worried he might be proud and demanding of others’ subservience. But upon closer observation of his gentle demeanor, he seemed like an upright and honest person, unlikely to be as she feared. One day, she dreamt that Baizhu had turned into his likeness, and they performed a scene from “Startling Dream,” though she couldn’t make sense of it. The next day, Xuzi Yun came to the garden, and Ci Xian spoke of the lantern viewing in the garden the previous day, including Ziyu solving Qinyin’s lantern riddle, and highly praised Ziyu’s talents. Xuzi Yun liked hearing this and mentioned, “This Mei Yuxiang, although he doesn’t recognize me, I saw him last year. We also have a family connection; his great-grandfather was a close friend of my great-uncle. I’ve heard of Mei Yuxiang’s appearance, but what of his character?” Ci Xian replied, “He is as steadfast as gold, as gentle as jade, showing no arrogance. Although we met briefly, I can tell he is genuine.” They talked for a long time, and Xuzi Yun did not go out. At dusk, Baizhu came to the garden with Qinyin. Upon seeing them, Xuzi Yun smiled and said, “Yunong, this time you’re well-matched, and you must not forget me.” This startled Qinyin, who suddenly became anxious and burst into tears, saying, “Du Xiang, I appreciate your kindness; you do not treat me as an inferior person, I am deeply grateful. Even if I fail to serve you well, and you get angry, hate me, scold me, or drive me away, I dare not blame you. Just do not lure someone to ruin me. What do you mean by ‘well-matched’? I demand a clear explanation.” Xuzi Yun realized he had spoken rashly and felt it was pointless, so he only asked Baizhu to accompany him and went to Ci Xian’s room under the pretext of viewing paintings.

There, Yuan Baizhu wiped away his tears with a handkerchief, then described the drunken antics and makeup of Shi Nanxiang, which pleased Qinyin, and they sat together on a bed. “Considering those who solved lantern riddles yesterday, there was one named Mei Yuxiang, who is only seventeen or eighteen years old, with an exceptionally handsome appearance,” Qinyin mentioned. “Is this person also surnamed Mei?” Baizhu asked. “He once inquired about you,” Qinyin pondered, then asked Baizhu, “Was this Master Mei the one who watched the play in the eastern building of the Suzhou guild hall on the sixth day?” Baizhu smiled and said, “I wasn’t performing that day, how would I know whether it was him or not?” Qinyin thought deeply for a while, then asked Baizhu again, “Does he look like Lu Xiangwan from our troupe, but with longer

eyes that seem to brighten people; a straighter nose that makes his face appear more refined, is that right?” Baizhu replied, “That’s what you say. You seem very familiar with each other, why hide it?” Qinyin had no response, remembering the dream of that day, then said, “Have you been acquainted with this Mr. Mei for several years?” Baizhu replied, “We met only yesterday.” Qinyin said, “I don’t believe it. If it was just yesterday, how come the night before, he changed into his appearance?” Qinyin said this and covered her mouth with her sleeve, laughing. Baizhu was stunned and said, “Yunong, what nonsense are you talking about?” Qinyin replied, “It’s not nonsense; you turned into his appearance and even sang about the willow dream, Mei.” Baizhu was even more confused and said, “Are you pretending to be mad, or is it a dream?” Qinyin smiled sweetly, recounting the day Mei watched the play and the dream where he changed into his singing appearance. Baizhu said, “This person was indeed well-born; if truly matched with you in the play ‘Startling Dream,’ it would indeed be a pair. Too bad I can’t change.” Qinyin was silent for a long time and said, “Ah, it’s a pity I went out yesterday and didn’t see him.” Baizhu sensed Qinyin was interested in Ziyu, and suggested, “Do you know you wronged Du Xiang today?” Qinyin asked, “How so?” Baizhu explained, “The ‘match’ he talked about arranging for you, who do you think it was?” Qinyin whispered, “Could it really be Master Mei?” Baizhu replied, “If not him, who else?” Qinyin said, “I thought Du Xiang intended to ruin me, but I didn’t realize he was talking about the person who solved the lantern riddle.” Baizhu said, “According to me, you and this Master Mei are fated. I’ll ask Du Xiang to invite him tomorrow to meet you; what do you think?” Baizhu stood up to leave, but Qinyin grabbed her clothes and said, “You’re causing trouble again; I’ve never met Master Mei, I know whether it’s him or not. If it isn’t him, what then; even if it is, I don’t know his character. Also, I just offended Du Xiang; how can I face him now?”

This conversation was lively, unbeknownst to Xuzi Yun and Xiao Ci Xian, who had already moved to the next room and were eavesdropping intensely. They pushed the door open and came out; Qinyin blushed upon seeing them and turned away to sit. Xuzi Yun asked, “Yunong, are you still angry with me?” Qinyin bowed her head in silence; Xuzi Yun said, “Even if I misspoke, it was unintentional.

Moreover, you’re not a girl; what’s there to fear about being matched, could it really be that you’re paired with Mei Yuxiang?” He said this, and Ci Xian and Baizhu laughed. Baizhu said, “Enough, he’s already understood. Why don’t we invite Yuxiang to meet him?” Xuzi Yun said, “I know whether it’s him or not, I have my reasons.” Baizhu and Qinyin then had dinner in Yi Garden and stayed until the second watch before returning.

The next day, Xuzi Yun went to visit Ziyu, where they exchanged words of admiration and arranged to meet on the evening of the nineteenth. He then visited Wang Xun, Liu Wenzhe, Shi Nanxiang, and others, but did not meet them. Returning, he thought, “This Mei Yuxiang is indeed well-known; Yunong is also interested in him. Once they meet, it’s needless to say he’s the one.” He also thought, “Yunong’s temperament is such that few can guess it; if they disagree even slightly, they can decisively break off. Even if Mei Yuxiang is affectionate, he may not be as considerate as me.

According to Yaoqing, Ziyu has changed his name, and he’s completely unaware, showing they’ve never been close.

Having seen only one play, it seems he only appreciates his appearance, and his heart may not be entirely set on Qinyin; I must test him.” He then thought, “If on the nineteenth, I secretly arrange for Yunong to accompany him for drinks, even if they are both interested, it would be hard to tell in front of others. I now plan to use a trick of misdirection, hide Yunong, find someone else who looks like him, speak to him, and see how he reacts, naturally testing him.”

His plan set, he informed Ci Xian and Baizhu.

On the nineteenth, everything was arranged. At the hour of Shen, Mei Ziyu arrived at Yi Garden, and the host welcomed him into Meiyin. Meiyin is a famous spot in the garden, especially when the plum blossoms are in full bloom beneath the mountain. Among the plum trees, there are about ten structures divided into five sections, with houses surrounded by flowers and flowers surrounding houses, layered upon each other, making it difficult to distinguish between forest and house.

The interiors are decorated with antiques, which are too numerous to detail. One feels as though amidst the flowers, not counting the celestial realm, truly a sea of fragrant snow on earth.

In the center, there’s a heart of plum blossoms, consisting of five sections combined into one, further divided into five areas. Hanging above is a plaque with the words “Meiyin.” On both sides, a couplet reads: “Ten thousand plum trees bear the merit of fragrance, one mountain of ancient houses holds peace at heart.” A small portrait of Lin Hejing hangs in the center, and in front, a carved plum blossom rosewood couch is placed. On the couch lies an ancient brocade bag containing a Yaoqin. Xuzi Yun invited Ziyu to sit inside, and Ziyu said, “I boldly tried the lanterns here the other day, becoming an uninvited guest, and today I am honored by your invitation to sit in my Yaozhai. The host’s kindness is overwhelming; how can I possibly reciprocate?” Xuzi Yun said, “Mr. Yuxiang, with your esteemed presence, it’s regretful we didn’t meet sooner. I missed welcoming you the other day, which is my fault. Today, thankfully, you’ve come, and I am truly delighted.” Ziyu asked, “Who else is visiting today, and why is Mr. Jingyi not seen?” Xuzi Yun said, “Jingyi is currently occupied with a small matter and will join us shortly. He then pointed to the couch and said, “Today’s drinks are specially prepared for Yunong’s gift of a qin; it’s inconvenient to invite other guests, lest it disrupts our conversation.” Ziyu said, “I was just about to ask, why was such a generous gift given for solving a lantern riddle the other day? Who exactly is Yunong that my brother treats him with such gravity?” Xuzi Yun then instructed a servant to unravel the qin bag and handed the qin to Ziyu, saying, “There’s an inscription on the back of the qin; please take a look.” When Ziyu took the qin, he saw it was an exquisite ancient qin with jade tuning pegs and a plum pattern. The back was engraved with two lines of Han seal script, which read:

The heart of the qin, profound and quiet; the virtue of the qin, gentle and faint. The person is like jade, together appreciating the music.

Below the four lines of the qin inscription, another line of small regular script was engraved: “In the shade of the mountain, Xuzi Yun transfers this qin to Yuxiang, a gentleman of clear appreciation, on behalf of Yunong.” Two seals were engraved below: the negative script read “Ci Xian composed,” and the positive script read “Jingyi engraved.”

Ziyu, recalling Baizhu’s words about changing names, realized Yunong was the qin official, and he was overjoyed, deeply bowing and thanking him, then instructed the servant to pack the qin properly. Xuzi Yun tested him by saying, “I heard that my brother has a deep relationship with Yunong; is it true?” Ziyu replied, “Since my father is very strict, I rarely leave the house. I only saw him once at the Suzhou guild hall on the first day of spring, during a play called ‘Startling Dream.’ Someone mentioned his name was Qin Guan, and I felt his art and appearance were both excellent.

Until the other day here, I unintentionally learned from your excellency that his name had been changed to Qinyin, and I have never met him since. The talk of our association may be mistaken. My brother can still inquire when he meets Qinyin.”

Xuzi Yun said, “My brother appreciates well, but do you know if Qinyin has any affection for my brother?” Ziyu smiled and said, “The word ‘affection’ is not easily spoken. Even if we share literary interests, finding immediate kinship or forming a moral bond across a thousand miles, both require mutual fondness before affection can be discussed. There is no reason to feel affection for a stranger. Qinyin is a stranger to me, and I have forgotten any affection for him; how can he then feel affection for me?” X

uzi Yun asked, “How does my brother’s assessment of Qinyin compare to Baizhu, whom you saw the other day?” Ziyu thought about it, considering Qinyin and Baizhu were both favored by Xuzi Yun, it was not appropriate to make distinctions. He said, “When evaluating flowers, one must observe their posture after they are made up, and their appearance after the makeup is removed. One must also be familiar with their interests and language to know their true nature. I have seen Baizhu and Qinyin only once, one with makeup and one without, just like glancing at flowers while passing by, it’s hard to judge the depth.” Xuzi Yun asked, “If someone were to gift Qinyin to my brother, how would he handle it?” Ziyu replied, “To cherish the fragrant and pity the jade, who lacks sentiment? Even if I have no golden house to hide her, with my teacher Du Xiang as the master of romantic affairs, I’m not worried about the flowers being mishandled.”

As they were talking, Baizhu came along with a person flaunting blossoms. Ziyu looked and saw it was none other than the person he had been thinking of day and night, Qinyin, and his heart secretly panicked. He also heard Xuzi Yun say, “Yunong, here is the person of your dreams, come and meet her.” Qinyin smiled sweetly and walked up to greet them, but this made Ziyu feel neither able to sit nor stand, just staring blankly at Qinyin. Qinyin also greeted Xuzi Yun. Baizhu said, “Yuxiang, I’m just following Master Zhu’s teaching and not being formal.” Ziyu said, “It’s best to be so unworldly, why can’t Yunong also be this way?” Qinyin smiled faintly, not speaking. Ziyu looked at Qinyin, then at Baizhu, feeling that Baizhu’s face was clearer and more elegant, her expressions lighter and her demeanor more leisurely. He thought to himself, “So Qinyin is just like this; why did she seem so much better in the carriage and when she sang in the play? And why did Wei Pincai praise her endlessly, and Xuzi Yun is so infatuated, it’s really puzzling.” While thinking, his expression subtly revealed some doubt. Xuzi Yun had already noticed and was quite pleased with the subtlety of his plan. Baizhu said, “You’ve been longing for each other for a long time, and today you meet for the first time, you should say a few heartfelt words and get closer, why is everyone so cold and silent?” Saying this, she took Qinyin’s hand and handed it to Ziyu’s. Xuzi Yun said, “Exactly, don’t let our presence here make you uncomfortable.” Ziyu felt even more awkward, unable to accept or refuse, and pretended to go out to relieve himself, then watched the plum blossoms outside the window for a while. After Xuzi Yun repeatedly insisted, Ziyu hesitantly entered the room. Xuzi Yun said, “This place is too open, let’s sit inside.” Baizhu approached a mirrored screen, touched it, and it turned like a door, letting Ziyu and others enter, then closed as usual. Ziyu looked around the room, which also resembled a five-petaled plum blossom but wasn’t very large. As he was observing the room, someone outside the glass window returned with a message, saying, “Master Jia wants to see you.” Xuzi Yun said, “I’m here accompanying guests, tell him to go back.” The person said, “This master says he has urgent matters and has already come in.” Baizhu asked, “Isn’t it Jia Ren, Master Jia?” Xuzi Yun said, “Isn’t that him?” Baizhu said, “I was just about to look for him, why don’t we go see him together?” Xuzi Yun said, “With such an honored guest here, how can I leave?” Ziyu said, “Since we are friends, why stick to formalities?” Xuzi Yun apologized, and Baizhu instructed Qinyin to accompany him well, then they all went out together.

The mirrored screen closed again, leaving only Ziyu and Qinyin in the room. Qinyin let Ziyu sit on the couch while she stood beside him, watching him intently, making Ziyu shy and lower his head.

Qinyin leaned against the edge of the bed, supporting her cheek with one hand, and cooed, “Mr. Mei, was it you watching my play from the upstairs on the sixth day of the lunar new year?”

Ziyu nodded. She continued, “Do you know how much I’ve thought

of you?” Ziyu shook his head. Qinyin asked, “Was it you who guessed the riddle of the Yaoqin?” Ziyu nodded again. She added, “Good intention, do you know Du Xiang’s idea?” Ziyu shook his head. Qinyin used a finger to lift Ziyu’s forehead and said, “I heard from Baizhu that you’ve been asking about me behind my back, I really appreciate your affection. Now that we’ve met, and there’s no third person here, why suddenly act so distant?” Ziyu, cornered by her questioning, reluctantly said, “Yunong, I heard you are very proud, so I respect you. Why did you lose your nature after a few days in the capital?” Qinyin said, “So you were ignoring me because you look down on me, no wonder you’ve been so distant; it’s a pity I wasted all that effort.” Saying this, a blush rose on her face, and her eyes turned towards Ziyu, meeting his gaze just as he lowered his eyes, his face also turning red, feeling very uncomfortable. Qinyin’s eyes briefly relaxed, taking the opportunity to lean her shoulder, and her face moved closer to Ziyu’s face. Ziyu shifted aside, and Qinyin leaned into his embrace, giggling. Ziyu, already upset, pushed her away and stood up, forced to say, “Knowing each other is about knowing the heart. You treat me like a frivolous person.” Qinyin laughed and said, “If you love me, why do you distance yourself today? If we both have affection, it should be natural, why then act like this? If you refuse to talk and avoid contact, even if there’s mutual affection, you can’t understand it even if you want to die. I thought you were a wise man, but it turns out you’re still confused.” Ziyu, unable to bear it, said, “Offering of beauty and sound; this is not the way of the upright. Even if used to while away idle emotions, it does not lose the gentleman’s way. If not striving for the best, seeking the lowest, those who are fond of self-indulgence still do not do it. I always despise such people and warn myself against it, how could I bear to harm the principle, recklessly overstepping? Although you belong among the performers, you can still make a name with your beauty and talent. Why indulge in the base pleasures of the vile? I truly don’t understand this heart. Initially, I thought you had high sentiments and were hard to match, quite aspiring to climb. Now like this, not only have you wasted your efforts, but I deeply regret my mistaken affection.

Wei Pincai’s praise, indeed unreliable, it’s just a pity that Xu Du Xiang loves broadly but is not focused, considering flattery as joy, inevitably adopting the habits of the gentry. How could he possibly□ me?” Saying this, angrily wanting to open the mirrored screen and leave, he couldn’t find the mechanism, no matter how much he pushed, it just wouldn’t open.

Just as he was desperately at a loss, he heard a slight sound inside the mirrored screen, and Xuzi Yun, Ci Xian, and Baizhu all walked in from outside the screen, smiling. Qinyin had already disappeared, leaving Ziyu dazed and confused. He only heard Xuzi Yun laugh and say, “A fine example of unflustered integrity under the willow tree, my apologies for being too harsh.” Ziyu turned his head back, only to see that everyone was inside the room behind the mirrored screen. Ziyu greeted Ci Xian and immediately bid farewell to Xuzi Yun, saying, “I forgot an important matter today and must leave, I’ll come another day to bother you.” Xuzi Yun laughed and said, “Brother Yuxiang, it must be because of the abruptness just now, please have a drink, allow me to apologize.”

Ci Xian said, “I just arrived, intending to have a heartfelt talk, you’re leaving abruptly, are you blaming me for being late in accompanying you?” Baizhu pulled Ziyu into the room and said, “You should take another look at your heart’s desire, don’t cry and ruin him.” Ziyu saw someone sitting there crying, thinking it was just Qinyin. Considering she knew to cry and could repent, he intended to gradually persuade her with words during the banquet. Unexpectedly, the person turned around, wiped tears with a handkerchief, and looked at Ziyu, saying, “Yuxiang, I know your heart.” Ziyu listened, the voice seemed not to be Qinyin’s, and upon a closer look, he saw a radiant, celestial beauty, the one he encountered in the carriage and saw in the play. Z

iyu was startled, as if he had been caught in a compromising situation, his heart thumping uncontrollably, feeling a myriad of tender emotions, a flood of thoughts, but unable to utter a word. Stunned for a long while, he suddenly heard someone say, “The host is serving drinks over there.” Ziyu, as if awakened from a trance, stepped forward to return the greeting, forgetting to reciprocate. Baizhu handed him a cup of wine, and he only then remembered to offer the drink across from where he was sitting. Ci Xian said, “You are the guest, how can you serve drinks on behalf of the host?” Ziyu realized he had mistaken the seating, could only proceed with the error, and offered a drink, then steadied himself and also served the host. Xuzi Yun repeatedly declined, then said, “I’ll drink this cup on behalf of Brother Yuxiang and offer it to someone else.” He placed it below Ziyu’s shoulder and said, “Yunong, come sit here.” Qinyin obliged, poured a cup of wine, and placed it in front of Xuzi Yun. She also served Baizhu, then joined the banquet. It was getting dark, and they lit the lamps. Ziyu said, “Today’s events are very strange, just now it seemed like a confusing dream.” Everyone at the banquet laughed, Qinyin usually reluctant to smile easily, heard this and couldn’t help but show a radiant smile. That beautiful, glowing sight was truly enchanting, not to mention Ziyu had never seen it before, even Xuzi Yun, who had been with him for nearly a month, saw it for the first time. Knowing her smile was for Ziyu, he couldn’t help but feel jealous. Fortunately, Baizhu’s grace and demeanor also matched Qinyin’s. Seeing Ziyu gentle and elegant, sitting with Qinyin, he envied and forgot his jealousy. Here, Ziyu took another close look at Qinyin, realizing that the Qinyin he saw during the day, although her eyebrows were refined, her eyes beautiful, her complexion clean, and her appearance somewhat similar, her expression and demeanor were completely different.

Unable to figure out if it was one or two people, he became more puzzled but felt it inappropriate to ask them.

After several rounds of drinks, Ci Xian said, “Brother Yuxiang, did you see the engraved words on the Yaoqin today?” Ziyu said, “I forgot to thank you, the iron pen with an ancient heart, truly a master hand. But this lantern riddle was also easy to solve; Mr. Du Xiang said it was set for Yunong, I really don’t know why?”

Xuzi Yun pointed at Qinyin and said, “Brother, I set this lantern riddle while reciting the phrases ‘falling flowers’ and ‘light rain.’ Also, because his name is Qin, I used this as an opportunity to wish for a lifelong confidant for him. Coincidentally, it was my brother who guessed it, not in vain my effort to make a match.” Ziyu said, “I accept it reluctantly and with gratitude, I will treasure it for Yunong.” Qinyin’s face showed anticipation. Baizhu saw this and changed a word in a Tang poem and recited, “Ordinarily just like the moon in front of the qin, but now with plum blossoms, it’s different.” Xuzi Yun and Ci Xian both praised, “Well changed in the word ‘qin.’”

Ziyu saw Qinyin’s slightly annoyed look, knowing Baizhu was playing with his name, and said, “If not for Yaoqing’s wisdom, it couldn’t have been changed so cleverly.” Xuzi Yun and others thought it was just ordinary praise, only Qinyin deeply appreciated Ziyu’s feelings, feeling he had avenged the word ‘qin’ for her. Ci Xian said, “Why hasn’t Yunong spoken today?” Xuzi Yun said, “He’s originally like a quiet madam, in the future, Jingyi can write a couplet for him, ‘Flowers like to talk and are too meddlesome, rocks cannot speak and are most agreeable.’” Ziyu just nodded. Baizhu said, “He only knows how to dream, how could he talk?” Qinyin glanced at Baizhu.

Ziyu thought, “This is clearly different from what I saw before, could it really be two different people?”

Xuzi Yun, seeing Ziyu and Qinyin seemingly interested in each other, then said, “Brother Yuxiang, didn’t you have something to do? Why not send someone back, we can continue to drink.” Ziyu hesitated and said, “Although there’s a minor matter, it can wait until tomorrow.

You’re such a good host, it’s a pity the good friends who came the other day are not here.” Xuzi Yun said, “They come often, no harm in meeting another day.” Ziyu said, “There’s also a person of outstanding character.” Xuzi Yun said, “I also know him.” Qinyin said, “That’s a uniquely chosen name.” Xuzi Yun raised his cup to Ziyu and said, “It’s rare that Yunong has spoken, we should celebrate greatly.” Ziyu drank up, then turned to Ci Xian and also drank.

Baizhu said, “Why don’t we make a rule today that whenever Yunong speaks, everyone at the banquet drinks a cup?” Xuzi Yun laughed and said, “This rule is new, let’s do it.” Ziyu said, “Saying one sentence and everyone drinks a cup of wine, this rule might make the wine too much. How about whoever he talks to, that person drinks a cup?” Qinyin nodded. Baizhu said, “This might have a drawback.” Yu Yun said, “It’s fine, if we get drunk, I have sobering pills.” Everyone agreed.

Qinyin asked Xuzi Yun, “What are these sobering pills? What are they called?” Xuzi Yun explained one by one, totaling two cups. Qinyin asked Ci Xian, “Why did you come back so late today?” Ci Xian said, “I was matchmaking for someone and came back late,” also drinking a cup. Qinyin looked at Ziyu, they didn’t speak, then turned back to ask Xuzi Yun, “How many plum trees are in this garden?” Baizhu coughed once, and Xuzi Yun said, “About two thousand,” which was one cup.

Baizhu came over, poured for Xuzi Yun, then whispered something in his ear. Qinyin said, “You changed the rule, that’s a penalty of ten cups.” Ziyu said, “No one changed it.” Baizhu came over to pour wine for Ziyu, but Qinyin took Ziyu’s cup and said, “I didn’t talk to him, why should he drink?” Baizhu said, “It’s the same if he talks to you.” Qinyin said, “I don’t agree.” Ziyu, embarrassed, said, “I just wanted to drink, let’s have one cup.” Qinyin said, “If you want to drink, use his cup.” Baizhu tried to take Qinyin’s wine cup, but Qinyin had already hidden it in her hand. Baizhu had no choice but to take another wine cup, poured the wine, and brought it to Ziyu. Just as Ziyu was about to reach for it, Qinyin covered the wine with her left hand, refusing to let him drink. Everyone looked at this hand, ample and boneless, truly like jade shoots. Even if you had a heart of stone, it would still be moved.

Although Xuzi Yun had held it before, at this moment, he could only admire. Ziyu recalled the hand of Qinyin he saw during the day, which was rough and dark, realizing it must not be the same person. Baizhu came up with a plan and said, “What are you all looking at his delicate lady’s hand for?” Qinyin retracted her hand, and Baizhu immediately took the cup of wine and handed it to Ziyu. Qinyin said to Ziyu, “You must not drink this cup.” Ziyu agreed. Xuzi Yun said, “Yunong, you should act as the host and honor the guest with a cup.” Baizhu interjected, “Moreover, that first sentence wasn’t said to Yuxiang, was this sentence also spoken to someone else?” Qinyin thought for a moment, found the reasoning sound, and could only smile.

Ziyu finished the wine and then asked Baizhu, “Who exactly was Yunong just now?”

Baizhu laughed and said, “You should ask your Yunong.” Xuzi Yun called out, “Yuling! Come and let Mr. Mei have a look.” A person walked out from the inner room, it was the fake Qinyin from earlier, standing properly next to Xuzi Yun. This fake Qinyin was a member of the Hua family’s Eight Age Troupe, named Yuling, originally a servant in Xuzi Yun’s household, given to Master Hua. Because his appearance was somewhat similar, he was called back for use. This was Xuzi Yun’s trick of misdirection.

Ziyu, seeing this, felt quite embarrassed, finally realizing that the Qinyin he initially saw was indeed fake, resolving his doubts. Xuzi Yun said, “I wanted to test Yuxiang’s discernment, so

I portrayed a bland character, abruptly introducing Xizi. Now that you’ve seen through it, it shows your insight.” He then instructed Yuling to bring two large jade cups and said, “You represent me in honoring Mr. Mei with a cup.” Yuling poured and offered it to Ziyu. Ziyu took it, saying, “The wine is plenty, and it’s getting late, let’s eat.” Xuzi Yun said, “If my brother won’t drink this cup, he’ll truly think ill of me. Yuling, drink one for me, to apologize on my behalf.” Yuling indeed poured another cup, took a big sip, Baizhu gave him a few slices of spring oranges to chase the wine, and after two more sips, he finished the drink. Ziyu had no choice but to gulp down half in one breath, ate some fruit. Qinyin then squeezed some spring orange juice into the wine, and then slowly finished drinking.

Ziyu met Qinyin for the first time today, already enamored by her national beauty. After drinking this large cup, although it’s said wine falls into a joyful stomach, ultimately he had drunk too much, feeling his vision blurring, barely able to hold on. Xuzi Yun dared not offer more. Everyone had dinner, washed up, and Ziyu prepared to leave. Qinyin, fearing he was too drunk to bear, asked Xuzi Yun for a serving of Immortal Peach Life-Extending Pills, brewed it well, cooled it sufficiently, and gave it to Ziyu. Not long after, Ziyu felt very refreshed, looked at Qinyin thoroughly once more, and although their heartfelt sentiments couldn’t be thoroughly discussed in front of others, they had already committed their eyes and intentions, understood without speaking. Ziyu ordered Yun’er to carry the Yaoqin, thanked Xuzi Yun and Ci Xian, and left. Qinyin quietly asked for the next meeting, Ziyu felt very uncomfortable, barely managing to say, “Whenever I’m free, we shall meet.” Everyone escorted him to the carriage, reluctantly watching as his carriage left the garden gate, Baizhu and Qinyin also got into their carriages and left. To know what happens next, listen to the following explanation.

　　話說徐子雲送子玉出園之後，與蕭次賢談了一會，即便回宅。子雲的住宅也離園不遠，就在對面，還是他曾祖老太爺住的相府，府中極其寬大。現在父母、兄嫂都不在京住。此宅內僅子雲夫婦二人，其餘都是家人。子雲與他夫人講起琴言、子玉的事來，又羨慕他們繾綣的情致。袁氏夫人微笑，即問道：

　　「這些相公對了你們怎樣的光景，到底有甚好處？」予雲笑道：「這些人你都見過，也聽過他們的戲，難道還說不好？」袁夫人道：「我見他們唱戲時，也不過摹擬那閨閣的模樣。至於下妝時，也還生得清清秀秀。若要說他是無價的至寶，我就不知。據我看來，似乎還不及我這幾個丫頭。」子雲道：「你們眼裡看著，自然是女孩子好。但我們在外邊酒席上，斷不能帶著女孩子，便有傷雅道。這些相公的好處，好在面有女容，身無女體，可以娛目，又可以制心，使人有歡樂而無慾念。這不是兩全其美麼？」袁夫人笑道：「說卻說得冠冕。」子雲也笑道：「我是心口如一的，生平總沒有說過違心話。」袁夫人道：「就算你如此，難道你那些朋友也是這樣麼？」子雲道：「他們若不是這樣，就與我冰炭不入了。方才我不是說那梅庾香，教玉齡略說了兩句戲話，他就氣得什麼似的，連我都罵起來，這不是可以相信的麼？況那幾個孩子也不喜人與他戲謔的。」說了一會閒話，袁夫人說起明日是華夫人生日，且係二十歲正壽，是必要去走一走的。子雲道：「自然該去，且你去年生日他也過來，還送了好些東西，我們也備幾樣玩好送他。」一宵無話。

　　次早袁夫人檢出了十樣玩好，都是重價之珍，開了一個單子是：「瓊瑤玉連環七寶釵翠羽扇珊瑚搔頭鏤金博山爐青瑤玉琴珍沉水香瑟柱奇楠香串瑪瑙印章」先著人送去。遂於十二紅丫鬟中帶了紅雪，紅□、紅香、紅玉、紅薇、紅雯六個，都是盈盈十五，窈窕多姿，識字能書，工詩善繡。伺候夫人曉妝已畢，紅雪道：「今日天氣寒冷，似有雪意，須多帶幾件衣服。」便向大毛衣服內，檢出一件天藍緞繡金紫貂鼠披風，紅緞繡金天馬皮蟒裙，玉▉玎▉，珠瓔珞索。格外又帶了一個大紅綿包袱，包了兩三件衣裳。一切花鈿珍飾，用個錦匣裝了。六紅也打扮停當，上了香車，外面家人騎上了馬，往華府來。

　　且說那華公子年方二十一歲，其容貌雖見於魏聘才之目，性情述於富三之口，究未得其詳。這華公子氣燄雖豪，性情卻極純粹。不過在那起居服食上，享用些富貴豪華之福。養尊處優，不喜酬應。騎射既精，詞賦更妙。也曾千卷羅胸，不難七步隨口。這華夫人母家姓蘇，父名臣泰，也是功臣之後，世襲列侯，現任兵部尚書。並無嗣子，只生二女：長名浣香，次名浣蘭，皆生得華容絕代，每於花下閒行，有百蝶隨舞。精於詩詞音律，書畫琴棋，各臻微妙。外間有兩句口號說道：「不願得龍宮十斛珠，只願』一見侯門大小蘇。」這浣香十八歲上嫁了華光宿，真是瑤琴玉瑟，魚水和諧，說不盡詠月吟風，閨房瀟灑。又有十個美婢，名字都有一個珠子，寶珠、明珠、愛珠、花珠、荷珠、蕊珠、掌珠、珍珠、畫珠、贈珠。這十珠都有十分姿色，年皆十五六歲，真像十樣鮮花，一群粉蝶，個個慧心香口，蓮步柳腰，針黹巧奪天工，詞令皆成妙品。比鄭康成之詩婢，少道學之風規，較郭令公之家姬，得風流之香主。華公子夫婦二人這樣的妙才濃福，也就人間少有的了；兼之高堂未老，雄鎮四夷，思承七葉之榮，爵列三公之首。

　　這日是華夫人生日，外邊恰一概不知。昨日公子與夫人家宴了一日，命八齡班唱了一天戲。這八齡名字都有一個齡宇，無非金齡、玉齡、蘭齡、桂齡之類。有幾個是家童教的，有幾個是各班選的。雖不能如《花選》中之名旦，卻也勝於尋常戲旦，閒時原叫其伺候書房。

　　這日華夫人知其胞妹浣蘭小姐要來，復又見徐府中送了十樣珍玩，知袁夫人也要來，與華公子清早拜過了家廟，供過了佛。公子本要再與夫人家宴一天，因他姨妹與盟嫂來，只好迴避。不一會蘇小姐已到，香車到了穿堂，用軟肩輿一直抬進了內堂院子裡，四個丫鬟扶了小姐下轎，華夫人出接，姐妹二人見了禮，華公子也進來見過了。公子問過他岳父岳母的安，將要坐下，家人報導：「徐府夫人已到。」華公子迴避出去，華夫人姐妹出堂迎接。見轎簾啟處，六個美貌丫鬟擁著一個天仙出來。金蓮細步，進了中堂，挽了華夫人的手，笑盈盈的對拜了。蘇小姐又與袁夫人拜年，說道：「明日就打算到姐姐處來，家母與姨娘們都要來的。」袁夫人道：「我這兩天本要請年伯母與妹妹們過來坐坐，若承下顧，那就極妙了。」華夫人道：「賤齒之辰，上承眷注，寵賜多珍，教我不敢不拜領。」袁夫人笑道：「些須微物，聊以將意，何足尚邀齒及。我想昨日就要過來，偏偏有事耽擱了。」

　　蘇小姐道：「十一那一天，家母遣人來問候姐姐。來人回來說：姐姐花園裡請些太太們賞燈。他把那些燈，足足就講了半天，說試一回要用幾千人，說得天花亂墜，教我晚間做夢竟到姐姐園裡來看燈，又並沒有看見。」

　　說著自己先笑了。袁夫人也笑道：「燈卻可以看得，幾千人是用不著，二三百人是要呢。我搶先同了姐妹們於十一日試了一天，後來就有些官客們，接接連連鬧到十八日，也沒有空得一日。又因你們都在城裡，只得日間來看，不能晚上賞玩，所以沒有來請。」華夫人也甚為羨慕。袁夫人又對蘇小姐道：「承年伯母惦記，又賞東西。」蘇小姐道：「家母那日因姐姐回去時，說有些不快，心上常惦記著呢。」袁夫人又欠身謝了。十珠婢與蘇小姐的丫鬟，都向袁夫人請了安。袁夫人的六紅婢，也向華夫人、蘇小姐請了安。大家談了些閒話，敘了些家常，華夫人便要唱戲。袁夫人道：「我們姐妹談心甚是有趣，倒不必要他們來嘈雜。」即略逛了幾處屋子，走進華夫人臥房來。華夫人的臥房是五大間，三間套房，外面兩間做了書室，圖書滿架，彝鼎紛陳。袁夫人略略賞玩了一番，只見群珠上來請示擺席。華夫人道：「就擺在這裡罷。」一面就擺起席來，華夫人送了酒，坐定了。說不盡玉液金波，山珍海錯。

　　三人談談笑笑，飲了一會，袁夫人道；「我新見人行一個酒令，倒也有趣：用五句成語湊成一串，但嫌其沒有韻，而且第四五句，還添兩個虛字在裡頭，略欠自然。他第一句用古文，第二句用唐詩，第三句用骨牌名，第四句用曲牌名，第五句用《時憲書》，憑人自己檢用，便容易了。我們如今六個骰子，隨手擲出什麼色樣，就從這個色樣起，第一句用骨牌名，第二句用五言唐詩，第三句用《西廂》曲文，第四句用曲牌名，第五句用《毛詩》。這五句須要有韻，念出來才覺得鏗鏘入調。「蘇小姐聽了十分高興，便問他姐姐要骰子出來，試行這令。華夫人道：「好雖好，只是難些，又要自然，又要有韻，你不怕費心麼？」便命丫鬟取過骰盆，放了骰子，送與袁夫人道：

　　「姐姐先行個樣兒出來。」袁夫人取過骰於，擲了幾擲，成了色樣，是個群鴉噪風。便望著殿盆想了一會，說道：「我獻醜了，說得不好。你們不要笑話。」即念道：群鴉噪風，策鳴鳳下空，分明伯勞飛燕各西東。五更轉，甘與子同夢。

　　華夫人與蘇小組大贊，華夫人道：「這三句實在說得好，三句至五句尤妙。香心旖旎，讀之令人心醉。這個恐我不能。」

　　袁夫人笑道：「你凡事總有一番謙退。及至行出令來，必定又十分用心，不肯讓人一毫。」華夫人也笑了，即取過骰子，擲了幾擲，擲了個鐵索纜孤舟的色樣，便想了一想，即念道：

　　鐵索纜孤舟，滄江急夜流，他歸期約定九月九。夜行船，載沉載浮。

　　袁夫人道：「何如？我說你必有警人之句，這五句如一句，比我的好得多了。

　　這句《續西廂》更用得有趣。再要看蘭妹的。想必更好，定是後來居上。」華夫人猶謙了幾句。

　　蘇小姐性急，急於要擲，也無暇謙讓，把骰子盆移過來，噹噹啷擲了好幾擲，才擲成了一個將軍掛印，好不喜歡。便把秋波凝注，想了一想，湊成了五句，即笑吟吟的念將出來，是：

　　將軍桂印，獨立三邊靜，總為君有胸中百萬兵。得勝令，公侯干城。

　　袁夫人贊道：「我說後來居上是不錯的，蘭妹這個令真教我五體投地，惟有賀一個滿杯罷。」蘇小姐頗自得意，喜孜孜的倒謙了一句。華夫人也贊道：「果然好。但也是擲著了那個好色樣，成全了他。」也賀了一杯，並命伺候丫鬟們，每人都飲一杯酒，作個大犒三軍，公賀將軍掛印。十珠、六紅等都飲畢，愛珠拉拉紅雪的袖子，低低說道：「你們奶奶的五更轉，甘與子同夢」，說得有情；我們奶奶的『鐵索纜孤舟，搭著夜行船』，說得有理；二小姐的說得有聲有勢，三個各有好處。」紅雪點點頭道：「你說得一點不錯。」袁夫人等聽了，亦都微笑。

　　袁夫人再擲，擲了一個色樣，是落紅滿地。袁夫人要爭奇取勝，不肯就說，細細的想了一會，想成了一個也甚得意。便念道：落紅滿地，拭翠斂蛾眉，只是昨宵今日清減了小腰圍。

　　罵玉郎，不醉無歸。

　　蘇小姐贊道：「姐姐這個實在好極，怎麼能說這般蘊藉風流。為什麼我說不到這樣，覺得有點粗氣。這個我們該賀。」各賀了一杯。袁夫人笑道：「你是李、杜大家，我是溫、李靡豔，如何比得上你來？」華夫人笑道：「這首絕妙，與題相稱。我想姐姐是罵二哥天天帶著相公，在園裡喝醉了回來，教姐姐腰圍都清減了。」袁夫人頗不好意思，說道：「你來取笑我，你留心了色樣，這是有還禮的。」華夫人、蘇小姐皆笑，那十珠、六紅等聽了，也各微微的笑，聽他們主人說笑，甚是有味。

　　華夫人取過骰子，擲了一個二士入桃源。也構思了一會，想著了幾句妙語。但方才取笑了袁夫人，如今說出來，又恐他要報復，不覺遲遲的紅泛桃腮。若改換了，便覺可惜，只得念道：

　　二士入桃源，桃源路可尋，新婚燕爾天教定。傍妝臺，攜手同行。

　　蘇小姐聽了，對著華夫人微笑。袁夫人笑道：「你怎麼忽然想起初嫁的時候來？這幾句可謂風華旖旎已極。如見薰香對景，畫眉人偎倚妝臺，喃喃私語。

　　索口脂香。我們今日在此，未免不情。」華夫人笑道：

　　「我知道你必要還禮，我所以躊躇了一會，欲要改兩句，又不及這個好。原是我不是，招出姐姐這番話來。」說著大家都笑，群婢也都齒粲，又各賀了一杯。

　　又到了蘇小姐，擲了一個梅梢月上，想了一想念道：梅梢月上，花樹香玲瓏，人間玉容深鎖繡幃中。瑣窗寒，零露濃濃。

　　華夫人先贊了好。袁夫人道：「你這個可謂溫柔香豔之至矣，又恰是閨秀口氣。我略比你長了幾年，就說不到這樣秀韻，這真勉強不來的。」蘇小姐只是含笑，又賀了一杯。那邊紅香低低對寶珠說道：「你聽各人行的令，真像各人的語言情性，連相貌都像，這是什麼緣故？若教彼此換一個過兒，就便都不像本人了。」寶珠等微笑。袁夫人又取過骰子來，擲了一個觀燈十五夜。

　　蘇小姐道：「這是姐姐的本地風光、可以把那些百鳥百獸，神龍癩象，火樹銀花，一齊說出來，做個熱鬧燈節了。」袁夫人笑道：「我也這麼想，但我未必有這力量。」想了一會湊不上來，只得重換了，念道：觀燈十五夜，未醉豈勞扶，一聲聲道不如歸去。步步嬌，謂行多露。

　　華夫人、蘇小姐大贊。華夫人道：「姐姐風流倜儻，情見乎詞。這幾句如見姐姐扶著婢女，一步步的走來，又像姐姐在園裡看燈的光景，令人羨慕。」於是各賀了一杯。此時華夫人便叫寶珠等，同著兩家的丫鬟到後房去吃飯。

　　這邊伺候的人，已少了好些。袁夫人聽得後房也在那裡噹啷噹啷的擲骰子，有些嗤嗤的笑，與互相褒貶譏誚之聲。蘇小姐道：「他們在那裡行令呢，不知行出來的怎樣？」華夫人笑道：

　　「就算他們也能說兩句，未必有什麼好的出來，總不如我們的。」於是又移過骰盆，擲了一個桃紅柳綠，想了一會，念道：桃紅柳綠，花與思懼新，隔花人遠天涯近。醉花陰，鼓瑟吹笙。

　　袁夫人道：「這個也把你的情韻都寫出來，我如見你在花陰之下，綠妥紅酣，勞情自遣，真是碧桃花下神仙侶。」華夫人道：「覺得我的出語總平些，沒有姐姐的靈警。今日終是姐姐考第一，一片的香膩光澤，都在字裡頭透出來，我只好甘拜下風。」袁夫人道：「那裡！清華明豔，都被你們姐妹二人占盡了。

　　昔謝靈運說：天下之才共一石，曹子建獨得了八斗。我看，如今你們二位共占了六斗，還有一個小才女，來搶了三斗，只剩一斗，天下閨秀分起來，到我分不到一合了。」說得華夫人、蘇小姐皆笑。蘇小姐道：「姐姐說那個小才女是誰家？」袁夫人道：「這人你們不認得麼？是王質夫年伯的第二個女兒，名叫瓊華，我們都是世姐妹。」華夫人道：「是通政司卿那位王年伯麼？我們倒沒有往來過。」蘇小姐道：「這王瓊華怎樣好呢？」袁夫人道：「他今年十七歲，相貌是沒有比得上他的，與二位真可鼎足為三。我前日請他們姐妹來看燈，他在席上就成了一首《燈月詞》，頃刻之間洋洋灑灑七八百宇。光怪陸離，駭人耳目，絕像太白復生。此豈閨閣中所能的。」蘇小姐道：

　　「這首詩姐姐可記得不記得？」袁夫人道：「不記得，改日我抄一篇出來送給你。」於是各人飲了一杯酒，又吃了些菜。聽後房那些婢女們好擲得高興，說笑的說笑，罰酒的罰酒。蘇小姐又擲了一個格子眼，笑道：「這個好無趣。」想了一會。

　　念道：格子眼，微風韻可聽，忒楞楞是紙條兒鳴。恨更長，東方未明。

　　袁夫人道：「你還說這格子眼無趣，倒成了這個好令，實在自然得很。」這一人三轉，也有好一會工夫了。華夫人道：「停一停再行罷，我們且吃些菜，不是這麼空費心的。」且擱下外邊，說後房那些美婢．也在那裡行令。有說得好，有說得不好，也有自己說不出，要找人代說的。雖不敢十分嬉笑，但也交頭附耳，摩肩擦鬢的擠在一堆。這徐家的十二紅，與華家的十珠，正是年貌相當、才力相敵，應該彼此相敬相愛才好。

　　他們卻不然，都懷著好勝脾氣，兩不相下。若不講這些斯文技藝，倒還和氣。若說起這些詩詞雜技，便定要你薄我，我薄你，彼此都想占點便宜。鬧到後來，必至鬥嘴鬥舌的面紅起來。這一回行令，內中有幾個說得不好，已受了多少刻薄。紅薇這一擲，擲了個醉西施。半天說不出來，急得兩頰通紅。愛珠想了一個，笑道：「我代你說，你要謝謝媒人才好。」即笑吟吟地對著紅薇，還把一個指頭指著他，念道：醉西施，酒色上來遲，他昨日風清月朗夜深時。好姐姐，吉士誘之。

　　眾人贊好。紅薇道：「你真是個好姐姐，怪不得有人要誘你。」愛珠道：「我是說你的，你這好模樣。還不像個醉西施嗎？」眾人又笑。

　　蕊珠擲了個鰍入菱窠，嫌這名色不好，要不算。眾人不依。

　　蕊珠只得細想，也想不出來，覺句句總連絡不上。紅雪笑道：

　　「我也代你說，你也要謝謝媒。」蕊珠道：「若好的，你就說。若罵人的，就免勞照顧。」紅雪道：「不罵你，你還要感激我呢。」眾人道：「你且念出來。」紅雪笑道：鰍入菱窠，翠羽戲蘭苕，侯門不許老僧敲。禿廝兒，與子儲老。

　　蕊珠伸過手來，一把擰住了紅雪的嘴。紅雪急忙用手解開，大家笑得彎了腰。 　　明珠一笑，袖子帶著酒杯，砸了一個。外面夫人們也聽得明白，袁夫人笑道：「他們還比我們會樂。」這邊紅玉擲了一個八不就，便道：「這個名色也難，湊不成的換了罷。」寶珠道：「怎麼湊不成，我替你湊，包你一湊就湊上，總不教你八不就。」紅玉道：「你說頑話呢，還是正經話？你若刻薄我，我就撕你的嘴。」寶珠道：「我是不喜歡刻薄人的。」便指著紅玉說道：八不就，驚夢起鴛鴦，著甚支吾此夜長。脫布衫，中心養養。」這個養字要作癢字解。」紅玉罵道：「你嘴裡倒有些癢呢，我替你殺殺癢罷。」夾了一條海參塞到寶珠嘴邊。寶珠一手把他的箸子打落在地，桌子下跑出個白貓兒，把地下的海參吃了。眾婢又笑得不可開交。

　　掌珠擲了個踏梯望月，說了一個只是平平，不見出色。紅雯道：「這個令題就好得很，你這麼說來，就辜負了題目了。我代你說。」即說道：踏梯望月，宋玉在西鄰，隔牆兒酬和到天明。花心動，有女懷春。掌珠笑罵紅雯道：「好個女孩兒家，踏著梯子去望人，還說自己花心動呢。臊也臊死了。」紅雯笑道：「我是說你的，你悶在心裡，不要悶出病來，倒直說了罷。」掌珠把紅要一推，紅雯沒有留心，往後一跌，靠在寶珠身上，踏了他的金蓮。寶珠皺著眉，一手扶在紅雯肩上，一手摸著自己的鞋尖，摸了一會。把紅雯背上打了兩下。眾人又笑。

　　紅香擲了一個正雙飛，偏也湊不上來。想著了幾句，又不是一韻，這邊荷珠道：「我代你說一個好的，叫你再不根我。」紅香當他是好心，便道：「好姐姐，你代我說了罷。」荷珠笑道：「我雖代你說，這令是原算你的。」便念道：正雙飛，有願幾時諧，捱一刻似一夏。並頭蓮，庶幾夙夜。紅香紅著臉，要撕荷珠的嘴，經眾人勸住。荷珠擲了一個一枝花，正要想幾句好句子，忽見紅□對著他笑盈盈的說道：「我代你說。」荷珠料他沒有好話，便搖著頭道：「不稀罕。」紅□道：「你雖不稀罕，我倒偏要說。」眾人要聽笑話，都要他說。紅□念道：一枝花，還憐合抱時，這叫做才子佳人信有之。一點紅，薄污我私。眾人忍不住皆笑。荷珠氣極，走過來把紅□攔腰抱任，使勁的把他按在炕上，壓住了他，說道：「我倒要請教請教你這一點紅呢。」紅□力小，翻不轉來，裙子已兩邊分開。眾人見他兩隻金蓮，往外亂釵，眾人的腰都笑的支不起來。

　　紅雪、紅香過去拉開了，紅□▉頭上花朵也掉了，頭髮也弄得蓬蓬的，便把手掠了一會，罵荷珠道：「頑得這般粗鹵。說說罷了，就要認真。」這一會鬧，鬧得華夫人、袁夫人都按捺不住了，便叫家人媳婦進來查問，不許他們頑笑。群婢才息聲靜氣的，趕緊的吃了一碗飯，都出來伺候。夫人們看這一班頑婢，有鬧得花朵歪斜的，鬢髮蓬鬆的，還有些背轉臉去要笑的，還有些氣忿忿以眉眼記恨的，不覺好笑，只得對著愛珠等說道：「你們這麼大了，怎麼還這樣頑皮？若不為著有客在此，我今日必要責罰你們。」袁夫人也說了六紅婢幾旬，群婢低首侍立，面有愧色。蘇小姐問道：「你們行的什麼令？這般好笑。」群婢中又有些抿嘴笑起來，倒惹得兩位夫人也要笑了。

　　華夫人笑道：「這些癡丫頭，令人可惱又可笑。」蘇小姐又問道：「你們若行著好令，不妨說出來，教我們也賞鑑賞鑒。如果真好，我還要賞你們。就是你們的奶奶也決不責備你們的。」

　　愛珠的光景似將要說，紅香扯扯他的袖子，叫他不要說。愛珠道：「他們說的也多，也記不清了。」蘇小姐急於要聽，便對華夫人、袁夫人道：「他們是懼怕主人不敢說，你們叫他說他就說了。」華夫人也知道這些婢女有些小聰明，都也說得幾個好的出來，便對袁夫人微笑。袁夫人本是個風流跌宕的人，心上也要顯顯他的丫鬟的才學，便說道：「你們說的只要通，就說說也不妨。若說出來不通，便各人跪著罰一大杯酒。」紅薇與明珠的記性最好，況且沒有他們說的在裡面，便說道：「通倒也算通，恐怕說了出來，非但不能受賞，更要受罰。」華夫人笑道：「你們且一一的說來。」於是明珠把愛珠、寶珠、荷珠罵人的三個令全說了、紅薇也將紅雪、紅雯、紅□罵人的三個令也說了，笑得兩位夫人頭上的珠鈿斜顫，欲要裝做正色責備他們，也裝不過來。蘇小姐雖嫌他們過於褻狎，然心裡也贊他們敏慧，不便大笑，只好微頷而已。

　　這兩夫人笑了一回，便同聲的將那六個罵人的三紅、三珠叫了過來，強住了笑，說道：「你們這般輕薄，還了得？傳了出去，叫你們有什麼顏面見人，還不跪下！」六婢含羞，只得當筵跪了。蘇小姐替他們討饒道：「二位姐組，看我面上，怨他們初次。雖是風流口過，也虧他們心靈口敏。將他們這個功，抵消這個過罷。」袁夫人道：「二妹說了，我也不敢不依，但也須警戒警戒他們。不然說慣了，一發肆無忌憚的。」便與華夫人評定這六個令，太惡者罰一大觴酒，打手掌三板，以示薄責；其次者罰酒免責。於是紅雪、紅□、荷珠、寶珠受了責罰；愛珠、紅雯單罰了酒。群婢受罰起來好不羞愧，又喝了這些急酒，覺得有些晃宕起來，勉強扎掙住了，深悔一時高興。

　　袁夫人見天色不早，也要散席，便笑對華夫人道：「你再擲一個色樣，好好的說幾句收令，也可解穢。」便叫一面拿飯。華夫人見天色也是時候，不好過遲，便命上菜吃飯。即取過骰子，擲了一個金菊對芙蓉，心裡暗喜，這個名色甚好，便細細的一想，成了一個，念道：金菊對芙蓉，盤花卷燭紅，卻教我翠袖慇懃捧玉鍾。醉太平，萬福攸同。

　　袁夫人、蘇小姐稱贊不已。華夫人又勸他們二人喝了兩杯酒，然後吃飯。洗漱已畢，袁夫人見夕陽欲下，不可遲延，便道謝告辭。華夫人、蘇小姐帶著十珠群婢送上了轎。六紅扶著轎子，細行軟步，一直到了穿堂外才上了車，流水般的走了。

　　這邊蘇小姐直到二更天才回去。不知後事如何，且聽下回分解。

The story is about Xu Ziyun, who, after escorting Zi Yu out of the garden, talked with Xiao Cixian for a while before returning home. Ziyun’s residence was not far from the garden, across from it, housed in the former residence of his great-grandfather. The mansion was very spacious. At the time, his parents and brother with his wife did not live in the capital; only Ziyun and his wife lived there, along with their servants. Ziyun discussed with his wife about Qin Yan and Zi Yu’s affair, admiring their affectionate demeanor. Mrs. Yuan smiled and asked, “What good do these fine gentlemen you mingle with actually bring?”

Ziyun laughed and replied, “You have met them and seen their plays; how can you still ask if they are good?” Mrs. Yuan said, “When I see them perform, they merely mimic the behaviors of ladies. Even when they are out of makeup, they still look fairly refined. But if you say they are invaluable treasures, I’m unsure. In my view, they aren’t even as good as my maids.” Ziyun responded, “To your eyes, naturally, girls seem better. But we, when attending banquets outside, certainly can’t bring young girls without compromising propriety. The beauty of these fine gentlemen lies in their feminine appearance yet masculine physique, pleasing to the eyes and restraining the heart, providing joy without desire. Isn’t that perfect?”

Mrs. Yuan laughed, “That’s quite a noble way to put it.” Ziyun also laughed, “I always speak from my heart, never saying anything I don’t mean.” Mrs. Yuan asked, “Even if that’s true for you, do your friends all think the same?” Ziyun replied, “If they thought otherwise, they wouldn’t associate with me. Just now, didn’t I tell you about Mei Yu Xiang, who, upon hearing a few playful words from Yu Ling, became so enraged that he even scolded me? That shows he can be trusted. Moreover, those young ones don’t enjoy being teased.”

After some idle chat, Mrs. Yuan mentioned that tomorrow was Lady Hua’s birthday, which was also her 20th jubilee, a must-attend event. Ziyun agreed, “Of course we should go. She came over for your birthday last year and brought many gifts. We should also prepare some fine gifts for her.” The night passed without further conversation.

The next morning, Mrs. Yuan selected ten exquisite gifts, all highly valuable, and listed them: “Jade bracelets, seven treasures hairpins, feathered fans, coral hair ticklers, gold-carved incense burners, green jade zithers, precious submerged fragrances, exotic incense sticks, and agate seals,” and had them sent ahead. She then took six of her maids—all around fifteen years old, beautiful, literate, skilled in poetry and embroidery—to accompany her after her morning makeup was done. Red Snow, one of the maids, suggested bringing extra clothes due to the cold weather hinting at snow. She chose a sky-blue satin cloak embroidered with gold and purple sable fur, a red satin skirt embroidered with celestial horse fur, and some jade and pearl jewelry. They also packed a few extra garments in a large red cotton bag. All the precious ornaments were stored in a brocade box. The six maids, all properly dressed, got into the carriage, and the servants mounted their horses to head to the Hua residence.

The narrative then shifts to describe the young Lord Hua, who was 21 years old. Though his appearance was known to Wei Pincai and his temperament to Fu San, his exact nature was not fully understood. Lord Hua, though of a fiery nature, was pure-hearted. He indulged in the luxuries of wealth and comfort, preferring a life of ease without engaging much in social obligations. He was skilled in horse riding and archery and had a gift for poetry and prose. He was well-read and could compose poetry effortlessly. His mother, Lady Hua, was born into the Su family; her father, Chen Tai, was a descendant of a meritorious family and held the title of Marquis, currently serving as the Minister of War. They had no sons, only two daughters: the elder, Huan Xiang, and the younger, Huan Lan, both of whom were exceptionally beautiful. Skilled in poetry, music, painting, and chess, they were highly accomplished. There was a saying, “I would not wish for ten baskets of pearls from the Dragon Palace, but just to see the young ladies of the Marquis’s house.”

Huan Xiang, at eighteen, had married Hua Guangsu, forming a harmonious match, epitomizing the union of zither and se, harmoniously living with the moon and wind in their intimate space. They also had ten beautiful maids named after pearls, each

fifteen or sixteen years old, resembling a collection of fresh flowers and a group of delicate butterflies, all clever and charming, skilled in needlework and poetry, superior to Zheng Kangcheng’s poetic maids and possessing more elegance than the maids of Lord Guo. Lord Hua and his wife were truly blessed with talent and fortune, a rarity among mortals. Moreover, with the elder generation still robust and the family’s military might securing peace, they hoped to continue their glorious legacy, aspiring to the highest honors.

On the day of Lady Hua’s birthday, outsiders were unaware of the celebration. The day before, Lord Hua and his wife had hosted a private feast with performances by the Ba Ling troupe. This troupe, named after ages, included members like Jin Ling, Yu Ling, Lan Ling, and Gui Ling, some taught by household staff and others selected from various groups. Although not as famous as the performers in “The Selection of Flowers,” they were superior to ordinary actors and were usually called to serve in the study room.

On this day, knowing that her niece Huan Lan would visit, and seeing the ten exquisite gifts sent by the Xu residence, indicating that Mrs. Yuan would also attend, Lady Hua and Lord Hua paid their respects at the family temple and made offerings to the Buddha. Lord Hua had planned to host another feast with his wife, but since his cousin and sister-in-law were visiting, he had to step aside. Soon, Miss Su arrived in a luxurious carriage, which was carried directly into the inner courtyard by servants. Lady Hua came out to greet her, and the sisters exchanged pleasantries. Lord Hua also came to greet them, asking after his in-laws’ wellbeing, preparing to sit down when a servant reported, “Madam Xu has arrived.” Lord Hua excused himself, and Lady Hua and her sister went out to welcome her. As the sedan curtain lifted, six beautiful maids escorted a celestial-like figure. With her delicate steps, she entered the main hall and warmly greeted Lady Hua with a smile. Miss Su also exchanged New Year greetings with Mrs. Yuan, saying, “I was planning to visit your sister tomorrow, as our mother and aunts intend to come as well.” Mrs. Yuan replied, “I was about to invite your aunt and sisters over in the next couple of days. It would be wonderful if you could honor us with your presence.” Lady Hua expressed her gratitude for the attention and gifts received on her humble birthday, while Mrs. Yuan modestly stated that the gifts were mere tokens of affection and not worthy of special mention. She mentioned that she had planned to visit the day before but was delayed by other matters.

Miss Su mentioned, “On the eleventh, my mother sent someone to greet your sister. The messenger returned and talked non-stop about the beautiful lanterns in your sister’s garden, saying that it would take thousands of people to arrange them properly. It made me dream last night that I was in your sister’s garden admiring the lanterns, although I didn’t actually see them.”

They all laughed at the story. Mrs. Yuan explained that while the lanterns could indeed be viewed, it did not require thousands of people, perhaps just two or three hundred. She had taken the opportunity to test the arrangement with her sisters on the eleventh, and since then, officials had continuously visited until the eighteenth, leaving no free days. Since they were all in the city, they could only visit during the day and not enjoy the nighttime view, hence the lack of an invitation. Lady Hua expressed her admiration, and Mrs. Yuan continued, acknowledging Miss Su’s mother’s thoughtfulness and the gifts. Miss Su added that her mother was always concerned about her sister’s wellbeing, especially after hearing she was unwell. Mrs. Yuan thanked her again. The ten Pearl maids and Miss Su’s maids all paid their respects to Mrs. Yuan, and her six Red maids did the same to Lady Hua and Miss Su. After some casual conversation and catching up on family matters, Lady Hua suggested enjoying a play. Mrs. Yuan, however, found their sisterly chat so enjoyable that she saw no need for the distraction of a play. They briefly toured several rooms before entering Lady Hua’s bedroom, which consisted of five large interconnected rooms with the outer two serving as a study filled with books and artifacts. Mrs. Yuan admired the setting briefly before the group of maids came to arrange the seating for dining. Lady Hua decided to have the meal there, and soon the table was set, and she served the wine, settling down for a feast of exquisite dishes and fine wine.

The three of them chatted and laughed over drinks for a while, and Mrs. Yuan introduced a new drinking game she had encountered, which involved creating a chain of five phrases from idioms, using a different source for each: ancient texts, Tang poetry, mahjong terms, song titles, and phrases from “The Book

of Time”. The game required rhyming and sounded lively when read aloud. Miss Su was delighted by the idea and asked her sister for dice to give it a try. Lady Hua liked the idea but found it challenging, requiring natural flow and rhyme, wondering if Miss Su was prepared for the effort. She then had the servants bring the dice, and Mrs. Yuan was invited to demonstrate the game first.

Mrs. Yuan rolled the dice several times to establish the pattern, which turned out to be “a flock of crows stirring in the wind”. After thinking for a moment, she modestly stated that she might not speak well and asked for their indulgence. She then recited: “A flock of crows stirs the wind, a plan resonates with the phoenix below the sky, clearly the orioles and swallows each fly their own way. At dawn, I dream of sharing this with you.”

Lady Hua and Miss Su praised her, especially enjoying the nuanced charm of her third to fifth lines, which read like an intoxicating fragrance, capturing the heart. Lady Hua doubted she could match such skill.

Mrs. Yuan playfully suggested that Lady Hua always modestly underestimated her abilities, but when it came time to perform, she would surely put forth great effort not to be outdone. Lady Hua smiled and took her turn with the dice, rolling a pattern resembling “iron chains mooring a lone boat”. After a moment’s thought, she recited: “Iron chains moor the lone boat, the swift river flows at night, he promises to return in the ninth month. A boat travels by night, bearing both light and heavy loads.”

Mrs. Yuan asked, “How is it? I told you there would be lines that startle, and these five lines are as one, far surpassing mine. The phrase from ‘Continuing the West Chamber’ is particularly intriguing. Now let’s see how Lan’s sister does. I expect she’ll surpass us both.” Lady Hua modestly demurred.

Miss Su, eager and uninterested in false modesty, moved the dice tray over and rattled off several rolls until she achieved a pattern called “the general hangs up his seal”, which delighted her. She concentrated, piecing together five lines and reciting them with a pleased smile: “The general’s seal of laurel, standing alone in peace on three fronts, all for the lord who commands a hundred thousand troops in his breast. The victory order, the marquis stands firm in the city.”

Mrs. Yuan praised her, “I knew you’d come out on top. Lan’s command is so impressive, I can only toast to it fully.” Miss Su modestly accepted the compliment, and Lady Hua added her praise, noting that the favorable pattern helped complete her verses. They each toasted to the general’s successful seal, and even the attending maids joined in the celebratory drink, sharing in the general’s honor. The Pearls and the Reds all drank, and Love Pearl whispered to Red Snow, “Your grandma’s ‘dawn turning, willing to dream together’ speaks with affection; our grandma’s ‘iron chains moor the lone boat, tied to the night-traveling boat’ speaks with reason; and the younger lady’s speaks with force and authority. Each has its virtues.” Red Snow nodded in agreement, “You’re absolutely right.” Mrs. Yuan and the others listened and smiled.

Mrs. Yuan took another turn, rolling a pattern called “fallen red all over”. Wishing to outdo the others, she carefully thought it over and recited: “Fallen red all over, she wipes her green brows, just last night and today her slender waist has slimmed. Scolding her lover, not drunk, no return.”

Miss Su praised, “Sister, that’s truly excellent, how can you speak so elegantly? Why can’t I say it like that, feeling somewhat coarse? We should toast to this.” They all toasted. Mrs. Yuan joked, “You are the greats Li and Du, I’m just Wen and Li, not as dazzling as you.” Lady Hua laughed, “This poem is exquisite, matching the theme perfectly. I imagine my sister scolding her husband for coming home drunk from the garden, causing her waist to slim.” Mrs. Yuan was somewhat embarrassed, “You’re teasing me. Remember the patterns you’ve kept; there will be a response.” Lady Hua and Miss Su both laughed, and even the Pearl and Red maids chuckled, amused by their mistresses’ banter.

Lady Hua then rolled “two scholars enter the peach blossom spring”. After some thought, she recited: “Two scholars enter the peach blossom spring, the path to peach blossoms can be found, newlyweds, the swallows teach us to settle. By the makeup stand, hand in hand we walk.”

Miss Su smiled at Lady Hua. Mrs. Yuan commented, “Why suddenly think of when you first married?

These lines are truly graceful and beautiful. As if seeing the fragrant scene, a lady leans against the makeup stand, whispering softly, her lips fragrant. Our gathering here today is truly touching.” Lady Hua replied, “I knew you would respond, which made me hesitate. I wanted to change a couple of lines, but nothing else seemed as fitting. It’s my fault for provoking your words.” They all laughed, the maids grinning, and toasted again.

Miss Su then rolled “plum blossom under the moon”, pondering before reciting: “Plum blossom under the moon, the fragrant tree glistens, a beauty locked deep within embroidered curtains. The latch cold, dew thickens.”

Lady Hua was the first to praise. Mrs. Yuan said, “This truly captures tender and fragrant beauty, perfectly fitting a lady of the inner chamber. I’m a few years older than you and can’t match this refined charm. It’s truly effortless for you.” Miss Su just smiled, and they toasted once more. On the side, Red Fragrance whispered to Pearl, “Listening to everyone’s commands, it’s just like their speech and temperament, even their looks seem to match. Why is that? If they switched, they wouldn’t resemble themselves at all.” Pearl and others smiled. Mrs. Yuan rolled again, getting “watching the lanterns on the fifteenth night”.

Miss Su said, “This is your forte, sister. You can describe all the birds and beasts, the divine dragons and elephants, the fire trees and silver flowers all at once, making a lively lantern festival.” Mrs. Yuan laughed, “That’s what I thought, but I might not have the stamina.” After some thought, she couldn’t come up with anything and had to start over, eventually reciting: “Watching lanterns on the fifteenth night, why support if not drunk, continuously saying better to return home. Step by step, tenderly, saying much with the dew.”

Lady Hua and Miss Su greatly praised her. Lady Hua said, “Sister, you are elegantly free-spirited, your feelings revealed through your words. These lines seem to show my sister supported by her maids, step by step, resembling her watching the lanterns in the garden, truly enviable.” They all toasted again. At this point, Lady Hua called Pearl and the other maids from both houses to the back room to eat.

With fewer attendants, Mrs. Yuan heard the back room bustling with the clatter of dice and the laughter and mock insults of the maids. Miss Su was curious about what commands they were giving to cause such laughter. Lady Hua joked, “Even if they manage a couple of good lines, they couldn’t match ours.” They then rolled again, getting “peach blossoms against willows”, and after some thought, Lady Hua recited: “Peach blossoms against willows, flowers and fears are fresh, across the flowers, people are distant, the heavens near. Drunk under the flowers, playing the lute, blowing the flute.”

Mrs. Yuan commented, “You’ve captured your emotions perfectly. I see you under the shade of the flowers, tipsy with green and red, self-soothing, truly like celestial companions beneath the pink peach blossoms.” Lady Hua replied, “I feel my words are always plain, lacking the spirit of my sister’s. Today, you undoubtedly rank first, the fragrance and sheen all emerging from your words. I can only concede.” Mrs. Yuan responded, “Not at all! Elegance and brilliance, you sisters have monopolized it. As Xie Lingyun once said: ‘The world’s talents are but a stone, Cao Zijian alone took eight scoops.’ I think you two together have taken six scoops, and another talented lady has snatched three, leaving just one scoop for all the talented women in the world, and I get less than a measure.” The conversation made Lady Hua and Miss Su laugh. Miss Su asked, “Sister, who is that talented young lady?” Mrs. Yuan explained, “Don’t you recognize her? She’s the second daughter of Wang Zhi’s cousin, named Qionghua. We are all cousins by generation.” Lady Hua inquired, “Is that the Wang cousin who is a senior official in the Ministry of Personnel? We haven’t had dealings with them.” Miss Su wondered, “What’s so good about Wang Qionghua?” Mrs. Yuan shared, “She’s seventeen this year, and there’s no one to match her beauty. She truly stands equal with you two. Just the other day, I invited their sisters to view the lanterns, and she composed a ‘Lantern Moon Poem’ on the spot, writing seven or eight hundred words in a moment, dazzling and shocking, just like Li Bai reincarnated. Such talent isn’t usually found in the

inner chambers.” Miss Su asked if her sister remembered the poem. Mrs. Yuan admitted she didn’t but promised to copy it and send it later. Everyone then drank a cup of wine and enjoyed some dishes. Hearing the maids in the back room having fun with the dice, joking and assigning drinks as penalties, Miss Su rolled again, getting “checkerboard eyes”, and laughed, “This is rather dull.” After some thought, she recited: “Checkerboard eyes, the breeze’s tune is pleasing to hear, just tediously the paper strips ring. Hating the longer night, the east remains dark.”

Mrs. Yuan remarked, “You said ‘checkerboard eyes’ was dull, yet you turned it into a fine command, really quite natural.” After three rounds, they had spent quite some time. Lady Hua suggested a pause for more dining, “Let’s eat some dishes, not just waste effort.” They set aside the outer activities and mentioned that the beautiful maids in the back room were also giving commands. There were good and bad, some unable to speak without someone else’s help. Though they didn’t dare to laugh too loudly, they huddled together, whispering and bumping shoulders. The twelve Reds of the Xu family and the ten Pearls of the Hua family were well-matched in age and talent, ideally suited to respect and love each other.

However, they were not so amiable, each harboring a competitive spirit, neither yielding to the other. If they didn’t discuss these literary and artistic skills, they might still be harmonious. But once poetry and miscellaneous arts were mentioned, they inevitably thinned each other out, each seeking an advantage. As the argument escalated, they ended up red-faced and quarreling. In this round of commands, several spoke poorly and received much criticism. Red Wei, for instance, rolled “drunk Xi Shi” and couldn’t speak for a long time, blushing with urgency. Love Pearl thought of one and laughed, “I’ll speak for you, you should thank the matchmaker.” She then smilingly faced Red Wei, still pointing a finger at her, and recited: “Drunk Xi Shi, the color of wine arrives late, he last night when the wind was clear and the moon bright deep into the night. Dear sister, a gentleman tempts you.”

Everyone praised the command. Red Wei said, “You’re truly a good sister, no wonder someone wants to tempt you.” Love Pearl replied, “I was speaking of you, with your good looks. Don’t you resemble a drunk Xi Shi?” Everyone laughed again.

Rui Zhu rolled “loach enters the water chestnut nest”, disliking the pattern and wanting to dismiss it. The others disagreed.

Rui Zhu had to think hard but couldn’t come up with anything, feeling that the sentences didn’t connect well. Red Snow laughed, “I’ll speak for you, and you should thank the matchmaker.” Rui Zhu replied, “If it’s good, you speak. If it’s insulting, please don’t bother.” Red Snow said, “I won’t insult you, you’ll want to thank me.” The others urged, “Just recite it.” Red Snow laughed and recited: “Loach enters the water chestnut nest, green feathers play with the orchid shoots, the marquis’s gate forbids the old monk’s knock. Bald guy, with you I’ll grow old.”

Rui Zhu reached out and pinched Red Snow’s mouth. Red Snow quickly freed herself, and everyone bent over laughing. Bright Pearl laughed, raising her wine cup, which caused a clatter. The ladies outside also clearly heard, and Mrs. Yuan laughed, “They’re even more entertaining than us.” Red Jade rolled “eight not just”, and said, “This pattern is difficult, if it can’t be matched, let’s change it.” Pearl replied, “How can it not be matched? I’ll match it for you, ensuring a perfect fit, never leaving you ‘eight not just’.” Red Jade asked, “Are you joking, or are you serious? If you insult me, I’ll tear your mouth.” Pearl said, “I don’t like to insult people.” She then pointed at Red Jade and recited: “Eight not just, startled dreams awaken the mandarin ducks, what’s all this hesitation this long night. Off goes the cotton robe, nurturing the heart within.” The word ‘nurture’ should be interpreted as ‘itch’.

Red Jade scolded, “Your mouth is really itchy, let me scratch it for you.” She stuffed a sea cucumber to Pearl’s mouth. Pearl slapped her chopsticks to the ground, and a white cat ran out from under the table, eating the sea cucumber on the floor. The maids laughed uncontrollably.

Zhang Zhu rolled “stepping ladder to watch the moon”, producing a mediocre command. Red Wen said, “This command is really good, you shouldn’t say it

like that, you’re wasting the topic. I’ll speak for you.” She then recited: “Stepping ladder to watch the moon, Song Yu at the western neighbor, the wall echoes till dawn. The heart of the flower stirs, a girl harbors spring.” Zhang Zhu playfully scolded Red Wen, “What a girl, climbing a ladder to watch someone, still saying your own heart stirs. You’d die of embarrassment.” Red Wen laughed, “I was speaking of you, you keep it in your heart, don’t get sick from it, just speak it out.” Zhang Zhu pushed Red Wen, who wasn’t paying attention and fell backward, leaning on Pearl, stepping on her golden lotus. Pearl frowned, supporting herself on Red Wen’s shoulder and touching her own shoe tip, feeling it for a while before smacking Red Wen’s back twice. Everyone laughed again.

Red Fragrance rolled “double flying straight”, but also couldn’t match it up. After thinking of a few lines that didn’t rhyme, Red Lotus on the side said, “I’ll speak a good one for you, so you won’t root me again.” Red Fragrance, thinking she was well-intentioned, said, “Dear sister, please speak for me.” Red Lotus laughed, “Although I speak for you, this command is originally yours.” She then recited: “Double flying straight, when will wishes harmonize, enduring a moment feels like a summer. Side by side lotus, may it be night and day.” Red Fragrance blushed, wanting to tear Red Lotus’s mouth, but the others calmed her down. Red Lotus rolled “a single flower”, just as she was thinking of a few good lines, Red □ smiled at her, saying, “I’ll speak for you.” Red Lotus, suspecting he had nothing good to say, shook her head, “Not interested.” Red □ said, “Even if you’re not interested, I still want to say it.” Everyone wanted to hear the joke, urging him on. Red □ recited: “A single flower, still cherishing the time when embraced, this is called the scholar and beauty truly exist. A spot of red, lightly stains my privacy.” Everyone couldn’t help but laugh. Red Lotus, furious, walked over and grabbed Red □ around the waist, forcefully pressing him down on the kang, pinning him down and saying, “I really want to ask you about this ‘spot of red’.” Red □, not strong enough to turn over, had his skirt split open on both sides. Everyone saw his two golden lotuses flailing about, laughing so hard they couldn’t stand straight.

Red Snow and Red Fragrance pulled them apart, and Red □’s flower fell from his head, his hair disheveled. He straightened his hair with his hands, scolding Red Lotus, “You play so roughly. It’s just talk, no need to take it seriously.” This commotion made Lady Hua and Mrs. Yuan unable to restrain themselves any longer, calling in family women to inquire and forbidding further jesting. The maids then quietly ate a bowl of rice and came out to attend. The ladies observed this group of playful maids, some with crooked flowers, some with disheveled hair, some turning away to hide their laughter, and some still visibly upset, finding it amusing but deciding to scold Love Pearl and the others, “You’re so grown up, how can you still be so mischievous? If it weren’t for having guests, I would definitely punish you today.” Mrs. Yuan also reprimanded the six Red maids, and the group of maids stood with heads bowed, showing shame. Miss Su asked about the commands they were giving that were so amusing. Some of the maids started to smile again, almost causing the two ladies to laugh as well.

Lady Hua laughed, “These silly girls, both annoying and amusing.” Miss Su further inquired, “If you’ve given good commands, don’t hesitate to share them, let us also appreciate them. If they’re truly good, I’ll even reward you. Your grandmothers definitely won’t scold you then.”

Love Pearl seemed about to speak, but Red Fragrance tugged at her sleeve, signaling her not to. Love Pearl said, “They said a lot, and I can’t remember clearly.” Miss Su, eager to hear, turned to Lady Hua and Mrs. Yuan, “They’re afraid of the master and dare not speak, but if you ask them, they will.” Lady Hua knew these maids had some cleverness and could indeed produce a few good lines, so she smiled at Mrs. Yuan. Mrs. Yuan, a lively and flamboyant person, also wanted to show off her maids’ talents, so she said, “As long as it makes sense, go ahead and speak. If it doesn’t, each of you kne

el and drink a large cup of wine as a penalty.” Red Wei and Bright Pearl had the best memory, and since none of their own lines were involved, they said, “It makes sense, but I’m afraid if we speak out, not only will we not be rewarded, we’ll be punished even more.” Lady Hua laughed, “Just speak one by one.” Thus, Bright Pearl recounted the insulting commands given by Love Pearl, Pearl, Red Lotus, and Bright Pearl, while Red Wei recounted those given by Red Snow, Red Wen, and Red □, causing the two ladies to shake with laughter, barely maintaining a stern face to scold them. Miss Su, though she found their words too frivolous, also admired their quick wit and couldn’t help but nod slightly.

After laughing for a while, the two ladies simultaneously called the six maids who had insulted others—three Reds and three Pearls—and sternly held back their laughter, saying, “How can you be so frivolous? If word gets out, how can you show your faces, not to mention stand before others? Kneel down!” The six maids, blushing, had no choice but to kneel at the banquet. Miss Su pleaded on their behalf, “For my sake, forgive them this first time. Although their words were too free-spirited, they also show their cleverness and quick wit. Let this merit offset their fault.” Mrs. Yuan said, “Since my younger sister has spoken, I dare not refuse, but they must be warned. Otherwise, they’ll become utterly unrestrained if they get used to speaking this way.” She and Lady Hua then judged the six commands, imposing a severe penalty of a large drink and three slaps for the most offensive; the lesser ones were penalized with a drink but spared the slaps. Thus, Red Snow, Red □, Red Lotus, and Pearl were punished; Love Pearl and Red Wen were merely made to drink. The maids, ashamed and having drunk the harsh wine, felt slightly dizzy, barely managing to compose themselves, deeply regretting their momentary indulgence.

Seeing that it was getting late, Mrs. Yuan also wanted to end the gathering, so she laughed and suggested to Lady Hua, “Roll one more pattern, speak a few lines to conclude the command, and cleanse the air.” She then ordered the food to be served. Lady Hua, noticing it was indeed time, didn’t want to delay further, so she ordered the dishes and started eating. She then rolled “golden chrysanthemums facing lotuses”, secretly pleased with the auspicious pattern, and after careful thought, came up with a line, reciting: “Golden chrysanthemums face the lotuses, the plates of flowers and candles are red, yet they make me earnestly present the jade cup. Drunkenly in peace, may fortune be with all.”

Mrs. Yuan and Miss Su couldn’t stop praising her. Lady Hua then urged them to drink two more cups of wine before starting the meal. After washing up, Mrs. Yuan saw the setting sun about to set and knew they couldn’t delay, so she thanked them and said goodbye. Lady Hua and Miss Su, along with the ten Pearls and other maids, accompanied her to the sedan. The six Reds supported the sedan, taking careful steps until they reached the outer hall where they boarded the carriage and smoothly departed.

Miss Su stayed until the second watch of the night before returning home. What happened next will be told in the following chapter.

　　話說袁夫人自華府回來，到家已晚，換了衣服，卸了花鈿，便與子雲說起所行的令，並將婢女們的也說了，子雲連聲說好。

　　後來瞞了他夫人，把這十六個令刻了出來，分作二等：夫人小姐行的十個為上令，婢女們的六個為下令，作了題，題了好些詩，不過沒有注出姓名來。因第一個令是群鴉噪鳳，後有這些婢女們攪鬧，就取名為群鴉噪鳳令。外人見了，都傳為美談。

　　及至袁夫人知道，已經傳遍，也無可如何了。

　　光陰甚快，不覺已至仲春。如今要特說一個人的行事，也是此書中緊要人。你道是誰？前回書中，蕭次賢說有兩封情書的燈謎，被人打去了，可惜沒有問得這人姓名。原來這人姓田，名春航，號湘帆，年二十三歲。也是金陵人，卻寄居揚州。自幼失怙。母張氏，名門世族，淹通經史。二十五歲上生了春航，二十八歲上，春航之父田浩中了進士，即歿於京師。這田夫人苦節撫孤，教養兼任，幸藉其兄張桐孫太守不時周濟。這春航的學問，多半得於母教。幼有鳳毛之譽，長誇駿骨之奇。十三歲進了學，十八歲中了副舉。

　　生得一貌堂堂，朗如玉山，清如秋水。情性則蘊藉風流，胸襟則卓犖瀟灑。

　　在庠序時，人就謂其雞群鶴立。但時運未來，三試不中。

　　娶妻顏氏，德容兼備，是個廣文先生之女，與春航琴瑟和諧。

　　去年正月內，田夫人見其子困守鄉園，終非長策；且當年其夫的同榜進士，如今置身青雲者也不少，遂令春航遊學京師，命一老家人田安隨了。□被出門，先到杭州，後到蘇州，兩處的年誼故舊，幾個當道顯貴，共相幫扶。春航在那兩處，勾留了半年，詩文著作傳抄殆遍。時下謂其可與侯太史、屈大令爭名，因此囊橐充盈，黃自滿篋。不消說題花載酒，訪翠眠香，幾至樂而忘返。及接了他太夫人的手諭，催其速行進京，春航不得已，即擇日起身。先寄了千金回家，又收了兩個俊僕，裘馬輝煌，妓女餞行，狎客祖道。一路上風花詩酒，遊目騁懷，好不有興。

　　復繞道而行，東瞻泰岱，西謁華山，直到十一月底才到京，寓居城南宏濟寺，就與高品前後隔院住著。一切同鄉年誼，未暇探訪，獨自一人，日日在酒樓戲館，作樂陶情。幸虧此地的妓女生得不好，紮著兩條褲腿，插著滿頭紙花，挺著胸脯，腸肥腦滿，粉面油頭；吃蔥蒜，喝燒刀，熱炕暖似陽臺，秘戲勞於校獵，把春航女色之心，收拾得乾乾淨淨。見唱戲的相公，卻好似南邊，便專心致力的聽戲。又不聽崑腔，倒愛聽亂彈，因此被幾個下作的相公迷住。春航這片情，真似個散錢滿地，毫無貫串。且繫心慈面熱，只要人待得他好，他就將這人當作寶貝一樣，斷不肯割愛。到京數月，倒也沒有幹過一件正事，天天帶著幾個相公，吃喝之外，還要做衣服，買玩器，隨分子。

　　春航這點囊橐，那裡經得大鬧，過了年，竟花得乾淨了。後來就盡當衣服，衣服將要當完，這些相公有些看得出他的光景來，漸漸的與他疏遠。這春航是個胸襟闊大的人，卻也毫不介意。

　　田安雖常苦諫，他那裡肯聽，還是一樣的苦中尋樂。他預先存著一個主意，是」財盡而交絕」的一句，若能樂得一天，算一天，實在到水盡山窮時，方肯歇手。此時高品與春航已經認識。

　　日夕聚在一處，甚為莫逆。高品也常於謔浪之中，寓些規勸之意。春航口雖唯唯，而心實不以為然，倒反要拉了高品出去，高品也應酬了幾回。高品現在刑部候補七品小京官，一切車馬服飾，外面應酬也就不易，所以不能如春航這樣。而且他又不喜歡他那些相公，說他所愛的一班不好，春航不服。及見了李玉林來看高品，那一種娟媚韶秀的豐致，比蓉官等似要好些，便此心自訟了幾日。

　　一日，高品過來，適值春航吃飯，青蔬半碟，白飯一盂。

　　蒼頭小子，侍立兩旁。那一個俊俏大跟班早巳走了，春航談笑從容，恬然自適。高品道：「自待如此之薄，而待人又如此之厚，我看你不及小旦多矣。」春航驟然聽了，當是高品奚落他，又知他是詼諧慣的，也不介意，問道：「何以見得呢？」高品道：「看你現在的服食起居，那一樣及得小旦，何於人有情，於己忘情若此。且吾兄景況，我已深知，也不過與我高卓然伯仲之間。就算慷慨性成，揮霍貫了，然亦不犯著以有用之黃金，填無底之糞窖。請問吾兄進京來，是干功名的，還是鬧小旦的？題花載酒，只可偶然，要像足下之忘身捨命。刻苦勞神，只怕黃龍洞未會歃血之盟；白兔園早受噬臍之害。此余所不解也。」

　　春航啞然一笑道：「我始以閣下為達人，今聽你這些話，你尚未達。你談二十年書，連性理二字都不解，也來論白道黑，我替你說了。」高品道：「倒要請教。」春航道：「真實無妄便是誠，自誠而明便是性。有一分假處，有一分虛處，便不得謂誠了。」高品道：「自然。難道真實無妄，指鬧相公的麼？」

　　春航道：「縱橫十萬里，上下五千年，那有比相公好的東西？不愛相公，這等人也不足比數了。若說愛相公有一分假處，此人便通身是假的。於此而不用吾真，惡乎用吾真？既愛相公有一分虛處，此人便通身是虛的，於此而不用吾實，惡乎用吾實？況性即理，理即天，不安其性，何處索理？不得其理，何處言天。造物既費大氣力生了這些相公，是造物於相公不為不厚。造物尚於相公不辭勞苦，一一佈置如此面貌，如此眉目，如此肌膚身體，如此巧笑工顰，嬌柔宛轉，若不要人愛他，何不生於大荒之世，廣漠之間，與世隔絕，一任風煙磨滅，使人世不知有此等美人，不亦省了許多事麼？既不許他投閒置散，而必聚於京華冠蓋之地，是造物之心，必欲使縉紳先生及海內知名之士品題品題，賞識賞識，庶不埋沒這片苦心。譬如時花美女，皎月纖雲，奇書名圃，一切極美的玩好，是無人不好的，往往不能聚在一處，得了一樣已足快心。只有相公如時花，卻非草木；如美玉。不假鉛華；如皎月纖雲，卻又可接而可玩；如奇書名畫，卻又能語而能言；如極精極美的玩好，卻又有千嬌百媚的變態出來。失一相公，得古今之美物，不足為奇；得一相公，失古今之美物，不必介意。《孟子》云：『人少則慕父母，知好色則慕少艾，仕則慕君。』我輩一介青衿，無從上聖主賢臣之頌；而吳天燕地，定省既虛；惟少艾二宇，聖賢於數千載前已派定我們思慕的了。就是聖賢亦何常不是過來人，不然，那能說得如此精切？我最不解今人好女色則以為常，好男色則以為異，究竟色就是了，又何必分出男女來？好女而不好男，終是好淫，而非好色。彼既好淫，便不論色。若既重色，自不敢淫。又最不解的是財色二字並重。既愛人之色，而又吝已之財。以爛臭之糞土，換奇香之寶花，孰輕孰重？卓然當能辨之。」

　　高品聽了這一席話，卻也無處可駁。便道：「情之所鍾，正在我輩，難道我是不通人道的麼？所以勸你者，以君牀頭金盡，我又無囊可解。足下將來，雖能封到滎陽郡公，恐此輩中，競無▉國夫人。烏巾少年，縱馳名於酒肆。而鶉衣小丐，恐忽餓於花街。竊恐為鄭元和所笑耳。」春航笑道：「大丈夫豈與守錢虜同日語？自我得之，自我失之，亦復何憾？」二人正講得熱鬧，忽見高品的下人來說：「顏少爺來拜老爺。」高品即出去，到了自己屋裡，見了仲清坐下，問有好幾日不見，仲清道：「自從燈節逛燈之後，便著了涼，病了好幾日，已有半個多月不曾出門，在家也悶。」就說起燈節晚上南湘的醉態來，高品笑道：「那一天我也在坐，也醉得了不得了。我是乘間脫逃，不然也要波及無辜，難道去向酒糟頭索命麼？」於是大家又講起怡園的燈，與那些燈謎來。高品道：「有兩個好燈謎，是兩封情書：一封是花名，一封是藥名，都被我們同廟住的一位叫田湘帆打著了，真是好心思。」仲清聽得湘帆二字，便想起去年酒樓賞雪那個題詞少年，款是湘帆，便問高品道：

　　「這湘帆怎樣的人？」高品道：「也是我輩。我去年對你說過的：樣樣精緻，是個精品。如今是樣樣精光了。」仲清笑問：「怎樣？」高品便將他方才的議論，與到京所為的事，一一說了。又道：「此人卻真可惜，才貌雙全，胸襟闊大，就是愛鬧，太無收束。他也是你們金陵人，此時住家揚州。他說他的夫人母家姓顏，或者是你的本家，你何不會會他？」

　　仲清道：「也好。你為我先容。」高品即同了仲清進去，仲清先已望見一個少年，神光似玉，寶氣如珠，可不就是去年酒樓上所見的？高品與他們介紹了。春航見了仲清，也覺面熟。

　　仲清說起去年在酒樓見了那首詞，傾倒至今，真恨相見之晚。春航也想起那日相見，便彼此說些仰慕的話。仲清把他的家世細細問了一遍，始知春航的泰山，果是他的本家叔父。不過仲清在京久了，所以不知這門親戚。二人說的意氣相投，又係親戚，已十分相契，後來便談起肺腑來。仲清見春航去年服飾何等華美，如今已不似從前，再想高品的話說他精光，一無所有，也不知他所闊的是些什麼人？便問道：「聞足下頗有狎優之癖，但不知賞識的那幾個？可能不負品題否？」高品接口道：「他的賞識，與人不同，我說給你聽：「咭咭咯咯梆子腔，咿咿啞啞唱二簧。褲花白似秋雲薄，上得巫山屁亦香。」

　　仲清大笑，春航漲紅了臉說道：「放屁！你這個屁，倒有些香。只可惜白香山那句好詩，夾在你那三個屁裡頭。」仲清笑道：「說正經話，吾兄賞識的到底是誰？」春航道：「各部名花，我未曾全覽，想亦妍媸不等。我也不過逢揚作戲，所謂未能免俗，聊復爾爾。大約諸名班中，要推登春的玉美、全福的翠寶，其餘聯珠的蓉官，也還可以，想都是有目共賞的。」仲清笑了一笑道：「葉公好龍，未見真龍；鄭人夢鹿，終是假鹿。湘帆可惜有鬧相公之名，無鬧相公之實。天下相公出在京城，京城相公聚在聯錦班。史竹君的《曲臺花選》，品題最允，如袁寶珠、蘇蕙芳等方配稱名花，而且詩詞書畫無一不佳，直可作我輩良友。若翠寶、玉美等，不過狐媚迎人，蛾眉善妒，視錢財為性命，以衣服作交情，今日迎新，明朝棄舊，湘帆何其孟浪用情若此？」春航聽了，半晌不語，俯首而思。仲清道：「足下莫非懊悔賞識錯了麼？」

　　春航道：「這有什麼錯不錯，原是一時寄興；況且各人賞識不同。大凡賞識兩字，須要自己做出眼力來，不必隨聲附和。此輩中倒不必要他充斯文，一充斯文轉恐失之造作，倒不妨有相公習氣，方是天真爛漫。我如得志，便不惜黃金十萬，起金屋數重，輕裙長袖侍於前，粉白黛綠居於後，伺候我數年，然後將這班善男信女，配做了玉瑟瑤琴，還了普天下八萬三千大心願，成了個歡喜世界，我便如彌勒一笑，永不合口，豈不快活？」高品道：「你那金屋中，我必要送你副對子。」即念道：「月明瑤島三千里，人在蓬萊第一峰。」春航道：「這副對子，也題得不切。」高品道：「切得很，上聯切你的粉白黛綠，下聯切你的長袖輕裙。」仲清、春航都不甚解。高品道：「有了這副對子，人才知道他這金屋中，前面要開棚子，後面要開窯子。」仲清大笑。春航道：「你擱起那貧嘴。」三人談笑了半日，仲清回去，與王恂說起春航與他有親，就是去年酒樓題詞的少年，果然才貌雙全，但志願太奢，流而忘返。遲了幾日，又去看望春航，一連幾次，總未晤及。春航竟鬧得不堪回首。仲清憐其才，欲成全他，聞他窘得不堪，便張羅了二百兩銀子，寫了一封書，說聞其旅況不佳，少助買花之費，原是試他的心的。春航大喜，回書謝了，便又樂了十數天，依然空手。前日所贖的當，仍又當了。仲清聞知，甚為歎息。

　　一日，春航又在戲園看戲，卻看的是聯珠班。一個人冷冷落落的，在下場門背暗的地方坐了。看見蓉官的戲，心上便又喜歡。正看到得意處，忽見前面一張桌子，來了一個三十來歲胖子，反穿著草上霜，同著一個二十幾歲伶伶俐俐的人坐下，背後站著一個跟班。那胖子是一口京話，那一個是南邊人，原來就是富三與魏聘才。不多一刻，蓉官卸了妝，已坐在對面樓上，與一個少年說話。下來又在樓下坐了一會，即走到這邊來，一路路請安照應人。

　　忽然看見前面桌上那兩個，便搶步上來，照應了，就坐在中間。春航如今的衣服，大非從前可比，不過剩了家常所穿的幾件舊衣，又坐在背暗處；越覺得顏色黯淡，並不見蓉官過來照應他。只聽得蓉官說道：「二老爺，昨日有人很感你的情。」那胖子道：「是誰？」蓉官道：「聯錦班的二喜，說你很疼他，給他好些東西，在你家住了一夜，有沒有？」那胖子道：

　　「我倒不認識他。那日魏老爺同他進城喝了幾鍾酒，天晚了，出不了城，就留他住下。早上逛了廟，他要買了幾樣零碎東西，就出去的。這二喜倒罷了，肯巴結。」蓉官道：「此刻是盡講究巴結了。我們的師傅不好，當年教戲時，就沒有教會巴結。」

　　那個後生，將手搭在蓉官肩上道：「你也只要會巴結，富三老爺難道還不愛你麼？」蓉官道：「我說過不會巴結。要不然你教我，我就拜你做師傅。你怎樣教我，我就怎樣學你。」那後生一面笑，一面把他臉上擰了一把。蓉官一回頭，見了春航，卻把眼睛一低，又撲轉來一注，卻又別轉了頭。半晌又回轉來，上上下下，把春航一看，像要招呼又止住的光景。春航心裡頗疑，想道：「難道他看不清？此時仲春，人還穿著小中毛，春航已是一身棉衣。且這幾日陰雨連綿，地下難走，又坐不起車。

　　靴子也沾了些泥，迥非從前的模樣。蓉官因此駭異，心裡也想道：邊分明是田老爺，怎麼窮了？冷冷清清的一人坐著。意欲過去照應，又恐不是。及仔細看清了，才過去請了一個安，坐下，倒說了好一會話。富三卻不留心，聘才見了，便扯扯富三的衣裳，道：「你瞧，蓉官倒巴結那個人，難道這種人，倒有什麼巴結處麼？」富三道：「那也難說的。」蓉官辭了春航，又到富三處來。聘才笑向蓉官道：「好闊老鬥。」蓉官臉上一紅，道：「他真闊過來。他倒從沒有欠人的開發，要人替擔帳。」少停，富三等即帶了蓉官，又叫了一個相公出去了。

　　天又濛濛的下起細雨來，春航也無心再看，付了戲錢。出得門來，地下已滑得似油一樣。不多幾時，只見全福班的翠寶坐著車，劈面過來，見了他，扭轉了頭，竟過去了。春航心裡頗為不樂，只得低著頭，慢慢找那乾的地方。

　　誰料這街道窄小，車馬又多，那裡還有乾土？前面又有一個大騾車，下了簾子，車沿上坐著個人，與一個趕車的如飛的衝過來。道路又窄，已到春航面前，那騾子把頭一昂，已碰著春航的肩，春航一閃踏了個滑，站立不牢，栽了一交。這一交倒也栽得湊巧，就沾了一身爛泥，臉上卻沒有沾著。車內人見了，唬了一大跳，忙把簾子掀起，探出身子來，鶯聲嚦嚦道：「快拉住了牲口，攙起那入來。」

　　趕車的早巳跳下來，把牲口勒住了，跟班的也下來，扶起春航。春航又羞又怒，將要罵那車夫，只見那坐車的，陪著滿面笑，從車中探出身子，說道：「受驚了！澄車的不好，照應不到，污了衣裳怎麼好？」即把趕車的罵了幾句。

　　春航一見，原來是個絕色的相公，就有一片靈光，從車內飛出來，把自己眼光罩住，那一腔怒氣，不知消到何處去了。

　　只見那相公生得如冰雪摶成，瓊瑤琢就，韻中生韻，香外含香。

　　正似明月梨花，一身縞素；恰稱蘭心蕙質，竟體清芬。春航看得呆了，安得有盧家鬱金堂，石家錦步幛置此佳人，就把五百年的冤孽，三千劫的魔障，盡跌了出來，也忘了自己辱在泥塗，即笑盈盈的把兩隻泥手，扶著車沿說道：「不妨，不妨，這是我自不小心，偶然失足，衣服都是舊的，污了不足惜，幸勿有擾尊意。」說罷在旁連連拱手，道：「請罷，請罷。」那相公重又露出半個身子，陪了多少不是而去。春航只管立著，看這車去遠了，方轉過身來行路。人見了，掩口而笑。

　　春航拖泥帶水的，一步步走回廟中，恰懊悔不曾問得那一班的小旦。進了廟門，就把衣裳脫下，交田安收拾，換去泥靴，身上只穿了一件夾襖，來到高品屋裡坐下。高品見他身上不穿袍子，且下雨寒冷，便問他何以不多穿件衣服？春航答以被雨沾濕，叫田安烤去了。高品即於衣包內，取出一件袍子與他穿了。春航即坐下說道：「我今日雖然跌了一交，沾了些泥，但這一交實在跌得有趣。鬧了兩個多月的相公，不及這一交受用。天假奇緣，得逢絕代，就跌死了也不作怨鬼。」高品笑道：「說些什麼鬼話？」春航就將看見的相公說了一遍，高品道：「我倒替你做章《詩經》念給你聽。」隨念道：

其雨其雨，梨園之東。有美一人，其車既攻。匪車之攻，胡為乎泥中？賦也。
　　春航笑著，又將那相公的相貌衣裳，連那騾子車圍的顏色都說了，問道：「你可識得是那一班的相公？」高品想了一會道：「據你說來，不是陸素蘭，就是金漱芳，不然就是袁寶珠。」春航道；「金漱芳在聯殊班，我見過他的戲，生得瘦瘦兒的，不是。至於陸素蘭、袁寶珠我卻不認得，不知到底是誰？」高品道：「袁寶珠是不大穿素色衣裳的。你說這光景，也不大很像陸素蘭。要不然是蘇蕙芳，不錯的，定是蘇媚香，那真是冰壺秋月，清絕無塵，生得不肥不瘦，一個雞子臉兒，常穿件素色衣裳，在聯錦班。史竹君定他是第二名。」春航道：「尚是第二名，第一名是誰？難道還有比他好的麼？」高品道：「第一名是衰寶珠，過兩天開溝的時候，你就看見了。」春航道：「為什麼？」高品道：「見第二名相公，已經跌在車轍裡，見第一名相公，不要倒在溝裡麼？」春航只管的笑，猶細細的把那相公摹想，想了一會，那相貌聲音，丰神情韻，便宛然一輛大騾車，那相公坐在面前，便不言不語的傻笑。就在高品處吃了晚飯，直講到三更天，才各安寢。

　　次日天晴了，春航絕早起來，把衣裳曬晾乾了，刷淨了泥，換了一雙靴子，心裡想去聽戲，又苦於無資，竟無可典之物。

　　想著田安尚有幾件衣服，便走到田安房裡，卻不見他，也等不及他來，打開了他的衣包，見有件繭綢皮袍，包在裡面，便拿了出來，叫那小使張和去當了，倒有六吊錢，心中大喜。飯也不吃，一連看了五天聯錦班，才見著那個相公一面。看他唱了一齣《獨佔》，訪問他的姓名，卻正是蘇蕙芳。蕙芳偶在春航身邊走過，認得是前日跌在泥裡那一位，又見他衣裳一身斑點，未免一笑，但不好意思來照應他。春航見蕙芳對他一笑，便如逢玉女投壺，天公開口，便喜歡得說不出來。千思萬想，可借不能叫他一回。又看他這樣局面，似乎不肯輕易陪酒，斷非紙條飛去隨叫隨來的光景。不得主意，日間咨嗟太息，晚上夢魂顛倒，看看將要害相思病了。再經田安進來瑣碎，又說當了他的衣裳，他要留著做什麼的。又說煤米全無，鋪內因前帳未還，不肯再賒。和尚房錢催逼，明日准要。

　　春航只當不聽見，在炕上和衣臥了，心裡只想著蕙勞。田安出去，嘴裡卻不住咕咕嚕嚕的抱怨，春航也有些躊躇。

　　但生平沒有求人，今日去向誰借貸？且到京兩三月了，也沒有去拜望一個同鄉親友，此時怎樣去問人告借？忽又想起顏仲清，前日一面之交，居然就贈銀二百兩，況且並未向他商量，這人真是今人中之古人。想他也不是為那點葭孚之誼，必定知我的肺腑，看來還可與他商量商量。

　　過了一夜，次早寫了一封書，也不明說，隱隱約約似要乞援的話，命張和送去。春航在家盼望佳音，少頃張和回來，卻是空手，連回書也沒有，說道：「他們門上說，顏少爺知道了，就送回信來。」春航想他必定打算銀子，吃了飯，候了一會。忽見顏仲清著人來，來人手裡拿上一軸畫，說：「我們少爺，給老爺請安。這軸畫請老爺題一題，叫小的候著帶了回去。」春航聽了，不知何意，又不見有回信，只得打開畫來一看，是唐六如畫的鄭元和小像，鶉衣百結，在風雪中乞食的模樣。春航知道奚落他，不覺大怒，兩頰通紅，然也不便對著來人發作，只得說道：「你在外邊候一候，我即刻就題。」來人出去，春航氣忿忿的把畫攤在桌上，見上面已題了兩首七言絕句，款是劍潭題。詩是：王孫乞食淮陰日，伍相奇窮水瀨時。

此是英雄千古厄，豈同飄泊狹邪兒？
鶉衣百結破羊裘，高唱蓮花未解羞。
若使妖姬無烈性，此生終老不回頭。
　　春航心裡想道：「他雖罵得刻毒，但理卻不錯，怎樣的來翻他？」便略略構思，題起筆來，一揮而就，寫道：

欲使蛾眉成義俠，忍教駿骨暫支離。
此中天早安排定，不是情人不易知。
蓋世才華信不虛，風流猶見敝衣餘。
五陵年少休相薄，後日功名若個如。
　　落了款，用了印章，卷好交與來人。春航氣悶，又獨自出外去了。

　　來人回去，將畫送上，仲清與王恂同看，見這兩首詩雖是強詞奪理，但其志可見，未免可惜了一番。仲清原想把這兩首詩去感化他，誰想倒激怒了他。又聽來人說，他光景更為狼狽。

　　據他的跟班講，今日已斷了炊，不能舉火。仲清與王恂皆為歎息，仲清道：「這樣看來，此人真是『我心匪石，不可轉矣。』奈何！奈何！」王恂道：「你前日送他二百金，不上半月，竟已化為烏有。這人這樣行為，就再送給他二百金，也是無濟於事。除非要將徐度香的家私分一半與他，才夠他揮霍。但人到斷炊，也不成件事了。依我想，我們如今再幫他百金，存在卓然處，教他相機行事，慢慢點化他。或者憑卓然那張嘴，倒還勸得轉他，也未可知。仲清亦以為然。王恂即備了百金，交與仲清送至高品處。未知後事如何，且聽下回分解。

Speaking of Lady Yuan, she returned home late from the Hua Mansion. After changing her clothes and removing her hair ornaments, she told Zi Yun about the orders she had given during her visit, as well as those given by the maidservants. Zi Yun repeatedly praised her actions.

Later, without his wife’s knowledge, he carved out the sixteen orders into two categories: the ten given by the lady and the young lady were considered superior, while the six given by the maidservants were considered inferior. He made a title for them and wrote many poems, but he did not reveal any names. The first order was “A Flock of Crows Disturbing the Phoenix”, and because of the disturbance caused by the maidservants, he named it “A Flock of Crows Disturbing the Phoenix Order”. Outsiders who saw it all praised it as a beautiful story.

By the time Lady Yuan found out, it had already spread widely and there was nothing she could do about it.

Time flew by quickly, and before they knew it, it was mid-spring. Now, we must talk about the actions of a particular individual, who is a key character in this book. Who might that be? In the previous chapter, Xiao Ci Xian mentioned two love letters that were riddles, which were solved by someone. Unfortunately, they didn’t ask for the person’s name. This person’s surname is Tian, his name is Chun Hang, and he goes by the nickname Xiang Fan. He is 23 years old. He is also from Jinling, but he lives in Yangzhou. He lost his father at a young age. His mother, Madame Zhang, comes from a prestigious family and is well-versed in history. She gave birth to Chun Hang when she was 25, and when she was 28, Chun Hang’s father, Tian Hao, passed the imperial examination and became a scholar, but he died in the capital. Madame Tian, a widow, raised Chun Hang on her own, teaching him and taking care of him. Fortunately, her brother, Zhang Tong Sun, a high-ranking official, helped them from time to time. Chun Hang’s education was mostly due to his mother’s teachings. He was praised for his talent from a young age, and his exceptional abilities were admired. He entered school at the age of thirteen and passed the preliminary imperial examination at the age of eighteen.

He was handsome and dignified, as bright as a jade mountain and as clear as autumn water. His temperament was refined and elegant, and his demeanor was bold and unrestrained.

During his time at the academy, people said he stood out like a crane among chickens. However, his luck had not yet arrived, and he failed the examination three times.

He married a woman named Yan, who was virtuous and beautiful. She was the daughter of a scholar and got along well with Chun Hang.

In the first month of last year, Madame Tian saw that her son was stuck in the countryside and decided that it was not a long-term solution. Many of her husband’s classmates who had passed the imperial examination were now in high positions, so she sent Chun Hang to study in the capital, accompanied by an old servant named Tian An. They left home and first went to Hangzhou, then to Suzhou. In both places, they were helped by old friends and influential figures. Chun Hang stayed in these two places for half a year, and his poetry and writings were widely circulated. People said that he could compete with famous scholars like Hou Tai Shi and Qu Da Ling. As a result, he had plenty of money and was content. Needless to say, he enjoyed drinking and visiting beautiful women, almost to the point of forgetting to return home. When he received a letter from his mother-in-law urging him to hurry to the capital, Chun Hang had no choice but to set off. He first sent a thousand gold pieces back home, then hired two handsome servants. With splendid clothes and horses, accompanied by courtesans and friends, he traveled in style, enjoying the scenery and indulging in poetry and wine along the way.

He took a detour, visiting Mount Tai in the east and Mount Hua in the west, and didn’t arrive in the capital until the end of November. He stayed at the Hongji Temple in the southern part of the city, living in a separate courtyard from a high-ranking official. He didn’t have time to visit his fellow townspeople and old friends, and spent his days alone, frequenting wine houses and theaters to amuse himself. Fortunately, the courtesans in this area were not attractive. They wore trousers with floral patterns, had paper flowers in their hair, and had plump bodies and greasy faces. They ate onions and garlic, drank strong liquor, and were as warm as a heated bed. Their secret performances were as exhausting as hunting, and they completely cleaned Chun Hang of his lust for women. When he saw the actors, he found them similar to those in the south, so he focused on watching the plays. He didn’t like Kunqu opera, but preferred the chaotic strumming, which is why he was fascinated by a few low-class actors. Chun Hang’s affection for them was like scattering money all over the ground, with no consistency. Moreover, he was kind-hearted and warm, and as long as someone treated him well, he would treasure them and would not bear to part with them. After several months in the capital, he hadn’t done anything serious, and spent his days with a few actors. Besides eating and drinking, he also made clothes and bought toys, spending money freely.

Chun Hang’s savings couldn’t withstand such extravagance, and by the end of the year, he had spent all his money. Later, he pawned his clothes, and when he was about to pawn all his clothes, some of the actors began to see his situation and gradually distanced themselves from him. Chun Hang, being a broad-minded person, didn’t mind at all.

Although Tian An often advised him, Chun Hang wouldn’t listen and continued to seek pleasure in his misery. He had a plan in mind, which was to “cut off ties when the money runs out”. If he could enjoy one more day, he would count it as one more day. Only when he was truly at the end of his rope would he stop. At this time, Gao Pin and Chun Hang had already met.

They spent their days and nights together, and got along very well. Gao Pin often gave advice in a joking manner. Although Chun Hang verbally agreed, he didn’t really take it to heart. On the contrary, he tried to drag Gao Pin out with him, and Gao Pin obliged a few times. Gao Pin was now a minor official in the Ministry of Justice, waiting for a promotion to a seventh-rank position. He had to maintain appearances and couldn’t afford to be as extravagant as Chun Hang. Moreover, he didn’t like Chun Hang’s actors, saying that the ones Chun Hang liked were not good, but Chun Hang disagreed. When he saw Li Yu Lin visiting Gao Pin, he noticed that her graceful and charming demeanor was somewhat better than that of Rong Guan and the others, which made him think for a few days.

One day, Gao Pin came over and happened to find Chun Hang eating. He had half a plate of green vegetables and a bowl of white rice, with two young servants standing by his side. His handsome big servant had already left. Chun Hang was calm and composed, chatting and laughing as if nothing was wrong. Gao Pin said, “You treat yourself so poorly, yet you treat others so generously. I think you’re even worse off than the young actors.” Chun Hang was taken aback when he heard this, thinking that Gao Pin was mocking him. But knowing that Gao Pin was a joker, he didn’t mind and asked, “How do you figure?” Gao Pin said, “Looking at your current lifestyle, none of it is better than that of the young actors. Yet you are so affectionate towards others and so forgetful of yourself. I already know your situation well, and it’s not much different from mine. Even if you’re generous by nature and spend all your money, you shouldn’t waste your valuable gold on a bottomless pit. May I ask, did you come to the capital to pursue a career or to mess around with actors? Drinking and visiting flowers should only be occasional indulgences. If you’re as selfless and devoted as you are, I’m afraid you’ll end up like the Yellow Dragon Cave, making a blood oath without ever achieving anything, or like the White Rabbit Garden, suffering from self-inflicted harm. This is what I don’t understand.”

Chun Hang gave a wry smile and said, “I thought you were a wise man, but after hearing what you said, I realize you’re not. You’ve studied for twenty years, but you don’t even understand the two words ‘nature’ and ‘reason’, yet you’re here to talk about right and wrong. Let me explain it to you.” Gao Pin said, “I’d like to hear it.” Chun Hang said, “Truth without falsehood is sincerity, and clarity from sincerity is nature. If there’s a bit of falsehood or emptiness, it can’t be called sincerity.” Gao Pin said, “Of course. Are you saying that truth without falsehood refers to messing around with actors?”

Chun Hang said, “Across a hundred thousand miles, up and down five thousand years, is there anything better than actors? Those who don’t love actors are not worth mentioning. If there’s a bit of falsehood in loving actors, then this person is completely false. Where else can I use my truth if not here? If there’s a bit of emptiness in loving actors, then this person is completely empty. Where else can I use my reality if not here? Moreover, nature is reason, and reason is heaven. If we don’t follow our nature, where can we seek reason? If we don’t attain reason, where can we talk about heaven? The Creator went to great lengths to create these actors, showing the Creator’s generosity towards actors. The Creator doesn’t mind the trouble of arranging each actor’s appearance, eyes, skin, body, charming smile, delicate frown, and graceful movements. If people weren’t meant to love them, why didn’t the Creator create them in a desolate world, isolated from society, to be eroded by wind and dust, so that people wouldn’t know about these beautiful people, wouldn’t that save a lot of trouble? Since the Creator didn’t let them waste away, but gathered them in the capital, a place of power and prestige, it shows the Creator’s intention for gentlemen and famous scholars to appreciate and recognize them, so as not to waste the Creator’s efforts. For example, beautiful flowers, beautiful women, bright moon, thin clouds, rare books, famous paintings, and all the most beautiful things are loved by everyone, but they often can’t be gathered in one place. Getting one of them is enough to make one happy. Only actors are like beautiful flowers, but they’re not plants; they’re like beautiful jade, but they don’t need lead and mercury; they’re like the bright moon and thin clouds, but they can be touched and played with; they’re like rare books and famous paintings, but they can talk and speak; they’re like the most exquisite and beautiful things, but they have thousands of charming and varied forms. Losing an actor and getting all the beautiful things from the past and present is not surprising; getting an actor and losing all the beautiful things from the past and present is not a big deal. ‘Mencius’ says, ‘When people are young, they admire their parents, when they know what beauty is, they admire young women, when they serve, they admire their lord.’ We, as humble scholars, have no way to praise the virtues of the sage king and the wise minister; and the beauty of the heavens and the earth is beyond our reach; only the two words ‘young woman’ have been designated by the sages thousands of years ago for us to admire. Even the sages were once like us, otherwise, how could they speak so accurately? What I don’t understand is why people today think it’s normal to love women, but strange to love men. After all, love is love, why do we have to distinguish between men and women? Loving women but not men is ultimately about lust, not love. If they love lust, they don’t care about color. If they value color, they dare not lust. What I don’t understand the most is the equal emphasis on wealth and beauty. If you love someone’s beauty, but are stingy with your own wealth, using rotten and stinky dung to exchange for rare and fragrant flowers, which is lighter and which is heavier? Surely you should be able to distinguish.”

Gao Pin listened to this speech and found no way to refute it. He said, “The heart is drawn to what it likes, and that’s within our control. Are you saying I’m inhuman?” Chun Hang said, “What’s wrong with that? It’s just a temporary indulgence; besides, people have different tastes. Generally speaking, the word ‘appreciation’ requires one’s own judgment, and one shouldn’t just follow the crowd. These people don’t need to be cultured, as being cultured might make them artificial. It’s better if they have the habits of actors, which are natural and spontaneous. If I get what I want, I won’t hesitate to spend a hundred thousand gold pieces to build several layers of golden houses, with light skirts and long sleeves serving me in front, and powder-white and green-dyed ones living in the back, serving me for several years. Then I’ll pair these good men and faithful women with jade zithers and precious qins, fulfilling the great wishes of the eighty-three thousand people in the world, creating a world of joy. I’ll smile like Maitreya and never close my mouth. Wouldn’t that be happy?” Gao Pin said, “In your golden house, I must give you a pair of couplets.” He recited, “The moon shines on the jade island three thousand miles away, people are on the first peak of Penglai.” Chun Hang said, “This pair of couplets doesn’t fit the theme.” Gao Pin said, “It fits perfectly. The first line refers to your powder-white and green-dyed ones, and the second line refers to your long sleeves and light skirts.” Chun Hang and Zhong Qing didn’t quite understand. Gao Pin said, “With this pair of couplets, people will know that in his golden house, he needs to set up a stall in front and a kiln in the back.” Zhong Qing laughed. Chun Hang said, “Stop your nonsense.” The three of them chatted and laughed for a while, and then Zhong Qing left. He told Wang Zhong about Chun Hang being his relative, and that he was the young man who wrote the poem at the wine house last year. Indeed, he was talented and handsome, but his ambitions were too extravagant and he was lost in indulgence. A few days later, he went to visit Chun Hang again, but he didn’t meet him several times. Chun Hang was messing around unbearably. Zhong Qing pitied his talent and wanted to help him. Hearing that he was in a dire situation, he prepared two hundred taels of silver and wrote a letter saying that he had heard about his difficult journey and wanted to help him with some flower-buying expenses, which was actually a test of his heart. Chun Hang was overjoyed, thanked him in a reply, and then had fun for another ten or so days, ending up empty-handed as before. The things he had redeemed before were pawned again. When Zhong Qing heard about this, he sighed deeply.

One day, Chun Hang was watching a play in a theater garden, specifically the Lian Zhu Troupe. He was alone and cold, sitting in a dark place near the lower stage. He enjoyed Rong Guan’s performance and was happy. Just as he was enjoying the show, he saw a fat man in his thirties come in and sit at a table in front of him, wearing a grass hat with frost on it, accompanied by a lively young man in his twenties. Behind them stood a servant. The fat man spoke in a Beijing accent, while the young man was from the south. It turned out to be Fu San and Wei Pin Cai. Not long after, Rong Guan took off her makeup and was sitting on the opposite balcony, talking to a young man. After a while, she came down and sat downstairs for a while, then walked over here, greeting and responding to people along the way.

Suddenly, she saw the two men at the table in front of her, rushed over, greeted them, and sat down in the middle. Chun Hang’s clothes were now far from what they used to be. He only had a few old clothes left from his daily wear, and he was sitting in a dark place, which made him look even paler. He didn’t see Rong Guan come over to greet him. He only heard Rong Guan say, “Two masters, someone was very grateful for your kindness yesterday.” The fat man asked, “Who?” Rong Guan said, “Er Xi from the Lian Jin Troupe. He said you were very kind to him and gave him a lot of things. He stayed at your house for one night, didn’t he?” The fat man said, “I don’t know him. That day, Master Wei and he came into the city and had a few drinks. It was late and they couldn’t leave the city, so I let him stay. In the morning, we visited the temple, and he wanted to buy a few small things, so he left. This Er Xi is okay, he’s willing to flatter.” Rong Guan said, “Nowadays, it’s all about flattery. Our master is not good, he didn’t teach us how to flatter when he taught us how to act.”

That young man put his hand on Rong Guan’s shoulder and said, “You just need to know how to flatter, wouldn’t Master Fu San love you?” Rong Guan said, “I’ve said I don’t know how to flatter. Otherwise, you teach me, and I’ll take you as my master. I’ll learn from you however you teach me.” The young man laughed and twisted his face. Rong Guan turned his head and saw Chun Hang, but lowered his eyes, turned around again, and then turned his head again. After a while, he turned back, looked up and down at Chun Hang, as if he wanted to greet him but stopped. Chun Hang was quite suspicious and thought, “Can’t he see clearly? It’s mid-spring now, and people are still wearing light fur. Chun Hang is already in cotton clothes. Moreover, it has been raining continuously these days, and the ground is hard to walk on, and he can’t afford a carriage.

His boots were also stained with some mud, which was quite different from before. Rong Guan was shocked by this and thought to himself: It’s clearly Master Tian, how could he be poor? He’s sitting alone, cold and clear. He wanted to go over and take care of him, but he was afraid it wasn’t him. After a careful look, he went over and greeted him, sat down, and talked for a while. Fu San didn’t pay attention, and when Pin Cai saw him, he tugged at Fu San’s clothes and said, “Look, Rong Guan is flattering that person. Does this kind of person have any place to flatter?” Fu San said, “That’s hard to say.” Rong Guan said goodbye to Chun Hang and went to Fu San. Pin Cai laughed at Rong Guan and said, “Good broad old fight.” Rong Guan’s face turned red and said, “He really came over. He never owed anyone any development and asked others to take the blame.” After a short pause, Fu San and others took Rong Guan and called another gentleman to leave.

The sky started to drizzle again, and Chun Hang had no heart to watch anymore, so he paid for the play. When he came out, the ground was already slippery like oil. After a while, he saw Cui Bao from Quan Fu Ban sitting in a carriage, coming face to face. When he saw him, he turned his head and left. Chun Hang was quite unhappy and had to lower his head and slowly look for dry ground.

Who would have thought that the street was narrow and there were many carriages and horses, where was there any dry soil? There was a big mule cart in front, with the curtain down, and a person sitting on the edge of the cart, rushing over with a cart driver. The road was narrow, and by the time it reached Chun Hang, the mule had bumped into Chun Hang’s shoulder. Chun Hang slipped and fell. This fall was quite coincidental, he was covered in mud, but his face was not stained. The person in the car saw this and was startled. He quickly lifted the curtain and leaned out, saying in a warbling voice, “Quickly stop the beast and help that person up.”

The cart driver had already jumped down and stopped the beast, and the attendant also came down to help Chun Hang up. Chun Hang was both embarrassed and angry, and was about to scold the cart driver, but he saw the person sitting in the cart, with a full face of laughter, leaning out of the cart and saying, “I’m sorry! The cart is not good, I didn’t take care of it, how can I dirty your clothes?” He scolded the cart driver a few times.

When Chun Hang saw this, he realized that it was a stunning gentleman, and a ray of light flew out of the cart, covering his eyes. All his anger disappeared.

He saw that the gentleman was as if made of ice and snow, carved from jade, with a rhythm within a rhythm, and a fragrance beyond fragrance.

Just like a bright moon and pear blossoms, dressed in plain white; perfectly embodying the heart of an orchid and the character of a hibiscus, completely pure and fragrant. Chun Hang was stunned, and if there was a Lu family’s golden hall and a Shi family’s brocade step banner to place this beauty, even the grievances of five hundred years and the demonic obstacles of three thousand calamities would all fall out, and he would forget that he was humiliated in the mud, and he would just laugh foolishly with his two muddy hands, holding the edge of the cart and saying, “It’s okay, it’s okay, this is my own carelessness, an accidental slip, the clothes are all old, it’s not worth pitying if they are dirty, fortunately it didn’t disturb your thoughts.” After saying that, he kept bowing his hands on the side, saying, “Please, please.” The gentleman once again revealed half of his body, apologized a lot and left. Chun Hang just stood there, watching the cart go far away, then turned around and walked. People saw this and laughed.

Chun Hang, dragging mud and water, walked back to the temple step by step, regretting that he didn’t ask for the name of the young lady. He entered the temple gate, took off his clothes, handed them to Tian An to clean up, changed his muddy boots, and only wore a padded jacket on his body, and sat down in the high-ranking room. Gao Pin saw that he was not wearing a robe, and it was cold and rainy, so he asked him why he didn’t wear more clothes? Chun Hang replied that it was wet from the rain and asked Tian An to roast it. Gao Pin immediately took out a robe from his clothes bag and gave it to him to wear. Chun Hang sat down and said, “Although I fell today and got some mud on me, this fall was really interesting. I’ve been watching the gentlemen for more than two months, and it’s not as enjoyable as this fall. Thanks to the strange fate, I met a peerless beauty, even if I fell to death, I wouldn’t be a resentful ghost.” Gao Pin laughed and said, “What kind of ghost talk are you talking about?” Chun Hang then told about the gentleman he had seen, and Gao Pin said, “I’ll recite a chapter of the Book of Songs for you to listen to.” He then recited:

Its rain, its rain, east of the pear garden. There is a beautiful person, whose car is attacked. It’s not the car that’s attacked, why is it in the mud? It’s a poem.

Chun Hang laughed and described the appearance and clothes of the gentleman, even the color of the mule cart, and asked, “Do you know which group of gentlemen he is?” Gao Pin thought for a while and said, “According to what you said, if it’s not Lu Su Lan, it’s Jin Shu Fang, or Yuan Bao Zhu.” Chun Hang said; “Jin Shu Fang is in the Lian Shu Ban, I’ve seen his play, he’s thin, it’s not him. As for Lu Su Lan and Yuan Bao Zhu, I don’t recognize them, I don’t know who they are?” Gao Pin said: “Yuan Bao Zhu doesn’t usually wear plain clothes. You say this situation, it’s not very much like Lu Su Lan. Otherwise, it’s Su Hui Fang, it’s definitely Su Mei Xiang, that’s really like ice in an autumn moon, pure and dust-free, not fat or thin, a chicken face, often wearing a plain clothes, in the Lian Jin Ban. Shi Zhu Jun ranked him second.” Chun Hang said: “He’s still second, who’s first? Is there anyone better than him?” Gao Pin said: “The first is Shuai Bao Zhu, you’ll see him in a few days when the ditch is opened.” Chun Hang said, “Why?” Gao Pin said, “Seeing the second gentleman, you’ve already fallen in the cart track, seeing the first gentleman, don’t you want to fall in the ditch?” Chun Hang just kept laughing, and carefully thought about the gentleman, after a while, his appearance, voice, demeanor, and charm, it was like a big mule cart, the gentleman was sitting in front of him, he just kept silent and laughed foolishly. He ate dinner at Gao Pin’s place, and they talked until three in the morning before they each went to bed.

The next day the sky cleared, and Chun Hang got up early, dried and aired his clothes, brushed off the mud, changed a pair of boots, and wanted to go to the theater, but he was short of money and had nothing to pawn.

He thought that Tian An still had a few pieces of clothes, so he went to Tian An’s room, but he didn’t see him, and he couldn’t wait for him to come, so he opened his clothes bag and saw a cocoon silk fur robe wrapped inside, so he took it out and sent it to Zhang He to pawn, and got six strings of money, and he was very happy. He didn’t eat, and watched the Lian Jin Ban for five days before he saw the gentleman again. He watched him perform a play called “Monopoly”, and asked his name, and it turned out to be Su Hui Fang. Hui Fang happened to walk by Chun Hang and recognized him as the one who had fallen in the mud the other day. Seeing his clothes all spotted, he couldn’t help but laugh, but he didn’t feel comfortable to take care of him. Chun Hang saw Hui Fang laugh at him, and it was like meeting a jade girl throwing a pot, and the sky opening its mouth, and he was so happy that he couldn’t speak. He thought a thousand times and ten thousand times, but he couldn’t call him once. And seeing his demeanor, it seemed that he wouldn’t easily accompany him to drink, and it was definitely not the situation where he could call him whenever he wanted with a paper strip. He didn’t know what to do, he sighed during the day and was restless at night, and he was about to get lovesick. Then Tian An came in and complained, saying that he had pawned his clothes, what was he going to keep them for? He also said that there was no coal or rice, and the shop wouldn’t give any more credit because the previous bill hadn’t been paid. The monk’s rent was pressing, and it had to be paid the next day.

Chun Hang pretended not to hear, and lay down on the kang with his clothes on, thinking only of Hui Fang. Tian An went out, but his mouth kept grumbling and complaining, and Chun Hang was a little hesitant.

But he had never asked anyone for help in his life, so who should he borrow from now? Moreover, he had been in Beijing for two or three months, and he hadn’t visited a single fellow countryman or friend, so how could he ask someone for a loan now? Suddenly he thought of Yan Zhongqing, who had given him two hundred taels of silver after a brief encounter the other day. Moreover, he hadn’t consulted with him, this person was really a man of the past among today’s people. He must have known my heart, and it seemed that he could still discuss with him.

After a night, the next morning he wrote a letter, not clearly saying, vaguely as if asking for help, and ordered Zhang He to send it. Chun Hang waited at home for good news, and after a while, Zhang He came back, but he was empty-handed, and there was no reply, saying, “They said at the door that Master Yan knows, and will send a reply.” Chun Hang thought he must be considering the silver, and after eating, he waited for a while. Suddenly, Yan Zhongqing sent someone over, and the person was holding a scroll of painting, saying, “Our young master, sends his regards to the old master. This scroll of painting, please give it a title, and let the little one wait to take it back.” Chun Hang heard this and didn’t know what it meant, and he didn’t see a reply, so he had to open the painting and take a look. It was a small portrait of Zheng Yuanhe painted by Tang Liuru, dressed in a quail coat with a hundred knots, begging for food in the snow. Chun Hang knew that he was mocking him, and he couldn’t help but get angry, his cheeks flushed, but he couldn’t vent his anger in front of the person, so he said, “You wait outside for a while, I’ll title it right away.” The person went out, and Chun Hang angrily spread the painting on the table, and saw that there were already two seven-character quatrains on it, signed by Jian Tan. The poem is: The prince begs for food in Huaiyin, Wu Xiang is strangely poor in the water rapids.

This is the eternal plight of heroes, how can it be compared to the narrow-minded wanderer?

In a tattered sheepskin coat, singing high of the lotus, yet the shame remains.

If the enchantress lacks a fiery nature, this life will grow old without turning back.

Spring Voyage thought to himself, “Although his scolding is harsh, his reasoning is not wrong. How can I refute him?” He pondered briefly, picked up his pen, and with a swift stroke, he wrote:

To make a beauty a righteous hero, endure the temporary dislocation of the steed’s bones.

This is predestined by heaven, only a lover would understand.

The world’s talent is not in vain, the elegance is still seen in the worn clothes.

Young men of the five tombs, stop belittling each other, future achievements will be like this.

He signed, stamped, rolled up and handed it to the messenger. Spring Voyage, feeling stifled, went out alone again.

The messenger returned and presented the painting. Zhong Qing and Wang Xun looked at it together. Although the two poems were forcefully argued, their ambition was evident, and it was a pity. Zhong Qing originally wanted to use these two poems to reform him, but instead, he angered him. They also heard from the messenger that his situation was even more desperate.

According to his servant, they had run out of food and could not light a fire. Zhong Qing and Wang Xun both sighed. Zhong Qing said, “It seems that this man truly has a heart of stone that cannot be turned. What a pity! What a pity!” Wang Xun said, “You gave him two hundred gold the other day, and in less than half a month, it has all been spent. If we give him another two hundred gold, it will be of no use. Unless we give him half of Xu Duoxiang’s property, it will be enough for him to squander. But when a man runs out of food, it’s not a good thing. In my opinion, we should help him with another hundred gold, keep it in Zhuoran’s place, and let him act according to the situation, slowly reform him. Perhaps with Zhuoran’s persuasion, he might be able to turn him around, who knows.” Zhong Qing agreed. Wang Xun prepared a hundred gold and gave it to Zhong Qing to send to Gao Pin’s place. As for what happened next, let’s wait and see in the next chapter.

　　话说仲清激怒春航之后，即将王恂所备之百金送至高品处，为春航薪水之费。春航闷坐了两日，米煤催逼，告贷无门。经高品款留，只得暂时寄食。

　　一日，用了饭，高品拜客去了，春航即到戏园来，一心想着苏蕙芳，又没有钱听戏，只好站在戏园门口，候着那蕙芳出进。将到开戏时候，果然见蕙芳坐了车，到门口下来，偏偏有一群人进来看戏，一挤把春航挤在背后，却彼此不能照面。春航心里甚恨，急把身子挤出来，蕙芳已进去了，只得呆呆的不动，候他出来。却又看见了许多上等相公，与蕙芳不分高下。

　　春航想道：「不料聯錦班內，有這些好相公，果然名不虛傳。」足足候了三個多時辰，始見蕙芳低著頭出來，前面兩個美少年，服飾輝煌，兩個跟班，夾著墊子，抱著衣包，同蕙芳上車去了。春航知蕙芳沒看見他，鬱鬱的走回來。

　　過了一宵，明日又到戲園門口候了一天，卻沒有會見，此日便為虛度，嗟歎不已。蓋春航執迷已久，一時難悟，天天去尋聯錦班，候著蕙芳。一連十餘日，蕙芳卻也看見前次跌在泥裡的人，每逢上車下車之時，總站在戲園門口，如醉如癡，目不轉睛的看他，心裡十分詫異。因細看他的相貌，恰神清骨秀，風雅宜人，面目雖帶幾分憔悴，而珊珊玉骨，情韻盎然。蕙芳心上，已明知此人為他而來，也未免有情，屢以秋波相贈。春航便喜得眉飛色舞，每日跟了蕙芳的車，直送到吉祥衚衕蕙芳寓處門外，徘徊良久始去。

　　一日，春航好運到了，也是各人的緣分：正跟著蕙芳的車，蕙芳留神看見，便起了幾分憐念的心腸。一進了門，便叫跟班的請他進來。跟班的出去。

　　瞧了春航兩眼道：「老爺是尋我們相公的？我們相公叫請老爺裡面吃茶呢！」春航喜出望外，倒立定了。走不進去。跟班的又請了一遍，春航終是羞羞澀澀的不好意思。忽見裡面又有人出來說，請那一位跟著車走的老爺進去。春航只得整一整衣裳，隨了跟班的進了大門，便是一個院落，兩邊紮著兩重細巧籬笆。此時二月下旬，正值百花齊放，滿院的嫣紅姹紫，▉豔芬芳。上面小小三間客廳，也有鐘鼎琴書，十分精雅。不多一刻，蘇蕙芳出來，穿一副素色珍珠皮衣服，上前來請安。春航即一把拉住了手，卻是柔荑一握，春筍纖纖。二人並立了，差不多高。原來蕙芳也十七歲了，蕙芳對著春航笑道：「天天見面，尚未知貴籍大名。前日辱在泥塗，深感盛情原宥。至屢蒙青眼，實幸及三生。」春航心上十分詫異道：「吐屬之雅，善於詞令。」便道：「自睹勞容，便縈寤寐；鄙懷欽慕，只可盟心。乃不加訶譴，反蒙見招，正是巨眼深情，使我田湘幟沒齒不忘。」遂將籍貫、姓氏一一說明，又道些思幕的話。便你看我，我看你，相對無言了一會。

　　蕙芳即讓春航進內，走出了客廳，從西邊籬笆內進去，一個小院子。是一並五間：東邊隔一間是客房，預備著不速之客的臥處。中間空著兩間作小書廳，西邊兩間套房，是蕙芳的臥榻。春航先在中間炕上坐下，見上面掛著八幅仇十洲工筆《群仙高會圖》，兩邊盡是楠木嵌琉璃窗，地下鋪著三藍絨毯子，卻是一塵不染的。略坐一坐。蕙芳即引進西邊套房，中間隔著一重紅木冰梅花樣的落地罩，外間擺著兩個小書架。一個多寶櫥，上面一張小木炕，米色小泥繡花的鋪墊，炕几上供著一個粉定窯長方磁盆，開著五六箭素心蘭。正面掛著六幅金箋的小楷，卻是一人一幅，寫得停勻娟秀。一幅是度香主人，一幅是靜宜逸士，一幅是竹君詞客，一幅是劍潭山人，一幅是前舟外史，一幅是庸庵居士。像是幾首和韻七律詩。再看上款，是媚香囑和《長河修禊》七律六章原韻，春航心裡更加起敬。想道：

　　「原來他會作詩。」便問道：「這是和你的原韻，想必詩學是極淵深的。」蕙芳笑道：「草草塗鴉，不過湊幾句白話罷了，會作什麼詩？」春航道：「原唱呢，為何不寫出來？」蕙芳道：「去年袁寶珠替我寫了一幅，人家拿去看，遺失了。」春航再將蕙芳細細的看了一看，又道：「我看你舉止清高，吐屬嫻雅，絕不類優伶中人。你是幾時到京來學戲的？」蕙芳臉上便有愧色，歎了一口氣道：「問我的出身，原也是清白人家。父親也曾作過官。」春航立起來道：「失敬了，我原說不像小家出身。但你為何要學這個行業呢？」蕙芳便眼圈紅起來，道：

　　「請坐了，好說。」春航坐下，蕙芳道：「我小時隨宦雲南，八歲上母親死了，到十二歲父親被上司參劾，一氣成病，不到一月即故。本來兩袖清風，毫無私蓄，就有些須囊橐，都被幾個親戚長隨，豆分瓜剖的去了，單剩了一個老家人與我。在雲南住了一年多。可憐舉目無親，那些勢利場中，誰肯照拂，全仗老家人肩挑步擔過活。實在支持不下去了，只得同老家人回家。路上又吃盡了千辛萬苦，走了一年零兩月，才到蘇州。只落得蔓草荒煙，桑田滄海，親鄰冷眼，袖手旁觀，一枝之借，一飯之餐，竟不可得。在廟裡住了幾天，訪得一個親戚在直隸作幕，又費盡了九牛二虎之力．搭了糧船進來。先上了保定，到那親戚的住處一詢，誰知他鬧了一件事，已經發配口外去了，他的家眷也不知流落何處，你說這命運低不低？」春航道：「山窮水盡疑無路，以後便怎樣呢？」蕙芳道：「我們在保定作什麼？便想到京來尋一條生路，可可走到前門外，即遇見一個好人，是同鄉又是我的蒙師顧先生。他是個秀才，見了我們這般狼狽的光景，他便拉了我們到他寓處，前前後後問了一番。你說我這先生在京裡作什麼？」

　　春航道：「自然處館了。」蕙芳道：「他卻不處館，他的行為到有些像你，到今年也才二十七歲。他進京來便天天聽戲，錢都聽完了，戲卻聽會了，認識了許多的相公，遂作了教戲的師傅。遇著那年鄉試不中，他便燒了那些文章，入了聯錦班作了小生。」春航道：「這到是達人所為，毫無拘疑。」蕙芳道：「他收留了我們，遇著空閒時，便教我讀書寫字，並講究些詩詞，我們安安穩穩的住了。只可憐我那老家人，路上受了風霜，心內又愁悶，進了京就病；病了兩月死了。那時我更覺形單影只，進退維谷，只好依著先生為命。直到前年春間，先生苦勸我學戲，我起初不願，後來思想也無路可走，只得依了先生，學了幾出，漸漸的日積月累，久而自化。我那先生最好吟詩，每制一詩，必講給我聽，教我學作，不過不通就是了，自己卻也高興起來。誰知薄命不辰，深恩未報，先生去年夏間，又染時症物故，煢煢獨立，顧影自憐。」說到此，便硬咽起來。

　　春航聽了，也著實傷心，便道：「五年中星移物換，倒嘗了多少世態。」又安慰了幾句，吃了兩杯茶，蕙芳便問春航道；「你既好聽戲，於各班中可曾賞識幾個腳色麼？」春航笑道：「我是重色而輕藝，於戲文全不講究，腳色高低，也不懂得，惟取其有姿色者，視為至寶。起初孟浪，眼界未清，一遇冶容，便為傾國。及瞻仰玉顏，才覺妙住菩薩現蓮花寶座內，非下界凡人所得彷彿。前此真如王右軍學衛夫人書，徒費歲月耳，慚侮無盡。」蕙芳聽了春航幾句話，已有一半傾心，目視春航，好一會不言語，便又笑道：「你說以有姿色的為至寶，但不知所寶在那一樣？」春航便站起來，高興得手舞足蹈，滿面添花的道：「媚香你是解人，你試猜一猜？」蕙芳便紅著臉道：「我不會猜。」

　　春航道：「我也不為別的。」蕙芳便正色問道：「你為什麼？」春航道：「只要姿色好，情性好，我就為他死也情願。」蕙芳道：「人家好，干你什麼事，要為他死？你且說那可寶處？」春航道：「你聽我說，我輩作客數千里外，除了二三知己外，尚有四等好友得之最難，即得了又常有美中不足的不好處，就說可寶，也不能說他是至寶。」蕙芳道：「奇談！什麼四等的好友，定要請教。」春航道：「第一，是好天：夕陽明月，微雨清風，輕煙晴雪，即一人獨坐，亦足心曠神怡。感春秋之佳日，對景物而留連，或曠野，或亭院，修竹疏花，桐蔭柳下，閒吟徐步，領略芳辰，令人忘俗。」

　　蕙勞點頭道：「不錯，真是好的。第二，想必是好地了。」春航道：「是的。一丘一壑，山水清幽，卻好移步換形，引人入勝。第三，是好書，要不著一死句，不著一閒筆，便令人探索不盡。」蕙芳也點點頭。春航道：「第四，便是性靈中發出來的幾首好詩，也不必執定抱杜尊韓，有一句兩句，能道人所不能道者，便可與古人爭勝。」

　　蕙芳道：「是極，你真是個風雅通人。」春航道：「此四友是好的了，然也有不能全好處。好天，一月能有幾回？往往有上半天好，下半天變起來，便把上半天，也改壞了。到人意闌珊，便怕風怕雨的，不敢久留。好地，一省能有幾處？有必須徒步始通的地方，或險仄，或幽阻，沙石荊棘，十里八里的遠，便令人困乏起來，往往知其好處而不願遊覽。即如書，除了家弦戶誦幾部外，雖浩如煙海，究竟災梨禍棗的居多，就有翻陳出新處，又是各人的手筆，亦不能盡合人意。至於詩之一道，小而難工。也有初成時如煉金，再吟時同嚼蠟，反悔輕易落筆。此四友得之既難，得之而欲其全好則更難，所以說他是寶也，不能說他是至寶。只有你們貴行中人，便是四友外，一個容美盡善的寶友。」

　　蕙芳笑道：「寶友二字甚奇，我們並不知自己有可寶處。」春航道：「玉軟香溫，花濃雪豔，是為寶色。環肥燕瘦，肉膩骨香，是為寶體。明眸善睞，巧笑工顰，是為寶容。千嬌側聚，百媚橫生，是為寶態。憨啼吸露，嬌語嗔花，是為寶情。珠鈿刻翠，金▉飛霞，是為寶妝。再益以清歌妙舞，檀板金尊，宛轉關生，輕盈欲墮，則又謂之寶藝、寶人。」蕙芳道：「你這番議論原也極是，但有些太高太過處。」蕙芳口裡雖如此說，心裡著實感激春航，不免流波低盼，粉靨嬌融，把春航細細的打量，越看越看出好處來，眼中把那些富貴王孫，風流公子，盡壓下去了。

　　春航道：「茶煙琴韻，風雨雞鳴，思我故人，寸心千里，若非素心晨夕，何以言歡？而蕭寺生愁，殘燈寂寞，又安得有二三知己共耐淒涼？惟有你們這些好相公，一語半言，沁入心骨，遂令轉百鍊鋼為繞指柔。再如你這樣天仙化人，就使可望而不可即，使我學善才之見觀音，一步一拜，也都願意，何敢尚有他望？」蕙芳聽了，便止不住流下淚來，便道：「你的心，我知道了，不用說了。你且把到京以來，近日的光景，說給我聽。」春航就細細把去冬至今，說了一遍。蕙芳又笑起來道：「你真是一片癡情，十分妄想，卻又難為你這兩條腿，天天的跑，又站在戲園門口不動。」春航道：「若不是你，便請我也請不來。」蕙芳一笑，出去隨叫人拿進幾樣水果，幾樣菜，兩壺酒，讓春航小酌。

　　春航也不推辭，二人就在花梨四仙桌上對酌，各自吐了些肺腑。此時蕙芳心裡，已是十分貼切，全沒有半點勢利心腸。

　　當下吃畢了飯，又讓到裡邊屋裡坐了一坐，便吩咐跟班的，叫外面套車，送田老爺回寓。蕙芳挽住了春航的手道：「今日訂交，此生勿負。我蘇蕙芳如有虛言，有如皎日。你以後不必出來，我非早即晚，天天來看你一次。你須自己保重，努力前程。幸勿為我輩喪名，使外人物議。」春航聽了，轉愛為敬，直感入骨髓，已流下淚來。兩人相視嗚咽了一會，唯有那些跟班及使喚的人不解其意，以為怪事。一頭說，一頭走出來，送了春航上車，又叮囑了幾句，春航一直回寓不題。

　　這邊蕙芳也就睡了，卻細細把春航的說話記了一遍，又把他的光景想了多時。到睡了時，就見春航在面前，變了華冠麗服，儀容嚴肅的相貌，令人生畏；又變了一個中年的人，穿著一品服飾。恍恍惚惚作了一夜亂夢，到明日早上，就起得遲了。

　　已是早飯時，才洗了臉，吃了點心。跟班的進來道：「外面有客。」蕙芳問道：「是誰？」跟班的道：「是伏虎橋張老爺，同著開起盛銀號的潘三爺。」蕙芳只得穿了衣服，出來見了。

　　原來這張老爺就是張仲雨。這潘老爺叫潘其觀，是本京富翁，有百萬家財，開了三個銀號，兩個當鋪，又開了一個香料鋪，也捐一個六品職銜。原籍山西，在京已住了兩代。為人鄙吝齷齪，刻薄頑蠢，又是個色鬼，水陸並行晝夜不倦。卻有一個好處，是個怕老婆的都元帥。此刻他續娶的媳婦倒有八九分姿色，就是性情悍妒異常。他雖不喜歡這潘三。但又不許他外邊胡鬧。如逢潘三一夜不歸，他便坐了車，領著人，各處窯子裡搜尋，搜著了，鬧個落花流水。潘三無計可施，近生了個收買孌童之念，在各班中留心物色。

　　看中了蘇蕙芳。今日拉了張仲雨來，要替他說合。仲雨想：「這蕙芳人品高雅，未必肯跟潘其觀。」就支支吾吾不願作成。經其觀再三懇求，許以金帛重謝。只得同來，見景生情罷了。來到蕙芳家內坐下，說了些閒話。

　　你看這潘其觀怎生模樣：

　　五短身材，一個醬色圓臉，一嘴豬鬃似的黃騷毛，有四十多歲年紀。生得凸肚中間凹臀，俗而且臭。穿了一身青綢綿衣，戴一頂鑲絨便帽，拖條小貂尾，腳下穿一雙青緞襪灰色鑲鞋，胸前衣衿上掛著一枝短煙袋，露出半個綠皮煙荷包。淡黃眼珠，紅絲纏滿，笑瞇嘻的低聲下氣，裝出許多謙溫樣子。蕙芳無奈，只得坐下陪著。張仲雨看著蕙芳，卻像要說話又不說的光景。蕙芳低了頭，一回站起來，到窗前看那盆內種的蘭花，心上卻憶著田春航，又不好回他們出去，無精打采的坐立不安。那潘其觀坐著不動，也不開口，眼睛只注著蕙芳。張仲雨道：「咱們也不必找地方，就在這裡擺個酒兒，隨便弄兩樣菜不好麼？」潘其觀道：「很好，家裡又清淨。」蕙勞道：「好是好，我今日不能久陪二位，就要走，姑蘇會館有戲，第二齣就是我的戲。」潘其觀道：「那不要緊，不去亦使得。」蕙勞道：「那倒不能不去的。」潘其觀道：「你又沒有師傅，還伯什麼？這樣紅人兒怕得罪誰？」蕙芳不語，只得叫跟班的快備酒來。不多一會，擺上了酒菜，蕙芳讓坐，潘其觀推仲雨坐了首席。先飲了幾杯酒，潘其觀便絮絮叨叨，肉肉麻麻的說不斷。蕙芳好不厭煩，便心生一計：假獻慇懃，站起來敬了幾杯酒，扌害了幾回拳，心裡想灌醉了他，就好走路。

　　那曉得潘其觀最會鬧酒，越喝越不醉，酒下了肚，嘴裡就沒有好話，便伸出那又短又肥挺硬的那隻手來，攙住了蕙芳的手道：「好孩子，怎麼你總不去瞧瞧我，我很想你。每見了你的戲，晚上就做夢，倒親親熱熱的長在一塊兒頑，醒了便覺得困乏。你真害死我了，我又沒有兒子，要這一分大家財作什麼？你與我做個乾兒子，咱們爺兒倆天天的樂，不好嗎？」蕙芳聽了，幾乎氣得哭出來，眼睛一紅，心裡想道：「這奴才也不想想自己身分，這等可惡！待我賺他賺。」便忍住了氣，裝作笑容道：「三爺盡說瞎話，我這樣蠢孩子，那裡巴結得上。我見你天天聽戲，也不把眼睛梢瞧瞧我，也沒有喊過一聲好，今日在張老爺面前撒謊盡賺人。」幾句話說得潘其觀骨頭沒有四兩重了。

　　張仲雨心上詫異，暗想道：「這也奇了，不料蘇蕙芳倒喜歡潘其觀，難道錢可通神，我的財運來了，好發他一注大財。」

　　即便湊趣道：「潘三爺真個逢人就說你好，贊你的相貌，贊你的性情才技，沒有一天不說兩回。常說道：『只要你能有心向他，他就拿個銀號給你。」即向潘其觀道：「這話不是你親口說的麼？」其觀點點頭。蕙芳笑道：「你有幾個銀號？一個相公給一個，京城裡有幾百個相公，難道你有幾百個銀號不成？」

　　潘其觀道：「別人要想我一個大錢也不能，只要你肯，我什麼都肯。」蕙芳心裡已有了主意，對著潘其觀把眼一睃，把潘其觀的三魂七魄都勾了出來。仲雨也得意洋洋，把指頭敲著桌子，不住的喊好。蕙芳道：「潘三爺，你既心上有我，你今日必得暢飲一天，不可藏著量兒。」其觀道：「拿大杯來！」

　　蕙勞便親手去拿了兩隻大杯，將酒斟滿了，一人敬了一杯：又斟了兩杯道：「潘三爺，我今日本來要和你飲個成雙杯，實在酒量小，不能飲，你飲這雙杯。」潘其觀點頭播腦的飲了。又斟上兩杯，對著仲雨道：「張老爺，你也飲個成雙杯。」仲雨笑道：「你叫我和誰成雙？」蕙芳道：「你和我成雙好不好？今日請你先和潘三爺成雙。」仲雨把蕙芳額上彈了一彈，道：「我也配？」蕙芳逼著他乾，他也就乾了。此時潘、張兩人的酒，已有了七分，才又吃了兩樣菜。蕙芳便到房中換了一身衣裳出來，益發出落得齊整。潘三便把手捏腕的肉麻起來，急的蕙芳了不得，又不好跑開，只得與他們扌害拳，又唱了幾枝小曲。張仲雨見壁上掛著一張琵琶，就取下來，撥動弦索相和，慢慢的說著話。

　　已到申末酉初時候，蕙芳見他們尚未沉醉，便試他一試道：「潘三爺，有句話論理不當說，我們沒有什麼交情。但是，我急了，我欠人家一票銀子，約明日還他。今日我打算出去張羅，偏偏你這財神爺來了．可肯通融一肩？」潘其觀道：「要多少？」蕙芳道：「不多，二百兩。」潘三目視仲雨，仲雨道：「你瞧，這蕙芳難道只值二百銀子，你潘老三就支支吾吾起來。橫豎前後一樣。」其觀停了半晌，向套褲裡摸出一個皮帳夾，有一搭錢票，十弔八弔的湊起來。湊了二百弔京錢。遞與蕙芳道：「二百弔先拿去使罷。」蕙芳謝了一聲，便塞在靴掖子裡，又道：「怎麼好受了你這重賞。」潘其觀道：「憑你的良心罷。」蕙芳笑迷迷的，對潘三丟了個眼色，喜得潘三什麼似的，清涎直流出來。蕙芳即斟了一大杯酒，拿在手裡道：「看二百吊錢面上，今日破例敬潘三爺一個皮杯。」其觀一聽，已覺遍體酥酥，胸前發起喘來。蕙芳把酒含了一口，走到潘三身邊，笑迷迷的重又吐將出來，笑了一笑。潘三已張開口候著，蕙芳見了便將箸子夾了一塊魚，送到潘三嘴邊，潘三接了，蕙芳又夾起一塊自己吃下，便道：「呵唷，了不得了。」仲雨道：「不要鯁著了。」蕙芳道：「怕不是。」潘其觀道：「快拿飯來，一噎就好了。」

　　值席的拿了半碗飯來，蕙芳吃了幾口，仰著頭靠在椅背上，只說不中用，疼得很。仲雨道：「吃青果便可消得。」蕙芳又吃了幾個青果，仍說不好。潘三過來，把嘴湊近蕙芳臉上，想要個乖乖，說道：「你張開口待我望望。」蕙芳便把袖子掩了臉道：「這如何望得見？總為著敬你的皮杯。只要你多吃幾鍾，我就不疼了。」潘三道：「真麼？」便飲了一大碗，問道：「可好些麼？」蕙芳點點頭，其觀又飲了兩杯，才住了手。蕙芳便又呼起疼來，其觀強仲雨也飲了一杯，蕙芳便又說好些，隨說道：「我見你們吃得爽快，便忘了痛。」潘其觀此時迷了，酒已有了九分，那裡知是賺他，便拖住了仲雨，你一杯我一盞的起來。仲雨也醉了，便拿不定主意，痛喝了一陣。兩人酒已到十二分，一湧上來，潘其觀一個頭眩，往後一靠，便兩腳朝天，倒翻了一個筋斗，倒在地下。仲雨見潘三醉了，立起來哈哈的一笑，也就蹲了下去，倒在一邊。兩人在地上，像半死的光景，一動也不動。此時已是黃昏時候，蕙芳便叫把桌子撤了，笑道：「想吃天鵝肉，自作自受，叫你今日才曉得蘇媚香的利害。」隨吩咐跟班的：「扶他們在客廳炕上睡了，替他們脫了外面的衣服，拿一條大被蓋了，讓他二人同入巫山罷。」

　　蕙芳安排已畢，一面叫套車，一面到自己房中開了箱子，揀出小毛棉夾單紗五套衣服，並潘三的二百吊錢票，帶了一副鋪蓋，一總交跟班的拿出來，放在車上。蕙芳上了車，跟班跨了沿，一齊向春航寓處來。才到了衚衕口，月光下見一人站著，趕車的一看，卻認得就是田春航，便住了車，叫道：「老者爺，我們正到你那裡去。」蕙芳和跟班的聽見，一齊跳下車來，蕙芳拉住春航道：「你又在這裡做什麼？」春航道：「我候你一天不見來，我就不想活。我已在你門口立了多時，不好意思進來，所以就在這裡。」蕙芳歎口氣道：「你這冤家，真令人奈何不得你。」便請春航車裡頭坐了，自己跨著車沿，一路說話，到了廟門下來。跟班的即拿了衣包，扛了鋪蓋，一同進來，打發車回去，明日來接。

　　高品已經睡了，春航不好去驚動他，一徑到自己房內。田安伏在桌上瞌睡，春航剔亮了燈，叫醒了田安，說道：「快去泡茶。」田安擦擦眼睛，見一個美少年，只道是位公子，便急急的泡茶去了。蕙芳坐下，看他行李蕭條，心裡著實難過。便叫跟班的將衣裳、票子拿上來，道：「這五套衣服都是我平日穿過的，你不嫌舊，使收著。這票子送你作旅費。本來打算請你過去住，恐旁觀不雅。你若短少了東西，只管問我。」春航道：「這如何使得？我斷不好受。」蕙芳道：「你不受，便看輕我了。難道我拿了東西來賺你？你總不要存心。你存了心，便連你這情都假了。你只要依我一件，以後不許出來聽戲。」春航諾諾連聲，又講了些知心肺腑，彼此都有知遇之感，不禁慷慨欷▉起來，兩人對坐著，倒成了道義之交，絕無半點邪念，直談到雞鳴，方各和衣睡了。

　　且說潘、張兩人，醉到不醒人事。睡到四更，潘其觀翻一個身，即骨碌碌的滾下炕來，在地上坐著，想要小解，各處摸那夜壺。摸著了自己一隻鞋，拉下褲子，就在那鞋裡撤了一泡尿，大半撤在褲擋裡頭。模模糊糊的在地下亂摸，摸著了炕，重新爬上來。心裡細細的想，在那裡吃的酒。雖在醉中，還被他想著了蘇蕙芳，便又在炕上摸索，摸著了張仲雨，便當是蕙芳了，一把摟緊，口裡道：「好兒子，好心肝」的叫不絕聲，便亂拉亂扯，把棉被早已撩下地了。又把仲雨的衣裳盡力的扯，扯破了一件夾襖，手也酸了；將自己的褲帶，用力扯斷，倒不將褲子往下脫，只管往上拉，那一條尿褲，已是濕透，連褥子都浸濕了，卻拉不下來，只得貼緊了張仲雨的背亂動。仲雨醒來，像有人將他抱住搖動，心頭的酒便往喉嚨頭直衝上來，一回頭就吐。恰值潘其觀張開了口，倒敬了一個滿滿的七竅的皮杯。潘其觀臉上，厚厚的堆了一層，便大嚷起來，把頭亂擺，濺的各處都是。仲雨第二陣又來了，這一陣卻全是酒，一澆倒把其觀臉上澆淨，只覺得穢味難當。其觀急了坐起來，就把袖子在臉上亂擦，口裡「小東西，小妖精」的罵。仲雨聽了，便道：「你是誰？罵誰？」潘其觀罵道：「你這害人不淺的小兔子，塗了你的爹一臉糞。」張仲雨大怒，罵道：「誰是你的爹？」雙手一推，潘其觀滾下地來。仲雨坐起又罵道：「那個忘八羔子，敢在老爺炕上罵老爺。」潘其觀道：「你這兔子該死了，公然罵起你爹來，這還了得？」爬起來到炕上要打，正值張仲雨下來，碰著了，趁手一個把掌，潘其觀又栽了一交。仲雨道：「到底你是誰？」潘其觀放大了喉嚨，嚷道：「反了！反了！反了！你這賊兔子，竟打起你爹來了。你願意和你爹睡覺，倒裝糊塗不認得，難道我潘三爺來強姦你不成。」張仲雨想了一回道：「什麼潘三爺，難道你是潘老三，幾時跑到這裡來？」潘其觀又罵道：「不說你留我，倒說我跑來，你真是不死的惡兔子，你把張仲雨藏到那裡去了？」仲雨道：「呸，這麼糊糊塗涂鬧不清，我就是張仲雨」。

　　潘其觀道：「怎麼說，你冒充張仲雨來唬我？」這一場鬧。鬧醒了一家人，那些打雜的，看門的，都點了燈進來，覺得酒氣直沖。上前一照，只見張仲雨站著，腳下踏了棉被，潘其觀坐在地上，滿面花花綠綠，光著一隻腳，將手指著張仲雨。眾人見了，忍不住大笑，扶了潘其觀起來。張仲雨走近把潘其觀一認，潘其觀也把張仲雨一認，各背轉了身子走開，惹得眾人又笑。把被拉起，只見被底下濕透的一隻鞋，一股尿騷臭。地下一大灘黑影，棉被也污了半條。再看炕上，便糟蹋如毛廁一般，可惜了這一牀被褥。潘其觀道：「我的襪子那裡去了？」尋到中間地下，有一隻套褲，一隻襪子，皮帳夾內帳底條子撒了一地。潘其觀也不理會，隨他們拾起來。有兩人送上兩大盆熱水潘、張兩人淨淨臉。此時都已醒了酒。潘其觀覺得褲擋冰冷，用手一模，卻全是濕的，穿不住，脫了，問打雜的借了一條單褲，一雙鞋穿上。張仲雨對著潘其觀道：「奇怪！」潘其觀道：「怪奇！」二人前前後後的一想，便拍手大笑了一會。此時已經天明，太陽也出來了。潘其觀便問蕙芳藏在那裡，原來蕙芳交代了一番說話，方才出門。打雜的道：「昨夜你們兩位老爺睡了，不料華公子住在城外，打發人來把蕙芳叫去。這位老爺誰敢違拗他，只怕今日帶進了城，要住好幾天才回來。」

　　張仲雨道：「這倒難怪他，華公子是惹不得的。」潘其觀無可奈何，只可惜了二百吊錢，倒買張仲雨吐了他一臉，打了他一個嘴巴，只好慢慢的日後商量，再作道理，同了張仲雨鬱鬱而去。

　　這邊蕙芳與春航早上起來，洗洗臉，吃了點心。蕙芳見壁上掛了張琴。

　　即問春航道：「你會彈琴麼？」春航道：「略知一二。」蕙芳道：「何不彈一曲聽聽？」未知春航彈與不彈，且聽下回分解。

After infuriating Chun Hang, Zhong Qing sent the hundred gold prepared by Wang Xun to Gao Pin’s place as Chun Hang’s salary. Chun Hang sat in a daze for two days, pressured by the need for rice and coal, and found no way to borrow money. After being detained by Gao Pin, he had to temporarily rely on him for food.

One day, after having a meal, Gao Pin went to visit a guest, and Chun Hang went to the theater. He was thinking about Su Huifang, but he had no money to watch the play, so he could only stand at the entrance of the theater, waiting for Huifang to come and go. When it was time for the play to start, he saw Huifang get off the carriage at the entrance. Unfortunately, a crowd of people came to watch the play, and they pushed Chun Hang to the back, preventing them from meeting face to face. Chun Hang was very upset in his heart. He squeezed out of the crowd, but Huifang had already gone in. He could only stand there in a daze, waiting for her to come out. He saw many high-ranking gentlemen, who were on par with Huifang.

Chun Hang thought to himself, “I didn’t expect there to be such good gentlemen in the Lian Jin troupe. Their reputation is indeed well-deserved.” He waited for more than three hours before he saw Huifang come out with her head down. Two handsome young men, dressed in dazzling clothes, were followed by two servants, carrying cushions and clothes bags, and they got into the carriage with Huifang. Chun Hang knew that Huifang hadn’t seen him, and he walked back in a gloomy mood.

After a night, he went to the entrance of the theater the next day and waited for a day, but he didn’t meet her. That day was wasted, and he sighed endlessly. Chun Hang had been obsessed for a long time and it was hard for him to realize it. He went to find the Lian Jin troupe every day, waiting for Huifang. For more than ten days in a row, Huifang also saw the man who had fallen in the mud last time. Every time she got on and off the carriage, he was always standing at the entrance of the theater, staring at her like a drunk or a fool. She was very surprised. Because she took a closer look at his appearance, he was handsome and elegant, and although his face was a bit haggard, his jade-like bones and charming demeanor were evident. Huifang knew in her heart that this man had come for her, and she couldn’t help but feel affectionate, often giving him affectionate glances. Chun Hang was so happy that he followed Huifang’s carriage every day, all the way to the entrance of her residence in Jixiang Alley, where he lingered for a long time before leaving.

One day, Chun Hang’s luck came, and it was also the fate of everyone: he was following Huifang’s carriage, and Huifang noticed him, and she felt a bit of pity for him. As soon as she entered the door, she asked her servant to invite him in. The servant went out.

He looked at Chun Hang and said, “Sir, are you looking for our master? Our master has invited you in for tea!” Chun Hang was overjoyed, but he was too stunned to move. He couldn’t go in. The servant invited him again, but Chun Hang was still shy and embarrassed. Suddenly, someone came out from inside and said, “Please invite the gentleman who followed the carriage in.” Chun Hang had to straighten his clothes and followed the servant into the gate. It was a courtyard with two rows of delicate fences on both sides. It was late February, and all the flowers were in full bloom. The courtyard was full of bright red and purple flowers, and the fragrance was intoxicating. There were three small guest rooms upstairs, which were also equipped with bells, tripods, zithers, and books, and they were very elegant. After a while, Su Huifang came out, wearing a plain pearl leather suit, and came forward to greet him. Chun Hang immediately grabbed her hand, which was soft and slender like spring bamboo shoots. The two of them stood side by side, almost the same height. It turned out that Huifang was also seventeen years old. Huifang smiled at Chun Hang and said, “We see each other every day, but I don’t know your name yet. I was embarrassed to fall in the mud the other day, and I deeply appreciate your kindness. I’m lucky to have your favor, and I won’t forget it in my three lives.” Chun Hang was very surprised and said, “You speak so elegantly and are good at using words.” He then said, “Ever since I saw you, I’ve been thinking about you day and night; my admiration for you is so deep that I can only pledge my heart to you. You didn’t scold me, but instead invited me in. Your deep affection makes me, Tian Xiang, unforgettable.” He then explained his background and surname, and talked about some of his thoughts. They looked at each other and were silent for a while.

Huifang then invited Chun Hang in. They walked out of the guest room and went into a small courtyard inside the fence on the west side. There were five rooms in total: the guest room on the east side was prepared for unexpected guests. The two rooms in the middle were used as a small study, and the two rooms on the west side were Huifang’s bedroom. Chun Hang first sat down on the kang in the middle, and saw eight fine brush paintings of “The Gathering of the Immortals” by Qiu Shizhou hanging on the wall. The windows on both sides were inlaid with nanmu and colored glass, and the floor was covered with three blue velvet carpets, which were spotlessly clean. After sitting for a while, Huifang led him into the suite on the west side. There was a redwood ice plum pattern floor screen in the middle, and the outer room had two small bookshelves and a curio cabinet. There was a small wooden kang with a rice-colored small clay embroidered cushion. On the kang table, there was a long rectangular porcelain basin from the Fen Ding kiln, with five or six arrows of plain heart orchids. On the wall in front of him, there were six small regular script calligraphy works on gold paper, each one written by a different person, all of them neat and graceful. One was by Du Xiang, the host, one was by Jing Yi, the hermit, one was by Zhu Jun, the poet, one was by Jian Tan, the mountain man, one was by Qian Zhou, the historian, and one was by Yong An, the recluse. They seemed to be several seven-character quatrains in harmony. Looking at the title again, it was “Long River Xiuxi” seven-character quatrains six chapters in the original rhyme by Mei Xiang. Chun Hang was even more respectful in his heart. He thought to himself,

“She can write poetry.” He then asked, “This is in harmony with your original rhyme. Your poetry must be very profound.” Huifang laughed and said, “I just scribble a few sentences in vernacular, I can’t write poetry.” Chun Hang said, “Where is the original song? Why don’t you write it out?” Huifang said, “Last year, Yuan Baozhu wrote a poem for me, but it was lost when someone took it to read.” Chun Hang took a closer look at Huifang and said, “I see that you are noble and elegant, and you are not like a commoner. When did you come to Beijing to learn drama?” Huifang’s face showed a hint of shame, and she sighed and said, “If you ask about my background, I am originally from a decent family. My father was also an official.” Chun Hang stood up and said, “I’m sorry, I originally thought you were not from a small family. But why did you want to learn this profession?” Huifang’s eyes turned red, and she said,

“Please sit down, and I’ll tell you.” Chun Hang sat down, and Huifang said, “When I was a child, I followed my father to Yunnan. My mother died when I was eight years old. When I was twelve, my father was impeached by his superior and fell ill from anger. He died in less than a month. He was originally a clean official with no private savings. Even if he had some savings, they were all taken away by several relatives and divided up. All that was left was an old servant and me. We stayed in Yunnan for more than a year. It was pitiful to have no relatives in sight. Who would care for us in the world of power and wealth? We relied entirely on the old servant to carry the burden and make a living. When we couldn’t support ourselves any longer, we had to return home with the old servant. On the way, we suffered all kinds of hardships. It took us more than a year to get to Suzhou. All we found was desolation and desolation. Our neighbors were indifferent and watched from the sidelines. We couldn’t even borrow a branch or a meal. We stayed in a temple for a few days and found a relative who was working as a secretary in Zhili. We spent all our strength to get on a grain ship and came in. We first arrived in Baoding. When we inquired about the relative’s residence, we found out that he had caused a trouble and had been exiled. His family didn’t know where they had gone. Can you say that my fate is not low?” Chun Hang said, “When the mountains and rivers are exhausted and there seems to be no way out, what happened next?” Huifang said, “What could we do in Baoding? We thought about coming to Beijing to find a way to survive. As soon as we arrived at the front gate, we met a good man who was from the same hometown and was my mentor, Mr. Gu. He was a scholar. When he saw our miserable situation, he took us to his residence and asked us about our situation. What do you think my teacher does in Beijing?”

Chun Hang said, “Of course he stays in a guesthouse.” Huifang said, “He doesn’t stay in a guesthouse. His behavior is somewhat like yours. He is only twenty-seven years old this year. When he came to Beijing, he listened to plays every day. He spent all his money on plays, but he learned a lot from them. He got to know many gentlemen and became a drama teacher. When he failed the provincial examination, he burned all his articles and joined the Lian Jin troupe as a young actor.” Chun Hang said, “This is what a wise man would do, without any hesitation.” Huifang said, “He took us in. When he had free time, he taught me to read and write, and talked about poetry. We lived peacefully. Unfortunately, my old servant suffered from the wind and frost on the road, and he was also worried. As soon as he arrived in Beijing, he fell ill. He was sick for two months and died. At that time, I felt even more lonely and helpless. I had no choice but to follow my teacher’s orders. Until the spring of the year before last, my teacher persuaded me to learn drama. At first, I was reluctant, but then I thought that there was no other way to go, so I had to follow my teacher’s advice. I learned a few plays, and gradually, day by day, month by month, I became accustomed to it. My teacher was very good at reciting poetry. Every time he wrote a poem, he would recite it to me and teach me how to write it. Even if I didn’t understand it, I was happy. Who knew that I was unlucky and died of a disease last summer before I could repay his deep kindness. I was left alone, feeling sorry for myself.” When she said this, she choked up.

Chun Hang listened and was truly heartbroken. He said, “In the past five years, the stars have moved and things have changed. You have tasted so much of the world.” He comforted her for a while, had two cups of tea, and then Huifang asked Chun Hang, “Since you like to listen to plays, have you appreciated any roles in the various troupes?” Chun Hang laughed and said, “I value beauty over skill, and I don’t care about the content of the plays or the quality of the roles. I don’t understand them. I only value those who are beautiful and consider them treasures. At first, I was reckless and my vision was not clear. As soon as I saw a beautiful woman, I thought she was a beauty who could overthrow a country. But when I saw your jade face, I realized that the Buddha was really in the lotus seat of the Buddha, and ordinary people couldn’t imitate him. In the past, I was like Wang Youjun studying the letters of Wei Furen, wasting my time. I feel ashamed and endless.” After listening to Chun Hang’s words, Huifang was half in love with him. She looked at Chun Hang for a while without speaking, and then laughed and said, “You said that those who are beautiful are treasures, but I don’t know what you treasure?” Chun Hang stood up, danced with joy, and said with a beaming face, “Huifang, you are a wise man. Can you guess?” Huifang blushed and said, “I can’t guess.”

Chun Hang said, “I don’t care about anything else.” Huifang asked seriously, “What do you care about?” Chun Hang said, “As long as she is beautiful and kind, I am willing to die for her.” Huifang said, “What does it have to do with you if someone else is good? Why do you want to die for her? What do you treasure?” Chun Hang said, “Listen to me, we are guests thousands of miles away. Apart from two or three close friends, there are four kinds of good friends that are hard to find. Even if we find them, there are often shortcomings that are not good. Even if we say they are treasures, we can’t say they are the ultimate treasures.” Huifang said, “What a strange story! What are the four kinds of good friends? I must learn from you.” Chun Hang said, “The first one is good weather: sunset, bright moon, light rain, clear wind, light smoke, clear snow, even if one sits alone, it is enough to make one feel relaxed and happy. Appreciating the beautiful days of spring and autumn, facing the scenery and lingering, whether it is in the wilderness or in the pavilion, with tall bamboo and sparse flowers, under the shade of the phoenix tree and the willow, leisurely chanting and walking slowly, enjoying the fragrant morning, makes people forget about the world.”

Huifang nodded and said, “That’s right, it’s really good. The second one must be a good place.” Chun Hang said, “Yes. A hill, a gully, mountains and rivers are quiet and secluded, and it’s good to change the scenery with every step, which is fascinating. The third one is a good book, which doesn’t need a single dead sentence or a single idle pen, and makes people explore endlessly.” Huifang also nodded. Chun Hang said, “The fourth one is a few good poems that come from the spirit. They don’t have to stick to Du Zunhan, and if they have one or two sentences that can say what people can’t say, they can compete with the ancients.”

Hui Fang said, “Indeed, you are truly a refined and cultured person.” Chun Hang replied, “These four friends are good, but they also have their shortcomings. Good weather, how many times can we have it in a month? Often, the first half of the day is good, but the second half changes, ruining the good of the first half. When people’s desires are exhausted, they fear the wind and rain and dare not stay long. Good places, how many can there be in a province? There are places that can only be reached on foot, either narrow or secluded, with sand, stones, thorns, and a distance of ten or eight miles, which can make people tired. Often, they know the benefits but are unwilling to tour. As for books, apart from a few that are recited by families, although they are vast as the sea, most of them are disasters and calamities. Even if there are new things to be found, they are written by different people and cannot fully satisfy everyone. As for the path of poetry, it is small and difficult to master. There are times when it is like refining gold at first, but like chewing wax when recited again, regretting the ease of putting pen to paper. These four friends are hard to get, and it is even harder to get them to be perfect, so they are treasures, but not the ultimate treasures. Only you people in your noble profession are the beautiful and virtuous treasure friends outside of the four friends.”

Hui Fang laughed and said, “The term ‘treasure friend’ is very strange, we don’t know what is valuable about ourselves.” Chun Hang said, “Soft jade, warm fragrance, rich flowers, and snow-like beauty are the colors of the treasure. Round and thin, meaty and bone fragrant, are the body of the treasure. Bright eyes, good at flirting, clever smiles, and skilled frowns are the appearance of the treasure. Thousands of charms gathered on one side, hundreds of charms born horizontally, are the attitudes of the treasure. Innocent crying, sucking dew, charming language, and scolding flowers are the emotions of the treasure. Pearl and jade carvings, gold flying in the clouds, are the adornments of the treasure. Further enhanced by clear singing and wonderful dancing, sandalwood board and golden cup, winding and turning, light and about to fall, are also called treasure arts and treasure people.” Hui Fang said, “Your discussion is indeed very good, but some parts are too high and excessive.” Although Hui Fang said this, she was truly grateful to Chun Hang in her heart. She couldn’t help but look at him with low and flowing eyes, her face blushing and charming. She looked at Chun Hang carefully, and the more she looked, the more she saw his good points. In her eyes, those rich and noble princes and romantic sons were all suppressed.

Chun Hang said, “Tea smoke and zither sounds, wind and rain and rooster crowing, thinking of my old friends, a thousand miles in my heart. If it weren’t for a pure heart morning and evening, how could I talk about joy? And Xiao Temple is full of sorrow, the remaining lamp is lonely, and how can I endure the desolation with two or three confidants? Only you good gentlemen, with a word or half a word, can penetrate into my bones, and make me turn a hundred times of steel into a soft finger. Even if you are like a fairy who has become a human, even if you are within sight but not within reach, even if I learn from Shan Cai to see Guanyin, one step at a time, I am willing, how dare I have other hopes?” When Hui Fang heard this, she couldn’t help but shed tears, and said, “I know your heart, you don’t need to say it. You can tell me about your recent situation since you came to the capital.” Chun Hang then carefully told her about everything from last winter to now. Hui Fang laughed and said, “You are really a piece of infatuation, very delusional, but it’s hard for your two legs to run every day, and to stand still at the entrance of the theater.” Chun Hang said, “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be able to come even if I was invited.” Hui Fang laughed, went out and called someone to bring in some fruits, some dishes, and two pots of wine, and let Chun Hang have a drink.

Chun Hang did not refuse, and the two of them sat across from each other at the pear wood four immortals table, each pouring out their hearts. At this time, Hui Fang’s heart was already very close, and there was not a bit of snobbishness.

After eating, she invited him to sit in the inner room for a while, then ordered her entourage to call for a carriage outside to send Master Tian back to his residence. Hui Fang held Chun Hang’s hand and said, “Today we have made a commitment, do not fail in this life. If I, Su Hui Fang, have any false words, it will be like the bright sun. You don’t need to come out in the future, I will come to see you once a day, either early or late. You must take care of yourself and strive for a better future. Fortunately, do not lose your reputation for us, so as not to be criticized by outsiders.” When Chun Hang heard this, he turned his love into respect, deeply moved to the bone marrow, and tears flowed down. The two looked at each other and sobbed for a while, only those entourage and servants did not understand their meaning, and thought it was strange. As they were talking, they walked out, sent Chun Hang to the carriage, and gave him a few more instructions. Chun Hang went straight back to his residence without mentioning it.

On this side, Hui Fang also went to sleep, but she carefully remembered Chun Hang’s words and thought about his situation for a long time. When she went to sleep, she saw Chun Hang in front of her, transformed into a person with a splendid crown and a solemn face, which was awe-inspiring; and then transformed into a middle-aged man, wearing a first-class costume. She had a night of chaotic dreams, and when she woke up in the morning, she got up late.

It was already breakfast time when she washed her face and had some snacks. The entourage came in and said, “There are guests outside.” Hui Fang asked, “Who is it?” The entourage said, “It’s Master Zhang from Fu Hu Bridge, and Master Pan from Kai Qi Sheng Silver Shop.” Hui Fang had to put on her clothes and come out to meet them.

It turned out that this Master Zhang was Zhang Zhong Yu. This Master Pan was called Pan Qi Guan, a wealthy man in the capital, with a fortune of millions. He opened three silver shops, two pawnshops, and a spice shop, and also donated a sixth-rank official title. He was originally from Shanxi and had lived in the capital for two generations. He was stingy, mean, and stupid, and was a lecher, tirelessly pursuing both water and land day and night. However, he had one good point, he was a general who was afraid of his wife. At this moment, his current wife was quite attractive, but her temperament was extremely fierce and jealous. Although he did not like this Pan San, he did not allow him to mess around outside. If Pan San did not return home for a night, she would take a carriage, lead people, and search for him in various brothels. If she found him, she would make a big fuss. Pan San had no choice but to come up with the idea of buying a boy, and he was looking for one in each troupe.

He took a fancy to Su Hui Fang. Today, he brought Zhang Zhong Yu to speak for him. Zhong Yu thought, “This Hui Fang is of high character and may not be willing to follow Pan Qi Guan.” So he hesitated and was unwilling to make it happen. After Qi Guan pleaded again and again, promising to reward him with gold and silk, he had to come with him, and let the scene inspire feelings. When they sat down in Hui Fang’s house, they chatted casually.

Look at what Pan Qi Guan looks like:

He was short and had a round face the color of soy sauce, a mouth full of yellow bristles like pig bristles, and was in his forties. He was born with a protruding belly and a concave buttock in the middle, vulgar and smelly. He was wearing a green silk cotton suit, a velvet hat, a small mink tail, green satin socks and gray shoes on his feet, and a short smoking pipe hanging on the collar of his shirt, revealing half a green leather tobacco pouch. His pale yellow eyes were full of red threads, and he was laughing and whispering, pretending to be very humble. Hui Fang had no choice but to sit down and accompany him. Zhang Zhong Yu looked at Hui Fang, but it seemed like he wanted to say something but didn’t. Hui Fang lowered her head, stood up once, and looked at the orchids planted in the pot by the window. She was thinking of Tian Chun Hang in her heart, but it was not good for her to go back to them, so she sat and stood restlessly. Pan Qi Guan sat still and didn’t speak, his eyes only fixed on Hui Fang. Zhang Zhong Yu said, “We don’t need to find a place, let’s have a drink here, and casually make two dishes, isn’t it good?” Pan Qi Guan said, “Very good, it’s quiet at home.” Hui Fang said, “Good is good, but I can’t accompany you two for long today, I have to go, there is a play at the Suzhou Guild Hall, and the second act is my play.” Pan Qi Guan said, “That doesn’t matter, you don’t have to go.” Hui Fang said, “That can’t be done.” Pan Qi Guan said, “You don’t have a master, why are you still afraid? What kind of red person is afraid of offending someone?” Hui Fang didn’t speak, so she had to call her entourage to prepare the wine quickly. In a short while, the wine and dishes were served, Hui Fang invited them to sit, and Pan Qi Guan pushed Zhong Yu to sit in the first seat. After drinking a few cups of wine, Pan Qi Guan began to babble, his words were meaty and numb, and he couldn’t stop talking. Hui Fang was so annoyed that she came up with a plan: she pretended to be courteous, stood up and toasted a few cups of wine, and made a few bows, thinking of getting him drunk so she could leave.

Who knew that Pan Qi Guan was the best at making a fuss about wine, the more he drank, the less drunk he became. When the wine went down his stomach, there were no good words in his mouth. He stretched out that short, fat, stiff and hard hand, and held Hui Fang’s hand and said, “Good boy, why don’t you ever come to see me, I miss you so much. Every time I see your play, I dream about it at night, and we are close and warm together, and when I wake up, I feel tired. You are really killing me, I don’t have a son, what do I need this family fortune for? You be my godson, and we father and son will be happy every day, isn’t that good?” When Hui Fang heard this, she almost cried out in anger, her eyes turned red, and she thought to herself, “This slave doesn’t even think about his own status, he’s so disgusting! Let me trick him.” So she held back her anger, pretended to smile and said, “Master San, you are always talking nonsense, I am such a stupid child, where can I flatter you. I see you listening to the opera every day, you never even glance at me, you never shouted a good word, today you are lying in front of Master Zhang, trying to trick people.” A few words made Pan Qi Guan feel like he didn’t weigh four ounces.

Zhang Zhongyu was surprised and thought to himself, “This is strange, I didn’t expect Su Huifang to like Pan Qiguan. Could it be that money can communicate with the gods? My fortune has come, and I should give him a big fortune.”

He immediately joked, “Master Pan, you always speak highly of others, praising their looks, character, and talents. You always say, ‘As long as you are willing to be with him, he will give you a silver number.’ Isn’t this what you said yourself?” Qiguan nodded. Huifang laughed and said, “How many silver numbers do you have? One for each gentleman, there are hundreds of gentlemen in the capital, do you have hundreds of silver numbers?”

Pan Qiguan said, “Others can’t even want a big money from me, as long as you are willing, I am willing to do anything.” Huifang already had an idea in her heart, she glanced at Pan Qiguan, and hooked out Pan Qiguan’s soul. Zhongyu was also very proud, knocking on the table with his fingers, constantly praising. Huifang said, “Master Pan, since you have me in your heart, you must drink freely today, don’t hide your capacity.” Qiguan said, “Bring the big cup!”

Huifang personally brought two big cups, filled them with wine, and toasted one to each person: She filled two more cups and said, “Master Pan, I originally wanted to drink a pair with you today, but I can’t drink because I have a small amount of alcohol. You drink this pair.” Pan Qiguan nodded and drank it. She filled two more cups and said to Zhongyu, “Master Zhang, you also drink a pair.” Zhongyu laughed and said, “Who are you asking me to pair with?” Huifang said, “How about pairing with me? Today, I invite you to pair with Master Pan first.” Zhongyu flicked Huifang’s forehead and said, “Am I worthy?” Huifang forced him to drink, and he drank. At this time, Pan and Zhang’s alcohol had reached seven points, and they had only eaten two dishes. Huifang went to the room to change into a new set of clothes, which made her look more neat. Pan San squeezed his wrist and felt numb, which made Huifang very anxious. She couldn’t run away, so she had to play fists with them and sing a few small tunes. Zhang Zhongyu saw a pipa hanging on the wall, so he took it down, played the strings to accompany him, and talked slowly.

By the time of Shenmo and Youchu, Huifang saw that they were not drunk yet, so she tested them and said, “Master Pan, there is something that is not appropriate to say. We don’t have any relationship. But I am in a hurry. I owe someone a silver ticket and promised to pay it back tomorrow. Today I plan to go out and arrange it, but you, the god of wealth, came. Can you help me?” Pan Qiguan said, “How much do you need?” Huifang said, “Not much, two hundred taels.” Pan San looked at Zhongyu, and Zhongyu said, “Look, is Huifang only worth two hundred silver? You, Master Pan, are hesitating. It’s the same anyway.” Qiguan paused for a while, took out a leather wallet from his pants, and gathered up two hundred tickets of Beijing money. He handed it to Huifang and said, “Take these two hundred tickets first.” Huifang thanked him, put it in her boot, and said, “How can I accept your generous reward?” Pan Qiguan said, “It’s up to your conscience.” Huifang smiled and gave Pan San a wink, making Pan San happy, and saliva flowed out. Huifang then poured a large cup of wine, held it in her hand and said, “In the face of two hundred tickets, I will make an exception today and toast Master Pan a skin cup.” When Qiguan heard this, he felt soft all over and started panting. Huifang took a sip of the wine, walked to Pan San, smiled and spit it out again, and laughed. Pan San had already opened his mouth to wait, and when Huifang saw it, she picked up a piece of fish with chopsticks and sent it to Pan San’s mouth. Pan San took it, and Huifang picked up another piece and ate it herself, saying, “Oh, it’s terrible.” Zhongyu said, “Don’t choke.” Huifang said, “I’m afraid it is.” Pan Qiguan said, “Bring the rice quickly, and it will be fine after a bite.”

The host brought half a bowl of rice. Huifang took a few bites, leaned her head back on the chair, and complained about her discomfort. Zhongyu suggested, “Eating green fruits can help.” Huifang ate a few more green fruits, but still felt unwell. Pan San came over, leaned close to Huifang’s face, and asked her to open her mouth for him to look inside. Huifang covered her face with her sleeve and said, “How can you see anything? It’s all because of your respect for your wine cup. If you drink a few more cups, I won’t feel pain anymore.” Pan San asked, “Really?” He then drank a large bowl and asked, “Do you feel better?” Huifang nodded, and Pan San drank two more cups before stopping. Huifang started to complain about the pain again, and Zhongyu also drank a cup. Huifang said she felt better and added, “When I see you guys eating happily, I forget about the pain.” At this point, Pan San was drunk and didn’t realize he was being tricked. He started a drinking competition with Zhongyu. Zhongyu also got drunk and couldn’t make decisions, so he drank a lot. Both of them were so drunk that they fell to the ground, motionless. It was dusk, and Huifang ordered the table to be cleared, laughing, “You wanted to eat swan meat, now you have to suffer the consequences. Today, you will understand the power of Su Huifang.” She then ordered her servants to help them to the guest room to sleep, remove their outer clothes, and cover them with a large quilt, letting the two of them sleep together.

After arranging everything, Huifang called for a carriage and went to her room to open her trunk. She picked out five sets of clothes and Pan San’s two hundred diao money notes, along with a set of bedding, and handed them to her servant to put on the carriage. Huifang got on the carriage, and the servant followed. They headed towards Chunhang’s residence. When they reached the entrance of the alley, they saw a man standing under the moonlight. The coachman recognized him as Tian Chunhang, stopped the carriage, and said, “Old man, we were just heading to your place.” Huifang and her servant heard this and jumped off the carriage. Huifang grabbed Chunhang’s hand and asked, “What are you doing here again?” Chunhang replied, “I’ve been waiting for you all day. I couldn’t bear to live without seeing you. I’ve been standing outside your door for a long time, but I didn’t dare to come in, so I stayed here.” Huifang sighed and said, “You are really troublesome.” She then invited Chunhang to sit in the carriage, and they chatted on the way to the temple. The servant carried the clothes and bedding and followed them in, then sent the carriage back, telling the driver to come back the next day to pick them up.

Gao Pin was already asleep, and Chunhang didn’t want to disturb him, so he went straight to his own room. Tian An was dozing off at the table. Chunhang lit the lamp, woke up Tian An, and told him to make tea. Tian An rubbed his eyes, saw a beautiful young man, and thought he was a young master, so he quickly went to make tea. Huifang sat down and saw that his luggage was sparse, which made her feel sad. She asked her servant to bring the clothes and money notes, and said, “These five sets of clothes are what I usually wear. If you don’t mind that they are old, you can keep them. This money is for your travel expenses. I originally planned to invite you to stay with me, but I was afraid it would look bad. If you need anything, just ask me.” Chunhang said, “How can I accept this? I can’t.” Huifang replied, “If you don’t accept it, you are looking down on me. Do you think I’m trying to trick you? Don’t be suspicious. You just need to agree to one thing, don’t go out to listen to operas in the future.” Chunhang agreed repeatedly, and they talked about their feelings. They both felt a sense of understanding and couldn’t help but feel moved. They sat facing each other, becoming friends of righteousness, without any evil thoughts. They talked until the rooster crowed, and then they each went to sleep in their clothes.

Here is the translation:

Pan and Zhang were so drunk they were unconscious. They slept until the fourth watch of the night, when Pan Qiguan suddenly rolled off the bed and sat on the ground, fumbling for a chamber pot. Mistaking his shoe for the pot, he pulled down his trousers and urinated in it, wetting his clothes in the process. Groping around, he climbed back onto the bed. Still drunk, he thought of Su Huifang, and began searching for her on the bed. Mistaking Zhang Zhongyu for Huifang, he embraced him tightly, exclaiming affectionately and incessantly. In his confusion, he pulled off the quilt and tore Zhang’s jacket, straining his hand in the process. He then broke his own belt trying to pull up his urine-soaked trousers, which were too wet to pull down, and ended up pressing close to Zhang’s back. Zhang woke to the feeling of being shaken and started vomiting, which Pan inadvertently caught in his mouth, covering his face. Pan yelled out, his face a mess, as more vomit followed, clearing the filth from his face. In frustration, Pan wiped his face with his sleeve, cursing, “You little devil!” Zhang, confused, asked, “Who are you cursing?” Pan retorted, “You wretched little rabbit, you’ve smeared your father’s face with filth.” Zhang angrily replied, “Who’s your father?” Pushing Pan, he fell to the ground. Zhang got up and continued, “Who do you think you are, cursing like that on my bed?” Pan, furious, claimed, “You dare to hit your father? You’d sleep with your father but pretend not to recognize me? Am I Pan the Third supposed to rape you?” After a moment, Zhang said, “What Pan the Third? Are you Pan Lao San? When did you get here?” Pan accused, “You invite me, yet blame me for coming. You’re a cursed rabbit. Where have you hidden Zhang Zhongyu?” Zhang spat, “What nonsense! I am Zhang Zhongyu.”

Pan then said, “How so? You’re pretending to be Zhang Zhongyu to trick me?” This ruckus woke everyone in the house; servants and guards lit lamps and came in, finding the air thick with the smell of alcohol. They saw Zhang standing with a quilt underfoot, and Pan sitting on the floor, his face splattered with colors, barefoot, pointing at Zhang. The sight caused everyone to laugh, and they helped Pan up. Upon closer recognition, both turned away from each other, prompting more laughter. Lifting the quilt revealed a soaked shoe and a foul urine odor. The quilt and the floor were stained. The bed was a mess, and the bedding ruined. Pan asked, “Where are my socks?” Finding a trouser leg and a sock amidst scattered items on the floor, he ignored the cleanup. Servants brought basins of hot water for Pan and Zhang to wash their faces. By now, they were sober. Pan, feeling his wet trousers, changed into a borrowed pair and shoes. Zhang exclaimed, “Strange!” Pan echoed, “Indeed strange!” They laughed upon reflection. As dawn broke and the sun rose, Pan asked about Huifang’s whereabouts, learning that she had left after speaking earlier. A servant explained, “Last night after you two masters slept, Master Hua from outside the city sent for Huifang. No one dared to refuse him; he might keep her in the city for a few days.”

Zhang commented, “No wonder, Master Hua is not to be trifled with.” Pan, helpless and lamenting the loss of two hundred strings of cash, blamed Zhang for the mess and slap, resigning to sort things out later and left dejectedly with him.

On the other side, Huifang and Chunhang got up early, washed their faces, and had some refreshments. Huifang noticed a guqin on the wall.

She asked Chunhang, “Can you play the guqin?” Chunhang replied, “A little.” Huifang suggested, “Why not play a tune?” Whether Chunhang played or not, that will be revealed in the next episode.

　　話說蕙芳要春航撫琴，春航道：「少坐一坐。」便目不轉睛的看著蕙芳，蕙芳笑道：「難道你還認不仔細，只管發呆作什麼？」春航笑道：「我看卿旁研側媚，變態百出，如花光露氣，晚日迎風，眼光捉不住，倒越看越不能仔細。」蕙芳啐了一口，立起來把春航的鈕子解開，替他脫下衣裳。春航道：「待我自己來，你那裡慣，不要勞動了。」蕙芳即將衣包解開，取出一件小毛衣裳與他穿了，恰還合身。又叫他換了新靴新帽。

　　蕙芳笑嘻嘻的拿了鏡子，倚著春航一照，映出兩個玉人。春航看鏡中的蕙芳，正如蓮花解語，秋水無塵，便略略點一點頭，回轉臉來，卻好碰著蕙芳的臉，蕙芳把臉一側，起了半邊紅暈。

　　春航便覺心上一蕩，禁不得一陣異香，直透入鼻孔與心孔裡來。

　　此心已不能自主，忽急急的轉念道：他是我患難中知已，豈可稍涉邪念，便斂了斂神。蕙芳一笑走開了。春航換了新衣，依然丰姿奕奕，神采飛揚，與從前一樣。

　　蕙芳坐了，在書案上翻了一翻書，翻著一本詩稿，半真半行的字，有數十頁，面上題著《燕臺旅稿》。蕙芳隨手一揭，見是一首七言古詩，題是《惱公》詩，便低低的念起來道：

簾鉤戛玉聲玲瓏，櫻桃花映銀絲櫳。
綠雲欹側燕釵墮，年年錦字春機紅。
　　蕙芳道：「好詩！這派詩是學溫、李的三十六體，纖穠之極。」春航道：「偶一為之，亦只能貌似耳。」蕙芳又念下去道：

遠山寸碧雙眉翠，鮫綃半染胭脂淚。
玳瑁梁間燕子飛，鴛鴦瓦上狸奴睡。
　　蕙芳道：「好工致，韻亦轉得脆，狸奴句勝似燕子．再搭上鴛鴦瓦，更新。」再念道：

飄煙抱月一尺腰，
星眸欲妒春雲嬌。
　　蕙芳叫一聲「好」又道：「『近行前來百媚生，兀得不引了人魂靈，臨去秋波』，猶未足喻其妙也。」春航道：「光景倒像你。」蕙芳道：「我也配？」又念下去是：

玉螭細細盤條脫，金雀雙雙飛步搖。
多情郎似桐花風，日近雲鬟身不動。
軟愛香羅霧觳輕，嬌嫌錦帳銀鉤重。

　　蕙芳道：「好濃豔工穩。我見猶憐，你是為誰而作？既『日近雲鬟身不動』了，又何必天天上戲園呢？」春航便走過來，輕輕的靠在蕙芳椅背上道：「此人難道算不得戲園中人？從前思近芳澤而不能，如今倒也如願而償了。」蕙芳道：「是誰？是我們班裡的麼？」春航點頭說「是」。蕙芳道：「等我想一想像誰？上二句纖腰抱月，星眸妒雲，非袁瑤卿不足當此二語。下兩句軟愛羅輕，嬌嫌帳重，非金瘦香卻也不稱。是他二人麼？」春航搖搖頭。蕙芳道：「然則是誰呢？」春航道：「還有一人能兼二人之妙，你倒猜不著他。」蕙芳道：「我真猜不著，你老實說了罷。」春航笑道：「我老實說，是個寓言空空的，如果有人像他，就算那人罷了。」蕙芳也不追求，又念道：

畫欄珠箔懸蜻蜒，碧桃一樹開娉婷。
朝朝花下許郎看，只格一扇玻璃屏。

　　蕙芳便掩卷想了一想道：「好美人，花容月貌。好才子，繡口錦心。懸蜻蜒三字說什麼的，想有典故。」春航道：「李義山詩『曉簾串斷蜻蜒翼，羅屏但有空青色。』」蕙芳道：「這首我見過偶然忘了，看你底下怎樣轉接呢。」又念道：

郎彩桃花比儂面，桃花易見依難見。
妾貌常如月二分，郎心莫學文三變。
　　蕙芳道：「須得如此一開，底下便生出一番話來。文三變，可是說你變了心麼？」春航道：「是用《藝文序》上：『唐文章無慮三變』的一句。」蕙芳看著春航道：「這麼想來，你也算不得有良心的人。」春航道：「何出此言？」蕙芳道：「他的貌呢也不能常如月二分，你的心自必至文三變了。」春航笑道：「論詩那可以如此認真？便是十成死句了。」蕙芳一笑，又念道：

羅幃寂寞真珠房，麝臍龍髓憐餘香。
錦鱗三十六難寄，碧簫吹斷雲天長。

　　蕙芳點頭歎道：「人生世上，離合悲歡，是一定有的。」又念下去道：

綠繡笙囊掛東壁，無花無言春寂寂。
怨女思彈桑婦箏，宮人愁倚楊紀笛。

　　蕙芳道：「好巧對。這桑婦箏、楊妃笛實在借對得工巧。上句自然是用的《羅敷陌上桑》了。這楊紀笛，我記得張祜詩『小窗靜院無人見，閒把寧王玉笛吹』；又曾看過《貴妃外傳》：

　　明皇與兄弟同處，妃子竊寧王玉笛吹之，因此忤旨。可是用這個典故麼？」春航道：「也可算得，但搭不上『宮人愁倚』四字。我是用《集異記》上，帝至蜀，月夜登樓，故貴紀侍者紅桃，歌妃所制《涼州曲》，上御貴紀玉笛倚之，吹罷相視掩泣的事。」蕙芳點頭，又念道： 　　

海棠醉墮蝴蝶飛，柳綿無力情依依。
井底水如妾心意，路旁塵惹君身衣。
　　蕙芳便覺淒然，作色道：「一往情深，纏綿排惻，好個有情人。底下便是結語了。」念道：「翠毛麼風拖紅尾。」蕙芳道：「此句劈空而來，筆勢奇崛，又推開了。鳳有紅尾的麼？」春航道：「溫飛卿詩有『秦王女騎紅尾風。』」蕙芳又念道：「跨風隨郎三萬里。一日香心思百回，閒時又逐爐煙起。」方才念完，只見高品進來道：「好詩！有如此嬌音，方配念這香豔的佳章。但詩中有一句，要改三個字，更覺貼切。」蕙芳走上一步，見了道：「昨夜要來請安，你已睡了。」高品笑道：「這麼說，你們已是睡過一夜的了。」蕙芳碎了一口道：「我們昨夜直談到此刻。」高品道：「臉上氣色不像。」春航道：「你說那一句詩要改？」高品道：「『井底水如妾心意』的對句。」蕙芳便又看著下句念道：「『路旁塵惹君身衣』沒有什麼不好。」高品道：「好原好，太空些，不如改做』車前泥染君身衣』，便真切有味。」蕙芳嫣然一笑。春航道：「到你開口，就沒有一句好話。」高品又將春航身上，細細打量了一會道：「我昨日卜了一卦，是：『天風垢，變山風蠱，互水天需。』其爻辭難解得很。」即念道：「『田獲一兔，往遇雨，需於泥。見金夫，遇主於廟，糯有衣袽，貞吉。』詳不出來。」

　　蕙芳卻呆呆的聽著，春航笑道：「你自會卜，倒不會詳。」高品也笑了。

　　蕙芳要問高品時，見窗外腳步響，有個人影來影去。春航問：「是誰？」聽得咳嗽一聲，應道：「是我，尋高老爺有句話說。」高品聽口聲便道：「妙兮，妙兮。」出來一望，果然是廟裡的唐和尚，問道：「你有什麼話說？」唐和尚便笑嘻嘻的鑽將進來，與春航見了，看見了蕙芳，便合著掌道：「阿彌陀佛，原來菩薩降臨，小僧有失迎接，罪過，罪過。怪不得昨晚一夜的祥雲瑞雨，今早佛殿上觀世音旁邊，一尊龍女香菩薩不見了，原來在這裡。」蕙芳也認得這個唐和尚，聽了掩口而笑。去年春航初到京時，也曾眠香訪翠，唐和尚為其拉過皮條，所以也常到裡邊來走走。後來厭他惡俗，不大與他往來了。高品是與他常頑笑的，便把他的帽子揪下，在他頂上摩了一摩，對著蕙芳說道：「媚香，我出副對，給你對對。」即說道：

　　「若錐處囊中，穎脫而出。」蕙芳笑了一笑，唐和尚便奪了帽子戴上，便道：「高老爺，你、你、你。」又不說了，嘻著嘴笑。蕙芳道：「我已對了。」即念道：「如飄浮水面，頂圓而光。」春航、高品都笑說道：「對得好，敏捷且好。」唐和尚笑道：「多謝、多謝，小僧有幸得逢菩薩贊揚，倒沒有說我的像雞巴。」便拉了高品出去，在院子裡講了幾句話，便自去了。高品復又進來，三人同吃了飯。蕙芳要聽春航彈琴，便把琴取了，解了琴囊，放在桌上道：「彈罷！可要焚香？」春航道：「焚香倒是俗套。」高品道：「有了媚香，已經香得簇腦門的了，自然不要焚香。」蕙芳便把高品推過，自己坐在琴桌邊，細細看著春航和弦。高品道：「我是不懂，倒像彈棉匠彈棉花一樣，有甚好聽？」蕙芳道：「你不懂，今日便是對牛彈琴。」恰好遇著高品屬牛，高品一笑道：「請你就把這對牛彈琴對出來。」蕙芳也不去想他，隨口說道：「沒有對。」高品道：「見免放箭。」蕙芳略停一停道：「你們那個李玉林倒屬兔，今年十六歲，你去叫了玉免兒來吧。」春航也要高品去叫玉林，高品也高興，即打發人叫玉林去了。又吩附備了幾樣菜。

　　春航和了一會琴，一三兩弦低些收不緊，只得和了個慢商，把一弦三弦各慢徽，再將二四五六七諸弦，仍用五音調法調好。散挑五，名指按十勾三。散挑三，中指按十勾一。彈了幾個《陳摶得道仙翁》。又點了些泛音，彈起《結客少年場》這套琴來。從四弦九徽上泛起，勾二挑六，勾四挑五，琮琮，彈了二十二聲，仍到九徽上泛止，彈的曲文是：

　　　有田磽角，有馬齧蹄，磽角之田菀其特，齧蹄之馬隔花嘶。

　　四句後，便散挑七弦、六弦，勾四弦，挑六弦，勾二弦。

　　以下便是實音。見他左手大指，在二弦九徽上，揉了兩揉，以下彈了五聲，作一個掐起又三聲，中食兩指撮動四六兩弦，左手大指在六弦九徽上吟著。又彈了五聲，撮動七五兩弦。又彈五演，撮動五三兩弦。又彈五聲，撮動七五兩弦。又彈五演，撮動五三兩弦。共聽得有三十四聲。曲文是：

隔花驕馬善識人，骯髒少年意氣真。軟細飛雲履，光明一字巾。綈袍季子劍，風雨馮異薪。

　　是第一段，卻是抑揚頓挫，餘韻悠然。便接彈第二段，是剔七弦托七弦，起頭吟操綽注，便多了來往牽帶，指法入細，有激昂慷慨之態出來。彈到第十聲一撮，十五聲又一撮，到二十三聲卻聽得叮噹的兩聲，作了一個背鎖。甚是好聽。以下又彈了六聲。這段曲文是：大哥輕死，浩氣貫虹日。二哥輕錢財，恐鬼笑什一。小弟輕權勢，王侯不屈膝。

　　略頓一頓，再彈第三段，是勾一弦，左手中指，注下十三徽起。以下便在十三徽上勾二，勾三，勾四。便覺聲音洪大，商中有宮。又彈了幾聲，忽聽得啞啞啞的三聲，在七六五三弦上，彈出一個索鈴來，是最好聽的。以後又聽到第十三聲後，忽七弦上啷鈴鈴的四五聲。作一個短鎖，又將五七兩弦，四六兩弦，撮了四聲，又慢慢的彈了九聲住了。曲文是：

千秋今事業，意氣在少年。二十歲以下，當頭大哥前。三八多一齡，二哥我比肩。白日指天青，酹酒無丁寧。
　　春航要站起來，蕙芳把手按住春航的手道：「正好聽，快彈下去。」春航道：「彈完了。」蕙芳道：「怎麼這麼快？」

　　春航道：「這套琴就只三段。」蕙芳道：「太短，再彈長的。」高品笑道：「湘帆，媚香嫌你快，又嫌你短。你總得貼張千嬌百美膏才好。」春航道：「胡說！」蕙芳要去撕高品的嘴，高品便深深作揖道：「寬恕小生這一次罷。」惹得蕙芳倒笑了。蕙芳要春航彈《胡笳十八拍》，又要彈《洞天春曉》，說道：「這兩套我聽蕭靜宜彈得最好，他並有琴蕭合譜。他曾教過我吹簫。」春航道：「《洞天春曉》這套琴卻好，但太長。《胡筋十八拍》沒有什麼意思，於本意不大很合，不如彈一套《水仙操》罷。」又停了一會，再和好了弦，清清冷冷的彈起來。這套琴共十二段，指法最細，吟揉綽注，正是一分錯亂不得。

　　彈到第四五段，恍如見湘靈鼓瑟，馮夷擊鼓：第六七段，恍如見湘娥啼竹，列子御風，鳴嗚咽咽，如怨如慕，如泣如訴。真是拔劍斲地，搔首問天，清風瑟瑟，從窗隙中來。蕙芳與高品，都正襟危坐，靜氣斂容的聽著。忽然七弦六徽二分上低了，五弦六徽上高了，四弦九徽上也差了幾分。春航道：「奇了，宮商為何忽亂起來？」高品、蕙芳卻聽不出。春航又把弦和了一和，和不准，即住手問高品：「廟裡有彈琴的人麼？」高品道：「胡琴或者和尚會拉，琴是沒有人會彈的。」春航道：「必有會彈琴的人在外聽著，所以琴聲變了。」春航說完，忽聽院子內狂笑起來。倒把高品等嚇了一跳。

　　高品急出來看時，不是別人，恰是史南湘左手挽著王蘭保，右手攜了李玉林，面上已有了幾分酒意。又見玉林手內拈了一枝杏花，後面又跟著三四個人。高品見自己的跟班也在院子裡，高品問道：「你從何處來？」南湘道：「你叫相公瞞著我，倒問我從何處來？我今日同了靜芳到怡園，他們都在家，留我吃了飯。佩仙也在座，還有瑤卿、瘦香兩個。吃完了飯，佩仙家內有人來叫他，度香問起來，方知道是你叫的，我就辭了度香同來。」即指玉林手內的花道：「今日就在那裡賞杏花。」又問高品道：「你又幾時會彈琴，你要學琴，須我教你。方才這《水仙操》倒也彈得好。」高品道：「我何嘗會彈？彈琴的就是田湘帆。」南湘已聽見仲清講過田湘帆的才學，便道：「既是田湘帆，何不出來會我史竹君？」高品道：「我為介紹。」說到此，蕙芳已出來見了，即便拉了南湘進去。南湘道：「咦，你也在這裡，不料今日高卓然的齋堂倒成廠石季倫的金谷。」那邊春航亦迎出來，彼此相見，未免道了些仰慕的話。玉林、蘭保也與春航見了，與蕙芳坐在一處。南湘對著高品道：「卓然既叫相公，自然有酒，不要裝呆，快拿出來罷。」高品道：「酒是有，只沒有仙桃益壽丸。」南湘道：「我縱醉了，也不至樓上滾下樓來。」便都笑了。

　　高品的跟班同廚子把酒看肴上來。大家在圓桌上坐了。南湘與春航又談了些琴譜文藝，彼此均各敬服。高品道：「當今史竹君，是梨園的狄梁公；田湘帆，是戲班的李藥師。」南湘道：「你又胡言亂道了。」春航道：「怎麼說？我倒不明白。」高品道：「竹君序那《燕臺花選》，這些小旦，便為公門桃李，兔絲、馬勃盡是藥籠中物，這不是狄梁公麼？湘帆弄到精光，昨夜有個夤夜私奔的紅拂來，這不是李藥師麼？」大家都笑，唯蕙芳紅了臉道：「前日既然樓上跌下來，倒不變成了鱉，或是跌折了腿也好。」高品笑道：「樓上跌下來，總還平常，只怕在戲園門口跌在車轍裡，被騾子踏殺了，那倒可怕。」南湘問起來，高品就一五一十的說了，羞得春航無地可容。

　　南湘也大笑道：「湘帆真是韻人，絕代佳人以一跌感之，倒是從來未有之事。古聞孫壽墮妝，梁冀下馬。今見蘇郎唱戲，田子跟車。一副好對，持贈媚香罷。」蕙芳睃著南湘道：「你何苦也學著那嚼舌頭的人挖苦我。」高品道：「這話是恨我已深，其實我與你無仇無怨，何心這樣惡狠狠的？」蕙芳道：「你再說，我就卸你的底了。」高品道：「儘管卸，我卻不怕。」蕙芳便念道：「請筵享官、賞戴貂翎、會館副總裁、戲園行走、書畫廠校對、兼管南城街道廳、各梨園樂部、稽察各處新聞事務、到一處祭酒、汗淋學士、總管外務府大臣、麴部尚書、世襲一等史國公，加一急，繼樂一次高。」聽罷，眾人大笑。

　　這官銜是劉文澤編成的，席中惟有南湘一人知道，春航尚是創聞。高品道：「還有一個官銜你沒有說。」蕙芳道：「好像沒有了。」高品道：「還有監造兔園冊子呢。」南湘又笑。蕙芳不曾理會，即與蘭保、玉林在各人面前敬了幾杯酒。春航前次已見過玉林，看他豐致嫣然，雖遜蕙芳一籌，然比起從前賞識的一班相公，卻高得多。見他桃腮粉膩，蓮臉香生，另有一種體態丰姿。見他對高品更覺綢纓，倒像各分出了疆界來。

　　又看那王蘭保，卻是史南湘最得意的，春航倒有些怕他。柳眉貼翠，含嬌處亦復含嗔。鳳眼斜睃，似人情亦似有怒。徑行自遂，倜儻不羈。年紀十七歲，是個武旦，學得一手好拳腳。南湘是個放浪形骸之外的人，從前初識蘭保時，也曾大鬧過幾場，已後倒又相好起來。蘭保也知南湘的性情、脾氣，倒與他十分貼切。每到南湘醉後發狂，經蘭保當前，便已自醒。

　　今日席上唯春航不善飲酒，南湘那裡肯依，便猜拳行令的百般鬧起來。

　　偏是春航輸得多了，以後便不肯飲。南湘命蘭保斟了一杯酒，去灌春航。蘭保即拿著酒來，走到春航面前，蕙芳知春航不能飲酒，便湊著蘭保的手飲了。

　　蘭保笑道：「這干你什麼事？要你越俎而代？」蕙芳笑道：「這叫做借他人之杯酒，澆自己之壘塊。」蘭保道：「既然如此，倒請多乾幾杯。」便斟了幾滿杯酒，要蕙芳飲。蕙芳道：「我不愛飲了，適可而止。」蘭保道：「那由不得你，你不聞』失意睚毗間，白刃相交加』麼？」南湘、春航看著他們，高品對著王蘭保作嘴作臉，要他罰蕙芳的酒。李玉林則斜身單香肩，姨然而笑。蘭保也笑道：「你真不喝？」蕙芳有些怕他，只得陪著笑道：「蘭哥饒了我罷。」玉林也再三替他討情，蘭保終是不肯，猶罰了蕙芳一杯，方才開交。大家又飲過了一會，忽見蕙芳家內有人來叫蕙芳。蕙芳出去問道：「什麼事？那兩個醉漢怎樣了？」來人答道：「那兩個鬧了一夜，早上都回去了。方才來了一個面生人，說是廣東人，姓奚，叫奚十一老爺。慕你的名，在家候著。」蕙芳道：「什麼樣兒？不要又是潘其觀一類人。」來人道：「看他光景很闊，帶著四個跟班，三十來歲年紀。」蕙芳道：「回他去罷，說今日不回去呢。」來人去了。

　　蕙芳進來，春航問起何事？惹芳道：「家內有人尋我，我回他去了。」高品道：「是誰？蕙芳道：「不認得。來人說叫什麼奚十一，是廣東人。」高品道：「好累贅姓，兜頭一撇，握頸三拳，中間便絲絲的攪不清，這要假充個大老官。東方之夷有九種，不知他是那一種。」蕙芳道：「你倒好在廟門口，擺個測字攤子。」說得大家笑了。高品道：「今日清飲無趣，何不拿奚十一來做個令？」南湘道：「奚十一怎麼好做令？」

　　高品道：「我們三個人從《四書》上找那個奚宇，要從第一個，說到第十一個，說差了照字數罰酒。他們三個人，替我們分消。」春航道：「《四書》上未必有這許多奚宇。」南湘道：「就有也不能湊數。」高品道：「不過罰幾杯酒就是了，何妨試他一試，我先說。」即說道：「奚。」春航道：「那一句書的奚字，要說明白。」高品道：「奚取於三家的奚。」南湘便道：「子奚……女奚。」高品道：「多說了一句，罰兩杯。」南湘道：「不興說兩句麼？」高品道：「不興。」南湘就飲了。春航接著道：「此物奚……」高品贊道：「說得好！」便道：「夫如是奚……」又道：「天子穆穆，奚……」南湘道：「罰人罰到自己了，誰叫你說兩句。況這個奚，就是你說的第一個奚字，要倍罰十杯。」高品道：「我是一句四字，一句五字，又不算雷同，怎麼要罰？」南湘道：「你說不興說兩句的，如何亂起令來？」高品被他們逼住了，只得罰了五杯，慢慢的飲了。

　　輪到南湘，南湘便頓住了口，一時倒想不出來。高品道：「罰了五杯，我代你說。」南湘又想了一會沒有，只得飲了三杯，蘭保代了兩杯。高品說道：「是亦為政，奚……」南湘道：「怎麼我就想不著。」春航也想了一會道：「虞不用百里奚……」南湘拍著桌子道：「罰得冤！有庳之人奚……」春航、高品都贊好，應輪到高品說第七個，春航便搶說道：「則於事我者也，奚．…．」南湘便指著高品道；「如此則與禽獸奚……」

　　大家都笑起來。高品道：「都要罰。第七個奚字輪到我說，為什麼要你們搶說？」李玉林便斟起罰酒來，南湘、春航只圖說得爽快，倒也意不在罰。南湘飲了五杯，蘭保代了兩杯。春航飲了三杯，蕙芳代了四杯。

　　高品催南湘說第八個奚字，南湘道：「第七個你還沒有說，要罰。」因便叫蘭保斟酒。商品道：「豈有此理！你們都搶說了，叫我說出什麼來？還要罰我，天理良心何在？」李玉林也替高品說情，南湘只得依了，便道：「以粟易之。曰：許子奚……」春航道：「第九個到少。」便想了一想道：「與禮之輕者而比之奚與禮之重者而比之奚。」蕙芳便頓足道：「你何必要說兩句？」高品道：「好呵，罰九杯。」蕙芳道：「這不能。」高品那裡肯依，先罰慧芳五杯，再罰了春航四杯。南湘忽然想著了兩句，忍不住不說，也顧不成罰酒，便一氣說道：「南面而徵北狄怨，曰：奚……以其小者．信其大者，奚……」蘭保便跳起來道：「祖宗，你就愛飲也不犯拖累人。輪不到你說，要你說這兩句做什麼？」南湘也有些懊悔，高品道：「沒得說，十八杯。」南湘道：「十八杯斷乎不能，那真要服仙桃益壽丸了。」春航、蕙芳、玉林也替南湘討情，罰了九杯。南湘賭氣，一人獨自飲了。高品道：「我這第七個奚字，亦想著了。」便道：「故誠信而喜之，奚……」又接口道：」不以四方之食，供簿正曰奚。」春航掐指一數道：「這可該罰了，要說第十個，你說了第十一個。」高品道：「我說錯了。」「此惟救死而恐不贍，奚……」南湘數一數，又是九個。蕙芳便立起來，執定要罰高品十九杯。高品不肯，蘭保也幫著蕙芳要罰，不肯減數。經高品苦求，只罰了十一杯，玉林代丁三杯，高品一連飲了八杯。南湘想了一會，手在桌上畫了十畫，道：「勇士不忘喪其元，孔子奚……」底下是春航，也想了好一會，道：「子路宿於石門，晨門曰：奚……」高品道：『報應得快，罰十杯。你應該說十一了。』春航一想，果然錯了。蕙芳便攔住道：「你也看各人的酒量，不可一味的傻罰。」高品道：「酒令嚴如軍令，自然要執一的。」蕙芳道：「記著，明日飲罷。」高品道：「你們的開發倒可明日，酒可不能明日。」玉林道：「打個對折，喝五杯罷。」蕙芳又代了三杯，春航勉強飲了兩杯。底下是高品收令，想了一會道：「昔者趙簡子使王良與嬖奚……」說完。大家相視而笑。已有二更多天，吃了飯，各要散。蕙芳的車已等了多時，隨即辭了眾人，先回去了。王蘭保是同了南湘出來，李玉林的車尚未來接，都搭了南湘的車回家。

　　南湘先送了蘭保回去，又選李玉林到門口。

　　玉林留他進去，南湘道：「天不早了，改日再見罷。」便一徑回家。經王恂門口走過，南湘忽然口渴，便叫跟班的進去一問王少爺可睡了沒有？跟班的走到門房說知，管門的到書房，探看王恂、顏仲清尚未安睡。門上回過，王恂等便叫請進，史南湘進來。未知後事如何，且聽下回分解。

Huifang asked Chunhang to play the guqin, to which Chunhang replied, “Please, have a seat first.” He then stared intently at Huifang. Huifang, smiling, asked, “Can’t you recognize me? Why just stare blankly?” Chunhang responded, “Looking at you is like seeing a variety of beautiful transformations, like flowers shining with dew in the evening breeze. Your beauty is so captivating, the more I look, the less I can grasp the details.” Huifang playfully spat and stood up, beginning to unbutton Chunhang’s clothes and helping him out of them. Chunhang protested, “Let me do it; you’re not used to it. No need to trouble yourself.” Huifang then opened a clothing bag and pulled out a small woolen outfit for him, which fit perfectly. She also had him change into new boots and a new hat.

Huifang, with a giggling smile, took a mirror and leaned it against Chunhang, reflecting the image of two beautiful figures. Chunhang, seeing Huifang in the mirror, thought she looked like a lotus that could speak and autumn waters that were dust-free. He nodded slightly, turned his face, and accidentally brushed against Huifang’s cheek, causing her to blush on one side.

Chunhang felt a stir in his heart, unable to resist the intoxicating fragrance that penetrated his nostrils and heart.

He quickly reminded himself that she was a friend who had supported him through hard times, and he should not harbor improper thoughts, so he composed himself. Huifang smiled and walked away. Dressed in new clothes, Chunhang still possessed his elegant and vibrant demeanor, just as before.

Huifang sat down, flipped through some books on the desk, and found a poetry manuscript titled “Yantai Travel Draft” with dozens of pages of semi-cursive, semi-regular script. She randomly read a seven-character ancient poem titled “Annoying the Duke”:

The curtain hooks clink like jade, the cherry blossoms reflect against the silver bamboo.

The green cloud tilts and the swallow’s hairpin falls, each year the brocade writes of spring’s vibrancy.

Huifang exclaimed, “What a good poem! This style is derived from Wen and Li’s thirty-six styles, extremely delicate.” Chunhang remarked, “It was a spontaneous creation, merely an imitation.” Huifang continued reading:

Distant mountains a shade of green, eyebrows like emerald, silk lightly stained with rouge tears.

Tortoiseshell between the beams, swallows fly, on the roof tiles, a sleeping cat.

Huifang commented, “Such craftsmanship, and the rhyme snaps crisply; the cat line surpasses the swallows. Paired with the mandarin ducks on the tiles, it’s refreshing.” She read on:

Smoke embraces the moon at the waist an inch thin,

Star eyes jealous of the spring clouds’ charm.

Huifang exclaimed, “Excellent!” and added, “‘Nearby, as she approaches, all charm comes alive; how can one not be captivated? The autumn glance before she leaves,’ still does not fully capture its beauty.” Chunhang said, “It sounds just like you.” Huifang replied, “Am I worthy?” and continued:

Delicate dragon coils slip loose, twin golden sparrows flutter and sway.

A lover like the wind through paulownia flowers, the sun nears the cloud-like hair, the body remains still.

Tender love as light as mist, the heavy silver hooks of the silken tent despised.

Huifang remarked, “Such rich and vivid artistry. Who did you write this for, seeing as you’ve already reached ‘the sun nears her cloud-like hair, the body remains still,’ why must you go to the theater garden every day?” Chunhang approached and leaned lightly against the back of Huifang’s chair, replying, “Isn’t this person worth the theater garden? I’ve longed to be close to your fragrance and now finally have my wish fulfilled.” Huifang asked, “Who is it? Someone from our troupe?” Chunhang nodded and said “Yes.” Huifang pondered, “Let me think, who could it be? The first two lines about embracing the moon and being jealous of the clouds must be about Yuan Yaoqing. The last two lines about tender love and despising heavy curtains, if not Jin Shouxian, they would not fit. Are they about these two?” Chunhang shook his head. Huifang then asked, “So who is it?” Chunhang replied, “There’s one person who embodies the charm of both, but you can’t guess who it is.” Huifang said, “I really can’t guess, just tell me honestly.” Chunhang smiled and said, “To be honest, it’s all fictional. If anyone resembles the character, then it’s that person.”

Huifang, not pressing further, read on:

Pearl curtains hang with dragonflies, a single peach tree blooms elegantly.

Every morning beneath the flowers I promise my love, just a glass pane separates us.

Huifang closed the book and mused, “Such a beauty, with a face like the moon and a brilliant mind. What does ‘hanging dragonflies’ signify? There must be a story behind it.” Chunhang quoted, “Li Yishan’s poem: ‘Morning curtains break like dragonfly wings, the screen shows only the empty blue.’” Huifang said, “I’ve seen this poem before and just forgot about it. Let’s see how you continue.” She read further:

My love’s face outshines peach blossoms, blossoms are easy to find, my love is hard.

My beauty always half as bright as the moon, let not your heart change as did Wen’s thrice.

Huifang remarked, “It should open like this, then a story unfolds. ‘Wen changes thrice,’ are you saying your heart has changed?” Chunhang explained, “It’s from ‘Yiwen Xu’: ‘Tang prose changes without concern thrice.’” Huifang looked at Chunhang and said, “Thinking about it, you really can’t be called conscientious.” Chunhang asked, “Why do you say that?” Huifang replied, “If her beauty can’t always be like half the moon, then your heart must have changed three times over.” Chunhang laughed, “How can poetry be taken so literally? That would make it utterly cliché.” Huifang smiled and continued reading:

Silk curtains lonely as a pearl chamber, musk and dragon marrow linger with leftover fragrance.

Thirty-six brocades can’t send, a jade flute breaks the endless cloud sky.

Huifang nodded and sighed, “In this world, joy and sorrow, meeting and parting are inevitable.” She went on:

The green embroidered bag hangs on the eastern wall, no flowers, no words, spring silent.

The resentful woman plucks the mulberry wife’s zither, the palace maid mournfully leans on Yang Ji’s flute.

Huifang commented, “Such clever pairing. The mulberry wife’s zither and Yang Fei’s flute, perfectly matched. The former line surely uses ‘Luofu on the Mulberry Path.’ This Yang Ji flute, I recall Zhang Hu’s poem ‘Through the quiet window of the still courtyard, I play the Ning Wang jade flute,’ and I’ve also seen ‘Empress’s Biography’:

Emperor Ming shared his space with his brother, the concubine secretly played Ning Wang’s jade flute, thus offending the decree. Is that the allusion used here?” Chunhang replied, “It could be, but it doesn’t match ‘the palace maid mournfully leans.’ I used the story from ‘Collection of Marvels,’ where the emperor visits Shu, ascends the tower on a moonlit night, and the old favored servant Hongtao, sings the empress’s made ‘Liangzhou Song,’ leaning on the emperor’s jade flute, and after playing they look at each other and weep.” Huifang nodded and read on:

Drunk crabapple flowers, butterflies fly, willow cotton feeble with persistent affection.

Water at the well bottom like my heart’s intent, roadside dust clings to your clothes.

Huifang felt a deep sorrow and exclaimed, “Such deep affection and lingering emotions, truly a person full of love. This must be the conclusion.” She read, “Green feathers and the wind drag a red tail.” Huifang then said, “This line comes out of nowhere; it’s uniquely bold and pushes the boundaries. Do phoenixes even have red tails?” Chunhang replied, “Wen Feiqing’s poem mentions, ‘The princess rides the red-tailed wind.’” Huifang continued reading, “Traverse the wind alongside the gentleman for thirty thousand miles. A day of fragrant thoughts a hundred times over, and idle times follow the rise of furnace smoke.” Just as she finished, Gaopin entered and said, “What a beautiful poem! Only such a delicate voice is suited to recite such fragrant and exquisite verses. But there is one line in the poem that should be changed by three words to fit better.” Huifang stepped forward upon seeing him and said, “I came to wish you well last night, but you were already asleep.” Gaopin chuckled, “So it seems you have spent the night together already.” Huifang crisply replied, “We talked until this moment last night.” Gaopin observed, “Your complexion suggests otherwise.” Chunhang asked, “Which line of the poem do you think should be changed?” Gaopin responded, “The line ‘The water at the bottom of the well reflects my feelings as a concubine.’” Huifang then read the next line, “Dust by the roadside clings to your clothes,” and Gaopin commented, “It’s good, but too abstract. It would be better as ‘Mud before the carriage stains your clothes,’ giving it a more vivid sense.” Huifang smiled gracefully. Chunhang remarked, “Whenever you speak, it’s never anything nice.” Gaopin then scrutinized Chunhang and said, “I cast a divination yesterday: ‘Heavenly wind purifies, changes to mountain wind poison, and exchanges with heavenly need.’ Its lines are very difficult to interpret.” He recited, “‘A field catches a rabbit, encounters rain, needs in the mud. Meets a man of gold, encounters the master at the temple, sticky with rice-coated clothes, auspicious if steadfast.’ I can’t explain it.”

Huifang listened blankly while Chunhang laughed, “You know how to divine but not how to explain.” Gaopin also laughed.

As Huifang was about to question Gaopin, footsteps sounded outside the window, and a shadow moved back and forth. Chunhang asked, “Who is it?” After a cough, the reply came, “It’s me, seeking Lord Gao for a word.” Recognizing the voice, Gaopin exclaimed, “Wonderful, wonderful!” and upon going out, indeed it was Tang the monk from the temple, who asked, “What do you need to say?” Tang the monk cheerily came in, greeted Chunhang, and seeing Huifang, joined his palms and said, “Amitabha, so the Bodhisattva has descended. I am at fault for not greeting you properly. No wonder there was divine rain last night, and this morning the Dragon Lady Bodhisattva next to Guanyin in the temple is missing—turns out she’s here.” Huifang, recognizing Tang the monk and remembering how he had previously facilitated a meeting when Chunhang first arrived in the capital, laughed behind her hand. She had frequently visited back then but had later avoided him due to his vulgarity. Gaopin, who often joked with him, playfully pulled off his hat, rubbed it on his head, and said to Huifang, “Charming scent, I’ll make a couplet for you.” He then said, “If a sharp tool lies within the bag, its tip emerges.” Huifang smiled, and Tang the monk snatched his hat back and began to say to Gaopin, “You, you, you…” but then just grinned without finishing. Huifang declared, “I have already responded,” and recited, “Like floating on the water’s surface, round and shining.” Chunhang and Gaopin both laughed, saying, “Well matched, quick and good.” Tang the monk thanked them, “Thank you, thank you. I am fortunate to have the Bodhisattva’s praise, and you did not liken me to a rooster.” He then pulled Gaopin outside, spoke a few words in the courtyard, and left. Gaopin returned inside, and the three of them had a meal together. Huifang wanted to hear Chunhang play the guqin, so she took out the instrument, untied the bag, placed it on the table, and said, “Play then! Should we light incense?” Chunhang replied, “Lighting incense is too clich

é.” Gaopin added, “With the charming scent already strong here, we naturally don’t need to light incense.” Huifang pushed Gaopin aside and sat next to the qin table, watching Chunhang carefully tune the strings. Gaopin remarked, “I don’t understand this; it sounds like a cotton spinner at work, what’s there to listen to?” Huifang replied, “You don’t understand, today it is truly like playing the qin to a cow.” It just so happened that Gaopin was born in the year of the ox, and he laughed, “Please then play the qin to this cow.” Huifang, without thinking much about his comment, simply said, “There’s no match.” Gaopin replied, “Watch out, don’t shoot an arrow.” Huifang paused briefly and said, “Your Li Yulin belongs to the rabbit, he’s sixteen this year, why don’t you call Jade Rabbit here.” Chunhang also urged Gaopin to call Yulin, and Gaopin, pleased, sent for him. He also prepared a few dishes.

Chunhang played the qin for a while, finding some strings too slack to tighten properly, so he played a slow tune, adjusting the first and third strings slowly, then tuning the second, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh strings using the pentatonic scale method. He plucked the fifth string, his ring finger pressing the tenth fret and hooking the third. He plucked the third string, the middle finger pressing the tenth fret and hooking the first. He played several pieces from “Chen Tuan’s Attainment of Daoist Immortality.” Then he played some harmonic tones, starting a piece called “Guest of Youth Arena.” Starting from the fourth string at the ninth fret, he hooked the second and plucked the sixth, hooked the fourth and plucked the fifth, producing twenty-two notes, returning to the ninth fret to end the melody. The tune’s lyrics were:

Fields with sharp corners, horses nibble at hooves, the fields of sharp corners thrive uniquely, horses that nibble at hooves neigh across flowers.

After four lines, he plucked the seventh and sixth strings, hooked the fourth, and plucked the sixth, then hooked the second.

The following section used actual tones. His left thumb, on the second string at the ninth fret, rubbed twice, then played five notes, pinched up three more, his middle and index fingers moved the fourth and sixth strings, his left thumb intoning on the sixth string at the ninth fret. He played five notes, moved the seventh and fifth strings, played five more, moved the fifth and third strings, played another five notes, moved the seventh and fifth strings, played five more, moved the fifth and third strings, totaling thirty-four notes. The lyrical content was:

Proud horses recognize people across flowers, dirty youth with genuine spirit. Soft and fine flying clouds shoes, bright single-character scarf. Silk robes, Ji Zi’s sword, wind and rain bear different fuel.

This was the first section, marked by rises and falls, with a lingering aftertaste. He then began the second section, picking the seventh string, supporting the seventh string, starting with a poetic and elaborate intonation, which involved more complex finger movements, showing a spirited and generous demeanor. When he reached the tenth note, he plucked it, and at the fifteenth note, another pluck, hearing two clear sounds at the twenty-third note, forming a lovely harmonic lock. It was very pleasing to hear. He then played another six notes. The lyrics for this section were: The eldest brother despises death, his spirit penetrates the rainbow sun. The second brother despises wealth, fearing ghosts laugh at everything. The youngest brother despises power, nobles do not bend the knee.

After a brief pause, Chunhang played the third section, hooking the first string with his left middle finger, starting from the thirteenth fret. He then played hooks on the second, third, and fourth strings at the same fret, producing a loud sound with a mix of the gong and shang modes. After a few notes, he suddenly played three muted sounds on the strings seven, six, five, and three, producing a delightful bell-like effect. After the thirteenth note, there came four or five ringing sounds from the seventh string, followed by a brief lock, and then four quick plucks on the fifth and seventh, and fourth and sixth strings, before slowly playing nine notes to a stop. The music’s lyrics were:

“For a thousand autumns, this endeavor lives on, the spirit lies in the youth. Under twenty years of age, leading ahead of the eldest brother. By thirty-eight plus one year, I stand shoulder to shoulder with my second brother. Pointing to the azure sky in daylight, pouring liquor, none can deter.”

As Chunhang was about to stand, Huifang pressed his hand and said, “It’s getting interesting, keep playing.” Chunhang responded, “It’s already finished.” Huifang exclaimed, “How can it end so quickly?”

Chunhang explained, “This piece only has three sections.” Huifang complained, “That’s too short, play something longer.” Gaopin joked, “Xiangfan, Meixiang thinks you’re too quick and too brief. You really need a patch of ‘a thousand charms and beauties’ to be satisfactory.” Chunhang retorted, “Nonsense!” Huifang attempted to tear Gaopin’s mouth, but Gaopin bowed deeply and said, “Forgive me this once,” which made Huifang laugh. Huifang then requested Chunhang to play “The Eighteen Beats of the Nomad Flute” and “Spring Dawn in the Cave Heavens,” commenting, “I’ve heard these two pieces played best by Xiao Jingyi, who also has a combined score for guqin and flute. He once taught me to play the flute.” Chunhang said, “‘Spring Dawn in the Cave Heavens’ is indeed good, but it’s very long. ‘The Eighteen Beats of the Nomad Flute’ isn’t very interesting, doesn’t really resonate with me, perhaps play ‘Water Immortal Melody’ instead.” After a pause and retuning the strings, he played again, this time a piece with twelve sections, requiring very precise finger movements, each note critical to the melody.

By the fourth and fifth sections, it was as if Xiang Ling was playing the guqin, and Feng Yi was beating the drums; in the sixth and seventh sections, it seemed as if Xiang E was crying through the bamboo, and Liezi was riding the wind, the sounds mournful and longing, like a lamentation. It was as if drawing a sword to strike the ground, scratching the head to question the heavens, with a cool breeze flowing through the cracks of the window. Huifang and Gaopin sat upright, listening intently with serene expressions. Suddenly, the pitch on the seventh string at the sixth fret dropped slightly, and the fifth string at the same fret was too high, with the fourth string at the ninth fret also slightly off. Chunhang exclaimed, “Strange, why is the tuning suddenly off?” Neither Gaopin nor Huifang could tell. Chunhang tried to tune the strings again but couldn’t get it right, then asked Gaopin, “Is there someone at the temple who plays the guqin?” Gaopin replied, “Maybe a monk plays the huqin, but no one plays the guqin.” Chunhang suggested, “There must be someone who knows how to play the guqin outside listening, that’s why the sound changed.” As soon as Chunhang finished speaking, laughter erupted from the courtyard, startling Gaopin and the others.

Gaopin rushed out to see and found it was Shi Nanxiang, arm in arm with Wang Lanbao on the left and holding Li Yulin on the right, all slightly tipsy. Yulin was holding a branch of apricot blossoms, followed by three or four others. Seeing his own attendant in the yard, Gaopin asked, “Where did you come from?” Nanxiang replied, “You ask me where I came from when you had Xianggong hide it from me? Today I went with Jingfang to Yi Garden, everyone was home, they invited me to stay for a meal. Peixian was also there, along with Yaoqing and Shouxian. After the meal, someone from Peixian’s house called him, and only then did I learn it was your doing, so I left with Duoxiang.” He indicated the flower in Yulin’s hand, “We were adm

iring the apricot blossoms there today.” He then asked Gaopin, “Since when do you play the guqin? If you want to learn, I should teach you. The ‘Water Immortal Melody’ you played earlier was quite good.” Gaopin replied, “When have I ever played? The player was Tian Xiangfan.” Nanxiang, having heard of Tian Xiangfan’s talents from Zhongqing, said, “Since it’s Tian Xiangfan, why doesn’t he come out to meet me, Shi Zhu-Jun?” Gaopin said, “I’ll introduce you.” As they spoke, Huifang came out to meet them and quickly pulled Nanxiang inside. Nanxiang remarked, “Ah, you’re here too? I didn’t expect today’s gathering at Gaopin’s to turn into Jin Valley of Shi Jilun.” Chunhang also came out to greet them, and they exchanged words of admiration. Yulin and Lanbao also met Chunhang and sat with Huifang. Nanxiang said to Gaopin, “Since Gaopin is hosting, naturally there should be wine, don’t play dumb, bring it out quickly.” Gaopin replied, “There is wine, but no ‘immortal peach longevity pills.’” Nanxiang joked, “Even if I get drunk, I won’t be rolling down from the upper floors.” Everyone laughed.

Gaopin’s attendants and the cook brought out the wine and dishes. Everyone sat at a round table. Nanxiang and Chunhang discussed qin scores and literature, each expressing mutual respect. Gaopin said, “Today, Zhu-Jun of Shi is like Di Liang of the Pear Garden; Tian Xiangfan is like Doctor Li of the opera troupes.” Nanxiang dismissed it, “You’re talking nonsense again.” Chunhang inquired, “What do you mean? I don’t understand.” Gaopin explained, “Zhu-Jun wrote ‘Selections of Yan Terrace Flowers.’ These young female roles, they’re like peaches and plums of the official gate, and the bits of fluff and puff are all from the medicine basket. Isn’t this what Di Liang is known for? Xiangfan cleans up everything. Last night, a Red Sleeve who eloped in the middle of the night came by, isn’t this like Doctor Li?” Everyone laughed, but Huifang blushed and said, “Since I fell from the upper floor the other day, it would have been better if I had turned into a turtle, or at least broken a leg.” Gaopin joked, “Falling from the upper floor is normal, but it would be scary to fall in a cart rut at the theater gate and be trampled by a mule.” When Nanxiang asked about it, Gaopin explained in detail, leaving Chunhang feeling ashamed.

Nanxiang laughed heartily, “Xiangfan is truly a poet, a beauty of the ages moved by a single fall, an unprecedented event. In the past, we heard of Sun Shou losing his makeup, and Liang Ji dismounting his horse. Today we see Su Lang singing opera, and Tianzi following a cart. A perfect couplet, a gift for Meixiang.” Huifang glanced at Nanxiang and said, “Why must you also join in with those who wag their tongues to mock me?” Gaopin said, “This speech shows deep hatred, yet I bear you no grudge, why such fierce animosity?” Huifang replied, “Speak again, and I’ll dismantle your foundation.” Gaopin retorted, “Go ahead, I’m not afraid.” Huifang then recited a mock official title for him: “Please enjoy the banquet, appreciate wearing a marten fur hat, vice-president of the guild hall, opera garden attendant, proofreader at the painting and calligraphy factory, also managing the South City Street Office, inspecting various news affairs at all the Pear Garden clubs, making sacrifices at one place, a sweaty scholar, managing foreign affairs as a minister, chief secretary of the malt department, hereditary first-class Duke of Shi Country, add one urgency, succeed in joy once more.” Everyone burst out laughing.

This title was devised by Liu Wenzhe, and only Nanxiang among those present knew it, Chunhang was hearing it for the first time. Gaopin said, “There’s one more title you didn’t mention.” Huifang responded, “It seems there are no more.” Gaopin added, “There’s also the supervisor of the rabbit garden record book.” Nanxiang laughed again. Huifang ignored him and offered several toasts to Lanbao and Yulin in front of everyone. Chunhang had already met Yulin before and saw his graceful charm; although not quite as striking as Huifang, he was far superior to the young masters Chunhang had previously admired

. Seeing his peachy cheeks and fragrant lotus face, he possessed a different kind of allure and grace. Seeing him interact with Gaopin, it seemed as though they had clearly demarcated their boundaries.

Looking at Wang Lanbao, who was Nanxiang’s favorite, Chunhang felt somewhat intimidated. Lanbao had willow-like eyebrows close to emerald, containing coyness and also a hint of anger. His phoenix eyes squinted slightly, seeming affectionate yet also angry. He behaved independently and unrestrainedly. At seventeen years old, he was a martial female role expert in martial arts. Nanxiang, an unrestrained person outside his physical form, had initially caused a big stir when he first met Lanbao, but they later got along well. Lanbao knew Nanxiang’s personality and temperament very well, and whenever Nanxiang got drunk and became wild, Lanbao was able to calm him down immediately.

At today’s banquet, only Chunhang was not good at drinking, but Nanxiang wouldn’t let it be and started all sorts of games involving guessing and giving orders involving drinks.

Chunhang lost many rounds and then refused to drink more. Nanxiang ordered Lanbao to pour a cup and force it on Chunhang. Lanbao brought the wine over to Chunhang, but Huifang, knowing Chunhang couldn’t handle his liquor, reached over and drank it herself.

Lanbao laughed, “What does this have to do with you? Are you substituting for someone else?” Huifang replied with a smile, “This is called using someone else’s cup to douse one’s own thirst.” Lanbao then said, “If that’s the case, please drink a few more cups.” He poured several full cups, urging Huifang to drink. Huifang said, “I don’t want to drink anymore, enough is enough.” Lanbao replied, “You don’t get to decide that. Haven’t you heard ‘in moments of frustration, swords may cross’?” Watching this exchange, Gaopin made faces at Lanbao, signaling him to make Huifang drink. Li Yulin leaned in, half-smiling from the side. Lanbao also smiled and asked, “You’re really not going to drink?” Huifang, slightly afraid of him, could only laugh along and said, “Please spare me, Brother Lan.” Yulin also pleaded on her behalf several times, but Lanbao was relentless and made Huifang drink another cup before letting it go. After they drank for a while longer, someone from Huifang’s household came to call her out. Huifang went out and asked, “What’s the matter? How are those two drunkards doing?” The person replied, “They made a fuss all night and went back this morning. Just now, a stranger came, he’s from Guangdong, named Xi Shiyi, Mr. Xi. He admires your name and is waiting at your house.” Huifang asked, “What does he look like? I hope he’s not another like Pan Qiguan.” The person answered, “He looks quite wealthy, brought four attendants, and appears to be about thirty years old.” Huifang said, “Tell him I won’t be returning today.” The messenger left.

Huifang came back inside, and Chunhang asked what was the matter. Huifang said, “Someone was looking for me at home, I’ve sent them away.” Gaopin asked, “Who was it?” Huifang replied, “I don’t know him. The person said his name was Xi Shiyi, from Guangdong.” Gaopin joked, “Such a cumbersome surname, starting with a sweep and followed by three punches, it’s all tangled up in the middle like a knot; he must be pretending to be some high official. There are nine kinds of barbarians in the east, I wonder which kind he is.” Huifang retorted, “You might as well set up a fortune-telling stall at the temple gate.” This made everyone laugh. Gaopin suggested, “Since plain drinking is boring today, why don’t we use Mr. Xi Shiyi as a topic for our game?” Nanxiang asked, “How can Xi Shiyi be used for a game?”

Gaopin proposed, “Let’s find the character ‘Xi’ from the ‘Four Books,’ starting from the first to the eleventh instance, and anyone who makes a mistake has to drink as punishment. The three of us will share the task.” Chunhang doubted, “The ‘Four Books’ might not have that many mentions of ‘Xi.’” Nanxiang agreed, “Even if there are, it wouldn’t add up.” Gaopin said, “It’s just a few drinks as penalty, why not try it? I’ll start.” He simply said, “Xi.” Chunhang demanded clarification, “You must specify which part of the books that ‘Xi’ is from.” Gaopin responded, “Xi from the three families.” Nanxiang then said, “Son Xi… Daughter Xi.” Gaopin declared, “You spoke twice, that’s two cups as a penalty.” Nanxiang protested, “Isn’t it okay to speak twice?” Gaopin insisted, “It’s not allowed.” Nanxiang then drank the penalty. Chunhang followed with, “This item, Xi…” Gaopin praised, “Well said!” then continued, “If so, Xi…” and “The Son of Heaven, solemn and revered, Xi…” Nanxiang pointed out, “You’re penalizing yourself now, why did you speak twice? Moreover, that ‘Xi’ is the same as your first one, you should be penalized ten cups.” Gaopin argued, “Mine were phrases of four and five characters each, they’re not the same, why

should I be penalized?” Nanxiang countered, “You said no two sentences, why are you breaking your own rules?” Gaopin was cornered by their arguments and had to drink five cups slowly.

It was Nanxiang’s turn, but he hesitated, unable to think of anything. Gaopin said, “I’ll speak for you after five cups.” Nanxiang thought for a while without success, ultimately drinking three cups, with Lanbao covering for two. Gaopin then said, “This is also for governing, Xi…” Nanxiang exclaimed, “Why can’t I think of anything?” Chunhang then thought for a moment and said, “Yu does not use Bai Li Xi…” Nanxiang slammed the table and said, “Unjustly penalized! There are people of low stature, Xi…” Chunhang and Gaopin praised him, but it was Gaopin’s turn to say the seventh ‘Xi,’ Chunhang quickly said, “Thus, those who deal with me, Xi…” Nanxiang pointed at Gaopin and said, “In this case, it is with beasts, Xi…”

Everyone burst out laughing. Gaopin declared, “You all have to be penalized. It was my turn to say the seventh ‘Xi,’ why did you snatch it?” Li Yulin then began pouring the penalty drinks, Nanxiang and Chunhang, more focused on the fun of the game than the penalties, did not mind. Nanxiang drank five cups, Lanbao covered for two. Chunhang drank three cups, Huifang covered for four.

Gaopin urged Nanxiang to say the eighth ‘Xi,’ but Nanxiang replied, “You haven’t said the seventh yet, you must be penalized.” He then called Lanbao to pour the drink. Gaopin protested, “How can this be right! You all snatched the opportunity, what am I supposed to say? And now you want to penalize me, where is justice and conscience?” Li Yulin also pleaded for Gaopin, and Nanxiang eventually conceded, saying, “Exchange it for millet. Said: Xu Zi Xi…” Chunhang stated, “The ninth is too few.” He thought for a moment and said, “Compared with the lightness of courtesy, what is Xi to the weight of courtesy?” Huifang stomped her foot and said, “Why did you have to speak twice?” Gaopin declared, “Good, nine cups as penalty.” Huifang protested, “That’s not acceptable.” Gaopin was unyielding, first penalizing Huifang five cups, then Chunhang four. Nanxiang suddenly remembered two phrases, unable to resist speaking, and regardless of the penalties, blurted out, “Facing the north barbarians from the south, said: Xi… by trusting the lesser, believe the greater, Xi…” Lanbao jumped up and said, “Ancestor, even if you love drinking, don’t drag others into it. It wasn’t your turn to speak, why did you say those two sentences?” Nanxiang felt some regret, Gaopin declared, “No excuses, eighteen cups.” Nanxiang protested, “Eighteen cups is impossible, I’d really need the immortal longevity pills then.” Chunhang, Huifang, and Yulin also pleaded for Nanxiang, who was then penalized nine cups. Nanxiang, in a fit of pique, drank them alone. Gaopin then said, “I’ve also thought of the seventh ‘Xi.’” He stated, “Therefore, sincerely believed and liked, Xi…” then added, “Not using food from all directions, the steward says, what is Xi.” Chunhang counted and said, “You should be penalized, you were supposed to say the tenth, but you said the eleventh.” Gaopin admitted, “I spoke wrongly.” “This is only for saving lives and fearing insufficiency, Xi…” Nanxiang counted again, finding only nine. Huifang stood up, insisting on penalizing Gaopin nineteen cups. Gaopin refused, Lanbao sided with Huifang demanding the full penalty, but after Gaopin’s pleas, he was penalized only eleven cups, with Yulin covering three, and Gaopin drinking eight in a row. Nanxiang thought for a while, drew ten strokes on the table, and said, “A warrior does not forget the loss of his origins, Confucius Xi…” Below was Chunhang, who also thought for a while, then said, “Zi Lu stayed at the Stone Gate, in the morning at the gate he said: Xi…” Gaopin declared, “Punishment comes swiftly, ten cups as a penalty. You should have said the eleventh.” Chunhang realized his mistake. Huifang intervened, “You should also consider each person’s capacity to drink, not just blindly penalize.”

Gaopin replied, “The rules of the drinking game are as strict as military orders, they must be upheld.” Huifang stated, “Remember, we’ll drink up tomorrow.” Gaopin retorted, “Your debts may be for tomorrow, but the drinks cannot wait.” Yulin suggested, “Let’s split the difference, drink five cups.” Huifang covered three, and Chunhang reluctantly drank two. It was now Gaopin’s turn to conclude, he thought for a while and said, “In the past, Zhao Jianzi sent Wang Liang with the favored Xi…” After he finished, everyone looked at each other and laughed. It was well past the second watch of the night, they had dinner, and everyone was ready to leave. Huifang’s carriage had been waiting for a long time, she immediately bid everyone farewell and left first. Wang Lanbao had come with Nanxiang, and Li Yulin’s carriage had not yet arrived, so they all rode back with Nanxiang.

Nanxiang first dropped off Lanbao, then took Li Yulin to the gate.

Yulin invited him in, but Nanxiang said, “It’s late, we’ll meet another day,” and went straight home. Passing by Wang Xun’s gate, Nanxiang suddenly felt thirsty and sent his attendant to ask if Young Master Wang was asleep yet. The gatekeeper went to the study to check if Wang Xun and Yan Zhongqing were still awake. When the gatekeeper returned, Wang Xun called him in, and Shi Nanxiang entered. What happens next will be revealed in the following episode.

　　話說史南湘進內與仲清、王恂見了、喝了幾杯茶、王恂問其所從來、南湘將日間的事，一一說了，又將春航、蕙芳的光景說了一會。王恂、仲清羨慕不已。仲清道：「不料蘇媚香競能這樣，從此田湘帆倒可以收心改過了。」也將前日題畫規勸之事說了，又說春航且有徽慍。南湘道：「改日我與你們和事如何？」義問起子玉來，仲清道：「庚香日間在此，他的李先生於月初選了安徽知縣，就要動身了。」南湘說了幾句，也就回去不題。

　　卻說子玉在王恂處談了半天回家。李先生已經解館，要張羅盤纏，魏聘才替他拉了一纖。托張仲雨問西容借了一票銀子，占了些空頭，有二百餘金，添補些衣服，也叫了幾天相公。李元茂要在京寄籍，性全也只得由他。

　　當晚子玉與聘才在書房閒話。那日是忌辰，日間聘才獨自一人到櫻桃巷去，找著了葉茂林，兩人談了半天。聘才拉他在扁食樓上吃了飯，即同到那些小旦寓處，打了幾家茶圍。末了到琴言處，琴言倒出來與聘才談了幾句，即問起子玉來。聘才就將子玉的心事，再裝點了些，說得琴言著實感激，並與琴言約定了，明日同子玉前來相會。回來與子玉說知，子玉便添了一件心事，一夜未曾睡著。是夕士燮在尚書房值宿未回。到了次日，子玉正要打算和聘才去看琴言。忽見門上梅進滿面笑容的進來，說道：「恭喜少爺，老爺放了江西學差，報喜的現在門口。」子玉聽了也覺喜歡，便同著梅進到裡頭報與顏夫人知道，顏夫人欣喜更不必說。李性全就同元茂、聘才到上頭去道了喜。少頃，士燮回家，有些同僚親友陸續而來，一連忙了幾日。便接著李先生赴任日期，士燮又與先生餞行。到動身那一日，子玉同了元茂、聘才直送出城外三十五里，到宿店住下。性全囑咐他一番，又教訓了元茂幾句道：「庾香年紀雖小於你，學問卻做得你的先生，你以後須虛心問他。」元茂連聲答應。性全又對聘才道：「小兒本同吾兄出來，我看他將來是一事無成的，一切全仗照應。」聘才亦諾諾連聲。子玉是孝友性成，臨別依依，不忍分手，只得與元茂送了先生，同了聘才灑淚而別。

　　士燮也擇於三月初十日動身，今日已是初五了。顏夫人與士燮說道：「新年上，孫家太太為媒，與王表嫂面訂了二姑娘，將玉簪子為定。你如今又遠行了，也須過個禮，不是這樣就算的，別要教人怪起來。」士燮笑道：「你不說我竟想不起，這個是必要的，明日就請孫伯敬為媒就是了。」正說話間，孫亮功來拜，士燮出見，問了起程日子，便說起他的夫人的意思來，說：「新年與王家訂親，彼此是娘兒們行事，究竟也須行過禮，方才成個局面。況你此去也須三年才回，不應似這樣草草。」士燮道：「我們正商量到此，原打算來請吾兄。明日先過個帖，大禮俟將來再行罷。」亮功答應了。

　　次日，顏夫人備了彩盒禮帖，請亮功來，送了過去。文輝處回禮豐盛，有顏仲清幫同亮功押了回來，士燮備酒相待。是日不請外客，就請聘才、元茂相陪。這李元茂今日福至心靈，說話竟清楚起來。性全出京時留下二百兩銀子與他，元茂買了幾件衣裳，混身光亮。亮功眼力本是平常，今見了元茂團頭大臉，書氣滿容，便許為佳士，大有餘潤之意，便問起他的姻事來。仲清早已看明，便竭力贊揚。李元茂不知就裡，樂得了不得，心裡著實感激仲清。且按下這邊。

　　再說子玉在家無趣，趁他們吃酒時，便帶了雲兒去找劉文澤、史南湘。

　　先到了文澤處，不在家，去找南湘，恰好文澤的車也到南湘門口。子玉道：「我方才找你。」文澤道：「失候。我去找馮子佩，適值他進城去了。」說著遂一同進去，到南湘書房坐了。伺候南湘的龍兒送了茶道：「我們少爺，這時候還沒有起身呢！」說罷進去了，一盞茶時候，見南湘科頭赤腳，披著件女棉襖出來道：「你們來得好早。」子玉見了，便笑道：「我吃過了飯才來的。」文澤道：「好模樣，拿你們夫人的衣裳都穿出來，難道你們夫人也沒有起身麼？」南湘道：「他起身多時了。我方才睡醒，聽見你們二人來，我不及穿衣，隨手拉著一件就出來的。」就有龍兒拿上臉水，還有個虎兒送出衣裳靴帽。南湘洗了臉，慢慢的穿戴起來，便笑嘻嘻的向子玉作了一個揖道：「恭喜，恭喜！你瞞著我們定的好情。」子玉只當說他定親，倒害躁起來。文澤道：「定得什麼情？」南湘道：「前日我在度香處，他說有個叫杜玉儂，是古往今來第一個名旦，被庚香獨佔去子。他們還在怡園唱了一齣《定情》。」文澤道：「那個叫杜玉儂？我們怎麼也沒有見過。」南湘道：「好得很。據度香、靜宜品題，似乎在寶珠之上，我卻不認得。庚香今日何不同我們去賞鑑賞鑒？」子玉聽了，才知不是問他定親，然卻是初出茅廬，不比他們舞席歌場鬧慣的了，卻躁得回答不出了。文澤再三盤問，只得答道：「這玉儂就是琴言，你們也都見過的。」文澤道：「真冤枉殺人，我們不要說沒有見過，連這名字都沒有聽見過。」子玉道：「怎麼冤枉你們？難道正月初六在姑蘇會館唱《驚夢》那個小旦，你們忘了不成？」文澤想了一會道：「是了，是了。這麼樣你更該罰。那一天你們四目相窺，兩心相照，人人都看得出來。我問你，你還抵賴說認都不認得，如此欺人。今日沒有別的，快同我們去，難道如今還能說不認得麼？」南湘大笑道：「認得個相公，也不算什麼對人不住的事情。庚香真有深閨處女，屏角窺人之態。今日看你怎樣支吾，快去，快去！今日就在他那裡吃飯。」子玉被他們這一頓說笑，就想剖白也副白不來，只覺羞羞澀澀的說道：「憑你們怎樣說罷，我是沒有的，我也不知道他住在什麼地方。」南湘道：「你又撒謊。」文澤道：「若是那一個，我倒打聽了，只知道他叫琴官，是曹長慶新買的徒弟，住在櫻桃巷秋水堂。」南湘道：「走罷！」即向龍兒吩咐外面套車。子玉道：「我是不去。」南湘道：「好，好！有了心上人，連朋友都不要了，你是要一人獨樂的。」便拉了子玉上車，一徑往櫻桃巷琴言處來。

　　文澤的跟班進去，一問琴言不在家，聽得裡頭說道，就是劉大人帶到春喜園去了。文澤一個沒趣，子玉倒覺喜歡。南湘道：「那裡去？我還沒有吃飯，對門不是妙香堂素蘭家麼，咱們就找香畹去。」文澤道：「只怕也未必在家。叫人去問一問。「素蘭卻好在家，裡頭有人出來，請了進去，到客廳坐下，送了茶。文澤問子玉道」香畹你見過沒有？」子玉道：「沒有。」

　　南湘道：「此君丰韻，足並袁蘇，為梨園三鼎足。」不多一會，素蘭出來，與南湘、文澤見了，又與子玉相見。素蘭把子玉細細打量了一番，問文澤道：「這位可姓梅？」文澤向子玉道：「又對出謊來了，你方才說不認識他，他怎麼又認識你呢？」子玉真不明白，恰難分辯，倒是素蘭道：「認是並不認得，被我一猜就猜著了。」南船道：「我恰不信，那裡有猜得這麼准。你若是猜得著他的名字，就算你是神仙。」素蘭道：「他名字有個玉字，號叫庾香，可是不是的？」南湘、文澤大笑道：

　　「這卻叫我們試出來了，還賴說不認識。我們當庾香是個至誠人，誰知他倒善於撒謊。」說得子玉兩頰微紅，這個委屈，無人可訴。細看素蘭的面貌，與自己覺有些相像，恐怕被南湘、文澤看出說笑，他便走開，去看旁邊字畫。南湘對文澤道：

　　「你可看得出香畹像誰？」文澤道；「像庾香，我第一回見庾香，我就要說他，因為他面嫩，所以沒有說出來。」子玉權當不聽見，由他們議論。素蘭道：「你們不要糟蹋他，怎麼將我比他？」說罷拉了子玉過來，到這邊坐下。南湘道：「我們還沒有吃飯，你快拿飯來。」素蘭即吩咐廚房備飯。子玉雖見過素蘭的《舞盤》，那日為了琴言，恰未留心。今見素蘭，秀若芝蘭，▉如桃李，極清中恰生出極豔來。年紀是十七歲，穿一件蓮花色縐綢綿襖，星眸低纈，香輔微開，真令人消魂蕩魄。便暗暗十分贊歎，也不在琴言、寶珠之下，只不知性情脾氣怎樣。外面已送進酒肴來，三人也不推讓，隨意坐了。素蘭斟酒，謂子玉道：「你是頭一回來，須先敬你。」子玉接了。

　　隨又與南湘、文澤斟了，文澤問道：「你今日倒不上戲園子去？」素蘭道：「今日沒有我的戲，可以不去。」子玉見了素蘭也是幽閒貞靜一派，心裡就契重他。素蘭一抬頭，見子玉只管偷看他，不覺一笑，便有一種幽情豔思搖漾出來，子玉把眼一低。文澤笑道：「同了庾香出來，我們有多少算不來處。」子玉不解。文澤笑道：「有了你，譬如逛燈那一天，車中的少婦只愛你，不愛看我們了，不是算不來麼。」說得子玉脹紅了臉，道：「我倒不曉得愛什麼。」素蘭對著南湘道：「我最愛你題我的畫蘭那首《木蘭花慢》詞。」南湘道：「你填的詞，近來也好得多了。」素蘭忽然怔怔的看著子玉，如有所思，被文澤瞧破，便謂素蘭道：「你愛他麼？」素蘭又一笑。子玉便不好意思，倒坐立不安起來。素蘭對子玉道：「你今日可曾看你的相好？」子玉摸不著是誰。便道：「你說那一個？」素蘭道：「我只知道你這一個，不知道還有幾個？」子玉益發不解。南湘、文澤也猜不出來，都問道：「你說他的相好是誰？」素蘭道：「他的相好，倒天天到我這裡來，就住在對門，你怎麼過門不入？快去請了他來。」子玉方悟出是琴言，心裡想道：「怎麼他們都會知道了。」文澤道：「何如？連庾香的相好，他都知道，可見你們交情很深。」南湘道：「我們先到對門，琴言不在家，方到這裡來。」素蘭道：「原來因他不在家，你們才過來。」子玉聽了，心上恰有些過意不去，正要開口，文澤接著道：「我們從那一頭來，先過他門口，自然要先問一聲再過來，也是由近而遠一定的道理。」素蘭道：「不怪你們，也不必圓轉。我告訴你們實話罷：我與庾香恰並無一面之識，都是玉儂告訴我的。這玉儂本來與我說得來，從正月初七日起，至今便天天過來與我長談，甚為莫逆。近來往往叫我的號便叫錯了，叫我庾香。」子玉一聽，已想著琴言的意思，便覺一陣心酸，凝神斂氣的等素蘭說下來。文澤指著子玉道：「他便叫庾香，怎麼琴言叫起你庚香來？」南湘道：「這還要問？這個緣故你還猜不出來？」文澤也不開口，再聽素蘭道：「我那裡曉得他叫庾香，起初也不在意，後來常聽他叫錯，便盤問他，他不肯說。

　　有一日瑤卿在此，我與他說起來，瑤卿便把你們的情節，說了一個透徹。玉儂已後自己也說出來道：『我有些像你，見我如見你一樣。』所以時常到我這裡來，並不是與我真心相好，不過借我作幅畫圖小影，你道這情深不深？人家費了這片心，難得你今日來，我所以替他明白明白，教你知道，不教他白費了這片心。」子玉聽了，便如啞子吃黃連，說不出苦來，兩眼眶的酸眼淚，只好望肚子裡咽。文澤、南湘連連點頭道：「這真難得。」文澤又道：「玉儂於庾香的情，可為二十四分了，不知庾香與玉儂的情怎樣，你可知道？」素蘭道：「怎麼不知道？也是瑤卿說的。」又將徐子雲將假琴言試子玉的情節，說了一番，聽得南湘、文澤笑了又贊，贊了又笑。子玉十分難受，只得說道：「些須小事，一經人道，便添出無數枝葉來了。」當下素蘭義遣人去問，琴言尚未回來。吃過飯，講了些閒話，子玉便要素蘭寫的字。素蘭道：「現成的卻沒有。」說罷便往裡面去，不多一會，拿出一柄湘妃竹紙扇，雙手呈上道：「這是方才寫的，權且奉贈，只是不好，看不得。」子玉看時，鐵畫銀鉤，珠圓玉潤，盎然古秀可愛，圖章亦古雅。子玉作了一揖謝了。談談講講，已是申末時候，子玉要回，南湘、文澤也就同了出來，素蘭送至大門，各人上車不題。

　　卻說孫亮功回去與陸夫人商量，要將大女兒許與元茂，陸夫人冷笑了幾聲，不發一言，亮功不敢再說。然主意已定，明日去托王文輝為媒，文輝躊躇了半天，心裡想道：『這個白人兒，怎好嫁人？』因又想道：『那李元茂，也不是個佳婿，呆頭呆腦的，那一天作個揖，就將我的帽子碰歪，只好娶這樣媳婦。』便應允了。為這件事，特到士燮處來，將亮功之意達之士燮。士燮大喜，就請了聘才、元茂出來，聘才自然一口贊成，元茂十分暢滿。士燮就與元茂代寫了求允帖，交與文輝，於初六日過了禮帖。這是千里姻緣，百年前定，李元茂這個呆子巴不得明日就贅了過去，才可免指頭兒告了消乏。

　　初十日，仲清、王恂絕早過來送行，梅學士行李一切早巳收拾停妥，已於初九日打發家人押了出城。是日親友擁擠不開，時候尚早，仲清、王恂先在書房，與子玉、元茂等等候。仲清便對元茂道了喜，道：「恭喜，恭喜！你今日真得了一個雪美人。你從前不是有句詩是『白人雙目近』麼？如今倒成了詩讖了。」元茂不解，頗自得意。

　　少頃，士燮送了客出去，便叫出子玉來，教訓了一番。又叮囑了元茂、聘才幾句。然後與夫人別了，即上車起程，顏仲清、王恂、魏聘才、李元茂一起隨後，顏夫人領著子玉，並有些僕婦丫鬟一群的車，也送出城來。城外是王文輝、孫亮功等十幾個同年至好，一齊在旗亭餞別。士燮盤桓了一會，文輝等進城。天色不早，顏夫人也只得帶了僕婦丫鬟灑淚先回。子玉、仲清、聘才、元茂與些家人們，隨到店中住了一夜，明日叩別。

　　士燮又勉勵了子玉幾句，子玉也只得同仲清等哭泣而回，且按下不題。

　　那日徐子雲也在旗亭送行回來，且不進宅，一徑到園，即到次賢屋裡，始知次賢在桃花塢賞桃花，還有寶珠、漱芳兩個，子雲就到桃花塢來。雖是自己園中，也不能天天遊覽，數日之間，已見桃花開滿，爛若晴霞，映著一水盈盈，草茵如繡，真覺春光已滿。走進了第三重，始見曲榭之中，次賢與玉珠、漱芳在那裡喝酒。見了子雲，寶珠、漱芳已迎上來，次賢也笑面相迎。

　　子雲笑道：「靜宜，今日竟偏我獨樂了。」次賢道：「我知道你今日早回，先已虛左而待。」漱芳道：「你不見擺了四個坐兒麼！？」子雲即在次賢對面坐了。

　　次賢問道：「今日送行的人多麼？」子雲道：「人倒不少，庾香、劍潭送到前站宿店去了，要明日才回。」即指著寶珠笑道：」准有他們同隊中，不見有一個人在那裡送行，只怕這位老先生，生平也沒有叫過他們。」寶珠笑道：「這位梅大人，每逢戲酒，叫我們也伺候過幾回，人倒謙雅的，就總沒有賞過一句話兒。倒不料他生出那麼一個風流的公子。這梅庾香前日竟在香畹處吃飯，還到玉儂處，沒有遇見。據香畹說，他待玉儂的情分，竟是有一無二的。」子雲道：「你怎麼知道他去找玉儂？是他一人去的麼。」寶珠道：「是香畹對我講的，他恰與竹君、前舟二人同去，香畹還送了他一柄扇子，他們倒也合式了。」次賢道：「我看前日庾香、玉儂二人，真可謂用志不紛，乃凝於神。

　　這兩人既相得了，將來必要找出多少苦惱的事情來，你們慢慢的看著他們罷。」當下這四人喝了一會酒，看了一會花，次賢對寶珠道：「度香所刻那十六個酒令，你們看見沒有？」寶珠道：「怎麼沒有看見。」子雲道：「你們今日何不也照這令行幾個出來，也見見你們的心思。」寶珠尚未回答，漱芳道：「這個我們只怕行不來，一來心思欠靈，二來這唐詩與《詩經》也不甚熟，那裡能說得這樣湊拍？除非在家裡把幾種書翻出來，揀對路的一個個湊，才湊得成呢。」寶珠道：「我們真自慚愧，這些姑娘們也與我們差不多年紀，怎麼他們就有這樣慧心香口，我們就這樣笨。」子雲道：「你們今日試行一行，包管你們行得好。」便叫拿副骰子來，家人便去取了副骰子放在盆裡，送到席上。子雲便叫寶珠先擲，寶珠尚推諉不肯，經子雲、次賢逼佐了，只得說道：「何苦要我們做笑話？我非但別樣記不清，連這曲牌名也記得有限。或者庾香還能，我是定說得不好的。」只得擲起來，擲了好幾擲，擲著了一個色樣，名為綠暗紅稀，便呆呆的想來，想了一會，不得主意，便道：

　　「這不是尋煩惱麼？」漱芳道：「我且擲著色樣再想。」他也擲了好幾擲，擲著了「蘇秦背劍」，便道：「這更難了。」忽見寶珠問次賢道：「《詩經》上有一句什麼永歎？我記不真。」次賢道：「每有良朋，況也永歎。」寶珠道：「有是有了一個，只就是不甚好。」子雲道：「你且說來。」寶珠念道：綠暗紅稀，夢好更尋難，你晚妝樓上杏花殘。懶畫眉，況也永歎。

　　次賢、子雲贊道：「說得很好，第一個就這麼通，真是難得。就這《詩經》一句稍差了些，然而也還說得過。」寶珠道：「這《詩經》實在難於湊拍，又要依這個韻，覺得更難了。」漱芳道：「我想的更不好。《詩經》上不是有一句『莫我肯顧』麼？」子雲道：「有。你快說。」漱芳要念時，重又頓住，覺有些羞澀，次賢又催，只得念道：蘇秦背劍，北闕休上書，誤你玉堂金馬三學士。不是路，莫我肯顧。

　　子雲道：「這個說得甚好，竟句句湊拍。」次賢道：「倒實在難為他。」寶珠道：「他的比我好，不比我的雜湊。」便覺兩頰微紅，大有愧色。子雲安慰道：「你的也好，不過你的題目寬泛些，難於貼切。他這蘇秦背劍的題目就好，所以比你的容易見長。」寶珠得了這一番寬慰，稍為意解。便又擲了一個「紫燕穿簾」，便道：「這個題目倒好。」便細細的想，想了好一會，問子雲道：「我記得有『繡窗愁未眠』這一句，是詩還是詞？」子雲道：「是韓亻屋的詩。」寶珠道：「這個略好些兒。」便念道：紫燕穿簾，繡窗愁未眠，慢俄延，投至到櫳門前面。四邊靜，愛而不見。

　　子雲等大贊。漱芳道：「你們知道他這『四邊靜，愛而不見』，是說得什麼？」次賢笑道：「大有春恨懷人之致。」子雲也笑。漱芳笑道：「不是。他昨日飛去一個秦吉了。我昨日到他那裡去，正遇著他急急的跑出房來，四下張看。

　　問我道：『你看見沒有？』他方才說的，倒像那昨日的神氣。」寶珠也笑道：「今日他又回來了。」漱芳又擲，擲了一個，『花開蝶滿枝』。漱芳想了一會，說道：花開蝶滿枝，是妾斷腸時，我是散相思的五瘟使。蝶戀花，春日遲遲。次賢等大贊道：「這個更好。」寶珠道：「他總比我的說得好，我今日的兩個都不及他。」便又擲了一個『打破錦屏風』，便道：「這個題目恰好，然難也難極了，須要在打破兩字上頭著想，若得湊成了，倒是個好令。」漱芳道：「這個難，教我就湊不成，只怕那句《詩經》就不容易。」寶珠怔怔的想，想著了《唐詩》，又湊不上《西廂》，想到了《西廂》，又湊不上《詩經》，好不著急。想了好一會，問道：「《詩經》上不是有一句『何以穿我墉』麼？」次賢道：「妙極了，這一句已經穩妥，中間湊得連絡就好了。」寶珠面有喜色，欣欣的念道：

打破錦屏風，暮色滿房櫳，吉丁當敲響簾攏。月兒高，何以穿我墉。
　　子雲等大贊，子雲道：「這個實在妙極了，就在那十六令中也是上等。我們恭賀三杯。」寶珠始為解顏歡喜。漱芳心裡又著急起來．恐怕再行，不能及他，便道：「算了罷！實在費心得很，我不擲了。」子雲道：「這令原也費心，但只五個，他得了三個。你才兩個，你再擲一個罷？」漱芳道：

　　「適或色樣重了呢？」次賢道：「重了不算，須要不重的才有趣。」漱勞不得已，擲了好幾個重疊色樣，然後才擲出一個楚漢爭鋒，便道：「擲了這個，就算完結了。」子雲應允。漱勞便構思起來，一人獨自走到桃花叢中去了。子雲等也到花叢中遊玩，漱芳道：「我想倒想著了一個，就是《唐詩》這一句還有些牽強，若除了這一句，我又找不出第二句來，只好將就些罷。」便念道：楚漢爭鋒，君王自神武，你助神威擂三通鼓。急三槍，百夫之御。

　　大家贊好。子雲道：「今日又得了六個，共有二十二個了，將來能湊成一百個就好了。」次賢道：「一百個是不能，況且骨牌名沒有這許多，曲牌名是儘夠，不如去了這骨牌名換個別樣，或者湊得成百數。若用骨牌名，可用的也不過五六十個，內中有幾個有趣的，偏擲不著，如公領孫、锺馗抹額、貪花不滿，三十禿爪龍等類，湊起來必有妙語。就是限定《西廂》也窄一點兒，不如用曲文一句就寬了。惟有那推倒油瓶蓋一個難些。」子雲道：「《詩經》上『瓶之罄矣』好用，曲牌名用《油葫蘆》。」次賢道：「《西廂》呢，用那一句？」子雲想了一想，笑道：「《西廂》上可用的恰又不是這個韻。」四人在花下坐了，子雲問起琴言今日何以不來，寶珠道：「今日他又替我到堂會裡去了。他就有一樣好處，他唱戲時並不很留心關目，他那丰韻生得好，就將他自己的神情，行乎所當行，倒比那戲文上的老關目還好些。所以才有人說他生疏，也有人說他神妙。」子雲笑道：「以後梅庾香，大約非玉儂之戲不看，非玉儂的之酒不喝的了。」漱芳笑道：「玉儂行事還沒媚香的奇，近來聞他天天到宏濟寺去一回。有個什麼田湘帆，也是個風流名士，鬧到不堪。後來見了媚香的戲，便天天跟著他的車，他往東就往東，他往西就往西，跟了整個月。媚香憐念他，與他一談，倒談成了知己，如今是莫逆得很，不可一日不見。」次賢笑道：「有這等事！我看媚香真算個鶻伶淥老不尋常，竟有人籠絡得住他麼．這人必是不凡。」正說得高興時，忽子雲的家人上前說：「有客來拜！」子雲便冠服出去。

　　不知後事如何，且聽下回分解。

The story continues with Shi Nanxiang entering the room and meeting with Zhongqing and Wang Xun. After having a few cups of tea, Wang Xun asked him where he came from. Nanxiang recounted the events of the day, including the circumstances of Chunhang and Huifang. Wang Xun and Zhongqing were envious. Zhongqing remarked, “I didn’t expect Su Meixiang to be capable of such things; from now on, Tian Xiangfan can really change for the better.” He also mentioned the previous day’s event where they gave advice through painting. He mentioned that Chunhang was still upset. Nanxiang suggested, “How about I mediate between you guys another day?” When asked about Ziyu, Zhongqing said, “Geng Xiang was here during the day; his Mr. Li has been appointed as a county magistrate in Anhui at the beginning of the month and will be leaving soon.” After Nanxiang said a few words, he left without further mention.

Meanwhile, Ziyu had a long talk at Wang Xun’s place before heading home. Mr. Li had already resigned from his position to prepare for his new role, and Wei Pin had managed to arrange a boat for him. Through Zhang Zhongyu, he borrowed a large sum of silver and managed to gather more than two hundred gold pieces to supplement his clothing and even hired a few days’ service. Li Yuanmao wanted to register his household in Beijing, which was agreed upon.

That evening, Ziyu and Wei Pin chatted casually in the study. It was a memorial day, and during the day, Wei Pin went alone to Cherry Lane and found Ye Maolin; they talked for a long time. Wei Pin invited him to eat at the Pancake Tower, then they visited some young male opera singers’ residences and went to several tea houses. At last, they went to Qin Yan’s place, who came out to talk with Wei Pin, asking about Ziyu. Wei Pin then embellished Ziyu’s feelings, which genuinely touched Qin Yan, and they agreed to meet the next day. When Wei Pin informed Ziyu, he added another worry to his mind and couldn’t sleep all night. That evening, Shi Xie was on duty in the minister’s office and did not return. The next day, Ziyu planned to go see Qin Yan with Wei Pin. Suddenly, Mei Jin entered with a beaming smile, saying, “Congratulations, young master, the lord has been relieved from his educational duties in Jiangxi, and the bearer of good news is at the door.” Ziyu felt happy upon hearing this and went with Mei Jin to inform Madam Yan, who was overjoyed beyond words. Li Xingquan then went with Yuanmao and Wei Pin to convey their congratulations. Soon after, Shi Xie returned home, followed by colleagues and friends, keeping them busy for several days. As Li Xingquan’s departure day approached, Shi Xie also saw him off. On the day of departure, Ziyu, Yuanmao, and Wei Pin accompanied him thirty-five miles out of town to an inn. Xingquan gave them some advice and instructed Yuanmao, saying, “Although Yu Xiang is younger than you, his learning makes him your teacher; you must humble yourself and learn from him.” Yuanmao repeatedly agreed. Xingquan also told Wei Pin, “This child has come out with my brother, but I foresee that he will achieve nothing; please take good care of him.” Wei Pin also readily agreed. As a person of filial piety and friendship, Ziyu found it hard to part, and with tears, they bid farewell.

Shi Xie also planned to depart on the tenth day of March, and today was the fifth. Madam Yan said to Shi Xie, “At the beginning of the new year, Madam Sun acted as a go-between for the engagement with Wang’s cousin for the second daughter, securing it with a jade hairpin. Now that you are traveling far, you should properly perform the rites; it can’t just be left as is, lest people think ill of us.” Shi Xie laughed, “Had you not mentioned it, I would have forgotten entirely; it’s essential indeed. Tomorrow, I’ll ask Uncle Sun to act as the go-between.” While they were talking, Sun Lianggong came to visit, and Shi Xie went out to meet him. They discussed the date of departure, and Shi Xie mentioned his wife’s intentions, saying, “Since we’re engaged to the Wang family, it’s proper for the women to perform the rituals thoroughly. Besides, you won’t be back for three years; it shouldn’t be rushed like this.” Shi Xie replied, “We were just discussing this, and planned to invite my brother. We’ll send an initial gift tomorrow, and the grand ceremony can wait until later.” Lianggong agreed.

The next day, Madam Yan prepared a colorful gift box and invitation for Lianggong, which was sent over. Wen Hui responded with a generous return gift, with Yan Zhongqing and Lianggong escorting it back, and Shi Xie prepared a feast in their honor. That day, they didn’t invite other guests, only Wei Pin and Yuanmao. Li Yuanmao, inspired that day, spoke clearly for once. Xingquan had left him two hundred taels of silver when he left Beijing; Yuanmao bought some clothes, making himself quite presentable. Lianggong, who was generally unobservant, now saw Yuanmao’s scholarly demeanor and considered him a promising scholar, hinting at a potential match. He inquired about his marital prospects. Zhongqing, having understood the situation, praised him vigorously. Yuanmao, unaware of the arrangements, was overjoyed and deeply grateful to Zhongqing. Let’s leave this story here for now.

Returning to Ziyu, finding no joy at home, he took the opportunity while others were drinking to go out with Yuner to find Liu Wenzhe and Shi Nanxiang.

First, they went to Wenzhe’s place, but he wasn’t home, so they went to find Nanxiang, coincidentally just as Wenzhe’s carriage also arrived at Nanxiang’s door. Ziyu said, “I was just looking for you.” Wenzhe replied, “Sorry for the wait. I went to look for Feng Zipei, just as he went into town.” They entered together and sat in Nanxiang’s study. Nanxiang’s servant Long’er brought tea and said, “Our young master hasn’t gotten up yet!” After a while, Nanxiang came out barefoot and wearing a woman’s cotton jacket, saying, “You guys are early.” Ziyu laughed, “I had breakfast before coming.” Wenzhe said, “Nice look, wearing your wife’s clothes. Didn’t she get up either?” Nanxiang replied, “She’s been up for a while. I just woke up and heard you two were here; I didn’t have time to dress and just grabbed something to wear.” Long’er brought water for washing up, and another servant, Hu’er, brought out clothes and boots. After washing, Nanxiang dressed slowly and jokingly bowed to Ziyu, saying, “Congratulations, congratulations! You’ve made a fine match without telling us.” Ziyu, thinking he was referring to his engagement, became annoyed. Wenzhe asked, “What match?” Nanxiang explained, “The other day at Duoxiang’s place, she mentioned a Du Yulong, claimed to be the best famous courtesan of all times, now monopolized by Geng Xiang. They even performed ‘Setting the Heart’ at Yiyuan.” Wenzhe replied, “Du Yulong? We haven’t even met her.” Nanxiang responded, “She’s very good. According to Duoxiang and Jingyi’s assessment, she’s even above Baozhu, though I don’t know her. Why doesn’t Geng Xiang join us today to appreciate her?” Ziyu, realizing they weren’t discussing his engagement, felt out of his depth, not used to their accustomed raucous entertainment. He was so flustered he couldn’t respond. After repeated questioning by Wenzhe, he finally said, “This Yulong is actually Qin Yan, whom you’ve both met.” Wenzhe exclaimed, “You’re really unjustly killing us; not only have we not seen her, we haven’t even heard the name.” Ziyu replied, “How am I unjust to you? Don’t you remember the young dan who sang ‘Shocking Dream’ at the Gusu Guild on the sixth day of the first month?” After thinking for a moment, Wenzhe said, “Yes, yes. In that case, you deserve a penalty. That day, everyone could see the looks you exchanged, the understanding in your eyes. I asked you, and you denied even knowing her. Such deception! There’s nothing else for it today; come with us, and don’t say you don’t know her now.” Nanxiang laughed, “Knowing a lady isn’t something to be ashamed of. Geng Xiang really has the demeanor of a sheltered maiden peeping from behind a screen. Today, let’s see how you squirm; let’s go, let’s go! We’ll eat there today.” Ziyu, teased mercilessly by them, felt unable to clear his name, only feeling bashfully embarrassed as he said, “Say what you will, I have nothing of the sort, and I don’t know where she lives.” Nanxiang retorted, “You’re lying again.” Wenzhe added, “If it’s the one I’m thinking of, I’ve inquired about her; she’s known as Qin Guan, a new apprentice bought by Cao Changqing, living in Qiu Shuitang on Cherry Lane.” Nanxiang declared, “Let’s go!” then ordered Long’er to prepare the carriage. Ziyu protested, “I’m not going.” Nanxiang concluded, “Fine, fine! With a sweetheart, you don’t even need friends anymore; you want to enjoy her alone.” He then pulled Ziyu onto the carriage, and they headed straight to Qin Yan’s place on Cherry Lane.

Wenzhe’s attendant went inside and found out that Qin Yan was not home, having been taken to Chunxi Garden by Lord Liu. Wenzhe was disappointed, but Ziyu seemed pleased. Nanxiang said, “Where shall we go? I haven’t eaten yet. Isn’t that Miaoxiang Tang across from us, Su Lan’s place? Let’s go find Xiang Wan.” Wenzhe said, “She might not be home either. Let’s send someone to ask.” Fortunately, Su Lan was at home. Someone came out and invited them in. They sat down in the living room and were served tea. Wenzhe asked Ziyu, “Have you met Xiang Wan?” Ziyu replied, “No.”

Nanxiang said, “This gentleman is graceful, a match for Yuan Su, a pillar of the Pear Garden.” Shortly, Su Lan came out and met Nanxiang and Wenzhe, and then Ziyu. She scrutinized Ziyu and asked Wenzhe, “Is this Mr. Mei?” Wenzhe said to Ziyu, “You’ve been caught in a lie again; you just said you didn’t know him, so how does he know you?” Ziyu was genuinely confused and had a hard time explaining, but Su Lan said, “It’s not that he knows him; I guessed it.” Nanxiang said, “I don’t believe it, it’s too precise to be just a guess. If you can guess his name, you must be a deity.” Su Lan asked, “His name has the character ‘Yu’ in it, and he’s called Yu Xiang, isn’t he?” Nanxiang and Wenzhe laughed, saying, “We’ve caught you in a lie about not knowing him. We thought Yu Xiang was honest, but it turns out he’s good at lying.” Ziyu blushed with embarrassment, feeling unjustly accused.

Examining Su Lan’s features, Ziyu noticed she looked somewhat like himself and feared Nanxiang and Wenzhe would tease him about it, so he moved away to look at some calligraphy and paintings. Nanxiang asked Wenzhe, “Can you see whom Xiang Wan resembles?” Wenzhe replied, “She looks like Yu Xiang. When I first met Yu Xiang, I wanted to say something because he looked so youthful, but I didn’t speak up.” Ziyu pretended not to hear their discussion. Su Lan said, “Don’t malign him, how can you compare me to him?” She then pulled Ziyu over to sit with them. Nanxiang said, “We haven’t eaten yet; please bring some food.” Su Lan instructed the kitchen to prepare a meal. Although Ziyu had seen Su Lan’s ‘Dancing Plates’ before, he hadn’t paid much attention that day because of Qin Yan. Seeing Su Lan now, as delicate as an orchid and as radiant as peach and plum blossoms, strikingly beautiful yet with a vivid presence, he was greatly impressed. She was seventeen, dressed in a lotus-colored silk cotton jacket, her eyes downcast, lips slightly parted, truly enchanting. He admired her quietly, thinking she was no less than Qin Yan or Baozhu, though he didn’t know her temperament yet.

The food and wine were served, and the three of them sat down without any formality. Su Lan poured wine and said to Ziyu, “This is your first visit; I must toast you first.” Ziyu accepted the toast.

She then poured for Nanxiang and Wenzhe. Wenzhe asked, “Aren’t you supposed to be at the theater today?” Su Lan replied, “I have no performances today, so I don’t need to go.” Ziyu, seeing Su Lan’s serene and virtuous demeanor, felt a deeper connection with her. Su Lan looked up, caught Ziyu staring at her, and smiled, a subtle charm emanating from her. Ziyu quickly looked away. Wenzhe joked, “Being out with Yu Xiang, there’s a lot we can’t calculate.” Ziyu didn’t understand. Wenzhe continued, “With you around, like the day we went to see the lanterns, the young woman in the carriage only had eyes for you, not for us. Isn’t that incalculable?” Ziyu’s face flushed as he said, “I really don’t understand what’s to love.” Su Lan told Nanxiang, “I love the poem you wrote about my painting of orchids, ‘Mulanhua Slow.’” Nanxiang replied, “Your recent lyrics have improved a lot.” Suddenly, Su Lan stared pensively at Ziyu, which Wenzhe noticed and asked her, “Do you love him?” Su Lan smiled again. Ziyu felt uncomfortable and shifted uneasily. Su Lan asked Ziyu, “Did you see your beloved today?” Ziyu, puzzled, asked, “Which one are you talking about?” Su Lan replied, “I only know of this one; how many do you have?” Ziyu was even more confused. Nanxiang and Wenzhe also couldn’t figure it out and asked, “Who is his beloved?” Su Lan said, “His beloved comes to my place every day, living right across the street. Why don’t you go and invite him over?” Ziyu then realized she was talking about Qin Yan and thought, “How do they all know about this?” Wenzhe said, “See? Even Yu Xiang’s beloved knows him well, which shows how close you two are.” Nanxiang added, “We first went to the opposite side; since Qin Yan wasn’t home, we came here.” Su Lan said, “So you came here because he wasn’t home.” Ziyu felt somewhat guilty and was about to speak when Wenzhe continued, “We came from that direction and naturally asked first before coming here; it’s simply logical to go from near to far.” Su Lan said, “I don’t blame you, and there’s no need for excuses. I’ll tell you the truth: I don’t know Yu Xiang at all; it was Yulong who told me about him. Yulong gets along well with me, and from the seventh day of the first month, she has been coming here daily for long talks, which are very agreeable. Recently, she often calls me by the wrong name, calling me Yu Xiang.” Upon hearing this, Ziyu, already aware of Qin Yan’s intentions, felt a pang of sorrow, listening intently as Su Lan continued. Wenzhe pointed at Ziyu and asked, “If she calls him Yu Xiang, how come Qin Yan calls you Geng Xiang?” Nanxiang said, “Isn’t the reason obvious?” Wenzhe didn’t speak, waiting for Su Lan to continue, “I didn’t know he was called Yu Xiang; at first, I didn’t care, but after hearing her repeatedly get it wrong, I questioned her, and she wouldn’t say.

One day, Yaoqing was here, and when I talked to her about it, Yaoqing explained everything clearly. Yulong later admitted, ‘I look somewhat like you, seeing me is like seeing you.’ That’s why she often comes here, not truly out of affection for me but rather using me as a stand-in, a silhouette for her painting. Do you think this affection is deep? Someone has put so much effort into this, and it’s rare for you to come here, so I wanted to make it clear for her, to let you know, so her efforts aren’t wasted.” Ziyu felt as if he had swallowed bitterness, unable to express his discomfort, his eyes brimming with tears, which he had to swallow. Wenzhe and Nanxiang nodded repeatedly, saying, “This is truly rare.” Wenzhe added, “Yulong’s affection for Yu Xiang could be rated as perfect, but I wonder how Yu Xiang feels about Yulong; do you know?” Su Lan replied, “How could I not know? Yaoqing told me.” She then recounted the episode where Xu Ziyun pretended to be Qin Yan to test Ziyu’s feelings, which made Nanxiang and Wenzhe laugh and praise, then laugh again. Ziyu, feeling very uncomfortable, could only say, “A minor matter, once spoken of by others, grows into countless branches.” At that moment, someone went to check, and Qin Yan had not yet returned. After eating and chatting for a while, Ziyu asked for Su Lan’s calligraphy. Su Lan said, “I don’t have any ready.” After a while, she went inside and came out with a bamboo paper fan, which she had just written on, presenting it with both hands, saying, “This is freshly written, just a casual gift; it’s not very good, not worth looking at.” When Ziyu saw it, the calligraphy was strong and fluid, anciently elegant and charming, with an ancient and graceful seal. Ziyu bowed in thanks. As the evening approached, Ziyu prepared to leave, and Nanxiang and Wenzhe also came out. Su Lan saw them to the door, and they each got into their carriages without further mention.

Meanwhile, Sun Lianggong went back and discussed with Madame Lu the idea of betrothing their eldest daughter to Yuanmao. Madame Lu scoffed several times but said nothing, and Lianggong did not dare to speak further. However, his mind was made up, and the next day he planned to ask Wang Wenhui to act as a go-between. Wenhui hesitated for a long

time, thinking, “How can this simple man be suitable for marriage?” Then he thought, “Li Yuanmao is not an ideal son-in-law either, dull and clumsy; the day he bowed, he knocked my hat askew, only such a daughter-in-law would suit him.” He then agreed. For this matter, he specifically went to Shi Xie’s place to convey Lianggong’s intentions to Shi Xie. Shi Xie was delighted and called out Wei Pin and Yuanmao. Wei Pin naturally agreed immediately, and Yuanmao was very pleased. Shi Xie then had Yuanmao draft a marriage proposal letter, which he handed over to Wenhui, and on the sixth day, the formal proposal was sent. This was a match made thousands of miles away, determined a century ago. Yuanmao, the simpleton, could not wait for tomorrow to become a son-in-law, just to alleviate his fatigue.

On the tenth day, Zhongqing and Wang Xun came early to send off Scholar Mei. All his luggage had been packed and sent out of the city with his family on the ninth. On the day of his departure, the place was crowded with friends and family. It was still early, so Zhongqing and Wang Xun first waited in the study with Ziyu, Yuanmao, and others. Zhongqing congratulated Yuanmao, saying, “Congratulations, congratulations! Today you truly won a beauty as pure as snow. Didn’t you have a poem before that went ‘The fair one’s eyes draw near’? Now it seems like a prophetic verse.” Yuanmao didn’t quite understand but was pleased with himself.

After a while, Shi Xie sent the guests away and called Ziyu out for some final instructions, also giving a few words of advice to Yuanmao and Wei Pin. Then, he bid farewell to his wife and set off in his carriage, followed by Yan Zhongqing, Wang Xun, Wei Pin, and Li Yuanmao. Madame Yan, leading Ziyu and accompanied by a group of maids and servants, also went to see them off outside the city. Outside the city gates, Wang Wenhui, Sun Lianggong, and several close peers gathered at the pavilion to say their farewells. After lingering for a while, Wenhui and others returned to the city. As it was getting late, Madame Yan had to return home with the servants and maids, tears streaming down her face. Ziyu, Zhongqing, Wei Pin, Yuanmao, and some family members stayed overnight at an inn, planning to say their final goodbyes the next day.

Shi Xie also encouraged Ziyu with a few more words. Ziyu, along with Zhongqing and others, returned home weeping, and let’s leave it unmentioned for now.

That day, Xu Ziyun also returned from the pavilion send-off and went straight to the garden, specifically to the Hermitage of the Second Sage, only to find out that the Second Sage was at the Peach Blossom Thicket admiring the blossoms with Baozhu and Shu Fang. Ziyun then went to the Peach Blossom Thicket. Although it was his own garden, he couldn’t visit every day. Within a few days, the peach blossoms had bloomed profusely, radiant as a clear sky, reflecting over the water, the grass as detailed as embroidery, truly a full embrace of spring. Entering the third enclosure, he saw the Second Sage drinking with Yu Zhu and Shu Fang in the curved pavilion. Upon seeing Ziyun, Baozhu and Shu Fang came up to greet him, and the Second Sage also welcomed him with a smile.

Ziyun laughed and said, “Jingyi, today it seems I alone get to enjoy this pleasure.” The Second Sage said, “I knew you’d be back early today and have been waiting in vain.” Shu Fang said, “Didn’t you see the four seats we set out?” Ziyun then sat across from the Second Sage.

The Second Sage asked, “How many came to the send-off today?” Ziyun replied, “There were quite a few. Yu Xiang and Jian Tan went to the previous station’s inn and won’t be back until tomorrow.” Pointing at Baozhu, he joked, “There must be some from their group there. No one was seen at the send-off; perhaps this old gentleman never called on them.” Baozhu laughed and said, “This Mr. Mei, whenever there’s a play or a banquet, has called us to serve a few times. He’s quite modest and never once praised us in words. Unexpectedly, he has such a romantic son. Mei Yu Xiang was actually dining at Xiang Wan’s place the other day and even went to Yulong’s place but didn’t meet her. According to Xiang Wan, his affection for Yulong is truly unmatched.”

Ziyun asked, “How do you know he went to find Yulong? Did he go alone?” Baozhu replied, “Xiang Wan told me about it. He went with Zhu Jun and Qian Zhou, and Xiang Wan even gave him a fan; they matched quite well.” The Second Sage commented, “I saw Yu Xiang and Yulong together the other day; they really seemed focused and connected in spirit.

Since these two have found each other, they are bound to face many troubles ahead, just watch.” After this, the four of them drank for a while and admired the flowers. The Second Sage asked Baozhu, “Have you seen the sixteen drinking commands carved by Duoxiang?” Baozhu replied, “How could I not have seen them

?” Ziyun suggested, “Why don’t you also try some of those commands today, and let’s see your creativity.” Baozhu hadn’t answered when Shu Fang said, “I’m afraid we can’t do it. First, our wit isn’t sharp enough, and second, we’re not very familiar with Tang poetry and the Book of Songs, how could we match them up so well? Unless we pick out several books at home, find the matching ones, and piece them together.” Baozhu felt ashamed, “We are truly embarrassed. These girls are about our age, how come they have such clever and eloquent minds, and we are so dull.” Ziyun said, “Try one today, I guarantee you’ll do well.” He then called for a pair of dice, and a servant fetched them and placed them on the table. Ziyun asked Baozhu to roll first, but she hesitated and was reluctant. After being pressed by Ziyun and the Second Sage, she reluctantly said, “Why must you make us the butt of jokes? Not only do I not remember other things clearly, even these tune names I barely recall. Perhaps Yu Xiang could do it, but I certainly can’t do well.” She then rolled the dice several times, finally landing on a pattern called ‘Green Dim, Red Sparse,’ and sat puzzled for a while, unable to decide, and said:

“Isn’t this just inviting trouble?” Shu Fang said, “Let me roll and think about the pattern.” She also rolled several times and landed on ‘Su Qin Carrying Swords,’ and said, “This is even harder.” Suddenly Baozhu asked the Second Sage, “Is there a line in the Book of Songs about eternal sighing? I can’t remember it clearly.” The Second Sage replied, “Every good friend, alas, forever sighs.” Baozhu said, “There’s one, but it’s not very good.” Ziyun said, “Just say it.” Baozhu recited: Green dim, red sparse, it’s hard to seek dreams again, your evening makeup on the tower, apricot flowers faded. Lazy to paint the eyebrows, alas, forever sighs.

The Second Sage and Ziyun praised, “That’s very good, to get it right on the first try is truly rare. Just that line from the Book of Songs is a bit weak, but it still passes.” Baozhu said, “Matching the Book of Songs is really hard, especially with this rhyme, it feels even harder.” Shu Fang said, “Mine is even worse. Isn’t there a line in the Book of Songs that says ‘No one deigns to look at me’?” Ziyun said, “There is. Quick, say it.” Shu Fang hesitated again, feeling a bit shy, but the Second Sage urged her on, and she reluctantly recited: Su Qin carrying swords, stop sending letters to the northern palace, you’ve mistaken the three scholars in the golden horse hall. It’s not the way, no one deigns to look at me.

Ziyun said, “This one is very good, fitting each sentence.” The Second Sage said, “It’s really hard for her.” Baozhu said, “Hers is better than mine, not as mixed as mine.” She felt her cheeks turning red, deeply embarrassed. Ziyun comforted, “Yours is also good, just that your theme is broader, harder to fit precisely. Her theme of ‘Su Qin carrying swords’ is good, so it’s easier for her to excel.” Baozhu felt somewhat relieved by this reassurance. She then rolled ‘Purple Swallows Flying Through the Curtains,’ and said, “This theme is good.” She thought carefully for a while and asked Ziyun, “I remember a line, ‘The embroidered window worries sleepless,’ is that from a poem or a lyric?” Ziyun replied, “It’s from Han Yu’s poem.” Baozhu said, “This one is a bit better.” Then she recited: Purple swallows fly through the curtains, the embroidered window worries sleepless, slowly delaying, reaching the bamboo door in front. All around is quiet, love unseen.

Ziyun and others greatly praised her. Shu Fang asked, “Do you know what he means by ‘All around is quiet, love unseen’?” The Second Sage laughed, “It truly carries the sentiment of spring longing for someone.” Ziyun also laughed. Shu Fang laughed, “No. He had a guest named Qin Ji fly away yesterday. I went to his place yesterday, just as he rushed out of the room, looking all around.

He asked me, ‘Did you see it?’ What he said just now was just like his demeanor yesterday.” Baozhu also laughed, “Today he’s come back.” Shu Fang rolled again

, landing on ‘Butterflies Fill the Branches.’ After thinking for a while, she said: Butterflies fill the branches, it’s the time when my heart breaks, I am the emissary of scattered lovesickness. Butterflies in love, spring days linger. The Second Sage and others praised, “This one is even better.” Baozhu said, “She always speaks better than me; my two today don’t match hers.” She then rolled ‘Breaking the Brocade Screen,’ and said, “This theme is just right, but it’s extremely difficult, it needs to focus on the two words ‘breaking,’ if it can be matched, it’s a good command.” Shu Fang said, “This one is difficult, I just can’t match it, probably that line from the Book of Songs won’t be easy.” Baozhu, deep in thought, remembered a line from the Tang poems, couldn’t match it with ‘West Chamber,’ thought of ‘West Chamber,’ but couldn’t match it with the Book of Songs, extremely anxious. After thinking for a while, she asked, “Isn’t there a line in the Book of Songs that says ‘How to breach my walls’?” The Second Sage said, “Excellent, this line is already perfect, just need to match the middle connections.” Baozhu’s face lit up with joy, and she eagerly recited:

Breaking the brocade screen, twilight fills the room, jingling sounds as the curtain knocks. The moon is high, how to breach my walls.
Ziyun and others praised greatly, Ziyun said, “This one is truly wonderful, even among those sixteen commands, it’s top-notch. We congratulate with three cups.” Baozhu began to smile happily. Shu Fang felt anxious again, fearing another round wouldn’t match up, and said, “Let’s stop! It’s really too taxing, I won’t roll anymore.” Ziyun said, “This command is indeed taxing, but only five have been done, he’s won three. You’ve only done two, try one more?” Shu Fang said:

“What if I repeat a pattern?” The Second Sage said, “A repeat doesn’t count, it must be a unique one to be interesting.” Shu Fang reluctantly rolled several repeated patterns, then finally rolled ‘Chu and Han Contend,’ and said, “After this one, let’s call it finished.” Ziyun agreed. Shu Fang then started to think, walking alone into the peach blossoms. Ziyun and others also went to play among the flowers, Shu Fang said, “I thought of one, but this line from the Tang poems is a bit forced, if not for this line, I couldn’t find a second line, just have to make do.” She then recited: Chu and Han contend, the king himself is divinely martial, you assist the divine might, beating the triple drums. Three quick spears, a hundred men’s defense.

Everyone praised it well. Ziyun said, “Today we’ve gotten six, making a total of twenty-two, it would be good if we could reach a hundred in the future.” The Second Sage said, “A hundred is not possible, besides, there aren’t that many bone tile names, tune names are enough, rather than using bone tile names, switch to another style, maybe we can reach a hundred. If we use bone tile names, there are only about fifty or sixty usable ones, among them, a few interesting ones are hard to roll, like ‘Public Leads Grandson,’ ‘Zhong Kui Wipes His Brow,’ ‘Greedy for Flowers Not Satisfied,’ ‘Thirty Bald Dragon Claws,’ etc., when matched up they must have brilliant phrases. Limiting to ‘West Chamber’ is also a bit narrow, using a line from the lyrics is broader. Only that ‘Tipping Over the Oil Bottle Cover’ is a bit difficult.” Ziyun said, “From the Book of Songs, ‘The bottle is emptied’ works well, use ‘Oil Gourd’ for the tune name.” The Second Sage said, “What about ‘West Chamber,’ which line to use?” Ziyun thought for a moment and laughed, “From ‘West Chamber,’ the usable ones just don’t fit this rhyme.” The four sat under the flowers, and Ziyun asked why Qin Yan didn’t come today, Baozhu said, “Today he went to a meeting on my behalf again. He has one good quality, he doesn’t pay much attention to the plot when he sings, his charm is well-born, just letting his own emotions flow appropriately, it’s better than sticking to the old plot of the opera. That’s why some say he’s unfamiliar, while others say he’s marvelous.” Ziyun laughed, “From now on, Mei Yu Xiang, probably won’t watch any plays or drink any wine that isn’t Yulong’s.” Shu Fang laughed, “Yulong’s actions aren’t as strange as Mei Xiang’s, recently heard he goes to Hongji Temple every day. There’s a Tian Xiangfan, also a romantic scholar, who caused a commotion to the point of unbearable. Later, after seeing Mei Xiang’s play, he followed her carriage every day, wherever she went east, he went east, and west, he went west, followed her for a whole month. Mei Xiang pitied him, had a talk with him, and they ended up becoming close friends, now they can’t go a day without seeing each other.” The Second Sage laughed, “Such a thing! I see Mei Xiang is truly an unusual and compelling figure, actually having someone who could charm her. This person must be extraordinary.” As they were talking happily, suddenly Ziyun’s servant came forward and said, “A guest has come to visit!” Ziyun then dressed up and went out to greet the guest.

What happens next will be revealed in the following chapter.

　　話說前回書中梅士燮赴任之後，一切家事，內而顏夫人掌管，外而許順經理，井井有條。子玉仍係讀書，經籍之外研磨諸子百家。到花晨月夕，則有二三知己，明窗淨幾，共事筆硯。

　　或把酒清談，或題詩分韻，所來往者劉文澤、顏仲清等為最密。

　　而怡園徐度香一月間亦過訪幾次，或遇，或不遇。

　　蓋度香局面闊大，現處福地，為富貴神仙，所以干謁謁紛紛而來，應酬甚繁。

　　即遇無事清閒之日，又須為諸花物色，茶靡石葉之香，鹿錦鳳綾之豔，雖傾倒一時，然較之小樓深處修竹一坪，紙帳開時梅花數點，反遜於玉、竹君等之清閒自在也。

　　卻說魏聘才其人在不粗不細之間，西流東列，風雅叢中，究非知已；繁華門下，盡可幫閒。目下與李元茂同住梅宅，一無所事，唯有出外閒遊。而元茂又另是一種呆頭呆腦的脾氣，與之長處，實屬可厭。聘才思量道：「我進京來本欲圖些名利，今在京數月，一事無成。且梅老伯又到江西去了，要兩三年才回，王老伯終是大模大樣，絕無一點關切心腸。長安雖好，非久戀之鄉，不如自己弄得一居停主人，或可附翼攀鱗，弄些好處出來，亦未可定。我想富三爺交遊最闊，求他覓一機會，不甚為難。」主意定了，就坐車進城，來到金牌樓富宅，先著小使到門上一問。

　　聘才聽說三爺不在家，在對門貴大老爺處打牌，小使出來，聘才道：「貴大爺我去年卻拜過他，未曾見著，今日正好拜他。」即到對門來，傳進片子，聽得裡面叫：「請！」開了兩扇中門，聘才進去，卻是小小一個院落，只見貴大爺從正廳上出來，迎上前，與聘才拉了手，讓聘才進屋內炕上坐。聘才道：「兄弟來過幾次，總值大爺出門，偏偏遇不著。」貴大爺道：「兄弟差使忙，輕易不出城，倒常想同富三哥出城找吾兄逛一天，不是他沒有空，就是我有事，再停兩天就好了。」又講了些閒話，聘才留心屋內卻也收拾乾淨，一並是三間，東邊隔去了一間做書房。院子內東邊是粉牆，西邊一個月亮門，內有一扇屏風擋著，想必是內室了。只見炕上掛一幅藍地白字的迴文詩句，一幅冷金箋對子，是戶部總理寫的。兩旁是八張方椅，東邊擺一書桌，一盆小小盆景，一面是幾張方杌。聘才正要開口，貴大爺道：「富三哥在此打牌，就在那屋子裡，咱們那邊坐罷。」就讓聘才進去。走到書房門口，有一小廝揭起了一個香色面簾，聘才跨將進去，只見富三將牌望桌上一放，打了一個呵欠，伸了一伸腰，見了聘才便站起來，笑嘻嘻的道：「久不見了，好呵？」聘才拉個手，見屋裡尚有兩人，一人面南，一人面北，那面南的即起身照應，那面北的便似照應不照應的，略把身子鬆一鬆，就坐了，仍看著手中的牌。聘才看那上首一位的相貌，一臉酒肉氣，兩撇黃鬚，一雙蛇眼，衣帽雖新，不合官樣，約有四十四五歲。下首一位，已有五十餘歲，是個近視眼，帶了眼鏡，身上也是一身新衣。聘才便問道：「這兩位沒有請教貴姓。」那上首的即答道：「姓楊，我是這裡的街坊。」又問那位年老的，老年的慢慢的答道：「我姓閻。」貴大爺道：「這位閻簡安先生，是華府中的師爺。那一位是精於地理的，又是富三哥的乾兄弟，就在東衚衕那大宅子裡，號梅窗，行八。」說罷，小廝移了一張凳子，就放在富三上首，大家坐了。富三道：「你好呵！你在城外天天的樂，你也不來瞧瞧哥哥。你知道哥哥惦記你，你就不惦記我。我找你兩三回，你躲著不出來，你天天兒瞧戲，好樂阿！」聘才笑道：「那裡的話。那一天不想著三爺。因我老伯到江西去了，一切家事是托兄弟照應的，所以事情多一點兒。」那姓楊的便問聘才道：「足下在梅大人宅裡？」聘才道：「是。」因問道：「認得梅宅麼？」那人道：

　　「怎麼不認得？他們塋地的樹，還是我種的呢。」貴大爺道：「這楊老八的風水是高明的，我們內城多半是請他瞧的。」聘才便又拉攏起來，只有那個閻簡安是冷冰冰的，只與富、貴兩人講話。富三爺道：「歇了罷，這牌打得悶人，就是我輸了，算帳罷。」閻簡安便道：「怎麼就歇？方才打了兩轉。」梅窗道：「算了，不用來了。」於是，大家起身散坐，點籌馬，是閻、富兩人輸了。聘才道：「倒是我吵散了。」富三一手捶著腰道：「我本來不喜歡這個，輸了錢還惹悶。」閻簡安道：「可不是。」楊梅窗笑道：「誰叫你們打得這麼燦頭？將牌都亂發的，不輸你輸誰？」閻簡安笑道：「你好，我瞧見你幾時又贏過錢？不過會訛人就是了，只好在我與富三哥面前混滂，在貴大哥跟前就不能了。」大家說笑了一陣，貴大爺即命小廝拿出酒肴來，是四五樣葷素菜，一壺黃酒，賓主五人小酌了一回。

　　席中聘才對那閻簡安問起華府的光景，那老閻就覺得有些高興，便道：「敝東公子，是人間少有的。府裡的闊大；是說不盡的。」聘才又問同事幾位？簡安道：「在府裡住的有十幾位，在老爺子任上的有十幾位，其餘來來去去走動的，不計其數。我是老爺子三十年的交情，同著出過兵，與那些個朋友是兩樣的光景，哥兒待我是父輩的禮數。其餘就難講了。」原來這個閻簡安，是個半生半熟的老篾片，卻與華公有舊，嫌其心窄嘴臭，脾氣古怪，所以叫他在府裡住著。華公子是更不對的。楊梅窗是個土篾片，但知勢利，毫無所能。又是個裡八府的人，怯頭怯腦。因與富三爺是乾兄弟，又拉攏了些半生半熟的闊老，仗著看風水為名，胡吹亂講的一味貪財，或與地主勾通，或與花兒匠工頭連手，賺下人的錢，也捐了個從九候選，至於堪輿之學，實在不懂。是日談次，倒與聘才合了式，便要與聘才換帖，聘才是樂得拉攏的，便十分應酬。只有那位老閻是勢利透頂的人，如何看得起聘才，聘才也深厭其人。五人歡敘了一回，各要散了，楊老八並約聘才另日再敘。

　　聘才便同到富三家裡來，又坐了一回，便把心事講起。富三爺道：「既然如此，何不就挪到舍下來，盤桓幾時。」重又說道：「我們舅太爺府中朋友最多。今日聽得老閻說，辭了那位出去，如今正少人呢。」聘才道：「舅太爺是那一位？」富三道：「你不記得去年在城外，瞧見那十幾輛車，車內那個貂裘繡蟒的，叫做華公子就是。」聘才心中十分歡喜，想道：這華公子勢燄熏天，若得合了式，弄個小小的出身，也還容易。

　　又遂問道：「他家去做朋友，不知要辦些什麼事？」富三道：「辦什麼呢？陪著喝酒，陪著看戲，閒空時寫兩封不要緊的書札。你還會彈唱，是更合他的心意了。這人本是個頂好的好人，只要盡拿高帽子孝敬他，他就喜歡，違拗他，他就冷了。我瞧你趨蹌很好，人也圓到，你肚子裡自然很通透的了。我們舅太爺筆底下也來的，去年老佛爺叫他和過詩，並說好，還賞了黃辮子荷包一對，四喜搬指兒一個呢。你要去，我明日就薦你，包管可成。」聘才聽得喜動顏色，忙作揖謝了。因又想著這個老閻有些礙眼。忽又想道：「各人辦各人的事，不與他往來便了。」再坐了一回，辭了富三回寓。

　　明日，富三就到華公府來，見了華公子，就薦聘才進府，幫辦雜務。華公子應了，說道：「我這裡到不拘人多人少，只要人好，是你的好朋友。自然不用講了。說請你去講一聲，請他來就是了。」即吩咐林珊枝傳諭總辦，將魏師爺修金欽饌說定，富三連連答應幾個「是」！又進去見了華夫人，就辭了，一徑出城，通知了魏聘才，請其明日就去。

　　是日聘才就與子玉說明，並謝數月叨擾。子玉吃驚道：「大哥何故要去，莫非嫌小弟有得罪之處麼？」聘才連連陪笑道：

　　「愚兄自到貴府以來，承伯父母同棣臺如此恩待，豈尚有不足？無奈愚兄此番進京，家父諄諭自己，定要謀一前程出京。

　　因此處稍可巴結，且富老三力為作合，且去看看光景。只隔一城，原可時常來的，棣臺若不忘懷，華府園亭，聞說是極好逛的。伯母前請棣臺先為稟明，明日起身時，再進去叩謝。」李元茂在旁，聞得聘才要進華府，心中有些難過，道：「你去了只剩了我，且你也少了個伴兒。我聞得華公子脾氣不好，你倒不要去吃釘板，還是在此罷，過年再說。」聘才道：「各人有各人的打算，我如今比不上你了。你是知縣少爺，享現成的福，我不但自己不能受用，還要顧家呢！」子玉聽到這句，便知不能強留，只得進去與顏夫人說了。顏夫人道：「既然如此，只好聽他自去罷。但者爺出門時，囑咐我好生看待，且說他倒能辦事。但此時也無甚多事，如果將來有事，再請他回來亦可。」

　　是晚即命子玉與聘才餞行，又送出四十兩銀子與聘才，聘才感激不盡。一夜與元茂談談講講，各有難分之意。

　　明早富三爺即遣人帶了兩輛車來接聘才，聘才即拜別顏夫人並子玉，又辭了元茂，收拾停妥，帶了四兒一徑上車。先到富宅略敘片時，富三親送到華府。到了門口，富三先著人回進去，並說魏師爺來了。聘才在車內一望這門面，就覺威嚴得了不得，就是南京總督衙門，也無此高大。門前一座大照牆，用水磨磚砌成，上下鏤花，並有花簷滴水，上蓋琉璃瓦，約有三丈多高，七丈多寬。左右一對大石獅子，有八尺多高。望進頭門裡，約有一箭多遠，見圍牆內兩邊盡是參天大樹，襯著中間一條甬道，直望到二門，就模模糊糊，不甚清楚。覺有數十人在那門口坐著。回事人進去了有半個時辰，才見出來，說：「請！」富三同魏聘才便下了車，二人整整衣裳走進。將近二門，見那一班人慢慢的站起來，約有二三十個，都是一色衣服，有幾個見了富三上前請安，並問道：「這位就是請來的師爺嗎？」魏聘才亦各照應了。走進二門，又是甬道，足有一百多步，才到了大廳。回事的引著，轉過了大廳，四面迴廊，闌干曲折，中間見方，有一個院子，有花竹靈石，層層疊疊。又進了垂花門，便是穿堂。再進了穿堂，便覺身入畫圖：長廊疊閣，畫棟雕樑，碧瓦琉璃，映天耀日。聘才是有生以來，沒有見過這等高大華麗，絢爛莊嚴，心上有些畏懼。富三是去熟的，引路的道：「請三爺到西花廳坐罷。」那人便曲曲折折走了好一會，方到了一個水磨磚擺的花月亮門站住了，就不進去了。咳嗽一聲，裡面走出四個年輕俊秀家童來。那人交代了說：「請進西花廳去。」聘才隨富三進得門來，是一個花園，地下是太湖石堆的，玲瓏透剔，下面是池水，俯見石罅中游出兩個金色鯉魚來。修竹礙人，狂花迎面。走了數十步，上了好幾層參差石蹬，接著一座石板平橋。過了橋，是個亭子，下了亭子，又是假山擋住，絕似獅子林光景，要從神仙洞內穿出，方見一所花廳。

　　接著又有幾處亭榭，綠樹濃陰，鳥聲噪聒。庭前開滿了罌粟、虞美等花，映襯那池邊老柏樹上垂下來的藤花，又有些海棠、紫荊等類。

　　來到花廳，前面是一帶雕闌，兩邊五色玻璃窗，中間掛一個絳色夾紗盤銀線的簾子。書童把紗簾吊起在一個點翠銀蝴蝶鬚子上。進得廳來，地下鋪著鴨綠絨毯，上頭是用香楠木板做成船室，刻滿了細巧花草。懸著一個匾額，是王鐸寫的「苔花岑雨聯情之館」的墨跡四圍珠纓靈蓋，燈彩無數。中間平門上刻著文徵明的草書，一張大炕都是古錦斑爛的鋪墊。炕几上供一個寶鼎，濃香芬馥。兩邊牆上糊著白花綾，一邊是掛著王右丞八幅青緣的山水，一邊是兩個博古廚，上頭盡放些楠木匣子，想是古書。所有桌凳杌椅盡是紫檀雕花，五採花錦鋪墊。

　　正是個錦天繡地，令人目炫神亂。富三與聘才就坐在椅子上，等有兩盞茶時候，忽見一個書童出來說：「公於今日不爽快，請三爺與師爺到東花園和各位師爺們見見，就請魏師爺在東花園與張師爺、顧師爺在一塊兒住罷。」富三又說：「替我請安。」聘才也站起身道：「替我亦說到。」小廝答應了「是」。窗外那個書童就請富、魏二位到東花園去，仍由舊路出了月亮門。

　　那東花園卻在前面東首，聘才跟著富三，重新向外彎彎轉轉，盡走的迴廊，處處多有人伺候。華府規矩：每一重門，有一個總管，有事出進都要登號簿的。聘才走了半天，心中也記不清過了多少庭院。及走到穿堂後身，東首有一條夾巷，覺有半里路長。又進了一重門，才見一個花園。這花園卻也不小，有亭有臺，有山有水，花木成林，又是一樣景致。這引路小廝交代了園中的人，就不進去了。那邊又有人來接引。進了斑竹花籬，是一所廳，兩進共有十間，還有些廂房。此中是張笑梅、顧月卿畫畫之處。顧、張二位出來相見，知道聘才是富三爺新薦來的，便陪著聚談。聘才見那張笑梅，倒也生得俊俏，是杭州人，年紀二十上下，是畫工筆人物的，就是吹竹彈絲也還來得。顧月卿是蘇州人，比笑梅略長兩歲，亦頗俊秀，是畫山水花草的。那邊還有個書啟先生叫王卿雲，是老公爺的舊友，有五十餘歲了。閻簡安是辦筆墨雜務，他二人又在一個院落，當下都請來見了。閻簡安道：「不料前日一見，今日就進我們府中來，有這等奇事。」聘才道：「小弟多蒙華公子謬愛，招之門下。無奈鉛刀襪線，一無所能，諸事全仗老先生們教訓。」

　　閻、王二老便道：「好說，好說，東人慕名請來的，自然是個名下無虛的了，我們都要請教。」聘才連聲說：「不敢。」富三爺道：「這魏老大是我的把弟，且係南城外梅大人的世姪，極有本事，最夠朋友的。此刻新來府中，一切都不在行，先生們自然要攜帶攜帶，都是一家人，倒不要生分才好。我明日見了我們舅太爺，還要面托的。」又對聘才道：「咱們到裡頭屋子，瞧瞧住那一間？」又同聘才到了裡頭一進，也是五間，東邊兩間張笑梅做房，聘才就在西邊兩間下榻，中間空了一間為會客之地。富三即叫將行李搬進，叫小廝們鋪設好了。

　　正要走時，只見一人進來，說道：「公子送了一桌酒席，就請三爺和各位師爺陪著魏師爺喝鍾酒，公子說不要見怪，實在坐不下，不能來陪，又給三爺道乏。」富三爺站起來道了謝。又道：「時候也不早了，剛是吃飯時候了。」大家就在中間屋子裡圓桌上吃起來，無拘無束，甚為暢快。聘才見這席菜，只是上不完，大碗、中碗、大碟、小碟通計有四十多樣。眾人直飲到二更，富三方辭了眾人出去。他的家人提燈伺候，聘才送到園門，富三又嘮嘮叨叨囑咐一番。聘才尚要送出，富三道：

　　「不要送了，回來你認不得進園子倒累墜，咱們歇天再見罷。」於是不顧而去。聘才進內又與張、顧二人談了好一回，又探問了好些府中光景方歇。

　　次日，張、顧二人，又引聘才去見了各項的朋友，連府中總管的爺們，以及帳房、司閽、司廚、管馬號、掌庫房，並各處門口掛號簿的人，凡有頭腦的，都一一見了。正是侯門如海，聘才初進來是一樣摸不著的，反覺拘束得很，連話也不敢多說一句，惟有小心謹慎，恭維眾人而已。看官記明：從此魏聘才進了華公府了，慢慢的就生出多少事來。此是後話，且按下不題。

　　卻說子玉因聘才去了，心中也著實思念了幾天。此時是四月中旬，因有個閏五月，所以節氣較遲，尚見芍藥盛開，庭外又有丁香、海棠等，紅香粉膩，素面冰心，獨自玩賞了一回。

　　鳥聲聒碎，花影橫披，不覺有些疲倦，因憶古人「風暖鳥聲碎，日高花影重」二語體物之工。復想起陸索蘭那日待我的光景，又尋出素蘭寫的扇子，細細的看了一回，因又想道：「我也要送他些東西才好。遂檢出古硯一方，好香墨兩匣，徐松陵墨蘭冊頁十二方，團扇一柄，即將前日所作送春二律，用小楷寫好，始而欲遣人送去。繼因長晝悶人，遂起了訪友的興致，尋芳的念頭。到上房稟過萱親，說訪劉、顏諸人，隨了小廝，登輿遍訪諸人，一無所遇，大為掃興。只得獨自來至素蘭寓所，恰值素蘭從戲園中回來，迎接進內，未免也有幾句寒溫。子玉即將所送之物，面贈素蘭，素蘭謝了，細玩一番。又見字畫端楷，重複謝了又謝。即同子玉到臥室外一間書室內，是素蘭書畫之所，頗為幽雅，因問子玉道：「今日為何獨自一人出來？可曾到過對門？見你心上人麼？」子玉笑道：「今日走了好幾處，沒有見著一個。我本為你而來，對門也未去，不知玉依在家不在家？」素蘭歎口氣不言語，子玉心疑，便問道：「香畹因何不快？」素蘭道：「我自己倒沒有什麼不快，我想起你心上人，你們背地裡這本糊塗帳，將來怎麼算得清楚，白教沒相干的眼淚，淌了許多，到底亦不曉得為什麼。問他，他又不說，猜抹也猜抹不出來。其實你們又不天天見面，何以就害得人到這個模樣呢，連他的師傅也不懂的，說他近來有些痰氣，無緣無故就酸酸楚楚，待人更不瞅不睬。從前見人不過冷淡些，卻沒有心事。自從你們怡園同席之後，他就不大招呼人，對我們講話，總喜歡說梅花，就搭不上這句話，也硬搭上來。說喜得是怡園梅崦，又要蕭靜宜畫了四幅各色的梅花，這也罷了。

　　忽又問起度香南邊定織來的綢緞，可有那折枝梅沒有，雜花的有沒有？難為度香竟找出幾匹來，如今現做了袍子、襖兒穿上了。你說這個心思奇不奇，不是為你是為誰？」子玉聽了便覺一陣心酸，止不住流下淚來，要說話。喉間若有物噎住說不出，只呆呆的看著素蘭。素蘭又道：「到底你們是怎樣的交情？我是你的功臣，為你也費了些神。因我有些像你，所以常來對我講些懵懂話兒。我說你這片心，不知人家知道不知道？

　　又不知人家待你，也有這種情分沒有？他倒說得好，這是我自己的心腸，管人家知道不知道，又管人家待我怎麼樣，橫豎我自己一人明白就是了。庾香先生，你心裡到底怎佯。你不妨對我說說。你當面不好意思的對他講，我替你代說，自然你也有一番思念他的心腸，何妨說給我聽聽。」子玉只是不語，素蘭料著是不肯說的，「我們同到他家去瞧瞧罷？」子玉略一躊躇道：「去也使得。」於是素蘭即同子玉走出門來，不多幾步，即到了秋水堂門口，見有五六輛車歇著。素蘭道：

　　「這光景是裡頭有客，只怕不便進去，不如回去，先著人進去看看何如？」子玉心上略有一分不自在，不曉裡面所請是何客，玉儂陪與不陪？又想起他家裡請客，斷無不陪之禮。毫無主意，只聽憑素蘭進退。

　　素蘭回到自己家門口，喚人往琴言處打聽，不多一刻，來說琴言臥病在牀，請客是他師傅長慶請分子，是部裡幾位經承先生，還是吃的早飯，不多一回就散的。素蘭道：「再請到裡面坐著等罷。」子玉聽見心中略定，只得重進裡面。無精打采的坐下。素蘭只管笑嘻嘻的問長問短，又問你到底待那玉儂何如？子玉被問不過，只得說道：「玉儂之事，其說甚長。」就把魏聘才途中所見情景，至今年會館中見他一齣《驚夢》，真是絕世無雙，情文互至，尚未悉其性情抱負。及到怡園為假琴官所戲，我說出思慕琴言，原為其守身如玉，落落難合，不料其自棄如此。那時玉儂在屏後聽了嗚咽欲絕，及同席時又彼此都講不出什麼來，倒像是前生相契，今生重逢，兩人心事你知我見，無用口說的光景。彼亦不期然而然，我亦無所為而為。

　　總覺心頭眼前，不能一刻棄置。你不說，我尚不知他背後如此牽掛。我為他，我是曉得他底蘊；他為我，難道他又曉得我什麼？且我有何感動他處，使他如此？倒不如不見面罷，省得見面時更多感觸。子玉說到此處，更神色慘淡，似有悲泣之意。

　　素蘭亦覺淒楚，便淌下淚來，半晌勸道：「你們兩人前生竟有些瓜葛，不然何至於此？以君才貌而論，是人人憐愛的。但似玉儂之冰雪心腸，獨為你纏綿宛轉。

　　以度香之百般體貼，亦算溫柔鄉中一個知己。我看玉儂待他，不如待君十分之二，難得度香更加愛惜，說道：『人各有緣，此中係天定，非人情能強。』且庾香屬意玉儂一人，毫不移動，此真是多情種子，非玉儂不足為庾香賞識，非庾香不足為玉儂眷戀。《國風》好色而不淫，其庾香、玉儂之謂乎！」子玉聽了，感激度香萬分，且愛素蘭之聰慧，不枉《曲臺花譜》中定作探花郎也。

　　因談了許多時候，素蘭又請子玉隨意用了些點心，著人再到琴言處探望。來人回來道：「起先之客倒散了。偏又來了一班人，說要叫琴言，長慶回他不在家，那些人不肯去，坐著等候。長慶因不認識他們，便不應酬，自到房裡吃煙去了。被他們闖進去，將長慶的煙槍搶了，要到兵馬司衙門出首他。長慶無法，只得賠禮，又請了他間壁糟房李四、緞子王三兩人解勸，閒人哄滿了一堂，正在那裡鬧不清楚呢。」子玉聽了，長歎一聲道：「我與玉儂要見一面，都如此之難。今日天也不早了，我也要回去，你明日見他時代為致意，說不可如此。必要保重身體；度香處倒要常去走走，不要叫人見怪。我是不能常出門的，遲幾天再見。你若見了度香，也為我多多致謝。歇一天我們去逛他園子呢。」素蘭道：「你幾時出來，約定日子到我這裡來，我約玉儂過來，倒是我這裡清淨。他師傅有些脾氣，偏偏玉儂遭逢著他，也是玉儂運氣不好。」子玉道：「他師傅怎樣脾氣？」素蘭道：「愛錢多，怕勢大，厭人窮。玉儂因度香所愛，故尚待得好，從前待別人就沒有這樣。」子玉聽了，又添了一件心事，放心不下，總之無可奈何，躊躊躇躇。見天氣已晚，只得硬了心腸出來，上了車回顧了幾次，一徑出了衚衕方才坐好。小廝跨上車沿，只見迎面兩馬一車，走的潑風似的，劈面衝來，偏偏是王通政，子玉躲避不及，只得要下來。王文輝連忙搖手止住，問了幾句話，也就點點頭開車走了。

　　今日子玉出門，只與素蘭談了半日，所訪不遇，倒遇見了丈人，好不納悶。意欲去望高品，又嫌路遠，且出門過久，又恐高堂見責，只得怏怏而回。

　　正是不如意事常八九，且聽下回分解。

The story continues from the previous episode where, after Mei Shixie assumed his post, all household affairs were managed by Madam Yan inside and Xu Shun outside, all in perfect order. Zi Yu continued his studies, delving into classical texts and various schools of thought. In the mornings and evenings, he would meet with a few close friends in a room with bright windows and a clean table, engaging in writing and ink grinding.

Sometimes, they would enjoy wine and engage in intellectual discussions or compose poetry. Frequent visitors included Liu Wenzhe and Yan Zhongqing, among others.

Meanwhile, Xu Duoxiang of Yi Garden visited several times within a month, sometimes finding Zi Yu at home, sometimes not.

Duoxiang’s situation was quite grand, living in a place of fortune, almost like a wealthy immortal, hence he had many visitors, and his social engagements were numerous.

Even on quiet days without other commitments, he needed to select various flowers and appreciate the fragrances of tea and the beauty of luxurious fabrics, though these pleasures were fleeting. He found more peace in the deeper, quieter parts of his house, like the small bamboo garden and the sight of a few plum blossoms, which he found more satisfying than the bustling social life.

Now about Wei Pincai, his character was neither too rough nor too refined, blending western and eastern styles, and although not a close friend, he was good enough for casual company. Currently, he was staying with Li Yuanmao in Mei’s house, idly passing his time, only leaving the house for leisure walks. Yuanmao had a rather dull temperament, and staying with him was quite tiresome. Pincai thought to himself, “I came to the capital hoping for fame and fortune, but after several months, I’ve achieved nothing. And with Elder Mei having gone to Jiangxi, not returning for a couple of years, and Elder Wang being indifferent, life in Chang’an, although pleasant, is not where I wish to stay for long. Perhaps I should establish my own place, possibly finding opportunities to climb socially and gain some benefits. Rich Lord San has extensive connections, maybe he can help find me an opportunity without much trouble.” With his mind made up, he took a carriage to the city and arrived at the wealthy Fu family’s mansion. First, he sent a servant to inquire at the door.

Pincai heard that Lord San was not home but was across the street at a wealthy gentleman’s house playing cards. After the servant came out, Pincai said, “I paid my respects to that gentleman last year but didn’t meet him. Today might be a good day to visit him.” He then went across the street, and after announcing his arrival, he heard someone inside say, “Please come in!” As the double doors opened, Pincai entered a small courtyard and saw the wealthy gentleman coming out from the main hall to greet him, shaking hands and inviting him inside to sit on the heated brick bed. Pincai said, “I’ve been here a few times, but always seem to miss you when you’re out.” The gentleman replied, “I’m often busy and don’t leave town much, but I frequently think of visiting with Brother Fu San for a day. It’s not that he doesn’t have time; it’s just that I’m often occupied. We should be able to meet in a couple of days.” After some small talk, Pincai noticed the room was well-kept, consisting of three sections with one converted into a study. In the courtyard, the east wall was painted white, and there was a moon gate to the west with a screen possibly hiding the inner chambers. A scroll with a blue background and white characters containing poetic verses hung above the brick bed, flanked by two solid gold scrolls written by the head of the Ministry of Revenue. Eight square chairs were positioned around the room, with a desk to the east holding a small bonsai and several stools. As Pincai was about to speak, the gentleman said, “Brother Fu San is playing cards here in the next room. Let’s sit there.” They moved towards the study, where a servant lifted a curtain for them. Inside, Fu San, after placing his cards on the table and stretching with a yawn, stood up with a smile upon seeing Pincai and asked, “Long time no see, how have you been?” Pincai shook his hand and noticed two other men in the room, one facing south and the other north. The man facing south stood up to greet them, while the man facing north seemed indifferent, simply loosening his posture and continuing to focus on his cards. Pincai noted that the man at the head of the table had a face flushed from drinking, with two tufts of yellow beard and snake-like eyes. Despite his new clothes, he did not look like an official and appeared to be in his mid-forties. The other man, over fifty, was near-sighted and wore glasses, also dressed in new clothes. Pincai

asked, “May I know your esteemed names?” The man at the head immediately replied, “My surname is Yang, and I’m a local here.” When asked about the older man, he slowly responded, “My surname is Yan.” The wealthy gentleman added, “This is Mr. Yan Jian’an, a consultant in the government office. The other is an expert in geomancy and Brother Fu San’s sworn brother. He lives in the large residence in East Hutong, number eight, known as Mei Window.” After some conversation, a servant moved a stool next to Brother Fu San, and they all sat down. Fu San said, “It’s good to see you! You’ve been enjoying yourself outside the city every day, yet you never visit your brother. You know I think about you, yet you don’t think of me. I’ve looked for you a couple of times, but you avoid coming out. You’re always watching plays, enjoying yourself!” Pincai laughed, “That’s not true. I think of you every day. Since my elder uncle went to Jiangxi, I’ve been in charge of the household, so I’ve been quite busy.” Yang then asked Pincai, “Are you staying at Elder Mei’s house?” Pincai replied, “Yes.” Upon further questioning if he knew the Mei residence, Yang said, “How could I not? I planted the trees in their cemetery.” The wealthy gentleman added, “Old Yang’s expertise in geomancy is highly regarded; most of us in the inner city consult him.” Pincai then grew closer to them, but Yan Jian’an remained aloof, speaking only to Fu and the wealthy gentleman. Fu San finally said, “Let’s stop; this game is getting boring. Even though I’m losing, let’s settle the accounts.” Yan Jian’an objected, “Why stop now? We’ve only played a couple of rounds.” Mei Window interjected, “Let’s call it a day; no need to continue.” They then stood up, tallied their losses, with Yan and Fu ending up as the losers. Pincai said, “I guess I’m the cause of the disturbance.” Fu San, clutching his waist, added, “I never liked this game; losing money only adds to the annoyance.” Yan Jian’an agreed, “Exactly.” Yang Mei Window joked, “Who told you to play so brilliantly? With such chaotic card dealing, who else would lose but you?” Yan Jian’an laughed, “You’re right; when have I ever seen you win money? You’re only good at swindling, which works in front of Brother Fu and me, but not in front of the wealthy gentleman.” After some laughter, the wealthy gentleman ordered a servant to bring out some dishes and a pot of yellow wine, and the five enjoyed a light drink.

During the meal, Pincai asked Yan Jian’an about the situation in the government office, which seemed to please the old man. Yan spoke highly of his young master, describing the grandeur of the residence as beyond words. Pincai inquired about his colleagues, and Yan explained that there were over a dozen living in the residence and several others who came and went frequently. “I’ve had a thirty-year friendship with the old master, having served in the military with him. My relationship with these friends is quite different; the young master treats me with the respect due to an elder. The rest are harder to say.” Yan Jian’an was an odd character, having a long-standing connection with the head of the household, who found his narrow-minded and foul-mouthed nature off-putting, which is why he stayed in the residence. The young master of the household was even less agreeable. Yang Mei Window, although a local and familiar with power dynamics, was incapable of much and rather timid. Because he was sworn brothers with Brother Fu San and had pulled some strings with other influential locals under the guise of consulting on geomancy, he often spouted nonsense for personal gain, sometimes colluding with landlords or foremen to make money, eventually securing a minor government position despite having no real expertise in geomancy. As the conversation continued, it seemed to suit Pincai, who was eager to network and readily reciprocated. However, the old Yan, being utterly mercenary, could not think highly of Pincai, who also deeply disliked him. After a while, everyone prepared to leave, and Old Yang arranged to meet Pincai again another day.

Pincai then accompanied Fu San to his home where they sat and discussed matters of the heart. Fu San suggested, “If that’s the case, why not move in with me for a while?” He added, “Our uncle has many friends in his mansion. Today, I heard from Old Yan that someone has left, and they’re short-staffed now.”

Pincai asked, “Which uncle are you referring to?” Fu San replied, “Don’t you remember last year outside the city, the man in the fur coat and embroidered python robe in one of those carriages? That was Master Hua.”

Pincai was delighted at the thought, realizing that aligning with the influential Master Hua could ease his way into a respectable position. He then asked, “What kind of work would I be doing if I went to work at his house?” Fu San explained, “What work? Accompany him in drinking, watching plays, and sometimes writing unimportant letters. You can also play and sing, which would really please him. He’s essentially a good man who likes to be flattered. If you oppose him, he turns cold. I see that you handle yourself well and are quite adaptable; you definitely understand the way things work. Our uncle was appreciated by the emperor last year for his poetry, and even received a pair of yellow braided purses and a four-happiness jade pendant. If you go, I’ll recommend you tomorrow, and I’m sure it will work out.” Pincai was thrilled and expressed his gratitude with a bow. However, he was slightly concerned about Old Yan’s presence but then thought, “Everyone handles their own affairs; I just won’t deal with him.”

After a while, he bid farewell to Fu San and returned to his lodgings.

The next day, Fu San went to Master Hua’s mansion and introduced Pincai for help with miscellaneous duties. Master Hua agreed, saying, “I don’t mind whether we have few or many people here, as long as they are good. Since he’s a friend of yours, that’s enough. Just tell him to come over.” He then instructed Lin Shanzhi to communicate this to the chief administrator and finalize arrangements with Wei Pincai, to which Fu San repeatedly agreed. After meeting Mrs. Hua and bidding her farewell, Fu San left the city to inform Wei Pincai to come the next day.

That day, Pincai explained the situation to Zi Yu and apologized for any inconvenience over the past few months. Zi Yu was shocked and asked, “Why do you want to go, big brother? Did I offend you in some way?” Pincai reassured him with a smile, “Ever since I arrived at your esteemed residence, I have been treated with great kindness by your parents and yourself. How could I be dissatisfied? However, my father explicitly instructed me to seek a better future in the capital. Since there’s an opportunity here and Fu San is willing to help, I should take a look. It’s just one city over; I can visit often. If you don’t forget me, the gardens at the Hua mansion are said to be wonderful to visit. Please inform your mother, and I will go and thank her in person tomorrow before I leave.” Li Yuanmao, who was present, felt sad about Pincai’s departure and said, “It’ll just be me left here, and you’ll be without a companion. I’ve heard Master Hua has a difficult temper. Maybe you shouldn’t rush into this and consider staying here until after the New Year.” Pincai replied, “Everyone has their own plans. I can’t compare with you now. You enjoy the benefits of a secure position, while not only can I not enjoy myself, I still have my family to think about.” Realizing he couldn’t convince Pincai, Zi Yu went to inform Madam Yan. She said, “Since that’s the case, we must let him go. But when he left, the master instructed me to take good care of him, noting that he was quite capable. Though there isn’t much to do at the moment, if anything comes up, we could ask him to come back.”

That evening, Zi Yu and Pincai had a farewell dinner, and Madam Yan gave Pincai forty taels of silver, which he gratefully accepted. He spent the night discussing and reminiscing with Yuanmao, both finding it hard to part.

The next morning, Fu San sent two carriages to fetch Pincai. After bidding farewell to Madam Yan, Zi Yu, and Yuanmao, and making his preparations, Pincai and his son boarded the carriage. First, they stopped briefly at Fu’s residence, then Fu personally escorted him to the Hua mansion. Upon arriving at the gate, Fu sent someone ahead to announce their arrival, and Pincai was awestruck by the grandeur of the entrance, which he thought surpassed even the governor’s mansion in Nanjing. The front featured a large reflective wall

made of polished bricks with carved flowers and a tiled roof, about three zhang high and seven zhang wide. Flanking the gate were two large stone lions, each over eight feet tall. As they entered, they saw a long driveway flanked by towering trees, leading to a second gate barely visible in the distance. It seemed like dozens of people were sitting at the gate. After about half an hour, the messenger returned and invited them in. Fu and Pincai alighted from the carriage, straightened their clothes, and walked towards the second gate, where about twenty to thirty men in uniform slowly stood up. Some came forward to greet Fu and asked, “Is this the master you’ve invited?” Pincai responded accordingly. They walked through the second gate, down a long path of over a hundred steps to a large hall. The guide led them around the hall to a courtyard adorned with flowers, bamboo, and spiritual stones, layered in tiers. They then passed through a flowering gate into a corridor and entered what seemed like a painted scene: corridors and pavilions with intricate carvings, gleaming tiles reflecting the sun. Pincai had never seen such opulence and grandeur, and he felt somewhat intimidated. Fu, familiar with the place, was led by the guide who suggested, “Please, Mr. Fu, take a seat in the West Flower Hall.” After a winding path, they stopped at a moon gate laid with polished bricks. A cough from inside prompted four young, handsome house servants to appear. They were instructed to enter the West Flower Hall. Pincai followed Fu through the gate into a garden with intricate rockeries and clear pool waters, where goldfish swam among the stones. They walked up several staggered stone steps to a stone bridge, crossed it to a pavilion, and then navigated around an artificial mountain, reminiscent of the Lion Grove Garden, before finally arriving at the flower hall.

Continuing, they passed several pavilions and lush trees with noisy birds. The courtyard was filled with poppies and other flowers, complementing the vine flowers hanging from old cypress trees by the pond, with crabapples and redbuds scattered about.

Upon reaching the flower hall, they saw a carved balustrade with multicolored glass windows on either side, and a red silk curtain with silver threads hung in the middle. A pageboy lifted the curtain, revealing an interior with a duck green velvet carpet, a cabin-like structure made of fragrant nanmu wood intricately carved with delicate flowers. Hanging above was a plaque inscribed by Wang Duan with “The Hall of Moss Flowers and Rain-Linked Sentiments,” surrounded by beaded tassels and numerous colorful lanterns. The central door bore calligraphy by Wen Zhengming, and the large kang was covered in ancient brocaded cushions. An incense burner filled the room with a thick fragrance. The walls were lined with white flowered damask, one side displaying a series of landscapes by Wang Youcheng in green borders, and the other side housed two antique shelves filled with nanmu boxes, likely containing ancient books. All the furniture, intricately carved from rosewood, was upholstered with brightly colored brocade.

The place was dazzling, overwhelming to the senses. Fu and Pincai sat down, and after waiting with tea for a while, a pageboy came out and said, “The master is not feeling well today. He asks Mr. Fu and the master to meet the other masters in the East Garden and suggests that Master Wei stay with Masters Zhang and Gu there.” Fu replied, “Give him my regards,” and Pincai also stood up and said, “Please convey my respects too.” The servant acknowledged and then led Fu and Wei out through the old route, exiting through the moon gate.

The Eastern Flower Garden was located ahead to the east. Following Fu San, Pincai took a winding path through the verandas, where attendants were plentiful. In the Hua mansion, each major gate had a supervisor and all comings and goings had to be recorded in a logbook. After walking for a long time, Pincai couldn’t remember how many courtyards they had passed. They finally reached a lane behind the main building, stretching about half a mile, and passed through another gate to see a garden. This garden was not small, featuring pavilions, platforms, mountains, and water, with trees and flowers creating a forest-like environment. The servant leading the way handed them off to another attendant in the garden and did not enter himself.

They were met by another guide who led them through a bamboo and flower fence into a hall that had ten rooms in two sections, along with some side chambers. This was where Zhang Xiaomei and Gu Yueqing worked on their paintings. Both artists came out to meet them, learning that Pincai was newly recommended by Fu San, and they all sat down together to chat. Pincai noted that Zhang Xiaomei, a Hangzhou native about twenty years old, was not only skilled in painting human figures but also played the flute and zither. Gu Yueqing, from Suzhou, was slightly older than Xiaomei by two years and also quite handsome, specializing in landscape and floral paintings. There was also a scholar named Wang Qingyun, an old friend of the elder master of the house, who was over fifty years old. Yan Jian’an, who managed the ink and brush supplies, and the two painters shared a courtyard, and now they all came together to meet.

Yan Jian’an remarked, “It’s a surprise that after our brief meeting the other day, you’ve joined us in our mansion.” Pincai responded, “I’m deeply honored by the young master’s unfounded favor and called upon to serve here. Unfortunately, I am but a novice in all tasks here and must rely entirely on the teachings of the senior masters.”

Yan and Wang, the two elders, said, “Well said, well said. Since you came here highly recommended, we naturally have much to learn from you.” Pincai humbly replied, “I dare not claim such a thing.” Fu San added, “This Wei Laoda is like a brother to me, and also a relative of the renowned Mei from outside the south city, very capable and a true friend. As he is new to our mansion and unfamiliar with our ways, you seniors must guide him. We are all one family here, so let’s not be strangers. Tomorrow, I’ll mention him to our uncle and ask for his support.” He then suggested to Pincai, “Let’s go inside and see which room you’ll stay in.” They went to a section with five rooms; Zhang Xiaomei occupied the two rooms on the east side, so Pincai took the two on the west, leaving the middle room for receiving guests. Fu San had the luggage moved in and everything arranged for Pincai.

Just as they were about to leave, a servant came in and announced, “The young master has sent over a table of food and invites Mr. Fu and all the masters to join Master Wei for a drink. The young master sends his apologies for not being able to join due to discomfort and wishes Mr. Fu well.” Fu San stood to express his gratitude. He then mentioned, “It’s getting late, just in time for dinner.” Everyone gathered around the table in the middle room and enjoyed a relaxed and delightful meal. The table was loaded with dishes, big and small, amounting to over forty varieties. They drank well into the night, and Fu San left only after the second evening watch, his servants waiting with lanterns. Pincai saw him to the garden gate, where Fu San gave some last instructions. Pincai offered to escort him further, but Fu San said, “No need to send me off; you might get lost coming back. Let’s meet again another day.” And with that, he left. Pincai then returned inside and talked with Zhang and Gu for a while longer, asking about many details of the mansion before finally retiring for the night.

The next day, Zhang and Gu introduced Pincai to various important people in the mansion, including the head stewards, the accountants, the gatekeepers, the kitchen supervisor, the stable master, and those in charge of the storerooms, as well as those responsible for the logbooks at each gate. It was like entering a sea of bureaucracy, and Pincai, new to this world, felt quite constrained, daring not to speak out of turn, and only cautiously flattering everyone. Note to the reader: From this point, Wei Pincai had entered the Hua mansion, and slowly various events began to unfold. This, however, is a story for another time, which we shall leave for now.

Let’s return

to Zi Yu, who felt a deep longing for Pincai over the next few days. It was mid-April, and due to the intercalary fifth month, the season was running late, still showing peonies in full bloom in the courtyard, along with lilacs and crabapples, their colors and fragrances mixing beautifully. Alone, he admired the flowers for a while.

Birdsong filled the air and shadows of flowers crossed his path, making him feel somewhat tired. He recalled the ancient lines, “The warm breeze breaks the bird’s song; the high sun deepens the flower’s shadow,” appreciating the beauty in these observations. He then remembered the day he spent with Lu Suolan and pulled out the fan she had written on, examining it closely. He thought, “I should send her something in return.” He selected an antique inkstone, two boxes of fine ink, a dozen scrolls of ink orchids by Xu Songling, and a round fan, writing a pair of spring-themed couplets in small script to send to her. Then, feeling the ennui of the long day, he decided to visit his friends. After informing his mother upstairs, he said he would visit Liu, Yan, and others, took a servant, and went out in his carriage. He found none of them, which was quite disappointing. He then went alone to Suolan’s residence, arriving just as she returned from a theater garden. She welcomed him inside, and after exchanging some warm greetings, Zi Yu presented her with the gifts, which she thanked him for and admired greatly. She praised his calligraphy and painting skills repeatedly.

They moved to a study room outside her bedroom, a place she used for her own painting and writing, quite elegant and quiet. She asked Zi Yu, “Why did you come out alone today? Did you visit next door? Did you see your beloved?” Zi Yu smiled and said, “I went several places today and didn’t see anyone. I came specifically for you, and I didn’t go next door. I don’t know if Jade Yi is at home or not.” Suolan sighed and remained silent, prompting Zi Yu to ask, “Why are you upset?” Suolan replied, “I’m not personally upset, but thinking about your beloved, all these secret accounts you two keep, how will you ever settle them? So many needless tears have been shed, and in the end, I don’t even understand why. When I ask her, she doesn’t say, and I can’t guess it either. Really, you don’t see each other every day, so why does it distress her so much? Even her master doesn’t understand; she says recently she’s been feeling a bit phlegmy, sour and indifferent without any reason, treating people even more dismissively. Before, she was just distant, but now she’s distracted. Since that gathering in the Yi Garden, she hardly greets anyone, always talking about plum blossoms. Even if it doesn’t fit the conversation, she’ll force it in, saying how she loves the plum blossoms in Yi Garden, and even had Xiao Jingyi paint four different plum blossom paintings. And then she suddenly asked about the silks ordered from the south by Duoxiang, wondering if there were any with plum branch patterns or mixed flowers. Somehow, Duoxiang managed to find several bolts, and now she’s made robes and jackets from them. Don’t you find this obsession strange? If it’s not for you, who is it for?” Zi Yu listened, feeling a pang of sadness, unable to stop his tears. He wanted to speak, but felt choked up and could only stare blankly at Suolan. Suolan continued, “What exactly is the nature of your relationship? I’m your confidante, and I’ve put in a lot of effort for you. Because I look a bit like you, she often comes to me with her confused thoughts. I wonder if you know how she feels about you?

Do you know if she has the same affection for you? She says it well: ‘It’s my own heart, whether others know or not, and whether they care about me or not, as long as I understand myself, that’s enough.’ Yu Xiang, what are you really thinking? You can tell me. If you’re embarrassed to speak to her directly, I can speak on your behalf. Naturally, you also care deeply about her, so why not share your thoughts with me?” Zi Yu remained silent, and Suolan guessed he wouldn’t speak, “Shall we go to her house and see?” Zi Yu hesitated but agreed, “That could work.” So Suolan walked out with Zi Yu, and in just a few steps, they reached the gate of Qiu Shui Hall, where several carriages were parked. Suolan said, “It looks like there are guests inside; it might be inconvenient to go in. How about we send someone to check first?” Zi Yu felt slightly uneasy, wondering

who the guests were and whether Jade Yi was accompanying them. He remembered that it was customary in her house to accompany guests. Without a clear idea of what to do, he left the decision to Suolan.

Suolan returned to her gate and sent someone to inquire at Qiuyan’s place. In a moment, the servant returned and reported that Qiuyan was ill in bed, and the guests were her master Changqing’s friends from the department, having an early meal and soon to leave. Suolan suggested, “Let’s wait inside for a bit longer.” Hearing this, Zi Yu felt a bit more settled and reluctantly re-entered. Sitting down listlessly, Suolan kept asking him about his feelings for Jade Yi. Overwhelmed by her questions, Zi Yu finally said, “The matter of Jade Yi is a long story.” He then recounted everything he had seen on his journey, including this year’s theater scene where he saw her in “The Startling Dream,” a performance of unmatched beauty and sentiment. He hadn’t fully understood her character and aspirations yet. When they were together at the Yi Garden, acting as fake qin officials, he had expressed his admiration for Qiuyan, who was known for her chastity, which he thought was unattainable, only to discover her self-abandonment later. At that time, Jade Yi, hidden behind the screen, had sobbed uncontrollably. When they sat together later, neither could say much, as if predestined lovers from a past life reuniting in this one, understanding each other’s hearts without words. It was spontaneous for both, without intention on his part.

He felt her presence constantly before his eyes and couldn’t let go for a moment. “You didn’t mention, and I wouldn’t have known her concerns. For her, I know her background; for me, does she really understand me? What have I done to affect her so? It might be better not to meet at all, to avoid the deeper emotional impact of our encounters.” As Zi Yu spoke, his expression became even more sorrowful, seemingly on the verge of tears.

Suolan also felt the sadness and began to cry, consoling him after a while, “You two must have had some connection in a past life; otherwise, why would it be like this? With your talents and looks, everyone loves you. But it seems Jade Yi’s icy heart melts only for you. With Duoxiang’s attention to every detail, she too finds a confidante in you. I see that Jade Yi doesn’t treat her as well as she treats you, not even one-tenth as well, which makes Duoxiang cherish her even more, saying, ‘Everyone has their destiny; this is ordained by heaven, not by human emotions.’ And Yu Xiang is devoted to Jade Yi alone, unwavering; truly a romantic at heart, not for anyone but Jade Yi. Isn’t this what the Book of Songs says about love without lust, about Yu Xiang and Jade Yi?” Hearing this, Zi Yu felt deeply grateful to Duoxiang and admired Suolan’s intelligence, not regretting naming her as the top candidate in the ‘Flower Ranking of the Pavilion.’

After talking for a while, Suolan offered Zi Yu some refreshments and sent another person to check on Qiuyan. The person returned and reported, “The earlier guests have left, but unexpectedly another group has arrived, asking for Qiuyan. Changqing told them she wasn’t home, but they refused to leave and waited. Not knowing them, Changqing didn’t entertain them and went to smoke in his room. They barged in, seized his smoking pipe, and threatened to report him to the local military commander. Changqing had no choice but to apologize and called Li Si from next door and Wang San, the silk merchant, to mediate. The room was full of bystanders, and it was quite chaotic.” Hearing this, Zi Yu sighed deeply, “It’s so hard to even meet with Jade Yi. It’s getting late today, and I need to go back. When you see her tomorrow, please send her my regards and tell her she must take care of herself; you should visit Duoxiang often, so people don’t talk. I can’t come out often; I’ll see you in a few days. If you see Duoxiang, thank her for me. Let’s visit her garden tomorrow.” Suolan replied, “Whenever you come out, just let me know in advance, and I’ll invite Jade Yi over. It’s quieter here. Her master is quite temperamental, and it’s unfortunate that Jade Yi has to deal with him; it’s really bad luck for her.” Zi Yu asked, “What’s her master like?” Suolan explained, “He loves money, fears power, and despises the poor. Because of Duoxiang’s affection, she still treats her well, unlike how she treats others.” Hearing this, Zi Yu added

another worry to his heart, uneasy and indecisive. Seeing that it was getting late, he steeled his heart to leave, looked back several times after boarding the carriage, and didn’t settle until they were out of the alley. As they rode along, they suddenly encountered two horses and a carriage rushing towards them like a whirlwind; it was Wang Tongzheng. Zi Yu couldn’t dodge in time and had to get down. Wang Wenhui quickly waved to stop, exchanged a few words, nodded, and drove off.

Today, Zi Yu had left home to talk with Suolan for half a day, not finding those he sought but unexpectedly meeting his father-in-law, quite puzzled by the encounter. He thought of visiting a high-ranking official but worried about the distance and being out too long, fearing his family’s reprimand, so he reluctantly returned home.

Indeed, things often don’t go as planned; let’s see how this unfolds in the next part of the story.

　　話說子玉從素蘭處回來，見過高堂，即向書房中來。晚飯畢，一輪月上，輝映花間，和風微來，天雲四皎，遂把湘簾捲起，倚闌而望。忽見小廝進來稟道：「高、史、顏、王諸少爺同來。」子玉正在悵望，今見齊來，不勝之喜，遂請進同坐。

　　子玉即把日間一一過訪不遇事說過。先是王恂開言道：「今日我們都在卓然齋中，交會田湘帆與媚香，又遇見竹君前來。那湘帆果是吾輩，與媚香相處的光景，真令人羨慕。」高品道：「湘帆此時是六根全淨，五蘊皆空，守定了約法三章，不許你胡行亂走，始信人間果然多是懼內的，怪不得庸庵、竹君輩，牢守閨房，不奉將令不敢妄離一步。違了，晚間夾棍利害。

　　湘帆還是對著個半雌半雄的人，已經如此，又何怪四畏堂中規矩乎！」說得眾人要笑，仲清道：「你也是門內出身，如今隔遠了，就誇口了。」南湘道：「我見卓然與他細君書，如屬員與上司稟帖一樣，有受恩深重，浹髓淪肌等語。」眾人大笑，高品道：「豈有此理！你這個謊也撒得不像。」眾人又說笑了一陣，高品道：「庾香，後日有一件極好的事，來與你商量。」子玉便問道：「何事？」高品道：「十五日是媚香生日。今日大家商議，並訂前舟與你合成一劑六君子湯，湊一公分，找個寬敞的地方，把那些知名寶貝，都叫將來熱鬧一天，請湘帆與媚香做生日，你道好不好？」子玉道：「好極，好極！但不知在何處聚會？」王恂道：「我家亦可，但無花園子，不如前舟園裡好。我們主人六個，添上湘帆七個，媚香、瑤卿、香畹、佩仙、靜芳、蕊香、瘦香、小梅共是八個，要三席才可坐，醵分之說，不能預定多少，只好辦了再算。」眾人道：「極是。」子玉便呆呆的。仲清笑道：「庸庵你這差使辦得不周到，要討人怪的。」王恂尚未回答，南湘道：「何所見而言？」仲清道：「你不見庸庵點將，把一個極要緊的人遺漏了，豈不要招人怪麼？」南湘算了一算笑道：「果然，果然。」

　　王恂道：「你們可不是說徐度香麼！我非遺漏，我恐他的事情多。未必能來。」子玉道：「度香應酬雖多，然看其性情光景，我們請他，雖有事也必來的。就是蕭靜宜，也斷不可不請。」大家說：「很好，就添上這兩位是了。那是九個，合上那八個，是十七個，也就很熱鬧了。」南湘道：「沒有人了？」王恂道：「尚有何人呢？」南湘道：「你好記性，你既大會群花，倒忘了一個花王。既有庚香，沒有玉儂，獨使他一人向隅，是何道理？」

　　王恂道：「是呀，我真該打，一時竟忘了琴言，是必要他來的。還有那個秦琪官號玉豔的也叫了他來，湊成十個。」眾人道：「如此更妙。」子玉道：「如今我們商議起來，怎樣邀客。」王恂道：「你作一小札與怡園徐、蕭二公，前舟以及餘人，我們明日自去知會。」於是大家直談至二更方散。子玉送了諸了，獨坐凝思了一回，想道：「後日之會，足成千古，不曉琴言病體能否痊癒？那時瓊林十樹，自然要推杜若為先，不識大夫蕙比我玉儂何如？想起待田君光景，是個有才有智的人，必另有一種深情。人各有長，固不必彼此較量也。

　　遂即輕研隃糜，徐揮湘管，寫道：

春光九十，去後難追；知己二三，來成不速。作琴樽之雅集，試花鳥之閒情。總然地乏名山，卻喜庭無凡卉。憐渠蕙質，墮彼梨園；會我竹林，數他花信。群勞論譜，偶同織錦之人；宿慧成心，羞作數錢之技。移溫柔於蕭寺，識風雅於泥塗。慶珠胎碧海之辰，賀玉出藍田之日。傾城名士，應共相憐；紅粉青衫，也堪同揆。點鴛鴦之卅六，紅豆齊拋；備翡翠之千雙，紫雲任請。肅箋申啟，代面丁寧。早發高軒，同光下裡。梅子玉頓白。上度香先生、靜宜逸士閣下。
　　子玉寫完封好，用上圖章，即付小廝交與門房，明早著人送到怡園，後日請徐、蕭二位老爺，同到劉大少爺宅內飲酒，須要交代明白。小廝答應了，子玉亦即安寢，一夜無話。

　　到了明日，王恂、史南湘等，就到劉文澤家來講了，文澤甚為高興，說明日就在倚劍眠琴之室佈置。恰好蘭蕙芬芳，又有芍藥、海棠等花開滿。少停。即去知會群花，於明日辰刻畢集。因說道：「明日花林中，恐有幾個不能來。我知道秦琪官害眼，杜琴言亦患病未痊。昨晚我見素蘭，談及庚香在彼處坐了半日，去訪琴言，恰值他師傅請客沒有進去，琴言亦未知庾香去訪池。明日就使他們兩個不來，也有八人，很為熱鬧的了。庚香、靜宜想一定來的。」南湘道：「席間行令，新鮮的甚少，太難了又恐座客一時不能，須得雅俗共賞，易知易能的，又要避熟。射覆等令，亦覺無趣。」王恂道：「從前在此對詩的令倒可以。」文澤道：「再行此令，亦覺無味。且到明日見景生情罷。」是日王恂等就在文澤處吃飯，又談了一回方散。文澤又叫人各處訂了，說明日務必早集，盡一日之興，都係便服，不必冠帶。來人回言都說明了。

　　卻說田春航自與蕙芳訂交之後，足不出戶。蕙芳每日不論早晚。必來一次，或清談或小飲，並時進箴砭之語，所以春航已心滿意足，只有研磨經籍，揮灑詞翰。本來是三冬富足，倚馬萬言，一時名動京師，當道者皆欲羅致門下。無奈春航磊落自負，以干謁為恥，未嘗懷刺一謁要津，寧居蕭寺，玉人作伴，名士同聲。蕙芳又替他結交了許多好友，如徐度香、蕭靜宜、劉文澤、史南湘、顏仲清、王恂等。仲清前與春航不睦，原是激勵春航之意；經高品將其中情節剖明，又說起仲清仍送五十金作澆裹之費，春航自然十分感激敬佩。仲清叫蕙芳為之轉彎，更覺比前相好。惟有子玉，尚未謀面。是日知文澤等為蕙芳做生日，心上雖十分歡喜，又因他二人交好，竟人人共知，翻有些不好意思，意欲不去，又不好卻眾人情面，只好踐諾。

　　文澤於絕早即在倚劍眠琴室中鋪設起來，因為題目是做生日，略須點綴：中間掛了一幅《群仙高會圖》。一切古玩鋪設，懼極精緻。長廊內，湘簾之外，擺列著十餘盆蕙花，趁著和風微漾，香氣襲人。文澤正在廊前獨立，見前面走進一人，遠遠望見，知是蕙芳華服而來，上了階沿，即恭恭敬敬的行起大禮來。文澤連忙扶起道：「媚香何故如此，應讓我先與你祝壽才是。」蕙芳道：「賤齒之辰，上邀諸貴人眷顧，使蕙芳何以克當。昨日本要到各處辭謝，又恐怪我不受抬舉；且今日大羅天上，眾仙齊集，使芳輩雞犬偕升，雖不得仙，亦可脫俗，故爾謹遵臺命，鞠跽前來。」文澤道：「此亦同人盛舉，瞻仰傾城，為借花獻佛耳。」說話間，陸素蘭、李玉林、金漱芳同到，隨後高、史、顏、王四人偕來，蕙勞一一都謝了。

　　諸人正在敘談，只見傳帖人引著子玉進來，蕙芳雖不認識，心中卻已猜著，上前叩謝。子玉攙住道：「這可是媚香麼？我庾香聞名久慕，覿面無緣，今幸仰企下風，已覺清芬竟體。」蕙芳連稱不敢，看了子玉儀容，心中暗暗贊賞：「真是天上日星，人間鸞鳳，有一段孚瑜和粹之情，皎皎乎有出群之致。怪不得杜玉儂傾倒如此，與我田郎可謂瑜亮並生矣！」子玉又與陸素蘭等相見，忽聽外面說：「徐老爺同蕭老爺來了。」眾人一齊出廳迎接，只見子雲同了次賢翩翩的，儼似太原公子裼裘而來，後面隨著袁寶珠、王蘭保二人。再後還有八個清俊書童，拿著衣包、銅盆、漱盂等物。

　　蕙芳搶上幾步行了禮，子雲、次賢兩邊扶起來道：「媚香一向灑脫，今日忽然拘禮，不是倒累了你了。」遂進室內，與諸人相見，群旦亦都見畢，敘齒坐下。子雲道：「蒙庾香、前舟及諸兄折柬相招，今日之舉，可為極盛。昨已飽讀庾香珠玉，今日尚覺齒有餘芬。又復當此群花大會，使弟等附驥餐芳，實為快事。」次賢道：「丹山彩鳳，深巷烏衣，裙屐風流無過於此。而寒臯野鶴亦可翱翔其間乎？」文澤、王恂等同說道：「度香、靜宜兩先生，名士班頭，騷壇牛耳，弟等無刻不思雅範。今不鄙凡陋，惠然肯來，足以快此生平矣！」南湘道：「朋友之交，隨分投合，以我鄙見，竟不必純作寒暄。」

　　仲清道：「竹君快人，開口立見，今日之集，皆係至好，正可暢敘幽情，不拘形跡為妙。」只見高品笑道：「今日王母早來，只有南極仙翁，遲遲不到，難道半路上撞著了小行者的筋斗雲，碰傷了小壽星，因此行走不便麼；不然，或是又滑倒在車轍裡了。」說得眾人大笑道：「卓然妙語，待壽翁來罰其三大觴。」蕙芳似覺臉紅，寶珠道：「今日的客，尚短幾人？」文澤道：「就止壽翁一人。花部中未到的尚有四人：琴言、琪官都有病，早來辭了，桂保、春喜是必來的。等湘帆一到，就可坐了。」

　　話言未完，春航已到，大家重新敘禮，群芳亦都見了，未免取笑的取笑，詼諧的詼諧。寶珠與素蘭拉過紅氈鋪地，擺了兩張交椅，要請春航、蕙芳並坐受拜。二人如何肯坐，急行收了。此時春航、蕙芳二人真覺口眾我寡，只好聽憑他們取笑；若回答兩句，又惹出許多話來。子玉頗敬春航儀容之灑落，與蕙芳正是冰壺秋月，相映生輝。又復品評諸花，各有佳妙，只不見琴言前來，殊覺怦怦欲動。

　　文澤即命家人擺起三桌席來，因問道：「今日之坐，還是敘齒，還是推壽翁壽母上坐？」春航、蕙芳同道：「這斷斷不敢，自然敘齒為妙。」眾人也說敘齒罷了。文澤送酒，先定中間一席。論齒是次賢為長，次賢自知不能推遜，只得依了，並坐者為高品，次是仲清；左首一席，子雲為首，次南湘，次子玉；右首一席，田春航為首，次王恂，文澤作陪。是每席三位。

　　定完後，王桂保、林春喜來了，皆見過了。正席上令漱芳、玉林、春喜伺候；左席上令寶珠、蘭保、素蘭；右席上則蕙芳、桂保二人。分派已定，各人坐了，慢慢的淺斟緩酌起來，正是：

瀛洲詞客，先聚龍門；瑤島群仙，同朝金闕。錦心繡口，九天之珠與紛紛；月貌花膚，四座之冠裳楚楚。不亞風羹麟脯，晉長生之酒，慧證三生；何須仙磬雲璈，歌難老之章，人思偕老。玉京子、餐霞子、御風子、驂鸞子，紅塵碧落，今世前生；畫眉人、浣紗人，踏歌人、彩蓮人，彩鳳文凰，幻形化相。抹煞山林高隱，托梅妻鶴子，便算風流；任憑鐵石心腸，逢眼角眉稍，也成冰釋。猜枚行令，將君心來印儂心。玉液金波，試郎口再沾妾口。隨意詼諧遊戲，顛倒雌黃：當筵短調長歌，窮工妃白。多是借名花以寄傲，無民社之攸關。借此行樂無邊，少年有待。正覺西園之雅集，僅有家姬；曲水之流觴，尚無狎客也。
　　這一會觥籌交錯，履舄紛遺，極盡少年雅集之樂，內中有幾個已是玉山半頹，海棠欲睡的光景。席上人人心暢，個個情歡。只有子玉念著琴言臥病在牀，知是懨懨神思，藥爐半燼，深閉綠窗，不知怎樣煩悶。又曉得我今日在此熱鬧之場，必思冷靜。此時怎能走到彼處，安慰他幾句，與他瀹茗添香，助起他的精神來。他又不要疑我樂即忘憂，當此群花大會，便就忘了他，那時更覺悶上加悶。偏偏素蘭又在此，不然他還可以過去排解排解。咳！眼前雖則如雲，其奈匪我思存何。此時子玉神色慘淡，只推醉出席，去倚炕而臥，眾人也不理會。且酒肴已多，不勝其量，亦各離席散坐。

　　家人們撤去殘肴，備上香茗鮮果。春喜與桂保到太湖石畔，同坐在芍藥欄邊閒話；玉林、漱芳已醉臥在海棠花下；蘭保在池畔釣魚；寶珠與惠芳對弈，素蘭觀局，南湘、高品在傍為寶珠指點。蕙芳道：「你們三人下我一個。就贏了也不算稀奇。」寶珠道：「我偏不用人教也贏得你。」文澤道：「今日我們亦算極樂了，可惜花部中少了兩人，那個還不要緊，第一是琴言不來，使庾香不能暢意。」子雲道：「可不是！琴言的病頗為古怪，精神疲軟，飲食不思，已經十餘天了，不見好。」次賢道：「我昨日診他的脈，似積勞，兼之感憤憂鬱，昨日痰中竟有血點，非靜養數月不能痊癒。」

　　子玉在炕上聽得清楚，不免更覺煩悶。仲清道：「今日之事，不可無文辭翰墨。靜宜先生可繪一圖，並作一序，以記雅集，我輩藉可附驥。」次賢道：「作圖呢，弟當效勞。至於高文典冊，自有群公大手筆在。山人寒瘦之語，不稱金谷繁華，反使名花減色。」眾人道：「太謙了。」子雲道：「今日起意是因媚香，引得百花齊放，勝唐宮之剪彩。弟意欲仰觀諸兄珠玉，先作一聯句何如？」眾人道：「最好。」春航道：「古體呢，近體？」次賢道：「近體發揮難透，人多恐易平直，不如古體罷。」

　　於是以年齒為先後，仍係次賢為首，次子雲，次高品，次南湘，次文澤，次仲清，次春航，次王恂，次子玉，共是九人。王恂已將子玉叫醒，淨淨臉，素蘭取出一顆醒酒丸給子玉吃了。子玉不好意思，只得勉強扎掙。素蘭見子玉不語不言，似醉非醉，心上猜著是為琴言未來。一因人多不好解慰他，二因提起琴言反恐倒勾他的心事，非惟不能寬解，越增愁悶了，反倒走開，找別人說話。文澤命小廝於每位座前，列一小幾，置放筆硯一副，花箋數張，研好了墨，大家就請次賢起句。次賢道：「把壽字撇開罷。」又說聲「僭了！」提起筆來寫了一句，便念道：「玉樹歌清曉鶯亂。」

　　大家聽了，各寫出了，注了「靜」字。應是子雲，子雲道：「底下應該各人兩句才是。」略躊躇了一會，也即寫道：「日日春風吹不散。散花天女好新奇。」眾人也寫了，注上「雲」字，齊說道：「接得很妙，第三句一開，使人便有生發了。」應到高品，也不思索，即寫道：「剪彩為花撒天半。花情花貌越精神。」眾人皆道：「好！」一一寫了。

　　南湘道：「此句要轉韻了。這花到底與真花有別，若竟把他當做花，則西子、太真又是何等花呢？」遂寫道：「惟覺花心尚少真。蛺蝶有雄誰細辨。」眾人拍手道：「絕妙！著此句便分得清界限，不至籠統不分。竹君始終是個妙才。」南湘道：「不敢，不敢！認題還認得清楚。」輪到文澤了，文澤道：「此句對了才有關鍵，不然氣散了。這雄蛺蝶倒有些難對。」因細細的凝思，仲清道：「快交卷子，外邊吹打要開門了。」文澤道：「有了。鴛鴦雖小總相親。」次賢、子雲道：「這卻對得好，又工又切。」南湘道：「也虧他。」文澤就放下筆，仲清道：「怎麼一句就算了？」提醒了文澤，笑道：「你催得緊，我忘了。」又想一想，寫道：「化工細選無瑕琢。」眾人道：「此句亦出得好，又轉韻了。」仲清接著寫道：「一一雕鎸設眉目。費盡龍宮十斛珠。」輪到春航了，接道：「截來碧海雙枝玉。小玉生嗔碧玉愁。」眾人又贊道：「好！又提得清楚。「底下是王恂，略費思索，寫道：「玉人又恐占千秋。蟬娟疑竊嫦娥藥。」大家正要贊好，高品道：「這句忒罵得惡，難道個個都像月宮裡的兔子？」眾人大笑起來，王恂倒覺不安。眾旦便罵高品道：「惟有他，是生平不肯說好話的，將來罰他作個啞子。」

　　高品道：「奇了，人家罵你們，我替你們不平，自然也有不像兔子的，你們倒罵我，真是好人難做。」以下要子玉了，子玉心上正想著琴言，覺得無情無緒，眾人亦都明白。子玉雖極意遮飾，終究思緒不佳，不得已，勉強寫道：「顧盼曾回玉女眸。鸞篦親掠雲鬟綠。」春航道：「此係上妝時了，底下倒要細細摹寫呢。」子玉此時想著琴言唱那《驚夢》的神情，所以有」曾回玉女眸」一句。眾人不解其故，不過見其興致不佳，故爾意不在詩，空衍了些。該又是次賢，接道：「鏡裡芙蓉睡新足。宛轉歌成白紵詞。」又轉到子雲，接道：「嬌柔解唱紅綃曲。清穎偶觸便魂銷。」高品道：「魂消兮可奈何？」即寫道：「銅雀春深大小喬。花有連枝稱姊妹。」南湘道：「好便好，銅雀句有些打混。」即對道：「玉如合璧定瓊瑤。纖腰扭入靈和柳」眾人皆贊道：「這姊妹花，瓊瑤玉實在對得好。局勢又振得整齊了。」文澤便接道：「傾國傾城世無偶。軟到人間鐵石腸。」眾人道：「妙、妙！這句要對得工力悉敵才好。」仲清想了一想，又笑了一笑，寫道：「春回世上支離叟。」春航道：「這實在對得奇妙。」再看下旬是：「婿然一笑百媚生。」便接道：「纏頭爭擲黃金輕。鄭櫻桃是真殊豔。」

　　王恂對道：「馮子都非浪得名。遲遲長晝當初夏。」文澤道：「馮子都如今有個馮子佩，倒像弟兄呢。」子雲道：「馮子佩原不錯，他有一種脾氣，他偏不肯在群花堆裡取樂。」王蘭保冷笑道：「他自然不肯在我們堆裡，他見我們還要生氣呢。」子玉道：「何故？」桂保接口道：「他有他的心腸。」子玉接道：「綺席花筵日易夜。英華美可詠同車。」二輪又到次賢，遂寫道：「元白詩原結蓮社。紅氍毹上豔情多。」子雲接道：「慣唱《丁娘十索》歌。葑菲彩無遺下體。」高品道：「妙、妙！這句待我對一句好的。」群旦聽了料定又要取笑他們，便都圍攏來看著高品寫的什麼。

　　高品帶笑，慢慢的寫將出來，道：「雨雲行得到中阿。」眾人又笑起來，群旦將高品亂啐亂打的一陣。子雲笑道：「這是我不好，鬥出他這一句來。」南湘道：「雖然遊戲，也不好過於刻薄，改一字就救轉來了，將『得』字改做『豈』字罷。」群旦方才依了。高品道：「罷了，眾怒難犯。」又寫道：「天生麗質當珍惜。」南湘道：「強盜看經，屠戶成佛，卓然竟生出好心來，曉得珍惜了，這也難得。」接道：「莫把花枝忽拋擲。願如王獻買桃根。」文澤聯道：「可笑王戎鑽李核。」仲清笑道：「又來煞了，你們心上畢竟有些不乾淨。」又看文澤寫道：「一旦天生好玉郎。」仲清聯道：「忍教天地錯陰陽。只聞雌霓成神女。」眾人道：「此是規諷之辭，倒不是刻薄，世間竟亦不能無此事。但不在我輩中耳。」春航聯道：「莫變雄風當大王。畫堂終日開良宴。」眾人又復笑起來。高品道：「詩言志，解鈴便是繫鈴人。若我做了，又不是了。」此下應是王恂，王恂道：「可以收了，輪到庾香作結罷。」寫道：「扇底窺郎留半面。拾得瑤光一片明。」眾人齊贊道：「好！應結句了，這一結倒不容易。要結得住通篇才好。」子玉想了一想，寫道：「雪花飛上瓊枝豔。」大眾齊贊結得有力，能使通篇一氣。

　　次賢重寫了一篇，朗吟數過道：「竟是一氣呵成，不見聯綴痕跡，明日我就畫一幅群花鬥豔圖何如！」眾皆應道：「妙極！我們何不將人花比擬一回，總要從公，不可各存偏見。」於是大家評定：以寶珠為牡丹，蕙芳為芍藥，素蘭為蓮花，玉林為碧桃，漱芳為海棠，蘭保為玫瑰，桂保為莢蓉，春喜小而多才，人人鍾愛為蘭花。八人品題盡合，因又想到琴言、琪官為何花？子雲道：「琴言色藝過佳，而性情過冷，比為梅花最是相稱，且其酷愛梅，不屬庾香將誰屬耶？」眾人說道；「很是。」高品道：「只怕和靖先生不依，庾香割了他靴革幼子了。」

　　子玉不覺臉紅。仲清道：「琪官呢？」子雲道：「琪官性情剛烈，相貌極好。似欠旖旎風流。比他為菊花罷。」高品道：「菊花種數不一，有白有黃，或紅或紫，白的還好，其餘似覺老氣橫秋。班官性情雖烈，其溫柔處亦頗耐人憐愛，不如比為杏花。」眾人道：「好個杏花，極妥當。」文澤道：「說起菊花有黃有白，你們可曉得東園裡新來一個妓女，叫白菊花，可知其人麼？」眾人皆說：「不曉。」

　　高品道：「天下事須瞞不過我。我知此人從廣西跟了一個千總進京，如今千總棄了他出京去了，因此落在門戶中。倒也生得素淨，故有此雅號。但是兩廣人裹足者少，都係六寸膚圓光致致，雙跌著地，行走如風。人倒極風騷的。」仲清道：「這就是你各處稽察新聞事務的頭銜了。」眾人又笑了。子雲道：「今日一敘之後，盛筵難再。十八日瑤卿移寓，諸同人可以移樽一敘否？」眾人皆道：「斷無不來之理，如有不到者罰他作一東，再敘一天。」寶珠道；「只怕我沒有這臉面，斷乎不能全來的。」春航道：「為什麼不來？況且你是個花王，這些群花是要來朝賀的。就是我們看花人，賞到國色天香沒有不踴躍從事。」南湘道：「你交給我，如有一人不到，罰我作東一天，兩人不到，罰我作東兩天。」寶珠道：「真麼？明日酒醒了，不要又想不起了。」獨子玉默然不語，大家說說笑笑，已至明月正中，紅燈欲燼，三更多了。

　　次賢道：「夜已深了，我們可以散罷。」於是大家各起，寶珠又訂十八日之期，皆應允了，風雨不阻，遂各登輿四散。明日蕙芳踵門叩謝，惟有子玉病了，不曾進去。

　　到了十八日，果然諸名士並那些名旦都到寶珠新寓來，從午刻起直至子刻止。是日專以行令猜枚，清歌檀板，亦極歡而散。內中子玉因病不到。添了張仲雨，熱鬧場中最為趨奉的。

　　花譜中添了琪官，惟琴言尚未痊癒。高品、文澤因南湘說過，「一客不來罰我做東一日。」子玉是日不到，罰了南湘一天，南湘甚為樂從。即在他家裡又敘了一日。惟有子玉、琴言皆未痊癒。正是：數點梅花嬌欲墜，月輪又下竹橋西。未知如何，且聽下回分解。

As Zi Yu returned from Su Lan’s place, he visited his parents and then headed to the study. After dinner, under the bright moonlight that illuminated the flowers and the gentle breeze that stirred the air, he rolled up the Xiang curtain and leaned on the railing to gaze out. Suddenly, a servant came in to report, “Masters Gao, Shi, Yan, and Wang are all here.” Zi Yu, who had been lost in thought, was overjoyed by their arrival and invited them to join him.

Zi Yu then recounted his unsuccessful visits during the day. Wang Xun was the first to speak, “Today, we all were at Zhuo Ran Zhai, meeting Tian Xiang Fan and Mei Xiang, and Bamboo Lord joined us as well. Tian Xiang Fan is indeed someone we should envy for the way he gets along with Mei Xiang.” Gao Pin commented, “At this moment, Tian Xiang Fan has cleansed all six roots and emptied the five aggregates, strictly adhering to the three laws of restraint, not allowing you to behave recklessly. It really shows that many are henpecked, no wonder such as Yong An and Bamboo Lord stay strictly within their quarters, daring not to step out without orders. If they do, they face severe punishment in the evening.”

“The fact that Tian Xiang Fan, even when faced with someone of ambiguous gender, is still so restrained, no wonder the rules are strict in the Four Fear Hall!” This comment made everyone laugh. Zhong Qing said, “You too come from a domestic background, and now that you are distant, you start to boast.” Nan Xiang added, “I saw Zhuo Ran and his wife’s correspondence; it’s just like a subordinate reporting to a superior, with phrases like ‘deeply grateful’ and ‘completely devoted’.” This brought a round of laughter, with Gao Pin joking, “That’s absurd! You’re making up quite the tale.” After more laughter, Gao Pin said, “Yu Xiang, there’s something great happening the day after tomorrow that I’d like to discuss with you.” Zi Yu asked, “What is it?” Gao Pin answered, “It’s Mei Xiang’s birthday. Today we decided to prepare a Six Gentlemen Decoction together the day before and find a spacious place to celebrate her birthday with everyone. What do you think?” Zi Yu replied enthusiastically, “That sounds wonderful! But where will we meet?” Wang Xun suggested, “My place is available, though it lacks a garden; the garden at Qian Zhou’s is better. Including the hosts, there will be six of us, plus Tian Xiang Fan makes seven, and with Mei Xiang, Yao Qing, Xiang Wan, Pei Xian, Jing Fang, Rui Xiang, Shou Xiang, and Xiao Mei, that makes eight. We’ll need three tables and can’t pre-determine how much to contribute; we’ll just have to see.” Everyone agreed that this was a good plan. Zi Yu was momentarily stunned, and Zhong Qing joked, “Yong An, your arrangement is not meticulous enough; it might cause complaints.” Wang Xun hadn’t responded yet when Nan Xiang asked, “What do you mean?” Zhong Qing explained, “Didn’t you see Yong An assigning roles and forgetting someone very important? That’s bound to attract complaints.” Nan Xiang counted and then laughed, “Indeed, indeed.”

Wang Xun said, “You mean Xu Du Xiang, right? It’s not that I forgot him; I’m worried he’s too busy and might not be able to come.” Zi Yu said, “Though Du Xiang is busy, knowing his temperament, if we invite him, he will surely come. We must also invite Xiao Jing Yi.” Everyone agreed, “That’s a great idea. Adding these two will make nine, and with the previous eight, that will make for a lively gathering of seventeen.” Nan Xiang asked, “Are we missing anyone?” Wang Xun replied, “Who else is there?” Nan Xiang remembered, “You have a good memory for gathering flowers, yet you forgot about a king of flowers. Having Geng Xiang without Yu Nong, leaving him to feel left out, what’s the reason for this?”

Wang Xun admitted, “Yes, I really should be scolded; I completely forgot Qin Yan, who is essential. We also called that official named Yu Yan to come, making it ten people.” Everyone agreed, “That’s even better.” Zi Yu said, “Now let’s discuss how to invite the guests.” Wang Xun suggested, “You write a short note to Yi Yuan Xu and Xiao Er Gong, Qian Zhou, and the rest, and we’ll go inform them tomorrow.” They talked until late into the night before dispersing. After sending off the guests, Zi Yu sat alone in

deep thought, considering the upcoming gathering, which could be a historic event, wondering if Qin Yan’s health would allow him to attend. When considering the garden’s ten famous trees, Du Ru should be considered foremost. He also thought about the talents and deep feelings of others, recognizing that each person has their strengths and there was no need for comparisons.

Then, Zi Yu lightly prepared the ink and wrote with the Xiang brush:

“Spring is fleeting after ninety days; hard to chase when gone. Two or three true friends, arriving unexpectedly, turn the gathering elegant, trying out the idle pleasures of flowers and birds. Although the land lacks famous mountains, the courtyard is free of common flowers. Admiring the orchid’s quality, shedding the pear garden’s restraints; joining my bamboo grove, counting the signs of blooming flowers. Discussing works of effort with those who weave brocades, shamed to be seen counting coins. Transferring gentleness to the monastery, recognizing elegance in the mud. Celebrating the birth of pearls in the blue sea, congratulating the mining of jade from the blue fields. City’s renowned scholars, deserving mutual pity; beauties and scholars in blue, fitting to judge together. Arranging thirty-six paired mandarin ducks, tossing red beans together; preparing a thousand pairs of jade birds, inviting the purple clouds at will. Respectfully initiating the invitation, substituting for a face-to-face meeting. Setting off early in the high carriage, shining together beneath the down. Mei Zi Yu abruptly finishes. To Master Du Xiang and the recluse Mr. Jing Yi.”

After sealing the letter with his stamp, Zi Yu handed it to a servant to be delivered to Yi Yuan the next morning, with instructions to invite Mr. Xu and Mr. Xiao to Mr. Liu’s house for drinks the day after tomorrow, ensuring the message was clear. The servant agreed, and Zi Yu went to bed, passing the night without further incident.

The next day, Wang Xun, Shi Nan Xiang, and others went to Liu Wen Ze’s house to discuss the plans. Wen Ze was delighted and said that tomorrow, the arrangements would be made in the Room of Sleeping Sword and Playing Qin. With the fragrance of orchids and blooms like peonies and crabapples, the setting would be perfect. They decided to inform everyone to gather early the next day to make the most of the day, dressed casually without formal attire. The messengers confirmed the arrangements with everyone.

Meanwhile, Tian Chun Hang, having engaged with Hui Fang, seldom left his house. Hui Fang visited him daily, whether morning or evening, for light conversation or a drink, often giving him thoughtful advice. Chun Hang was thus fully content, focusing only on his studies and writing. Originally affluent enough to support himself through the winter, capable of producing volumes of writing in a single sitting, he was well-known in the capital, with many influential people desiring his association. However, Chun Hang, proud and upright, considered soliciting positions beneath him and never sought an audience with the powerful, preferring to live in a quiet monastery with like-minded scholars and friends. Hui Fang helped him make many good connections, like Xu Du Xiang, Xiao Jing Yi, Liu Wen Ze, Shi Nan Xiang, Yan Zhong Qing, and Wang Xun. Initially, Zhong Qing had conflicts with Chun Hang, intending to provoke him; after Gao Pin explained the situation and mentioned Zhong Qing’s gift of fifty gold pieces as an apology, Chun Hang felt deeply grateful and respected him more. Through Hui Fang’s mediation, their relationship improved. Only Zi Yu had not yet met them. Knowing that Wen Ze and others were celebrating Hui Fang’s birthday made Chun Hang very happy, but knowing the two were close made him somewhat embarrassed, although he didn’t want to decline the invitation due to peer pressure.

Early the next day, Wen Ze began setting up the Room of Sleeping Sword and Playing Qin for the birthday celebration, which required some decoration: a painting titled “High Gathering of Immortals” was hung in the center, and the room was exquisitely arranged with antiques. In the corridor outside, more than ten pots of orchid flowers were arranged, their fragrance wafting in the gentle breeze. Wen Ze stood alone at the front of the corridor and saw someone approaching from a distance. Recognizing that it was Hui Fang in formal attire, he immediately performed a respectful greeting as she ascended the steps. Wen Ze quickly helped her up, saying, “Mei Xiang, why such formality? It should be me wishing you a happy birthday first.” Hui Fang replied, “On such a humble occasion, to have the attention of such esteemed guests is more than I can handle. I intended to decline the invitations yesterday for fear of seeming ungrateful; yet today, with the heavens full of immortals gathering, it elevates us all, allowing even the humblest to transcend the mundane, hence I dutifully follow your lead and offer my respects.” Wen Ze responded, “This is also a grand occasion for all, a chance to admire the splendor and offer flowers to Buddha.” As they spoke, Lan Su Lan, Li Yu Lin, and Jin Shu Fang arrived, followed by Gao, Shi, Yan, and Wang, all of whom Hui Fang thanked one by one.

The guests were chatting when the messenger led Ziyu in. Although Huifang didn’t recognize him, she guessed who he was and stepped forward to greet him. Ziyu held her up and said, “Is this Meixiang? I’ve long admired Yuxiang’s reputation, and though we’ve never met, I have always looked up to you. Meeting you now, I feel your elegance and fragrance.” Huifang modestly declined the praise, secretly admiring Ziyu’s appearance, thinking, “He truly is like a star from the heavens, or a phoenix among men, exuding a sense of purity and excellence. No wonder Du Yunong is so taken with him. He is indeed a match for my Tianlang.”

Ziyu then greeted Luxulan and the others. Suddenly, they heard someone outside announce, “Master Xu and Master Xiao have arrived.” Everyone went out to greet them, and they saw Ziyun arriving with Cixian, looking distinguished like noble young men from Taiyuan, followed by Yuan Baozhu and Wang Lanbao. Behind them were eight refined young servants carrying their belongings.

Huifang quickly stepped forward to greet them. Ziyun and Cixian helped her up, saying, “Meixiang has always been straightforward, but today you suddenly observe such formalities. You’re burdening yourself.” They all went inside to meet the others. After the formal greetings, everyone took their seats. Ziyun said, “Thanks to Yuxiang and the invitations from all of you, today’s gathering is grand indeed. Yesterday, I was delighted by Yuxiang’s writings, and today I still feel their charm. This gathering of so many talented individuals is truly delightful.” Cixian added, “The vibrant scene here surpasses any elegance found elsewhere. Can a humble person like me truly belong in such a gathering?” Wen Ze and Wang Xun chimed in, “We have always admired gentlemen like Duoxiang and Jingyi. Your presence here today greatly honors us.” Nanxiang commented, “Friends should be natural and genuine. There’s no need for excessive formalities.”

Zhongqing said, “Zhu Jun speaks forthrightly. Today’s gathering is among close friends, so let’s enjoy ourselves freely without too much formality.” Gao Pin laughed and said, “It seems the Queen Mother arrived early today, but the Old Man of the South Pole is late. Could it be that he ran into trouble on the way or slipped somewhere?” Everyone laughed and said, “That’s a clever remark! We’ll make him drink three large cups as a forfeit when he arrives.”

Huifang’s face turned slightly red. Baozhu asked, “Are we still missing some guests today?” Wen Ze replied, “Only the Old Man is missing. Among the Flower Division, Qin Yan and Qi Guan are ill and have already excused themselves. Gui Bao and Chunxi are expected to arrive. Once Xiang Fan arrives, we can start.”

Before the conversation ended, Chunhang arrived, and everyone exchanged greetings again, some joking and some speaking humorously. Baozhu and Luxulan laid out red felt on the ground and set up two armchairs, inviting Chunhang and Huifang to sit and receive the guests’ bows. The two declined and hurriedly put the chairs away. At this point, Chunhang and Huifang felt overwhelmed by the crowd’s teasing but didn’t want to respond and cause more talk. Ziyu admired Chunhang’s composed demeanor and felt Huifang’s elegance complemented it perfectly. As they appreciated the gathering of various flowers, Ziyu felt anxious about Qin Yan’s absence.

Wen Ze then ordered three tables to be set and asked, “Should we arrange the seats by age or let the Old Man and the Queen Mother sit at the head?” Chunhang and Huifang insisted on arranging by age. Everyone agreed, and Wen Ze poured wine, first setting the middle table. By age, Cixian was the eldest and had to accept the head seat, with Gao Pin and Zhongqing sitting next to him. At the left table, Ziyun took the head seat, followed by Nanxiang and Ziyu. At the right table, Tian Chunhang sat at the head, followed by Wang Xun and Wen Ze.

As the seats were finalized, Wang Guibao and Lin Chunxi arrived, and after greeting everyone, they took their assigned seats. At the main table, Sufang, Yulin, and Chunxi served; at the left table, Baozhu, Lanbao, and Luxulan served; and at the right table, Huifang and Guibao served. The guests began to drink and enjoy themselves slowly, and it was a scene of refined enjoyment with literary talents and elegant ladies.

As the party went on, a few guests became tipsy, and some looked ready to sleep. Everyone was enjoying themselves, but Ziyu couldn’t stop thinking about Qin Yan, who was bedridden and surely feeling miserable. He wished he could leave the lively scene to comfort her, make tea for her, and lift her spirits. He worried she might think he had forgotten her in the midst of the festivities. Feeling increasingly gloomy, Ziyu excused himself, pretending to be drunk, and lay down on a couch. The others didn’t mind, as there was plenty of food and drink, and they began to disperse.

The servants cleared the leftovers and brought fresh tea and fruits. Chunxi and Guibao sat by the Taihu rocks, chatting by the peony fence. Yulin and Sufang, drunk, lay under the crabapple trees. Lanbao fished by the pond. Baozhu and Huifang played a game of chess, with Luxulan watching and Nanxiang and Gao Pin advising Baozhu. Huifang remarked, “The three of you are playing against me. Even if you win, it doesn’t count as impressive.” Baozhu retorted, “I can beat you without their help.” Wen Ze said, “We’ve had a wonderful day today, though we are missing two people from the Flower Division. It’s a pity Qin Yan isn’t here to enjoy it.” Ziyun added, “Indeed, Qin Yan’s illness is strange. He’s been weak and uninterested in food for over ten days.” Cixian said, “I examined his pulse yesterday. It seems he’s suffering from exhaustion and emotional distress. He even had blood in his phlegm yesterday. He needs months of rest to recover.”

Hearing this, Ziyu felt even more distressed. Zhongqing suggested, “Today shouldn’t pass without some written record. Jingyi should draw a picture and write a preface to commemorate this elegant gathering, and we can all contribute.” Cixian agreed, “I’ll handle the drawing, but others should write, as my words don’t match the grandeur of this event.” Everyone praised his humility. Ziyun said, “Today’s event was inspired by Meixiang, gathering so many talents. I propose we start with a joint verse.” Everyone agreed. Chunhang asked, “Shall we use ancient or modern style?” Cixian suggested, “The ancient style allows more freedom, especially with many participants. Modern style might be too straightforward.”

Following the order of age, Cixian started the verse, then Ziyun, followed by Gao Pin, Nanxiang, Wen Ze, Zhongqing, Chunhang, Wang Xun, and Ziyu. Wang Xun woke Ziyu, who washed his face, and Luxulan gave him a sobriety pill. Embarrassed, Ziyu tried to compose himself. Luxulan, noticing Ziyu’s quietness, guessed it was because of Qin Yan’s absence but refrained from mentioning it, fearing it would worsen his mood. She walked away to talk to others. Wen Ze ordered small desks with writing materials for each guest. Cixian, saying it was presumptuous, started the verse with “The jade tree’s song clears, morning orioles flutter.”

Everyone listened and wrote down the word “静” (quiet). Zi Yun said, “Each person should write two lines below.” After a brief hesitation, he wrote: “Every day the spring breeze cannot scatter. The scattering flower fairy is quite new.” Everyone wrote it down and added the word “云” (cloud), saying, “It’s wonderfully connected. The third line opens up and makes one feel alive.”

When it was Gao Pin’s turn, without thinking, he wrote: “Cutting colorful flowers scattered in the sky. The flowers’ sentiments and appearance are more spirited.” Everyone said, “Good!” and wrote it down.

Nan Xiang said, “This line needs to change the rhyme. These flowers are different from real flowers. If we take them as real flowers, what about Xizi and Yang Guifei?” He then wrote: “Only feel the flower’s heart lacks authenticity. Who can distinguish the male butterfly?” Everyone applauded and said, “Brilliant! This line makes a clear boundary, not vague at all. Zhu Jun is indeed a talent.” Nan Xiang replied, “Not at all, I just understand the theme clearly.”

When it was Wen Ze’s turn, he said, “This line is crucial. Otherwise, the momentum will dissipate. The male butterfly is indeed difficult to match.” He pondered carefully, and Zhong Qing urged, “Hurry up, they are about to open the door outside.” Wen Ze said, “Got it. Mandarin ducks are always close despite their size.” Ci Xian and Zi Yun said, “This matches well, both elegantly and aptly.” Nan Xiang said, “Well done.”

Wen Ze put down his pen, and Zhong Qing said, “How come just one line?” Reminded, Wen Ze smiled, “You rushed me, I forgot.” After thinking for a moment, he wrote: “The delicate work finely selected, flawless.” Everyone said, “This line is also excellent, and it changes the rhyme.”

Zhong Qing continued writing: “Each sculpted feature has been meticulously designed. It took ten measures of pearls from the Dragon Palace.” It was Chun Hang’s turn, who continued: “Cut from the green sea, twin jade branches. Small jade shows anger, green jade shows sorrow.” Everyone praised again, “Good! It makes it clear.”

Next was Wang Xun, who wrote after some thought: “The jade person fears taking a thousand years. Cicada’s delicate wings suspect stealing Chang’e’s elixir.” Just as everyone was about to praise, Gao Pin said, “This line is too harsh. Are we all like rabbits in the Moon Palace?” Everyone burst into laughter, and Wang Xun felt uneasy. The dan (female roles) scolded Gao Pin, “Only he, who never says anything nice, will be punished to be a mute.”

Gao Pin replied, “Strange, people scold you, I stand up for you, and you scold me instead. Good people are hard to be.” Next was Zi Yu’s turn. Zi Yu, thinking of Qin Yan, felt emotionless and distracted. Everyone understood. Despite his efforts to hide it, Zi Yu’s thoughts were unfocused. Reluctantly, he wrote: “Once turned back to glance at the jade girl’s eyes. The phoenix comb gently combs the green hair.” Chun Hang said, “This is when putting on makeup; the next part needs detailed depiction.” At this time, Zi Yu thought of Qin Yan singing “Surprised Dream,” hence the line “Once turned back to glance at the jade girl’s eyes.” Everyone didn’t understand the reason, only seeing his lack of interest and thus being absent-minded.

Next was Ci Xian, who wrote: “In the mirror, the lotus sleeps beautifully. Twistingly singing a song of white silk.” Then it was Zi Yun’s turn: “Gently singing the red silk tune. Accidentally touched the soul.” Gao Pin said, “When the soul fades away, what can we do?” He immediately wrote: “In the deep spring of the bronze sparrow, the young Qiao sisters. The flowers are joined as sisters.” Nan Xiang said, “Good, but the bronze sparrow line is somewhat confusing.” He matched: “Jade combined like a perfect jade. The slender waist twisted into the spiritual willow.” Everyone praised, “The sister flowers, jade, and the situation are well-matched, making the composition neat.”

Wen Ze continued: “Unparalleled beauty in the world. Soft to the point of melting iron stones.” Everyone said, “Wonderful! This line must be matched with equal skill.” Zhong Qing thought for a moment, smiled, and wrote: “Spring returns to the world, a withered old man.” Chun Hang said, “This is indeed a strange match.” The next line was: “A smile with a hundred charms.” He continued: “Throwing golden coins lightly. Zheng Yingtao is truly exceptional.”

Wang Xun matched: “Feng Zidu is not famous for nothing. Long day of early summer.” Wen Ze said, “Feng Zidu now has a Feng Zipei, they are like brothers.” Zi Yun said, “Feng Zipei is indeed not bad. He has a unique temperament, refusing to enjoy the company of flowers.” Wang Lanbao sneered, “He certainly wouldn’t join us; he gets angry even seeing us.” Zi Yu asked, “Why?” Gui Bao replied, “He has his own mind.” Zi Yu continued: “On brocade seats and flower banquets, days turn to nights. Beautiful to sing together.”

The second round came to Ci Xian, who wrote: “Yuan and Bai’s poetry originally formed the Lotus Society. The red carpet is full of charm.” Zi Yun continued: “Used to singing ‘Ding Niang’s Ten Demands’ song. Beautiful without missing the lower body.” Gao Pin said, “Wonderful! Let me match a good line.” The female actors expected more teasing, so they gathered to see what Gao Pin would write.

Gao Pin smiled and slowly wrote: “Rain clouds go to Zhong A.” Everyone laughed again, and the female actors hit Gao Pin playfully. Zi Yun laughed, “This is my fault for provoking him to write this.” Nan Xiang said, “Although it’s a game, we shouldn’t be too harsh. Change ‘到’ to ‘豈’ and it will be fine.” The female actors agreed. Gao Pin said, “Fine, it’s hard to resist public anger.” He wrote again: “Born beautiful, should be cherished.” Nan Xiang said, “A butcher becoming a monk, showing true kindness, knowing to cherish, is rare.” He continued: “Don’t carelessly discard the flower branches. I wish to buy peach roots like Wang Xian.” Wen Ze matched: “Laughable Wang Rong drills the plum pit.” Zhong Qing laughed, “You’re spoiling it again. Your mind is not clean.” Wen Ze wrote: “One day a good jade boy is born.” Zhong Qing matched: “Don’t let heaven and earth mess up yin and yang. Only hear of female rainbows turning into goddesses.” Everyone said, “This is satirical, not harsh. Such things exist, but not among us.” Chun Hang matched: “Don’t turn male to female to become a king. The painting hall opens for feasts all day.” Everyone laughed again. Gao Pin said, “Poetry expresses aspirations, the one who ties the bell must untie it. If I do it, it won’t be right.”

Next was Wang Xun, who said, “It can be wrapped up. It’s Yu Xiang’s turn to conclude.” He wrote: “Glancing at the lover under the fan, leaving half a face. Found a piece of bright Yao light.” Everyone praised, “Good! This conclusion is not easy. It must wrap up the whole piece.” Zi Yu thought for a moment and wrote: “Snowflakes fly onto the beautiful jade branches.” Everyone praised the strong conclusion, tying the whole piece together.

Ci Xian recited a new poem and said, “It’s seamlessly connected, no traces of joining. Tomorrow I’ll paint a picture of various flowers competing, how about it?” Everyone agreed, “Excellent! Why don’t we compare flowers to people, but be fair, without bias.” So everyone judged: Baozhu as peony, Huifang as peony, Sulan as lotus, Yulin as green peach, Sufang as begonia, Lanbao as rose, Guibao as magnolia, Chunxi as orchid. Eight people matched perfectly, then thought about what kind of flowers Qin Yan and Qi Guan were. Zi Yun said, “Qin Yan is both talented and cold-hearted, suitable to be a plum blossom, also her love for plum is well-known, who else but Yu Xiang?” Everyone agreed, “Indeed.” Gao Pin said, “Mr. He Jing might not agree, Yu Xiang cut his favorite young one.”

Zi Yu blushed. Zhong Qing asked, “What about Qi Guan?” Zi Yun said, “Qi Guan is bold and beautiful but lacks charm, suitable as a chrysanthemum.” Gao Pin said, “Chrysanthemums come in various colors: white, yellow, red, purple. White is fine, but others seem old. Qi Guan is fierce but also lovable, better as an apricot blossom.” Everyone agreed, “Apricot blossom is perfect.”

Wen Ze said, “Speaking of chrysanthemums, do you know a new courtesan named Bai Ju Hua?” Everyone said, “No.”

Gao Pin said, “Nothing escapes me. This person followed a captain from Guangxi to Beijing, now abandoned by him. She is pure, hence the elegant name. But Guangxi women rarely bind their feet, mostly six inches long, bright and shiny, walking fast. She’s quite charming.” Zhong Qing said, “This is your job of gathering news.” Everyone laughed. Zi Yun said, “Today’s gathering is rare. On the 18th, Yao Qing moves; can we gather for a drink?” Everyone agreed, “We won’t miss it, or we’ll be punished to host another day.” Baozhu said, “I might not have the face to gather everyone.” Chun Hang said, “Why not? You’re the flower king, these flowers should come to pay respects. We, as flower appreciators, are eager to see national beauty and fragrance.” Nan Xiang said, “Leave it to me. If one person doesn’t come, I’ll host another day. If two don’t come, I’ll host two days.” Baozhu said, “Really? Don’t forget when you’re sober tomorrow.” Only Zi Yu remained silent. As everyone talked and laughed, it was already midnight with the red lanterns nearly extinguished.

Ci Xian said, “It’s late, let’s disperse.” So everyone got up, Baozhu set the 18th, and everyone agreed, rain or shine. They left in their carriages. The next day, Huifang came to thank, but Zi Yu was ill and didn’t join.

On the 18th, the scholars and actors came to Baozhu’s new residence from noon till evening. They played drinking games, sang songs, and had a joyful time. Zi Yu was absent due to illness. Zhang Zhongyu joined, becoming the center of attention.

The flower registry added Qi Guan, but Qin Yan was still not recovered. Gao Pin and Wen Ze reminded Nan Xiang’s promise, “One absent guest, I host a day.” Zi Yu’s absence made Nan Xiang host a day, which he gladly did. They gathered at his home for another day. Zi Yu and Qin Yan were still unwell. The saying goes: “A few plum blossoms about to fall, the moon sets west of the bamboo bridge.” What happens next, stay tuned.

　　話說琴言病體懨懨，閉門謝客，只有同班中幾個相好時來寬慰。寶珠、素蘭又說子玉前日的光景，又不能常來看你，托我們傳話，千萬保重等語，琴言更加傷感。自患病以來，各處不去，怡園亦屏跡已久。奈其師長慶靠他做個搖錢樹，因其久病，不能見客，便也少了好些興頭。

　　大凡做戲班師傅的，原是旦腳出身，三十年中便有四變。

　　你說那四變：少年時丰姿美秀，人所鍾愛，鑿開混沌，兩陽相交，人說是兔。到二十歲後，人也長大了，相貌也蠢笨了，尚要搔頭弄姿，華冠麗服。遇唱戲時，不顧羞恥，極意騷浪，扭扭捏捏，尚欲勾人魂魄，攝人精髓，則名為狐。到三十後，嗓子啞了，鬍鬚出了，便唱不成戲，無可奈何，自己反裝出那市井模樣來，買些孩子，教了一年半載，便叫他出去賺錢。生得好的，賺得錢多，就當他老子一般看待。若生得平常的，不會哄人，不會賺錢，就朝哼暮口度。一日不陪酒就罵，兩日不陪酒就打。及至出師時，開口要三千五千弔，錢到了手，打發出門，仍是一個光身，連舊衣裳都不給一件。若沒有老婆，晚間還要徒弟伴宿。此等兇惡棍徒，比猛虎還要勝幾分，則比為虎。

　　到時運退了，只好在班子裡，打旗兒去雜腳，那時只得比做狗了。此是做師傅的刻板面目。琴言自去年臘月到京，迄今四個月，徐子雲已去白金數千，不為不多，是以長慶待琴言分外好。

　　若使琴言病了一年半載，只怕也要變了心，此是旁人疑議，且按下不題。

　　再說魏聘才進了華公府，滿擬錦上添花，立時可以發跡，那曉得進去了一月，賓主尚未見面。幾次請見，只以有事辭之，所往來交接者，皆不三不四的人。又有那一班豪奴，架子很大，見了居然長揖，公然上坐，所說的話，無非懵懵懂懂。少年的意氣揚揚，強作解事；老年的倚老賣老，一味藏奸。聘才極意要好，一概應酬，就華府內一隻犬，也不敢得罪，意思間要巴結些好處來，誰知賠累已多。府中那些朋友、門客及家人們算起來，就有幾百人，那一天沒有些事。應酬慣了，是不能揀佛燒香的，遇些喜慶事，就要派分子。間或三朋四友，聚在一處，便生出事來，或是撇蘭吃飯，或是聚賭放頭。還有那些三小子們，以及車夫、馬夫、廚子等類，時常來打個抽豐，一不應酬，就有人說起閒話來。雖止一月之間，府裡這些閒雜人，倒也混熟了，也有與聘才合式的，也有不對的。合式的是顧月卿、張笑梅諸人；不對的是閻簡安、王卿雲諸人。聘才也只好各人安分，合式的便往來密些，不對的便疏遠些。惟鬱鬱不樂者，尚未見過華公子一面。而且一無所事，不過天天與眾人廝混，正是「兩餐老米飯，一枕黑甜鄉」而已。

　　這一日出門閒走，出得城來，正覺得車如流水馬如龍，比城裡熱鬧了好些。順著路，走到鳴珂坊梅宅來，進去見子玉，臥病未愈，精神懶散。子玉問起聘才光景，聘才只得說好，隨口撒了幾句謊。又去見了顏夫人，道了謝，即出來找李元茂，只見鎖了房門，遂復辭了子玉出門，冷冷清清，到何處去呢？

　　信步走到伏虎橋邊，想起張仲雨住在吳宅，即向門房中一問，卻好在家，即請進去坐了。仲雨問了些寒溫，吃了一杯茶，略坐了一坐。仲雨道：「老弟如今進城，是難得出城的，何不找個地方坐坐，聽齣戲解個悶兒。」聘才道：「很好。這兩天實也勞乏了，要去就去。」於是二人同了出來，到了戲園揀個地方坐下。看了兩三齣戲，也有些相公陪著說話。遠遠望見李元茂同著孫嗣徽，在對面樓下。聘才過去，講了幾句話，又過來。

　　仲雨道：「這兩個郎舅至親，天生一對廢物，照應他做什麼？」是日，這幾齣戲，覺得陳腐欠新，仲雨坐不住，說道：「去罷！」算給了坐兒錢，與出聘才同上了酒樓，小酌敘談。仲雨見聘才似乎興致不佳，不像從前光景，因問道：「聽見老弟進了華公府，那裡局面寬大，且華公子是愛交接的，近來光景自然大有起色了。」聘才道：「仁兄不問，弟亦不便說起。始而富三爺講起華公子有孟嘗之名，門下食客數百人。弟進去了，門客卻不少，都是些勢利透頂人，不是擠那個，就是殺這個。弟進去一月有餘，華公子只是冷冷的，若長如此光景，弟倒錯了主意了。」仲雨道：「你見過華公子幾次？」聘才道：「見倒見過幾次，不過隨便寒暄幾句，就走開了。他的舊人本多，新進去的自然擠不上去。」仲雨默然良久，歎口氣道：「如今世界，自己要講骨氣，只好閉門家裡坐。你要富貴場中走動，重新要操演言談手腳，亦是不容易的。上等人有兩個，我們是學不來，一個是前賢陳眉公，一個就是做那《十種曲》的李笠翁。這兩個人學問是數一數二的，命運不佳，不能做個顯宦與國家辦些大事，故做起高人隱士來，遂把平生之學問，奔走勢利之門。又靠著幾筆書畫，幾首詩文，哄得王侯動色，朝市奔趨，那些大老官還要奉承他。若得罪了，到處就可以殺他，自然有拿得穩的本領，你道可怕不可怕？這上等的如今是沒有了。且說第二等人，也就一時選不出來，有十樣要訣。」

　　聘才道：「那十樣呢？」仲雨道：「一團和氣，二等才情，三斤酒量，四季衣服，五聲音律，六品官銜，七言詩句，八面張羅，九流通透，十分應酬。」聘才搖搖頭道：「要這許多？」仲雨道：「底下每句還要加個不字呢！一團和氣要不變，二等才情要不露，三斤酒量要不醉，四季衣服要不當，五聲音律要不錯，六品官銜要不做，七言詩句要不荒，八面張羅要不斷，九流通透要不短，十分應酬要不俗。」聘才道：「這等說，做人就難了。兄弟是一字都沒有的，如何學的全？」仲雨道：「那倒也不在乎此，只要有幾件也就可以應酬了。且各人有各人的時運，不過自己總要有點本事，才教人看得起。」聘才道：「還有那三等呢？」仲雨道：「那三等的也有七字訣：第一是童。」聘才道：「怎麼講？」仲雨笑道：「要考過童生的，自然就念過書，略會斯文些，比那市井的人就強多了。第二是半通，會足恭，巴結內東，奴才拜弟兄，拉門面靠祖宗，鑽頭覓縫打抽風。這就是三等人了。」聘才道：「不要小看這三等人，只怕如今都是些三等呢。」仲雨道：「可不是！依我看來，倒也不是印板的，就有全了十樣本領，也有弄不出好處來；連那七個字沒有的，也會尋出機會來。總之，各人的緣法。從來說』時來風送滕王閣，運退雷轟薦福碑。」我知道這華公子是極好相與的，現有多少人從他府裡走動，弄出多少好處來。我教你個法兒，要他與你相好很不難。這人我也認得，從前他也托過我事情。

　　我知道他府裡有個林珊枝，是他的親隨。」說到此便豎起大拇指來道：「是個這一分兒的，言聽計從，寸步不離，你先要打通這個關節，這關通了就容易了。還有那個八齡班，也是不離左右的，小孩子們有甚識見，給點小便宜就得了。慢慢兒一言半語吹進他耳朵裡去，今日聽見說魏師爺好，明日又聽見說魏師爺好，就打動他的心了。這教做放線雀兒，幾十丈線放了出去終究收得回來，只不要可惜小本錢。」聘才點點頭道：「承教，隨教！」仲雨又道：「譬如你同華公子交接過了，你看他是什麼脾氣，喜的是什麼樣，惡的是什麼樣，自然是順他意見。

　　順到九分，總要留一分在後，不好輕易拿出來。譬如馭那劣馬，若要駕馭他，拗他的性子是斷斷不能的，你跟著他跑，跑得足了，他也乏起來，便一勒就轉；譬如一件事，他能想到九分，你要想到十分，這一分便是勒轉劣馬的本事，這就叫收劣馬。

　　還有那種人各樣不好的，他也不與人往來，坐在房裡妻妾自奉，一人安享，也要打探他心上有一樣兩樣喜歡的，就把這樣去迎合他，獻點小忠小信，沒有一件事求他，他自然就放心了，說某人到有點真心，不是賺他。他上了賺，就憑我怎麼樣了，這叫做釣金蟬。至於為人雖要和氣，也不可一味的膿包，於那些沒相干，不中用的人如閻簡安、王卿雲等輩，倒不要去睬他，渾去應酬他也無用。大門子裡，有那一種在裡頭一句話都不能講的，他卻會懵人。你自己要看得清：可應酬則應酬，不必應酬就不應酬；你應酬那不中用的人，被那要緊人就看輕了。」聘才聽了大笑道：「吾兄真是當今第一個大才，陳平之智，諸葛之謀，也不過如此，能把天下人的性情脾氣，如寫在手掌中，弟當以門生貼來拜老師，庶可傳授心法。」仲雨笑道：「我都與你說了，還拜什麼老師？依著做去包管不錯，將來有了好處，不要忘了老師，就算你門生的良心了。」說罷彼此又笑，不覺就過了半天。仲雨算清了賬同了出來，說道：「老弟，你進城罷。我還有事，不得奉陪。」說罷，拱拱手去了。其時天氣尚早，一路行來，遠遠望見嗣徽、元茂兩人在前轉彎去了。聘才想道：「他們到何處去？」便悄悄的跟了來。到一條小衚衕，只見閒人塞滿，都在人家門口瞧。聘才曾聽得人說，有個東園是婊子聚會之處，便也隨著眾人，站住望將進去。見那一家是茅茨土牆，裡頭有兩間草屋。又見嗣徽、元茂就在他前頭站立。望著兩個婦人，坐在長凳上，約有二十來歲年紀，都腦滿腸肥，油頭粉面，身上倒穿得華麗。只見一個婦人對著嗣徽道：「進來坐坐。」嘻嘻的笑，引得嗣徽、元茂心癢難搔，欲進不進的光景，呆呆的看著出神。又見一個四十多歲的尷尬男人，在地下蹲著，穿件小襖兒，拴繫了腰，掛一個大瓶抽子，足可裝得兩吊錢。又見簾子裡，一個婦人走出來，約二十餘歲年紀，卻生的好看：瓜子臉兒，帶著幾點俏麻點兒，梳個丁字頭，兩鬢惺忪，插了一枝花。身上穿得素淨，腳下拖了一雙尖頭四喜堆絨蝠的高底鞋，也到凳上坐下，與那兩個講話。聽他口音不像北邊，倒像南方人。一身兒堆著俊俏，覺得比眾不同。聽得那一個醜的唱起來，唱道：俊郎君，天天門口眼睜睜，瞧得奴動情，盼得你眼昏。等一等，巫山雲雨霎時成，只要京錢二百文。聘才聽了好笑，又想道：雖然淫詞浪語，倒也說得情真。又聽得這個醜的，真對著嗣徽、元茂唱將起來，聘才再聽道：一個兒臉麻，一個兒眼花，瞎眼雞同著癩蝦蟆。

　　你愛的是咱，咱愛的是他。莫奢遮，溫柔鄉里，不像老行家。

　　眾人聽不出什麼來，聘才卻明白是罵他們二人的，幾乎放聲笑起來，只得忍住。再看那個生得好的，卻像是新出來的。原來京裡妓女，要進大局兒的，倒先要在東園、西廠落幾天，見見市面，自然就不知羞恥，老練起來。如行院中不好的打下來，又到此兩處。這個就是高品所說，從廣西新來的白菊花了。聘才看他舉止，尚有幾分羞澀。旁邊一個小兒，捧上一面琵琶，那人接了，彈了一套《昭君怨》，便惹得門口看的人益發多了。

　　元茂係近視眼，索性擠進去門裡呆看。聘才見那婦人，一面彈，一面唱道：楊柳枝、楊柳枝，昔年宮裡鬥腰肢。如今棄向道旁種，翠結雙眉怨路岐。畫船何處繫，駿馬向風嘶。盼不到東君二月陌頭來，只做了秋林憔悴西風裡。又見他把弦緊了一緊，和了一和，便高了一調了，再唱道：想當年是鴛與鴦，到今是參與商，果然是露水夫妻不久長。千山萬水來此鄉，離鸞別鳳空相望。歎紅顏薄命少收場，便再抱琵琶也哭斷腸。想情郎，昂昂七尺天神樣。千夫長，百夫防，洞庭南北多名望，恩爹愛娘，溫柔一晌漓江上。到如今撇下奴瘦嬋娟伶仃孤苦，真做了一枝殘菊傲秋霜。石公壩，追得好心傷；畫眉塘，險把殘軀喪。全湘沅湘，三江九江，只指望趕得上桃根桃葉迎雙槳，誰知道楚尾吳頭天樣長，又過那金陵王氣未全降，瓜州燈火揚州望，渡河黃，怕見那三閘河流日夜狂，淮、徐、濟、兗無心賞。幸一路平安到帝邦。只不曉那薄倖兒郎在何處藏。我是那剪頭髮尋夫的趙五娘，你休猜做北路邯鄲大道娼。一面彈，一面唱，其聲悽慘，唱得聘才流下淚來，想道：「這人倒是個鍾情人，歷訴生平受盡難苦，不知那個負心人何處去了。」只聽得孫嗣徽道：「阿喲不好了，我身上的東西竟是空空如也，可惡！可惡！」蹬著腳，歎一口氣道：「咳！君子無故，玉不去身，他竟卷而懷之。我以後便如喪不佩起來，看他便能奈我何！」元茂道：「京中這剪綹的實在可恨。我去年拿了家父十兩銀子與魏老聘去看戲，到戲園子門口，絆了一交，即有人攙我起來，還替我拍拍灰。我還當他是個好人，及到後來，銀子也沒有了。後來家君查出來，足足罵了一天。你看這些狗東西害人不害人？」那時聽者無不暗笑。孫嗣徽道：「彼美人兮，君子好逑，你何不疾趨而進之？」元茂笑道：「我不，十目所視的，怎樣進得去？」聘才聽了，失聲一笑。元茂聽得聲音很熟，便瞅著眼睛，四下張望，望見是聘才，便漲紅了臉，與嗣徽擠將出來，與聘才見了。嗣徽道：「魏大哥，我知道你如今是狡兔三窟，竟是鞠躬而入公門了，也不來顧盼顧盼舊日朋友，今日既一見之，我心則喜呢。」聘才道：「勞人草草，本要奉候的。因天晚了，要進城了。」元茂道：「你如今在那華府裡可好？今日還進城麼？」聘才道：「就進城了。」元茂道：「我們也要回去了，同走罷。」於是在路談談講講。聘才道：「你方才聽他們唱的，可聽得出來？」元茂道：「我一字不懂，我倒愛那胖婆娘，對著我盡笑盡勾，我又不敢進去坐坐。」

　　嗣徽道：「美哉，美哉！價廉而工省。明日我與汝姑一試之，若遲遲吾行，恐為捷足先得，則雖悔莫追矣。只要其樂陶陶，又何論十目所視。」聘才聽他仍是咬文嚼字，滿口胡柴，忍住笑，只好由他罷了。到了路口，各人分路。聘才聽得後面車聲磷磷，直走過去，聘才連忙讓開，只見坐在車裡的就是方才彈唱的那個媳婦，車沿上坐著一個老婆子，跑得風快的過去了。

　　且按下聘才那邊。

　　要說這白菊花，是廣西梧州府人，生得十分俊俏，嫁了一個姓宋的，是個不長進的人。這菊花善與人交，相識了一個營員姓張的，是湖廣人。兩人在廣西十分相好，誓同偕老，已有數年。去年這個張營員，奉差進京，這白菊花倒是個有情有義的人，於張營員走後，即帶了些盤費，一個小丫頭，趕將上來。

　　不知怎樣錯了路，一直出了廣西省，到了湖南，尚趕不著，又不知相去多遠，且盤費已盡，舉目無親，進退維谷，在湖南住下。忽得了個謊信，說這張營員在京營作了千總，不得出京。

　　他就賣了些衣裳作路費，搭了個便船進京。及到京時，那姓張的早已差竣回去，以致菊花流落在此，只得倚門賣笑。

　　今日來接他的是個開門戶的陶家。這陶媽媽家裡有三個姑娘，內中一個好的名叫玉天仙，是揚州人，生得風騷嬌俏。這兩天接著一個大嫖客，就是廣東那個奚十一。陶媽媽打聽他的家世，知他是海南大家，家有千萬之富，兄弟十人，都作道府大員。老太爺是現任提臺，家裡開著洋行。又訪他是個大冤桶，便想發他一票大財。無奈那幾個姑娘不大懂他的話，兼之奚十大員。老太爺是現任提臺，家裡開著洋行。又訪他是個大冤桶，便想發他一票大財。無奈那幾個姑娘不大懂他的話，兼之奚十一是個鴉片大癮，一天要吃一二兩；這三個姑娘雖會吃幾口白土煙，吃了那黑土煙幾分就醉倒了，且彼此語言，都不甚投機。

　　因此，奚十一不大喜歡。陶媽媽知道菊花是廣西人，又生得好看，必定勾得住他，所以把他接了過來，認為義女。登時換了嶄新的衣服，與諸姊妹相見，菊花與玉天仙尤為相愛。菊花受盡了狼狽，到此已如出了地獄，心裡還有甚不足，一心就候那奚十一來。

　　且說這奚十一自到京來，不上半年，銀子已花去數萬，盡填在糞窖裡。有人勸他何不娶個妾。他是遊蕩慣的，見了那良家之女子，甚為厭惡，惟在娼妓隊裡物色，又沒有合意的。一日陶媽媽轉來請他，說他家新到了一個廣西人。奚十一聽見是廣西的便滿心歡喜，叫個小跟班帶了煙具，也不坐車，昂然的步行而去。到了陶家，陶媽媽先出來見了，便極意的脅肩諂笑了一回，然後說道：「你們快請四姑娘出來。」不多一刻，見白菊花裊裊婷婷的，一身香豔，滿面春情，上前見了，說了些話，彼此語音相對。奚十一看他相貌，正是嬌如花，柔如水，甜如蜜，黏如餳，十分大喜，略問了幾句話，便同進了房。便叫小跟班擺好了煙具，開了燈，一面吹，一面談。這奚十一要吃大口煙的，菊花替他燒煙，先從半分一口起，加到三分一口，方才合意。菊花燒煙的本事甚好，燒得不生不熟，奚十一又喜吃麵條煙，將這煙挑了一簽子，在火上四面的一燒，那條煙就掛得有五寸長，放在斗門口，奚十一唦、唦、唦的一口吸盡，還閉了嘴不放一點煙散出來，這是奚十一的生平絕技。菊花也吃了幾口，便睡到奚十一懷裡來，與他上煙。奚十一連吃了七八錢，也夠了，便勃然動起興來，兩人收過了燈，關了門，就作出一回秘戲，描不出蝶戀花，顛倒鴛鴦，諸般妙處。一個猛於下山虎，一個熟似落蒂瓜，直鬧到兩個時辰，方各滿心足意，收拾乾淨了，重複開燈吃煙，便連著喝酒吃飯。

　　奚十一在那裡一連宿了七八天，每一天也花幾十吊錢，老鴇便欲砍起斧子來：本人身上作衣服，打首飾製鋪墊，是不必說了，還有那些姑娘們，要這樣，要那樣，連老鴇婆、幫閒、撈毛的，沒有一個不打把式。好在奚十一爽快性成，從無吝嗇。

　　菊花見奚十一這個雄糾糾的相貌，比從前的相好更勝一倍。又知道是個大老爺，在京候選的，便起了從良之念。奚十一本為物色小星而來，見菊花這般美貌，又是個極在行的，便也要買他為妾。倒是那個老鴇不甚願意，菊花方來幾天，且並非他的人，又無身價可勒，只想留他在家多弄些錢，若從良去了，不是白幹了這件買賣麼？便從中調唆，在菊花面前說奚十一是個沒良心的人，他家裡有幾十房小星。聽他二爺們說，娶到了家就丟在腦後，又去貪戀別處，是個戀新棄舊的人。這樣人斷不可嫁他，你別錯了主意。在奚十一面前，只說這菊花有本夫在此，不肯賣他的。又說菊花性子不好，吃慣了這碗飯，不能務正的，老爺要娶姨奶奶，我包管與你揀一個十全的人，不必要他。無奈他們兩人結得火熱的交情，雖有老鴇打破，彼此全然不信。菊花將他的始末根由細細告知奚十一，說這老鴇是接他過來，單為著應酬你的。我如今要從良，與他們毫不相干，只要賞他幾兩銀子就是了。奚十一定了主意，即叫了官媒婆作媒，賞了陶老鴇五十金，將菊花領回，買了丫頭，僱了老媽子，菊花便嫁了奚十一，作了姨奶奶，從此倒入了正路。不知後事如何，且聽下回分解。

Here is the translation into English:

It is said that Qin Yan, being ill and weak, closed his doors to visitors, only a few close classmates came to comfort him from time to time. Baozhu and Sulan spoke of Ziyu’s recent condition and his inability to visit often. They asked us to relay his message to take great care, which made Qin Yan even more sorrowful. Since falling ill, he had stopped visiting places and had been absent from Yi Garden for a long time. His teacher, Qing, who depended on him as a money tree, saw fewer visitors due to his prolonged illness, which diminished their enthusiasm.

Generally, the master of a theater troupe originates from a leading role in the plays, and within thirty years undergoes four transformations.

These four transformations are as follows: In youth, one is admired for charming and graceful appearance, like carving open the chaos, when positive energies meet, resembling a rabbit. After reaching twenty, as one matures, the appearance may become less refined, yet still striving to flaunt beauty with fine clothes and headwear. When performing, unabashedly flaunting shamelessly and seductively, capturing souls and essence, then one is likened to a fox. By thirty, the voice fades, and facial hair grows, rendering one unable to perform; left with no choice but to adapt to the ways of the market, buying some children, training them for a year and a half, and then sending them out to make money. Those who are talented and earn more are treated like one’s own father. If they are ordinary, not charming or profitable, they are barely managed with grudging support. If they don’t entertain with drinks, they face scolding, and without entertainment for two days, they face beating. When they graduate, they ask for a large sum, but once paid, they are sent away penniless, not even given old clothes. If they have no wife, the master might even require the disciple to accompany him at night. Such brutal masters are more ferocious than wild tigers, hence compared to tigers.

When their fortunes wane, they can only serve in the troupe in menial roles, then they are likened to dogs. This is the rigid face of a master. Qin Yan, since arriving in the capital last December to now, four months later, Xu Ziyun has already spent thousands of taels of silver on him, not a small sum, therefore Qing treats Qin Yan exceptionally well.

If Qin Yan were ill for a year and a half, he might also change his heart, which is a doubt others might have but let us not discuss it now.

Further speaking of Wei Pin, who had recently entered the household of Lord Hua, intending to add glory to his career, thought he could rise immediately, only to find a month later that he had not yet met his host. Several requests to meet were declined due to other engagements, and those he came in contact with were dubious characters. With a group of arrogant servants taking high seats, the conversations were vague and unclear. The young were overly assertive, and the elderly relied on their age to hide their scheming. Pin tried to get along with everyone, not daring to offend even a dog within the household, hoping to curry some favor, but only found himself deeper in debt. There were hundreds of friends, clients, and household staff to deal with daily. Accustomed to social obligations, he could not choose peaceful pursuits, and during festive occasions, he had to contribute. Occasionally, gatherings with friends led to troubles, such as leaving meals unpaid or engaging in gambling. There were also lower servants like drivers, grooms, and cooks who would often come seeking favors. If Pin did not entertain them, idle gossip would start. Even within a month, he had become familiar with the numerous trivial characters in the house, some aligning with him and others not. Those in accord were like Gu Yueqing and Zhang Xiaomei, while those who were not included Yan Jian’an and Wang Qingyun. Pin could only keep to his own, getting closer to those he agreed with and distancing from others. Yet, he was not happy, having not met Lord Hua even once, and without any real duties, he simply mingled daily, living a mundane life.

One day, stepping out for a walk, he felt the city’s liveliness as cars flowed like water and horses like dragons, more bustling than inside the city. Following the road, he visited the Mei residence at Mingke Square, where he saw Ziyu, still unwell and listless. Ziyu asked about Pin’s situation, and Pin had to lie, saying all was well. He then visited Lady Yan to express his thanks before leaving to find Li Yuanmao, only to find the door locked, and thus he bid Ziyu farewell and left, feeling lost.

Wandering aimlessly to Fuhu Bridge, he remembered Zhang Zhongyu lived in the Wu residence and decided to

visit. Fortunately, Zhang was home, and after a brief exchange and some tea, Zhang suggested, “Young brother, since you rarely come to the city, why not find a place to relax and enjoy a play to ease your mind.” Pin agreed, saying, “That sounds good. These days have indeed been tiring, let’s go.” They went together to the theater, picked a spot, and enjoyed a few plays while chatting with some gentlemen. From afar, Pin saw Li Yuanmao with Sun Sihui below the opposite balcony. Pin went over, exchanged a few words, and returned.

Zhang remarked, “These two, closely related by marriage, are born useless; why bother with them?” That day, the plays seemed stale and uninteresting, and Zhang, unable to sit still, suggested leaving. After paying their seats, they went to a restaurant for a drink and talked. Zhang noticed Pin seemed less enthusiastic than before, and asked, “I heard you’ve entered Lord Hua’s household, a place of great influence and with a sociable young lord, your prospects must have greatly improved recently.” Pin replied, “Brother, you shouldn’t ask, and I’d rather not speak of it. Initially, Rich Lord San spoke highly of Lord Hua, saying he was like Mengchang with hundreds of followers. I went there, and indeed, there were many clients, all quite mercenary, either pushing one or eliminating another. I’ve been there over a month now, and Lord Hua has been distant. If things continue this way, I might have made the wrong choice.” Zhang asked, “Have you seen Lord Hua often?” Pin answered, “I’ve seen him a few times, just exchanged brief pleasantries, and then he walks away. He has many old associates, and newcomers naturally can’t get close.” Zhang was silent for a long time before sighing and saying, “In today’s world, if you want to maintain your integrity, you might as well stay home. If you want to navigate the world of wealth and power, you have to constantly practice your speech and actions, which is not easy. The top people, like the ancient sage Chen Meigong and playwright Li Liweng, despite their significant learning, had unfortunate destinies and couldn’t perform great services for the state, thus they became high-minded hermits, relying on a few paintings and poems to charm the powerful, who would rush to their support. If offended, they could be killed anywhere; they indeed had formidable skills. Are they not fearsome? Such top-tier people are no longer around. As for the second tier, it’s also hard to choose, with ten key secrets.”

Pin asked, “What are those ten?” Zhang listed, “A harmonious temperament, second-rate talents, three jin of alcohol tolerance, clothes for all seasons, a precise sense of musical pitch, a sixth-grade official rank, seven-character poems, connections everywhere, knowledge of all sorts, and perfect sociability.” Pin shook his head, “That’s a lot, isn’t it?” Zhang added, “And each quality should be accompanied by a ‘not’: a harmonious temperament should not change, second-rate talents should not be revealed, three jin of alcohol should not intoxicate, clothes should not be seasonal, musical pitch should not be incorrect, a sixth-grade rank should not be pursued, seven-character poems should not be neglected, connections should not be broken, knowledge should not be shallow, and sociability should not be vulgar.” Pin said, “It’s hard to be a person then. I don’t have a single one of those qualities, how can I learn them all?” Zhang reassured, “That’s not so important; having a few can still make do. Everyone has their own fortune, but you still need some skills to be respected.” Pin asked, “What about the third tier?” Zhang explained, “The third tier also has a seven-word secret: the first is being a child.” Pin asked, “What do you mean?” Zhang smiled, “If you’ve passed the imperial examinations as a child, you’ve naturally studied and know some literature, which already makes you better than the common folk. The second is semi-knowledgeable, polite enough to flatter your boss, servile enough to call a servant ‘brother,’ relying on appearances and ancestral prestige, finding loopholes to exploit. That’s the third tier.” Pin commented, “Don’t underestimate these third-tier people; I’m afraid many are like that nowadays.” Zhang agreed, “Exactly! From what I see, even if someone had all ten skills, they might still not manage to reap benefits; even those without the seven words can find opportunities. In the end, it’s all about fate. As the saying goes, ‘When the time comes, the wind sends you to Tengwang Pavilion; when fortune declines, thunder strikes the recommended fortune stele.’ I know this Lord Hua is very approachable, with many

people coming and going from his household, gaining many benefits. I’ll teach you a way to get along well with him; it’s not difficult. I know him; he has even asked me for favors before.”

“I know that there’s a Lin Shanzhi in his household, who is his close attendant,” he said, raising his thumb in approval. “He’s someone very close, obeys every word, and never leaves his side. You need to win over this person first. Once he’s on your side, everything will be easier. Then there’s that eight-year-old boy, who also never leaves his side. Kids don’t have much discernment; just give him a little treat and he’ll be yours. Slowly, you can whisper things in his ear—today he hears good things about you, tomorrow he hears more, and eventually, you’ll win his heart. This is called ‘letting out the kite string’—you let out the string for dozens of yards, but you’ll eventually reel it back in, just don’t mind the small initial costs.” Pincai nodded and said, “I understand and will follow your advice!”

Zhongyu continued, “For instance, when you make contact with Mr. Hua, observe his temperament—what he likes and dislikes. Naturally, you should cater to his preferences.

“However, always leave a bit of leeway—if you give everything away too easily, it won’t work. It’s like taming a wild horse: you can’t just fight its nature. Run with it until it’s tired, and then it will yield to you with just a pull of the reins. Similarly, if he can only think nine-tenths of a plan, you need to think through the whole ten. That extra bit is what will allow you to turn the situation in your favor, and that’s called ‘reining in a wild horse.’

“There are also those who don’t socialize much and enjoy their solitude. Find out what they like, and cater to those interests, offering small tokens of loyalty and trust without asking for anything in return. They will then trust you, seeing you as sincere and not trying to deceive them. Once they trust you, you can influence them however you like. This is called ‘fishing for the golden cicada.’ While being friendly, don’t be too lenient. To those irrelevant or useless, like Yan Jian’an or Wang Qingyun, don’t waste your time on them. If someone can’t say a useful word, just ignore them. You must discern for yourself: entertain those worth entertaining, and ignore those who aren’t. If you waste time on useless people, the important ones will think less of you.”

Pincai laughed and said, “My brother, you truly are a genius of our time. Your wisdom rivals that of Chen Ping and Zhuge Liang. You understand human nature as if you have it written on your palm. I should become your disciple and learn your secrets.” Zhongyu smiled and said, “I’ve already told you everything, so why talk of being a disciple? Just follow my advice and you’ll succeed. When you reap the benefits, don’t forget about your teacher; that’s how a good disciple shows gratitude.” They laughed together, and before they knew it, half a day had passed. Zhongyu settled the bill and said, “Brother, you should head into the city. I have other matters to attend to.” He then clasped his hands in farewell and left.

It was still early, and as Pincai walked, he saw Si Hui and Yuan Mao turning a corner ahead. Pincai wondered where they were going and quietly followed. They came to a small alley, crowded with people looking at a house. Pincai had heard that the East Garden was a place where prostitutes gathered, so he stood among the crowd to look inside. He saw a thatched house with two rooms and noticed Si Hui and Yuan Mao standing in front, staring at two women sitting on a bench. The women, in their twenties, were plump and heavily made up but dressed elegantly. One of the women smiled and invited Si Hui and Yuan Mao in, making them visibly tempted but hesitant.

Pincai also noticed a man in his forties, awkwardly squatting nearby, wearing a short jacket tied at the waist and holding a large bottle that could hold two strings of coins. From behind a curtain, another woman emerged, around twenty years old and quite attractive, with a melon-seed face, a few charming freckles, and a neat hairstyle. She wore simple clothes and delicate, high-soled shoes. She sat on the bench and chatted with the other two women. Her accent was southern rather than northern, and she exuded a unique charm.

One of the plainer women began to sing:

“Handsome young man, gazing at me every day at the gate,

Longing so much, waiting for you till my eyes grow faint.

Wait a while, our love will bloom like a sudden rain,

For just two hundred coins, you’ll find joy again.”

Pincai found it amusing but thought, despite the lewd lyrics, they were quite sincere. The plainer woman then sang directly to Si Hui and Yuan Mao:

“One has a pockmarked face, the other’s eyes are dim,

A blind rooster with a toad, what a pair so grim.

You love me, I love him, don’t pretend otherwise,

This love nest of tenderness is no place for wise guys.”

The crowd didn’t understand, but Pincai knew she was mocking them and almost burst out laughing. The attractive woman, who seemed new, looked a bit shy. In Beijing, new prostitutes often spent time in places like the East Garden to become more seasoned. This one was apparently the newly arrived Bai Juhua from Guangxi. Pincai noticed her shyness and charm. A young boy brought her a pipa, which she played, drawing more onlookers.

Yuan Mao, who was nearsighted, squeezed into the door to get a closer look. The woman played and sang a sad song, moving Pincai to tears:

“Willow branches, willow branches, once we competed in the palace,

Now planted by the roadside, adorned with sorrow.

Where will the painted boat anchor, as the noble steed whinnies in the wind?

Waiting in vain for the spring lord’s return, only to wither in autumn’s chill.

When I think of our love, once like mandarin ducks,

Now separated, longing from afar,

Sighing over my ill fate, even as I play the pipa, I weep.”

Si Hui exclaimed, “Oh no, my belongings are all gone! Damn it!” Stomping his foot, he sighed, “A gentleman should always have his jade. How could someone steal it from me? I’ll never be without my pendant again. Let’s see what they can do to me now!” Yuan Mao said, “These Beijing pickpockets are really hateful. Last year, I lost ten taels of silver that my father gave me to watch a play with Mr. Wei. I tripped near the theater, and someone helped me up and patted the dust off. I thought he was kind, but later realized the silver was gone. My father found out and scolded me for a whole day. Aren’t these scoundrels awful?” The crowd secretly laughed.

Si Hui said, “Such a beauty! Why don’t you go to her quickly?” Yuan Mao laughed, “I can’t! With so many eyes watching, how can I?”

Pincai, hearing this, laughed out loud. Yuan Mao, recognizing the voice, looked around and saw Pincai, blushing as he and Si Hui came over to greet him. Si Hui said, “Brother Wei, I know you’re busy with your official duties now and have no time for old friends. But meeting you today makes me very happy.” Pincai replied, “I’ve been busy, otherwise I would have visited. But it’s getting late, and I need to head into the city.” Yuan Mao said, “Are you still working at the Hua residence? Are you going into the city now?” Pincai replied, “Yes, I’m heading there now.” Yuan Mao said, “We’re also going back. Let’s go together.”

As they walked and talked, Pincai asked, “Did you understand the song they sang earlier?” Yuan Mao said, “Not a word, but I liked that chubby woman. She kept smiling and teasing me, but I didn’t dare go in and sit with her.”

Sihui said, “Wonderful, wonderful! It’s cheap and saves effort. Tomorrow, let’s try it with your aunt. If we delay, I fear the quick-footed will get ahead of us, and we will regret missing it. As long as it brings joy, who cares about the scrutiny of ten eyes?” Pincai, hearing him still speaking in such flowery and nonsensical language, held back his laughter and let him be. At the crossroads, they parted ways. Pincai heard the sound of a carriage behind him and quickly stepped aside. He saw that the woman in the carriage was the same one who had been singing and playing earlier, with an old woman sitting by the carriage’s edge, swiftly passing by.

Let’s leave Pincai for now.

Now, about Bai Juhua. She was from Wuzhou, Guangxi, and was very beautiful. She married a man named Song, who was a good-for-nothing. Juhua was good at socializing and became close to a soldier named Zhang, who was from Huguang. They were very affectionate in Guangxi and swore to grow old together, having been together for several years. Last year, Zhang was ordered to go to the capital, and Juhua, being loyal and devoted, took some travel money and a maid to follow him.

However, she lost her way, ending up in Hunan without catching up to him. With no money and no acquaintances, she was stuck. She then received false news that Zhang had become a commander in the capital and couldn’t leave. She sold some clothes for travel expenses and took a convenient boat to the capital. But by the time she arrived, Zhang had already returned, leaving Juhua stranded and forced to work as a courtesan.

Today, a household called the Tao family came to pick her up. The Tao family had three daughters, the most charming one named Yu Tianxian, from Yangzhou, known for her coquettish beauty. Recently, they had entertained a wealthy client, Xi Shiyi from Guangdong. Tao’s mother, upon learning that Xi was from a rich and influential family in Hainan, aimed to make a fortune from him. However, the daughters couldn’t understand his dialect well, and Xi had a strong opium addiction, requiring one to two taels daily. The girls, though accustomed to some opium, were overwhelmed by his amount and the language barrier, making Xi dissatisfied.

Tao’s mother, knowing Juhua was from Guangxi and beautiful, believed she could attract Xi, thus she brought Juhua in, introducing her as an adopted daughter. Juhua was given new clothes and met her new sisters, quickly bonding with Yu Tianxian. After much hardship, Juhua felt as if she had left hell, content to wait for Xi Shiyi.

Xi, having spent thousands of taels in the capital within months, was advised to take a concubine. Used to a libertine lifestyle, he disliked respectable women and preferred courtesans. Tao’s mother invited him, mentioning a new girl from Guangxi. Excited, Xi took his opium kit and walked to Tao’s house. Tao’s mother greeted him warmly and called for the fourth daughter. Soon, Juhua appeared, captivating Xi with her beauty and charm. They conversed happily, and Xi, delighted by her looks and skills, took her to his room, where she skillfully prepared his opium. Impressed by her expertise, he indulged deeply, and they spent the night together intimately.

Xi stayed for several days, spending lavishly, making Tao’s mother eager to exploit him further. Despite the expense, Xi was generous. Juhua, seeing Xi’s commanding presence and learning of his official status, considered becoming his concubine. Xi, taken by her beauty and skills, decided to marry her. However, Tao’s mother, wanting to keep Juhua for more profit, discouraged both, claiming Xi was unfaithful and that Juhua had a husband. Despite this, their bond remained strong. Juhua confided her past to Xi, and they arranged for an official matchmaker, rewarding Tao’s mother with fifty taels. Juhua became Xi’s concubine, turning her life around. What happens next will be revealed in the following chapters.