The Carnal Prayer Mat

page views:1 Publication date:2023-03-23

In the first chapter of *The Carnal Prayer
Mat*, written by Li Yu (1611-1680), the author of
the first volume, "Stopping the Licentious Wind," uses lewd matters to illustrate the law and discuss lust
. The opening lines, "Black hair is hard to keep, rosy cheeks easily fade; life is not like a pine tree in its prime. Fame and fortune vanish like fallen petals in the wind. I regret
my youthful ; in the brothel of pleasure, I am banished to old age. The young nobles, listening to songs of gold thread, should indulge in fragrant medicine early. The true pleasure in the world,
after all, is in the bedroom. It is not like the realm of glory, where joy begins and sorrow ends. Enjoying pleasure every morning, where swallows sleep soundly, I fear the morning bell. Opening my eyes
, I see the universe, a vast palace of spring.
" This poem is titled "Full of Fragrance." It speaks of how life is filled with toil and sorrow, without any enjoyment
. It is thanks to the ancient sages who created the sexual union of men and women to alleviate people's toil and sorrow,
preventing them from becoming utterly worn out. According to Confucian scholars, a woman's manhood is the gateway to
life in the world
; how many of them don't have white hair in their forties or fifties, and how many are still healthy in their seventies or eighties? Even though monks have renounced worldly
life 's having affairs with women or having sexual relations with disciples, just like ordinary people, unable to preserve their vitality and therefore not living as long
. Look at the eunuchs in the capital; not only do they not have affairs with women or disciples, they don't even have the means to do so.
Logically, they should live a shorter life, several hundred years longer. Why then do they have more wrinkles on their faces and whiter hair than others? They
are called eunuchs but look like old women in reality. In the capital, there are only ordinary people with longevity plaques, not eunuchs with hundred-year-old
arches .
It is evident that the concept of "female beauty" is inherently harmless. However, because this herb is not recorded in the *Compendium of Materia Medica*, there is no
definitive explanation. Some say it nourishes, others say it harms. If we examine these comparisons, it is not only nourishing
, but its medicinal properties are similar to ginseng and aconite, and they can be used interchangeably. However, while ginseng and aconite are highly
nourishing , they are suitable for long-term use, not excessive consumption; they can only be used as medicine, not as food. If consumed indiscriminately, at any time, or to the point of fullness
, it will generally cause harm. The benefits and harms of female beauty are similar. Long-term use has the effect of balancing yin and yang, while excessive use has
the harm of water and fire clashing. As medicine, it brings the joy of relieving depression; as food, it causes the worry of damaging tendons and depleting blood. People in the world should understand that
female beauty should not be used too sparingly or too frequently, nor should it be disliked or excessively indulged in. Before engaging in sexual activity, one should think,
"This medicine is not poison, so why fear it?" When engaging in sexual activity, one should think, "This medicine is not food, so why urinate on it?"
In this way, yang will not be excessive and yin will not be stagnant; how could it not benefit one? However, there is one thing: the properties of this medicine are identical to ginseng and aconite
, only the place of origin and method of use are somewhat opposite; those who take the medicine must know this. Ginseng and aconite are best when from their original source
; locally grown ones are useless. Similarly, locally grown women are best; those from the common people are not only useless but can also harm. What are locally grown women? What
are the common women? One's own wives and concubines—no need to seek them far, no need to buy them, just pick them at hand; this is what is meant by locally grown. I can sleep freely
without hindrance, and let them knock on the door without fear. It neither harms one's vital energy nor hinders the ancestral line. After a round of intercourse, the whole body feels
refreshed . Is this not nourishing? Beautiful women come from the red gate, and delicate makeup must be obtained from the embroidered chamber. Domestic chickens taste bland compared to the freshness of wild ducks; an old woman,
faded in beauty, is no match for a young maiden. This is what is meant by "fallen from grace." Such a woman, obsessed with desire, will first provoke with
affection , then shower with gifts, perhaps even climbing over walls to keep her appointment, or sneaking into holes to whisper secrets. Even if she is as bold as the heavens, she is ultimately as terrified as a mouse,
feeling as if someone is watching even when no one is around. She sweats little from passion but much from fear; her love for her children outweighs her courage. She tests the limits of what is possible, creating
unforeseen disasters, secretly damaging her virtue, openly violating the law, and ultimately meeting her end. If no one pays with their life, the wife may still live. Even more so for women who
have lost their chastity, the consequences are unbearable. It is clear that people in this world should never abandon what is near for what is far, nor tire of the old
for what is new.
The author of this novel originally had a compassionate heart, wanting to preach to the world, advising people to restrain their desires, not to indulge in them, and to keep their
lust secret, not to flaunt it. Readers should not misunderstand his intentions. If the aim is to curb lust and desire, why not
write a moral classic to maintain public morals, instead of producing erotic novels that the reader may not understand? Any method to change customs and habits must be
guided by the prevailing circumstances for words to be easily accepted. Nowadays, people dislike reading Confucian classics and biographies, preferring unofficial histories and anecdotes. Even within
these unofficial histories , they dislike stories of loyalty, filial piety, and righteousness, preferring lewd and absurd tales. Customs today are utterly decadent.
If a moral classic were to be written to persuade people to do good, let alone get people to buy it, even if a philanthropic family donated
scriptures to have them printed, bound, and given to them at a loss, they would either disassemble them to stuff in a jar or use them for smoking;
they would never bother to look at them. It would be better to entice him with lustful desires, and when he's engrossed in them,
suddenly offer a few sharp criticisms, making him sigh in shock, "Women are so alluring; how can one not indulge in pleasure and
enjoy them, instead becoming a ghost beneath the peony flower, pursuing empty fame and abandoning reality?" Then, when he sees the clear consequences of his actions, gently
offer a few words of enlightenment, making him realize, "Adultery inevitably brings retribution; how can one not keep one's wives and concubines for personal enjoyment
, instead engaging in idle pursuits, borrowing money to pay off real debts?" Reflecting on this, he will naturally avoid the wicked path. Without the wicked path
, husbands will naturally love their wives, and wives will respect their husbands—this is the essence of the teachings of Zhou Nan and Zhao Nan. This is the method of governing people by addressing the issue
at hand and governing people by addressing the people. Not only do unofficial historians and anecdotes use this technique, but even the sages in the classics practiced it. If you don't believe it, consider Mencius's discourse on governance to King Xuan of Qi during the Warring
States . King Xuan was a man obsessed with sensual pleasures and material gain; he had no interest in proper governance
. He merely offered a casual praise, saying, "Excellent,
indeed King Xuan replied, "I have a weakness: I am fond of material possessions." Mencius then used the anecdote of Duke Liu's fondness for material possessions to persuade him. King Xuan then added, "I have a weakness: I am fond of women.
" At this point, he was already willing to become a tyrant like Jie or Zhou, treating it as a reply to someone's failure to govern properly. If one were to consider him a moralist
, one would have to earnestly and sternly admonish him against his licentiousness. Ancient emperors had a warning: "A commoner who is fond of women will perish; a high official who is fond of women will
lose his position; a feudal lord who is fond of women will lose his kingdom; and the emperor who is fond of women will lose the empire." If King Xuan heard this, even if he
didn't say it aloud, he would have thought to himself, "In that case, my illness is incurable, and I have no use for you, sir.
" But Mencius cleverly used a story about the king's lustful nature to entice him, making him so engrossed that he
couldn't stop listening. Consider that even when King Tai fled on horseback, he had Jiang Nu with him; it's clear
he was a womanizer who couldn't bear to be without women. How could such a licentious ruler not lose his life and his kingdom? Yet he had a way of indulging in lust, causing all the men in the kingdom to flee with
women . While King Tai and Jiang Nu were enjoying themselves, the men and women of the kingdom were also enjoying themselves. This is the selfless
and impartial ruler of heaven and earth. Who wouldn't praise him? Who would dare to criticize him? Hearing this, King Xuan would naturally feel at ease and be willing to
govern , no longer using "I am ill" as an excuse. This is the strength of the author of this novel. May all readers of the world...
Buy it to read as a classic text, not as a novel. Wherever you encounter the phrase "Reader," it's either a critical remark or a wise saying;
you must pay close attention and understand it. Descriptions of sexual intercourse and depictions of bedroom pleasures may border on obscenity, but the reader is always led
to the ending to learn the consequences and receive a warning. Otherwise, it's like a book about olives; later
, you'll find it sour and unpleasant to chew. My descriptive language is like wrapping olives in dates, guiding the reader to savor the aftertaste
.
The details are numerous, but the real skill will be revealed in the next chapter.
Chapter Two:
The Old Monk's Empty Bag, the Young Layman's Sitting on the Flesh-Puzzle and
Speaking. During the Zhihe era of the Yuan Dynasty, in the Kuocang Mountains, there lived a monk named Zhengyi, with the Daoist name Gufeng. He was originally a famous student at the Chuzhou
Prefectural School. Because of his innate goodness, even as an infant, he constantly babbled like a student reciting texts
. His parents didn't understand why. A wandering monk came to collect alms and saw a girl holding a bundle of hair in his arms, her expression a mixture of weeping and laughter
. The monk, hearing this, said the girl was reciting the *?ūra?gama Sūtra*, and that she was a reincarnation of a high-ranking monk. He returned to her parents and begged to become her disciple
. Her parents, thinking it was superstition, refused to believe it. They taught her to read, and she could memorize anything she read. However, officialdom was not her desire, and she repeatedly abandoned
Confucianism to study Buddhism, only to be severely punished by her parents. Forced to take the imperial examinations,
she entered the academy as a child and then helped with other tasks. After her parents passed away, she waited two years to complete the mourning period, then distributed all her wealth to her relatives. She sewed a large leather bag, filled it with wooden fish drums
and scriptures, shaved her head, and went into the mountains to cultivate herself. Those who knew her called her Elder Gufeng, while those who didn't simply called her the Leather Bag
Monk . Unlike other monks, she not only strictly abstained from alcohol, meat, and lewdness, but also adhered to the three precepts of monastic life.
The three precepts are: do not solicit donations, do not preach, and do not stay in famous mountains. When asked why he didn't solicit donations, he replied, "The path to Buddhism
generally begins with asceticism. One must strain one's muscles and bones, starve one's body, and let the anxieties of hunger and cold press upon one daily. When the anxieties of hunger and cold press upon one daily,
lustful thoughts will not arise. When lustful thoughts do not arise, defilement will gradually disappear
, and purity will gradually arise. In time, one will naturally attain Buddhahood. If one does not farm for food, nor weave for clothing, and relies on alms from benefactors all day long, then when one's belly is full, one desires leisurely walks; when one's body is warm, one desires peaceful sleep. When one strolls, one sees what is
desirable; when one sleeps, one's dreams become illusions. Whether one attains Buddhahood or not, all sorts of things that lead to hell will come without one seeking them. That is why I
support myself and refrain from soliciting donations." When asked why he didn't lecture on scriptures, he said, "The words in the scriptures are spoken by Buddhas
and Bodhisattvas; only Buddhas and Bodhisattvas can understand them. Others who speak of scriptures are like fools talking in their dreams. Tao Yuanming of the past did not seek deep understanding when reading
. Even Chinese people reading Chinese books dare not seek deep understanding, let alone..." " For Chinese people to read foreign books and then
presumptuously translate them—I dare not aspire to be a meritorious subject of the Bodhisattvas, but only to avoid being a sinner to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Therefore, I know my ignorance and guard my simplicity,
refraining from lecturing on scriptures." Someone then asked why he didn't live in famous mountains. He replied, "Those who cultivate themselves must not see what is desirable, so that their minds are not disturbed.
The things desirable in the world are not only sensual pleasures and material gains. Even the gentle breeze that soothes the body, the bright moon that pleases the heart, the birds that delight the ear, the ferns that taste delicious
—all things lovely and desirable are desirable. Living in a scenic spot, mountain spirits and water monsters will lead me to seek poetry, and the moon goddess and wind goddess will disturb my
meditation . Therefore, those who study in famous mountains will not achieve their studies, and those who seek the Way in famous mountains will find it difficult to purify their attachment to fame. Moreover, which famous mountain doesn't have
women burning incense and officials following suit, with the moon and green willows a constant reminder of the past? The reason I abandoned famous temples to live in a desolate mountain is simply
to ensure that there is nothing to cling to before my eyes and ears." The questioner deeply admired his words, believing that no eminent monk of ancient times had uttered such a statement. Because of these three
precepts, he did not seek fame, yet his fame grew daily. Many people
from near and far wished to take refuge in him, but he refused to accept disciples lightly. He would only ordain those who truly possessed good roots and were free from worldly desires. If he had even the slightest doubt, he would refuse to accept them. Therefore, after many years of monastic life, he
had very few disciples. He lived alone, building a few huts by a mountain stream, farming for food and drinking from the spring.
One day, the autumn wind was bleak, the trees were bare, and insects chirped. The monk rose early, swept the fallen leaves in front of the door, changed the water before the Buddha,
prepared incense, put down his meditation cushion, and sat in meditation in the central hall. Suddenly, a young scholar entered with two servants. The
scholar's appearance was as clear as autumn water and as graceful as spring clouds. His eyes shone with an unusual brilliance. He seemed to dislike direct
gazes and lewd thoughts, using them only for secretly observing women. He didn't need to get close; even from dozens of
feet , a single glance was enough to tell whether someone was good or bad. If someone was attractive, he would give them a quick look. If the woman were righteous,
she would lower her head and walk past, not glancing at his face; her gaze would be considered wasted. But if the woman had the same fault as him
, she would glance back and forth, her eyes conveying unspoken affections, making things impossible. Therefore, regardless of gender,
having such eyes is not an auspicious sign; it leads to disgrace and moral decay. Readers, if your eyes resemble this, please be
cautious. At that moment, the scholar entered, bowed four times to the Buddha statue, and four times to the monk, then stood to the side.
The monk, initially unable to return the bows while in meditation, only stepped down from his cushion after finishing his work and returned four deep bows in return.
After they were seated, he asked the scholar's name. The scholar said, "I am a man from afar, traveling in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and my pen name is 'Weiyang Sheng'. I have heard that
you, Master, are a great monk and a living Buddha, so I have fasted and come here to speak with you."
You might wonder why he didn't use his name when the monk asked his name, but instead used his pen name. You should know that in the past,
the scholarly customs were strange. Scholars disliked using their names and instead addressed each other by their pen names. Therefore, scholars all had a title, some called "
Sheng," some called "Zi," and some called "Daoren." Generally, the young were called Sheng, the middle-aged were called Zi, and
the elderly were called Daoren. The words used to represent these titles also had different meanings, perhaps reflecting their feelings or nature. They would choose two characters
to name themselves, as long as they understood it, it didn't need to be known by everyone. This scholar, however, was fond of women, disliked the daytime but preferred the night,
and disliked the latter half of the night but preferred the first half. Seeing the line "the night is not yet over" in the Book of Songs, he took this phrase out of context and named himself "
Weiyang Sheng ."
The monk, feeling unworthy of such excessive praise, replied with a few humble words. At that moment, the vegetarian meal in the earthenware pot was
ready, so the monk invited him to stay for breakfast. The two sat facing each other, discussing
Zen
, their insights resonating deeply. It turned out that Weiyang was exceptionally intelligent, well-versed in all kinds of books from various schools of thought. What others couldn't grasp with a thousand words, he understood completely with just the monk's first utterance. The monk thought to himself, "What a knowledgeable man! It's a pity that creation made a mistake in his form, pairing a
heart devoted to Buddhism with such a wicked appearance. Judging from his demeanor, he's clearly a lecherous devil. If I don't ensnare
him , he'll surely be sneaking around, causing trouble in women's homes. How many women in the world will suffer because of him?
To see this perverse person today and not help those in need is not the way to grieve." He said to him, "Since becoming a monk, I have seen
many people. Those foolish men and women who refuse to do good are not worth mentioning. Even the scholars who come to meditate and the officials who come to listen to the Dharma
are all , and very few can understand the essence of Zen. Who would have thought that you, layman, would have such keen insight, and with this, you can attain samadhi in just a few years of studying Zen
? In this life, what is easy to obtain is the physical body, what is hard to obtain is one's innate nature. What passes easily is time, what is hard to pass is calamity."
Having come with the potential to become a Buddha, you must not stray onto the path of demons and monsters. Why not seize this moment before your youthful vigor dissipates, sever your desires, and
enter the monastic life? Though I am but a mortal with worldly bones, I am still worthy to serve as a model for others. If you can make this great vow and dedicate yourself to this great cause and effect,
a hundred years from now you will be worthy to be enshrined in the Sangha, and you will not be subject to the commands of Rakshasas. "What do you think, layman?" Wei Yangsheng replied, "
I have long harbored the thought of returning to Chan Buddhism, and I will inevitably return to this Dharma in the future. However, I still have two unfulfilled wishes that are difficult to relinquish
. I am still young, so I will wait until I return to settle these two matters and enjoy a few years of peace. Then I will come to you to receive your blessing and take refuge; it will not be too late then
."
The monk asked, "May I ask what your two wishes are? Is it perhaps to be renowned in the imperial court, to repay your learning by achieving merit in foreign lands, and
to report back to the imperial court?" Wei Yangsheng shook his head and said, "These are not my wishes." The monk said, "Since these are not
your wishes, then what are they?" Wei Yangsheng said, "What I wish for is something I can accomplish through my own efforts, not
something I merely dream about. To be honest, Master, my memory for studying is excellent; I have heard..." His comprehension and writing style are both top-
notch . Today's famous scholars merely memorize what they've learned, copying and pasting, composing a few drafts, and publishing a collection of poems and essays, then
claiming to be renowned in the literary world and dominate the world. In my opinion, that's a facade. To be a true scholar, one must read all the rare books in
the world, associate with all the extraordinary people, travel to all the famous mountains, and then retire to a secluded room to write books and leave a lasting legacy. Even if one's name is listed on two examinations, it's still
a contribution to the court. Even if one's literary talent doesn't match one's fortune and one dies in obscurity, one will still be a figure of lasting fame. Therefore, I have two lines
of private thought : 'To be the first genius in the world…'" The monk said, "That's the first line. And the second line?
" Wei Yangsheng was about to speak but then swallowed his words, unable to express his meaning. The monk said, "Since you are afraid to say the second line, I will say it for
you ." Wei Yangsheng said, "How could Master possibly tell me what is on my mind?" The monk said, "If
I am wrong, I am willing to be punished. But if I am right, please do not pretend to be wrong." Wei Yangsheng said, "If Master is right
, you are not only a Bodhisattva but also a deity. How dare I make excuses?" The monk calmly said, "It is 'to marry the most beautiful woman
in the world .'"
Wei Yangsheng was stunned. After a long pause, he replied, "Master, you are truly extraordinary! These two
whispered words have been on my mind all day long, yet you seem to have heard them and immediately understood." The monk said, "
Have you not heard that whispers in the human world are heard by Heaven like thunder?" Wei Yangsheng said, "Logically speaking, I shouldn't speak of such things to you, Master. But since
you've guessed correctly, I dare not lie and say that my spiritual heart is still shallow, while my desires are deep. Since ancient times, the four words 'beautiful woman and talented man'
have been inseparable. Where there is a talented man, there must be a beautiful woman to accompany him; where there is a beautiful woman, there must be..." A talented man is destined for a life of companionship. My
talent is beyond question, and my appearance is
also quite remarkable. I often look in the mirror, and even if Pan An or Wei Jie were alive today, I wouldn't be outshone. Since Heaven has bestowed upon me such talent, why not also a woman to match me? If there are no beautiful women in the world, so be it;
but if there are, who else but me would seek a suitable partner? Therefore, I am over twenty and still unmarried, not wanting to waste my talent and good
looks. When I return home, find a beautiful woman, and have a son to carry on the family line, my wish will be fulfilled, and I will have no other thoughts.
Not only will I change my ways, but I will also persuade my wife to do the same. "Reach the other shore. What does Master think?" The monk sneered, "
It seems your thoughts are not wrong at all, but the Heavenly Father who created this world is somewhat flawed. If you were given an ugly form
, you might attain enlightenment if you possessed a sliver of clear mind. That's why people in ancient times often suffered from baldness, epilepsy
, broken hands and feet, and became immortals through divine punishment. Immortals are based on this principle. You were simply spoiled by the Heavenly Father when you were born
, like parents who love their children. When you were young, the Heavenly Father was afraid of harming your flesh and displeasing your temperament, and couldn't bear to hit you or scold you
." When the son grows up, he only says that his physical appearance and temperament are innate and nurtured by his parents, so he does whatever he wants
. He commits crimes and suffers the whipping of officials and execution by the court, only then regretting that his parents were too indulgent, leading to this situation. This unusual
appearance and arrogant temperament are not a good omen. Layman, because your appearance is that of a first-rate talent, you should seek out the first-rate
beauty . Whether you can obtain her or not, even if you do, I fear that this beauty may not have
the words "first" inscribed on her forehead. If you see someone more beautiful than her, you will want to go and find the better one. This one... If the beautiful woman is of the same
nature , and is unwilling to marry easily, waiting for the first talented man, then you can take her as a concubine. But
if you find a good man, how will you deal with her? If you try every means to get what you want, then all sorts of things that lead to hell will follow. Do you want to go to hell
or heaven? If you are willing to go to hell, then go find the first beautiful woman. If you want to go to heaven, then please put away your delusions
and become a monk with me.”
Wei Yangsheng said, “Master, your words ‘heaven and hell’ are a bit cliché, not like the words of a high monk. The principle of
Zen is nothing more than self-realization.” " Originally, standing in a state of neither birth nor death is Buddhahood. Is there truly a heaven to ascend to
? Even if one commits some transgressions, it is merely a stain on Confucianism. Is there truly a hell to fall into?" The monk said, "'
Those who do good go to heaven, those who do evil go to hell' is indeed a cliché. It's just that you scholars can escape clichés in everything, except for
matters of self-cultivation and conduct. Heaven and hell are clearly indistinguishable. Even if there is no heaven, one must take
heaven as a stepping stone to goodness. Even if there is no hell, one must take hell as a warning against evil. Since you clearly understand clichés, I will now..."
Leaving aside future karmic retribution, let's just talk about present karmic retribution, which inevitably involves clichés. There's an old saying: "I do not commit adultery with other men's wives,
nor do other men commit adultery with my own." These two sentences are extremely common clichés, but none of the lustful people in the world have ever escaped this trap. They commit adultery with other
men's wives and daughters, and their wives and daughters are also violated by others. To escape this trap, one must either refrain from adultery altogether. If one commits adultery, one will inevitably be subjected to
this cliché. Layman, do you want to escape this trap, or do you want to fall into it? If you want to fall into it, just go and find the first beautiful woman; if you want to escape
it, please abandon your delusions and become a monk with this humble monk.”
Wei Yangsheng said, “Master…” His words were thorough and clear. However, since he was speaking to the ignorant,
he had to explain everything fully, leaving them terrified and thus warning them. He might not have done the same to us. Although Heaven's laws are strict, their enforcement
is not without mercy. While many adulterers are punished, many others escape punishment. If one were to go door-to-door to apprehend adulterers,
making their wives and daughters pay for the crimes of others, then Heaven would be desecrated! In short, the cycle of retribution and the principles of Heaven are generally
infallible. Those who are not virtuous should know this; it is a major topic of moral persuasion. Why be so insistent on this approach?” the monk said.
"According to what you say, layman, are there any adulterers in the world who escape retribution? I fear that the laws of justice have not allowed anyone to escape punishment.
Perhaps you, layman, are too
kind and have allowed some to slip through the net. In my humble opinion, there has never been a case of adultery with another man's wife and daughters going unpunished, either in ancient or modern times. Historical records and oral traditions abound with such cases. Layman, please consider this: adultery with another man's wife and daughters is an advantageous act, so people are willing to
tell others, hence many know about it. The defilement of one's wife and daughters is an unfavorable act, so people are unwilling to tell others, hence few know about it. Some wives even
conceal it from their husbands, and daughters from their fathers, not even knowing themselves, yet they claim that the retribution for adultery is impossible. Only after the coffin is closed will such things be revealed."
The ancient sayings are true, but when that time comes, such words of enlightenment
will be impossible to utter. It is only the wives and daughters of adulterers who repay their debts of lust. The moment the thought of adultery arises, the wife and daughters are unknowingly forgotten. For example, if one's own wife and
daughter are ugly, and one is not very aroused during intercourse, thinking of the beautiful women seen during the day, mistaking one's wife
for them, and finding pleasure in it. Who knows that at this moment, the wife does not find her husband ugly, thinking of the beautiful men seen during the day,
mistaking one's husband for them, and finding pleasure in it? Such things are common, though they do not damage one's chastity, they certainly harm one's
heart. This is also the retribution for a man's lustful nature. If even the thought is so, how much more so when one enters the room, physically overpowering the wife,
unseen by , and the Creator does not punish the wife for remaining chaste? These words of this humble monk are not mere platitudes. " Does the layman agree?"
Wei Yangsheng replied, "That's very reasonable, but I must ask you, Master,
if someone who has a wife and daughters commits adultery with another's wife and daughters, will there be retribution? But if someone without a wife and daughters commits adultery with another's wife and daughters, how will they repay their debt? This principle of impartiality will not apply. There's another
saying: one person's wives and daughters are limited, but the number of women in the world is endless. For example, if one only has one or two wives and concubines, one or two children,
but commits adultery with countless women in the world, even if one's wife and daughters commit adultery, the cost is low and the profit is high. How will Heaven punish such a person?" The monk,
upon hearing this, knew that Wei Yangsheng was like a stubborn rock that could not be moved. The monk said to him, "Layman, your words are very eloquent,
but I dare not presume to accept such praise. However, such principles are not enough to be proven by words alone; they must be put into practice to be understood.
Layman, please wait until you have married a beautiful woman and then seek enlightenment through the flesh-futon, for only then will you gain true understanding. I see that you possess the qualities to transcend the ordinary and attain sainthood,
the potential to reach the pinnacle of enlightenment. I truly cannot bear to abandon you. If, after your sudden enlightenment, you wish to come and see me again to discuss your path home,
I will eagerly await ." Having said this, he took out a piece of paper, picked up a brush, and wrote a verse of four lines in five characters: "
Please cast aside your leather bag and
go sit on the flesh-futon.
You must repent while you are alive,
for it is too late when the coffin is closed. "
After writing this, the monk handed it to Weiyang Sheng, saying, "You clumsy ascetic, unaware of taboos, though your verse is too extreme, it truly comes from a
compassionate heart . Please keep it, as a test for the future." After saying this, he stood up, as if to see him off.
Knowing he was being rejected, and considering the monk's high status, Wei Yangsheng dared not leave disrespectfully.
He could only bow his head and apologize, saying, "This disciple is inherently foolish and stubborn, and cannot be taught. I hope Master will forgive me. I will
return
returned the bow and saw him off. The monk's fate is now clear; the rest only mentions Wei Yangsheng's infatuation with women, omitting any further details about Gu Feng. Gu Feng's fate is revealed in the final chapter.
Commentary:
Wei Yangsheng is the main character in this play, while Gu Feng is merely a minor character. Other writers would have
introduced Wei Yangsheng, making Gu Feng a mere passerby. This play, however, focuses solely on Gu Feng, in great detail, leading the reader to suspect that Gu Feng might later
engage in lewd behavior, only to discover otherwise. His true intentions are revealed only during meditation, leaving the reader
uncertain . This is a variation on traditional novels, demonstrating the author's departure from conventional approaches. Even if others used this method, it would inevitably
lead to a confused theme and a jumbled mess, making it impossible for the reader to discern the main point. This one, however, is clear and distinct,
making the entry point immediately clear. The final few words further clarify the narrative, no longer confusing the reader; truly
a master.
In the third chapter
, the virtuous scholar is mistakenly paired with a charming but fickle husband. The dignified woman's affections shift to a heartless lover.
It is said that Wei Yangsheng, having parted from the lonely peak, grumbled all the way, "How utterly unreasonable! I'm in my twenties,
a flower just beginning to bloom, and you want me to shave my head and seek suffering? What kind of heartless person is this? I
only met him today because he is a former scholar who has become a monk; he must have unique insights, and I want to grasp his Zen wisdom to aid my writing."
Who would have thought I'd suffer so much neglect from him? He even composed a tortoise-themed poem for me, asking how I could possibly be worthy of my noble husband.
If I were to become an official, I would be governing the world and managing all people. Couldn't even my own wife control me? Now that I've met such a beautiful woman, I refuse
to let her slip away. I'll commit a few acts of promiscuity to keep my household strictly guarded, so that any man who comes to collect his debts will be gone. Besides, with
a woman married to such a handsome husband as me, even if another man tries to seduce her, she probably won't even look at him.
There's no way she'll commit adultery. Logically, I should have torn that poem to shreds and thrown it back to him. But since I
have no , I'll keep it with me and see if he repents when he sees it. Having made up my mind, I folded the poem and hid it in
my belt.
Returning home, I instructed my servants to go and tell matchmakers to find the most beautiful woman in the world. He came from a prominent
family and was both talented and handsome. What man wouldn't want him as a son-in-law, and what woman wouldn't want him as a husband?
Ever since the imperial decree was issued, matchmakers have been seeking him out daily. He freely visited the homes of ordinary families, but for wealthy families
who wanted to maintain appearances, they would arrange meetings in temples or remote outskirts, making sure the meeting was intentional rather than unintentional
. This caused many young women to go home heartbroken, but he found none of them appealing. A matchmaker said to him, "It seems that
none of the other women are a good match for you. Only the daughter of the Iron-Door Taoist, named 'Yu Xiang,' is worthy of you. However,
her father is eccentric and will certainly refuse to have someone else conduct a marriage assessment, yet you insist on doing so. This is impossible." Wei Yangsheng asked, "
Why is he called 'Iron-Door Taoist'? And why do you think his daughter is so beautiful? If she is so beautiful, why won't he have someone else conduct a marriage assessment
?" The matchmaker said, "This old man is a renowned scholar, a solitary and aloof man. He owns land and fields but asks nothing of others. He has no
friends and studies alone at home. No matter who knocks on his door, he simply won't open it. A distinguished guest, admiring his
reputation, went to visit him, knocking for half a day, but not only did he not open the door, he wouldn't even answer. The distinguished guest, having no other choice,
wrote a poem on the door and left. In between..." The poem reads:
"I only knew the hermit's door was a thatched hut, but who would have thought the gentleman's door was made of iron?
" Later, upon seeing the poem, he remarked, "The words 'iron door' are quite apt," and thus adopted "Iron Door Taoist"
as
his pen name. He had no sons, only a daughter, who was exceptionally beautiful, unmatched by anyone. She was also highly educated, all taught by her father, and could compose poems and essays. Her family was very strict; she never went out to burn incense or attend gatherings,
and at sixteen years old, she had never shown her face in public. Even gossipy relatives wouldn't dare enter the house. Yesterday, the old man stood at the door, and seeing me
approach he called out, "Are you perhaps a matchmaker?" I replied, "Indeed." He invited me into his home, pointed
to his daughter, and said, "This is my daughter. I need to find a suitable son-in-law to support her in her old age. Please keep an eye out for one for me."
"I then introduced him to the young master, and he said, 'I have heard of his talent, but I do not know his character.' I continued, '
The young master is mature beyond his years and has no flaws. However, there is one thing: he wants to see him in person before he will make the betrothal.' Upon hearing this, he
frowned and said, 'Nonsense! Only the skinny horses kept by families in Yangzhou are willing to be examined; how can a respectable daughter agree to meet a man
?' Seeing that he had said this, I knew I could not say anything more and left. Therefore, I knew that this marriage was doomed to fail."
Upon hearing this, Wei Yangsheng thought to himself, "I have no parents or brothers now. If I marry tomorrow,
who Even if I live a life of self-imposed confinement
, there will always be times when I must leave home. This old man is so rigid. If I marry into his family, I won't need to worry. His own daughter will take care of me. I can leave home for life without any problem. But I'm still
uneasy without meeting her in person. How can I trust a matchmaker's words?" So he said to her, "According to you, the marriage is excellent.
But please find a way for me to get a glimpse of the situation. As long as it's mostly correct, that's fine." The matchmaker said, "That's absolutely
impossible. If you don't believe me, you can only consult the oracle and ask the gods for guidance. If it's right, then do it; if it's not, then don't." Wei Yangsheng
said, "That makes sense. I have a friend who is very accurate in consulting the oracle. I'll ask him to judge, and then I'll get back to
you." The matchmaker agreed and left.
The next day, Wei Yangsheng fasted and bathed, and invited his friend who had consulted the oracle to his home. He burned incense, bowed deeply, and whispered a prayer: "This disciple
has no other business than the daughter of the Iron Gate Taoist, named Yuxiang. I have heard of her unparalleled beauty and wish to marry her, but I have
not yet . Therefore, I inquire of the Great Immortal. If she is indeed unparalleled in beauty, this disciple will marry her; otherwise, I will refuse. I humbly beseech
the Great Immortal to give clear instructions, not vague words that leave this disciple unable to understand." After the prayer, he bowed four more times, rose, and supported the immortal's staff
as he wrote. Sure enough, he wrote a poem: "
The foremost among beauties, need not doubt ghosts or gods.
Only worry that her allure may lead to lewdness; at the crossroads of good and evil, seek guidance." Upon seeing this poem,
Wei
Yangsheng thought to himself, "She seems to have good looks, but the last line clearly says she is lewd
and immoral. Could it be that this woman has already been defiled?
" Since the poem ends with the words "First," there must be another one. Let's see what the next one is like. Xianluan paused for a moment and then wrote four more lines: "
A woman's chastity and lust cannot be reversed, but a man must manage the household well.
Keep the door closed to prevent flies from entering; where would a flaw on jade come from?" Upon seeing the inscription "Returning to the Taoist Priest"
on the right,
Wei Yangsheng knew it was an alias of Lü Chunyang. Overjoyed, he thought, "This man is extremely
skilled in wine and women; if he says it's good, then it's good. This last poem is meant to dispel my doubts and warn me to be cautious
. I think this old-fashioned father-in-law is keeping me in check, so there's no need for further
doubt ; there's no need to doubt anymore." He then bowed to Chunyang in gratitude and ordered someone to summon a matchmaker. He instructed her, "The immortal poem is excellent
; there's no need to hide it now. Go and propose marriage."
The matchmaker was delighted and went to the Taoist Priest's house with the iron gate, explaining Wei Yangsheng's intention to propose marriage. The Taoist priest said, "His
initial insistence on a physical meeting shows he values beauty over virtue; his frivolity is evident. I want a son-in-law of good character, not
such a worldly person." The matchmaker, eager to make a profit, cleverly replied, "His desire for a physical meeting isn't for beauty
, but rather because he fears her frivolous behavior and lack of good fortune, which would prevent her from finding a wife. Therefore, he has found that the young lady in your household is very well-mannered
and possesses excellent moral character, which is why he is willing to ask me to propose marriage." The Taoist priest, finding his words reasonable, agreed to the marriage and
set an auspicious day for the wedding.
Although Wei Yangsheng listened to the matchmaker and believed the fairy's words, he remained hesitant because he hadn't yet met her. It wasn't until the wedding
night, after the ceremony, that he entered the bridal chamber and, upon closer inspection, was overjoyed. A new
poem :

"She is graceful and charming, her whole being radiant."
They were all beautiful, their faces full of sorrow, their furrowed brows impossible to imitate.
They worried they weren't suited for marriage, their waists so slender, how could they be embraced
, so soft and boneless, yet so easily startled.
The right tune of "Remembering Qin'e"

doesn't even capture the joy of the bride and groom's wedding; a new poem testifies to this:

Their starry eyes met, almost expectant, on the pillow, two peach blossoms sang.
She tried to keep her mouth shut, but her tongue had already parted her lips.
Her delicate cries subsided, her emotions boundless, her soft breasts already sweating.
They opened their eyes to look at each other, their hearts burning like red-hot coals.
The right tune of "Jade Tower Spring"

says that although Miss Yuxiang's beauty was unparalleled, her charm was somewhat lacking, and she still didn't quite meet her husband's expectations. This was because
her father's teachings were strict, and her mother's conduct was dignified; she heard no lewd sounds, saw no wicked sights, and the books she read
were "Classic of Filial Piety for Women," and her words were contrary to Weiyang's own feelings. As for her behavior, she inevitably inherited her father's traits, and her husband
gave her the nickname "Female Moralist." A single flirtatious remark from her would make her blush and walk away. Wei Yangsheng
greatly enjoyed daytime intercourse, using the sight of genitals to enhance her arousal. Several times, when she tried to pull down his pants, he would scream as if she were raping him, so
she had to give up. At night, although she was willing, it was always a helpless situation. Her sexual techniques
had to be moderate, unwilling to be innovative. If she wanted to perform "fire from across the mountain," she would say it was an act of adultery. If she wanted to perform
"pouring candles upside down," she would say it violated the husband's authority. Even putting her legs on his shoulders required considerable effort. As for her
refusal to cry out during pleasure to enhance the man's virility, calling out to him was like calling out to a mute woman, refusing to respond.
Wei Yangsheng found her lack of any vitality very distressing. "I must now use some skillful manipulation to transform him
." Tomorrow I'll buy a wonderfully crafted erotic album from the calligraphy and painting shop. It's the work of the scholar Zhao Mengfu, containing thirty-six
paintings, alluding to the Tang poem's theme of "thirty-six palaces, all of which are spring." I'll take it back and browse through it with Miss Yuxiang. It will show that
these techniques of male-female intercourse weren't my invention; the ancients practiced them first. Now that I have Zhao Mengfu's scroll here, I'll use it as proof.
At first, Yuxiang didn't know what kind of album it was. But when she opened it, she saw the four large characters "Han Palace Portraits" written on the first two pages
. Yuxiang thought, "The Han Palace had many virtuous concubines and ladies; these must be portraits. Let's see
what they look like." On the third page, a man was seen embracing a woman, naked, engaging in sexual activity on a rockery. He
blushed and became enraged, exclaiming, "This inauspicious object! Where did it come from, defiling a woman's home? Quickly, have the maid
take it and burn it!" Wei Yangsheng grabbed him, saying, "This is an antique, worth a hundred taels of gold. I borrowed it from a friend.
If you can afford a hundred taels, take it and burn it. If not, leave it here and I'll play with it for a day or two before returning it
." Yu Xiang said, "What's the use of looking at such a frivolous thing?" Wei Yangsheng replied, "If it were frivolous, would
n't the painter have gone to... " Even if someone were to paint him, collectors wouldn't be willing to pay a high price for it. It's only because it was the first truly significant
event since the beginning of time that scholars and artists used it to paint, mount it on silk, sell it in art shops, and collect it in the world of calligraphy and painting, so that
future generations would know what to emulate. Otherwise, the principle of yin and yang interaction will gradually be lost, leading to husbands abandoning wives and wives turning away from husbands,
the complete extinction of the way of life, until there are no living beings left. Today, I borrow this not only to read it myself, but also to let my wife know
this principle so that she can conceive and bear children, and not be misled by your father's Daoist teachings, thus preventing the marriage from ending in tragedy.
"Why are you so angry, my lady?" Yu Xiang said, "I don't believe this is a proper affair. If it were, why didn't the ancients
who made the laws teach people to do it openly during the day? Why do it in the dead of night, hiding it from everyone
like a thief? Judging from this, it's clearly not a proper affair."
Wei Yangsheng laughed, "In that case, it's no wonder, my lady. It's all your father's fault. He kept you locked up at home, without any
knowledgeable female companions to talk to you about romance, so you're ignorant and don't understand human affairs. Think about it, which couple in the world
doesn't do things during the day? And they do it openly and honestly so that everyone knows. If couples didn't have sex during the day,
how would painters know how to depict these routines so vividly, making people aroused at first glance?" Yu Xiang said, "
Then why don't my parents do things during the day?" Wei Yangsheng said... "May I ask, madam, how can you be so sure your parents
aren't doing this during the day?" Yu Xiang replied, "If they were doing this, I would surely have caught them. Why is it that I've
never caught them once in my sixteen years of life? Not only have I never seen them, but I've also never heard them." Wei Yangsheng laughed, "What a naive
woman! This is something only children cannot see or hear. Besides children, which maid or servant doesn't
see or hear it? They know you're not around, so they close the door before they go. If
you saw them, they fear it would arouse their desires, make them think of men, and cause them depression. That's why they do it behind your back." Yu Xiang thought for a moment and said
, "They often close the door and sleep during the day, so it's possible they're doing this too. But it's so embarrassing, looking at each other like that
, how could they possibly do it?"
Wei Yangsheng said, "Daytime intimacy is ten times more pleasurable than nighttime intimacy." "The beauty lies in our mutual gazes,
that's when the excitement begins. There are only two kinds of couples who should never do anything during the day." Yu Xiang asked, "What two kinds of couples?"
Wei Yangsheng replied, "An ugly husband and a beautiful wife, that's one kind. An ugly wife and a beautiful husband, that's another kind."
Yu Xiang asked, "Why can't these two kinds of people do anything during the day?" Wei Yangsheng said, "Doing this requires mutual love,
a connection of spirits and blood, only then will there be pleasure. If the wife has snow-white skin, delicate and tender, like
a piece of jade, and the husband takes off her clothes and holds her in his arms, looking at her while doing it, naturally the pleasure will be ten times greater. The penis will become
hard, thick, and large without him even realizing it. But when a woman sees a man, she sees him as a ghost, his skin dark and rough. She doesn't notice it
when she's clothed , but now that she's naked, her ugliness is exposed and cannot be concealed. Moreover, compared to snow-white skin..." Skin reflects skin, and eight parts ugliness appears
twelve parts. Wouldn't a wife feel disgusted upon seeing this? And if she felt disgust, she would express it through words and
actions
. A man, seeing this, would unconsciously soften his hardness and soften his largeness. No pleasure would be achieved, only disappointment. It would be better to make love at night, where one could conceal their flaws. This is how a beautiful wife and an ugly husband behave.
The situation of a beautiful husband and an ugly wife is similar, needless to say. If it were a couple like you, white against white, red against red, tender against tender,
if we didn't enjoy ourselves during the day, showing off our skin, spending our days secretly groping under the covers, wouldn't we waste our lives?
Why choose an ugly couple? My wife doesn't believe me? Let's try it and see how it compares to the nighttime pleasure."
Yu Xiang, upon seeing this, suddenly understood. Although she refused verbally, she wanted to comply, and felt her cheeks flush slightly, her allure
already revealed. Wei Yangsheng secretly thought, he was getting interested. I was about to make my move, but this woman's desire was only just beginning, her hunger not yet deep enough
. To do it with her now would be like a glutton seeing food, swallowing it whole without chewing, ultimately bringing no pleasure. I'll wait and see
before going with her. I pulled up a grand chair, sat down, and pulled her into my lap, opening the erotic book and
pointing out each picture to her. This book was different from other erotic books; each picture had an erotic scene on the first half and
an inscription . The inscription explained the scene in the first few sentences and praised the artist's skill. Wei Yangsheng taught her to visualize the expressions in the pictures
so she could imitate them later, and then read them aloud to her: "
The first picture depicts butterflies seeking fragrance.
The inscription says: 'The woman sits on a Taihu rock, her legs apart. The man uses a jade whisk to probe her vulva, groping left and right to explore
her heart. At this moment, both man and woman are in the early stages of their encounter, not yet satisfied, so their eyes and brows are open,
not much different from their usual appearance.'"
The second painting depicts the act of teaching bees to make honey.
The inscription reads: "The woman lies supine on a brocade cushion, her hands firmly planted, her thighs dangling in the air, to receive the jade dust, so that the man may know the location
of her flower and not make a rash move. At this moment, the woman's expression is close to hunger and thirst, while the man's face seems anxious,
making the viewer feel anxious on his behalf—this is the subtlety of the work."
The third painting depicts the act of a lost bird returning to its nest.
The inscription reads: "The woman leans against the bed, her feet pointing upwards, using her hands to grasp the man's thighs and thrust downwards.
It seems the pleasure has been achieved, yet she fears she may lose herself again; both are in the midst of their work, full of energy. Truly, the brushstrokes are
masterful."
The fourth painting depicts the act of a hungry horse running to its trough.
The inscription reads: "The woman lies on the bed, her hands entwined around the man, as if binding him. The man uses his shoulders to lift her
feet , the jade dust completely entering her vagina, leaving no room for anything else. At this moment, both man and woman are in the teetering stage,
their eyes half-closed yet still open, their tongues about to swallow yet still protruding—two faces, one expression." This is truly the work of a master craftsman.
The fifth painting depicts two dragons locked in a battle of attrition.
The postscript reads: The woman's head rests against the pillow, her hands pressed together, soft as cotton. The man's head rests against the woman's
neck, his body pressed together, also soft as cotton, even after he has passed away. Their fragrant souls are about to depart, and sweet dreams are about to unfold, a
state of extreme movement bordering on stillness. Yet, the woman's feet have not yet left the ground, still resting between the man's shoulders and arms, leaving a lingering sense of life.
Otherwise, they would resemble a pair of dead people, making the viewer realize that the subtle scene evokes thoughts of being buried together.
Upon seeing this, Yu Xiang couldn't help but feel a surge of passion. Wei Yangsheng turned another page, about to point it out to him, when Yuxiang pushed
the book away, stood up, and said, "What a good book! It makes me uncomfortable. Get up and read it yourself; I'm going to sleep.
" Wei Yangsheng said, "There's more to come. I'll finish it all before we go to sleep." Yuxiang said, "Do
n't you have tomorrow? You have to finish it today!" Wei Yangsheng knew she was impatient, so he embraced her and kissed her. Usually, when they kissed, he would put his tongue
in her , but her teeth would be tightly closed, and he couldn't even get his tongue to come in. After a month of being husband and wife, he still didn't know
the difference between tongue and mouth. But this time, they had only just touched lips, and his tongue had unknowingly slipped past both teeth. Wei Yangsheng said, "My darling,
we don't even need to go to bed. Let's use this armchair as a rockery and imitate the scenes in the painting." Yu Xiang
feigned annoyance, saying, "This is not something a human would do." Wei Yangsheng said, "Indeed, it's not something a human would do, but something a god would do.
Let's be gods for a moment." He then reached out and unbuckled her belt. Although Yu Xiang didn't agree verbally, her hands complied, and she put her arms around Wei Yangsheng's shoulders
, letting him pull down her pants. A large wet patch was visible in her pants, the result of her vaginal fluids from looking at the painting.
Wei Yangsheng then took off his own pants, pulled her to sit on the chair, spread her legs, inserted his jade whisk into her vagina, and then pulled off her upper garment.
Why not remove his clothes first, and only take off his shirt after removing his trousers? Because Wei Yangsheng is an expert.
If you remove his shirt first, he might be anxious inside but shy outside, and there will be some awkwardness. Therefore, you
must first take care of the vital parts, and the rest will naturally follow. This is the principle of capturing the king and striking the weak point in warfare.
Yu Xiang indeed managed to remove all her clothes except for the pleated trousers. Why? Because
the pleated trousers cover her feet. When women bind their feet, they only care about the lower part being neat, and the ten toes are inevitably uneven, not very attractive.
Moreover, three-inch golden lotuses only look interesting when covered by pleated trousers. Otherwise, they are like a flower without leaves, not pleasing to the eye.
Therefore, Wei Yangsheng knew the trick and only removed this one piece. After undressing him, she also took off all her own clothes, then straightened
her spear, spread her small feet and placed them on the chair, raising her jade whisk to explore her genitals, like the first scene of exploring the flower's heart in erotic art
. After a while of groping, Yu Xiang stretched out her arms and pressed them against the chair, bringing her vulva closer to meet Yu Zhu's touch. Yu Zhu
moved to the left , and she received it with her left hand. Yu Zhu moved to the right, and she received it with her right hand. Suddenly, she felt
a sensation that was neither sour nor itchy, an intense feeling that was both unbearable and irresistible. She said to Wei Yangsheng, "That's enough for now. Don't
grope around like that, it'll hurt me." Wei Yangsheng knew that her desire had been satisfied, so he complied. He focused all his efforts on one spot, moving
from shallow to deep , from wide to tight, lifting hundreds of times. Then, he saw Yu Xiang's hands unconsciously come from behind her body and pull her thighs upwards,
naturally aligning with the second scene of the erotic scene. Wei Yangsheng then lifted her legs and placed them on his shoulders, holding her
slender waist , and thrusting all the way in. At this moment, Yu Zhu felt even larger, filling her vulva completely. He lifted her hundreds of times, and her starry eyes were about to close,
her hair about to fall, as if she were about to fall asleep. Wei Yangsheng patted her twice and said, "Sweetheart, I know you're going to lose it. This chair
is too uncomfortable, let's go to the bed and finish."
Yu Xiang was at the height of her pleasure and was afraid that going to the bed would mean taking out the jade whisk and interrupting their enjoyment. Besides,
her hands and feet were sore and weak that she couldn't move, and she couldn't even get to the bed. Hearing him say this, she just closed her eyes and shook her head without responding
. Wei Yangsheng said, "Sweetheart, can't you walk?" Yu Xiang nodded slightly. Wei Yangsheng said, "Let me carry
you up." He actually put her legs on his arms. Yu Xiang hugged Wei Yangsheng with both hands, her mouth filled with his crimson tongue.
Wei Yangsheng picked her up, leaving the jade whisk inside her without withdrawing, and moved it while walking, making a galloping motion. He carried her
to the bed, laid Yu Xiang down, and started to do it again with her legs spread. After several hundred more thrusts, Yu Xiang suddenly cried out, "My darling,
I'm going to die!" She tightly embraced Wei Yangsheng, moaning and groaning like a dying person.
Wei Yangsheng knew her yin essence had been generated, so he pressed his jade whisk against her clitoris and rubbed hard, also seemingly dying alongside her.
They clung to each other for a moment, then Yu Xiang woke up and said, "Did you know I just died?" Wei Yangsheng said,
"Of course I knew. This isn't called dying, it's called 'losing'." Yu Xiang asked, "What does 'losing' mean?" Wei Yangsheng said, "Men
have yang essence and women have yin essence. When you reach the peak of pleasure, that essence comes out. Before the end, your whole body, flesh and bones,
will feel numb and tingly, like falling asleep. That's when the essence is released. That's 'losing.' The fifth picture in the erotic palace
is like that." Yu Xiang said, "According to you, after 'losing,' you'll live again, you won't die?" Wei Yangsheng said
, "A man loses essence every time he has sex with a woman..." "There are women who are quick and cunning; a man might lose himself once, but she'll lose himself dozens of times
. That's called pleasure, how could she die!" Yu Xiang said, "If that's the case, from now on I'll lose myself every day and every night
."
Wei Yangsheng laughed loudly, "Isn't my advice to you good? This erotic book is quite a treasure!" Yu Xiang said
, "Indeed, it is a treasure. It would be good to buy it and keep it at home to look at it often, but I'm afraid my friend will want to take it."
Wei Yangsheng said, "That's just to fool you; I actually bought it myself." Yu Xiang was delighted to hear this. After they finished talking,
they got up, dressed, and looked at the erotic book again. When they reached a particularly arousing point, they did it again. From that day on, the couple became exceptionally compatible and their love grew even stronger
.
After looking at the erotic book, Yu Xiang's morals turned into lust. She didn't follow the middle way in their nighttime sex and loved to be unconventional. She
would pour candle water upside down and try to start a fire from across a mountain. Her wild behavior of making lewd noises to enhance the pleasure during sex gradually became more and more common. Wei Yangsheng, wanting to fuel his
lust, bought many erotic books from the bookstore, such as "The Unofficial History of the Embroidered Couch," "The Tale of Ruyi Jun," and "
The Tale of the Foolish Old Woman," totaling a dozen or so. He placed them on the desk for Wei Yangsheng to peruse, while all the books he had previously read were relegated to the shelf.
The couple 's intimate moments could be depicted in 360 erotic paintings, yet still not fully captured. Truly, even the most exquisite zither and lute could not express their harmony, and the sounds of bells and drums
could not convey their joy.
Wei Yangsheng was at the height of his happiness, except for one thing: while the couple was harmonious, there was considerable
discord . Why? Because the Taoist priest Tiefei was a man of ancient virtues, preferring simplicity to extravagance, avoiding talk of romance and favoring philosophical discourse
. From the night Wei Yangsheng married into the family, seeing his lavish clothes and frivolous behavior, he felt a pang of annoyance. He sighed and said,
"This boy is all show and no substance; he will never amount to anything. My daughter has misjudged him." But the betrothal gifts had already been received, the marriage agreement was made, and
there was no going back. He could only make the best of a bad situation and, after the wedding, discipline him as a strict father, forcing him to become a righteous man.
Therefore, he was ruthless in his words and actions, scolding and reprimanding him for any mistakes in speech or conduct. Even the slightest impropriety in his
posture or movements would be subject to nagging. Wei Yangsheng, young and impetuous, had lost his parents at a young age and had never been disciplined.
He couldn't bear such hardship and wanted to rebel several times, but he feared his wife would be upset and it
would to endure it. Eventually, he couldn't bear it any longer and thought to himself, "I only admired his daughter. Because he wouldn't let her marry and insisted on
finding someone else, I went to him. How dare he try to oppress me like this? I wouldn't
even ; he wants to change me instead." Besides, I, a romantic and talented man, am destined to do
things that will make me famous for my illicit affairs. Can I really rely on just his daughter to seduce my entire life? Should I be so strictly controlled, not allowed to move an inch or
utter a single word? If he does anything out of line, I'll face the death penalty. I'm torn between opposing him
and enduring this. There's only one option: to entrust my daughter to him, saying I'm going away to study and travel
elsewhere . I've already married the first beauty in the world. If I meet a second, even if I can't marry her,
a few nights of casual companionship would be enough to settle our karmic ties.
I've made up my mind. I need to tell Yuxiang first and then ask my father-in-law. But I'm afraid Yuxiang, greedy for pleasure, won't let me go.
If I'm obstructed by her first, it won't be good to tell my father-in-law. He had no choice but to tell his father-in-law behind Yuxiang's back, "I live in a remote
mountain village, and I am ignorant and ill-informed. I have few wise teachers and no helpful friends, so my learning has not progressed. Now I must bid farewell to my father-in-law and
travel far and wide to broaden my horizons and expand my mind. Wherever I find wise teachers and helpful friends, I will set up my tent there, and when the market season arrives..."
" I'll go to the provincial examination, or even pass both the provincial and provincial examinations, so that my father-in-law's decision to take me in as a son-in-law won't be in vain
. I wonder if you'll allow me to go?" The Iron Door Taoist said, "You've been my son-in-law for half a year, and this is the only thing
I can accept. It's a very good thing that you're willing to leave home to study, why wouldn't I?" Wei Yangsheng said, "Although my father-in-law has agreed, I'm afraid
your daughter will think I'm heartless, wanting to go far away so soon after our marriage. Now, according to my idea, I should just say that it's my father-in-law's wish and not my business, so that there will be no
entanglement and I can go as I please." The Taoist said, "That's very true." After
they discussed it, the Taoist persuaded Wei Yangsheng to go on his studies in front of his daughter. Wei Yangsheng pretended to refuse, but the Taoist
spoke to him earnestly and sternly, and Wei Yangsheng finally obeyed. Yu Xiang was just enjoying herself when she suddenly heard that her husband was going. It was like a child
being weaned; how could she be more distressed than having to pay off all the debts she would incur after leaving home? Wei Yangsheng knew the long journey
would be lonely , and he might not be able to find a woman immediately,
so he devoted himself to serving her. Like hosting a banquet, though it was for guests, he also had to entertain them. Several nights of intimate moments were something no one else could tell; only the husband and wife knew. When it
was time to leave, Wei Yangsheng bid farewell to his father-in-law and wife, taking his servant with him. Afterwards, Wei Yangsheng had many more adventures; stay tuned for
the next chapter.
Commentary:
His reasoning and persuasion are so powerful they make the listener's hair stand on end; his descriptions of desire are so moving they make the reader's soul flutter.
Those who don't understand might see the author's indecisiveness as a flaw, but they
don't realize that the most poignant and moving parts are precisely where he deliberately tries to persuade. Just think of how virtuous Yu Xiang was before seeing the erotic scenes, and how lustful she became after reading the inscriptions—the difference between chastity and lewdness,
nobility baseness, is instantaneous. All this is the fault of men who lead people astray. A husband should be cautious!

Chapter Four:
A traveler's heart is heavy with sorrow in the desolate countryside, loneliness rises and falls. A thief speaks of romance ,

and Wei Yang, having parted from his husband and wife, sets out to study. He goes wherever he pleases, without a fixed direction; wherever there are beautiful
women that is where he settles. In each prefecture and county he passes through, he stays for several days. He is a young scholar,
usually excellent at examinations, and enjoys forming societies, writing the most. Within a thousand miles, every scholar knows him
, so wherever he goes, friends invite him to join their societies. He considers writing and making friends as secondary; seeking beautiful women is his
top priority. Every morning, he rises and searches the streets and alleys. He sees only ordinary women,
no longer any of exceptional beauty.
One day, in a desolate inn, his two companions fall ill and cannot travel. He wants to go out for a walk, but without anyone
to accompany him he fears it will be unseemly for his wife, so he sits alone in the lower part of the room, feeling quite bored. Suddenly, a fellow
guest from the next room approached and said, "Sir, you must be feeling lonely sitting alone. I have a pot of wine over there; if you don't mind, would you please come and have
a drink with me?" Wei Yangsheng replied, "We've only just met; how could I possibly trouble you?" The man said, "I've heard that scholars are
very fond of leisure and freedom. Why are you so formal, sir? Although I am a lowly person, I enjoy making friends, but you have a bright future
ahead of you, and I dare not presume to presume upon you. Now that we're both in an inn, it's a rare opportunity to meet. Why not sit down for a while?"
Wei Yangsheng, who was feeling extremely bored and eager to talk to someone, agreed. He went over with the man, who led Wei Yangsheng
to the upper seat and sat down beside him. Wei Yangsheng repeatedly refused, but the man pulled him to sit opposite him. Then the man asked his name. Wei Yangsheng told him
his pseudonym and asked him what his honorific title was. The man said, "I am but a commoner, without any other name. I only have a nickname
, 'Sai Kunlun'." Wei Yangsheng said, "This honorific title is unusual. Why these three characters?" The man said
, "If I were to explain, I fear you might be frightened, sir, and disdain to drink with me." Wei Yangsheng said, "I am also a chivalrous
man, unafraid even if gods or ghosts stand before me. As for status, wealth, virtue, or folly, I disregard all. As long as we are of one mind, what is there
to disdain!" Sai Kunlun said, "Then let's speak frankly. I am a thief by day, capable of scaling walls and leaping across
ramparts. No matter how high the building is, or how thick the walls are, I can easily slip into someone's bed and steal their belongings
. I won't let them know until the next day. People say there was once a Kunlun who could fly into Lord Guo's mansion and steal a red silk ribbon
. He only did it once in his life, while I have done it hundreds of times. That is why I am called 'Sai Kunlun'." Wei Yangsheng was greatly surprised and said, "Since you have been doing this for so long and have become famous, and everyone knows about it, won't you get into trouble?
" Sai Kunlun said, "If I get into trouble, I won't be a hero. As the old saying goes, 'Catch the thief by catching the filth.' If I can't catch the filth, I'll just tell him, and he won't dare to do anything to me. Everyone near and far flatters me, fearing that if they offend me, I will plot against them. I have some principles of loyalty and have 'five things I won't steal from:' I won't steal from people in bad times, I won't steal from people in good times, I won't steal from acquaintances, I won't steal from people I've already stolen from, and I wo n't steal from people who aren't on guard." Wei Yangsheng said, "These five points are interesting. Please explain them one by one." Sai Kunlun said, "When someone is in bad times... " If someone is sick, in mourning, or facing a sudden disaster, and I were to steal from them, it would be like adding fuel to the fire, making their situation unbearable. That's why I wouldn't steal from them. If someone is celebrating a happy occasion, such as a wedding, a housewarming party, a birth, or a birthday celebration, and I were to steal from them, it would bring them bad luck and hinder their future endeavors. That's why I wouldn't steal they wouldn't suspect me, and I would feel ashamed. That's why I wouldn't steal from them. And if a wealthy person has so much gold and silver , I wouldn't hesitate to steal from them . Once, I'd only steal from him for a small profit; what's the harm? If I were to steal from him once and get a taste of the benefits, and then keep bothering him , I'd be a greedy person, and I wouldn't do such a thing. Those who live in constant fear, guarding against thieves every night, constantly talking about thieves. If he treats me with a disrespectful heart, I'll treat him with a disrespectful heart in return. Stealing from him once will let him know my wisdom; he 's not easy to guard against. If it's a generous and magnanimous family, knowing that money is just an external thing and not caring about it, or if they forget to lock their doors or leave their room doors unlocked, then if I were to steal from them, I'd be a coward who bullies the weak and fears the strong, and I wouldn't be like that. This is called the "Five Things I Don't Steal From." (Near and far) "These people see my good qualities, so even though they know I'm a thief, they don't treat me like one, but rather associate with me without feeling ashamed. Now, if you still don't mind, let's become sworn brothers here. If serve you without hesitation, even if it means my death." Wei Yangsheng sighed inwardly as he listened to him. He hadn't expected such a hero among thieves. He might not need him elsewhere, but if he encountered a beautiful woman like Hongxiao or Hongfu, living in a grand mansion where communication was difficult or where she couldn't move freely, it would be terrible to entrust him with such a task. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but dance with joy . Later, when he heard about the sworn brotherhood, he hesitated. Although he said "Excellent," he wasn't entirely enthusiastic. Sai Kunlun, knowing his thoughts, spoke up: "My lord, you've made up your mind, but not in your heart. Are you afraid of being implicated ? No matter how skilled a villain may be, I would never commit a thief. Even if I did, I would die alone and would never implicate the innocent."

"My lord, there's no need to worry."
Seeing that he had figured out the trick and dispelled his doubts, Wei Yangsheng readily agreed. The two each contributed money to prepare a sacrificial offering of three animals,
wrote down the date, and swore an oath of brotherhood in the shop, vowing to live and die together. Sai Kunlun was older, and Wei Yangsheng was younger, so they addressed each other as brothers
. They shared the sacrificial offerings until midnight. When they were about to go to sleep separately, Wei Yangsheng said, "Sleeping in two places will make us both lonely.
Why don't we stay in your bed, sit side by side, and talk to each other to pass the long night?" Sai Kunlun said, "That makes sense." The two then
took off their clothes and slept in the same bed.
As soon as Wei Yangsheng climbed into bed, he unconsciously revealed his usual behavior. He exclaimed, "How can such a fine place have no
women to my liking!" Sai Kunlun, hearing this, asked, "Brother, why do you say these words? Are you perhaps not yet married and
seeking ?" Wei Yangsheng replied, "I have married a wife. But how can a man rely on just one woman to grow old with
?" After all, one must find several companions besides one's wife. To be honest, elder brother, I am extremely fond of romance
. This trip, ostensibly for study, is actually for seeking out women. Having traveled through many prefectures and counties, the women I've seen either use makeup
to conceal their dark skin or wear jade necklaces to cover their sallow hair. There isn't a single woman who is
naturally beautiful without needing to adorn herself. Therefore, I've grown tired of seeing so many, and that's why I uttered these words. Sai Kunlun said, “Brother, you are mistaken. Good
women in the world never let others see them; those who do are definitely not good women. Let alone daughters of respectable families, even prostitutes, unless they are
extremely ugly and unwanted, will not come out to sell their smiles at the door. If they have even a little bit of value
, they will sit at home and wait for people to visit them before they will come out. How much less would daughters of respectable families stand at the door to be seen? If you want to know what a good woman is, you will have to ask me
.”
Wei Yangsheng raised his head and said, “That’s strange. Elder brother, you don’t work in the world of pleasure, how do you know about
my affairs?” Sai Kunlun said, “Although I don’t work in the world of pleasure, only my eyes can
clearly "I can hear you clearly. Let me ask you, are there more beautiful women in the world from wealthy families or poor families?"
Wei Yangsheng said, "Of course, there are more from wealthy families." Sai Kunlun said, "Is it better to see the beautiful women from wealthy families when they have makeup on
their faces are dressed, or when they have washed off their makeup and taken off their clothes?"
Wei Yangsheng said, "Of course, you can see their true colors when they have washed off their makeup." Sai Kunlun said, "Now I understand. We thieves
naturally don't go to poor families; we go to places lined with jewels and jade, so we see more of them. And
when 's late at night and quiet, so they might have taken off their clothes." Sitting under the bright moon, or sleeping in the lamplight with the curtains drawn
. I feared he might not be asleep and dared not tidy his things, so I hid in the shadows, keeping my eyes fixed on him, watching him intently, whether he made a sound or
a movement , until he fell asleep before I made my move. Therefore, I saw very clearly, not only his face and skin without any concealment, but even
the height of his vulva and the amount of pubic hair. I know in my heart which women within hundreds of miles are beautiful
and which are not. If you want to do this, just come and ask me.”
Wei Yangsheng, who had been listening intently from under the covers, unconsciously sat up, exposing his chest, and said, “
That makes sense .” "You can't see the daughters of wealthy families, no matter who you are, and even if you did, you wouldn't know them clearly. Only you two can see them. There's another saying:
'What if you see a beautiful woman and a full vulva, and you get aroused?' Sai Kunlun said, '
When I was young, I
couldn't resist seeing this. I would secretly masturbate to the women, just like doing it with them. Later, after seeing it many times, I didn't care anymore. Looking at a vulva is like looking at an ordinary tool, and I don't feel anything. But when I see her
doing it with her husband, moaning and groaning, and her vulva moving, I can't help but get a little aroused.'
Wei Yangsheng, seeing that he had spoken so eloquently, turned around and lay down to listen." Sai Kunlun said, "If you don't mind
the profanity , let me tell you a story or two. I wonder if you'd be willing to listen?" Wei Yangsheng said, "Excellent! If it's like this, then
a single conversation with
you
is worth more than ten years of study. Tell me quickly." Sai Kunlun said, "I've seen so many things in my life, I don't know where to begin. Now, ask me any one question, and I'll tell you one." Wei Yangsheng said, "Tell me, are there more women who like sex or those who don't?" Sai Kunlun said, "Naturally, there are
more who like sex. Out of about a hundred women, only one or two don't like sex, the rest like sex. But among those who like sex
, there are two kinds. Some like sex in their hearts, but they say it out loud..."
There are two types of women. The first type is easier to deal with. The second type, who secretly desires sex but pretends not to, waits for her husband to force her to, and then reveals her true nature. I initially watched from the shadows as
she urged her husband to have sex, and I thought she was an extremely lustful woman, capable of staying up all night. But she only lasted a few strokes
before becoming exhausted and wanting to sleep, indifferent to whether her husband did it or not. The second type, however,
is extremely difficult to deal with. I once secretly visited one such woman and saw a husband trying to get his wife to have sex, but she refused. The husband climbed on top of her, but she pushed him off
. He simply said he didn't want to, and then fell fast asleep. The woman deliberately tossed and turned, trying to wake him
. When that didn't work, she tried to shake him. But her husband slept soundly and wouldn't wake up. So she shouted
, "Thief!" This would have scared away any thief. I knew she wasn't shouting "Thief!" but rather trying to wake her husband so she
could get up and do what she wanted. Sure enough, after her husband woke up, she cleverly stammered, "It was just
a cat catching a mouse, I misheard it and thought it was a thief, but it's nothing." Then she tightly embraced her husband,
rubbing her vulva against his penis. Only then did her husband become aroused and begin to have sex with her. At first, she managed to endure the thrusting without making any lewd
noises. After several hundred thrusts, she gradually began to moan and groan, her juices flowing uncontrollably. Around midnight, her husband lost control,
and she, still aroused, couldn't ask him to continue, so she could only feign sighs as if she were ill. Her husband rubbed his chest and stomach, not letting
her sleep. Unable to sleep, he climbed on top of her again and started again, only stopping at cockcrow. I had kept watch all night,
and just as I was about to pack up, dawn broke, so I had to sneak away. That's why I know this kind of woman is extremely difficult to deal with.”
Wei Yangsheng asked, “When a woman is having sex, is she more wanton or not?” Sai Kunlun replied:
"Of course, most women are skilled at it. About one or two out of ten women aren't skilled; the rest are. But
there are three kinds of flirtatious behavior from women, which only we can clearly hear, while the men doing the work don't know them." Wei Yangsheng asked, "What are
the three?" Sai Kunlun said, "In the beginning, before pleasure, they feign flirtation outwardly, not wanting to be flirtatious, to wait for
their husbands to become aroused. This kind of flirtatious behavior is generally discernible, and the words they utter are clear. This is one kind of flirtatious behavior.
When pleasure arrives, their mind is flirtatious, their mouth is flirtatious, even their five senses and limbs are flirtatious. This kind of flirtatious behavior is also discernible,
but the words are muffled, and they are breathless. This is another kind of flirtatious behavior. When pleasure reaches its peak, their spirit is exhausted, their limbs
are weak, and they can't produce any more flirtatious behavior. This kind of flirtatious behavior is inside their throats, and it becomes somewhat inaudible. I once secretly visited a house and saw this couple..."
At first, the action was chaotic and violent, with sounds like thunder. Later, the woman became silent and motionless, as if she had been killed by the man
. I went closer to listen, and heard gurgling sounds coming from her throat, like speaking but not speaking, like sighing but not sighing.
Hearing this, I knew he was extremely happy, and I felt a surge of lust, my whole body aching and numb. Even without masturbating, my semen
flowed out. So I knew the woman was using this kind of wanton method again.”
Upon hearing this, Wei Yangsheng also felt a tingling and itchy sensation all over his body, and unknowingly, his semen flowed out. He wanted to ask her more questions,
but it was already dawn. The two got up, washed, and sat facing each other again, exchanging pleasantries. After several days of courtship, their friendship deepened.
Wei Yangsheng said to him, "I've always valued women above all else, and meeting you, elder brother, is the greatest fortune of my life. If I
don't entrust my heart to you, wouldn't I be missing out? I beg you to pick the most beautiful woman you've ever seen and give
me chance to see her. If she is indeed a beauty, I'll be honest, elder brother, my fate is blessed by the Red Phoenix.
If I don't seek out a woman, she will naturally come to me. At that time, I beg you to use your divine power to make our marriage happen."
Sai Kunlun shook his head and said, "That won't do. I have a rule against stealing. I can't bear to steal from someone again,
let alone a woman whose reputation is at stake. I'll just have to be careful to find her for you from now on. When I see a beautiful woman, I won't steal
from her, but will come back to discuss it with you and make our marriage happen. That's acceptable." Wei Yangsheng said, "I was blind to
your virtue. I just..." " I've spoken too hastily. There's only one thing: since you promised to keep an eye out for me, if I see a beautiful woman
, I must not steal her belongings. Don't forget what you said today. If you do as you promised, I will naturally repay you later." Sai Kunlun
said, "It seems you truly have eyes but cannot recognize a righteous man. If I were someone who wanted your repayment, I would rather have taken the grain I have now
. Even if you become an official in the future and allow me to take a cut, the money from that cut is visible; I'd rather
steal once. Such a reward is unnecessary. I've promised you a beautiful woman now, and I'll surely return a beautiful
woman . Now that you've met me, you don't need to go anywhere else. Just rent a few rooms here to study. Don't rely on me alone.
If you see a good one, go and do it yourself. If I see a good one, I'll come and inform you. We'll search together, and you'll naturally
find it ; you won't be disappointed."
Wei Yangsheng was overjoyed and asked someone to find him lodging. Before parting, he grabbed him and bowed four times before they separated.
As for Wei Yangsheng's extraordinary adventures, we'll find out in the next chapter.
Comment:
Sai Kunlun's character is ten times better than Wei Yangsheng's! It's not that Wei Yangsheng
befriended did.
Chapter Five:
The Contestant's Stern Demeanor Creates a Register of Beauties; A Dog's Heart is Broad-minded
, He Accepts the Snow-White-Haired Beauty. After parting with Sai Kunlun, Wei Yangsheng moved to a temple as lodging. This temple was the temporary palace of Zhang Xian, the Immortal of Fertility,
and it usually didn't accommodate guests. Only because Wei Yangsheng was willing to pay a high price—two taels a month elsewhere—the Taoist priest,
greedy for a small profit, rented it to him. Why was he willing to pay such a high price? Because Zhang Xian of this temple was extremely efficacious, and
many women from far and near came seeking children. Wei Yangsheng wanted to hold a selection ceremony here, so he decided to stay here. Since moving in,
several groups of women would come to burn incense every day. These women were different from those burning incense elsewhere. Out of ten, one or two
would be acceptable. The reason for this is that most of the women burning incense elsewhere are middle-aged or elderly, with few young women, so
none of them catch the eye. The women burning incense here are all seeking offspring. The elderly women have ceased menstruation and are no longer able to conceive.
The middle-aged women are nearing the end of their menstruation and their ability to have children is waning. Therefore, those seeking offspring are mostly young women, perhaps accompanied by one or two older men
. However, any woman between the ages of fourteen and twenty, regardless of her appearance, possesses a rosy complexion and a captivating
allure. Therefore, one or two out of ten are sure to be attractive.
Every morning, Wei Yangsheng rises early, dresses impeccably, and paces back and forth before the altar. When he sees a woman approaching, he hides
behind Zhang Xian, listening to the Taoist priest convey his sincerity and watching her offer incense and worship, observing her face and demeanor closely. Then, he bursts out
unexpectedly . The woman, seeing his unparalleled beauty, is astonished, wondering if her sincere prayers have brought the clay statue of Zhang Xian
to life, and he has descended to give her a child. Only after he swayed for a moment before descending the steps did they realize he was human. His soul had been
lured away by the living Zhang Xian. This left the women bewildered, their eyes meeting in flirtatious glances, all reluctant to leave. Some even deliberately slipped their sweat-soaked
handkerchiefs under their noses as a sign.
From then on, Wei Yangsheng's behavior became exceptionally frivolous, his debauchery growing ever more pronounced. He even declared that the most beautiful women in the world were meant for him
. From the moment he entered the temple, he had bound a small booklet, hiding it in his pocket, on which he inscribed four characters: "Gathering
Spring Colors ." He registered every woman who burned incense, noting her appearance. For example
, he wrote down the woman's name, age, husband, and address. He circled each name with vermilion ink to indicate her quality: three circles for top-class, two for superior, and one
for average . After each name, he wrote a four- or six-character commentary describing her virtues. How could Wei Yangsheng know
the names and addresses of so many women and their husbands? Because when a woman went to a temple to burn incense, a Taoist priest would always stand beside her to intercede, asking
her , age, which believer's wife she was, and which neighborhood she lived in. The woman wouldn't answer, but
a servant would always answer for her. Wei Yangsheng memorized this, and after the woman left, he would take out a register and record her. Within a
few days, he had collected almost all the women in the area. Although he had recorded many women, they were all of average quality; he
couldn't find a single one with a high enough hairpin. He thought to himself, "My lifelong ambition was to marry the most beautiful woman in the world. The one I married at home
was considered the most beautiful. Now it seems there are many like her, so she's clearly not the most beautiful. I think,
how can there be a second and third place winner among all the beauties without a first-place winner? There must be a first-place winner out there whom I haven't met yet. Now,
looking around, these women can only be kept here as a backup; if I never meet one, I can at least use them to cover my tracks." I'll
wait a few more days and see how those who come in later behave. So I tightened the rules, refusing to show leniency.
One day, feeling listless, he was sleeping in his room when a servant boy ran in, saying, "Master, get up quickly and look at these beautiful
women!" Wei Yangsheng hurriedly got out of bed, put on a new headscarf and beautiful clothes, and even wanted to look in the mirror, which delayed him a bit.
When he went outside, he saw two young women, one dressed in silver-red and the other in lotus-root color, accompanied by a middle-aged
beauty. They had burned incense and were about to leave. Wei Yangsheng looked at the two young women from a distance and saw that they were truly
goddesses and immortals of Luopu, completely different from those he had seen before. He was instantly captivated. Seeing that he was about to leave but hadn't yet stepped out
, he rushed to the doorway and knelt down, kowtowing incessantly. The two servant boys and the incense-burning Taoist priest were all stunned, fearing
the woman would be furious.
However, although Wei Yangsheng was outwardly captivated, he had a plan in mind. If those three women are willing to take this path,
knowing that I admire his handsome appearance and adore him, and therefore kneel before him, I believe he will not react violently. But if he does react with righteous anger...
I pretended to be a visitor from outside, seeking an heir by praying to Zhang Xian. Seeing women inside, I felt it would be inappropriate to enter
and knelt outside,
kowtowing thus daring to act this way?
Sure enough, the three women, unaware of the situation, simply said he was seeking an heir and shrank back to the side. They waited until he
finished praying before taking their leave. While he was praying, the two young women, though seemingly indifferent, maintained a subtle,
unintentional , not appearing overtly suspicious. Only the middle-aged woman, however, was extremely affected with Wei Yangsheng, constantly covering her mouth
and laughing. Before leaving, she glanced at him a few more times.
Wei Yangsheng stood there speechless for a long time, only asking the Taoist priest about his family after walking a mile or two. The priest, seeing his
rash actions nearly causing trouble, couldn't bear to reprimand him and refused to speak. Wei Yangsheng wanted to follow the sedan chair to track them down,
but he knew they had gone too far and he couldn't catch up. He could only return to his room and sit there sullenly. He thought to himself, "How hateful!
I know the names and addresses of all the women I don't like, but I don't know the whereabouts of these two I really like.
It's a pity that two peerless beauties missed each other right before their eyes." He took out his booklet to add these two names, but there were no names to write.
He could only make a note first: "
On such and such a day, I met two beauties of unparalleled grace. I do not know their surnames, so I will name them arbitrarily according to the color of their clothes, and list their ages and personalities
on the left for the purpose of selection.
One is a woman in silver and red. She is about seventeen or eighteen years old. Judging from her expression, she is undecided about marriage and her desires have not yet been awakened."
Comment:
"This woman's demeanor is like flowing clouds, her figure like standing jade. Her red lips, when parted, are as delicate as a flower that can speak. Her slender steps are as light
as a swallow that can fly. Her brows, though seemingly untroubled, are often furrowed; truly, Xi Shi was skilled at frowning." Her eyes, though weary, languidly open, must be the sleepy
Yang Guifei . Even more endearing is her gift of heart, not of material possessions, leaving behind no trace of worldly adornment.
She reveals her intentions, not her form, her departing gaze lingering, almost a recluse among women, a
quiet woman . Placed among the elite, who can say she is not worthy
of the name "lotus-colored beauty"? She appears to be around twenty years old. Observing her spirit, it seems that though she has been married for a long time, her youthful exuberance remains.
Comment:
This woman possesses a graceful bearing and a free spirit. Her eyebrows show no trace of artifice. She needs no intervention from the capital, her
complexion naturally beautiful. Why use the muscles of a certain man? She is neither too thin nor too plump, her beauty lying in the perfect balance. Her makeup is a delicate balance
, seemingly light yet heavy, seemingly deep yet light. What is truly pitiful is her hidden sorrow, like
a lotus bud that never fully blooms. Her heart's secrets are contained, unspoken, like the fading fragrance of unfulfilled sorrow. What is most precious is that she surpasses
all others, and is worthy of being called a national beauty!
After the interview
, the final evaluation of the top candidate has been completed. I thought of that middle-aged beauty again; she has no less charm than a young woman.
Leaving aside everything else, her eyes alone are like a priceless treasure. She initially gave me many glances, but I was too focused on the other two to return her
gaze . Now I feel quite guilty. Besides, being with such a beautiful woman, she must be either a sister-in-law or a relative, so I should be
lenient with her because of her beauty. She even helped to make those two look at me; she is clearly a perceptive person. If I find
her, why worry about those two not being chosen? I will now write her down in my book and add a good critique. Firstly, to repay her for her
interest in the book, and secondly, if I find her, I will give her this book to see. Having flattered her first, I have no doubt she will
do things . He picked up his pen and changed the "two" in the names of the two beauties to "three." Since she was dressed in black, he added
another name:
"One Black-Clad Beauty. Appears to be forty-nine, with the figure of a twenty-six. Observing her posture, she seems to desire the book and her passion is intense." He
wrote:
"This woman's hidden feelings are stirring, her unrestrained interest soaring. Her waist is more robust than a young woman's, her eyebrows rival the curves of a newcomer's. Her cheeks
are as red as peach blossoms, her skin as smooth as jade. Most captivating is her stillness, yet her eyes flow freely, sparkling
like lightning beneath a cliff. Without moving an inch, her body shifts suddenly, light as a cloud on a mountain peak. She is on par with the two beauties
, how could she be inferior!"
After writing, he circled each name three times and kept it hidden in his pocket.
From that day on, he could go to the fairy palace or not. Women who came in could look or not.
He simply kept these three beauties in his heart at all times, carrying this notebook with him every day, bumping into them along the streets. There was still no trace of her. I thought
to myself , "Sai Kunlun is the most knowledgeable and knows the ropes best. Why not ask him? There's just one thing: he promised to let me find
someone, and I haven't seen him for days. He must have gone looking. If I tell him, he'll just think I have someone I like, and he'll abandon this responsibility
. Besides, I have no name or surname; how can he find me? I'll keep it to myself and wait a few more days. Maybe he'll find someone and report back.
There are many other things I'm afraid of, and I'm not afraid of many beautiful women."
From then on, every day I either went out to ask around or waited at home. One day, Wei Yangsheng encountered Sai Kunlun on the street
and grabbed him, asking, "Brother, why haven't you replied to what you promised? Have you forgotten?" Sai Kunlun replied,
"It's always on my mind, how could I forget? It's just that there are many ordinary women, but few exceptional ones. I only recently found one and was just about to tell you
when we bumped into each other." Upon hearing this, Wei Yangsheng smiled broadly and said, "In that case, please come to my humble abode to discuss this." The two went
hand in hand into the abode. After sending the servants away, the two closed the door and discussed their plans.
One wonders which woman was so fortunate to encounter such a man, and which husband was so unlucky to have offended
this wicked adulterer. Readers need not guess; the next chapter will tell.
[End of Volume One of *The Carnal Prayer Mat*]

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