Gu Wangyan [Complete] - 4

page views:1 Publication date:2023-03-24

In Chapter Four, Mei Zi, with her affectionate friend, unexpectedly enters a brothel; Zhong Sheng, unintentionally, visits a famous girl and first meets Yu Gu. The author, Dun Weng ,

writes in Volume Four : Zhong Qing is a serious character in the book, so naturally he should be portrayed highly. However, it is said that he was orphaned at a young age and abandoned by his brother. What is the meaning of this? Although it depicts Zhong Quan's wickedness in forgetting his parents and brother, it is precisely to elevate Zhong Sheng. As a ten-year-old child without the guidance of father and brother, although he initially relied on his maternal grandparents' home and later lived alone, he still managed to mature at a young age. This is what is meant by "without encountering complex and intertwined circumstances, one cannot distinguish a sharp weapon." Zhong Sheng's meeting with Qian Gui was achieved through Mei Zi's many subtle maneuvers, truly a good matchmaker. Qian Gui, hearing from the intermediary about Zhong Sheng's beauty, recalled having long heard of his name, and their subsequent infatuation seemed sudden. The two made their vows, depicting both Zhong Qing's passionate nature and Qian Gui's knowledge. Both of them came from love, which only those who understand love can truly comprehend. The section on Dongxi seems unnecessary. Firstly, it might seem too neglected by Tong Zihong, so it's included casually. Secondly, describing the customs of the Miao and Manchu people is beneficial to the reader and adds a brief interlude to the main text, making it more engaging. Furthermore, Zhong Sheng, Mei Sheng, Huan, Jia, Tong, and Wu are all crucial characters throughout the book. Zhong Sheng has many relatives, including parents, uncles, nephews, maternal grandparents, and cousins; Mei Sheng has cousins Lin Baoguo and Duo Bida; Huan has parents, brother-in-law, and uncle-in-law; Jia Wenwu has a father-in-law, all described in detail. Although Wu He has a father-in-law in Yingyang, Tong Zihong, a millionaire, only has a maternal uncle named Tiehua and no other relatives, only a brother who is mentioned only briefly as having returned to his hometown. This is an oversight, hence the need to include him briefly. The author portrays Tong Zihong's temperament as distinctly different from his brother's, not to praise the elder brother while belittling the younger. To further depict him as dull would not only be the author speaking foolishly, but also an overemphasis on the wealthy, suggesting that the world is full of exceptional individuals, but these are few and far between. The clerk, in front of Qian Gui, only lavishly praises Zhong Sheng's beauty, though deeply enamored with him, never advising Qian Gui to leave his profession, fearing Qian Gui might not be willing due to his poverty. Little did he know that the two would become a couple, not because of the clerk's shallowness, but because the author deliberately elevates Qian Gui's extraordinary character. Mei Sheng and Xue Shi are truly a good couple, tragically separated. Mei Sheng is heartbroken and refuses to remarry, demonstrating his deep love for his wife. This is why he is so close to Zhong Sheng. There is no one in the world who is indifferent to their spouse yet close to their friends; what is dear to them is neglected, and thus, nothing is truly neglected. This saying is a testament to this. Zhu Sikuan will become Hao Shi's husband, and Qian Gui will marry Zhong Sheng; Zhu Sikuan will thus have the status of a future father-in-law. If visiting would inevitably humiliate Zhong Sheng, that would be unacceptable. However, since they are close relatives, not visiting would be impolite. Therefore, a way to end the affair had to be devised. Thus, the author came up with the idea of Qian Gui scolding him. Qian Gui's scolding stemmed from his anger at being forced to patronize her. Without this, the affair could not be ended later. The author's attention to detail is remarkable. The section on Huo Shi and Zhu Sikuan depicts the extreme lewdness of the adulterous woman. Zhu Sikuan is merely one element used in the text; he is not explicitly described. Qiao'er, on the other hand, is portrayed as a clever and diligent maid. Although Dai Mu is not of great importance, she is the concubine of Zhong Sheng's son, so we must give her some prestige. Her great-uncle was a kind and upright man, her grandmother was a virtuous woman, and although her father was unworthy, he was able to reform and become a decent man. In short, she is a daughter of a good family, but she fell into obscurity. We feel sorry for her. Although we suppress her father, we praise her. If Dai Mu's gambling addiction were not described in this way, how could she have gone through the lives of three families—Tie, Tong, and Qian—to become a concubine in Zhong Sheng's house? Therefore, by borrowing the word "gambling," we have written an article to warn against gambling. Young and reckless gamblers should read it by their side. Chapter Four: Plum Blossom, Passionate, Enters the Brothel with Her Beloved; Zhong Sheng, Unintentionally Visits a Famous Girl, and Their First Harmony is Complete. Appendix: Zhong Quan Swallows His Wife and Hides His Whereabouts; Huo Shi's Adultery is Satisfying. Now, let us tell you about a scholar in the city, surnamed Zhong, given name Qing, styled Lisheng. His family had been scholars for generations. His father, Zhong Yue, was a man of great talent and virtue, generous by nature, and charitable. He married a woman surnamed Xian. [The husband was virtuous, and the wife was virtuous; it was fitting that they had a fine son.] The couple lived in perfect harmony, like a harmonious zither and lute. After Zhong Yue's parents died, he had only one younger brother, named Zhong Qu, who also attended school. However, his temperament was completely different from his brother's; he only knew how to harm others for personal gain, respecting the rich and despising the poor. [An ancient saying goes: "Children from the same mother can be wise or foolish." This is indeed true. Observing this, we can see that the elder brother could surpass others, becoming a virtuous gentleman, while the younger brother was greedy and despised the poor, becoming a petty person. How different they were!] Seeing his brother squander money like water, he secretly felt heartbroken, thinking, " Our family inheritance is limited. If I let my brother squander it all, it will be gone in no time. He may gain a false reputation, but I will suffer real harm for the rest of my life. How can I bear this?" Later, he couldn't bear it any longer and insisted on dividing the property. Zhong Yue knew his private intentions and had no choice but to comply, splitting the family property in two so that each could live separately. Zhong Yue had a son when he was twenty-eight, named Zhong Quan. When he was six or seven years old, he was sent to school. He was quite intelligent and could learn children's games easily, but he hated books like the plague. Not only did he not care about studying, but he also disdained to even look at them. After three or five years, he was still a blank slate. [These days, many children are like this.] His father hoped that his son would become successful and repeatedly asked the teacher to discipline him strictly. However, when it came to beating him, he was always afraid. Once the beating stopped, he would just sit with his hands in his sleeves. The teacher repeatedly scolded him, but he looked around, muttering incoherently. When it came to reciting, he rolled his eyes, only humming incoherently, unable to remember a single word. When writing, all the other students finished, but he seemed to never finish. Seeing him constantly drawing, when the work was brought out, his face, hands, and mouth were covered in black ink. [This is a portrait of a mischievous elementary school student.] Looking at the characters, they were scattered here and there, big and small, barely resembling the originals. When asked to recognize the characters, he would only say "this is this," "this is that," and "this is that," but when asked to recognize them properly, he couldn't say the correct character. Countless slaps were given to his palm, yet this continued day after day. Teaching him to compose couplets wore his mouth out, but he still didn't understand. One day, the teacher gave him a couplet to match: "青骢马" (qing cong ma, meaning "green horse"). He even explained to him that "qing" is a color and "ma" is a beast. The boy was amazed. After thinking for a while, he replied, "White chewing maggots." The teacher, upon hearing this, couldn't help but burst into laughter and had to explain to Zhong Yue in detail his son's cleverness. Zhong Yue, thinking that there were many students in the academy and that his son's mind was too free, dismissed the teacher and brought him back to train him himself, and the same thing happened. He beat him several times a day, but if he wasn't beaten, even though he did n't know what the boy was thinking, he would still hum and whine. The more he was beaten, the less he could speak. Zhong Yue was at his wit's end, only filled with gnashing teeth and anger. Xian Shi, in her thirties, had only this one son and naturally loved him dearly. [Even virtuous women often indulge their children.] She advised her husband, "What parent doesn't care about their son's future? We should only teach him according to his aptitude. This child is not naturally suited for studying. What good would be killing him? Scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants should each pursue their own profession. When he grows up, we can teach him whatever he wants." Zhong Yue saw that he was a piece of rotten wood, beyond carving, and had no choice but to let him be. When he reached sixteen or seventeen, though his heart was treacherous, mean, and ungrateful, [these two phrases sum him up perfectly], he was unwilling to waste a single penny. Zhong Yue often thought, "This boy is so stingy with money; though this is not the way to build a family, if he could be upright and self-disciplined, he could still be a good son to maintain the family's prosperity. Unfortunately, his heart is not righteous, and he will surely ruin everything in the future." He often sighed. [No one knows a son better than his father.] Because he was an only son, he couldn't help but hope for a grandson. At eighteen, he arranged for him to marry the daughter of a scholar named E. Although this E woman was not as shrewish and ignorant as some others, [this sentence means that she could return to live with Zhong Sheng later], she knew nothing of filial piety towards her parents-in-law or the principles of being a good wife and mother-in-law; she only knew how to eat millet. For seventeen or eighteen years, Lady Xian remained childless. Then, at the age of forty-six, she suddenly became pregnant again, and the following year gave birth to a son. The boy had a fair complexion, red lips, and handsome features. Zhong Yue was overjoyed. Firstly, he saw that Zhong Quan was now useless, and this son might carry on the family's scholarly tradition. Secondly, he saw that Zhong Quan was isolated, and having a sibling meant they could rely on each other in the future. [This is how parents think, but little do they know that his brother sees him as a nuisance.] These relatives and friends, seeing him gain a son in his old age, all came to congratulate him. Zhong Yue, being a generous and open-hearted man, and also overjoyed, prepared a very lavish feast to entertain his guests. Zhong Quan, who always considered himself an only son and the sole heir to the family fortune, was not pleased to see his brother born; on the contrary, he was quite unhappy. Seeing his father's extravagant spending, he was secretly anxious. Though he dared not speak aloud, he muttered to himself, "Why raise a son at such an advanced age? Aren't they ashamed? [Strange thought, are all old people forbidden to have children?] Instead, they celebrate and host banquets, wasting money on such trivial matters. A mere child, who knows if he'll even survive. Even if he does, he'll be left to die a bloody mess, and that will be a huge burden on me." [How true it is that people's words cannot be taken lightly! Zhong Quan's words about brothers today may later apply to his own son; a truly lamentable situation.] Zhong Yue had also heard this but ignored him.

Two years later, Zhong Quan also had a son, whom he and his wife cherished dearly, naming him "Little Dog," meaning easy to give birth to and easy to grow. Zhong Yue saw that his second son, now five years old, was exceptionally intelligent. He taught him a few characters each day, and the boy never forgot them; within six months, he had learned many. Zhong Yue thought his eldest son was useless, but this child still had the potential for education, and he shouldn't be wasted. At this time, he was over fifty and had taken the imperial examinations nine times, but unfortunately, despite his talent, he was unlucky and failed. He had to resign from his studies. [Nine is an odd number. If he failed, he should retire; if he tried ten times, it would be pointless.] He stayed home, focusing solely on teaching his son. Because his eldest son was sharp-tongued, he named his second son "Zhongqing" (meaning "affectionate"), with the courtesy name "Lisheng," hoping he would be affectionate within the family.

Although Zhongqing couldn't memorize everything at a glance, he could recite any classic text three or five times and know it perfectly. Not only did he remember, but he also recognized every single character, which made Zhong Yue even happier. Moreover, it was his youngest son, and the elderly couple were perhaps a little too fond of him. Zhong Quan felt even more resentful, saying behind his back, "I am the eldest son, and my son is the eldest grandson, so it doesn't matter. But they treat him like a precious treasure, waiting for him to grow up and become an official so they can bestow titles upon their parents. [Although Zhong Quan spoke these words with resentment, they later came true.] My son doesn't study either; let's see if he can catch up with those who do!" [Not only will your son not catch up, but even your father won't be able to.] Therefore, he saw his brothers as thorns in his side. Zhong Yue knew that because his second son was young, he could only suppress his feelings. Every day, he carefully explained elementary lessons and various stories, as well as the virtues of filial piety, brotherly love, loyalty, and trustworthiness, to Zhong Qing. He could remember them after listening. By the age of eight or nine, he already knew to be filial to his parents and respectful to his elder brothers and sisters-in-law. Although the little boy was only five or six years old, he was even more mischievous than his father. He didn't know what his grandparents, parents, or uncles were, and spent his days playing, jumping, and cursing. Hearing his grandfather call his uncle "Zhongqing," he would also call him that, no matter how much they scolded or told him not to call him "uncle," he would ignore them. [It was fortunate that he kept calling him that, because he became familiar with it, that he remembered his uncle's name was Zhongqing when they recognized each other later.]

Zhong Quan and his wife, E Shi, loved him to an extreme degree, indulging his whims. Zhong Yue, wanting to discipline him, worried that his eldest son already resented his brothers, and that if he beat his grandson, his son and daughter-in-law would think that the parents loved their youngest son more than their eldest grandson, and that the brothers would become increasingly estranged. So he always endured it, [revealing the bitterness of family life] and often sighed. Whenever the little boy saw his uncle with something, he would snatch it, cursing if he wasn't given it. Zhongqing never argued with him, but instead doted on him, [showing that filial piety, brotherly love, and affection are all innate qualities]. Therefore, they lived in relative peace.

When Zhongqing was nine years old, he had mastered all the classics and could recite them in verse. His writing was clear and bright, and Zhong Yue thought this boy could achieve high rank and enjoy a comfortable old age. Unexpectedly, he fell ill, his condition worsening day by day, until he was on the verge of death. Zhong Quan ignored him, while Zhong Qing stayed by his side day and night, personally tasting his medicine and attending to him without rest. Seeing Zhong Yue's critical condition, Zhong Qing prayed to Heaven every night, offering to take his place.

One day, Zhong Yue's father-in-law, Xian De, came to visit him. Zhong Yue wept and said, "My illness is terminal. I have no other wishes. My eldest grandson is useless, but my youngest grandson has the potential to be a scholar. I fear that my death will ruin his life. I hope my father-in-law will remember our father-in-law relationship and take my youngest grandson with him to find a teacher to guide him, so that he will not bring shame to the family. Then I can rest in peace in the afterlife." He then turned to Zhong Qing and asked, "Is your brother home?" Zhong Qing returned and said, "My sister-in-law said that this morning his friends invited him to go to Yuhuatai for some fun." [The father is dying, while the son goes to play.] There are many such wicked sons, not just Zhong Quan. Zhong Yue wanted to entrust his son to his father-in-law, but fearing his eldest son would find out, he ordered him to read the detailed account. Zhong Yue sighed twice. [These two sighs were for two reasons: first, he sighed at the unfilial son, and second, he sighed because he was heartbroken at the thought of entrusting his son to his father-in-law.] He took his father-in-law's hand and whispered, [fearing his wife would hear]: "My eldest son is not a loving father. When my younger son is grown up, Father-in-law, you should divide my family property between the two of them. Otherwise, it will surely be swallowed up by the eldest son. If I divide it with his brothers today, my younger son is still young, and I fear there might be unforeseen disasters. Here is a list of my family property; Father-in-law, please keep it as proof of the division in the future. I hope Father-in-law will take note of it." He then took a list from beside his pillow and handed it to Xian De. [Zhong Yue's actions were indeed discreet. Later, Zhong Quan found out and stole it.] It's laughable how people of the world, when it comes to secret matters, readily claim they can keep it from others, unaware that they can't truly hide anything from anyone, only from themselves. Xian De shed a few tears and agreed. [Zhong Yue's concern for his youngest son was commendable, but who would have thought Zhong Quan would have acted even more preemptively? Parents, even on their deathbeds, worry about their children and grandchildren, ultimately to no avail.]

Several days later, Zhong Yue felt heavy-hearted and called his two sons to his side, saying to Zhong Quan, "After I die, you are the eldest son; you must be filial to our mother, care for your younger brother, and ensure he grows up. Only then can I

die in peace." Zhong Quan didn't reply, only snorting twice through his nostrils, a sound that was neither a reply nor a laugh. Seeing his demeanor, Zhong Yue said nothing more, sighed, closed his eyes, and passed away. Zhong Quan's funeral was simple and frugal, merely a perfunctory affair. Although Zhongqing was still a child, he stayed by the coffin and wept day and night for several days, until he was so grief-stricken that he became emaciated. Relatives and friends who came to mourn him all secretly marveled at this.

After the funeral, Xiande took Zhongqing home and sent him to study at a friend's academy. The teacher, named Guang Houde, was a learned and virtuous scholar, [another good teacher.] and very skilled in teaching. Among the many students in this academy were Si Jinchao, the son of an official; Liu Xian, whose father was Liu Taichu, also a virtuous old scholar; Mei Gen; Duo Biyuan, the son of Mei Gen's maternal uncle Duoyi; Chen Renmei, Duo Biyuan's brother-in-law; and Xianping, Xiande's grandson and Zhongqing's cousin. [Because Zhongqing entered the academy, many students came along, and later they appeared one by one, the writing is so concise.] Among them, only Zhongqing and Mei Gen were truly diligent. The teacher, seeing their intelligence and diligence, truly loved them and devoted himself to their instruction. The two boys challenged each other, learning from and encouraging one another, their bond as strong as blood.

Two years later, Zhongqing turned eleven, and his mother, Xian, fell ill again. Upon hearing this, Zhongqing bid farewell to his maternal grandfather and teacher and returned home to care for her. Xian said, "My illness may not be fatal; you mustn't let it interfere with your studies. You should stay at the school." Zhongqing replied, "Parents give birth to children to be filial, and children study to understand the principles of filial piety and brotherly love. Otherwise, what's the point of studying? [Many scholars are ignorant of filial piety and brotherly love.] Moreover, as the ancient saying goes, lambs kneel to suckle their mothers, and crows feed their parents. Those who don't know filial piety are worse than beasts." [Does Zhongqing fear that his brother might hear this? And nowadays, there are countless people in the world worse than beasts.] Several

days later, Xian's illness worsened. Her father, over seventy years old, was still healthy and often visited her. Xian cried to her father, "I am over fifty, not old enough to die prematurely. Besides, my son-in-law is dead, what is there to regret about my death? I only cannot bear to leave your little grandson. I hope you will remember my son-in-law's dying words and raise him. My death is my natural duty. Father is old, there is no need for grief." After saying this, she passed away peacefully. Xian De also wept several times. [When his son-in-law died, Xian De only shed a few tears. When his daughter died, he wept several times, revealing the depths of human emotion.] Zhong Sheng was so grief-stricken that his tears turned to blood, and he refused to eat or drink for several days. Xian De repeatedly comforted him, and he finally drank some water.

After the funeral, Xian De still took him home to study. Seeing that both his parents were dead, Zhong Sheng harbored selfish thoughts and wanted to seize all the property left by his father. Although he wanted to capture them alone, he feared two things: first, he worried about gossip from relatives and friends (fear of gossip showed he hadn't completely lost his conscience); second, he feared that his brothers would grow up and his maternal grandfather would decide to divide them up again (this was his only fear; fear of gossip was secondary). Wouldn't that make him a villain for nothing? So he secretly sold them and, with his wife, E, and son, Xiaogouzi, moved to another place overnight. His uncle, Zhong Qu, had long since separated the family and hadn't come to help him. He only found out after Xiande's death and was filled with remorse. But Zhong Quan was unaware of the consequences and had no choice but to give up.

Zhong Sheng was fortunate to be raised by his maternal grandfather. When he was fifteen, his grandfather, already eighty years old and nearing death, pitied his grandson's loneliness and helplessness. His maternal uncle had died, leaving only his aunt in mourning, and his cousin was still young. Anticipating that he might not be able to fully support him in the future, he secretly gave him some private money and told him to find another place to live. [The phrase "Xian De worried that after his death, his aunt would be widowed and might not be able to support him" carries a deeper meaning. If Zhong Sheng had remained dependent on his maternal grandfather and aunt, he wouldn't have been able to establish himself independently. Firstly, how could he have encountered wealth and status if he hadn't left home? Secondly, it was inevitable that he would have to move out. Therefore, it's said that his maternal grandfather considered this and thus used his aunt's services, not that his aunt was bad. Readers should understand this.] He then left alone and pawned a small room belonging to Instructor Zhen at Phoenix Terrace. He was ambitious and diligent in his studies, passing the imperial examinations at seventeen. He was handsome, with a face like jade and lips like painted vermilion. He could compose thousands of words from classical texts and literary works with ease, and write poems and lyrics with effortless fluency. A few lines praise him: "

The demeanor of a scholar in his early twenties. His spirit is like autumn water, his learning surpasses clouds and mist. His beauty is radiant, his figure graceful. Springtime passions radiate from his face, poetic thoughts weigh on his shoulders. He is a passionate soul, his bones bear the mark of a literary genius." Who can compare to him? The banished immortal, Li Bai.

He was meticulous in his conduct and upright in his aspirations; [these eight words are Zhong Sheng's assessment of him throughout his life.] Although young, he was truly a person of both talent and virtue. People at that time loved flattery, [and even more so today.] Not only did he not flatter, but he also refused to speak with those who sought flattery. After entering the academy, he became one of the top scholars in the school, never falling below third place in the examinations, but he remained alone, truly destitute. Despite his abundant talent, he was inevitably impoverished year after year. [With talent in one's heart, even the poorest will come to court, while the richest will flee. Is it that the poor love literature while the richest are jealous of it? Who can one ask?] Fortunately, he was bright and cheerful, unconcerned about such things. He was already twenty years old and still unmarried. He had asked several people to propose marriage, but customs were decadent; people chose sons-in-law based only on wealth, not talent. [This has been the case for a long time.] Seeing his family fortune decline and his extreme poverty, relatives treated him like a stranger, and friends all avoided him, none willing to marry him. Therefore, he resolved to first achieve wealth and status before even consummating his marriage. He spent his days secluded in his study, never venturing outside. Though he didn't resort to extreme methods like studying by fireflies or hanging himself by his hair,

he still diligently studied until the wee hours of the morning. One day, in late February, seeing the gentle spring sunshine and the vibrant green and red blossoms in his courtyard, he was inspired to write a poem during a break from his studies: "

Spring sunshine is enchanting, ten thousand flowers bloom, it is the perfect time to seek fragrance in February.
Sitting here, I forget the beauty of spring, butterflies flutter about, captivating me.

" Still not satisfied, he composed another poem, "Drunken Flower Shade": "

Apricot blossoms bloom red on the branches, swallows dance gracefully. Spring is half over, the path is covered with moss, lightly stained with a soft rain. I frequently pour green wine to keep spring from leaving, lest the flowers hasten their departure." How many years old was he? He drank heavily and sang loudly, drunk and fallen asleep in the shade of flowers.

Having finished writing, he put down his pen and was pondering his next piece when he suddenly heard a knocking sound outside the door. Opening the door, he saw a childhood friend. This man's surname was Mei, his given name Gen, and his courtesy name Heshan. He had an uncle named Lin Fangmei, [whose name was derived from the phrase "taking advantage of the opportunity to leave the forest and sea country, saving on the writing style," referring to the plum trees planted on Gushan by Lin Hejing. He shared this sentiment, hence his name. He and Zhong Sheng were childhood friends, classmates, and fellow students. Although Mei Sheng wasn't wealthy, his family was comfortably well-off. Knowing Zhong Sheng's family was poor, Mei Sheng often gave him gifts. While he couldn't provide for Zhong Sheng's every need, he ensured Zhong Sheng didn't go hungry or cold throughout the year, largely thanks to Mei Sheng. [A good friend, perhaps one day such a person is no longer possible, but in the future, repaying him with a thousand pieces of gold would not be excessive. If such a person exists today, I should bow to him.] Therefore, the two were always very close and met frequently. Mei Sheng married Xue Shi when he was sixteen. She was born as beautiful as a jade maiden, like a fairy maiden swaying her jade pendant, a phrase from ancient times, which perfectly describes her:

"A companion of celestial beings, separated from the pearl palace, not yet returned to the ranks of immortals. Her casual attire and ordinary words reveal a beauty beyond compare. To compare her to famous flowers would be laughable; how easy is that? Upon reflection, rare and beautiful flowers are merely deep reds and light whites. How can they compare to this beauty, possessing a thousand charms in the mortal world?"

The couple were perfectly matched, their love and intimacy beyond words. Mei Sheng was also as beautiful as jade. At that time, his friends presented him with two poems based on ancient styles. One praised the couple: "

Plum blossoms without snow lack spirit, snow without plum blossoms is vulgar.
Today, snow and plum blossoms complement each other, creating a perfect spring."

The other poem teased the couple: "

Plum blossoms and snow vie for beauty, neither willing to yield, poets put down their pens in frustration.
Plum blossoms must yield three parts of moisture to snow, but snow loses a bit in length to plum blossoms."

The couple almost burst out laughing upon seeing these. Not only was Xue Shi beautiful, but she also possessed the talent to compose poems about snow. However, only two years after their marriage, during a sweltering summer, she contracted a fever and died. [Snow, encountering intense heat, naturally melts away.] Truly,

good things in this world are not lasting; colorful clouds easily disperse, and glass is fragile.

Although Mei Sheng didn't outwardly show great grief, he was deeply saddened, almost resembling Xun Fengqian in his youth, appearing as if his body had turned to dust. Zhong Sheng repeatedly pleaded with him, and he finally calmed down somewhat. A year later, someone admired his refined character and wealthy family and wanted to marry their daughter to him as a second wife. [They only admired his family's wealth; as for his character, why is no one else interested in Zhong Sheng? Those who admire him upon seeing him are only a first-generation blind man; those who admire him upon hearing of him are only a blind man named Qian Gui.] He resolutely refused to marry her. Zhong Sheng earnestly advised him, "Although you and your sister-in-law are deeply in love, the issue of continuing the family line takes precedence over personal feelings. Surely you, a scholar, understand this?" Mei Sheng thanked him, saying, "My brother has taught me the principles of morality; how could I disobey? But such a beautiful woman is hard to find again; I must wait." For several years, he had remained a widower.

Today he came to visit Zhong Sheng. Upon entering, after exchanging greetings, Xiang Xun said, “Brother, you spend all day indoors; naturally, your studies will progress greatly. While reading is a wonderful thing, one should not overwork oneself and exhaust one’s spirit. You should also take walks to refresh your mind.” Zhong Sheng replied, “I am dressed in tattered clothes and ashamed to face my relatives and friends. With nothing to do at home, I merely peruse these fragmented and incomplete texts to relieve my boredom. What benefit have I gained?” Mei Sheng said, “Brother, you are mistaken. The sage said: ‘In poverty and lowliness, one should act accordingly.’ Moreover, poverty is the norm for scholars; what is there to be ashamed of? Is poverty something to be laughed at? Do you not remember Yuan Xian’s ridicule of Zigong, saying, ‘I am poor, not ill,’ and Zigong was ashamed of his words for the rest of his life? Those who laugh at poverty are nothing but common people; how could anyone with a modicum of understanding think so?” "With your great talent, brother, obtaining high office is as easy as picking up a mustard seed. How can you limit your ambition? Brother, you must not be discouraged. Besides, some say that those who wear tattered robes and those who wear fox furs are not ashamed to stand together. What's wrong with that?" Zhong Sheng said, "Brother, you say such things because you are favored. But who among the cold-hearted people of this world would look favorably upon you? Those who wear tattered robes and those who wear fox furs are not ashamed to stand together. In this day and age, those who wear fox furs and those who wear tattered robes are ashamed to stand together. [Speaking of the ways of the world] The petty people have a different perspective, and we cannot compare the past with the present." Mei Sheng said, "Brother, you are right. The world is so wicked and cold-hearted, it is truly laughable, but such people are not worth arguing with. I haven't seen you for several days. Do you have any good works?" Zhong Sheng said, "The spring scenery is vexing, my little..." "I've been plagued by sleep for days, my mind is clouded, and I haven't written anything of note. Just now, seeing the lovely flowers and plants in the garden, I composed a poem and a short quatrain, which I'd like to ask for your critique." He then handed the poems to Mei Sheng, saying, "Please enlighten me.

" Mei Sheng took them and read them, praising, "They are truly exquisite, every word a gem, demonstrating the effectiveness of your hard work, brother." Zhong Sheng said, "I humbly asked for your guidance, but you flatter me so much; this is not my intention." Mei Sheng said, "Indeed excellent, not an exaggeration." He then offered his fan, saying, "I have some fan here; I humbly request that you write something." Zhong Sheng laughed, "Such vulgar words are hardly worthy of your respect." Mei Sheng said, "Brother, there's no need for such modesty; we are old friends." "Brother, why use such clichés?" Zhong Sheng, unable to refuse, smiled and picked up his brush to write something and presented it to Mei Sheng. Mei Sheng took it and read it, saying, "I haven't seen you for three days, and you've impressed me greatly. Not only are your poems exquisite, but your writing has also become increasingly skillful lately." Zhong Sheng laughed and said, "I've soiled your fine fan, please don't take offense." The two chatted for a while, and Mei Sheng casually picked up a book from the table and flipped through it. He saw several pieces of paper tucked inside and said, "These must be your drafts." Zhong Sheng laughed and said, "No, yesterday I was extremely bored and happened to read a joke. Although it was absurd, it perfectly captured the plight of us poor folks." Mei Sheng opened it and read: "I,

Bao Guan, the Inspector General of the Nine Provinces, respectfully report: In order to beg for your grace in eliminating the great evil and relieving the suffering of the people, I have been ordered to inspect the Nine Provinces. I have been diligent and conscientious, daring not to slacken in the slightest. Through secret investigation, I have discovered nine great evils, who are the greatest scourges of this prosperous age and the deepest harm to the world. The people have been ravaged by them, and all the common people have suffered their devastation." Their crimes are heinous, their sins deserving of the deepest condemnation; they cannot be allowed to remain in this world for even a moment. Your servant has ascertained their crimes with irrefutable evidence, not mere hearsay. I beg you to swiftly and decisively eradicate them, to relieve the suffering of the people. It is said that killing one person saves ten thousand lives; if these nine evils are eliminated, the benefits will extend to millions of poor people throughout the land. Their crimes are hereby listed:

Ying Lan and Qian Jian are treacherous both inside and out, sharing the same motives. Ying Lan assists in bribery and extortion, violating the law; Qian Jian conspires with others in deceit and cunning, devising countless wicked schemes. They are enemies of upright gentlemen, but associate only with the stingy and greedy. They fawn upon the wealthy and powerful, behaving cruelly and indulging in lewdness and evil; they ignore the poor, showing no compassion whatsoever, becoming their enemies and foes. Shi Chong, a petty scoundrel, and Guo Kuang, a concubine of the emperor, are both used by Ying Lan as their henchmen. Yan Shifan and Fan Meiren were made into chamber pots; Murong Yanchao cast iron ingots; and Ying Lan aided them in their wicked deeds. Deng Tong was a sycophantic scoundrel; Xiao Hong was a pampered playboy; and Qian Jian attached himself to them, leading them to commit atrocities and wasteful acts. As for the poor, even those like Yan Hui and Yuan Xian, the sages of the time, were not only not helped or befriended, but were instead bullied and abandoned. How much more so the common people and lowly scholars, who were not impoverished and poisoned by their stinginess? Moreover, fathers and sons lost their kinship, brothers lost their love, friends lost their friendship, and husbands and wives lost their harmony. Upright gentlemen suffered from hunger and cold, and scoundrels turned to thievery—all because of Ying Lan and Qian Jian. These two men, who fawned on the rich and bullied the poor, and treated the noble and oppressed the lowly, were guilty of more than just their crimes. But their crimes of aiding others in adultery and forming cliques for wickedness were numerous and innumerable. Such extreme wickedness was beyond punishment. I humbly request that the Firepower Warrior Iron Vajra be ordered to pulverize his body and shatter his bones, distributing the remains to all the poor and needy throughout the land, so that he may atone for his past transgressions and appease the public's anger. This is the first point.

Although Xue Tai's evil deeds were not manifest in all four seasons, his cruelty was pervasive throughout the season. From the first to the third winter, when all people suffered from the bitter cold, instead of shining like the sun to warm the world and allow the poor to bask in the warmth, he flew through the air and fluttered everywhere, feigning gentleness but in reality sharp and ruthless, a treacherous and seemingly benevolent force that intensified the torment. Those without clothes or blankets suffered bone-chilling pain, muscle-ripping, and their mouths clenched and bodies stiff. The virtuous scholar Yuan An nearly died, and the wise man Jiao Ai met his end. The number of those who have suffered at his hands throughout history is too numerous to count. Feng Li and Leng Sheng formed a deadly alliance with him, their sole purpose being to harm others. Xue Tai's evil had already reached its limit, but Feng Li encouraged and assisted him, and Leng Sheng flattered and supported him, their evil deeds mutually reinforcing each other. Some of the poorest people in the world suffered broken skin and bruises; others huddled with their arms wrapped around themselves, their necks hunched. Their teeth chattered, they cried out in the cold, their bodies stiff and weeping, their cries to heaven unanswered, their pleas to earth utterly unanswered—truly indescribable. The poor and helpless, the people suffering injustice, we beg the Emperor to melt the snow with the bright sun, to seal off the wind with the seal of the aunt, so that the wicked cannot run rampant. Those who aid and abet the tyrannical will not only dare not exercise their power, but will also perish. By eliminating these three evils, all people will receive the warmth of spring, thus escaping the pain of bitter cold and howling. This is the second point.

It is said that people cannot live without water and fire. While water and fire have their uses, they also cause considerable harm; however, their uses cannot outweigh their harms. In the time of Emperor Yao, floods ravaged the land, leaving the people with almost no peace. Although later tamed by Yu the Great, for thousands of years to this day, floods have still raged, abusing their power and wielding their authority. Fertile fields and crops have been submerged and destroyed, beautiful houses and mansions have been swept away and drowned. Mountains and hills have been inundated, stoves have been submerged and frogs have been born, leaving the victims without a single grain of rice to cook or a place to stand—all the fault of floods. As for the fault of fire, although it originates from people, it seems somewhat forgivable. However, their aiding and abetting of evil cannot be entirely forgiven. The burning of Xianyang in three months and the flames of Jiangdu lasting a month, though attributed to Xiang Yu and Shimin, can still be somewhat excused. But throughout history, countless palaces have been burned, homes destroyed, families ruined, and lives lost; their crimes are far from insignificant. I implore that Zhurong (the god of fire) be ordered to banish their fires and Fengyi (the god of water) to control their floods, severely punishing them and strictly enforcing preventative measures, so that people may benefit from their merits but not suffer their harm. Saving the people from fire and water is also a crucial policy. This is the third point.

In ancient times, people ate raw meat and drank blood. Houji taught the people agriculture, and only then did people obtain the five grains to eat. This is the sage's profound concern and love for the people. Who would have thought that those wicked Mi Zhu would act so wantonly, following the example of Ying Lan and Qian Jian, currying favor with the powerful and abandoning the lowly and bullying the poor? Even when the granaries of the wealthy are overflowing and rotten, they still return to them without stopping. As for those living in impoverished, cold homes, with pots hanging overhead waiting to be cooked, and children crying and women weeping, they pay no heed. Like the grain of King Zhou of Yin at Juqiao, or the granaries of Li Mi at Luokou, they are rotten and wasted—how can one describe it all? When people suffer poverty, they become even more despicable, causing Han Xin to beg for food from a washerwoman, Wu Zixu to beg for water from a river girl, Zengzi to eat only nine meals in thirty days, and Emperor Wu of Liang to starve to death in Taicheng. Jie Zitui cutting off his own flesh to serve his lord, Zhang Suiyang cooking a child to reward a scholar—all these are the actions of Mi Zhu. Even Confucius, the teacher of ten thousand generations, was trapped in the hardships of Chen and Cai; his crimes are yet to be fully enumerated! There are also those who hunt sparrows and smoke rats, who suck the marrow from bones, who eat each other, and who exchange children to cook—heartbreaking and horrific, how can one bear to speak of them? All these are caused by Mi Zhu's long-standing evil. We beg that the Wind God be commanded to bring wind every five days, and the Rain Master to bring rain every ten days, so that wax will not cause disaster, and locusts will not cause harm. If grain in the world were as cheap as dust, and everyone could accumulate it, then Mi Zhu would not be able to presume to be superior and make things difficult for others. Moreover, if everyone could have food, chewing on their own bodies, regardless of wealth or poverty, and free from hunger, then everyone could feast and sing praises of the emperor's power. How could such a benefit to the people be insignificant? This is the fourth point.

Firewood is produced everywhere in the world; whether it be grass or wood, joints or wormwood, nothing is unsuitable for its use, even the most worthless things. Yet Xin Gui, regarding a single turnip as useless and a piece of cheap grass or wood, considers it all worthless, arrogantly regarding its abilities, regarding it as precious as cinnamon. He imitates the trend of despising the world, adopting a sycophantic attitude, and also makes things difficult for the poor. Ultimately, in the homes of the poor, there is no smoke in the chimneys; in the houses of the destitute, there is no fire in the stoves. This is truly detestable and utterly reprehensible. I humbly request that the gods of the Five Sacred Mountains, the Four Sacred Towns, and the city and earth gods of all provinces, prefectures, and counties be granted the power to grow and flourish everywhere, so that everyone may have the opportunity to kill Xin Gui and his descendants, and every household may cook them to ashes and discard them in ditches. Only then can Xin Gui's power be somewhat diminished. This is one way to help the people, and this is the fifth point.

These five matters concern the poor and helpless people of the world. I have the duty to investigate, and having obtained the facts, how dare I not present them in detail? If you do not consider my words to be erroneous, I beg that they be implemented throughout the world. I would be most grateful! Respectfully submitted. Presented by the official Dai Tianming. [Although this is a joke, it is a later version submitted by Zhong Sheng to the military supervisor, and the two versions are actually a pair.] After

reading it, Mei Sheng said, "Brother's work is indeed good, but as for the Supreme Deity, there is no need to discuss it. What should we do?" The two laughed heartily for a while. Mei Sheng then said, "Brother, you just said you were feeling drowsy and tired. This is because you've been sitting for too long. I'd like to accompany you for a stroll outside, to enjoy the spring scenery, and to relax your mind. You'll feel much better afterward." Zhong Sheng replied, "I appreciate your kind offer, but I usually dislike going out and dare not accept your invitation." [This is how he declined the initial invitation.] Mei Sheng said, “Brother, you’re really being pedantic. This spring is so beautiful, the flowers and willows are so enchanting, and ladies everywhere are like clouds, with carriages and horses crowding the roads. If you don’t go out and enjoy the scenery, won’t you be laughed at by the flowers and birds?” Having said this, he pulled Zhong Sheng to leave, but Zhong Sheng declined several times, saying, “I really don’t want to see idle flowers and wild grasses. I would be disrespectful to you, brother. Please allow me to invite you again.” [This is how he declined the second invitation.] Mei Sheng said, “Since you’re not in the mood, I dare not force you. But since we’re not going to admire the spring flowers, how about we go visit the ‘flower that understands speech’?” Zhong Sheng said, “Please tell me, brother, what do you mean?” Mei Sheng said, “You stay at home all day and don’t know what’s happening outside. Recently, there’s a blind courtesan in Pingkang named Qian Gui.” [The title of this chapter is Mei Sheng inviting Zhong Sheng to visit Qian Gui, but he doesn’t say it at the beginning. From the initial invitation to see the flowers, it’s been repeated several times, and only then does the story turn to him.] Come, the subtlety of the brushstrokes is so exquisite. If one were to immediately invite him to the Qian family, not only would Mei Sheng be a bad friend who invites people to prostitutes, but his sudden arrival would also be inappropriate. 】He was born with skin like white jade and a face like a peach blossom. His graceful figure and charming demeanor were beyond praise. Although he lacked a pair of bright eyes, his charming and alluring appearance was truly indescribable. [This is an effusive praise of his appearance.] I didn't believe it when I first heard about him, but after visiting him myself, I found it to be true. I still remember that my uncle's abandoned brother, Gan Bujiao, once gave him a short poem in the style of "Huanxi Sha," praising his beauty. "[The author uses this to smoothly transition the topic. Gan Sheng was Zhong Qu's abandoned son-in-law, and the later connection makes it feel natural. This is a skill of the author, truly a perfect example of a beautiful woman.] Then I recited:

Purple jade elegance, white jade body, a charming smile that could topple a city, whether lightly or heavily made up, she is always pleasing to the eye.
Sweet words are hard to fathom, tender feelings are easily sensed in a frown; without a glance, love is already captivated.

"Brother, hearing this, you can see how beautiful she is. I'd like to go with you to visit her; it would broaden our horizons. What do you think?" Zhong Sheng laughed, "Brother, you love me too much, hence your description of this blind prostitute as celestial. You wish me to visit. Although I've never met a prostitute before, I've heard people say that there aren't any famous beauties on the streets these days, a far cry from what used to be. Besides, there are such beauties among the blind prostitutes." Mei Sheng said, "Brother and I have known each other since childhood. Have I ever lied to you? If you say there are no beauties among the blind prostitutes..." "People like Wang Zhaojun, Xi Shi, and Lü Zhu shouldn't have been born in such remote places. Why are you so stubborn, brother?" Zhong Sheng replied, "I'm not being stubborn, but I think a blind prostitute, even if she has some beauty, is naturally as black as lacquer. She can only entertain the common folk. What's the point of us scholars facing a blank sheet of wood, just eating meat from a butcher's stall and drinking a few cups like oxen? It's much better to face the tender grass and delicate flowers, listen to the birds chirping on the branches, and drink heartily." [This was his response to the third invitation.] Mei Sheng laughed, “Brother, you have been too kind to Xi Shi. Since you don’t know, it’s not your fault. This Qian Gui was exceptionally intelligent from a young age. By eight or nine, he was already well-versed in poetry, lyrics, and prose. He only lost his sight at ten, and to this day he still speaks fluently, producing a wealth of works, all of which are widely popular. I remember when he was thirteen or fourteen, he wrote four quatrains lamenting his ill-fated life. Let me recite them to you, brother, and see what you think.” He then recited his ill-fated poems. He added, “I’ve also seen his four poems on the four seasons in his youth, and I’ve heard people recite his composition on the warbling of orioles, which was even more wonderful. I can’t remember many details, but when you go to his house, you’ll see for yourself and know that what I say is true.” [This is a strong praise of his talent.]

Upon hearing this, Zhong Sheng's face lit up with joy, and he said, "Indeed, a fine work! It is worthy of your praise, brother." Mei Sheng said, "Since you agree with my words, brother, I will be your host and invite you to have some fun." Zhong Sheng said, "I am grateful for your kind invitation and should accept, but since she is a famous courtesan with such talent, she naturally associates with wealthy and powerful people. I am but a poor scholar; how could I possibly be of her caliber? I fear that if I go, I will be treated lightly by her, and then I will be in a dilemma. It would be better not to go." [He declined the invitation four times in this manner.] Mei Sheng said, “My brother, my brother, it’s not easy to know people, and it’s not easy to know people either. You’re just being superficial; you don’t know Qian Gui’s true nature. He values good looks and talent above all else, and despises money and official positions the most. In the past, when he met a handsome and talented young man, even if he didn’t flatter him, he would still be quite friendly and cheerful. But if it was a foolish and stupid young man, even if he was richer than Tao Zhu, he would not only refuse to accompany him, but also ridicule him. So those rich and powerful men often came with high hopes, only to leave disappointed. Later, because of his mother’s earnest persuasion, he is now somewhat more accommodating. I’ve also heard people say that he once made a vow that if he met a kindred spirit with both talent and good looks, he would entrust his life to him regardless of wealth. My brother, if you go, you will not only avoid his frivolity, but you may even become one of his confidants.” [Unexpectedly, these words became a premonition.] Zhong Sheng said, “If what you say is true, brother, this woman can be called a heroine among courtesans. For a blind person to possess such a heart and mind surpasses even Lady Liang and the courtesan Hong Fu. But I fear this may be true, and not as definitively as you say.” Mei Sheng said, “I am not worried that your words are untrue, but I fear I have not fully expressed them. Let us go and see for ourselves. If I am wrong, you may consider me a fool from now on.” Seeing how earnest he spoke, Zhong Sheng, young and moved, replied, “How could I doubt your folly? I secretly believe there is no such beauty in the world. No man today can find a hero among the common people, let alone a blind woman with such chivalry and such great insight.” [This is a title; the entire book is developed from these two sentences, do you understand?] Mei Sheng said, "Brother, if you see him there and he doesn't match my expectations, then punish me with a few cups of Jin Gu wine." Zhong Sheng said, "Since you've shown me such favor, how could I not accompany you?" [He only agreed to go after being invited five times. The repeated mention of their outings highlights Mei Sheng's excessive affection for his friend and Zhong Sheng's precocious maturity.] Mei Sheng laughed heartily.

Zhong Sheng shook his patched Taoist robe, smoothed his old gauze scarf, adjusted his worn-out red shoes, and dusted himself off. [It seems that Qian Gui's household had never seen such a well-dressed patron of a brothel. These few words are not enough to emphasize Zhong Sheng's poverty; without such a vivid depiction of his shabby state, it wouldn't be enough to show how unusual Qian Gui's choice was.] He locked the door, went out with Mei Sheng, and locked the courtyard gate. [Details] They then held hands and chatted idly along the winding road, unknowingly passing Chaotian Palace Street and arriving at Qian Gui's gate.

There they saw a vegetable fence, several tall bamboos, and trees providing shade. A small, green-gate tower stood before a flower bed with a clump of nandina and a few pebbles. A maidservant, about sixteen or seventeen years old, stood at the entrance. She was fair-skinned, with red lips, delicate fingers, and small feet. Her blue dress was clean and shiny, and she was buying flowers. Mei Sheng pointed to Zhong Sheng and said, "This secluded place is where Qian Niang lives." Then, pointing to the maidservant, he smiled at Zhong Sheng and said, "Brother, you've seen a beautiful maidservant before you've seen a lady. Even this little maidservant is quite charming." He then asked the maidservant, "Does your young lady have guests at home? This Mr. Zhong and I have come to visit you." The maidservant was actually the head maid.

Mei Sheng was a frequent visitor to his house, and he recognized him. Upon seeing Zhong Sheng, his face lit up with a warm smile. He quickly bowed to Zhong Sheng, [depicting their mutual affection], and said, "Miss, you are sitting alone with nothing to do. Please come in and sit in the guest room, gentlemen. I will go and inform them." After they had sat down, he hurried to the room and said to Qian Gui, "Congratulations, Miss! The other day, Mr. Mei and Mr. Zhong came to visit you." Qian Gui replied, "Silly girl, what's there to be happy about? I'm not in a good mood today and don't want to entertain them. You can go and tell them that we have offended them and that we should meet again another day." [This pause was quite clever; upon hearing that it was Zhong Sheng, she was even more delighted.] The matchmaker said, “Miss, you mustn’t miss this opportunity. I’ve known you for years, and though I’ve seen several handsome young men, none compare to this Master Zhong, a celestial being, a rare find on earth. Though he’s dressed in shabby clothes and appears poor, his charm is something even the most skillful painter couldn’t capture. He’s a man of great talent and elegance. Although I don’t know his abilities, you should still get to know him. There are those in the world who are talented but lack good looks, but not all who are strikingly handsome but lack talent. You’ve longed to meet a handsome young man, and today you have found one. That’s why I’m congratulating you first. He’s not only more charming than that Young Master Qi, but he also possesses a kind of amiable and approachable demeanor, making him worlds apart from others.” [First, Mei Sheng praised Qian Gui’s appearance highly in front of Zhong Sheng; now, the matchmaker praises Zhong Sheng’s appearance highly in front of Qian Gui. The two instances are paired, making the matchmaker a kind of intermediary.] Upon hearing this

, Qian Gui smiled and said, "What does poverty matter? [Back then, only Zhangtai Liu said to Han Yi, 'Would Master Han remain poor and lowly forever?' Now I hear Qian Gui say to Zhong Sheng, 'What does poverty matter?' These three words have not been heard for many years.] But is he truly as you say, such a dashing and romantic person?" The attendant said, "I am honored that you entrusted me with your trust, how could I dare to deceive you and jeopardize your important matters?" Qian Gui thought for a moment and said, "I have often heard people say that there is a young scholar named Zhong Lisheng, who is considered the most talented and handsome man of our time. Because his house is bare, he secludes himself at home to study diligently. Although I have long admired him, I have never had the chance to meet him. Could this be him?" He asked the attendant to gently arrange his hair and lightly apply lipstick, then he stood up. He happily helped the attendant, slowly moved his lotus-like steps, adjusted his Xiang skirt, and gracefully walked out. He bowed twice to the emperor, and the three of them sat down.

Mei Sheng spoke first, saying, "I have long admired Lady Qian and yearn to see her. My friend Zhong, who has long admired your name, has come with me to pay our respects. It is truly an honor for Lady Qian to have the time today." Qian Gui replied, "This humble woman is of lowly talent and unworthy appearance; how could I possibly accept such praise from you, sir? I have heard that you, sir Zhong, are a celestial being; it is my greatest fortune that you have graced my humble abode with your presence!" Just then, the steward brought in tea. After the three of them finished drinking, Qian Gui whispered to the steward, "Quickly prepare wine and food." The steward nodded and left. [The word "nod" is exquisite. Only the steward could hear Qian Gui's words. Qian Gui could not see the steward's nod, but Mei Sheng and Zhong Sheng did.] Mei Sheng asked Zhong Sheng, "Brother, now that you see Qian Niang's captivating beauty, were my previous words inaccurate?" Zhong Sheng replied, "I initially feared your words were an exaggeration, but upon closer inspection, your praise falls far short of even a fraction of Qian Gui's charm. She is truly breathtaking. Even the most celebrated beauties of antiquity are perhaps not quite like her." Mei Sheng then said to Qian Gui, "My friend Zhong Sheng, courtesy name Lisheng, is the first young man in our school to possess both talent and good looks. He is truly a man of unparalleled talent, capable of composing a thousand poems in a single sitting. Today, he and Qian Niang..." "On our first meeting, I'm sure you'll have some new poems to present," Zhong Sheng said. "I merely compose them in secret. I've long admired your calligraphy, but I'm afraid I'll presume to presume to teach you."

Qian Gui, upon hearing this, was indeed the woman he had long admired and longed to meet for years. Overjoyed, he quickly replied with a smile, "Sir, you flatter me. I have long admired your esteemed name, it is like thunder in my ears, truly like three sacred mountains, unattainable. How fortunate I am to have met you! I am but a humble woman, unworthy of your esteemed gift. Perhaps you will not deign to accept my praise?" "You bestow upon me a fine poem, more precious than a hundred friends." Mei Sheng said, "I just found Brother Zhong's residence, and he was reciting poetry. Would Qian Niang like to hear it?" Qian Gui gladly replied, "If you remember, sir, I would be honored to instruct you." Mei Sheng then read the poem on the fan to him. After listening, Qian Gui praised, "Your reputation is well-deserved; how fortunate I am to hear your excellent work." Zhong Sheng said, "Your words are crude and vulgar, offensive to your ears, and I am deeply ashamed. I heard from Brother Mei that Qian Niang has written many works; I humbly request permission to read them." Qian Gui smiled and said: "My humble work is truly an eyesore, but I am fortunate to have met such a wise man. How dare I not offer my humble work for your guidance?" He summoned his attendant to bring out all the poems he had ever written and presented them to Zhong Sheng. Zhong Sheng read them and praised them highly, saying, "Qian Niang's work is excellent, truly worthy of being sung with great acclaim." Qian Gui said, "Not only is it an eyesore for you, sir, but it also makes this lowly concubine ashamed." Mei Sheng said, "You two need not be so modest. After the wine has finished and your poetic inspiration arises, you will surely have to exchange poems with each other." Just then, wine and dishes were brought out from inside, and they sat down to chat.

The cups were clinked, and the host and guests were very happy. They rolled the dice once and recited some rhyming words. Hao Shi also came out and each offered two cups. Mei Sheng secretly handed over the host's money to him, and Qian Gui then asked his attendant to bring out a stringed instrument. He played and sang a Kunqu opera tune from "The Story of Hong Fu," about the bearded man who fell into the inn, saying: "I see you are graceful and handsome, and I think we should be together forever." Predestined marriage, though a thousand miles apart, is not a distance. I am so grateful that you, a virtuous gentleman, have chosen such a beautiful woman, and that you fell in love at first sight. [I think the two of you are quite a sight!] Like phoenixes playing flutes in the Qin Tower, how laughable is that old man Yang Su! How could his Bronze Sparrow Terrace have locked up two Qiao beauties? [Singing this tune, Qiao Ji subtly identifies himself as Hong Fu, Zhong Sheng as Li Qing, and Qiu Ran as Mei Sheng.]

With a light flick of his jade-like fingers and a slow, deliberate utterance from his sandalwood lips, he produced a sound so beautiful it could pierce through mountains and shake the soul, leaving one feeling refreshed and invigorated. After singing a song and drinking several cups, as dusk approached, the wine was served. Mei Sheng said, "Thank you for your wonderful singing, Qian Niang. We have already enjoyed it. Brother Zhong, are you inspired to write a poem now? Could you compose one to enhance the drinking experience?" Zhong Sheng replied, "My humble work is not ready to be written at any time, but I fear my crude verses are unworthy and may offend Qian Niang's ears!" Qian Gui said, "Sir, please don't be so modest. I must ask for your guidance." He then went into his room and brought out a fine fan made of ivory and gold, which he presented to Zhong Sheng with both hands, saying, "Please, sir, write your poem on this rough fan. I will keep it as a lifelong treasure." He then ordered his attendant to bring two large candles, and went in again for a while. The attendant brought out a square tray with mother-of-pearl ingots. Mei Sheng and Zhong Sheng saw that the tray contained an old Duanxi inkstone and a fine inkstone from Fangyu Lu. Qian Gui also gave Zhong Sheng a pure-haired Huzhou brush. [Qian Gui did not have the attendant come in, but went in himself two or three times. He was overjoyed and deeply impressed by what he saw.] The servant ordered the inkstone to be ground, and Mei Sheng kept praising it, saying, "Only Mei Sheng praises it, while Zhong Sheng doesn't. The meaning is profound and wonderful. It's not that Zhong Sheng doesn't want to praise it, but he has a poem in his mind." "Not to mention the brilliance of Qian Niang's writing, even the fine inkstone and brush are rare finds." Qian Gui said, "Because I am blind, I am not good at writing. All my clumsy lines have been written by my maid. [The servant managed to write them down.] This was specially made by me, waiting for a worthy man, and I have kept it for several years. Today, I have encountered your excellent work, Zhong Sheng. It is truly a blessing for my writing, and it also shows the power of my painstaking efforts." Zhong Sheng said, "Qian Niang is truly affectionate; I dare to accept such kindness." He then picked up his brush, dipped it in thick ink, and, wanting to display his talent, wrote five poems in one stroke without hesitation:

The first:
Xue'er is graceful and charming, her melancholy hidden in her autumn waves.
Sweet feelings flow from her slender fingers, tender emotions are conveyed in her slow song. [Wonderful, referring to the first song where she compares herself to Hong Fu and Zhong Sheng to the Medicine Master.] [
Look at her, her dark eyebrows are even, her skirt is woven with green and crimson silk.
When she speaks of her heart, her bright eyes are ashamed of her many shortcomings. [She scolds those who do not recognize people]

Second:
Her eyes are closed like a woman in love, her throat opens to sing wonderful songs.
She is the youngest and most charming, and her teasing is especially delightful.
She doesn't drink but calls for wine, urging the wine to dry and roll the waves.
When she is drunk and leaning against someone, [it is natural] the fragrance permeates her spring silk. [It reflects that it was late spring, the weather in Jiangnan was warm, and everyone wore silk clothes.]

Third: She can recognize someone even if she doesn't see them, their hearts meet often. [These two
lines praise Qian Gui's life.]
Love is conveyed through the strings, affection is revealed in the songs they sing. [And my previous thought]
The flowers are beautiful and hidden in her hair, [praising her hair] her skin is fragrant and permeates the thin silk. [praising her body]
where can I find her, she walks slowly on the waves.

Fourth:
How mysterious is the will of Heaven, the waxing and waning of things are many.
Since you have given me the beauty of the moon, why are you stingy with your autumn eyes? [These four lines are both painful and deeply resentful, there is no one to ask, so I attribute it to Heaven.] [
A faint sigh of sorrow for the Wu official, a light veil of silk from the Yue kingdom.
A cup of wine floats, a tender moment, and a clear song plays. ]

Fifth:
Unintentionally, I encountered a beauty, her charm stirring me deeply.
Her slender waist rivals the tender willow, her soft body trembles in the light silk.
Jade fingers pluck a new tune, crimson lips utter a beautiful song.
The courtesan should step aside, why bother with her alluring glances? [This thought goes deeper, suggesting that with such insight, why use one's eyes? What use are eyes if one cannot recognize people?]

After writing this, Mei Sheng took it and recited it, praising, "Brother's excellent singing is exquisite and agile. Even if Qinglian were reborn, she could not surpass you. Only you could compose such a poem, and only Qian Niang could deserve such praise. Both are exceptionally beautiful and talented, truly a timeless tale. I am fortunate to have been a part of this gathering." Qian Gui, upon hearing this, hurriedly stepped forward and bowed deeply in gratitude. She instructed the attendant to pour two cups, then presented one to Zhong Sheng with both hands, saying, "This humble woman admires talent above all else, and is fortunate to have met you, sir. It is all due to a predestined connection from a past life. [Her words already contained a deeper meaning] But I am unworthy of such praise and favor. I offer this cup as a token of my gratitude." She then presented the other cup to Mei Sheng, saying, "I am deeply grateful for your gracious invitation, sir, to come with you and Master Zhong. This has fulfilled my long-held wish, and I am also deeply grateful for your introduction." Mei Sheng replied, "This is all due to the predestined connection between Brother Zhong and Lady Qian. I merely introduced them; I have no right to claim credit." "How dare I accept your thanks?" Zhong Sheng returned the toast to Qian Gui, saying, "I am a poor and lowly scholar, despised by my relatives and friends. Now, Qian Gui shows me such affection; it is as if my parents gave me life, and Qian Gui loves me dearly." [When Zhong Sheng first met Qian Gui, he was not afraid of his poverty and contempt, and told him his innermost thoughts. Qian Gui immediately knew he was an honest gentleman, so how could she not entrust her life to him?] "How could I not thank you for being such a kindred spirit?" Qian Gui said, "What do you mean, sir? How could Master Han remain poor and lowly forever? I am truly fortunate to have met you." They exchanged pleasantries. After everyone finished drinking, Qian Gui asked the attendant to bring out a new silk handkerchief, wrapped the fan in it, and put it in a box. [He was extremely solemn.]

He had first heard the attendant say that Zhong Sheng was indeed unparalleled in appearance. [The word "indeed" is easily overlooked by the reader, who might think it was just hearsay, or perhaps not true. Now, seeing him in person, it is indeed true.] It was exactly as he had heard before. Now, seeing his handsome and talented face, she was deeply moved and began to harbor thoughts of entrusting her life to him. [At this moment, her resolve to leave her life behind was fully formed. Although she had previously felt seven or eight parts love for him, she had not dared to make a decision until she had heard of his talents. The depth of her feelings is portrayed in layers.] She simply couldn't bring herself to speak of it. Her intentions were quite earnest.

Seeing this, Mei Sheng smiled and said, "I've heard that Qian Niang has been without a lover for years, but now she's fallen so deeply in love with Brother Zhong. It's truly a predestined marriage, beyond human control." Qian Gui said, "Who am I to presume to speak ill of others? I've only sworn since childhood to meet a lover who is both talented and handsome. Meeting you, Master Zhong, has fulfilled my wish. How could I not show my respect?" Mei Sheng said, "Brother Zhong, I see that Qian Niang loves you dearly. Why don't you stay here for the night?" [This is truly a good matchmaker.] Zhong Sheng said, "My humble appearance is hardly worthy to be paired with the moon goddess Chang'e. Now, thanks to Qian Niang's kindness, we can only be friends through poetry and wine; how could I dare to form a romantic union?" [The ancients said that one could understand someone's intentions by listening to their voice. Zhong Sheng's few words had already satisfied his desire to stay. However, he felt ashamed of his appearance and didn't know Qian Gui's feelings, hence his humble and hesitant words. Yet, lust is something many men admire, especially for a courtesan. Although Zhong Sheng was mature beyond his years, his heart was not made of stone or wood; how could he not be moved?] Qian Gui was eager to keep him but hesitated to speak abruptly. Hearing Mei Sheng's persuasion, he was overjoyed. Seeing Zhong Sheng's refusal, he quickly said, "I am a lowly prostitute; how could I dare to defile your body, sir? If I could serve you for one night on your pillow, I would have no regrets even in the netherworld." [A truly heartfelt statement] After saying this, he looked ashamed. Mei Sheng said, "If you, my brother, wish to decline, wouldn't you be letting down your kind intentions? If you insist further, it would not only spoil the mood but also feel rather impolite. I'll take my leave now and come back tomorrow morning to help you." He then rose to leave. Seeing their conversation, Zhong Sheng stopped and said, "Humans aren't plants or trees; how can they be without feelings? It's not that I'm declining, but I fear I'm not worthy of such comfort." He then bid farewell to Mei Sheng and saw him to the door. He then joined Qian Gui in entering the room, where he found it filled with the fragrance of incense and the aroma of musk, exceptionally elegant, and the embroidered curtains and brocade quilts were extremely luxurious. Although Zhong Sheng was a talented scholar, he was a poor one, usually living in a humble thatched hut and sleeping under paper curtains adorned with plum blossoms. Now, in this gentle haven, he felt as if he had ascended to heaven. He truly felt:

though his body hadn't reached the moon palace, he was in a celestial palace.

Qian Gui then asked the steward to brew a pot of fine tea. They each drank two cups and exchanged heartfelt words they hadn't spoken in a long time. Zhong Sheng, under the bright silver candlelight, took another close look at Qian Gui. Under the lamplight, the beauty was exceptionally alluring, truly beautiful.

Her hair was like clouds, black and styled in a fashionable way. Her body was as slender as a willow, delicately dressed in a fine, light garment. Her eyebrows were like crescent moons, lightly arched like two spring mountains; her teeth were like tender jade, neatly arranged like two rows of gourd seeds. Her eyes seemed to be asleep, like Yang Guifei before she awoke; her delicate face was uneven, as if she disliked the stains on her skin. Her nose was like a hanging pearl, her face like an oval seed. A fragrant aroma wafted from her mouth, her lips still fragrant with lingering rouge. Her ten fingers were slender, like jade bamboo shoots. Her double curves were narrow, [her feet.] truly like golden lotuses. [Is it only today that Zhong Sheng has seen Qian Gui's beauty? Have others not seen it for years? You must know that what others see of Qian Gui is not enough to fully express her beauty. Although Zhong Sheng is a man, his looks surpass those of a woman; for him to see Qian Gui so beautiful is truly the height of beauty. This praises not only Qian Gui, but also Zhong Sheng himself.]

They took each other to bed, undressed, and slept together. Zhong Sheng then gently caressed her entire body; truly:

Her body was smooth as cream, her bones warm as jade. Her upper mouth resembled a cherry, her lower mouth held the red peony. [Metaphor for her color] Her horizontal lips were like red beans, her vertical lips slightly revealing a purple rooster's comb. [Metaphor for her shape] Her nipples were like freshly peeled chicken head meat, enough to make one's soul melt at the touch; her vulva was like lotus petals split open, touching it aroused one instantly. [From head to toe, everything is praised, except this part, which is not praised to the fullest extent, which is wonderful. Even more wonderful is that Zhong Sheng, upon touching this, assumes that all women are like this, unaware that virgins are not. This describes a young man newly exposed to female beauty.]

Passion burned like fire, and their lovemaking began. One was experiencing the pleasure for the first time, the other had long admired her beauty. One admired her talent, the other loved her beauty. Their mutual love and their intimate moments were beyond description, even the most beautiful mandarin ducks bathing in water and phoenixes flitting among flowers could not fully capture it. After their encounter, Qian Gui rested her head on Zhong Sheng's arm and whispered, "I have something to say from the bottom of my heart, and I hope you will take pity on me. Would you be willing to listen?" Zhong Sheng replied, "Your deep affection touches my heart. What advice do you have? How could I dare not comply?" Qian Gui said, "I am a daughter of the Qian family, but I never imagined I would be forced into the ranks of entertainers. This is not my true desire, but I am forced by my parents' wishes. Although I now stand at the door offering my smiles, I have made a vow since childhood that I would meet a handsome and talented man and pledge my life to him. I am now nineteen years old." For years I've been like willow catkins in the wind, longing for the right person. Now that I've met you, my heart is made up. If it's just a fleeting pleasure, it's not my wish. I will entrust myself to you, vowing to never change my heart. Even if you despise me as a lowly courtesan and keep me as your servant, I will gladly accept. If you refuse, I will die. I've made this vow, and I will never waver. Will you have pity on me?" After saying this, she began to sob and weep. Eight lines describe the two of them: the man is attracted to the woman's beauty, and the woman admires the man's talent. They say: "Like

clouds and rain, they love and pity each other.
A perfect match on this auspicious night, a perfect time in their prime.
He caresses his jade-like face, [the word 'caresses' is subtle, one can't see his face but can touch it.] He gazes at his beautiful face.
And there is more enchanting moment, whispering sweet nothings by the pillow."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Sheng said with compassion, “You are speaking so frankly to someone I barely know. But I lost both my parents at a young age, was abandoned by my brother, and am now destitute, estranged from all my relatives and friends. I have proposed marriage several times, but everyone despises my humble origins. Therefore, I am already twenty years old and still unmarried.” [Zhong Sheng and Qian Gui are the main characters in the book, hence their detailed description. Earlier, it was written that Qian Gui was loved and praised from birth, started school at seven or eight, lost his sight at ten, became a hairdresser at thirteen, and now at nineteen has met Zhong Sheng. Zhong Sheng, too, could read from birth until five, could write essays at eight, lost his father at nine, his mother at eleven, left his maternal grandparents' home at fifteen, began school at seventeen, and now at twenty has met...] Qian Gui. How similar to Sima Qian's chronology! Besides these two, no third person has devoted so much ink to this. I thought that books held houses of gold and beauties as fair as jade. Therefore, I resolved to study diligently and strive with all my might. [Qian Gui was determined to find a spouse, and Zhong Sheng was determined to strive with all his might; both achieved their goals. Where there's a will, there's a way.] Perhaps Heaven will reward my hard work, and if I am fortunate enough, I will find another spouse. Now, I am fortunate to have met you, Fang Qing, and I am deeply infatuated with your affection. I am grateful that you have entrusted your life to me; how fortunate I am! I originally intended to accept this fate, but I am a poor scholar, and I fear I will fail you in your life; secondly, I am penniless, how can I redeem my son from servitude; thirdly, you are his beloved daughter, how could he easily marry you off; fourthly... Originally, it was said that marriage could only be completed after a stroke of luck, but how could things go against this? Besides, I am but a poor scholar of humble origins, how could I be worthy of your beauty and grace? For these reasons, I cannot comply. Please consider this carefully, my esteemed friend.”

Qian Gui said, “With your talent, my lord, how could a dragon remain confined to a pond? You will rise to prominence soon, so what is there to worry about? [This breaks the phrase about being a poor scholar.] As for the matter of redeeming myself, I am his own daughter, how can I be asked for a price? [This breaks the phrase about redeeming myself.] Moreover, I have earned no less than a thousand taels of gold for my mother over the years. If you insist on a price, I will arrange it myself, without you needing to trouble yourself. If you say that a daughter is unwilling to marry easily, I originally refused to entertain guests, but my mother persuaded me earnestly. It was originally agreed that I would be allowed to marry if I met a talented man, but… "Having heard these words, I have agreed. If you now refuse, I swear to die for you. [This contradicts the line about a daughter's reluctance to serve another.] Now that I have served you, I will never again suffer such humiliation. My heart is already with you; from this day forward, I will live as a member of your family, and die as a ghost of your household. You said you would only take a wife after shedding her blue robe, but now I only wish to be your concubine; how dare I hope to be your consort? [This contradicts the line about her hoping to marry later, and dispels the doubts Zhong Sheng had expressed earlier.] Why not return to you now, and manage the household affairs for you? This will also free you from the distraction of your studies. We can find a wife after you pass the imperial examination. I have made my plans; will you have any pity for me?" [These words are not her true feelings, but rather a statement that she would be willing to become a minor star. Firstly, to show her determination, and secondly, to move Zhong Sheng's heart so that she would not refuse again; truly a wise heart.] Zhong

Sheng was deeply grateful and said, “Your words are truly heartfelt. How could I possibly refuse? But you said you would marry me now, and if I were lucky, I would seek another match. Such words are not something a true friend would utter. How could I possibly accept such kindness from you? I am truly moved to tears. I will naturally take you as my principal wife, how could I possibly be relegated to a minor role? [This is a brilliant way to break through his defenses. Not only should you not say this, but I also do not want to hear it, which only deepens my affection.] But if I were to tell your mother today, she would see me as a poor scholar and might make a fuss. [This reveals the true nature of a petty person.] You need not show it in your words or expression. Let us wait for the imperial examination this autumn. Perhaps Heaven will take pity on our love and grant us some advancement, then I will marry you. If, unfortunately, we fail, we will find another way.” [Do not think that Zhong Sheng is a romantic; even a man of iron would not be able to refuse Qian Gui after seeing such love. These two words demonstrate his firm resolve to marry her.] Qian Gui said, "Hearing your words is my deepest wish, and several months will pass easily. But I fear that after you pass the imperial examination, which wealthy young lady or rich girl wouldn't want such a handsome and charming husband? I fear I'll have to live a life of regret." [Although she might not suspect Zhong Sheng of being such a person, she couldn't help but consider this possibility, so it was better to speak out now.] Zhong Sheng sighed and said, "My name is Zhong Qing (meaning 'devoted to love'), how could I be a fickle man? Besides, are there women as affectionate and beautiful as you? If I were to betray you in the future, my future would be bleak." [These words dispelled any suspicion that he would marry another, and also made it clear that he was definitely not a fickle man.]

Upon hearing this, Qian Gui hurriedly put on her clothes and rose to thank him. Zhong Sheng embraced her and said, "Why must we be like this? But you should still obey your mother's wishes as before, and wait for me to come to my house. It's not too late to be a virtuous wife then." Qian Gui said, "Your words treat me like an animal. I have given myself to you, this body belongs to you. How could I possibly dishonor you? If my mother disregards family ties and tries to coerce me, I will die nine times over to repay you." [This shows Qian Gui's unwavering resolve, foreshadowing Yao Zemin's visit later.] Zhong Sheng said, "I was precisely afraid of this, which is why I advised you. We have already made our vows, and we are husband and wife for life. If you cannot bear the humiliation, wouldn't that leave me with a lifetime of regret? Besides, do you not know your heart? It's not too late to be a virtuous wife again after you escape this hell." [These words show Zhong Sheng's deeper affection, which can finally break Qian Gui's heart.] Qian Gui said, "Your affection is so profound that even in death I will smile." She then laughed and said, "I, Qian Gui, am truly blessed to have such a kind and righteous man; my life's wish is fulfilled." She then said to Zhong Sheng, "Please stay a few days, my lord, to express my humble feelings. Please come often afterward, so I won't worry about you." Zhong Sheng said, "How could I possibly hide this from you? My family is destitute; how could I visit often? Besides, the imperial examination is approaching, and I must study diligently. If I have a little free time, I will come to see you; there's no need to worry." Qian Gui said, "Your ambition is so high; how could I dare disturb your peace of mind? I only ask to stay a few days to ease my mind; how could I bear to leave so abruptly?" Zhong Sheng agreed.

The two chatted intimately, their feelings rekindled, and they spent another night together. Just as they were making their plans, dawn broke, and the sun shone through the gauze window. The two rose and got out of bed. Zhong Sheng looked at him and was truly captivated.

Though his eyes were closed,
his beauty surpassed that of a lotus flower. His eyebrows were delicately arched, like the moon, and his hair was loosely styled.

He watched Qian Gui wash and dress, personally smoothing his hair and drawing his eyebrows. A feeling of affection welled up within him, words could not express it. Just as they finished washing and dressing, Mei Sheng called out as he entered, "Brother Zhong, are you up yet? I've come to help you up." Zhong Sheng hurriedly went out to greet him, saying, "Why have you come so early, brother?" Mei Sheng laughed and said, "I was afraid you might not wake up from your sweet dream after going to the balcony, so I came early to startle you out of your reverie." They laughed heartily at each other. They sat down in the main room. The attendant brought out two cups of tea, which the two drank. Mei Sheng took the money he had spent on prostitution the night before and handed it to the attendant. The clerk went into the room and told Qian Gui that Qian Gui refused to accept the money and asked the clerk to return it to Mei Sheng. [This matter is absolutely essential; otherwise, it's unacceptable for Zhong Sheng to patronize the prostitute for free, but he also can't afford to pay for it himself. Yesterday, Mei Sheng persuaded him to stay overnight, so paying on his behalf today is the only way to show true friendship. If Qian Gui refuses, the two of them will have made a secret pact, which is beyond Mei Sheng's expectations.] Mei Sheng had no choice but to accept the money. A short while later, Qian Gui came out and sat down with them. After breakfast, they chatted for a while, then brought out wine and food, and the three of them sat down to drink, mainly reciting new poems and playing drinking games.

Meanwhile, Hao Shi had seen Zhong Sheng yesterday and found him dressed in tattered clothes, which was quite unpleasant. Because her daughter had asked her to prepare food and wine, she had to tidy him up and send him off. Later, she received Mei Sheng's hospitality fee, but wasn't too angry, thinking he would leave in the evening. Unexpectedly, her daughter had kept him there without paying a single penny for the night, leaving her full of resentment. It was truly: "

Never before have I seen such a strange patron, He infuriates the greedy old woman." [She had never seen anything like it before, so she couldn't blame him.] 】

Today, seeing his daughter use her own money to buy food, he became even angrier. Out of consideration for his daughter, he didn't say anything, and sat angrily in his own bedroom, refusing to come and see her.

He left everything to the caretakers, brothel makers, and others. [This vividly depicts the two contrasting desires of a brothel madam and a young woman.] After several rounds of drinks, Mei Sheng asked, "Brother, are you going home today?" Zhong Sheng replied, "I was going home too, but Qian Niang insisted I stay, and I couldn't bear to refuse her kindness, so I'll stay another day." Mei Sheng laughed, "As the proverb says, 'One cannot forget the fish after catching the fish.' You two are so close; how will you thank me, the matchmaker?" The two replied in unison, "We are deeply grateful and will repay your kindness in the future. We will never forget; let us share a cup today." They stood up, each poured a cup, and offered it to Mei Sheng. Mei Sheng smiled and drank it, then returned the toast and sat down. Mei Sheng then asked, "Brother Zhong met Qian Niang yesterday and presented her with a new poem. Does Qian Niang have a fine response?" Qian Gui smiled and said, "Master Zhong's excellent work is already highly praised. How dare I, a humble person, respond with my lowly words? Master Zhong said he was poor since childhood and was looked down upon by his relatives and friends. He witnessed the fickleness of the world and the coldness of human relationships, and couldn't help but sigh. He composed a tune of 'Magnolia Flower Slow,' but dared not present it, lest you laugh at me." Mei Sheng said, "Qian Niang, there's no need to be so modest. Please enlighten me." Qian Gui then recited: "

I think the nobility and lowliness of life are all predetermined, so what does it matter? Alas, people all bully the poor, and everyone rushes to be rich, making fools of themselves. Thinking about the affairs of the world, there are always more and more, so why be in such a hurry? How can the rich and noble not fall, and how can the poor not prosper? In despair, time is limited, who is weak and who is strong? Why must it be like this, with a thousand ugly behaviors and ten thousand kinds of wickedness? Only things are allowed to be reversible, and how can life be so certain of vicissitudes?" It's laughable that everyone is asleep; how can one cleanse their filth?

Mei Sheng, upon hearing this, exclaimed, "Wonderful! Wonderful! She has thoroughly condemned the ways of the world. Qian Niang is truly a confidante of Brother Zhong!" He then said to Zhong Sheng, "Since Qian Niang has presented you with such a fine work, you must respond. Perhaps a poem or a lyric, please offer one as well." Zhong Sheng replied, "Since you have asked, how could I not present my humble work? I am deeply grateful for Qian Niang's kindness, and I have a few words to express my gratitude, which I will call 'Unforgettable Feelings.' These are merely my humble words; please do not laugh too much." He then recited: "The washerwoman's fame endures

, she pities the prince and offers him food, her chivalry fills her heart. The handsome man of Zhangtai, in his poverty, recognizes Han Lang. The courtesan Hong Fu's eyes are extraordinary, she runs to Li Jing and returns to Tang. She marries the Prince of Qi, the Liang concubine is prominent, praised for a thousand years. The wise woman, unparalleled in her captivity, recognizes Wen Gong and ultimately restores him, a hero follows her in death. The fugitive Wu Xu begs for food, a washerwoman offers him a jug of water. The deeds of heroes belong to the young lady, let us try to tell her fragrant name. Even today, she favors me, and there is Qian Niang again."

Qian Gui said, "Who am I, my lord, to presume to be so virtuous? It is truly a case of 'giving a peach and receiving a precious jade in return.'" She then ordered her attendant to bring out a brush, inkstone, and a piece of white silk, asking Zhong Sheng to write. Zhong Sheng wrote Qian Gui's poem first, followed by his own. After it was finished, Mei Sheng took it, read it aloud, and praised it highly. Qian Gui said, "To write in my humble language alongside Your Excellency Zhong is truly like fine gold paired with stubborn iron, or beautiful jade with rubble." Mei Sheng said, "You two need not be modest. Both poems are excellent; if they were to spread, they would be highly sought after in Luoyang. Why doesn't Qian Gui compose a new version of these two poems and sing them aloud? We would listen attentively, wouldn't we?" Qian Gui readily agreed, and they each offered a large cup of wine. She first sang Zhong Sheng's poem. After they finished drinking, Mei Sheng offered a cup in return. After resting for a while, they each offered wine again. Qian Gui then sang his poem, and the two men were overjoyed. They drank and conversed merrily until nightfall, when Mei Sheng departed.

Zhong Sheng and Qian Gui, like twin lotus blossoms, flitting among flowers and butterflies, were deeply in love. They stayed another day, then he earnestly requested to return home. Knowing she couldn't keep him, Qian Gui took out a silver coin from her bag, saying, "This contains about thirty taels of silver, which I have accumulated over the years. I give it to you as a token for your lamp expenses. If it's insufficient, you can take more later. If I have something to say, I will ask someone to invite you, and I hope you will come immediately." Zhong Sheng said, "If you invite me, I will certainly come. But I already find your love overwhelming; how can I accept this gift?" Qian Gui said, "What do you mean by 'other concubine'? I already belong to you, and this mere possession is yours as well." Touched by her words, Zhong Sheng accepted it. The two parted reluctantly, holding hands and weeping. Qian Gui then said, "My lord, please take good care of yourself. After the autumn examinations, I will listen attentively to good news." Zhong Sheng replied, "You should also take good care of yourself. Remember what I said earlier. You must not suffer humiliation because of me, which would only make me more uneasy." They parted solemnly. Indeed:

A blind prostitute is better than a man with eyes.
A man with eyebrows is not as good as a woman. [These two sentences are the main theme of the book.]

Now, let's talk about Zhong Sheng arriving home and opening the door. This room was originally the study of the old gentleman Zhen Jiaxun. After Zhen Jiaxun became a tribute student and was selected as an instructor, he took his entire family with him to take up his post. He mortgaged this room to Zhong Sheng for a very low price, just as if he were looking after the house. Although it was a small room, it had a small courtyard on all four sides, with several green calyx trees, peach trees, and red apricot trees in the courtyard. The room had a bamboo bed, wooden table, paper curtains, and cloth quilts, and it was kept very clean inside and out.

When Zhong Sheng was at home, he was extremely poor, often eating only nine meals a day for every thirty days. But there was no way to go hungry in the long run, so he had to spend his days running around fetching firewood and cooking, acting as the cook for the local government. He also had to sweep the floor and water the flowers, leaving him only half a day to read. Today, Qian Gui gave him a packet of silver. He sat down, opened it, and saw that it was all fine ingots. He couldn't help but shed tears, saying, "Since I was young, my parents have passed away, and my brother and sister-in-law sold our belongings and disappeared. I relied on my maternal grandfather for several years. After his death, he gave me some savings, which allowed me to find this house to live in and sustain myself for two years. Over the years, I have been fortunate to receive gifts from Brother Mei to supplement my salary, which has allowed me to survive until today. [Here it is mentioned that a thousand taels of silver in return would not be an exaggeration.]" "All my other relatives and family are like strangers. I never expected to meet Qian Gu so unexpectedly today. Not only did she give me such a generous sum, but she also entrusted her life to me. I will never forget her kindness and virtue. I will take advantage of this time to study diligently. If I can make further progress this autumn and complete her life's work, that will be my way of repaying her kindness." The next day, he went to the bookstore and bought many scrolls, essays, and policy proposals. He also had several sets of clothes made [this sentence is cleverly chosen, otherwise, how could he later give a shirt and trousers to Lady Xi?] and prepared several months' worth of firewood and rice, fearing that cooking for himself would interfere with his studies. He hired a young servant from Jiangbei named Yong'er to serve him [this shows the brilliance of Zhong Yong]. His daily wage was one star. He then formulated some topics and selected some articles, rarely leaving the house except for the examination period. In his spare time, he buried himself in his studies. He truly rose at cockcrow and did not rest until the third watch, preparing for the fierce battle of the autumn examination. [Let's stop here for now.]

The other day, Zhong Sheng saw a new book in a bookstore called "Dongxi Beilu" (Records of Dongxi). Upon opening it, he found it was a recent work by Tong Zihong, a native of Xin'an in the capital. He bought it to read at his leisure. You ask who this Tong Zihong is? He is the elder brother of Tong Zida, and his mindset is very different from his younger brother's. He is full of literary talent but unwilling to serve in office, preferring to indulge in the beauty of nature, traveling to famous mountains and rivers, and experiencing local customs. His family is also very wealthy, but he entrusts the family affairs to his son and only travels around. Some people advised him, "Why not stay at home and enjoy life? Why travel so much?" He replied, "A great man's ambition lies in all directions. How can I be a slave to money, growing old in vain in this old home?" [I have seen the words of such a wealthy man, but I have not seen the man himself.] One day,

he thought, "I have traveled to the eastern and western Guangdong, Wu, Chu, Qin, and Shu, but I have never been to Yunnan and Guizhou. I have heard that although the Miao and Man lands are close to the Central Plains, people are afraid of their ruggedness, and few have explored them thoroughly. Why don't I go and record a story about the scenery of the barbarians? Not only will it broaden my horizons, but it will also leave something for future generations to know." He was determined to go, but his relatives and friends all tried to dissuade him, saying, "The Miao and Man lands are shrouded in miasma. How can you risk your life for a trivial matter like sightseeing? Have you not heard the saying, 'Even a son of a thousand pieces of gold will not stand under a collapsing roof'?" He laughed and said, "As you all say, no one dies on their bed or in their house!" [The insight of a wise man.] So he took several family members and some travel expenses and went to Nanjing.

Tong Zihong only stayed at Tong Zihong's house for one day. Finding the brother's stingy manner unpleasant, he moved to the Taoist priest's room at Chaotian Palace. At that time, the professor of the Yingtian Prefectural School was surnamed Guang [as mentioned in Chapter 9, where Professor Guang recommends a student to the Li family; this is where his true identity is revealed]. His ancestral home was Huizhou. He and Tong Zihong were originally fellow students, and they got along very well at home. Upon arriving here, he went to visit him the next day. Professor Guang, hearing of his arrival, hurriedly rushed in to greet him, and they reminisced about many things they had longed to say since their last meeting. After chatting for a while, Tong Zihong noticed that the walls and walls of his school were dilapidated and in a terrible state. He said, "Brother She, you are the head of the local teachers' college. How come your school is in such a state of disrepair? Why don't you report it to the prefectural or county government for repairs?" Guang Guan sighed, "Not only my humble school, but even the Dacheng Hall of the Sage and the two temples have leaks. I have reported it several times, but they have all turned a deaf ear. What can I do? Yesterday, I had a funny conversation. I was there with two of my colleagues, reviewing the students' monthly assignments, when the gatekeeper came in and said, 'That thing on the archway outside has fallen down.' I didn't understand what he meant, so I asked him what it was. He said, 'That thing. I know what it's called.' I even scolded him, 'You stupid idiot! It must have a name. What's this 'that thing'?' So we went out to look, and it turned out to be a tile cover on the archway pillar that had fallen down because the pillar head had rotted." "Come on," said Tong Zihong. "I don't know what it's called either, so I can only laugh it off and say to the door frame, 'This one just fell down, all that stuff, how would I know?' Later, I checked various books and found out it was called 'Huxiu' (护朽). Old Master, please think about it, even the archway outside a Confucian temple, a place for everyone to see, is treated like this, what more so for this one?"

Tong Zihong turned to his family and said, "Take fifty taels of silver and send it to Master Guang to fix up the house." The family took it out and presented it to Master Guang, who said, "Old Master, I haven't even offered you a cup of wine, how dare I accept such a generous gift? But I dare not refuse, for I would be letting you down. Although this house is my residence, it is an official residence. I will definitely report Old Master's righteous act to the authorities." Tong Zihong said, "That is absolutely not possible. I am not seeking fame, but merely giving this to an old friend to do some minor repairs to shelter him from the wind and rain." Master Guang accepted the offer, thanked him, and accepted the money. Tong Zihong took his leave and returned to his residence, and Master Guang immediately returned the visit, hosting a banquet the next day to invite him. Knowing that Tong Zihong valued simplicity and disliked ostentatious people, he invited two or three of his favorite poor students to keep him company. They chatted and found themselves getting along very well. Tong Zihong had no companions at home, so he invited them to visit often to alleviate his loneliness. These two or three scholars, knowing he was a hospitable wealthy man, were naturally happy to go, and so they visited his home daily to chat and drink heartily, needless to say. [It is said that these two or three scholars accompanied Tong Zihong daily at Chaotian Palace, a seemingly disparate pair.]

One day, Tong Zihong and his friends strolled around Chengen Temple on Sanshan Street. Seeing many antique shops, they looked at each one, but found nothing of interest. Finally, they came across one shop with a few items that caught their eye. One of his friends saw a jade bowl in a box and reached out to examine it. The shopkeeper, seeing that they were all dressed like scholars, assumed they weren't customers and sat there arrogantly, ignoring them. Seeing him pick up the bowl, the man quickly stood up and said, "Hey, look carefully! You lazy bum, just looking from afar, but you accidentally dropped it. Can you afford to pay for it?" He then reached out to snatch it. Tong Zihong, seeing him underestimate his friend, was secretly furious. He took the bowl and asked, "How much is this bowl worth? You dare to assume I can't afford it?" The man, seeing Tong Zihong's words, glanced at him and, noticing his ordinary clothes, assumed he wasn't a customer. He sneered and said, "If someone else were buying it, it would cost 180. But if you want it, sir, I'll give you a discount. It'll be 20 taels of silver. Take it." [A petty person's small-mindedness in business is forgivable. But using the word "you" is utterly despicable and reveals the snobbish nature of a petty person.] Upon hearing this, Tong Zihong smashed the bowl against a stone in the street. [Chen Zi'ang smashed his erhu to gain fame, Tong Zihong smashed his bowl to vent his anger, yet both actions were satisfying.] He instructed his family, "Give him twenty taels of silver." [I have an elder relative surnamed Li, who was newly appointed as the deputy governor of Jiangyin. At the New Year, he went to the provincial capital to pay his respects to the governor. While browsing the lantern market on Ping Shi Street, he was dressed like a soldier, quite unusual. He saw a shop displaying a finely crafted gauze screen on a rosewood frame and asked, "How much does this screen cost?" The lantern seller replied, "You probably can't afford it, why ask?" Another lantern seller laughed and said, "We'll give it to you ourselves. We're afraid you don't have a place to put it. If you like it, give us thirty taels of silver and have it carried away." Mr. Li was in the provincial capital at the time. Upon returning, he sent four soldiers with thirty taels of silver to carry the screen, instructing them, "If they refuse, bring the two shopkeepers to the prison." When they arrived and explained the situation, the two men regretted their actions and had no choice but to give him the screen. These two incidents are similar, so I mention them together to express my feelings.] The man argued, "This was consigned by someone, and they were asking for fifty taels. Yesterday, they offered forty taels, but I haven't sold it yet. How could you smash it?" His friend, already resentful from his earlier insults, was secretly pleased to see Tong Zihong smash it. He said, "You asked for twenty taels, and he gave you twenty taels. What else is there to say? You've already belittled me. He's the famous Mr. Tong of Huizhou, a millionaire. He could afford tens of thousands of shops like yours. Why are you so dismissive?" This street was very bustling, and many people were watching. The friend explained the situation to them. The crowd, both annoyed and disdainful, and driven by social obligation, naturally flattered the wealthy man, criticizing the shopkeeper. He swallowed his anger and had nothing to say.

Tong Zihong, chatting and laughing with the crowd, strolled out of Jubao Gate and arrived at Bao'en Temple. Tired from walking, he went to the guesthouse. There sat a large, fat monk, with a round face and a thick head, dressed in a silk robe, bald, sitting in a large armchair. Upon seeing them, he slightly raised his buttocks and said, "Please sit." They all sat down, but the monk ignored them completely and didn't even order tea. Tong Zihong, finding his manner obnoxious, asked with a smile, "Are you the guest master, sir?" The monk replied half-heartedly, "Indeed." Tong Zihong asked, "May I ask what temple this Bao'en Temple was before?" The guest master replied, "It was Changgan Temple before." Tong Zihong asked, "And before Changgan Temple?" The monk hesitated for a moment, then said, "I don't know." Tong Zihong laughed, "Your esteemed temple..." "This is the largest temple in Nanjing, frequented by countless nobles and wealthy people. We poor scholars are nothing to speak of. If we were questioned by such people, we wouldn't even know the temple's origins. Not only would we be barred from the temple, but we wouldn't even give alms to those who wish to." The monk asked, "Does the gentleman know this?" Tong Zihong replied, "How could I not know?" The monk quickly stood up, his face beaming with a smile, and respectfully inquired, "I was truly rude just now. This humble monk thought you were an ordinary person, not a learned gentleman." He ordered a young monk to bring tea.

After the tea, he ordered a fruit platter. Sixteen kinds of brightly colored fruits were carefully selected, and he was repeatedly offered more. After eating for a while, he ordered a vegetarian meal. The fruit platter was quickly removed, and twelve bowls of sumptuous vegetarian dishes, steamed buns, rice, and a soup of fine noodles were brought in.

After the meal, he ordered a pot of fine Maojian tea to be brewed so he could rinse his mouth. The monk smiled and bowed, asking, "May I ask, sir, what temple preceded our Changgan Temple?" Tong Zihong replied, "Emperor Wu of Liang specifically chose this site to build Changgan Temple. Before that, it was just a large open space. What's so difficult about that?" His friends, initially assuming Tong Zihong knew the details, listened intently. Upon hearing this, they couldn't help but burst into laughter.

The monk, initially taking Tong Zihong's words as truth, showered him with endless flattery, preparing tea, fruit, soup, and rice, eager to learn more. Only then did he realize he was being tricked, and unable to speak, he grew anxious. Beads of sweat the size of his fingers dripped from his bald head. [This passage describes the monk's frantic flattery and inquiries, revealing the reason for his anxiety. It's reminiscent of a humorous anecdote: A monk returned home in the snow. Inside, snowflakes dripped from his head. His disciple asked, "Master, where did that water come from?" The master replied, "It's snow that's seeping into the ground." This monk's head was probably also dripping with snow.] Tong Zihong smiled, rose, and bowed, saying, "Thank you for your trouble." He then smiled and went with the others to offer their congratulations, instructing his servant, "Take two taels of silver as incense money for this monk." The servant took out a packet of silver from his side and weighed it. The monk, seeing that he had been given two taels of silver, with a surplus after deducting the cost of tea and food, was secretly delighted. Seeing that he was so generous, not like a poor man, he asked the servant, "What is this gentleman's surname? Where does he live? He doesn't sound like a local." The servant replied, "Our master is the famous Tong Da Bai Wan of Huizhou. The Tong Da Bai Wan living in this city is his brother." The servant, annoyed by the monk's arrogant attitude, said, "When he came first, you weren't so presumptuous. You flattered him so much that you were happy. If you wanted to ask him for 1500, you treated it like a hair on a felt mat." Saying this, he hurried away to his master. The monk was filled with remorse, but later he taught him a lot and never dared to judge people by their clothes again. He treated everyone, rich or poor, with the utmost respect. But that's another story.

Tong Zihong spent over a month traveling through various monasteries and Taoist temples in and around the city. He then bought a boat and traveled by both water and land, eventually reaching Guizhou and Yunnan. He stayed there for over a year before returning, having indeed compiled a handwritten record titled *Dongxi Beilu* (Records of Dongxi). He then commissioned craftsmen to carve exquisite printing blocks, which were then distributed to various bookstores. Anyone with even a modicum of literacy enjoyed reading it, except for his younger brother, who was not. When his brother brought him several dozen copies, Tong Zihong opened one and laughed loudly, "Colorful and green, one word, two crosses, he recognizes me, I don't recognize him!" [In life, recognizing money is enough; why bother with this?] He then laughed, "Useful, useful." He handed it to a servant boy named Meilang, who was in charge of accounts, saying, "Keep it to cover soy sauce jars and vinegar vats; it'll save you a few coins for paper. Don't waste it."

Now, what exactly is recorded in this book? Let me tell you in detail. It says:

The people of Dongxi are diverse, and their experiences vary greatly. I witnessed it firsthand; though my account is brief, the details are complex. The Miao people are a branch of Panhu, and are prevalent only in the Yelang region. There are White Miao, Flowery Miao, Green Miao, Black Miao, and Red Miao. Their clothing is distinguished by color. They live scattered in the valleys, but gather in villages. They are vengeful and murderous, their revenge never ending. Hence the proverb: "A Miao feud lasts nine generations."

Those closer to home are called "cooked Miao," while those further away are called "uncooked Miao." The "cooked Miao" suffer the hardships of labor, toiling like oxen and horses. The men wear their hair in a topknot, adorned with brocade. They weave cloth for clothing, with holes for their heads. The women adorn themselves with copper bells from the sea, tied with tassels, their earrings are over an inch long, and their hairpins are several feet long. They celebrate the New Year on the first day of the tenth month, pounding fish and meat in a wooden trough to offer sacrifices to Panhu, chanting as a ritual. When they see officials, regardless of rank, they all address them as "Old Emperor." They refer to people from the interior as "Han people," because the Han dynasty was the first to establish contact with the southwest. The Jiugu Miao, located between Xinglong and Kaili, celebrate the New Year in the eleventh month. King Ma Yin of Chu sent generals to pacify the eight barbarian tribes, who then became the indigenous people. They mostly lived in multi-story houses and wore blue robes. Women wore finely pleated skirts, the pleats resembling butterfly patterns, ancient and pleasing to the eye. They celebrated the sixth day of the sixth lunar month as New Year's Day. Their customs included worshipping ghosts and practicing witchcraft. They carried knives and crossbows and were often thieves. They ate fish and shrimp but abstained from the meat of birds and beasts. At burial, the body was covered with an umbrella, and after a year, it was burned. The Song and Cai families were descendants of the states of Song and Cha during the Spring and Autumn period. They were simple and honest, their clothing and customs completely abandoned, resembling the Miao people. Many of the Tianmiao were descendants of the Zhou dynasty, surnamed Ji, and still practiced Zhou rites. During ancestral worship, the head of the family sang prayers in their local dialect. The Zijiang Miao dressed like the Han people. They were strong and skilled in battle, also literate, and extremely bloodthirsty. If they encountered an enemy, they would eat his flesh raw. When a husband died, the wife would remarry before the burial, saying, "The funeral has a master." The Ye Miao were sold in Baina, where the old were treated as inferior and the young as superior; even elders were dragged elsewhere to be sold. [It is unknown who bought this old man and what use he has for him.] The Kemeng and Guyang tribes live in Jinzhu, choosing to dwell in caves carved into cliffs, hundreds of feet high. They either hang bamboo ladders or climb vines, like monkeys.

The Western Miao are brave and warlike, burying their dead without coffins, and do not know how to perform rituals. [This is imitating ancient practices.] They kill each other when drunk, but become friends again when sober. [Although they do not kill each other, many fight when drunk and then become friends again when sober.] The Eastern Miao are fierce, wearing short blue clothes. Their women wear flowered shirts, sleeveless, just enough to cover their front and back, with thin pleated skirts that barely cover their knees. The descendants of the Long clan use coffins for the dead and build stone tombs. They offer sacrifices to their ancestors on the seventh day of the seventh month with great reverence. The Four Dragons families still wear white clothes, [a Hui custom]. Their mourning clothes are changed to blue. [A proverb says, "Wearing blue clothes and a mourning hat, the dead ghost knows what's going on." This is probably the origin of the saying.] There are three surnames: Zhang, Liu, and Zhao. One is called the Big-Headed Dragon Family. The men wear a mixture of horse and ox tail hair, coiled into a topknot, and covered with a pointed hat. Another is called the Dog-Eared Dragon Family. The women wear their hair in a bun shaped like dog ears. [Recently, women have been wearing long buns shaped like mule kidneys; what should they be called?] Another is called the Small-Headed Dragon Family, and another is the Zengzhu Dragon Family; their customs are no different from the Dragon Family. The local people in Xintiansi intermarry with the Wei people and are gradually adopting Han customs. Those

in Shibing are descendants of migrants. Those in Qiongshui are fierce and suicidal. The villagers are also called Yaomiao, and they wear clothes made of leaves. [This saves a lot of cloth.] Between Xintian and Danxing, the barbarians are fierce and live by fishing and hunting, wearing straw raincoats. The Dong people use Miao as their surname. [What a large clan!] They are fond of killing. A single disagreement can lead to war. [This is even stronger than the internal strife within the Chinese people.] Those in Shiqian and Langxi are mostly like Han people. Those living in Yongcong, who reside in Hongzhou, a place of considerable fertility, do not cultivate the land but delight in plunder. In western Guangdong, there is a beggar who enjoys playing the erhu and the six-pipe flute; his daughter is skilled in Han and Chu songs. When a daughter is born, she returns to her mother's home, saying, "One daughter comes, one daughter goes."

The customs of the Bafan people are such that women labor while men relax. [At night, men labor while women relax, so that things are balanced.] They are diligent in farming and weaving. They wear long skirts that trail on the ground and white cloth wrapped around their heads. They consider the full moon of the tenth month as the beginning of the year. Burials are not done during the day but must be at night, saying, "I cannot bear to let my relatives know." [This is called deceiving the ghosts.] The beggar wears a blue robe and never leaves his side without a knife. The old fox, whose attire is unpredictable, buries the body face down when dead, saying, "To avoid oppression for the dead." They feign a rough and unreliable lifestyle, living in a thorny, dilapidated house with no door; when they leave, they seal the door with mud. [Why not take the trouble?] When parents die, their clothes and hats are burned, as if giving them to ghosts. [This custom has recently become popular.] The Bo people are known as the Twelve Chiefs. The Lu Gui and the Qishan cannot understand each other's language, so the Bo people translate for them. They wear felt shirts, and the women play bamboo flutes, producing mournful sounds. On the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, they celebrate the Star Return Festival, eating raw meat, offering sacrifices to Heaven to celebrate the New Year, and not asking for fire on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month. They are fierce and warlike. They live in the same place as the deer in the hut, and are also fond of Buddhism, carrying prayer beads and reciting mantras skillfully; their prayers are always answered. The Bo people later settled in Yuanmou. The women carried loads, and the men carried children. They are extremely clean, pounding rice daily and not eating leftover food. They can curse, transform into spirits to avenge their enemies, and are also adept at transforming into dogs, horses, and other creatures. There are also two types of people, male in the first half of the month and female in the second half. [Recently, many young people in China are male during the day and female at night.] The Qishan have various breeds, including flower-beggars and red-beggars. They are barefoot, run well, and do not cherish their lives. [This is not limited to the Qishan; they are found throughout the world.] The lower body is covered with cloth, called a "barrel skirt." They are skilled at making poisoned arrows; those struck by them die instantly, and those exposed to their breath also perish. They are given coffins but not buried; instead, they are placed in caves or near large rivers. The "shaving-headed tufts" (犋犋) are men and women who cut their hair short, leaving only an inch or so; [combs and hairpins are useless to them]. The "pig-dung tufts" (犋犋) are fond of uncleanliness, eating with dogs and pigs. They have vertical, piercing eyes, and are among the strangest of the barbarians, with two straight eyes. Evil people wear blue, saying, "Encountering them brings misfortune."

Even in Mayang, they are rarely seen. Bozhou, the ancient land of Yelang. The Miao people there are fond of cursing, and their livelihood is hunting. They wear tiger skin clothing and adorn their heads with tiger tails. The barbarians of Lizhou, descendants of the Baima clan, number in the dozens, including: Xiqing Barbarians, Sanwang Barbarians, Qiongbu Barbarians, Fengpa Barbarians, Baosai Barbarians, Jinglang Barbarians, Azong Barbarians, Wu Barbarians, Bai Barbarians, Lianglin Barbarians, and Shanhou Barbarians. They do not trade with silver; the Han use silk, tea, and cloth, while the barbarians use salt, horses, and red pepper. Their customs are superstitious, and they call themselves "Changri Du'er Zhu." Jianchang, with its crude customs and strong-willed nature, is similar to Lizhou. Songpan, the ancient land of Ranlong, is covered in snow and freezing cold, which persists even in the height of summer. People live in houses built of piled stones, some reaching over ten zhang high [How dangerous! How does this compare to standing under a precarious wall?], called "Diaofang" (碉房). [A rather elegant name.] When a relative dies, they wear mourning clothes [Stronger than far-reaching desires.] They do not bathe for five years. [This is truly the strength of Guandong; some never bathe for life.] In cases of adultery, they pay money to settle scores and abandon their wives. [Those with more money are very happy.] [Only virgins and married women are not forbidden; those who commit crimes are killed by beating a drum with a long wooden pole. [This is much more satisfying than execution according to the law.] The rich are killed by merchants. [The wealthy get advantages everywhere.] Their houses are burned, and their fields and livestock are seized. There are many tribes without a central authority. Each tribe elects a leader. The wheat-covered barbarians live on white sand, marry cows, play the sheng (a type of reed pipe), and drink wine. They carve wooden figures to worship their ancestors, carry firewood and expenses, and work hard to make a living. The Luolu are originally called Lulu, and there are two kinds, black and white. The black ones are the largest tribe, tall and dark-skinned, with black faces and prominent teeth, hence the name Luogui (Luo Ghost). They carry knives and crossbows, and drag a sheepskin on their left shoulder and back. They are the best soldiers among the Miao people. There is a proverb: "The Luogui of Shuixi, cut off head and tail."

The noble men and women do not sleep on the same bed, but secretly meet at midnight. [It is said that a maid is not as good as a prostitute, and a prostitute is not as good as a thief; this Luogui probably comes from these sayings.] [A man shaved his beard. An old boy took an exam and shaved his beard completely. His friend was shocked and asked him why. He replied, "People don't know the hardships of life; they'll think I'm just slacking off." Is this young boy who's a "monk" also a "monk"?] Women braid their hair, saving on many decorations. They wear felt shirts as gifts, use chicken bones to predict the year, and don't use coffins when they die. [They follow the Hui religion.] They dare to bury women who are known for their promiscuity. Women are often married because they are considered beautiful. [This is truly a case of seeking a bastard.] The white monkey lives in Ma Di, welcoming spring in Qiongzhou Prefecture, blowing on his hat and stamping his feet in celebration. The monkeys live in Maolian Mountain, growing beans that are edible. The monkeys mingle in places like Puxi and Shaojing, gathering firewood and mushrooms, carrying sticks to beg for wine, and often fall asleep drunk on the way, providing amusement. Jinchi, the ancient Ai Kingdom, whose Miao people are all descendants of Jiulong, their descendants multiplying and scattered in the wilderness. There are several kinds of people among them. Some have their teeth wrapped in gold, called "Golden Teeth"; some have their teeth lacquered, called "Lacquered Teeth"; some have tattooed faces, called "Embroidered-Faced Barbarians"; some have tattooed feet, called "Flowery-Footed Barbarians"; and some have their hair tied up with rope, called "Flowery-Horned Barbarians." Only those residing in Zhuge Camp dress and behave like those in the Central Plains. The Eight Hundred Wives are gentle in nature, adorning their eyebrows and eyes with tattoos of flowers and birds, their customs similar to those of Burma. They greet each other by holding hands. The Mubang, also known as Mengbang, is inhabited by people skilled in illusion, able to exchange wood for human hands and feet, and to place filth on the roadside. Those who touch it are transformed into sheep or pigs; upon redemption, they are restored to human form. Those who know this can place the filth elsewhere, causing the person to revert to a different form. Their men wear white, are tattooed, shave their heads, and trim their beards; women adorn themselves with gold rings and ivory bracelets, and live in bamboo houses. Men are noble, women are lowly, and the people treat their wives like slaves. [This custom is far better than in China; there are certainly no women afraid of their mothers-in-law.] They are forced to farm and weave. Laos is known for its fierce people, who are adorned with elaborate patterns on their bodies, much like Yan Qing from the Water Margin, who was uniquely skilled in such things. They live in high-rise buildings with spacious upper floors.

The Yao people, also known as the "Canke," are of eight kinds: Indian, coughing, haggard, lame, pierced-chest, bald-eared, dog-headed, and side-backed. There are also those with flying heads, gnawed teeth, nasal spitting, flower-faced, white-shirted, and red-glowing appearances. As children, they brand the soles of their feet with hot iron and soak them in wax oil, causing deep calluses that make them easy to climb steep slopes. Women have their faces tattooed into flowers, and upon marriage, they carry an umbrella and straw sandals to their husband's home. [This ritual is an addition to the six traditional rites.] They are fond of robbery, but they believe in ghosts and fear oaths, so they can be bound by contracts. [They are much stronger than those in the Central Plains; oaths made face-to-face are forgotten immediately.] Beyond them are Mount Daliao and Mount Xiaoqinjing. The Yao people live south of the Five Ridges. When they encounter poisonous air, they wear clothing adorned with goose feathers and leaves and can use poisoned arrows. Those struck by these arrows instantly lose their flesh and bones. [The swordsman, Duck-beaked Shao Le, uses human heads to make water; this is probably the same kind of poison.] Even the Yao people fear them. The Miao people raised an army to attack and kill, gathering their forces beforehand and placing banners on the mountains. [Deception is essential in war, and the trickery of the Miao people was unnecessary; unexpectedly, this army turned out to be a truly righteous force.] This allowed them to prepare. After the Dong-Miao feud, the Han court petitioned for retribution. They created tallies of straw, one tally for each matter, and the one with the most tallies discarded them. The loser gave cattle and horses to the winner. Even when killing each other, the number of victims was compared, and compensation was given with cattle and horses, thus resolving the conflict. During the petition for retribution, the Miao people each occupied a mountain, with a decorated ox among them. Once the matter was clear, a Miao person drew a knife and cut the ox's neck. The Miao people from both mountains gathered, each cutting a piece of beef to offer to their ancestors. They swore an oath: "Anyone who breaks this oath will be like this ox." When

the barbarians had disputes, they would heat oil in a cauldron at the shrine, saying that the one in the right would be unharmed when touching the boiling oil. The foolish, enraged, believed it to be true, often suffering burns and bruises, their intentions unknown. Each village swore a blood oath to help each other in times of emergency, called "Men Koan" (门款). In battle, they shouted to boost morale, called "He Yao Hao" (鹤鹞啸). They wore red lacquered cowhide to protect their heads and necks, called "Gu Xiang" (固项). [If faced with a sharp blade, the neck might not be secure.] The 24th of the sixth month is called the Torch Festival; the Miao people gather and eat raw beef and pig. The Miao observe a taboo, starting on the first day of the month and ending on the 27th, though they pretend to observe a taboo starting in the third month and ending on the 25th. No one is allowed to break the taboo. On the noon of the month, the Miao close their doors and observe the taboo, locking up those they have captured two days in advance. Those who are good at escaping run away on this day, and the Miao dare not pursue them, fearing bad luck. The people of Guifang believe in ghosts and offer sacrifices to cattle, called "Zou Gui" (走鬼); [truly seeing ghosts in person.] In early summer, they migrate for several days, letting ghosts live there; [a strange thought, surely there are ghosts in spring, autumn, and winter?] They call it "walking ghosts"; they don't remove their skirts when sleeping, also for fear of attracting ghosts. [Is it possible that all those places are infested with lustful ghosts who prey on people's skirts? That's laughable.] The Miao people say that sleeping on the ground is close to ghosts. Their houses are built several feet above the ground, supported by huge logs and covered with fir leaves. Resembling a sheepfold, they are called sheep towers. Their houses are thatched and planked, with cattle and sheep kept underneath. This is called a "hemp fence."

Unmarried Miao boys are called "Arhats," and unmarried Miao girls are called "Guanyins." They all wear chicken feathers in their hair and gather in February to sing and dance, choosing their partners. If they agree, they marry. [They consider the six rites too troublesome.] The Miao wedding ceremony is called "Jumping the Moon," which involves dancing to find a partner in the spring. Parents lead their children to a good place for the Jumping the Moon gathering. The parents sit together on a plain, with sons to the left and daughters to the right, separated under the shade of the plain. On the plain, they feasted and made merry, roasting raw meat and eating it, wielding daggers instead of chopsticks, and sipping wine with gusto, drinking through straws instead of cups. Below the plain, men and women were all adorned in vibrant makeup and finery; the men wore their trousers inside out, and the women their skirts inside out. The men carried reed pipes, each with six pipes and two feet long; the women carried embroidered baskets, made of woven bamboo and decorated with silk, essentially colorful balls. On the plain, if the women were asked to sing, they would all sing; if the men were asked to play instruments, they would all play. Their songs were mournful and beautiful, each melody repeated three times, the melodies lingering and swirling. The rhythmic sounds of their hats added to the ethereal atmosphere. As they sang and played, their hands and feet moved with agility, their eyes darted and their limbs turned, their heads spinning and their spirits soaring. At that time, there were times when men approached women and the women left, and times when women approached men and the men left. Several women vied for one man, and the man was unsure which to choose; several men approached one woman, and the woman was unsure which to avoid. Some women approached and then parted, still longing for each other even after parting. Their hearts were set on each other, their eyes locked in a passionate embrace, and suddenly they were bound together. Thus, the beautiful women betrayed the beautiful women, the barbarians betrayed the barbarians, and the barbarians, not wanting to be betrayed by others, betrayed each other out of necessity. Some, in the end, had nothing to betray, and returned home in shame and tears. Those who betrayed each other crossed streams and ravines, choosing secluded spots to reunite. [Those who wore skirts but not trousers did so in this way.] They untied their brocade belts, tied them together, and returned hand in hand to the place where they danced in the moonlight. Each returned with their parents, and then they discussed betrothal. Betrothal gifts of cattle must be in pairs, and gifts of sheep must be in pairs. They first met in the wild and then married. This was the custom of the Miao people. [This custom may not be limited to the Miao.]

The Liao people, husbands and wives, slept separately, and on sunny days, they would hold hands and go into the mountains for pleasure. They would plant pine branches at the crossroads to block comings and goings, a custom called "planting green." Those who see them should avoid them; if they mistakenly enter, they will be attacked with knives and axes. In the streams and caves, men and women sing to each other on the first day of the first lunar month, the third day of the third lunar month, and the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month. The third lunar month is called "Waves," and there are no taboos in singing there. The Miao people of Longjia erect trees in the wild, called "ghost poles," and in spring, men and women leap under them to choose their spouses. According to the custom of the Luo Gui, the bride does not bow to her parents-in-law. They enter the washing room naked, [entering the washing room is an ancient custom, but being naked is considered very indecent]. This is called "offering to the hall." The Miao people take chicken eggs, turn them completely black, pray, and boil them, then observe the cuts to see if it is auspicious or inauspicious. There are also those who, when burying a relative, throw chicken eggs on the ground, and if the egg does not break, it is considered auspicious, and they use this as a divination. The Miao people's winter sacrifice is called "reporting the grass," and the sacrifice is performed by a shaman, setting up the tablets of Nuwa and Fuxi. The Miao people often write the tablets of Confucius and the Son of Heaven in their worship of gods. When a Miao relative dies, the relatives gather to laugh, shout, sing, and dance. This is called "making a scene at the corpse," [there are theatrical performances in China, which are probably influenced by the Miao custom]. It is also called "singing the fast." Next spring, the cuckoo's cry is heard. Households weep, saying, "The bird comes once a year, but my parents will never come again." [How filial are these Miao people! These days, in families of scholars and propriety, many do not weep even when their parents are alive.]

On festivals, the Miao men play the sheng (a type of reed pipe instrument) and beat drums. The women follow behind, swaying and moving, their movements graceful and captivating, a dance called "Kicking the Hall Dance." [The custom of singing and dancing in the countryside, a joyful occasion for couples, unexpectedly originated from the Miao.] The eight barbarian tribes begin cooking spring rice before the harvest, not letting it linger overnight, as this causes headaches. They use a mortar several feet deep, pounding it down. The sound is melodious and rhythmic, a

dance called "Pushing the Hall." When drunk, the Miao people climb and dance on long-handled wooden poles, a dance called "Dancing with the Plum Blossoms." When the Yao people return from afar, stopping thirty li away, their families send a shaman with a bamboo basket containing their inner garments to guide them back, a ritual called "Collecting the Soul." When a Yao person dies, they weep by the river and throw money into the water. They fetch water and return to bathe the corpse, a practice called "buying water," otherwise it is considered unfilial. [Hearing this, I cannot help but grieve. Even the Miao, who are of marriageable age, still know to mourn their parents and fear being unfilial. Yet these days, many noble families and scholars, even those of high rank and refined taste, do not mourn the death of their parents. The Bible says that mourning is easy; how many truly grieve?]

The songs of the Miao people of Bozhou involve a dozen or so people dancing in linked sleeves, stomping their feet to the ground in rhythm, a style called "Water Song." The gourd flute is as large as a bowl, with only six pipes, its melody quite melodious. The music of the Yao people resembles a xiao (vertical flute), with eight vertical pipes and one horizontal pipe connecting them, the ancient style of the xiao. The bronze drums are mostly made by Ma Fubo and Zhuge Liang, hence called "Zhuge Drums," only found in the Miao villages. The pipa has only two strings, played in harmony; when the Miao people play together, all sounds arise, and they strike bamboo tubes for rhythm.

The Miao people use chicken feathers to make pens; the writing of insects and birds is impossible without them. Miao brocade is similar to hemp brocade, especially fine headscarves and sashes, with vibrant colors resembling clouds and rosy hues, far surpassing modern styles. It is called "flower thread," and is highly prized in the local customs. Wealthy families use goose feathers for blankets, which are warmer and more beautiful than pure brocade. The various Miao tribes use thatch flowers for blankets. Miao people at the age of sixteen all carry knives; their iron is refined from birth until childhood, making it extremely sharp. They use black lacquer mixed with leather for sheaths. Skilled individuals can throw knives into the air and catch them with their hands, a skill called "jumping chicken touch."

Miao crossbows are called "side frame," with poisoned arrowheads; those hit will die. The spear is over two zhang long and used to protect the crossbow; in battle, one crossbow and one spear are paired together. Miao firearms can shoot birds over mountains, traversing numerous peaks without hindrance. The barbarian lands have abundant nanmu wood, which is hollowed out to make boats, some exceptionally large. They can have the Yao people cut large bamboo tubes to cook food, yet the bamboo does not burn. This is also a unique invention. [The pot is useless there.] The Yao and Liao people sleep without beds or mattresses, using three wooden planks as supports, burning them to heat their backs. Once the planks are charred, they are replaced. This is warmer than sleeping on a heated brick bed. This is called "

Bone Wave." Living in a tiled house, a warm, sheltered environment, causes illness and discomfort. They collect ant eggs from streams and caves, discarding them to make sauce, which is only served to distinguished guests. Their porridge is mixed with fish, meat, and maggots. They consider it a delicacy, calling it "Yun" (韵). The wealthy Miao people boast that their family has accumulated "Yun" for generations. Their "Zajiu" (咂酒) is also called "Diaotengjiu" (钓藤酒), and some drink it through their nose, claiming that entering through the nose and throat adds a unique flavor. The wealthy Miao people hold a grand feast for the Miao people in September. [However, China has no such generous wealthy people.] They roughly wash the intestines of cattle and sheep. [Recently, some people still eat sheep intestines without washing them.] They cook them to serve guests, the stench unbearable, insisting that the guests finish them all. They call it "Soup." When a cow is slaughtered, the bones are soaked in a deep spring until they become brittle. This is then taken out and eaten, considered the finest delicacy. Those who slaughter many cows hang the horns on their roofs to flaunt their wealth. When the Miao people host a banquet, the first to arrive sits in the seat of honor, with sons taking their place above their fathers. Those who arrive late drink standing up. [There are wealthy old men who feign status and delay their arrival; these are treated with the same courtesy.]

Miao chieftains are called "Jingfu," and they address each other as "Yantu." The Liao people respect strong men as "Huolang," and the common people of the Liao people as "Tituo." The wives of cave chiefs are all called "Meiniang," and Miao people of the same kind are called "Tongnian" (fellow age). Miao children are called "Malang." Those who can understand both Miao and Chinese are called "Keyu," those who judge right and wrong for the Miao people are called "Xianggong," Han people who infiltrate Miao caves are called "Hanjian," those familiar with the cave's documents are called "Zhuanshi," those who accompany them are called "Duixiao," and those who serve as servants for the Miao are called "Nugou." The Miao people buy people by their fists, and each fist costs one tael of gold. [Fangfeng was three zhang tall; if he were there, he would be worth a lot of silver.]

The Miao people did not carry goods on their shoulders, but instead used a wooden half-shackle to clamp their necks, tied a strap to their foreheads, and carried the cage on their backs. The cunning Miao sat in the thick grass, and when they saw a lone traveler pass by, they would secretly hook him in, bind him, and sell him. When the Miao captured a Han person, fearing his escape, they would put wooden boots on him and lock him up, ensuring his lifelong freedom. If someone escaped and was captured, a piece of board would be nailed to his foot, and he would be left outside the lock, exposed to the sun in June ("sunbathing"), and in winter, stripped of his clothes and left exposed to the elements ("frostbathing").

There were many such practices, too numerous to record. Only the unusual ones are included; the complete set is in the study. Zhong Sheng read it carefully and found it refreshing, then moved on.

Meanwhile, Zhu Sikuan, having parted from Tie Hua that day, brought the silver he had given him to the Qian family. The main gate happened to be open. He slipped inside, tiptoed to Qian Gui's door, and peeked out. He saw Zhong Sheng was gone, and Qian Gui was leaning against the table, his hand supporting his chin, gesturing in the air with one hand, a smile

playing on his lips. What was he thinking? [A vivid depiction of a blind woman.] Seeing this, Zhu Sikuan felt his bones soften and his muscles go weak. He rushed to Hao's room. Hao was asleep in bed. He went up, hugged her, and kissed her. Then he reached into his crotch, touching his large, shriveled, withered vulva. [Adding this number to the character for "vulva" makes it difficult to call it a vulva; a laugh.] He laughed and said, "Your precious thing is even fatter and more interesting than before." [He wanted to say something against his will, so he smiled before speaking. A good flatterer even flatters this part.] Hao laughed, "Knowing it's unbearable, there's no need for your feigned flattery. [Hao actually has self-awareness.] Why didn't you come last night? I suppose you've found someone new there, and now you're being so insincere." Zhu Sikuan said, "There's no new person. First, I spent the whole night here the night before last, without closing my eyes. [Continuing from the previous point.] I'm tired yesterday, so I went to rest. Second, I don't dare to come to your house often these days; I feel a little guilty." Hao said, "I've known you for several years, and today you're saying this nonsense again? What's wrong with that? What's the reason?" Zhu Sikuan kissed her on the lips and said, "To tell you the truth, your daughter is a fox spirit in disguise; she can bewitch people's souls. I caught a glimpse of her..." He was completely disoriented. "If you want me to even touch him, I'd rather die on your belly. I'd be a cuckold in your house, and you couldn't kick me out even with a stick."

Hao smiled and slapped him, saying, "I've been close to you for so many years, and I still want to marry you. He's practically your daughter. You still want to do such a thing? Besides, think about it, is your thing easy to get close to? My delicate daughter, let alone 'play,' if he even touched her, [the word 'touch' is subtle, difficult to generalize, but not wrong.] would be terrified." Zhu Sikuan said, "What you're saying is completely irrelevant. Does an erection mean you don't recognize your relatives? Besides, foreign customs say: 'The one who gave me life will not rape me.'" "A living person should not be promiscuous, except for one's own mother and daughter; one should not seduce anyone else. A daughter like this, how can you possibly control her? If you are willing to show mercy, I will string you and your daughter together like pearls. You say you're afraid he can't handle my thing, but I think like mother, like daughter. Was your treasure born so large? It's just that I opened it; you're afraid I'll take it for free, hence these excuses."

He then took out the envelope of silver from his waist, opened it, and said, "Fifty taels of fine silk as a gift; you give me a share, and I'll thank you handsomely later. Isn't that better than accepting that poor wretch the other day?" Hao said, "Why mention him? I only accepted one tael of silver from Master Mei as a gift, and..." He ate for two days and it was fine, but his daughter slept with him for two or three nights for nothing, without receiving a single penny. Zhu Sikuan said, "He's coming again! He's allowed to take people in for free, but you won't let him keep me here?" Hao Shi said, "This girl is strangely temperamental. I'll just have to wait until he's in a good mood, and then I'll slowly talk to him. If he agrees, that's your good fortune. [This vividly portrays the brothel madam's wickedness. For money, she wouldn't even care about her own daughter.] There's one thing to say: this is just a taste for you. Don't think that if you get a taste and become attached to him, abandoning your mother, I'll tear your flesh to pieces." [Tearing off pieces of flesh is bad enough, but if I also tear off your penis, where will I find such a donkey-like thing again?] Zhu Sikuan said, "I only wanted to try it out, how could I forget the old for the new? Please rest assured." Zhu Sikuan hadn't had enough fun with Huo Shi last night, and just now he saw Qian Gui's behavior. At this moment, his hand was touching Hao Shi's vulva. He had been talking for a while, and his hand hadn't left her, digging and probing, his hand dripping wet. He was extremely aroused, and he hugged Hao Shi, saying, "Thank you for your kind promise, I'd like to thank the matchmaker first." Hao Shi was uncomfortable from his probing, and she also wanted his kind of thanks. So they stripped naked, spread their legs, and started to make love. One of them had a penis like a donkey's kidney, and the other had a vulva like a leather bag. This was no small matter. The sturdy gold-lacquered elm bed was shaking and rattling. The two curtain hooks jingled, and the vulva was being pounded with a loud thud.

Cai Xiang, listening intently from the next room, felt deeply distressed. She went to the window and saw Hao lying flat on her back, her pillow pushed to one side, her limbs outstretched, as if she had been thoroughly pounded. [A fantastical image.] Zhu Sikuan continued pounding and grinding. Cai Xiang laughed until her stomach hurt at the sight of them. They played for two hours before finally stopping. Zhu Sikuan then asked her to act as a matchmaker, showering her with flattery. He then demanded the money and begged her to look into the future. Hao, having received the money and feeling thoroughly pleased, couldn't refuse. She told him to sit and listen to good news, and went to Qian Gui's room.

Qian Gui, having made a lifelong vow with Zhong Sheng, was overjoyed, his happiness evident on his face. Seeing his beaming face, Hao was secretly pleased and said, "My son, I see you look so happy. Is there some good news coming your way?" Qian Gui said, "What good news could I possibly have in this living hell?" Hao said, "There is one thing. If you are willing to do it, it will be a small joy." She then told him that Zhu Sikuan had given him fifty taels of silver and asked him to stay for the night. Before Qian Gui could finish speaking, he roared in fury, "This lackey is worse than an animal! He's been with Mother for years, why does he suddenly think of me? This filthy wretch deserves to have his mouth stuffed with donkey dung! I've known him since childhood as a sycophantic, despicable man, [this sentence implies that he will eventually become iron-willed] and have repeatedly tried to insult him, but because he's a friend of Mother's, I've tolerated him many times for her sake. Today, he dares to be so ignorant and delusional, spouting such nonsense! I'll fight him to the death! Even though I can't see, if I hear his voice, and encounter this audacious pig-dog, I swear I'll never live with him!" He cursed a thousand villains and ten thousand scoundrels without ceasing. Hao Shi, fearing that Zhu Sikuan might hear this and become angry and refuse to come, said, "If you don't want to, then so be it, why resort to such harsh words?" and quickly withdrew.

It turned out that Zhu Sikuan was outside the door, excitedly hearing the good news, only to be verbally abused. Hao, fearing his anger and embarrassment, quickly pulled him into the room to apologize, saying, "That girl is spoiled and has a foul mouth. You may be magnanimous, but she might not be, though she certainly has a big mouth." For my sake, don't hold a grudge; I'll apologize on your behalf. She ordered Cai Xiang to prepare wine and food to appease him and returned the silver to him. She said, "Please take it back; I don't deserve it." But Zhu Sikuan couldn't bear to part with Hao, so he said, "Your daughter won't accept it, but you will. Here's the silver; where would I take it?" Hao accepted it with a smile.

The two ate until nightfall and went to bed. Zhu Sikuan said, "Your daughter's filthy words insulted me; I'll vent my anger on your cunt." He used brute force, taking his anger out on Hao for half the night, thrusting into her countless times. Hao was secretly grateful for her daughter's remarkable abilities. Zhu Sikuan, exhausted, lay down and thought, "Women are either too virtuous or too shrewish. The Tie family's wife is so gentle and charming; [considering adultery as virtuous and gentle—only such a despicable person would have such thoughts.] This girl seems alright to me, but who knew she was so despicable? Truly: I haven't caught the wolf, but I've only gotten myself into trouble. I should conspire with Old Butcher to lure Little Tie out so he can be intimate with his wife; that's the proper thing to do." After thinking for a while, he slept until sunrise, bid farewell to Hao, and went to the Butcher's house.

From then on, whenever Qian Gui heard that Zhu Sikuan was coming, he would curse loudly in his room. Do you think Qian Gui was really after his grudge from the prostitute? Ever since Zhu Sikuan and Tie Hua had seduced him, he had hated her to this day. He couldn't vent his anger because of his mother, but this opportunity allowed him to release all the pent-up resentment of the past few years. Moreover, he wanted to remain chaste. First, he threw a tantrum at Hao Shi to show her what he was capable of. Later, when Zhu Sikuan wanted to visit Hao Shi, he secretly kept it from her. Hao Shi then instructed someone to watch over him, but not to tell him when Zhu Sikuan came. Qian Gui, seeing that he hadn't arrived for a long time, finally gave in in anger. [Therefore, later Qian Gui married Zhong Sheng, Hao Shi took Zhu Sikuan in, and Zhu Sikuan never dared to visit her house again. This is where the enmity was formed, but that's another story.]

After Huo Shi had been with Sai Ao Cao, although her vulva was swollen and torn, she did not find it painful. On the contrary, she secretly rejoiced, saying, "Because I am not suffering but happy today, that is why I will die here later." "I never expected that such a strange thing would exist in the world. If my vulva does not hurt, the pleasure inside will be indescribable." After several days, the swelling subsided and the scabs fell away, revealing a beautiful vulva again. "I'm afraid it may not be as wonderful as it was back then." She thought to herself, "Although it is no longer swollen and painful, if I still cannot have sex with it, wouldn't all this suffering have been in vain? Why don't I try it to put my mind at ease?" So she went upstairs, took off her pants, lay on the bed, and dug with her fingers. It turned out to be a large hole, quite different from the thin slit of the past. She was very pleased with herself. "Although Huo Shi was pleased, if Tie Hua tried it, he would be very disappointed." She thought, "The situation is somewhat better, but it would be best to do some kind of test." Looking around the room, she suddenly noticed two rosewood back massagers hanging on the wall. [These back massagers, which were placed upstairs in Chapter Two, were now being used.] They were about the size of goose eggs, slightly longer than eggs, with handles as thick as a thumb. She quickly got up, took one, and squeezed it in her hand, saying, "This one is about the same thickness as his. If this one goes in, the other one will go in too." She then used a lot of saliva to moisten her vulva, both inside and out. Lying on her back with her legs crossed and spread wide, she tried to insert it. Although it felt a little difficult to insert, it didn't hurt much, and she thought: It shouldn't be a problem. With a forceful push of her wrist, she pushed it in, feeling a slight pain. When she touched it, it was completely inside, with only the handle sticking out. Overjoyed, he exclaimed, "Alright, this time it'll work!" He then pondered, "It's big enough, but what if it's too big inside?" He thought again, "I've got it! When I'm about to do it, I'll have him put it in completely, all the way to the bottom. Whatever's left outside, I'll wrap it with a handkerchief, and that won't be a problem." He laughed, "My temple is quite small, but I wonder when I'll finally meet this monk." [A poor temple only needs one monk.] He fiddled with it for a while, getting aroused, and started thrusting the mallet in and out.

Just as he was getting into it, the dog wagged its tail under his crotch, nudging him with its nose. Because the mallet was stuck in the opening, he couldn't find the entrance, so he licked between his legs, then on his anus, and even licked his hands. [Does the dog know that its lover will abandon it for a more spacious one?] This hindered his movements, making the thrusting less effective. He pulled out the club, grabbed his knees with both hands, folded his buttocks, and opened his vulva wide, making the dog lick it. After a few licks, he found it more interesting than usual. When he touched it, he realized that what was once a small, round opening, into which the dog could only stick its tongue, was now forced open by the large thing, and stretched into a large hole like the mouth of a bell by the club. The dog, with its small, pointed mouth, smelled the fishy smell inside and burrowed its mouth in about two inches, its tongue penetrating deep inside, making it even more pleasurable than usual. After licking and playing with it for a while, his lust was satisfied, and he put on his trousers and went downstairs to his room.

In the past few days, because of the pain in his vulva, he knew he couldn't do it and didn't want to. Now that it was better, and he had tried it without any problems, he could do it again. He thought about that big thing all the time. When he ate his meal and held his chopsticks, he thought of its length; when he drank tea and held his teacup, he thought of its size; when he saw the lamp, he thought of the oil he used that night. [Third thought, this thought is utterly devastating.] He kept that large, thick thing on his mind, unable to sleep. Every day he would call Qiao'er to inquire outside, making him go back and forth like a revolving lantern, calling her out at the slightest urge, more than a hundred times a day. Only when he went to bed at night, when the girl couldn't go out anymore, could he get a little rest. His legs were swollen from walking, and blisters formed on the soles of his feet. He wanted to please his mistress, so he didn't care about the exhaustion. One day, Qiao'er suddenly came and said, "Master went gambling again today, and told the family he won't be back tonight." Although Huo Shi was happy, she was also worried about whether Zhu Sikuan knew, and how she could wait for him to come. She gazed longingly, feeling as if a moment was three autumns, more anxious than a scholar waiting for the news or a farmer waiting for the harvest. It perfectly matched the two lines of the song: "

Gazing until her eyes are sore, but her lover does not arrive."

As evening approached, he grew increasingly weary from gazing into the distance, his mind heavy with sleep. He slumped onto the table and drifted off to sleep. Suddenly, Zhu Sikuan entered the room. He scrambled to his feet, beaming, and grabbed his hand, pulling him to sit on the edge of the bed. "You've come at the right time!" he exclaimed. "My eyes were practically bleeding from gazing! Did no one see you come in?" Zhu Sikuan embraced him, saying, "I almost wanted to kill myself, but I was afraid you'd be waiting anxiously. I was outside, and seeing no one, I came in." He quickly closed the door. The two went to bed hand in hand, barely taking off their clothes, only their trousers. Just as their bodies touched and they were about to penetrate, in the midst of their pleasure, he was suddenly pushed, jolting him awake. [Disappointing. Once upon a time, a man was awakened by his wife. Enraged, he beat her severely. When his wife asked why, he resentfully replied, "Someone invited me to a banquet, and I had just started eating when you woke me up! How could I not be angry?" Even if one is awakened by a clever woman just as they are reaching a climax, it's better than a dream.] It was all a dream. When he opened his eyes, he saw Qiao'er standing in front of the bed, smiling and pushing him.

Because Qiao'er kept asking about Zhu Sikuan's whereabouts, Huo Shi went to the corner door to take a look. Seeing that the door was cracked, she suspected that someone was inside. She went in and looked under the north window, and saw Zhu Sikuan sitting alone inside. He hurried inside and said, "When did you arrive? Master wasn't home today, and Grandma was so worried about you, she called me out to look for you more than ten times." Zhu Sikuan smiled and said, "I've been here for a while." He then hugged her and kissed her. Qiao'er laughed and said, "That night I was asleep, did you and Grandma get along well?" Zhu Sikuan said, "Your grandma's thing is very tight and small. After a while, she was afraid of the pain and had to stop. I was almost anxious to death." Qiao'er said, "I heard them say how thick and big yours is, so I wondered if I couldn't do it. It turns out I was right. If that's the case, why does he still want you to come?" Zhu Sikuan said, "That was the first time, so it was a new experience. The second time, it's naturally fine." Qiao'er laughed and said, "I just don't understand what's so interesting about this. What delicious treat is it? Why endure the pain and still be so attached to him?" [This is the speech of a young girl who has never experienced pleasure.] Zhu Sikuan laughed, "You haven't tasted it yet, but you'll love it even more after you do. Even though you can't have yours, why don't you hang around the doorway? See if it's interesting?" He lifted her clothes and pulled down her pants, but Qiao'er deliberately resisted. Zhu Sikuan forcibly took off her pants and laid her back on the chair. He looked at her beautiful, bare body, just a thin slit. Qiao'er's was different from Huo Shi's; it was extremely cute, truly the first time he'd ever seen anything like it. He spat on it, grasped her penis, and rubbed the glans against her slit. Qiao'er felt ticklish and giggled. After a while, some clear fluid flowed out. Qiao'er laughed, "It's not comfortable to be rubbed like that. Let me up, I'll go tell Grandma so we can do proper things together." Zhu Sikuan let her up, she put on her pants, and came up to tell Huo Shi.

Seeing that he was awake, she whispered in his ear, "So Master Zhu has arrived. I went out to check, but there was no one in front. The study and courtyard gates were closed. I initially suspected that the family members were gambling inside. I went to the back corner door to listen, and the door was ajar. I went in and saw Master Zhu sitting alone inside. He said that yesterday he visited the butcher who runs a gambling den, and today he invited you to gamble all night. He knew you wouldn't be coming back, so he came in the evening. When he got to the door, there was no one there. He probably knew you weren't coming home, so they all went to drink and gamble. [It can be said that if the superiors have a liking, the inferiors will follow suit.] He quietly went into the study, closed the main door, and left the side door open to wait for me. Coco happened to meet me. When he saw me, he was overjoyed and told me to pay my respects to Grandma and ask her to come out early."

Upon hearing this, Huo Shi beamed, her spirits lifted, and she was overjoyed beyond words. She quickly got up, hurriedly got out of bed, hurried to the dressing table, hurriedly tied her hair up tightly, smoothed her temples, hurriedly dabbed her lips, hurriedly took out a large silk handkerchief, hurriedly tucked it into her belt. As she was tidying up, she saw dinner being brought out, but preoccupied, she had no appetite. She instructed, "I feel uneasy and need to go to bed early. I won't eat. You all go and eat quickly, and then go to bed early." The maids took the food, ate their fill, stretched out their bedding, and fell asleep. They seemed even happier than Huo Shi herself. Qiao'er asked, "Why isn't Grandma eating?" Huo Shi smiled and whispered, "His thing is growing really fast; if he eats too much, it might break his intestines. It's better to keep his stomach a little empty." [A whimsical thought] She quickly told Qiao'er to fetch a basin of water, [busy six.] to steam her belly. She quickly took a pair of bright red slippers, [busy seven.] wrapped them in a silk handkerchief, and told Qiao'er to tuck them into her sleeve. It was past the hour of the night watchman's watch, and the maids were probably fast asleep. Fearing there was no light in the study, she quickly told Qiao'er to light two sticks of benzoin, [busy eight.] and took two candles and a small lamp, then hurried out. [busy nine.] Just as she reached the corner door, Zhu Sikuan was standing there, waiting patiently. Upon seeing each other, he didn't even care that Qiao'er was beside him; the two of them immediately embraced. [busy ten. First, Huo Shi was busy alone; now the two of them are busy together.] They kissed and smacked their lips, being affectionate for a while, before leading each other into the room. Qiao'er quickly lit the candles. [Busy Eleven.] Zhu Sikuan saw that Huo Shi was even more beautiful than the night before. He couldn't wait to exchange pleasantries, and, burning with desire, quickly pulled Huo Shi to bed. [Busy Twelve. This is Zhu Sikuan's busy work alone.] Qiao'er handed over the package, which Huo Shi took and placed beside her pillow. They hurriedly undressed, [Busy Thirteen. This is the two of them working together.] Completely naked, Huo Shi quickly changed into her nightclothes. [Busy Fourteen. This is Huo Shi's busy work alone again.] Zhu Sikuan saw her snow-white skin, which shone brightly under the candlelight, delicate and radiant. Her small feet were only three inches long, wearing bright red flat nightclothes. His mind was captivated, and his penis stood erect. He quickly told Huo Shi to lie down. [Busy Fifteen.] Zhu Sikuan held her two lotus feet in his hands, spreading them wide. When he looked at her vulva, it was much larger than before, the two petals wide open, with a flower-like center, slightly reddish-purple like a bayberry, which he found extremely adorable. He quickly shrank back, [Sixteen. This is Zhu Sikuan's busy time again.] and kissed him several times, licking the flower's heart with his tongue a few times, before rushing to his upper body to make love. [Seventeen.] When Huo Shi first met him, although she saw that large thing, she hadn't had a chance to appreciate it closely. Now, wanting to get a good look, she said, "You wait here, let me get up and take a look." So she got up, and the thing was jumping around menacingly. She grabbed it and examined it carefully. Sure enough, it was a strange thing:

a purple, bald monk's head, with a bulging, thick monk's headband. It was about a foot long and only about the same width. The veins were coiled around it like leather ropes wrapped around an iron rod. The black beard stood up like a steel spear supported by a tassel. If it weren't for that voluptuous and wide genitals, how could it contain such a hard, thick, and long kidney?

When Huo Shi saw it, her eyes blazed with fire. She loved it so much that she shrank back and took it into her mouth as well. [First, Zhu Sikuan licked him; now he licked Zhu Sikuan, a return gesture.] His small, cherry-like mouth, barely three inches long, only held the tip, and it stretched his mouth, causing some pain. He laughed, "Such a big thing, even my mouth can't hold it." [How delightful! Huo's mouth is not as good as her vulva.] He teased the tip of his penis a few times with the tip of his tongue, and Zhu Sikuan's muscles went weak. He quickly pushed him down to lie down. [Busy 18.] Both were in a hurry, using saliva, and thrust in. There was no pain or discomfort. Huo's joy was indescribable, almost making Zhu Sikuan ecstatic. He asked, "How was it this time?" Huo shook his head with a grin, saying, "It doesn't hurt anymore, just a little swollen." Zhu Sikuan was relieved and quickly began to thrust. [Busy 19.] After a dozen or so thrusts, the vaginal fluids were slippery, and gradually more than half of it was inserted, with more than three inches still outside. [This foreshadows the future death of Huo.] Huo felt she had reached the bottom and couldn't bear any more penetration, so she quickly reached out and grabbed it, saying, "I can't go any further, let's stop here." Zhu Sikuan also found it quite interesting to have his glans pressed against the soft, thick flesh, but knowing that his vagina was large but not deep, he dared not go any further. Huo pinched it with her hand, telling him to pull it out. She got up and took the handkerchief she had brought, wrapping it around his penis. [At first, she only suspected it was for Chen Mama, but she didn't expect it to be used like this.] She quickly took her belt, tied it tightly, and then lay down, quickly spreading her legs. [Quickly, Zhu Sikuan carried it on his shoulder and thrust in.] This time, the sound was deafening. What a great action!

Huo's vagina and mouth were both moaning, and Zhu Sikuan's penis and scrotum were colliding wildly. Man and woman, working together from top to bottom; vagina and penis, both busy at the same time. After working for a long time, they pulled and tugged for a while. Having just experienced this, Huo Shi was overwhelmed with pleasure; Zhu Sikuan, having tasted this delightful thing for the first time, felt a tingling, blissful sensation throughout his body. Half a watch, almost an hour, passed. Zhu Sikuan, deeply aroused, ejaculated, while Huo Shi, his passion waning, also felt his desire subside.

The two wiped themselves clean, [it's unclear whether they used a large handkerchief or a small cloth to wrap their shoes?] and lay down side by side, tucked together. [The above contains twenty-two instances of the word "busy," finally concluding the story. There is only one thing in the world that even the most leisurely person cannot help but be busy with. I recall a humorous anecdote: A night-roaming deity visited a house to investigate good and evil, just as the couple was making love. He asked the household deity, "What are you two doing?" They replied, "Creating people." The deity asked how many they created in a year, and they replied, "Only one person a year." The deity laughed, "Creating only one a year, why be so busy?" This is just a joke.] Zhu Sikuan said, "If it weren't for Sister Qiao coming out just now, I would have wasted all my time and waited all night for nothing." Huo Shi said, "These past few days, I haven't missed you a single day. I've been calling Qiao out to inquire all the time, and she's gone out twenty or thirty times a day. Today, she's been so clever. If she hadn't come to the side gate to check, wouldn't we have missed a huge opportunity?" Zhu Sikuan said, "There must be some kind of fate at play. It must be that our marriage is meant to be, so she came." Huo Shi said, "Now that you've come in, how will you leave tomorrow?" Zhu Sikuan said, "I've thought of something. Tomorrow, around the time the main gate opens, I'll go to the hall and say I'm going to see Master Tie. If he says he's not home, I'll go out." If we meet Uncle Tie again, he'll just think it's because I came to see him. He won't suspect I've spent the night here. Don't you think that's a good idea?" Huo Shi was overjoyed, hugged him tightly, kissed him, and said, "Darling, you're so thoughtful." Zhu Sikuan said, "I'm so grateful for your affection. These past few days I've racked my brains. I even conspired with Old Butcher and a few gambling buddies to trick Uncle Tie into leaving, so I could be close to you." Huo Shi hugged his neck tightly and said, "Darling brother, you must think of a clever way to get him out here often." [Brilliant, the next sentence is left unsaid. It means to get him out here often, while yours is always keeping me here.] "Here comes the woman." This sentence perfectly captures the lewdness of the adulterous woman, reaching its extreme. "I wish we could be intimate all day long." Zhu Sikuan said, "Of course I'm careful. Why do you need to tell me? I carry your bloodstained handkerchief with me, and I wear the hairpin in my hair. I touch it a hundred times a day, thinking of you a hundred times. Even at night, I'm haunted by dreams." Huo Shi said, "That's right, I'm even more ruthless than you. I cut off a few strands of your hair and wrapped them together. [Husband and wife are said to be bound by a hair tie, but what should be called when adulterers bind themselves with hair?] I took a few pearls and gems, a piece of gold, and a silver ingot, and treasured them in my flower-shaped pouch. [Since the beginning of hair, there has never been...]" "I've come here again." Hanging on my belt, whether walking or sitting, just the slightest touch of my leg reminds me of you. "If I wore it inside my pants, always close to my vulva, wouldn't that be wonderful?" Just now, I closed my eyes, hoping you wouldn't come, and dreamt you were there. We were talking intimately when Qiao'er woke me up, saying you were here. He hugged and kissed her again, saying, "My dear, I think we're inseparable in this life and the next, [a future prophecy].

As he spoke, Zhu Sikuan noticed that Huo Shi's eyes were squinting, her bright red lips slightly parted, a half-smile playing on her lips, her eyes red-rimmed, and her hands constantly kneading her penis. He knew she was aroused again. Seeing her wanton state, he couldn't resist, and his own erection returned. This passionate encounter between the two was no small matter. Huo Shi, surprisingly, found it increasingly enjoyable. After a long period of intercourse, although Zhu Sikuan had exhausted his strength, Huo Shi had been satisfied.

Afterwards, Zhu Sikuan lay on Huo Shi's stomach, smacking his lips and teasingly said, "As the saying goes, a woman's mouth is small, and so is her vulva. Looking at your cherry-like mouth, I never imagined that what's down there could hold a peach weighing about half a pound. It's like a coffin shop sign; the outside looks like a small coffin, but the inside is quite large." Huo Shi laughed, "If it weren't for my big coffin, where would you fit this thing?" Zhu Sikuan laughed, "People say I'm like a short coffin." Huo Shi asked, "What do you mean?" Zhu Sikuan said, "After a couple of thrusts, you can see it's only half full; the rest is still outside." He laughed for a while, then thrust again. Zhu Sikuan pulled out his old member, lowered himself, and looking at Huo Shi's vulva again, he made a few comparisons:

Her vulva opened wide, like the gaping mouth of a person overjoyed. Her flower-like heart protruded, like drool dripping from a greedy child's teeth. It was like a eloquent person on their deathbed, unable to utter a word, only opening their mouth as if sighing or speaking. It was like a mute person wanting to speak but unable to, only sticking out their tongue, sometimes closed, sometimes open. What was once a narrow red pool was now a wide, dark hole.

The two played and laughed for a while, then, exhausted, lay down side by side. Only Qiao'er suffered, listening to the midnight drumbeats, her little vulva dripping with clear fluid. A four-line ditty describes the three of them: "

Under the brocade quilt, amidst the rain and clouds, the water clock drips short and hurried.
Only the sensible and knowledgeable maidservant is pitiful, listening to the lewd murmurs all night long."

She was exhausted and slept on a chair instead of a bed. When she woke up, she went to urinate, and seeing that dawn was approaching, she quickly woke Huo Shi, dressed, and left. Two lines from the ancients say it well: "

The fifth watch is the hardest to hold back, calling someone to dress by the pillow."

It was at this moment that Zhu Sikuan got dressed, not daring to go back to sleep. Seeing the sun about to rise, he opened the courtyard gate and went out. Looking outside, he saw the gate was already open; the family, knowing their master was not home, were still fast asleep. The gatekeeper, assuming no guests would come so early, went back to his room and sat high up. Zhu Sikuan was overjoyed and hurried away.

Now, dear reader, it was said that Zhu Sikuan's illicit affair only involved one woman, Hao, whom he had always been with. Other than her, any old prostitute or harlot who encountered him would be torn apart. But this Huo woman was a respectable young woman, and a delicate, timid one at that. How could he have gotten away with it? The truth is, there's more to it than meets the eye. When Zhu Sikuan frequented prostitutes, the word "prostitute" was in his mind. He thought he had seen countless women, old and young, handsome and beautiful, so why wouldn't his desires tolerate them? Besides, is there any reason to use saliva when visiting a prostitute? He climbed on top of her, and with a sudden movement, naturally left her in a sorry state. It's not that thousands of prostitutes couldn't handle him; it's just that a few had suffered at his hands, and the rumors spread, so people were reluctant to provoke him. Later, he met Hao, a worthy opponent, and was completely satisfied and overjoyed, no longer wanting to seek anyone else. Now, with Huo's affectionate advances, it was an unimaginable pleasure. How could he refuse? Seeing such a young and delicate woman, he dared not be as reckless as before, spitting and ruthlessly pursuing her, repeatedly, using much painstaking effort to gradually reach a state of perfection. Moreover, just as men's penises vary in size, so too do women's vulvas vary in width. If an extremely short and small man has an extremely large and thick penis, how can one not see a delicate and beautiful woman with a deep, wide, and large vulva? [It is commonly said that one can know the quality of a woman's vulva by observing her complexion.] Huang Songhei was disheveled and unkempt; it seemed that Huo Shi's face was a perfect blend of yellow, black, and white. [Enough of this digression, let's get to the main story.]

After Qian Gui and Zhong Sheng made their pact, Qian Gui was secretly overjoyed, believing he had found his lifelong partner. He composed a poem to express his feelings: "

Half a lifetime's wish fulfilled in a single day, my heart overflows with sweet affection, I am not free to resist.
When will the fragrance of osmanthus grace my pillow? My soul will first reach the Qujiang River in my dreams.

" He asked his proxy to write it down for him. Qian Gui, because his proxy recognized Zhong Sheng as a distinguished guest upon first meeting him, and had his lifelong wish fulfilled, treated him even more affectionately. He secretly told him, "This matter is between you and me, and must not be told to anyone else. When I find my place in the future, I will ensure you are not left without a home." The proxy was deeply grateful and secretly delighted.

Now, let's talk about the proxy's father, Dai Qian, whose father was Dai Shan. Their family had been scholars for generations, but Dai Shan, failing in his studies, became a merchant. Although not a perfectly good person, he was still a virtuous man in the community. He was childless at forty, and his wife, Fang, repeatedly urged him to take a concubine, but Dai Shan refused, saying, "If I am not destined to have children, what good would it do to take ten concubines? I should not be childless. How do you know you cannot have children? Why do this and ruin other people's children?" Seeing her husband's determination, Fang had no choice but to comply. Time flew by, and ten years passed in the blink of an eye; the couple both reached fifty years old. Fang said, "I am already fifty years old and absolutely infertile. Your decision to take a concubine is urgent." Dai Shan still refused, but Fang said, "Of the three unfilial acts, the greatest is to have no descendants. One should do one's best and leave the rest to fate. If you take a concubine and still cannot have a son, that is fate. Besides, you have not committed any evil deeds in your life, so you may not necessarily end up with no heir. The other day, my second uncle brought a letter saying that he has no son. If you also have no son, won't the Dai family line end?" Seeing that Fang spoke with such righteous indignation, Dai Shan said, "How can I not listen to your virtuous words? But I am taking a concubine to have a son, not for lust. It is not necessary to insist on a young, beautiful virgin. Even a middle-aged widow who is somewhat presentable and can bear children will suffice." Fang found this very reasonable and asked a matchmaker to look for a suitable woman, regardless of whether she was a girl or a widow, as long as she did not have any disabilities or chronic illnesses. If the opportunity arose, it would be a good match.

A few days later, the matchmaker inquired about a young widow and said, "This widow is twenty years old. She had a young son who unfortunately died. Her in-laws, pitying her youth, wanted her to remarry. Her maiden name is Miao, [and although her son is not very handsome, her granddaughter is fortunately quite beautiful.] She is also very pretty. We mentioned that our family was looking for a second wife, and she knew our family was kind, so she agreed." The Fang family was overjoyed. All the gifts were prepared, and they chose a day to marry her. She lived in the west room.

The Fang family found the Miao woman to be dignified and composed, and were very pleased, treating her like a sister. A little over a year later, she gave birth to a son, much to the old couple's delight. However, after this one child, although they continued to conceive, they never had a successful pregnancy, [which was good, another child would be unfortunate]. This child was healthy and grew up quickly. At eight or nine years old, he was sent to school and named Dai Qian. His studies were merely perfunctory; after a few years, he was surprisingly clever enough to handle accounts and write incense. When he was sixteen or seventeen, his mother, longing for a grandson, arranged for him to marry a woman surnamed Na. Their first child was a daughter, who became his heir. Later, she had two sons.

When Dai Qian was in his twenties, his parents passed away one after another, both over seventy. Having no children at fifty, they finally took a concubine and were blessed with a grandson—a stroke of good fortune indeed. [Readers should focus on such tragic circumstances.] The elderly couple could finally rest in peace. His mother, surnamed Miao, was also approaching fifty.

From a young age, Dai Qian was spoiled rotten by his exiled mother, surnamed Fang, and became utterly unruly. His house was adjacent to the old residence of Zhu Sikuan, which Zhu Sikuan had long coveted. Because his parents were still alive, he dared not make a move. After his parents' death and the funeral, Zhu Sikuan easily lured him into gambling, where he ended up losing money. This clueless young boy, upon first seeing six red, black, and golden bones in a snow-white bowl, mistook it for the most noble, sophisticated, and interesting thing in the world, and became desperately greedy. Someone first lured him in, letting him lose a couple of rounds, and he became overjoyed, saying, "My skills are superb! I've already beaten seasoned gamblers on my first try! If I get a little more skilled, I'll definitely be number one!" Little did he know it was a bait set by someone else.

This whole thing was a bit shady. Anyone trying to learn from him would be thinking, "I'm a beginner, I'm afraid I'll lose." If they did lose a few rounds, they'd lose interest. But this clueless newbie, not only unaware of the concept of a bowl, but also unable to distinguish between the three suits, couldn't even tell the difference between a fast and slow hand. He rolled two sixes, two threes, two twos (a "three-three" hand) and relied on the "six-six" hand to win, but instead, he was beaten by someone who rolled four sixes and two twos (a "black hole" hand), pretending to be fast, and won money. How ridiculous! He was tricked into this. He should have been unlucky from the start, but he didn't. He just randomly rolled the dice, his hands full of rubble. Even when all five dice were set to a bad hand, one would roll a lucky one. For example, three sixes, one gold, one white, and another that looked like a two or four. He'd jump around, and it would either be a gold or a three, winning five bets. He had to win a few rounds like this, and he dreamt of this sweetness. But once he learned a little, he realized he was picking up bad luck, and he started losing day after day. Because he clung to his early wins, he refused to let go, and after three big losses, he was indignant, saying, "How did I win the previous times? These losses are just bad luck, occasional setbacks." He didn't realize he'd fallen into a trap, and his attempts to win back his losses only led to more losses. Occasionally, they might win a game by luck, but their greed wouldn't stop them from trying to win a second game. Not only would they fail to win, they would also lose the interest from their previous wins.

These reckless young men gambling are even more ridiculous. For example, a man comes to gamble with only ten taels of silver. Even after winning nine taels and nine mace, he refuses to stop, determined to win twenty taels. Little does he know that the other man has lost ten taels and one mace, not even a single mace left. If the other man's dice rolls a little better, winning back one or two mace, he becomes even more unwilling to stop, saying, "I won ten taels and was one mace short, and I wouldn't let him off the hook. Now he's even one or two mace short, how can I give up?" Suddenly, the other man gets quick, not only winning back ten taels but also winning several taels. The other man, who had already lost almost everything, now wins again, how can he not stop? At this point, with eyes wide open and mouth agape, he sighs and regrets. He knows he should have stopped earlier, even if he had won four or five taels, let alone nine taels and nine mace. He shouldn't have let the other man win back his losses; he should have stopped losing everything. At this point, regret sets in, but the snow-white, fine ingot has already been rolled up and is no longer available.

There is another kind of laughable person who, once they enter the game, gets lucky with the dice, winning several coins in a few rounds, yet still not satisfied, acting as if they're trying to become a tycoon from these few coins, holding onto it and refusing to stop. When people gamble on this, if their luck doesn't change, as the saying goes, it's a case of "nine out of ten times you won't win." How can they hold on? Later, when their luck turns bad, and they're overturned by a few more throws, leaving them with only a few coins, they stop—isn't that laughable, and even pitiful? This refers to those who refuse to stop. There is another kind, not only laughable and pitiful, but also pathetic. Why? Pitifully, they cling to the dice bowl, unaware of their fate, still greedily pursuing their winnings. When he rolls the dice, others roll quickly, but he rolls like a dazed chicken. As the saying goes, "A blind woman breastfeeding her child is like a blind man struggling to nurse." He still rushes to bet, even though his rolls are terrible, not a single one going well. He stubbornly continues, getting beaten badly both inside and out. He can't beat someone else's roll in ten rounds, yet he still insists on betting, never saying, "My luck is bad today, I should stop." He refuses, waiting for the winners to have won enough and see him lose miserably before stopping. Then he angrily shouts, "Why stop? Can't I win back my losses?" He doesn't realize that when this wicked thing is going well, it's exhilarating, allowing him to do whatever he wants, fast or slow. But when he's about to lose, if someone's hand is fast, he'll snatch the prize; if someone's hand is a little clumsy, he'll throw a bad bet. No matter how skilled or experienced you are, you can't resist the temptation. [The proverb says: "Losing less is winning," these six words are truly the key to gambling, but unfortunately, these people don't understand.] There are some things to consider here; stubbornness is something you can't overcome. These young gamblers, fresh out of school, have lost big time and don't understand these intricacies. This refers to those who refuse to settle their debts. Hence the saying in gambling: "Win without stopping, lose without settling." Truly a foolish gambler.

In Nanjing casinos, there's a saying, a code name for such people: "Wine." Though its deeper meaning is unclear, it roughly means someone is completely drunk, delirious, and unaware of life or death. Furthermore, in a casino, every win or loss is worth ten taels. If you win seven out of ten games, it's considered extremely lucky. He himself says, "I win many times." Others see him winning every game, and countless people swipe their fingers and scheme. He thinks, "What's the big deal? I won with just five fingers; what effort did I put in?" But when he loses everything, no one helps him out; he has to pay out all his own money. He never bothered to calculate that although he won seventy taels of silver in seven wins, it was money he didn't care about, a mere trifle. While others gambled away, he wasted it all; what he actually pocketed was probably no more than twenty taels. But after losing three times, he had to pay out the thirty taels himself, ultimately losing money out of his own pocket. Where did the winnings go? The wealthy were alright, and the poor could at least sell their possessions and maintain some semblance of dignity. But some even stole and cheated to pay off gambling debts—a complete disgrace. What was the point? Only these ignorant youths, seeing the gambling table, were completely heartbroken and could not be persuaded otherwise. [This passage is not a fabrication; only those with extensive experience in this field can understand the intricacies of the situation. Gamblers should read this passage carefully.]

Dai Qian was a novice gambler who fell into all these traps. Therefore, within a few years, his entire fortune was lost to these six gamblers. He was still unwilling to give up and wanted to win back his losses. One day, he lost thirty taels of silver to Tiehua, and unable to repay it, he was insulted and beaten several times. Unable to bear it any longer, he had no choice but to give his daughter to him as a maid. There was a strange thing about the heart of this gambling addict, which was hard to fathom. Although he was willing to accept being beaten and scolded for his private debts and official debts, he was reluctant to repay them. But when he lost gambling, he didn't repay them so readily. There were also people in the family who had no clothes or food, who would rather die than lose. When they lost at the gambling den, they would find a way to get money to repay him, saying, "This is a hero's money, it must be repaid." Such people were truly incomprehensible. There was another strange thing about him. He had an extremely stubborn temper. If others said something unintentionally, he would roll up his sleeves, glare angrily, and hate them endlessly. But when it came to paying gambling debts, even if he was insulted or beaten, he not only didn't show any anger, but also smiled and accepted it without complaint.

Ever since Dai Qian gave his daughter away to gamble, his mother, Madam Miao, and wife, Madam Na, had been weeping and cursing him day and night. With nothing left to eat or wear, they finally regretted their actions and remorsefully accused him, but it was too late. [Those who can feel remorse are still considered to have some conscience left; I have seen many who die without remorse.] His grandfather was from a respectable family, but ever since he gambled away his daughter, he had been the subject of countless jokes and ridicule from relatives and friends, and no one spoke to him anymore. Realizing his mistake, he had no face to see anyone and hid for several years, relying entirely on his mother and daughter-in-law for sustenance, and having to pay rent every month. Dai Qian couldn't live in hiding forever, and besides, the family couldn't even afford enough food or cloth. He secretly hired a boatman and went to Beijing to seek refuge with his uncle, Dai Liang.

His uncle lived in Zhangjiawan, Beijing, where his family ran a very successful boat-hiring business. He was also over sixty years old. He had no children of his own. When Dai Shan and his wife turned seventy, he entrusted the shop to a shop assistant and came to Nanjing to celebrate his brother's birthday. Secondly, they hadn't seen each other for a long time, and both were getting on in years, so he wanted to reunite. Upon seeing Dai Qian, he said, "Brothers, you two now have someone to carry on the family line!" He was overjoyed. [This part is well-intentioned; otherwise, how would Dai Qian have recognized him and gone to seek refuge with him?] Dai Shan then urged him to take a concubine, saying, "Your sister-in-law advised me many times, but I refused at first. I married a woman surnamed Miao when I was fifty, and this year we have a nineteen-year-old son and a granddaughter. You are only in your fifties now; go back and take a concubine too. Who knows if you won't have a son?" Seeing his brother had a son and a concubine, Dai Liang stayed for a while, then took his leave and went home. He also took a concubine and had a son, who was only seven or eight years old. He feared that he was getting old and frail, and that something might happen to him. With his several thousand taels of gold and his young son, how could he manage the family business? Knowing that his elder brother and sister-in-law had passed away, he was just about to send a message to his nephew to come and live with him. Seeing him arrive, he was overjoyed. Seeing his tattered state, he asked what had happened. The nephew wept and confessed that he had been foolish and misled, spending his family's savings and even giving away his daughter. He spoke frankly and without reservation, telling the whole story. He said that although he now regretted his actions, it was too late; he had no face to see his family and friends, so he had come from afar to seek refuge with his uncle.

Seeing his nephew in such a state, Dai Liang felt deeply sorry for him. He said, "The book says, 'If you have made a mistake, don't hesitate to correct it.' If you can correct your mistake, my uncle's family fortune will still be enough for you to eat and wear. But if you continue gambling, then things are uncertain." Dai Qian said, "Nephew, if you don't correct your mistake and learn to be good, and if you do this despicable thing again, not only will you not be able to face your ancestors and parents in the afterlife, but even dogs and pigs will not eat anything else today." Dai Liang nodded repeatedly and said, "Good, good. If you can repent and start anew, it will be a blessing for my Dai family."

Dai Liang's first wife, Gu, had been dead for more than five years, and now it was his concubine, Xiao, who had given birth to his son, who was in charge of the household. Dai Liang then led Dai Qian inside to meet him, and his son also came to pay respects to his elder brother. He had him change his clothes and kept him for over ten days. Dai Liang said to him, “You’ve only thought of yourself, but who will support and care for your mother and wife at home? You should go and fetch them to come and stay with us by boat. You have no property there, I am old, and your brothers are young. You can help take care of the household affairs. Besides, although we are not an official family, we still have some standing. How could we give our daughter away as a maid? You should redeem her, even if it means adding some interest. Just go and come back quickly, so that this old man won’t worry.”

His family was now at the dock, so getting a boat was very easy. There happened to be a Junior Minister of the Imperial Academy named Hou, who had two official documents in his possession and was going to Yunnan. Dai Liang then told Dai Qian to go with him by boat. He chose an auspicious day for their departure, packed their bags, and gave him one hundred taels of silver, saying, “This is for travel expenses.” He also made two sets of clothes for them to wear on their journey. He paid another fifty taels, saying, "This is ten million to redeem my granddaughter." He instructed him to tie the money to his waist, gave him repeated instructions, and then they parted ways. He boarded the boat and waited for Hou Shaoqing to get up together. His demeanor this time was quite different from when he had come before.

One day, he arrived home and saw his mother and wife. His mother was overjoyed to see her son dressed so smartly. [Upon reading this line, tears streamed down my face. No mother doesn't hope her son looks presentable, but what could he do when he couldn't meet his parents' expectations?] Then she said sadly [fully expressing the mother's grief]: "You've been gone for months, and I thought you'd wandered off somewhere. My wife and I have shed countless tears. Where have you come from? How have you returned home so well?" Dai Qian recounted his uncle's words in detail, and the whole family was overjoyed. He took out the silver and gave it to his mother. The next day, he took fifty taels of silver to the Tie family to redeem his daughter. Tie Hua said, "I haven't seen you come to redeem her for years. She went to live with my sister at Tong Baiwan's house." Dai Qian suspected he was lying, so he went to the Tong family's door to inquire about the truth. He had just asked the servant who bought the peaches, Tong Zuobi. When he heard that the peach's father had come to redeem his daughter, he was secretly surprised and replied, "Our grandmother dotes on your daughter very much. She was afraid that if you didn't come to redeem her, she would waste her youth. She got married last year." When Dai Qian heard that she had been married, he knew that she could not be redeemed, so he asked, "Who did she marry? Where does she live? I want to go and see her." How could he say that she was now living with Qian Gui? He replied, "I don't know. I heard that she is from out of town." Dai Qian was still not convinced, so he met with Tong Zida to ask for details. Tong Zida had heard the servant say that she had been married off to another place, and that was exactly what he had said to him. Dai Qian had no choice but to go home and tell his mother and wife. The mother and daughter-in-law cried for two or three more days. After packing their clothes and belongings, they visited the grave and then boarded a boat to Beijing. Whether the father, daughter, grandfather, and grandson would ever meet again remains to be seen.

As for the origin of Hou Shaoqing, who traveled to Nanjing with Dai Qian, please read the next chapter

for details. Indeed: To learn more about the Hou family, please continue reading carefully.

(End of Volume Four)

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