Gu Wangyan [Complete] - 19

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

In the seventeenth volume of "Gu Wang Yan,

" Dun Weng says:
This section about the City God's dream reveals two things: first, it clarifies the origins of the group, echoing the first chapter; second, it explains why the woman changed her mind—it wasn't without reason.

The abuses of the Ever-Normal Granary reveal the true feelings of local officials. If a superior could investigate thoroughly, he would not betray the court's benevolence towards the people, and the famine-stricken masses would benefit greatly.

Possessing a fortune of millions, using ten thousand bushels of rice to relieve the masses is merely a drop in the ocean. For a generous hero, this is nothing unusual. What is unusual is the wealthy man. Moreover, this is a man of extreme stinginess, utterly averse to the stench of money, yet he generously did it—it's beyond expectation.

The depiction of the king's ingratitude precisely illustrates the treachery of petty people. Upright gentlemen are often deceived by them, but in the end, they have only deceived themselves, not others. It

's a sharp rebuke to petty people. The section about the Shaolin monks passing on their skills was meticulously planned. Otherwise, would the Iron Man have spent his entire life finding amusement in Mr. Horn? Otherwise, how could Tong Zida have so many children? Even more ingeniously, although the man from Mount Emei has already been mentioned, his shadow appears again here.

Lord Le, newly appointed, already possesses a heart full of concern for the country and its people, truly restless and unable to eat or sleep; such an official is rare indeed.

Yang Da's killing of Shui Shi fully illustrates the viciousness and unscrupulousness of petty people. It's acceptable for someone to take another's wife, but not for someone else to take another's. Shui Shi was an adulterous woman, and certainly worthy of death. It's acceptable for Bu Tong's husband to kill her, but it's unacceptable for Yang Da, the adulterer, to kill an adulterous woman. Therefore, Shui Shi's revenge is not against the one who killed the adulterous woman, but against the adulterer who killed her. This killing also has its merits; it not only concludes the case of adulterous couples but also completes Bu Tong's official career.

Li Mubin's greed, Zheng the Blind's evil, and Liu Dajun's malice fully depict the hearts of petty people. If it weren't for Lord Le's discerning and benevolent nature, Tong Zida would also be in grave danger.

Old Wu was greedy and despicable all his life, so it was fitting that he had a wife named Du, thus ending his lineage. Then he had a concubine named Cui, thus ending his life. It should be known that it was not the fault of Du and Cui, but rather the old man's own doing; he brought this upon himself. Is this what is meant by "the one who brings misfortune upon himself"?

If a husband is virtuous and has a kind wife, their children will naturally prosper. But if a husband is ungrateful and his wife is unkind, is it not fitting that their daughter becomes a concubine?

Chapter Seventeen: The arrogant Tong gives away precious grain to relieve the suffering of refugees; the Shaolin monk teaches strange arts to please a plump woman?

Appendix: The Music Bureau official, Yin Nian, mourns the poor Li Yang; the sedan

chair carrier kills the adulterous woman. It is said that the three men, Huan, Jia, and Tong, told Zhong Sheng that the ancient City God summoned them. Zhong Sheng secretly thought, "I have long been blessed by the revered god; why not go in and pay my respects?" [This describes Zhong Sheng's dream of this, which is wonderful. If it were said that the god went to summon them, it would be incoherent.] Just then, a judge in a black turban and robe came out and announced, "By royal decree, the three of you, along with Zhongqing, are summoned to enter." Zhongsheng asked in surprise, "How did the king know I was here?" [It was a dream.] He hurriedly followed the judge to the steps and prostrated himself, saying, "For many years I have not had the opportunity to behold your holy countenance. Now that I am fortunate to be here, I sincerely thank you." The deity laughed and said, "You have come at the right time. Today is the time for you all to awaken from your dream, and I have summoned you here to clarify things. Zhongqing, I have already revealed to you your predestined marriage from your past lives. Huan'e and the other two were romantic scholars in their previous lives, but they were poor. They also sought marriage with Bai. Their parents originally wanted to choose one of them as a son-in-law, but Bai refused because of their poverty and died with resentment. Later, they all came to my table. Because of their resentment at poverty, they sacrificed their lives, so I made them..." "In this life, I am foolish, ugly, and stubborn, yet I am luxurious and wealthy. I indulge in the pleasures of the Qian family, fulfilling their desires from a previous life. However, the Qian family despises me upon first meeting me. This is also due to the karma from my past life." The king then called out, "Huan'e, Jia Wenwu, and Tong Zida, you three have relied on your power to act arrogantly and commit evil everywhere. I originally intended to deprive you of your lifespan and have you die a violent death as retribution. But because you have repented and reformed, I will grant you leniency. All three of you were childless before, but because of your reformation, you have all been able to have children. As long as you hold fast to this belief, you will be able to preserve your family's wealth and die peacefully. If you repeat your past mistakes, there is the law of the land and the spirits in the underworld. You should reflect on your actions." The three men were so frightened that they kowtowed repeatedly. The king then said, "Bring those three beasts here!" When everyone looked, they saw a monkey, a tiger, and a fox crawling under the table. [Among women, the cunning are all like monkeys, the fierce and jealous are all like tigers, and the seductive are all like foxes. Seeing this is not surprising.] The king asked Huan E and the others, "Do you three recognize this?" The three, not knowing what he meant, dared not answer rashly. The king laughed and said, "Let him reveal his true form." Then a judge in green robes and with a bushy beard stepped forward, blew a breath, and suddenly transformed into three women. The three were still in surprise and doubt when they looked closely and realized that they were each of their wives. They were greatly shocked. The king said, “These three women were originally men in their previous lives. Due to their heavy sins, they fell into the animal realm. Now that their time for punishment has been fulfilled, they have been reborn as women to be your wives. Although they have been reborn as humans, their animalistic hearts have not been completely eradicated, hence their fierce, wicked, lustful, and jealous nature. [Most fierce, wicked, lustful, and jealous women in the world are reincarnations of animals.] You have suffered at their hands as punishment for your lustful and reckless behavior in your previous lives. Now that you have reformed and become virtuous, I, the god, have secretly removed their jealous tendons and replaced their evil hearts, transforming them all into human beings. [If only the venerable god could remove and replace all the jealous tendons and evil hearts of jealous women in the world, I fear that good men and women would receive immeasurable blessings.] I will be with you until old age. You must refrain from all evil and practice all good, and in time you will surely receive good fortune. Go!” The officers on both sides shouted in unison, “Get out!” as loud as thunder. The crowd bowed and hurried away, for the three men had been blessed for their repentance. This story is summarized in four lines of folk rhyme: "

Good deeds bring blessings, while those who defy Heaven suffer calamity.
This principle is easy to understand, why not heed it? Better to be virtuous and timid than arrogant and forceful.

" Zhong Sheng awoke with a start, realizing it was all a dream. He thought about it and remembered every word. He woke Qian Gui and had him explain the details, thus learning the cause of his dream. Zhong Sheng thought, "Although I had this strange dream, I wonder if the other three had the same dream. I'll ask them another day. If their dreams are all the same, it will truly be extraordinary."

On the night Zhong Sheng had his dream, the six women—the eunuch, the merchant, the boy, the Hou family, the Fu family, and the Tie family—all had the same dream. Upon waking, each couple recounted their dreams in detail, deeply astonished. The three women were deeply ashamed and regretted their past shameful behavior. [If they hadn't undergone a complete transformation, they would never have known shame. Those wicked and jealous women in the world who know no shame or remorse are certainly those who haven't undergone such a transformation.] Huan E was still not entirely convinced, fearing it was just a dream he had had. Still harboring doubts, he summoned Jia Tong and his brother, and asked, "Last night I had a strange dream. I dreamt that you two, along with your two elder sisters-in-law, were there. Did you two brothers dream of anything?" The two brothers were greatly surprised and recounted their dreams, all marveling at their wonder. They then said, "Brother Zhong was there last night; let's go together and ask him again." They went to Zhong Sheng's house. Zhong Sheng asked, "The three brothers have come to visit; there must be something to discuss. What dreams did you all have?" The three exclaimed in surprise, "We had the same dream! You were there last night too. Did you see or hear anything?" Zhong Sheng also recounted his dream, and then laughed, "The past lives of your three elder sisters-in-law were truly terrifying! It's fortunate that you three brothers have such good fortune that you survived." The three brothers also laughed, "The spirits have changed their hearts; they are no longer afraid." They laughed and dispersed. Only then did they realize that this meeting was all from a previous life; although they were now relatives, they became even closer. The three ladies grew increasingly intimate, visiting each other frequently. All traces of their former jealousy and shrewishness vanished. As for matters of the bedchamber, they considered them commonplace and not to be blamed.

Huan and Jia, each with their own ample resources, had long since conquered Hou and Fu's two wives. However, the more obese Tie became, the deeper and more voluptuous her vagina grew, making it increasingly difficult for Tong Zida to use his manhood. Moreover, it was that Mr. Jiao who had made him his tutor, frequently visiting and restricting his access. Tong Zida occasionally tried, but after a while, he found himself unconsciously merging his manhood with his penis. He then abandoned the front and took the back, effectively giving the front to the teacher. After a while, it became worn out, so he bought eight or nine more for his use, only to find it difficult to manage the two maids.

One night, the couple slept together. Tong Zida said, "I haven't used the waterway in a while, let's try again." He then inserted himself and thrust a couple of times. Tong Zida said, "This doesn't work, the back door is still a bit rough." Tie Shi laughed, "Don't you find any pleasure in doing this?" Tong Zida said, "I can't touch any of the sides, it's like a little baby sitting in a big bathtub, what's the fun in that?" Tie Shi said, "When people bathe in a bathtub, they are happy." Tong Zida said, "So, when I do this, you're sure you'll be happy too?" Tie Shi said, "It's like putting a small ear pick in a big ear, what's the fun in that?" Tong Zida laughed loudly, "You say people are happy bathing in a bathtub, but isn't it happy to use an ear pick in an ear?" The two laughed loudly and played around in their rear chambers until midnight before stopping.

One day, Zhong Sheng was idly sitting in his study, flipping through the *History of the Song Dynasty*. He came across a garden built by Han Tuozhou, complete with bamboo fences and thatched cottages, resembling a village. He was delighted, saying, "It's a pity there's no sound of chickens and dogs to match the scenery." A short while later, he heard chickens crowing and dogs barking. He sent someone to investigate and found that Zhao Shi, the Prefect of Jingzhao, had sent someone to lie in wait under the fence and make the sounds of chickens and dogs. Tuozhou was overjoyed. Then there was a remonstrating official named Cheng Song, who bought a beautiful woman and presented her to Tuozhou, naming her Songshou. Tuozhou said, "Why does she share the same name as the Grand Remonstrator?" Cheng Song replied, "It's precisely so that my humble name may always reach your ears." Zhong Sheng closed the book and sighed, "It's understandable that petty people are shameless and engage in flattery. But for a scholar-official who has entered the halls of power and becomes a minister of the court, to still act this way—utterly devoid of shame and integrity—what kind of heart does he have!" [Let them laugh and scold; I will be a good official. These two sentences sum it up perfectly.] Just then, Mei Sheng arrived, beaming, and asked, "What book are you reading, brother?" Zhong Sheng replied, "I was casually reading the History of the Song Dynasty, and I came across the part where Zhao Shi sent Cheng Songzhi to flatter Tuo Zhou. It's quite laughable." Mei Sheng said, "Throughout history, there have been many laughable people, and not just two. Today, there's one right here who's truly hilarious, and I've come to tell you about him for your amusement." Zhong Sheng said, "Please tell me the details." Mei Sheng asked, "Did my cousin come to pay his respects yesterday?" Zhong Sheng replied, "Yesterday..." "He has graced me with his presence, and I will go to pay my respects." Mei Sheng said, "My cousin's father-in-law, Wang Chaolin, was also visited by you. The ridiculous thing you mentioned is about this man." Zhong Sheng said, "When I first saw him, I knew he was an unscrupulous person, so I dared not get close to him. I was always amazed that your maternal uncle was such a wise and virtuous man. Why did you agree to marry him back then? Although I had the intention, I dared not speak it. His daughter has passed away, and my cousin has remarried. What a joke this is today." Mei Sheng explained the ridiculousness of his story in detail. It is true:

a gentleman does not lose his gentlemanly demeanor, and a petty person does his petty demeanor in vain.

Do you know why? Zhong Sheng's maternal uncle's surname was Duo, and his given name was Yi. He entered the academy at the age of twenty and was a generous and outspoken man. After marrying his wife, she was intelligent and virtuous, and they had one daughter and two sons. His daughter married into the Chen family. Chen Renmei passed the imperial examination and was selected as the magistrate of Baocheng County, Shaanxi, the place where Bao Si was born during the reign of King You of Zhou. The eldest son was named Bida. He and Zhong Sheng were classmates and students of Master Guang. Bida and Zhong Sheng were also classmates in the provincial examinations. The second son, Bijin, was a student at the academy. In his youth, Duoyi had a classmate named Wang En. Orphaned at a young age, he lived with his elder brother and sister-in-law. They treated him like a slave, his clothes tattered and worn, his stomach constantly empty, bound only by a straw belt, enduring hunger. His brother and sister-in-law acted as if they didn't see it. His sister-in-law was even worse than Su Jizi's sister-in-law who refused to cook, or Emperor Gaozu of Han's sister-in-law who demanded a bowl of soup. Wang En suffered greatly, with no one to confide in. Although in his twenties, he was a bookworm, only knowing how to hold a book, constantly humming and reciting. Two lines from the ancient couplet of Xuanyuan Miming perfectly captured his hedonistic lifestyle: "

Often in the earthworm's hole, sometimes making the sound of flies."

Besides this, he had no other skills; he couldn't handle light tasks, let alone heavy ones. Whenever he wanted to leave in a fit of pique, he had neither a place to put his belongings nor a way to make a living. While others were so poor they had nowhere to stand, he was truly so poor he didn't even have a needle

in a haystack. There was a joke that perfectly described him: a man with nowhere to make a living served as a mourner at funerals. One day, at his family's funeral, he wept bitterly over the coffin, saying, "Your spirit has a place to go, but where will mine be?"

This was truly a case of being overly grateful. Another day, it was his sister-in-law's birthday. His family sent some fish, meat, wine, and noodles for his daughter, which he cooked, intending to share with his wife. However, because of his brother-in-law, he felt he should give him some, but he also felt bad about not giving him any. [He was still relatively thin-skinned; in today's world, most people would be much more considerate.] Unable to contain herself, she blurted out, "Your parents-in-law didn't leave you a single piece of furniture back then. This young man, in his early twenties, doesn't try to make a living, just sponges off his older brother and sister-in-law. Aren't you ashamed? You're always clutching a book like you have a toothache, how can you even manage to eat? If you were to become a scholar or a high-ranking official, your brother and sister-in-law would be exhausted, and you'd be doing yourself a disservice." As she spoke, she smashed the bowls and ladle with a loud crash. Wang En, filled with resentment, went to the house. Duo Yi saw his angry face, his brows furrowed, as if he had a thousand troubles weighing on his mind. Duo Yi asked, "Brother, you seem to be troubled by something?" Wang En sighed deeply, holding back tears, unable to answer. Duo Yi said, "Brother and I have been classmates since childhood, practically inseparable. If you have any troubles, please tell me. As the old saying goes, 'I am a man of goodwill.' Although I am not as good as the old man, I am also a man of goodwill. Perhaps I can lend you a helping hand." Wang En had no choice but to tell Duo Yi about his brother and sister-in-law's mean words, and then burst into tears again, saying, "Today I have nowhere to go, and I cannot find a place to stay, hence my sorrow." Duo Yi was moved by a surge of righteousness and said, "The world is so cold and cruel, how can brotherly affection be reduced to this? Fine, since you have nowhere to stay, if you don't mind, come and stay in my small study. But I'm afraid my daily meals are not enough, brother..." "If you don't mind, I can still provide for you. Even just a few winter and summer clothes are within my means. What do you think, brother?" Wang En said, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, brother, but life is long, how could I dare to bother you so often?" Duoyi said, "Friendship is one of the five cardinal relationships. Nowadays, people's feelings are cold and fickle, and the bond of friendship is almost completely destroyed. I often feel resentful about this. My friendship with you has lasted for many years, like that of brothers. Why bother with formalities? You truly deserve the name Duoyi. Why don't you come today? I'll prepare my bed and wait for you." Wang En was deeply moved by his chivalrous spirit and said, "Since you are so kind, brother, I have a few old books to bring." He then got up and left. After a short while, he returned with a tattered quilt and a bundle of worn-out books, which he carried on his back. He stayed in several study rooms and did not engage in any outside activities, spending his days engrossed in books. Duo Yi said happily, "With such determination, he will surely succeed in the future. We should focus on nurturing him into a responsible adult." He first changed his clothes and made him bedding. Several months later, Duo Yi said to him, "Your younger brother is three years older than me. Your two daughters are now eight years old. As the saying goes, of the three unfilial acts, the greatest is to have no descendants. You are now over twenty, and your marriage should not be delayed." Wang En said, "I was wandering aimlessly when I was young. I was taken in by you, which was more than I could have imagined. Now I have enough to eat and wear and can study. I am very fortunate. How could I dare to have any more extravagant hopes? As for marriage, I hope you will bless me. If I make some progress in the future, we can discuss it again."

Duo Yi remained silent but secretly asked someone to inquire and find him a wife. They found a match for the daughter of an old scholar who was exactly twenty years old. On the day of the engagement, he informed Wang En. Wang En was deeply grateful and said, "Brother, your love for me is truly heartfelt, but how can I possibly repay it? I will cherish it in my heart and never forget it. I wish to repay you with my lifelong loyalty." Duo Yi laughed and said, "A man in this world, even if he shows kindness to a stranger, will not expect anything in return. How much less should we, as friends, expect repayment for such a small favor? You are not only belittling me, but also belittling yourself." Wang En dared not say anything more, only feeling ashamed in his heart. Duo Yi then prepared the study and turned it into his bridal chamber. On the auspicious day, after the wedding, all the provisions came from Duo Yi, needless to say. Later, the bride often invited Bo to the back for tea and meals, chatting and laughing like close sisters-in-law. Bo was intelligent and eloquent. [In this world, intelligent and eloquent people are often kind-hearted, but honest people are often more generous.] The two were truly compatible. That year, Wang En entered school, and Duo Yi was overjoyed, feeling that his efforts in taking him in had not been in vain. Duo Yi provided the blue robes, wine, and tuition fees for the students. The following year, Duo Yi gave birth to a son, Duo Bida. Wang En's wife, Bo, gave birth to a daughter in the same month.

Time flew by, and five years passed in the blink of an eye. One day, Duo Yi and Wang En were chatting idly when they saw the two children come out from inside, playing and laughing together like siblings. Duo Yi was overjoyed and said with a smile, "Brother, you and I are truly like blood relatives! I think these two children are also like siblings. Why don't we become friends first and then in-laws, and marry them off? What do you think, brother?" Wang En had received boundless kindness from him, and the three of them had lived and ate at his house for years, even wearing down the threshold, without a single complaint. Even his wife had been chosen for him in place of his own; how could he possibly refuse to marry his daughter? He had always wanted to arrange this marriage, hoping for a long-term future, but because he still relied on his family, he felt ashamed of his humble origins and dared not speak up. [Having said these few words, he later betrayed his promise, making him all the more hateful.] Hearing this now, he smiled broadly and said, "Thank you for your kindness, brother. My daughter is fortunate to be matched with your son; it is truly a match made in heaven. But I dare not presume to propose." Seeing his happy agreement, Duoyi went in and told his wife, Hou Shi, who said, "I have long had this intention; this is wonderful!" Wang En then told Bo Shi, who was overjoyed and repeatedly encouraged him. Two days later, Duoyi chose an auspicious date, prepared two banquets, and first sent several pieces of jewelry and two sets of small clothes to his bride as a small engagement. Then he invited Wang En to the wedding banquet, and invited his son-in-law Chen Renmei and nephew Meigen to accompany him, acting as matchmakers. [Later, the marriage was successfully arranged; Chen Renmei's efforts were so great that he is known as "the one who brings happiness to his wife."] Inside, the Bo family invited the Bo family, and the mother and daughter accompanied him. The whole family was overjoyed, needless to say. Afterwards, the four in-laws became even closer. Duoyi and Wang En took several imperial examinations but failed each time. In the Jiazi year of the Tianqi reign, the two of them, along with their son-in-law Chen Renmei, went to the examination hall. Unexpectedly, on the day the results were announced, Wang En and Chen Renmei both passed, while Duoyi failed.

Although Duoyi hadn't passed the imperial examination, seeing his son-in-law succeed was secondary; seeing Wang En succeed, however, made him even happier than if he had succeeded himself. His daughter had married into the Chen family the previous year, and on the day his son-in-law passed, a grandson was born—truly a double celebration. The following year, Wang En went to the capital for the metropolitan examination, and Duoyi provided all the travel expenses, entrusting his son-in-law to accompany him. Upon arriving in the capital, they both passed the examination, with Wang En ranking second-class and being selected as a probationary official. When the news reached home, Duoyi was overjoyed, not for his in-laws' consecutive successes or for their glory, but because Wang En, a man without a home, had brought fame and fortune to his wife, fulfilling his initial kindness.

The following year, Wang En was granted leave to return home to pay respects to his ancestors, and stayed at the family home again. He thanked Duoyi and his wife profusely, expressing his gratitude endlessly, his words of thanks never ceasing. He had returned home in glory, and relatives who never visited before suddenly appeared, coming and going in a constant stream to offer their congratulations. Even his heartless brother and sister-in-law, though not as obsequious as Su Qin's, had returned with their old faces, displaying their unseemly intimacy. Duo Yi handled all the entertaining guests for him. His time was coming to an end, and he was to return to the capital. Duo Yi advised him to take his family with him. His daughter was now thirteen years old and exceptionally beautiful. Duo Yi and his wife doted on her immensely and, fearing Wang En's travel expenses would be insufficient, sent him some money. Duo Yi's wife had lived with the couple for over ten years, and upon parting, she felt a deep sadness and reluctance to leave. Wang En, however, showed no reluctance and departed happily. [This glimpse into his ingratitude and cold-heartedness.]

Duo Bida passed the imperial examination in the Jiaxu year and, on his way home, detoured to Shanxi to visit his brother-in-law and sister. When they met at his post, they drank and celebrated. Madam Duo said, "I found you a concubine, and you've only come after three or four years?" Duo Bida replied, "Although my brother-in-law and sister dote on me, I'm afraid my father will scold me when I return." Chen Renmei said, "It's alright, it wasn't you who found her yourself, it was my and your sister's idea. I wrote a detailed letter to my father-in-law, and I'm sure he won't say anything. But this girl was originally Wei Zhongtang's concubine, not my daughter. Because she's beautiful, your sister and I bought her in Shaanxi and brought her here." Duo Bida was still young and had been away from home for a long time. Seeing his brother-in-law and sister's kindness, and hearing that the girl was beautiful, he had no reason to refuse and readily accepted the order.

Madam Duo ordered a room and bed to be prepared, and told the girl to bathe and change into new clothes to prepare for her. When Wang was brought here, she assumed Chen Renmei wanted her to be his concubine. However, after several days, she didn't mention it, and was given good food and clothing every day, which puzzled her. Today, upon hearing that the gift was for his maternal uncle, a newly appointed young scholar, he was secretly delighted. That evening, when he saw Duo Bida enter the room, he was struck by the handsome young man and their affection deepened. Duo Bida, seeing his striking good looks, was also very happy, but felt as if he had seen him somewhere before, his face strangely familiar, though he couldn't quite place it. After their passionate encounter, Duo Bida inquired about his family background, and he tearfully recounted his story, revealing that he was Wang En's beloved daughter. Duo Bida exclaimed in surprise, "No wonder you looked so familiar! It's you!" He then recounted the details of his own family history. Wang was filled with shame. Duo Bida got up, threw off his pillow, dressed, and asked someone to fetch his brother-in-law and sister. He said, "This girl is Wang En's daughter?" His sister laughed and said, "I recognized her the moment I saw her. That's why I bought her, so you can take her home with peace of mind. Let her parents see her and be ashamed of this ungrateful wretch. Let them see how he can face his fellow villagers and relatives. Otherwise, why would I buy you a concubine?" Duo Bida said, "Her parents are so unscrupulous, how could I want this girl?" Chen Renmei said, "When you first arrived, I asked her. Her parents secretly sent her home without her knowledge. By the time she got there, it was too late to go back. You can't blame her. You can't be her wife now, but being a concubine is fine. Not only will you humiliate her parents, but you can also vent your anger." Duo Bida thought about it and said, "That makes a lot of sense." He kept her as Xiao Xing and was pleased to see that she was intelligent and sensible. After staying for a few days, he took his leave and went home.

Upon arriving home, he paid respects to Heaven and Earth, his ancestors, and his parents. Then he had Wang pay her respects and met with Jing. Duo Yi was overjoyed to see his son return home in triumph after passing the imperial examination, but was displeased to find him with a concubine. Duo Bida presented his brother-in-law's letter, which Duo Yi read. Duo Bida then explained the details, and Duo Yi's wife, filled with anger and resentment, said, "Such a heartless man! He's a beast! That beast heard you were back and was sitting outside early this morning. Don't let him go. Send everyone to invite his wife here, and in front of all our relatives and friends, let him and his daughter meet. Let's see how he can face anyone then!" She then sent someone to invite Bo Shi, who, upon hearing of her son-in-law's success, returned home. [The true son-in-law of that time has become a false son-in-law; now, though he seems like a husband, he is no longer one.] They sent someone to invite him, but he didn't arrive quickly. When he arrived at the main house, many relatives and family members were already there. He saw that Duoyi and his wife had angry faces, unlike their usual warm greetings, and dared not ask. Duoyi, seeing that Bo had arrived, ordered people to invite Wang En and the other relatives in, saying, "The ancients spoke of the return of souls, which I never believed. But today, a woman who had been dead for several years suddenly came back to life. Yesterday, my son took her as a concubine on the road and brought her back. I have specially invited you all to witness this strange event." He then said to Duo Bida, "Call her here." She arrived in a moment. As soon as she entered the room, Wang En and Bo, who were curious to see what the returned woman looked like, realized it was their beloved daughter. The couple were mortified and covered their faces, trying to run away. Their daughter grabbed them, crying and scolding them. Being in front of so many male and female relatives, the couple felt worse than if they had been killed, and they broke free and ran back home. The couple blamed each other, too ashamed to face anyone in the city. After hiding for a few days, they sold their house and moved to a distant village, whereupon their whereabouts became unknown. Truly, "

Even if she scooped up all the water of the West River, she couldn't wash away the shame on her face today.

" This incident became widely known, and everyone cursed Wang En as a despicable person. [While Wang En certainly deserves to be cursed, it's inappropriate to curse someone like him. There's an old joke: A group of people were sitting together when someone farted, the stench unbearable. Everyone pointed to one person and cursed them. That person laughed loudly, and when asked why, they replied, "I'm laughing because the person who farted is laughing at me too."] Mei Sheng was at his cousin's house that day and witnessed this incident. Now he came to tell Zhong Sheng. Zhong Sheng laughed and said, "May your cousin-in-law treat him well, and let these heartless scoundrels know to be ashamed." He laughed heartily and left.

Since the seventh or eighth year of the Chongzhen Emperor's reign, Shandong and Henan had suffered from locust plagues and droughts for years, compounded by repeated bandit attacks, causing immense suffering to the people. Those who escaped death initially resorted to catching sparrows and scavenging rats to stave off hunger, but later even ate grass roots and tree bark until they were exhausted, resorting to cannibalism and cooking with bones. Their plight was truly heartbreaking. Although there were several imperial decrees for relief, the local officials had long since siphoned off the rice from the granaries and put it in their own pockets, leaving the granaries empty. They were well aware of their superiors' collusion in this corruption. Upon receiving the decree, they merely issued a document ordering relief. The officials, already worried about where to spend the rice, were overjoyed upon seeing the document and returned only a small portion of the document, thus distributing the relief. This was called a perfunctory response; the people gained empty honors, the officials reaped real benefits, and the starving poor received not a single drop of kindness. Officials, both high and low, were all just indulging in their own frivolous pursuits; who was truly willing to serve the country and its people wholeheartedly?

These commoners, though aware of the court's great favor, felt they were merely basking in its benefits, knowing that appealing to the authorities would be futile—like striking water with a stick. People said the emperor was far away, so who would dare go to the capital to appeal? The poor couldn't afford it, and the rich refused. A few indignant individuals wanted to stand up for the poor, but realizing the court was too difficult to reach, they gave up.

Unable to stand their ground any longer, these people thought Nanjing was a safe haven and fled there, numbering in the tens of thousands. A significant portion starved to death along the way. It was October, and these poor people had nothing to wear but a shirt and trousers. Those wearing tattered cotton robes were considered well-off, yet another portion froze to death. Only about ten thousand people remained, listlessly awaiting death; as more people arrived, there was nowhere to hide.

That year, Nanjing also suffered a severe drought, causing rice prices to soar. The usual grain cost only seven or eight qian per shi (a unit of dry measure), and even one liang (another unit of dry measure) was considered expensive. That year, due to the ravages of bandits in Huguang and Jiangxi provinces, harvests were poor, and local officials forbade the export of rice. As a result, the price of rice in Jiangnan rose to two liang and four or five qian per shi. The locals were barely able to feed themselves, let alone give to others. These more than ten thousand people cried and begged in the streets, their plight indescribable. They were starving during the day and had nowhere to shelter at night, so they slept in the doorways of temples and houses, their bodies weak and cold, and many died every day. Although many local officials may have had the will to help, they were unwilling to put in the effort to devise a plan for relief, turning a blind eye and pretending to know nothing.

Now, the boy, who had just grown up, went out one day and walked along the street. He saw men and women leading children, dressed in tattered clothes, with emaciated faces, not resembling human beings at all. He also heard people talking about their suffering, having nowhere to live and nowhere to beg for food. He felt a deep sorrow and thought to himself, "My family is already incredibly wealthy. We've had bountiful harvests year after year thanks to divine blessings, and our houses are piled high with rice. My family can't possibly eat all of it, and I have enough silver. There's no need to sell it. I should do a good deed and give it away to save these thousands of starving people—it would be a righteous act. Besides, I dreamt the other day that my grandmother was a large black fox. The City God said that because I reformed, the gods protected her and softened her evil heart; otherwise, I would have died at his hands. Now she's become virtuous, proving the gods were absolutely right. Although I spent some money on those few days of entertainment and feasting, I was only being generous; I was still afraid people would talk behind my back about how bad I was." If I were to do this great thing again, firstly, it would repay the divine grace, and secondly, people would not only dare not say I smell bad, but would praise me as fragrant. [From ancient times to the present, how many people have been able to spread their fame and gain such a reputation? I never expected this old fool to have such great insight.] Furthermore, I have heard people say that in life, one only needs to have five things: wife, wealth, children, prosperity, and longevity. He continued, "I have a wife and a concubine, although they are a bit ugly. People say that ugliness is a treasure in the family. Now she doesn't beat me, doesn't scold me, and doesn't care about me. We live happily together, and that's enough. I have food, clothes, and necessities. I have piles of silver, shops, tenancies, fields, and everything else. Wealth goes without saying. As for children, I have a son and a daughter. Now people say that..." My first son is a dangerous one. If I do more good deeds, or if the heavens bless me, I might be able to raise two more. Otherwise, I only pray that these two live to be a hundred years old and are clever and quick-witted. People say that you don't need many good ones; one is worth ten. [This kind of contentment should allow him to enjoy great fortune and longevity. Compared to those who are greedy and insatiable, it's like heaven and earth.] That's enough. People say that high office is dangerous. Although I am just a student, people call me "Master" and show me some respect because of my wealth. As the saying goes, the rich are ten years older, and the poor are a decade younger. I think those poor officials are not as respectable as me. [A poor official is not only inferior to a rich man. Sikong Tu, who was once the prime minister at the end of the Tang Dynasty, was so poor that he had no food after the fall of the Tang Dynasty. One day, he met a silversmith on the road and became his apprentice.] He took pity on him and invited him to his home, where he was treated to a lavish meal. Sikong Tu, moved by his hospitality, presented him with a poem, the last line of which reads: "I regret not having studied silversmithing in the first place. Even a prime minister, out of favor, couldn't become a silversmith; how much less could a poor official?" That's all. [How many scholars, striving for advancement without restraint, compare to this old fool's narrow-mindedness?] This lifespan is uncertain; once dead, as the saying goes, "While there's breath, there are a thousand uses; but once death comes, all is over." This large collection is left behind, not a single coin can be taken. [Even more insightful, wonderful.] I often hear people say, "A good deed in secret adds ten years to one's life." If I save the lives of tens of thousands, a hundred people can guarantee I live past one year old; ten thousand people might guarantee I live to a hundred. Isn't that wonderful? [Although the thought is greedy, from the perspective of human affairs, it is also quite reasonable.] Having made up his mind, he was delighted.

He then calculated, "Don't be rash. Let's calculate again. Considering everyone, if each person needs half a liter of rice a day, over ten thousand people would need fifty or sixty dan of rice a day. It's October now, and the new wheat harvest won't be ready until April next year. Then things will be better, and we can finally rest. In those seven months, that's fifteen or sixteen dan a month, so we'll need eleven or twelve thousand dan of rice. I don't know if my family has that much. Don't let things get messy and unfinished." He then called over a steward, Tong Keyong, and said, "[As the proverb says, 'With copper, poverty is saved.' This name is quite fitting.] Check the accounts of the rice piled up in each house and let me see how much there is in total." Tong Keyong took the accounts and calculated, saying, "The rice harvested from the villages in the south and north of the river over the past few years hasn't been used and is still untouched. There are about thirty thousand dan." Hearing this, he calculated that thirty thousand dan could make fifteen or sixteen thousand dan of rice. He was overjoyed and said, "That's enough, that's enough." He then thought, "I shouldn't tell Grandma about this. If she's reluctant to part with them, it would ruin my good intentions. I'll keep it from her for now; if she doesn't know later, so be it. What's given away can't be taken back." He praised himself, "My idea is truly brilliant." Suddenly, he pondered, "How much space do we need to house ten thousand people? Cooking for them there is a difficult task." He thought for a long time but couldn't come up with a solution. He said, "Two heads are worse than one. I'll invite Brother Zhong and his two brothers from the Huan family, and also invite Wu He, so we can all discuss a better plan." "He ordered his family to prepare wine and food, and sent someone to invite the others.

Soon they all arrived. Everyone sat down, and seeing Tong Zida's beaming face, [a delightful expression. Sincere joy in giving, not feigned desire for fame, is the mark of a true hero.] they all suspected he had some good news. Zhong Sheng asked first, 'Brother, you seem so happy today, is there some good news at your household?' He laughed and said, 'No good news, but there is a matter that will cost me money, so I invited everyone here to discuss it.' The others asked, 'What is this matter that will cost you money? Please tell us.' He then explained that he had seen these refugees without food and wanted to feed them alone, but because he didn't have enough space, he couldn't think of a solution, so he invited everyone to come and discuss it. Secondly, his family didn't have many people, and he needed to borrow the stewards of his two brothers to help look after them. Hearing that he had such a good deed, everyone praised him, saying, 'Brother, this is a great act of kindness, a truly unseen merit. Let us all do good together.'" Huan'e said, "Since you've provided food, I'll build several hundred large yurts for them to stay in. Everyone is without clothes, so I'll also provide ten thousand cotton robes to keep them warm." Jia Wenwu said, "Although I can't be as wealthy as you, I still have some possessions. I'll provide firewood, pickled vegetables, salt, and soy sauce." He added, "Brother Wu, I'll provide his family's purple rice and travel expenses, and ask him to look after them there, but there's no place for that, which is difficult." Wu He said, "In my humble opinion, if there's no other choice, let's borrow from various temples to distribute the relief." Tong Zida said, "I've thought of that too. There are too many people. How many can one temple hold? If the temple is divided into several parts, where will we find the manpower to look after them? We can only provide food during the day; where will they find shelter at night?" Seeing the three men's righteousness and their respective duties, Zhong Sheng pondered for a moment and said, "Since I resigned my post and returned, I have never been to the government office. Now that I am in power, since you three have made such a virtuous move, I cannot refuse. Tomorrow morning I will go to the Duke of Wei's mansion to ask for permission to temporarily borrow the open space in the drill ground to set up a shed for porridge to save the people. Using the land of the court to save the people of the court is not necessarily a bad thing. He is now in charge of the capital garrison, so we must ask him first. If he refuses, we will then go to the various officials to plead with him. Although I have broken my vow, this is a public matter, not a private matter. It is still alright." Everyone was overjoyed and said, "Excellent! We should not delay. Brother, go tomorrow. If you can get things done, we will take action tomorrow." Tong Zida ordered wine and food to be brought. Everyone was very happy about this. They drank and chatted. While they were drinking, Tong Zida said, "Oh dear, I almost forgot?" He called Tong Keyong over and said, "Go to each room." "Tell them to cook rice overnight and send it over in batches, without delay." Tong Ke agreed and left.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed Prefect of Yingtian Prefecture, named Le Shan, was formerly the Vice Minister of Rites in Beijing. He had previously clashed with the Grand Secretary Yang Sichang and had resigned due to illness. Emperor Chongzhen, knowing him to be a good official, had no choice but to let him go because of his disagreement with the Grand Secretary. At this time, Yang Sichang was serving as the Grand Secretary's commander-in-chief in the field, suppressing bandits. Yang Sichang, fearing the bandits like a tiger, learned they were hundreds of miles away and led his troops to flee, allowing the bandits to attack and massacre the city while he stood by and watched. Every day in his camp, he ordered his soldiers to twist ropes, claiming they were preparing to trap the bandits, which everyone secretly laughed at.

Zhang Xianzhong captured several cities and killed several princes, but Yang Sichang, fearing the enemy, dared not lead his troops to attack . Fearing retribution and execution, he had no choice but to commit suicide in the army. Upon learning of Yang Sichang's death and the famine in Nanjing, Emperor Chongzhen reinstated him as Vice Minister and appointed him Prefect. Only a few days after taking office, Yang Sichang was heartbroken by the plight of the displaced people. He wanted to provide relief, but with so many people, he couldn't reach everyone. Donating alone wouldn't be enough. Soon after arriving, he wondered which of the officials would join him in this charitable act. He needed to persuade local wealthy people to help, but this couldn't be forced; only those willing to do good could be persuaded. Unable to devise a good plan, he suddenly remembered, saying, "My protégé, Zhong Qing, is from the capital. He must know if there are any charitable people in the city. I should invite him to discuss this. Besides, he's such a courageous and decisive man; he must have his own ideas. But I've been in office for several days, and he hasn't come to see me. Is this strange? Or perhaps he doesn't live in the city?" "Then he summoned a yamen runner and asked, 'There is a retired official from the Ministry of Justice named Zhong. Do you know where he is?' The runner replied, 'Is he the same Master Zhong who impeached the corrupt eunuch and returned to officialdom?' Master Yue said, 'That's him.' The runner said, 'He's famous throughout the city. I know him.' Master Yue said, 'Go ask the rites department for my servant's pass and invite him here. Tell him I need to meet him immediately.' The runner agreed and left."

A moment later, the clerk from the Ministry of Rites entered and reported, "This Master Zhong is a very aloof person. He stays at home all day and never goes to pay respects to officials. When people go to visit him, he often feigns illness. The former Master Mu also went to visit and invite him, but he always claimed to be ill and refused to come. He never actually came to pay his respects, only sending someone with a note to apologize, saying that he was too ill to go out. Although Master Mu had long admired him, he never got to meet him. Now, Your Excellency has sent someone to invite him, but he probably won't come either." [This report from the clerk reveals Master Zhong's high character. He stays at home quietly and never speaks of official matters. Therefore, when Lord Le took office, he only knew his surname but not his given name. If he had tried to find a way to learn the new prefect's name and rushed to see him, that would have been the behavior of a sycophantic gentry, quite unlike the true nature of Master Zhong.] "Just send a yamen runner to invite him, and see if he comes or not," said Lord Yue. The clerk dared not say more and handed the invitation to the yamen runner.

Zhong Sheng was drinking at the Tong family's house when a servant hurriedly brought him a name card, saying, "The newly appointed Prefect, Lord Yue, has sent a yamen runner to our house to invite you to a meeting. I brought him here." Zhong Sheng took the card and saw it was from Yue Weishan. He was both surprised and delighted, saying, "So it turns out that Teacher Yue has been appointed Prefect of this area! I didn't know!" He then said to the others, "This Prefect Yue was my mentor at the meeting. He is extremely honest and kind. He has been on sick leave for a long time. Although I heard from the young men yesterday that the new Prefect's surname is Yue, and he is a Vice Minister, how could he be transferred to Prefect?" "I never imagined it was him. [Because of this sentence, I didn't even know his name.] I never inquired about matters of the court, so I didn't know his name and never went to pay my respects. Now that he's come to invite me, I naturally must go." He added, "If a person has good intentions, Heaven will surely grant them, without the slightest error. I just saw that my third brother has developed this Bodhicitta, and now that Teacher Le is here, I should go and beg him to lend me the training ground. He would certainly agree. Wouldn't that be better than me asking someone else?" Everyone was delighted to hear this, and Zhong Sheng quickly sent someone to buy a large red formal letter. [Wonderful, this is something the Tong family doesn't have.] After writing it, he bid farewell to everyone and took a sedan chair to the prefectural magistrate's office. He first asked the patrol officer to drop in the student's letter, and then someone came out to invite Zhong Sheng into the back hall.

Upon seeing this, Master Yue grabbed his hand and laughed, "My esteemed friend, you've been keeping to yourself, not even bothering to greet me?" Zhong Sheng adjusted his seat and invited him to sit and pay his respects, but Master Yue refused. Zhong Sheng could only bow, kneel, and say, "I am late in paying my respects; I beg your forgiveness." Master Yue helped him up, saying, "My esteemed friend, please rise quickly." Zhong Sheng said, "I have been deeply indebted to my teacher for his guidance, but I have no way to repay it. I must pay my respects. Furthermore, since I was released and returned home, I have only stayed at home, so I was unaware that my teacher had attained such an honorable position." "I bow late, and I must apologize again." Master Le said, "Your esteemed teacher is of noble character, as I, your student, fully know." He pleaded with Zhong Sheng to stand up and bow, and the teacher and student sat down. They spoke of their mutual admiration and longing. Master Le said, "Years ago, after I returned home due to illness, I heard that you had submitted a memorial to the military supervisor. I regret that I had already returned home at that time. If I were still in court, I would rather give up this official position and my life than let you return home with such injustice." Zhong Sheng humbly thanked him, saying, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Master. My humble sincerity is ashamed that I could not change Your Majesty's mind." "Ears?" Lord Le said, "Although you have lost this official post, your upright character has moved the court and the countryside. Everyone admires your loyalty and courage, which is a great honor." Zhong Sheng said a few more humble words and continued, "Today, my venerable teacher has graced this place with his presence. Not only are his students overjoyed to see your kind face, but as the ancients said, 'a lucky star shines on the road,' these common people have all been blessed." Lord Le said sadly, "I am an unworthy student, who originally intended to spend my life in seclusion in the mountains and forests. I never expected to receive such a great favor and be given this post. In recent days, seeing these refugees who have come here, I have no way to help them." I am deeply ashamed and embarrassed, and it has truly made me unable to eat or sleep. Today, I have come to your office, my esteemed friend, for two reasons. First, we have not seen each other for a long time, and I long to meet you and express my pent-up feelings. Second, I rely on your wisdom to devise a good plan for me.” Zhong Sheng was just asking him to lend him some land, and upon hearing this, he was secretly delighted. He replied, “My esteemed teacher’s love for the people is so great that the people will surely be moved to tears when they hear of it. My esteemed teacher need not worry. Your students and relatives have already made arrangements.” He then recounted in detail how Tong Zida donated rice, Huan E provided shelter and clothing, and Jia Wenwu helped with firewood and vegetables. He said, “These three are all my friends and relatives. They are discussing borrowing the training ground for a few months because they have nowhere else to go. I was just about to break my vow and go to the Duke of Wei’s mansion to plead for them, but I don’t know if he will agree. Now that you are here, Master, I hope you can speak to me and make it easier for us.” Duke Le was overjoyed and said, “My esteemed friend is a hero of our time, and your relatives and friends are certainly no ordinary people. Your brothers’ great deeds for the country and the people truly make us ashamed. I will do my best to borrow the training ground.” Zhong Sheng bowed deeply and said, “We are deeply grateful for your kindness and love for the people, Master. However, these poor people have been freezing and starving for a long time and are on the verge of death. We beg you to act quickly, Master.” Le Gong said, “You virtuous fellows are so kind-hearted. I, your student, am blessed by the Emperor and have the responsibility of the local government. As the father and mother of the people, how can I delay? I originally intended to invite you to a meal, but I will do so another day. I will go and pay my respects to the Duke of Wei now. If things are explained, we can start the uprising tomorrow.”

Zhong Sheng was overjoyed and got up to take his leave. He went back to the Tong family and told them about the matter. Everyone said, “Since that’s the case, there will surely be a reply. Shall we all sit and wait for good news?” They drank some more wine, and after a short while, a servant came in and said, “The Prefect has sent a clerk to see Master Zhong.” He hurriedly ordered the wine and food to be cleared away and then called the clerk in. Zhong Sheng invited him to sit, but the clerk repeatedly declined. Zhong Sheng said, "We are both from the same village, and you were sent by my teacher. Respect your master and your messenger; it's easier to talk if you sit down." He then moved his seat to a lower position and said, "Just now, I went to the Duke of Wei's residence and told him about the generous deeds of all the gentlemen. Master Xu was very pleased. He said to just build tents and provide porridge, and specially sent me to report back. He also said that if there were any shortcomings, he would ask these noble gentlemen to donate their salaries to help." Zhong Sheng said, "Please go back and thank your teacher profusely. Once everything is settled, we will come together to express our gratitude. If we meet Master Xu again, we will be grateful if he lends us land; that would be a great favor. All these matters were handled by the three of them. As for donating salaries, there's no need for him to be so concerned." The clerk then took his leave.

One day, a man surnamed Zhu came to ask her to perform childbirth. Shui went out and said, "I haven't done this in a long time. Why don't you ask someone else?" The man replied, "I know you don't go out, but my family has some connection with you. My daughter died in the womb, and I don't know the methods of others, so I dare not ask. You are renowned, so my mother sent me to ask you." Shui asked, "What connection do I have with your family? What is your surname?" The man said, "My surname is Zhu, and my name is Zhu Mei. My mother's surname is Hao. She used to work for the Qian family. My eldest daughter, now married to Master Zhong, is my mother's biological daughter. She was a student of the late Mr. Bu. My mother married my father later." Shui suddenly remembered that Bu Tong had once joked about a female student named Qian Gui, whose mother had been betrothed to a man surnamed Zhu, nicknamed Sai Ao Cao, whose penis was incredibly large. Later, no woman could withstand him except this Hao woman. This must be him. Then she asked, "Is your father some kind of scoundrel called Sai Ao Cao?" Zhu Mei laughed and said, "That's just nonsense people talk about. How would Grandma know?" Shui Shi pondered for a moment, thinking, "My heartless bastard is so cruel and ungrateful. Since he doesn't care about me, I'll go my own way. Although the name Sai Ao Cao sounds frightening, I'm not exactly young myself. I'll go and see what kind of person he is. Maybe I'll get to know what he's like." So she smiled and said, "I don't usually go out. Since we're supposed to be relatives, [we're not really relatives yet. Tonight, I'm with Zhu Si Kuan, but we'll be relatives tomorrow.] I have to go." Zhu Mei was very happy to see that she was willing to go. She went inside, tidied her head, and washed her lower body. [She washed herself before helping someone with childbirth, how interesting.] She pulled out an old handkerchief from her waist. [She's really an expert.] Walking with Zhu Mei, Shui asked, "Whom do you need me to deliver?" Zhu Mei replied, "My woman. She's seven or eight months pregnant, and these past few days she hasn't been moving at all. Her belly is just sagging and hurting. My mother thought of you, Grandma, so she sent me to invite you."

Soon, they arrived at the Zhu family home. Shui went in and met with Hao Shi. Shui saw that Cai Xiang's face was ashen, her brows furrowed in worry. Shui touched her face and quickly fiddled with it for a long time until late at night before finally removing it. She helped Cai Xiang to bed, washed her hands, and dressed her. Hao Shi wanted to look after Cai Xiang, so she said to Zhu Sikuan, "Grandma Yang is a good relative. She's worked hard for half a day and a half and is tired. It's late, so she can't go back. You can sit with her in the east room for a while. Quickly, prepare some food and wine." Zhu Sikuan agreed from the main room and invited Shui Shi to the east room.

Once inside the room, the table and chairs were arranged, and Zhu Mei lit a large candle. Zhu Sikuan asked him to sit down, and Zhu Mei then brought over wine and dishes. Zhu Sikuan quickly poured a cup and offered it to Madam Shui, saying, "I'm truly grateful to you, Madam. Please have a cup to ease your weariness." Madam Shui accepted it, and they drank together. Zhu Sikuan said, "We are deeply grateful for your kindness in coming, Madam. My family is extremely grateful and will repay you later." Madam Shui said, "I haven't been out for a long time. Just now, your official mentioned the eldest daughter of the Zhong family. She was my ex-husband's student, and we have a connection, so I came." Zhu Sikuan said, "I knew you didn't go out, Madam. My husband said you were very clear-headed. Madam Yang is an extremely affectionate person, and there's no one she wouldn't come to. Since you've indeed humbled yourself, I have nothing good to offer you, but please have a cup of wine." Madam Shui drank a few cups and recited two lines from the song "Yang Guifei's Drunkenness," saying, "My drinking spirit is high, and my lust is gradually rising." Thinking of his large member, though she could only see his face, she couldn't get close to him. She wanted to experience it for herself.

Her lustful thoughts stirred, and her eyes stared intently at Zhu Sikuan. Zhu Sikuan, a slippery old fox, had already guessed what was going on. He smiled and said, "Grandma, when you were at the Bu family, Mr. Bu was a famous man. He was a good match for you. But now that you've married into the Yang family, it's a bit of a waste for you. A woman like you could easily be a lady of the house. Yang the eldest is so lucky; how did he end up with you?" Shui blushed and smiled apologetically, "It's because the children are young and there's no one to manage the household. I was misled by rumors and ended up in his family." Shui's heart was touched, and she sighed, "Who knew he was such a heartless person?" Zhu Sikuan chimed in, "Is he not happy? He's truly blessed without realizing it. If he were a good person, having such a kind and righteous woman like you, I wonder how..." "Are you being affectionate?" As he spoke, he made Shui drink a few more cups. After drinking so much, Shui couldn't hold back any longer and blurted out, "I heard my late husband say that people call Master Zhu's name Sai Ao Cao. What does that mean?" Zhu Sikuan already understood that she was trying to curry favor with him. Seeing that she had drunk a few cups and her eyes were full of flirtatiousness, he boldly laughed and said, "Grandma, please don't laugh at me. My cheap thing is really quite something, so people gave me this ridiculous name. It's a pity he's not lucky enough to have such an extraordinary thing but hasn't met a good woman. If he had met a beauty like Grandma, it wouldn't have been a waste of his life. If he had grown up on Old Yang, he would have been so lucky." Shui leaned back in her chair, covered her mouth, and giggled. Zhu Sikuan offered more wine, but Shui refused to eat. She asked Zhu Mei to bring food, and Zhu Sikuan said, "Please invite your mother to have dinner with Grandma Yang." Zhu Mei replied, "My mother has worked hard for several days. I just sent my wife to bed, and she's asleep in the kitchen."

Zhu Sikuan ate with Shui, rinsed his mouth with tea, and sat for a while before saying, "The bed is unbearable, Grandma, please rest. My husband is tired and asleep." He smiled and said, "I would like to keep you company, but I'm afraid you won't appreciate it." Shui also smiled and said, "It is only right for a host to entertain a guest." Zhu Sikuan said, "Thank you first." He smiled and closed the door behind him, then went out and set up a bed in the main room. Shui blew out the lamp and went to bed. Still feeling the effects of the wine, she stripped naked and lay down, thinking, "Judging from his tone just now, he will definitely come in tonight." Her mind was racing, and she tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep at all. Hearing Zhu Sikuan ask, "Zhu Mei, are you asleep?" Zhu Mei replied, "Yes." She fell silent, then heard a soft push on the door. Delighted, she thought, "Here he comes! I'll pretend to be asleep and wait for him to get into bed; that way, I won't have to be so polite." She lay back, feigning sleep, her legs wide open.

Zhu Sikuan climbed onto the bed, gently lifted the covers, and, feeling her naked body lying on her back, climbed on top of her. He reached for her erect penis, intending to thrust it inside. Shui Shi, having already reached the climax, needed to finish. She pretended to wake up, feigning to cover her vulva, but actually wanted to feel how big it was. Grabbing the head of his penis, she was surprised, saying, "Just as I thought." She asked, "What are you doing?" Zhu Sikuan whispered, "I've come to keep Grandma company." Shui said, "I came to help your family save someone, and you act like this? Hurry up and get down." Zhu Sikuan laughed and thrust his penis in and out, saying, "I'm fine, but Grandma feels sorry for him being so anxious, let him have a taste." Shui tried to act coy again, but his thrusts made her weak in the chest and hands, and she couldn't act coy anymore. She said, "Can you even fit something this big in?" Zhu Sikuan said, "Grandma, let go, I guarantee you won't be hurt." Shui loosened her grip, and Zhu Sikuan smeared a lot of saliva, then thrust again. He thrust a few times, and the head went in, but the glans couldn't. Shui's lust was burning, and she didn't care anymore. She touched herself with her hands, spat some saliva, wiped around the glans, and opened her vulva with both hands, saying, "Try thrusting hard." Zhu Sikuan thrust hard, and Shui cried out, and it was already inside. Although it was a bit rough, it wasn't too painful. Shui's vagina was already wet, and now there was even more, slippery and easy to insert. Shui felt it reaching deep below her heart, which hurt terribly. When she pressed on her abdomen, it felt like a hard rod was thrusting inside. When she touched his penis, only his testicles were outside. She was pleased, but also in pain, and said, "It hurts a lot deep inside. Pull it out a little, see if it clears my chest." Zhu Sikuan laughed, "It's alright, do people from the Pierced-Chest Country not live their lives?" Zhu Sikuan pulled out about an inch, and after a while, his excitement was overwhelming. He didn't care about her anymore, and once it was fully inserted, he thrust in with all his might. Although Shui was in great pain inside, seeing his pleasure, she couldn't stop him. She could only let him thrust. Pulling out, she felt pleasure and groaned; thrusting in, she felt pain and cried out. Zhu Sikuan felt a tight grip, and as he thrust into her soft flesh, he felt very happy and even more excited. After a long while, it was already past midnight when they finally finished.

Although Shui had lost her way several times, she had also suffered countless pains, so it was a bittersweet experience, not entirely perfect. The two rested for a while, and Shui, playing with his penis, said, "It's too big, if it were an inch shorter and a little thinner, it would be a treasure." Zhu Sikuan laughed and inserted his finger into his vagina, saying, "Why not say yours is a little deeper and wider?" The two laughed for a while, and Shui said, "Besides your grandmother, have you ever met a match in your life?" Sikuan said, "There was one surnamed Chang who could handle it, and the third one is you." Shui said, "I'm not a perfect match, I'd only say seven out of ten." Zhu Sikuan laughed and said, "How come your water hole isn't as good as Chang's?" Shui laughed and pinched him twice, saying, "You should go out now, I'm afraid you might fall asleep and someone will see you, that would be embarrassing." Zhu Sikuan said, "Does the master have to be afraid of people when entertaining guests?" Saying that, he laughed and went out.

Shui was exhausted and slept until sunrise. She touched her vulva; the swelling had subsided somewhat, but she still felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen. A short while later, Hao came over, expressing her gratitude for all the hard work. Shui had just finished washing up when food was served. Hao accompanied her, offering several cups of wine. After the meal, Shui wanted to leave. Hao presented a plate with two taels of silver as a thank-you gift, two crepe headscarves, two large floral handkerchiefs, and a piece of straw paper. Shui only accepted the straw paper. [This was the custom of midwives in Jiangnan.] She repeatedly refused the rest, but Hao insisted, so Shui finally accepted the two handkerchiefs, which Hao found very inconvenient.

Shui returned home and rested for a day before feeling better. The next morning after breakfast, Zhu Sikuan, carrying a food box, delivered twelve kinds of water gifts and a jar of wine, personally offering his thanks. Shui laughed, "Why bother with such a close relative?" Seeing no one around, Zhu Sikuan chuckled, "I was so grateful for your help the other day, and we didn't treat you well enough. Instead, we troubled you with your fine gifts. These few shabby gifts are just to cover our embarrassment." Shui glanced at him, smiled, and accepted the gifts. She gave the porters a few dozen coins and sent them away, saying, "Please sit down, I'll make you some tea." Zhu Sikuan embraced her tightly, saying, "I wouldn't dare trouble you!" He cupped her face and kissed her, saying, "Eat some sweet saliva as tea." Shui smiled, stuck out her tongue, smacked her lips for a moment, and said... "I'm offering this as a gift, a pot of warm wine for you." Zhu Sikuan embraced her, then reached into his trousers and touched her vulva, saying, "Let's treat the upper lip as tea and the lower lip as wine." Shui Shi said, "Treat it as wine? I was in pain all day yesterday, and I'm only feeling better today. I can't be your host." Zhu Sikuan said, "The night before last was the first time. Now that you're better, there's nothing to worry about. Don't let my intentions go to waste." Shui Shi also felt better and was quite happy, saying, "Wait until I close the door, then you can go inside to the bed."

Their house had two small rooms. The outer half served as a guest room, and the other half as a kitchen for Bu Zhishi to sleep in. The inner room served as a bedroom, and behind the room were piles of junk.

Shui closed the door and came in. Zhu Sikuan was already on the bed, naked. Shui immediately saw his erect penis, grabbed it, and stuck out her tongue, saying, "You look like a monk from Lilliput. It was fine the other night, but why are you so afraid of making a fool of yourself? How could I possibly have it here?" Zhu Sikuan pulled her onto the bed, also naked, and lay down. He spread her legs wide open, looked down, and saw what a fat thing he had, his vulva wide open. He laughed and said, "I didn't notice it the other night, but why is it so ugly with that wide-open beard and mouth?" Shui laughed and slapped him, saying, "It's all your fault for being so stubborn, and you still dare to talk." Zhu Sikuan responded and pushed it in a couple of times. Shui said repeatedly, "It hurts, you can't, you can't. You should lubricate it with some saliva." Zhu Sikuan said, "Even with girls, you only use it the first time. There's no such thing as a guaranteed solution." He pushed it in again. Shui said, "You don't need to use it, let me use it." "Don't go in too deep, leave some outside, it hurts unbearably inside." He spat out a lot of saliva and shoved it into her vagina. Zhu Sikuan laughed, spread his legs and sat down, placing Shui Shi's feet on either side, lifting her buttocks to his stomach, and then thrusting in. He pushed in the head, pulled out with a thud, then in again, and out again with another thud, and so on. Shui Shi saw his buttocks go in and quickly lifted them to meet his, but he pulled out again, never going in deeply. Shui Shi said anxiously, "What kind of trick is this?" Zhu Sikuan said, "You said it would hurt if it went in." Shui Shi said, "I only told you to leave some outside, did I only want you to put this little bit in?" Zhu Sikuan ignored him, continuing to thrust, listening to the sounds and observing the in-and-out motion. His glans grew large, completely filling her vaginal opening without a gap. With a thrust, he took the two long penises in with him, then pulled them out, which tumbled back and forth like two bat wings. Shui Shi was aroused and could no longer restrain herself, pleading, "My dear, don't rush me, hurry up and do it." Zhu Sikuan said, "I'm eager to do it too, but I'm afraid it will hurt you." Shui Shi cursed, "You mean-spirited devil! I know you want to take it all in, so I'll just have to endure it and let you do it." Zhu Sikuan said, "Since you know that, it's easier to talk to you." "After several thrusts to the root, Zhu Sikuan's interest was piqued. He began to thrust thousands of times, leaving Shui Shi speechless and groaning. After a while, Shui Shi tightly embraced his waist and said, 'Stop, my brother, let me catch my breath.' Zhu Sikuan slowed down a bit, and after a while, he started groaning again, 'Ouch, you're killing me! It's not just that I can't breathe, it feels like I'm being stabbed with a gun. Pull some out, I need a break.' Zhu Sikuan did as he asked, pulling out a little and thrusting gently. After a while, his interest was rekindled, and he thrust all the way in at once. Shui Shi said, 'Ouch, I can't take it anymore, stop going too far.'" Zhu Sikuan thrust wildly, making Shui cry out in pain. Seeing this, Zhu Sikuan was overjoyed and ejaculated, then thrust in a few more times. Shui cried out a few times, then he pulled out. Shui rubbed her stomach, groaning, "My intestines are broken, my intestines are broken!" Zhu Sikuan, while putting on his clothes, laughed, "Do you really still hurt? I thought you were just teasing me." Shui laughed, "You rascal, teasing you? A little longer, and it really will break." Zhu Sikuan said, "It's a good time, but someone might come. I'll go now. You don't need to get up. Thank you, I'll come to see you another day." Shui said, "You're free now, go back and thank your grandmother." Zhu Sikuan laughed, "I'm not free, but you're empty inside right now." "He laughed as he went out, opened the door, and closed it behind him. Shui was in so much pain she couldn't get up, pulling the blanket over herself and groaning incessantly.

That evening, Yang Da happened to come back for a walk and, seeing the food, asked Shui where it was from. Shui, with a sullen face, didn't answer him. Feeling awkward, he went to the kitchen with Bu Zhishi to cook meat, fry fish, steam buns, and heat wine. Once everything was ready, they brought it in for Shui to eat. Shui refused, despite repeated urging. Shui said, 'I won't eat, you all eat.' Yang Da and Bu Zhishi took it outside to enjoy. Yang Da quietly asked Bu Zhishi who had sent it. Bu Zhishi replied, 'I wasn't home, I don't know. Someone came the day before yesterday to ask Mother to help with childbirth, and only returned yesterday. I suppose it was a thank-you gift from that family.'" Yang Da was secretly pleased to hear that Shui Shi had gone out to do business again, and that good days were coming again. Little did he know that she was going out to find food in the wild.

After eating for a while, Yang Da thought, "Since she's willing to go out, I won't have to worry about making ends meet. I'll have some fun with her today, so I can enjoy it when she comes back." That night, he lingered, wanting to sleep with Shui Shi. If Shui Shi were not usually like this, she would have happily accepted, but at this time, she was in excruciating pain from Zhu Sikuan's actions. When she tried to sleep with him, he wouldn't let her, saying, "I don't want you. Go sleep in the main room." Yang Da smiled and tried to get into bed, but Shui Shi pushed and shoved him, determined not to let him. Yang Da thought that she hated him and that's why she refused to sleep with him, and he left angrily. Shui Shi felt better after three or four days.

One day, she thought to herself, "Old Zhu's thing is really a strange thing. It's a pity I'm not good enough to handle it. To have to deal with it like this, with pain for a while and then pain for a while, isn't for fun, but rather to suffer. Having tasted this spiciness, I dare not provoke him again." My husband's heart is completely dead. He doesn't love me, so why should I? I should go find Zhang San and Li Si. They're the same kind, so we can see each other often. People on the street won't look at us differently. They're both poor men. If I get them, and then use my personal favor to support them, they'll surely repay me. Wouldn't that be better than ruining this heartless bastard? But I wonder if they have wives." Then she thought, "Even if they do have wives, they might not be as good as me. How could they not love me?" She made up her mind.

One day, Yang Da carried the scholar who was going to take the imperial examination to Jurong. Shui asked Bu Zhishi to go to the dock and invite the two of them over. She sent Bu Zhishi away. Shui had already prepared wine and food and brought them out to entertain them. When the two of them saw that Shui had invited them to drink together, they knew that she wanted to rekindle their past relationship. They said, "We were so grateful for your kindness, Grandma. We were even in our dreams. We were also fortunate enough to receive a ring from you, which we always carry with us. We are always grateful when we see it." "Brother Yang is a blessed man. Grandma married him. Although we knew Grandma had married into this family, we dared not come to get close. Today, Grandma has invited us here. This is our good fortune." Li Si said, "Brother Yang is blessed but doesn't know how to enjoy it. How come Grandma is at home, but he hides out to sleep? If I had Grandma, I would chase her away with a stick and not be willing to leave her even for one night. Poor us brothers, we can't even have an ugly wife to keep us company, let alone someone as beautiful as Grandma. How could we bear to leave?" Shui was secretly pleased to hear that he was still unmarried. Zhang San chimed in, "How could we be so lucky to have such a beautiful wife as Grandma? If Grandma doesn't forget our past affections and allows us to come and serve her often, that would be a blessing." Shui had drunk three cups and her lust was intensifying. She laughed and said, "I originally loved you two, but because I was with him for a long time, I married him. Who knew that this bastard had no conscience? If I had known, wouldn't it have been better to marry you two? Now it's too late to regret." The two said, "It's alright. Whenever Brother Yang isn't home, he can come and serve Grandma whenever he has time." Zhang San said to Li Si, "Let's not be greedy and delay Grandma's important business." Shui Shi laughed, "What are you two doing here?" Li Si said, "Third Brother, let's consider age. You're older than me, so you serve Grandma first. I'll go close the door."

Li Si closed the door and came in, seeing the two of them completely naked, doing it on the chairs. Li Si quickly undressed as well and watched them for a while. Zhang San said, "Fourth Brother, let me have my turn." Li Si was burning with desire; his penis swelled like an iron pestle. He quickly stepped forward and thrust in, pounding away with all his might. Shui Shi kept calling out, "Good boy, it's good! Don't be gentle, just like that!" Li Si pounded hundreds of times in one go. Shui Shi cried out again, and Zhang San, seeing his interest piqued, said, "It's time for me to have my turn." "Li Si, exhausted, pulled out. Zhang San immediately took over, and seeing that Shui had praised Li Si first, he used his strength to thrust in, regardless of the swelling of her vulva and the penetration of her clitoris. Shui was extremely happy and said, 'Good brother, you truly deserve the title of Iron Rod.' The two took turns for a long time, until Shui was satisfied and they had both ejaculated, then they dressed and left. The

two men often came to see Shui. They would eat and play with her whenever they met, and they had been seeing her for more than half a year. These two strong men made Shui feel as if she were the most beautiful woman in the land. Although he was fifty years old, his lust was even greater than that of a young man. After each sexual encounter, his lustful fluids truly matched his nature."

One day, while Madam Shui was having sex with Zhang San, Li Si waited by. After watching for a while, his penis became unbearably hard and he said to Madam Shui, "Grandma, we are deeply grateful for your great kindness, but it's really unbearable for one of us to be doing it while the other waits. Look at how hard I am, with bulging veins and drooling from my eyes. I'm so impatient! If you would be so kind as to let one of us serve in front and let me serve in the back, to taste your treasure, I would gladly die. Even if you wanted to cook my heart and liver into soup, I would rather die than give up." Madam Shui was enjoying herself and was moaning with her eyes closed. Hearing his distress, she opened her eyes and saw how hard his penis was swollen. She felt both pity and love for him and said to Zhang San, "Get down and lie on your side, let him start from the beginning." Zhang San got down and lay on his side to do it. Li Si was overjoyed and began to thrust inside. Madam Shui hurriedly said, "Take it slow." Before she could finish her sentence, he rashly and forcefully pushed her all the way in. Shui cried out a few times, saying, "Is this any better than before? I told you to slow down, but you were so reckless. Aren't you afraid of breaking my intestines?" Li Si laughed, "I was in a hurry and was a bit rough. Please don't take offense, Madam." He had only been slowly thrusting for a while when he saw that Shui was not making a sound, so he resumed his vigorous thrusting. Shui was attacked from both sides, making her moan softly. After a while, they switched places, and after a long time, they finally stopped.

Since having these two male concubines, Shui treated Yang Da as if he didn't exist, showing him great indifference. [Favoring concubines and abandoning wives is truly heartless.] Yang Da would occasionally come back for a visit, and Shui... His face was ashen, and he hurled insults at her, not uttering a single kind word. Yang Da, in a fit of pique, refused to go home, suspecting she was having an affair. He also noticed Zhang San and Li Si were often absent from the docks, and his suspicions grew. He secretly inquired, knowing that nothing in this world could be kept secret, and he learned the whole story. This was a mere dockworker; he hadn't thought about how he had cheated on another man's wife in the past. Now, seeing Shui Shi's infidelity, he roared, "This adulterous woman cheated on me behind my man's back then, and today she's cheating on me again! If she catches me red-handed, I'll make sure she goes in with a white knife and comes out with a red one, and I'll kill them both to vent my hatred!" "He then kept a close watch.

One day, he coldly saw Zhang San and Li Si going to his house, so he followed them. The three of them were having fun in the room when Yang Da returned unexpectedly. Seeing the door closed, he quietly pushed it down and went inside. When he looked through the window, [this window was first opened by Bu Zhishi, then by Li Si, and this time he opened it himself, which led to disaster.] All three were naked. Zhang San sat in a chair, holding Shui Shi in his arms, his penis inserted into her anus from behind. Li Si held Shui Shi's legs between his ribs, thrusting in and out, making a series of thrusting sounds. Shui Shi trembled and said, 'Good brother, I'm so happy I could die! I hate that I was blind to marry this lazy bastard. If I had known he was like this, I would have married both of you, and wouldn't I have been happy for the rest of my life?'" "Yang Da, enraged and filled with malice, pushed open the door and ran to the kitchen to find a cleaver.

Li Si, who was working on it, suddenly heard footsteps, quickly drew his cleaver, and looked outside. Seeing Yang Da's fierce expression, he didn't even bother to put on his clothes and ran away. Seeing him run away, Yang Da rushed in to kill the two of them. Zhang San, seeing his menacing approach and knowing his own life was more important, didn't care about Shui Shi anymore. He grabbed Shui Shi, who was naked, and threw her onto Yang Da. Yang Da then slashed at her face with his cleaver." Just then, Zhang San seized the opportunity and slapped Yang Da across the face. In a flash, Yang Da also managed to escape. When Yang Da chased after them with his knife, the two were nowhere to be found. He went inside to look at Shui Shi; her head, face, and nose were split in two. [She truly died a happy death.] She was dead.

Yang Da was gathering Shui Shi's valuables and belongings, intending to flee, when Bu Zhishi returned. Seeing his mother lying naked in a pool of blood, Zhishi was terrified and ran into the street shouting, "Oh no! My father killed my mother!" "Upon hearing of the murder, the neighbors all gathered inside his house. Unable to escape, Yang Dazhi had no choice but to take the three men's clothes and the murder weapon, and together they went to the county court to surrender, reporting the details to the officials.

The county magistrate sent a clerk with a coroner to examine the body. Although the clothes provided evidence, the adulterers had not been killed, making release difficult. They were sentenced to ten strokes of the cane and imprisoned, with a suspended death sentence. Zhang San and Li Si were brought in and given a stroke for adultery. The two men were accused of raping a woman, behaving like beasts, and two lives were lost in the act; therefore, each adulterer was punished with an additional stroke." He was sentenced to eighty strokes of the cane and three years of penal servitude. He was to report to his superiors for further judgment. Shui's remains were buried by her ex-husband's son, and the case was closed. Yang Da, in prison, saw Shui, naked and desperate, demanding his life whenever he closed his eyes. He was like a madman, shouting and screaming incoherently. Within a few days, before the official report was issued, he had already died. The coroner dragged him out of the cell.

One was an adulterer who cheated on his husband, the other a lecherous murderer; both met untimely ends. This shows that the word "lewdness" should be deeply cautioned against. Bu Zhishi bought a coffin and buried his mother. Shui's savings were originally meager, and later she stopped going out to do business. Her daily expenses were endless; after more than half a year, she bought wine and meat to feed her two lovers, and it was all gone. Yang Da, a sedan chair carrier, had no savings whatsoever; his house was rented, and all he had left were a few clothes and belongings. Bu Zhishi was utterly useless, selling one item at a time to eat, his resources dwindling until he became a beggar.

Meanwhile, Zhong Sheng, Huan E, and Wu He chatted for a while at Tong Zi's house, where they were treated to wine and food. They parted at dusk and went home. Zhong Sheng sat down in the main room, just as his two sons, Zhong Wen and Zhong Wu, came up from school and bowed. Zhong Sheng, touched by something, said to Qian Gui, "People's sons must learn a skill. If they can't succeed in their studies, they must quickly find another way to make a living. If they are hesitant and indecisive, won't they be ruining their descendants? Today I saw a strong young beggar whose father, Bu Tong, had been a teacher for half his life but couldn't discipline his son. It's truly lamentable that he's come to this." Upon hearing this, Qian Gui's face darkened. Zhong Sheng asked, "My dear wife, what is the cause of this sorrow?" Qian Gui sighed, "This man is the son of my teacher. I was once deeply influenced by him, and now his son is wandering here. How can I bear this? Hence, I feel so sorrowful." Seeing that he had not forgotten his former teacher, Zhong Sheng sent someone to find Bu Zhishi. He neither befriended nor served him, and supported him for several years. One day, Bu Zhishi died of intestinal paralysis. This is the fate of Bu Tong, his wife, and their children, and will not be repeated here.

Now, let's talk about Tong Zida. One day, having nothing to do, he stood idly at the gate and looked around. A monk approached him and greeted him, saying, "Excuse me, is this the place of the great philanthropist, Master Tong?" "When Tong Zida took a closer look, he saw what a monk he was. He had

sword-like eyebrows, piercing eyes, a monk's knife at his waist, straw sandals on his feet, and a seven-panel cloth robe. He was leaning on a nine-ringed tin staff. Although he was not a guest in the light of Nirvana, he was certainly an unusual monk in the Buddhist order."

Tong Zida said, "This method is indeed good. I've heard people say that monks who steal wives, without saying they'll ejaculate, must know how to engage in sexual intercourse?" The monk laughed and said, "That's just people insulting monks. Not every monk knows how to engage in sexual intercourse." Tong Zida said, "I don't know, please forgive me. Tell me what a seed is." The monk said, "If a woman can't conceive, it might be because her uterus is cold, or the man's semen is cold. I have a prescription that both men and women can take. After intercourse during menstruation, they can conceive. If a man's semen is strong and warm, that is the seed." Tong Zida listened with great interest and laughed. Yinyin said, "You first said that sexual intercourse cannot produce offspring, and offspring cannot be produced through sexual intercourse. What do you mean by that? I don't understand." The monk said, "Producing offspring requires the release of one's own yang essence, while sexual intercourse involves absorbing yin essence. In the past, people had methods of sexual intercourse where one could only absorb the essence, not release it. If one couldn't control oneself and suddenly left, not only would all previous efforts be wasted, but one would also lose one's life. Therefore, it is said that sexual intercourse cannot produce offspring, and one cannot produce offspring through sexual intercourse. My method allows one to 'absorb' essence when desired and 'produce' essence when desired. It can nourish the body, prevent illness and prolong life, and also increase the number of offspring. That is why I am unwilling to teach it lightly." "You scoundrel!" Tong Zida said, "In that case, this method is indeed wondrous. But first, you say this is a great sin. That's what people say about you. Monks who steal wives are naturally guilty of a great sin. We laypeople do it in every household, everyone does it, what sin is there? Entering a hole is a sin, it would even wipe out the human race." The monk laughed and said, "The sin isn't about sexual intercourse. Seeds are fine, but you don't know how many advantages and disadvantages this 'harvesting' has. If a man's penis is too large, even if you thrust hard, it's useless; if it's too small, it's also ineffective. You have to find the right balance to be skillful. Once you start harvesting..." The woman felt a ecstasy that reached her very core; the yin essence she extracted was also his brain marrow. The man's pleasure was complete, even more intense than ejaculation. Only women between twenty and thirty-four or thirty-five years old are suitable for sexual intercourse; the young and old are unsuitable. The young lack sufficient essence and blood, while the old have depleted essence and blood, often leading to illness and greatly wasting yin energy. Even middle-aged women, if thin and weak, are unsuitable; they must be plump, strong, and healthy. After one instance of sexual intercourse, one must properly recuperate for seven days to recover. Only after seven days can one resume sexual intercourse. Too many times will weaken the body, leading to tuberculosis and death. Even if he doesn't die, he can no longer bear children, because his essence and blood have dried up. I said I dare not recklessly transmit this to unworthy people, lest they indulge in lust and harm women's lives. Wouldn't that be a great sin for me to transmit this method? The reason for this sin is that this method can only be practiced by someone as wealthy as your household. Can a poor man with only one wife do this? He needs a dozen or so concubines to support him. There is also a wonderful method here that does not harm one's virtuous conduct. Women in their twenties who come to me, if they give birth to children within ten years, needless to say, those without children... "Well, when I turn thirty, I'll marry him as a monogamous man, and then marry a younger man; that would be even less sinful." Tong Zida said, "Master has been talking for half a day, but I can only listen; I can't do it." The monk asked, "Why is that?" Tong Zida said, "First, my grandmother might not allow me to marry a concubine. [There are many henpecked men in the world, yet they all regret it. Tong Zida tells everyone he meets that he's foolish, but I value his honesty.] Second, my thing is utterly worthless. You just said to find a middle ground; although my thing isn't even the lowest of the sixth class, it should be considered..." "How can someone who has failed the fifth-class exam do this?" the monk asked. He laughed, "If you fear your wife won't approve, then there's no way. If she says your penis is too small, only qualifying as fifth-class, I'll naturally make it bigger, elevating it to second-class. Otherwise, what's the point of calling it a technique?" Tong Zida was overjoyed and said, "Since you have such a wonderful method, Master, I'll thank you handsomely. Once I've learned it, I'll slowly ask my wife for help. Master, how many days will it take to learn this?" The monk replied, "It will take about three-seven days to complete." Tong Zida said, "Twenty-one days isn't too long, but how can you wait?" The monk said, "If you truly wish to receive this instruction, I have come with five other monks. Please send your fellow disciples ahead; I will teach you here to repay your kindness, and then return." Tong Zida was overjoyed. He had already brought the silver and clothes, which he handed over to the monk, saying, "I won't keep you any longer, Master. Come with my family to the room, and I'll give you five hundred dan of rice coupons. Send them off to my house morning and evening." The monk inquired and thanked him. Tong Zida saw him out, and the monk thanked him again. Tong Zida also urged him to come quickly. The monk and Tong Zida then left.

Two days later, Tong Zida was eagerly awaiting the monk when his servant came to say that the monk had arrived the day before. Tong Zida happily rushed out to greet him, instructing his servant to prepare food and wine. Knowing the monk had a good appetite, he prepared fatty pork hock, large geese and chickens, snacks and rice, and several large jugs of aged magnolia wine, which the monk thoroughly enjoyed. Then he asked him, "Master, what do you need? Just tell me." The monk wanted a pen and inkstone. Tong Zida hurriedly had someone fetch them from the pawnshop at the door. [A scholar with a pen scribbles and draws aimlessly, who knows how many misdeeds he has committed. This landlord's family doesn't even have a pen and inkstone; he deserves great fortune.] A prescription was written, and Tong Zida said, "My family isn't good at this, so I'll trouble you, Master, to buy it." He had someone bring fifty taels of silver, and the monk laughed, "No need for so much; one-tenth is enough." He took two ingots, which were five or six taels, got up, went out for a while, and bought a lot of medicine.

That evening, Tong Zida also came out and slept with him in the study. When it was time to sleep, the monk took out a pill and told Tong Zida to take it with ash-free aged wine, and then go to sleep. After a while, Tong Zida felt a burning heat throughout his body, and his penis was also hot and swollen with pleasure. After sleeping through the night, the next morning, the monk ordered some herbal water to be boiled and instructed him to fumigate and wash his penis, rubbing and pulling it incessantly for an hour. He was then given a pill to take with hot salt water, to be repeated morning and evening for seven days. When the boy examined his penis, it was covered in bulging veins, the color of a sheep's liver, with a purplish-red head that shone brightly, shaped like a dyed egg, about seven inches long and as thick as a tiger's finger. The boy, emboldened, held it in his hands, looking at it from left to right, becoming increasingly pleased and laughing incessantly. The

monk then went to the street and retrieved a small silver knife he had previously forged. On the morning of the eighth day, the boy stopped taking the medicine and had numbed his head with an anesthetic. After a while, he felt no pain when pinched, and the monk rubbed it with his palms for a long time to disperse the blood. Then, the monk used the silver knife to make a large incision at the urethra, quickly applied a medicinal paste, and wrapped it with a silk handkerchief.

At first, Tong Zida was somewhat timid, but later, seeing that the incision was painless and there was no bleeding, he was relieved. The monk, seeing that his penis was formed, then taught him the methods of sexual intercourse. How to absorb, how to circulate energy, how to expel—Tong Zida, who was usually extremely dull, suddenly became clever and could understand.

When the monk had nothing else to do, he prepared a seed-forming pill. Seven days later, when Tong Zida opened his penis to look at it, the incision had fallen off, and the glans resembled a small mouth. [This is truly a cherry-like mouth.] He was asked to try circulating his energy, and it opened and closed, making Tong Zida so happy that he rolled around on a cool bed laughing. The monk said, "Your skill is already eight or nine parts complete, but you still need to master it. First, the absorbed yin essence must circulate throughout the body; otherwise, any obstruction could lead to disease, which would be very harmful." He then diligently taught him for another seven days, and Tong Zida humbly accepted the instruction, fully mastering its wonders. He then gave him the prepared seed pills, saying, "Take them according to the prescription, and they will be effective. However, if a woman has conceived and become pregnant, you must not take any more. Not only will it cause a miscarriage, but it may also harm the pregnant woman. You must wait until a hundred days after childbirth before you can take any more. Remember this well." He then ordered half a jin of liquor to be brought, and the monk told him to drink some. He poured it into a bowl, and the boy took out his penis and sucked it until it was empty in an instant. The monk said, "You have already mastered the Dharma, and although you are a virtuous person, I don't need to remind you much. Just remember, you must never harm a woman. If you are looking for a girl, she must be around twenty years old. If she is a young widow, seventeen or eighteen is also fine. The seven-day limit is absolutely essential. If you find a very plump and strong young woman, with a good 'potential,' five days is also acceptable. You originally wanted to prolong your life and have children. If you indulge in lust and harm someone, you will shorten your lifespan. Be very careful." [The monk was giving him a serious warning.] He readily agreed.

The monk was about to take his leave when Tong Zida hurriedly said, "Good master, [the word 'good' is added to 'master' to express my deepest gratitude.] The New Year is only a few days away, and you won't be home by then. Why spend the New Year on the road? Why don't you go after New Year's Day?" The monk replied, "This humble monk is quite strong; I can travel over three hundred li a day. It's only a little over a thousand li from here to our temple. I'll be home before New Year's Eve. The other day, my fellow monks left, and I also wanted to go and see them. I'm sorry to have troubled you, benefactor." Seeing that he couldn't persuade him to stay, Tong Zida had someone bring out a new cotton-padded coat that had been made for him, along with one hundred taels of travel money. The monk said, "I am deeply grateful for your generosity. I accept the coat, but I dare not accept the money." [Where in the world can you find a monk who doesn't care about money?] Tong Zida insisted again and again, saying, "Master, I am deeply grateful for your kindness, especially since you are my benefactor. I must beg you to accept it." The monk saw that although his words were somewhat cryptic, they were sincere. He then said, "Since you are so kind and generous, this humble monk will accept whatever travel expenses I have." He then reached for a packet, opened it, took a few taels of silver, and refused the rest. [The former merchant Jia Wenwu offered a Taoist a hundred taels of silver, which the monk refused. Now, Tong Zida offers a monk a hundred taels of silver, initially refusing but later accepting it somewhat. Although they are a seemingly incompatible pair, they are different things, still a case of "opposite" in name only. Brilliant.] Tong Zida felt very uncomfortable and hurriedly ordered wine and food to be prepared. His servants brought it up, and after the monk finished eating, he rose to take his leave, packed the clothes given to him into his bag, slung it over his shoulder, thanked him several times, and departed.

Tong Zida, beaming, entered the bedroom. Tie Shi was drinking wine by the fire. Seeing him, she asked, "What have you been doing these past few nights, staying out every night? I heard there's a monk who eats meat and drinks wine—[what a strange story, which monk doesn't eat meat and drink wine?]—living here. Do you want to become his disciple? Why are you so happy about this?" Tong Zida didn't answer, only chuckled. Tie Shi found it amusing and said, "You don't seem crazy. You don't answer my questions, just keep laughing. Have you eaten some kind of fungus?" Tong Zida laughed and said, "I'm not crazy at all, Grandma. I'm afraid you'll go crazy tonight." Tie Shi said, "I think you're acting strangely. Could you really be mad?" The sunflower heart and lotus petals, seeing their protagonist's suspicious appearance, stared intently at him. Tong Zi laughed loudly, pulled up his clothes, ripped open his trousers, and took out his penis. Holding it up like a proud servant presenting a treasure, he said to Tie Shi, "Grandma, look at this treasure! Aren't you ecstatic?" Tie Shi looked closely and exclaimed in surprise, "Why is it so swollen?" He said, "You think it's swollen? Try it tonight." Tie Shi noticed the glans was different from usual; she pried it open and saw it was wide open. She laughed, "What's this? A beautiful yellow spur!" Tong Zi said, "I can't describe all its benefits. I'll tell you slowly after we try it tonight." Tie Shi was also overjoyed and couldn't bear to let go, holding and admiring it for a while. If it weren't for the cold weather, she probably wouldn't have waited until evening. So she didn't ask any more questions and drank with him. Kui Xin and Lian Ban, seeing this strange object, wanted to get closer to examine it closely, but with their mistress present, they knew it wouldn't be their turn to try this new thing tonight. They wished they could bite into it and use it for their own amusement, their hearts filled with both joy and impatience.

As night fell, after dinner, Tie couldn't wait any longer and went to bed, undressing. Tong Zida, eager to try something new, quickly joined her, spreading Tie's legs and penetrating her. Tie was still unaware of the pleasure, but Tong Zida began to work his magic, his penis opening wide, biting and nibbling here and there inside, making her vagina tingle and throb with unbearable pleasure, causing her to giggle. After a while, Tie clung to him tightly. He laughed, "My inside is itching to death!" He hummed incessantly through his nose, his teeth chattering loudly. Seeing this, Tong Zida was even more delighted. He then bit down on her inner flower, sucking like a child suckling. This made Tie Shi incredibly happy; her entire body trembled violently, like someone suffering from malaria, even her voice trembled and her teeth chattered. After a short while, she shivered twice, her throat made two more chattering sounds, and then she lay motionless and silent, as if paralyzed. Tong Zida felt a surge of heat rising from his tailbone to his heavenly palace, indescribably happy, realizing the true wonder of this method.

Tie Shi had been married for many years and had never experienced such pleasure. Although she had his thick and long penis, it was a dead thing, merely filling her up, rubbing against her skin, going in and out repeatedly, which she found pleasurable. Today, with this large and living thing, how could she not be overjoyed? After a long period of ecstasy, Tie Shi woke up and said, "I've never enjoyed anything like this before. The pleasure inside, that indescribable wonder, it felt like something had been removed from my bones, my whole body was relaxed. Who taught you this wonderful method?" Tong Zida told her about the method the monk had taught her, and that women should have sex every seven days, otherwise they would fall ill. This method could also help with fertility. He also said that buying more concubines could prolong life. [He kept the fact that only plump, strong women could do it every five days a secret.] Tie Shi laughed and said, "Since that's the case, I won't care if you buy a hundred concubines, as long as you have the ability to do it. Just set an example, but you have to come and have sex with me every seven days. If you're so capable that you can plant a son in my belly, I'll wait ten days." [There is no woman in the world who doesn't long for a son. This reminds me of something else, which can also be considered a funny story. My friend Hu Zhihuan married Zeng Shi, and after nearly twenty years, they still couldn't conceive.] Zeng often said to people, "I don't hope for a son who lives to be a hundred years old. I only ask to raise one who can call me 'Mama.' Even if I die, I will be content, and my life as a woman will not have been in vain." Tong Zida was overjoyed to hear this. The next night, he and his two concubines tried it out. They almost bit the heart of a sunflower and nearly smashed the two lotus petals apart. They were so happy that they couldn't stop laughing the next day. Although Tong Zida learned this wonderful trick, he almost caused a great disaster. If it weren't for the fact that the Prefect of Yue was an upright gentleman, he would have at least lost a lot of money, if not gone bankrupt and died.

What was the reason for this? When Tong Zida was providing relief to refugees, there was a refugee named Liu Hong, who was cunning, treacherous, and ungrateful. [These eight characters represent a ailment, and many people suffer from it.] He was born a robust and burly man, quick-witted and eloquent. Because he was ruthless everywhere, repaying kindness with enmity, forgetting favors received in the blink of an eye was a minor matter. He would seize any opportunity to harm his benefactor. Therefore, everyone hated him, and he was ostracized by his fellow villagers. Seeing that he harmed others but failed to harm himself, people gave him a nickname: Liu the Fool. After eating his fill for several days in a makeshift tent and wearing the cotton clothes provided by a wealthy young man, he longed to soar higher. He thought to himself, "My bad reputation is known throughout the village. Even if I return, I will have nowhere to settle. This Tong Baiwan is the richest man in Nanjing. Why don't I work for him and watch his fortunes? Perhaps I can at least make a living." Having made up his mind, he went to see Tong Zida and pleaded repeatedly, "I am on the verge of freezing and starving to death. I am deeply grateful for your life, sir, and have no way to repay you. I do not wish to return home, but am willing to serve you as a servant in your household, offering my humble services. I would gladly go through fire and water to repay even a fraction of your kindness." Tong Zida was an honest man, and seeing his earnestness, he kept him on and made him a complete set of clothes and hats. He was careful and diligent all day long, truly a tireless and energetic person. The people in Tong Zida's household were all like beads on an abacus, constantly moving and turning, and had never seen such a lively and talkative person before. They truly loved him.

One day, he said to him, "I see that you have a good figure, and you are careful and diligent. What future do you have in my household? I will find a good place to recommend you for a better position." Liu Hong hurriedly kowtowed and said, "This is your great kindness, sir. If I were to be promoted by you, I would be able to make even a small advancement. I could never repay your great kindness even if I were to be ground to dust." Tong Zida kept this in mind.

One day, the gentleman of the Music Bureau invited Zhong Sheng, Jia Tong, and two other officials to a small gathering. Liu Hong also went along. During the conversation, Tong Zida saw that the gentleman treated him with great courtesy and affection. Seeing Liu Hong beside him, he suddenly remembered his matter. Tong Zida said to the gentleman, "I have something to report." The gentleman replied with a kind smile, "What is it? Please tell me." Tong Zida then called Liu Hong over and kowtowed to the gentleman, saying, "This man is named Liu Hong. He is also a refugee from Shandong. He is willing to serve at my humble abode. I find him to be careful, diligent, and capable. I am just a commoner and I fear I might mislead him." The intention was to send him to the master's mansion, requesting that the master take him in and employ him. If he proved to be diligent and competent, the master would be grateful for his promotion, which would be a great favor from the master. Not only would the master be grateful, but the junior himself would also be endlessly grateful.” Master Le said, “Since you say so, how could I not obey? I will have him come tomorrow, and I will keep him.” Tong Zida bowed and thanked him. He returned home at dusk and took out five taels of silver for Liu Hong, saying, “While you were at my house, I didn’t give you anything. Once you go to Master Le’s mansion, you will have money to spend. Take this as your travel expenses. When you go to the yamen, be careful in everything you do. Not only must you be considerate to the staff in his mansion, but you must also be tactful to the steward. If everyone is pleased and speaks well of you to the master, you will be very fortunate.” Liu Hong kowtowed and said, “Master’s kindness and guidance are invaluable. How could I dare not obey? If I benefit even a little, I will surely repay you.” Tong Zida said, “I don’t expect anything in return, but since you’ve come to me for help, I’ll recommend you for some good things, and that will put my mind at ease.” The next day, he personally delivered it to Lord Yue’s residence, where Lord Yue accepted it. Liu Hong was indeed extremely resourceful and considerate in every way.

Lord Le had a strategist named Li Wu, a man from Jiangxi. Lord Le and Li Wu got along very well, with Li Wu readily obeying Lord Le's every word. Li Wu was also adept at reading Lord Le's mind. He noticed that Lord Le often praised Tong Zida, saying that a mere merchant possessed such heroic qualities, rescuing so many refugees, and that it was Li Wu who had encouraged these two officials to carry out such a heroic act. Li Wu also praised him highly. Liu Hong, seeing that Li Wu was Lord Le's confidant, wanted to win his favor. Needless to say, he tried to curry favor by doing small favors. He had a few taels of silver given to him by Tong Zida, and he often bought fresh fruits and delicacies to offer as tribute. However, although Li Wu was very shrewd, he was extremely fond of small favors and became very fond of him after receiving these small gifts.

Lord Le also had a head steward named Zheng, who was blind in one eye. People jokingly called him Blind Zheng. He was quick-witted and capable, and was also one of Lord Le's trusted men. Seeing that he spoke well of Li and Zheng to Lord Le and relied on them for everything, Liu Hong bought a pig and a jar of wine, and formally recognized Li as his maternal uncle. Liu Hong then fabricated a story that his mother's surname was also Zheng, which pleased the steward, Zheng, who frequently invited him to his home for meals and drinks. Li and Zheng repeatedly spoke highly of Li to Lord Le, and although Lord Le was not swayed by their words, he still held Li in high esteem because of Li's arrogance, placing him on a superior position.

After some time, he revealed his true, cunning nature, thinking, "Tong Baiwan is a well-known wealthy man in Nanjing. Why not use such a rich man as a pawn? I'll devise a wicked plan to discuss with Master Li and Uncle Zheng, and persuade the master to take a wheelbarrow from him, extract a large sum of money, and flatter them. Not only will they be pleased with me, but I'll at least become moderately wealthy and live a happy life. Otherwise, I'll be working for them until the end." Having made up his mind, he said smugly to Blind Zheng, "I am deeply grateful for the master's favor and the uncle's care, for which I have no way to repay. Now, I have a wealthy man I'm happy to take advantage of; it's within my grasp. If I get my hands on him, the master will gain more than one or two hundred thousand, and even for the uncle, thirty or fifty thousand will be easy." Zheng the Blind was both surprised and overjoyed, saying, "Where could such a good thing be? If you, sir, really have obtained such a fortune, wouldn't that be a great loss to you? Tell me what it is, and whose family it is?" Liu Hong said, "It's the Tong family. Recently, they've been keeping a wicked monk in their house, claiming to be from Henan. He hides in the study, preaching magic, and I don't know what he does every day. Lately, bandits have been looting everywhere, and his followers are scattered in various places. Many of them are spies. I've reported this to you, sir. Just bring this wicked monk here, and we'll say he was sent by the bandits to coordinate with Tong the Millionaire to capture Nanjing. Even if he's supporting some refugees, it's still a plot. He won't be able to save his life on this charge, let alone his family fortune. If he wants to stay safe, he'll have to hand over several hundred thousand taels of silver. Do you think he won't take it? This matter must be investigated." "It's only right if we work with Master Li. We've only calculated 300,000, so the master gets 200,000, and the remaining 100,000 will be shared between the uncle and Master Li. I'm sure Master Li will always try his best to help the master; isn't that better than being a high-ranking official for hundreds of years? As for me, I'll leave it to the master and uncle's wishes. Give me whatever you can, or nothing at all. I didn't originally intend to repay the money. [This is truly humble; he's full of thoughts of cheating and harming people to make money, yet he speaks of integrity against his conscience. How many such people are there in the world?] It's just me repaying the master, [This is truly righteous.] and the kindness of the uncle and Master Li, [This is truly a virtuous nephew.], a mere act of offering a borrowed flower to the Buddha."

Blind Zheng was so moved by his words that he hurriedly went with him to negotiate with Master Li. Li Wu, upon hearing that she could receive tens of thousands of taels of gold, was overjoyed beyond words, thinking to herself, "The Peony..." In the legend of "The Pavilion," Chen Zuiliang said, "To amass 100,000 taels of silver, one would need to teach for a thousand years to reach that amount. I toil away from home, leaving my wife and children behind, working tirelessly and constantly trying to please the emperor, earning only 240 taels a year. This one move would net me 50,000 taels, what I'd only earned after more than twenty years of teaching. Why not? Returning home would be a triumphant return, a life of immense wealth and comfort.

Though his scheme is treacherous, even knowing it's a lie, why not make it real? Besides, he's a millionaire; even if he only takes out 300,000, he'll only lose a third. He won't be seriously injured, and we'll benefit greatly." He readily agreed, saying, "In my opinion, once the master comes down, you all can help put in a good word, and it will surely be done." His nephew and uncle were secretly delighted.

The next day at noon, after finishing his official business, Lord Le went to his study and discussed some official matters with Li Wu. Li Wu then relayed Tong Zida's words about hiding a demonic monk. Lord Le exclaimed in surprise, "If he really did this, it must be very closely guarded. How did you know, sir?" Steward Zheng, who was standing nearby, replied, "It was Liu Hong who told me. Because it is a major local matter, of great importance, I had no choice but to tell Minister Li and inform you, sir." Lord Le then asked Liu Hong, saying, "If he were a good monk, why wouldn't he be upright and just? Those two keep their study door closed all day, discussing things inside, without letting anyone know. What else could they be but plotting a rebellion? Although I have served in their household and received some favors, today I am honored by your gracious favor, sir. This matter is of great importance and concerns you, sir. You have local responsibilities, and I am dressed in blue robes and clinging to a black pillar, so I dare not remain silent, lest I fail to repay your great kindness." Lord Le was furious. Unable to reprimand Li Wu, he cursed Zheng the Blind, saying, "Master Tong has done such a good deed in providing relief to refugees. I've wanted to request a commendation for him several times, but I fear it would only tarnish his virtue. [Master Le's heart is truly that of a gentleman who loves others with virtue.] I deeply admire him. Would someone of such high moral character do such a bad thing? You, you lackey, dare to frame a good man without cause and come to me to slander him." He then ordered his servants to slap him twenty times, adding, "I only said you were a capable person, which is why I promoted you. Who knew you were also a wicked person who forgets righteousness for personal gain?" [Those who forget righteousness for personal gain are countless, how can everyone be condemned?] He ordered, "Send him to the stables to tend the horses, and never let him come near me again." He then cursed Liu Hong, saying, "You heartless, beast-faced wicked servant! [This is a fitting insult, but Liu Hong is probably not the only one in the world.] You were a refugee, and he kindly took you in, saving your life from hunger and cold—that's a great kindness. He even sent you to my office out of fear of harming you, hoping I would promote you; that's already an immense favor. Your descendants should be grateful for his kindness. Today, you fabricate accusations and try to harm him. You wicked servant, you only want to profit from this! [The heavens truly see through the heart of a villain.] You have lost all conscience; you're worse than a beast. Let me ask you, he has a million in assets, what more could he possibly want?" "This is rebellion. Many people support monks and Taoists from elsewhere; are they all plotting against bandits? You say they support refugees to plot rebellion? Aren't you a refugee yourself? But if they didn't support refugees, you would have frozen and starved to death long ago, perhaps not even alive today. [Said so bluntly, leaving him with no resentment in death.] People say greed blinds the mind; that's you. One act of ingratitude leads to a hundred acts of ingratitude. Today, it's fortunate you committed this crime yourself; otherwise, who knows if you wouldn't plot against me later? [What can Liu Hong say in defense?] You falsely accused an innocent person; your crime is punishable by reciprocation. You should be executed immediately, but considering my ignorance, I will be lenient." A clerk was summoned and ordered to issue a document to Shangyuan County, ordering Liu Hong to be severely punished with thirty strokes of the cane and immediately sent back to his hometown without delay. He left immediately.

Liu Hong received severe punishment in the county and was immediately taken away. In the cold winter, without travel expenses, he died after several days of travel. The escorts, along with the local officials, inspected the body and found it abandoned in the wilderness, fed to pigs and dogs—a

fitting end for a heartless act. After taking Liu Hong into custody, Lord Le's anger was still not appeased. He sternly rebuked Minister Li, saying, "Sir, you are a learned gentleman. How could you listen to the baseless words of a petty person and then try to harm others for profit? I invited you to be my tutor to correct my shortcomings, fearing I might make mistakes that I would need your correction. Now you intend to frame me unjustly; this is far from the purpose of my invitation." Li Wu blushed, speechless, wishing he could disappear into a hole. Lord Le stormed off, and Li Wu felt utterly ashamed. The next day, wanting to bid farewell to Lord Le and test his intentions, he was refused. Lord Le simply gave him the money and left. He had no choice but to return. He had lost a single penny of the fifty thousand taels of silver, received a humiliating defeat, and suffered a great embarrassment.

He hadn't even eaten the mutton, only to be left with a stench of mutton.

That blind man Zheng, greedy for small favors like pigs and wine, had taken in this seemingly kind nephew. Blinded by the nephew's flattery, he sold a piece of his work, gaining nothing in return. He ended up as a horse-head, full of regret, and his anger even caused him to go blind in one eye, rendering him utterly useless. Lord Le never mentioned this to Tong Zida. Later, Tong Zida repeatedly visited Lord Le's residence but never saw Liu Hong. He secretly inquired with Liu Hong's family, who recounted the events in detail. Tong Zida was deeply shocked and immensely grateful to Lord Le. After Lord Le's death, Tong Zida generously presented him with gifts to repay this kindness. Later, they met again.

After all, Tong Zida had been with his wives and concubines for some time. It was the end of the year, and after the busy New Year celebrations, around the Lantern Festival, he summoned a dozen or so matchmakers, young and old, to his study. He served them fruit and wine, and they ate together. The matchmakers asked, "Master, what brings you here?" Tong Zida replied, "We've asked you to find me a concubine." The matchmakers said, "That's easy. Master, you can have as many as you want." He said, "I have a difficult problem. I have three things I don't want." The matchmakers asked, "What are these three things you don't want?" Tong Zida said, "I'm looking for a concubine who is fourteen or fifteen years old..." "I don't want girls under 20, I only want good young widows, that's the first 'I don't want.' Even if a young widow is thin or has a hidden illness, I don't want her. I want one who is plump, strong, and clean, that's the second 'I don't want.' I only want girls between 22 and 23, and over 18 or 19. I don't want anyone who is too old or too young, that's the third 'I don't want.'" The matchmakers didn't understand his meaning and laughed, saying, "Others are fine, people are eager to have real daughters, why does the master say he doesn't want any?" Tong Zida laughed and said, "To tell you all the truth, although my thing isn't exactly very big..." "But it's alive. The little girl can't handle it, so they want a young widow. It's better if it's defiled." Hearing this, everyone remained silent. An old matchmaker, relying on her age, laughed and said, "Whose penis isn't alive? Does this thing die? Besides, how can the parts of a living person die? I don't understand this saying." Tong Zida said, "You don't know, my thing is different from others. It can even drink alcohol. Those with a low tolerance for alcohol can't even beat it. That's why it's alive." Hearing this, everyone thought he was joking about their drinking and laughed. They said, "We were honored with a few cups of wine by the master, and now you're comparing us to his...things? We thought it was a compliment, and we were even listening intently!" Tong Zida said, "I'm speaking seriously, do you think I'm lying?" He called a servant over and said, "Go get a bowl and fetch half a jin of liquor, I'll show you."

A short while later, a bowl of liquor was brought back. Tong Zida told him to leave. The matchmakers, not knowing his intentions, wondered what he was doing. He laughed and said, "Don't laugh at me, I'm making a fool of myself." He pulled up his clothes, tore open his trousers, took out his penis, and placed it in the bowl of liquor. Several of the younger matchmakers blushed with embarrassment and turned away. Several older ones, wanting to see this strange story, to see how he would eat it, to broaden their horizons, all stared wide-eyed at the object, which resembled a gilded table leg, its mouth wide open. Sure enough, it slurped and slurped, and in a moment, it had eaten half a bowl. They clapped and laughed, saying, "This strange creature is truly unlike anything we've ever seen before! No wonder the master said it was alive and could drink wine. It's incredibly gluttonous, needing no side dishes, it ate half a bowl in one go!" Hearing this, the young men forgot everything else and crowded around, watching intently. They saw it open and close its mouth, and in no time, it had finished the entire bowl of wine. A folk song, "Zhu Yunfei," praised its wondrous appearance: "

This thing is peculiar, rarely seen in the world. Its large mouth is not unusual, but its ability to open and close is wondrous. Even more peculiar is its ability to swallow a full measure of wine, and when nestled under the covers, it offers a unique experience. How could it not make a young woman's soul fly away?"

Tong laughed loudly, "You see, that's why I don't want you, little girl." He pulled up his trousers, and the women's eyes blazed with lust. The two old matchmakers said, "To be honest, when we were young, we went astray and saw all sorts of men, tall and short, thick and thin. But a man like you, sir, who can drink alcohol, is something we've never seen or even heard of. I've heard people say there's a nun at the Compassionate Nunnery, originally the young mistress of a local gentry who became a nun. She can suck a man's essence. No matter how strong a young man you are, he'll finish after a few sucks and be forced to dismount. I thought that was alright, but women's mouths can eat men, maybe just more potent. But this little thing of yours, sir, can drink alcohol with such a small mouth. I wonder which lucky young wives will get to enjoy it tomorrow?" The younger matchmakers, seeing this large and lively rare creature, were aroused, unable to express their lust, their hearts burning with desire. One pinched the other's nipple, saying, "Go try it and see what it tastes like." The other pushed the first one towards Tong Zida, saying, "If you're so impatient, go try it! Why are you pinching me?" They all laughed and rolled around in a heap. Everyone secretly wanted to try it with him, to taste this strange flavor, but because there were so many of them, they were embarrassed, their faces burning with embarrassment, their hearts filled with anxiety.

They swallowed hard, and clear water dripped from their mouths.

The matchmakers all stood up, saying, "Thank you for the wine, sir. We've found out; we'll report back to you later." They took their leave. The matchmakers spread the word, and everyone knew that Tong Baiwan was a very capable man who could drink alcohol. These young widows, whose parents-in-law refused to let him become a concubine, were now eager to become his concubines and taste what this living creature was like. As the saying goes, a first marriage is determined by one's parents, a second marriage by one's own choice. Since he was willing, his parents couldn't force him. Tong Zida followed the matchmakers to various places, looking at many women, and only selected ten. He secretly calculated, "I heard people say there are twelve hairpins; I have a pair at home." With these ten, wouldn't that make twelve? His grandmother would take care of one night, and the two of them two nights, making it a seven-day rotation. He then decorated the six side rooms very lavishly, making a great deal of jewelry and clothing, and equipping the rooms with brand-new bedding, chests, cabinets, tables, chairs, incense burners, vases, mirrors, powder boxes, and so on. [Although it had the air of a wealthy man, it couldn't escape a touch of vulgarity. Hence the cleverness.] After marrying these ten women, he bought a maid for each of them. [With maids, Kui Xin and Lian Ban were truly living in a more luxurious setting.] The six women lived together, with two assigned to each shift. The west room was also converted into a guesthouse, where the concubines took turns coming to stay with him. On Tie Shi's turn, he himself would go to work.

Afterwards, Tie smashed the man to pieces, threw him into a clean bucket, and then into the latrine. Although Tie had forgotten the old man after finding someone new, it was truly because the man was all show and no substance, his belly empty. Throwing him into the filth, to hide in the stench, was not an exaggeration. Tong Zida, on the other hand, engaged in sexual activity whenever he pleased, and within four or five years, he had more than ten children. He was overjoyed. Although Tie had never borne any children, none of these children dared not call her "mother." He was delighted to see a large group of children before him, so lively and cheerful. Although Tie had changed and was no longer violent, Tong Zida was used to being intimidated and submissive, always treating her with utmost respect. Now, seeing her so kind, he was first intimidated and then grateful, and even respected her to the highest degree. Seeing their master still so gracious, the concubines dared not be the slightest bit bold or negligent, and all wished they could flatter him above all else. Seeing that everyone served him carefully, Lady Tie truly loved him, and the wives and concubines lived in great harmony.

Now, let's return to the previous story. First, the matchmaker said that the nun at the Cibei Nunnery could absorb men's essence. What was her surname? What was her background? Let me tell you slowly.

In the late Wanli era, there was a prominent official in the city named Wu You, also known as Guiweng. He was insatiably greedy and extremely wealthy. The ancients said that greed is a sign of having no offspring, and this was absolutely true. His family possessed gold, silver, embroidered silks, real estate, and land—everything imaginable, truly richer than kings and nobles. But he lacked only one thing: not only did he have no sons, but he couldn't even have a daughter. His wife's surname was Du, and she was exceptionally jealous. [It's not her fault she has such a bad surname.] She had no children of her own and wouldn't allow her husband to take a concubine. [Many wives who don't have the surname Du wouldn't allow their husbands to take concubines, let alone one with the surname Du.] Wu You desperately wanted a child, so he secretly engaged in illicit affairs with the maids. At first, the maids, seeing their master about to engage in such frivolous pleasures with him, were overjoyed and even hoped to bear a son so that he could become a secondary mistress, a truly glorious prospect. However, if Du Shi (the mistress) found out about a pregnancy, she would subject the maid to all sorts of cruel tortures, from burning her hair and eyes to cutting off fingers and gouging out ears, until she was finally dead. Even if a child was born, Du Shi, knowing it was her husband's flesh and blood, would falsely accuse the maid of being lazy and stealing a child, killing not only the child but also the mother. The old man, Gui, would watch from the sidelines, not daring to utter a word of protection, and would let Gui Shi do as she pleased. [The old man said: Such people are not unheard of; Emperor Cheng of Han was a prime example.] Later, seeing this, the maids realized that a son was unlikely to be born, and the secondary mistress position was impossible, so they decided to keep their lives for a few more years. Wu You wanted to be happy, but he would treat it like rape, refusing to yield even to death. If he were to force the mistress to find out, she would not only reward him but also protect him. The old man could only feel resentment and anger, but there was nothing he could do.

When Du was young, she had wanted to have children, so she donated money to build a charity temple. Inside, she enshrined a statue of Zhang the Immortal, who grants children, and had seven or eight widows from her family serve him with incense. In this world, even wealthy families wouldn't part with a single penny to help poor relatives or care for struggling friends. But when it came to giving alms to monks and Taoist priests, or building temples and monasteries, she would donate thousands upon thousands of coins without hesitation.

This Compassionate Temple was built by the Du family in their quest for a son. They spared no expense, spending thousands of taels of silver, and it was indeed completed. Inside, there were winding corridors and pavilions, towers and terraces, exotic flowers and rare plants, ancient pines and strange rocks—though the place wasn't very large, it had everything. The elderly couple often came to worship and linger. However, after more than twenty years of offerings, they received no blessings; the couple remained childless. The Du family, who genuinely built the temple to pray for a son, had no offspring. On the contrary, three or four younger widows who tended the incense had given birth to several sons, the origins of whom were unknown. [They were sent by Zhang Xian, so what's the point?] They then abandoned them. Wu You, in his fifties, was advised by someone to choose one of his nephews as an heir. He was unwilling to give his family fortune to his nephew, and he still clung to the delusion of having a son of his own. It wasn't until he was over sixty that his wife, Du, finally passed away. Great fortune. He suffered greatly at the hands of his first wife and dared not remarry. Instead, he hastily took a beautiful concubine. Do you know her name, or if she bore him any children? You'll find out in the next chapter.

End of Volume Seventeen .

[Last edited by jay-chou2010 on 8-12 03:07]

URL 1:https://www.sexlove5.com/htmlBlog/15469.html

URL 2:/Blog.aspx?id=15469&aspx=1

Last access time:

Previous Page : Gu Wangyan [Complete] - 18

Next Page : Gu Wangyan [Complete] - 20

增加

comment Open a new window to view comments

Contact Information

Gu Wangyan [Complete] - 19

comment Open a new window to view comments