Double Dream 1~20

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Chapter Eleven: Crying for Heaven, Pingkang's Sorrow, Drunken Romance, Plotting for a Beauty in a Golden House The

poem reads: What day is it today? Where am I in this place? Thinking and thinking, my heart is broken.

What others say is irrelevant, only tears flow.

I cry out to Heaven, everyone protects me, why do you alone abandon me?

I beg Heaven, if you no longer have mercy, I will flee to the underworld to escape. The poem, in the tune of "Ta Sha Xing,"

tells of how, after seeing off the guest, Xiu Ma called Qiao'er again, and heard that the sixth and seventh methods had been used. The sixth method is to run away. This method is a scheme within a scheme
. The scheme is ingenious. He is penniless from whoring, has no money to marry, and wants to whore but has no money. The previous method has been used, and the next is difficult to continue.
To send him away, there is only one method, running away, which can trick him into moving. Either arrange for him to go somewhere, or ask him to find a boat somewhere,
to make him believe it without a doubt. On the day, get ready, rush off, and shout that you will take him to the authorities, and he will naturally have no interest in going
. This plan to scatter the enemy was merely a pretext; he thought their fate was shallow and their good time was disrupted, little did he know the trap was hidden. A poem testifies to this
: "To scatter the poor, one must not leave home; this clever plan is found in the midst of their wandering. Even if one is as clever as Yan Hui and Min Ziqian, how could one discern the treacherous intent hidden within?"

Seventh, death. A person only has one death. If one dies for each guest, there are not many bodies to die
. This is feigned death, not true death. When the two are getting along well, seeing his heart waver, one says, "I am your wife in life, and in death
, I will be your ghost; I am determined to marry you. If you do not marry me, I will die on your body." If he has other wives,
knowing he cannot marry you, one says, "I cannot marry you; it would be a waste to have met you in such a way. Although I have entertained guests for many years, none have been
as tender and loving as you. Since you cannot marry me, I will die with you; it is better than living apart in this world
." It is precisely because we cannot be of one heart in this life that we wish to be intertwined trees in death. Don't worry about him not being devoted to you. There is a poem to prove
it: "Putting someone to the brink of death, yet they can be reborn; the most ingenious mechanism is the hidden use of affection."

If you understand this secret, you will be able to outwit and charm anyone. Knowing this seven-character talisman, you can perform acrobatic tricks. Stand at the door, and when a passerby glances at you, greet them with a smile
. If you have beautiful teeth, smile and show them, offering your beauty; this is called "Offering Silver Teeth." If your feet are small but not crooked, step
on the threshold and bow your head to look at yourself; this is called "Phoenix Nodding." If you have a beautiful figure, step forward; this is called "Offering Your Body to Preach
." If you have beautiful hands, half-reveal your delicate hands, or convey affection with the corner of your eye, or casually recite something charming. All you want to do is seduce his heart and stir his
desire. Understanding this principle, you can become a courtesan. "Cuiqiao said, 'I see, I understand now.' It's just that fate
has brought her into this 'peach blossom calamity,' even if she were pure, she would still

be considered lewd. Cuiqiao, now in this fiery pit, possessed unparalleled talent and beauty, her fame spreading far and wide. Princes and nobles sought her favor.
Her reputation for playing the erhu and poetry spread far and wide; everyone praised Ma Qiao'er for her new melodies and skill with the erhu. Her music moved hearts and captivated souls. A single smile from her
was worth a thousand pieces of gold. Cuiqiao often thought back to her humble origins, her life's aspirations, and now she was trapped in this sea of misfortune
, wondering when she would ever escape. She deeply resented this. Thus, she composed 'Crying to Heaven' to express her injustice: '

My life is unfortunate, my family is cursed, I risked my life to save my father from this fiery pit. I have even braved blades, I would never willingly become a servant.

Unwittingly caught in the trap of villains, I have no way to defend myself. They bound me and hung me high on a beam, beat me until my skin was torn and bleeding profusely.'"

Pain agonizingly, I fainted three times, pleading and wailing, but to no avail. Only after countless pleas did she finally stop, demanding my surrender and abandoning me.

I was born a sheltered maiden, how could I know the ways of the charming and deceitful! I listened to her teach me everything, shameless and despicable, a murderous art.

I learned the ways of a seductive fox in bed, disguising myself every night to accompany men. I dared not sleep when they were awake, and dared not frighten them when they slept soundly.

I had to be careful, fearing their suspicion, and also careful to guard against their advances. If a guest was greedy and lewd, she would use her charms and seductive allure.

Familiar guests were somewhat tolerable, but unfamiliar ones were much harder to handle. Even if they were rough and unpleasant, I had to be kind and gentle.

The mistress only cared about money and cash, welcoming everyone regardless of appearance. She would let me be with fresh flowers and vines, pairing beautiful women with fools for no reason.

Yellow teeth and foul breath—where could I hide? Diseases and sores—who would dare hate me! If I showed even the slightest reluctance, the beatings and scoldings would never cease.

In life, one can easily become the wife of a thousand men; in death, one can

hardly find a grave without a master. The greatest suffering in life is that of a woman; the greatest suffering for a woman is that of a prostitute. As a maid or concubine, one has a master; as a prostitute, life and death are uncertain. Now I weep to the heavens, a single word a thousand knots in my heart.

I send this to the many beauties of the brothel, urging them to hasten their departure from the fiery wheel of life. Do not wait until the day of desolation before their door, when tears fall in the west wind

, a soul broken with grief. Upon hearing this, all who heard it wept; all who saw it wept. Cui Qiao played the erhu, its sound mournful and sorrowful. Even the sisters in the procession
wept, unable to look up; even the cruel Xiu Ma felt tears welling up upon hearing it.

Now, there was a traveling scholar in this place, named Shu Shou, styled Qi Xin, from Wuxi County, Changzhou Prefecture. His father owned a shop
in Linzi, and he came here with his father. He was just over twenty, and his family was wealthy. He married a woman surnamed Huan, the daughter of a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Personnel, who was both beautiful and intelligent.
She was somewhat sour, but her sourness was dignified, unlike other jealous wives who constantly oppressed their husbands. She wanted to preserve her husband's dignity
while also expressing her own nature. She refused to share her love with others, yet she made it impossible for others to share her affection. She also possessed a unique talent for jealousy
, able to control others without being controlled herself. Shu Shou's intelligence was no match for hers, so he had many tasks to handle, which Huan Shi managed efficiently
.

Although Shu Shou harbored ulterior motives, he only found satisfaction in observing her. Having traveled here with his father, he heard of Ma Qiao's new music and the
beauty of her erhu. He sent his servant with a gift box and four bolts of silk, secretly accompanying a hanger-on named Bu Bin, to visit Ma Qiao.
Qiao was not home at the time, but returned several days later, finally getting a meeting and presenting his visiting card and gifts. Cuiqiao said, "
I am deeply honored by your presence. I am humbled by such a generous gift." Shusheng replied, "I have long admired you, but have had the opportunity to meet you. This humble offering is unworthy of my respect,
merely a token of my heartfelt admiration." He then presented her with three taels of silver. Xiuma prepared a lavish feast, featuring the most exquisite dishes of the day, including dragon and phoenix
, and rare delicacies like gorilla and leopard. They exchanged toasts and drank merrily. After a few cups of wine, Maqiao's face flushed with a rosy glow, her gentle words
adding to her charm and allure.

She was truly magnificent and beautiful, possessing all the finest qualities. Her beauty was unparalleled in ancient times and unseen in this world. Her captivating presence
was beyond praise. At first glance, she was like the rising sun; as she moved closer, she shone like the moon. Her beauty was radiant
, like a flower in full bloom; her graceful demeanor was gentle and refined, like jade. Five colors shone forth, too numerous to describe; upon closer inspection, they captivated the eye.
Their splendor lay in silks and brocades. Exquisite patterns adorned their garments, their beauty illuminating all directions. Even Mao Qiang, with her sleeves veiled, paled in comparison; even Xi Shi
, veiling her face, paled in comparison. Her steps were graceful, illuminating the palace; she moved like a phoenix soaring through the clouds.

The scholar, seeing this, was delighted and said, "Though I am not skilled in poetry, how could I not present a gift to such a beautiful woman?
I have presumptuously composed these humble words to commemorate this fortunate encounter." The poem reads:
Beautiful as jade, flawless and ethereal like a fairy. Never before had I seen such a face, so fortunate to meet her at this banquet.

Her slender hand holds a cup under the bright moon, her evening makeup adorning her before the mirror on the precious stool. How many handsome young men are there in the inner chambers? This joy is the first among them.

After the song, the wine was finished and the guests dispersed, they went hand in hand to their room, their love deep and profound. Later, when Shu Sheng's father returned south, with no one to supervise them, they
were able to indulge their passion even more. The two drank and sang wildly, played the flute, composed poems under the moon, and enjoyed the scenery whenever they could. For over three months,
they lingered at the Ma family home. Shu Sheng spent money like water, and everyone in the Ma family was delighted. He was gentle and refined, elegant and charming. Ma Qiao was also very compatible with him
.

One night, Cui Qiao rose from her bath, her beauty even more radiant. Shu Sheng said, "Song Yu praised the goddess, saying, 'Clothed in
light attire, bathed in orchid-scented water, exuding fragrance, gentle and compliant, suitable to serve by your side, humble in rank, and kind-hearted.' This is probably a praise of you." Cui Qiao
said, "From afar, she is hopeful; up close, she is enchanting. Why do you ask me to compare myself to her?" Shu Sheng said, "I am secretly delighted, and my joy
is boundless. Looking at your appearance, you are hardly a woman of the brothel. Your face is full and dignified, with a warm and gentle jade-like complexion. Your eyes are bright and clear
, beautiful and pleasing to the eye. Your eyebrows are delicate and arched, like cinnabar. You are of solid character, with a relaxed and carefree spirit.

You are both serene and graceful before people. I never expected to find such a rare beauty in the brothel, which makes me both jealous and longing
. Now, seeing you after your bath, with your makeup still on, is also a rare sight. I have composed a few words to record this scene." The poem reads: "

On a moonlit night, in a brothel, a jade pot is poured out; a beauty, drunk, lies on a clean carpet. " Her fair skin and radiant beauty rivaled the moon's, her snowy form half-hidden in the flower's shadow.

She rose shyly, calling for her companion to wipe her face; she walked with a smile, needing someone to help her. Drizzled, she swiftly entered the hibiscus-scented tent, softly singing a partridge song on her pillow.

Cui Qiao said, "Under such lavish praise, I cannot live up to your reputation. I am deeply grateful for your kindness and eager to compose a poem. However, a sudden thought of otherworldly matters arose, and my pen
was halted by homesickness; I will write it another day." Shu Sheng exclaimed in surprise, "Then you are not Xiu Ma's daughter?" Cui Qiao replied, "My lord, please do not
inquire about such heartbreaking matters; I cannot speak of them all at once. Go to sleep, and I will tell you slowly." Having said this, tears streamed

down her face. Shu Sheng, even more astonished, insisted on asking her the origins of her story. Cuiqiao said, "I am but a vase of flowers, and you are but a wandering butterfly.
The Eastern Emperor already has his master; a single branch is enough for my enjoyment. Why do you so insist?" Shusheng said, "I truly wish to marry you, hence
my earnest inquiries." Cuiqiao said, "Taking a concubine is difficult, but leaving a respectable life is even harder; how dare I speak so lightly? You see me in Pingkang Village,
so dashing and charming, so captivated by my beauty. But if I were to come to your home, all these arts and skills would
be useless. If I were to wash away my makeup and act like a respectable woman, you might not love me so much. Besides, if I marry you, I will surely go
home with you. I will depend solely on you, my parents will depend on you, my relatives will depend on you, and every step I take will depend
on you. You are a young scholar, and you are a noble lady. Both of you are young and beautiful, a perfect match. Adding me
would further... Many words, countless discussions. A perfectly good couple, turned against each other by my own actions, the blame lies entirely with me. Moreover, if
your power can truly protect me, though I have disrupted your marital harmony, I can still find peace; but if I rely on a woman,
I will be whipped at best, and ruined at worst. I, like a horse trying to escape this hellhole, will suffer even more hardship;
it's better to eke out a living here. When the calamities are cleared, I will inevitably face a terrible end. My relationship with you is a charade, a fleeting affair, something that can be reunited or separated. You don't
ask for my full affection, and I don't blame you excessively. It's all just a mundane affair, a mirage. My daughter doesn't speak of marriage, so I can't
fully understand her feelings. Do you expect me to refuse you when you say you want to marry me? This matter is extremely difficult and weighty, not
something to be taken lightly.”
Shu Shengsheng sighed, “Your words, considering the beginning and end of the matter, seem very reasonable. But my desire to marry you has already taken hold, although
I have… "My desire to escape will never cease. If I cannot marry Ma Qiao to fulfill this wish, I am not a true man." Cui Qiao smiled and said,
"My lord, you are too serious." Shu
Sheng said, "When things come to this, how can I not be serious? If you don't marry me, I will die on your body." Cui Qiao said, "Marrying is not difficult, but I fear things will not be as they are today after marriage." Shu Sheng then swore, "If Shu Shou
marries Ma Qiao and later changes his heart, may heaven and earth not cover him." Cui Qiao said, "My lord, do not swear,
you must... "I must agree to one thing before I marry you," said Shu Sheng. "Tell me," said Shu Sheng, "not just one, but ten things I'll agree to." Cui Qiao said
, "I must marry you. You are a refined scholar, a learned man. Marrying such a husband wouldn't be a loss for me
. But I'm afraid of being imprisoned. I won't go back to Wuxi with you; I'll just stay at your shop."

Shu Sheng repeatedly said, "I originally didn't intend to take you south. We'll each live separately for half a year. That's exactly what you wanted. Do you want
me to take you back to see my wife's faces? Women are better left unseen; seeing them is always unpleasant.
Now that I've married you, I won't take you to the shop immediately. There are plenty of empty rooms; you can settle down there. Wait until my father returns to the shop and we explain things
clearly, then you can stay there." Cui Qiao said, "You make it sound easy, but I'm afraid you can't do it." Shu Sheng said:
"As long as you are willing to marry me, the Han family has its own rules. My father loves me very much, and even if he has something to say, it will only be a few words and then it will be over
. What's the big deal?" Cuiqiao said, "Don't take my life for granted. Once I marry you and leave the Ma family, even if I'm
hacked to pieces, boiled in a cauldron, or sawed apart, I'll die in your house. I will never go back. Don't let your father abandon me
and send me back to the Ma family. I'm making it clear to you today: if you can't do something, don't force it. Don't make me, Cuiqiao, look foolish
." Shusheng said, "Qiaoniang, don't worry too much. It won't come to that." Cuiqiao said, "I just hope you don't agree with what I said. That would be
wonderful." Shusheng was overjoyed and said, "Did you say you would marry me?" Cuiqiao said, "Why wouldn't I marry you? I'm just afraid you won't be able to marry me
, or that there will be many troubles after you marry me." Shusheng said, "I just hope you are willing to marry me. I can handle everything." Cuiqiao said, "Then I
am willing to serve you." Shusheng was overjoyed to hear this, and then they took each other's hands and went to their room to spend the night together. It is said: "

To become a pair of mandarin ducks, what is death to me? I would rather be a pair of mandarin ducks than an immortal." What will become of Cuiqiao later? Let us hear the next chapter.

Chapter Twelve: Wei Huayang cleverly subdues the prostitute, and Shu Sheng happily marries Wang Mei .

The poem reads:

"Humble departure from the brothel, glorious return to the golden house, is this not a blessing in this world? I imagine it must be pleasing to my heart, why do I still frown?

Gold hangs from the eaves, jade is piled on the beams, who knows that a swan cannot perch there? If I had known that beauty is destined for misfortune, why bother with such kindness! "

(Right tune "Ta Sha Xing")

It is said that Cuiqiao, having promised to marry Shu Sheng, cannot sleep
. She tosses and turns, thinking: "This matter is not advisable. I was entangled by him, and in a moment of impulsiveness, I agreed. He has an elder, a younger, and a wife. His wife is a noblewoman, with considerable
power and influence. If I marry him, it would be like feeding a sheep to a tiger, or a swallow to devour a dragon—there is no good intention in it. It would be better if I replied to him and calmly..."
"Wait a minute, be free. A bold and decisive hero, marry him, and you'll have a bright future. How
can such a weak scholar accomplish anything?" She was about to wake Shusheng to explain her thoughts, but then thought, "I shouldn't have agreed to him. Now, if
I speak like this on his behalf, he won't think I'm discussing it for him; he'll just think I have ulterior motives. Besides, he's determined to marry
me; how could he abandon all his fantasies with a few idle words? Wang Cuiqiao, Wang Cuiqiao, this kind of reformation might not be
your final destination." Dejected, she forced herself to sleep.

The next day, Shusheng brought Cuiqiao to the shop, moved her to a separate room, and sent someone to tell Xiuma that he wanted to redeem Cuiqiao's mother.
Xiuma panicked, stumbling as she rushed to the Shu family's shop. The shopkeeper said, "She's not here; she went to the Yang family's garden to escape the summer heat
." She rushed there, but they said she wasn't there either. After rushing for more than ten days, I could only kowtow and stumble around. I
bumped into Bu Bin and grabbed him, saying, "Master Bu, where is my daughter now? Please show me a safe place!" Bu
Bin said, "At first, I brought Master Shu here, but later he reconciled your daughter, so we were no longer needed. As for
her redemption and marriage, we knew nothing about it, so we never came to visit you. Yesterday, as I passed by the county seat,
I heard people clamoring about a young woman seeking redemption. One person said she was still young, another said they didn't know her name, and yet another said
she was the most famous one, skilled in singing and playing the erhu. Hearing this, I was truly shocked and said, 'That name only has
one character, could it be her?' I went to look among the people, but I didn't see her. There was only a blue sedan chair,
guarded by twenty or thirty people. Suddenly, the county magistrate came out, and a woman stepped out of the chair, dressed entirely in blue, with a headscarf, and holding
a..." Zhang filed a petition, loudly proclaiming, "Grandpa
, I'm begging you to remarry!" There were over twenty petitions in total,
but none were approved. Only the gatekeeper brought the woman's petition, placed it on the sedan chair, and after a long pause, said, "Your petition is approved." After the official sedan chair left, the woman turned and got into the chair. A quick glance revealed it to be none other than your daughter. The servants carried her away like the wind. I asked the magistrate
, "Who does Ma Qiao want to marry after remarrying?" He replied, "Some scholar from Wuxi named Shu." I said, "That scholar Shu
is no match for Xiu Ma." He said, "You only know Scholar Shu is honest, but you don't know his accomplice is very powerful
!" His accomplice is none other than Wei Huayang, famous throughout the province. If you want to know your daughter's whereabouts, you must
go to Wei Huayang to inquire."

Upon hearing the name "Wei Huayang," Xiu Ma softened, saying, "Alas, alright, I've found someone. This
Wei..." Hua Yang had spoken up for me, but now that this matter is in his hands, he'll surely take revenge. Master Bu, I beg you, please
tell Master Shu, "If he wants to marry my daughter, he should just tell me to my face; there's no need for someone to file a complaint. It's a pity it cost money;
give me more, it would show his good intentions." Bu Bin said, "Where has he been these past few days? I have nowhere to look for him. I've
been searching for him for four or five days, but I haven't been able to see him. His servant bumped into me, and I grabbed him and asked him. He said, 'My master
has been busy these past few days and hasn't had time to entertain guests. Everyone I spoke to went to Master Wei Hua Yang's house to ask. Whether he's seen or not, that's where I'll get
the news. Looking elsewhere is like consulting the oracle at the gates of hell.' I was just about to go there to visit him today when I bumped into Xiu
Ma." Xiu Ma said, "Since that's the case, he's determined to do it. Please, Master Bu, get a message for me, please
..." "I'll convey my message to him gently. He wants the man, but the money is mine; I have no other intentions. Tell him not to waste the money
. If he's in the Wei family, please send me a letter. I'll prepare a box tomorrow and ask him to help me get things done . I
'll thank him handsomely when it's finished." Bu Bin said, "Of course. If I see him, I'll naturally persuade him." After saying this, they went their separate ways. Now,

Bu Bin, who had come with Wei Huayang and Shu Sheng to carry out their plan, happened to run into Xiu Ma and told her these true
words. He hurriedly went to report to Shu Sheng and Wei Huayang. Wei Huayang said, "That will kill her spirit. Go and write back to her tonight,
saying that when you see her, you will hear her words: 'Ma Bujin bought a good woman and made her a lowly concubine,
and Xiu Ma forced Lie into prostitution. If she knows she has committed a crime, let her off for now. If she doesn't know when to stop, besides Qiao Ji, we will also sue her, and both crimes will be punished.'"

Bu Bin went to reply to Xiu Ma in the evening, and Xiu Ma then asked if there was any definite news. Bu Bin said, "The letter is true,
but he has prepared all the petitions and accusations, just waiting for you to say something in a fit of anger. He'll then kill the dog and open a case for you, accusing you of prostitution and
many other things. I said, 'You should also speak up for her. If she refuses, then it's not too late to argue with her.' He said, 'She's in my house
. If she's in trouble, she'll naturally come to me for help. The petition from the county has already been submitted; let her do whatever she wants.' Xiu Ma said,
'Master Bu, with his attitude, what should I do?' Bu Bin said, 'In my opinion, since he's willing to fight this lawsuit, he's
not afraid of trouble. If it goes to court, he'll definitely find out the root cause of his drowning back then. Let alone getting back to this place, even getting to this position
will cost money. Even if you manage to get his money back, half of it will be gone. It's better to be cunning and go
to Wei Huayang and those big-shot scoundrels yourself. It's better to be gentle than forceful. If you go and beg him, he'll put aside his past grievances,
and I...'" " That's my idea. If you insist on taking his case, he'll easily get his money, and even if he loses a thousand taels, it won't bother him
. The outcome is uncertain. It all depends on your abilities and strength; I wouldn't dare to urge you on."

Xiu Ma said, "I will naturally go to negotiate with you, Master Bu. What can we use to fight him? An egg can't fight a rock. I'm wholeheartedly
going to plead with him; everything depends on your mediation, Master Bu." Bu Bin said, "This matter need not be discussed. I'll go now and
meet again tomorrow morning." Xiu Ma said, "Master Bu is staying at my house; we can discuss things tomorrow." Bu Bin said, "The matter hasn't even been
affected yet; why are you bothering me here?" Xiu Ma said, "I won't blame you for being so inconsiderate; it shows we know each other well. How can you call it a disturbance?" That
day, Bu Bin actually stayed overnight at Xiu Ma's house.

Shu Sheng waited for a long time but did not arrive. Wei Yanghua said, "Old Bu is gone and will not return. The matter is settled. Tomorrow morning, Xiu Ma will surely come to make peace.
You must do this and that." Shu Sheng said, "I understand."

Xiu Ma, the next day, instructed the madam to prepare some trinkets and a sedan chair, and went to the Wei family. She first
asked Bu Bin to help her. Xiu Ma arrived first, and Bu Bin stood at the door to greet her, saying, "Master Wei has not yet washed and dressed. Xiu Ma, please wait a moment, I will be there soon.
" They entered the main hall together. After a while, Wei Yanghua came out and said, "I did not know Xiu Ma would grace us with her presence. I have failed to greet you properly." Xiu Ma said, "I am sorry for disturbing
you." She bowed and sat down.

Wei Huayang asked, "What gust of wind blew Xiu Ma here?" Xiu Ma replied, "I have a favor to ask. I heard that my daughter is to marry
Master Shu, so I've come to ask you, Father Wei, to act as matchmaker and bring about a marriage between our two families." Wei Huayang said, "He's arranging for you to fight in the Wu-
Yue war, and you want to arrange a marriage for him?" Xiu Ma said, "Being a daughter-in-law is certainly not the end of the story; leaving home to become a respectable woman is the best course of action."
"I didn't utter a single difficult word, so how could Master Shu blame me? Even though Qiao'er is by my side, although I haven't treated her exceptionally well
, I've always treated her better than others, and she naturally understands that. I heard she filed a petition to reform her family, and I was afraid she would suspect me of having ulterior motives,
which might cause trouble. So I searched everywhere, but I couldn't find any truthful information. Yesterday, Master Bu said he was at Old Master Wei's residence and came to pay
his respects sincerely, hoping that Old Master Wei would arrange a marriage between our two families, a union that would last a hundred generations. I earnestly hope that you won't be too naive." Wei Huayang said, "Xiu Ma doesn't know the details yet
. At first, your daughter filed a petition to reform her family and was about to issue a notice. I advised Master Shu to wait and see how
things went on your end before issuing the notice. Since Xiu Ma came to ask me to act as matchmaker, she's probably seeking a divination. Let me
invite Master Shu out so we can talk things over from all sides." Xiu Ma said, "This shows how much Old Master Wei cares." Wei Huayang then got up and invited Master Shu out.

Shu Sheng, seeing Xiu Ma, asked, "Mother, are you here to make peace or to fight?" Xiu Ma replied, "If I were to fight, I wouldn't
have come. I'm an egg, and Master Shu is a stone. How can an egg contend with a stone? Besides, Qiao'er was originally from a good family
. Now that she's married to you, she's found her true home. Even if I'm extremely reluctant to let her go
, I'll still prevent her from leaving her servitude. I've made arrangements to help her leave her servitude, but she's still young, so I can afford to delay her for two years. Now that Master Shu is marrying her,
it's a good thing. How can I stop her? I've come specifically to ask Old Man Wei to act as matchmaker and marry my daughter to you."

Just as Shu Sheng was about to speak, Wei Huayang said, "Master Shu, Xiu Ma hasn't said a word today, but instead asked me to act as matchmaker. She
's a sensible woman. You should also put aside your petty thoughts. Since you've redeemed her, Qiao'er's dowry
must be..." "Her. Xiu Ma, since you've come to make amends, entrust it to me. The document your Ma Jiansheng took as a concubine must be returned to her
, plus a marriage certificate you wrote for her. We'll exchange the silver and hand over the deed at the same time." Xiu Ma said, "
Besides the prostitute's money, add double." Shu Sheng said, "She's been a prostitute for three years, taking more than ten times the money. Let alone others, even I, old
Shu, have spent over two thousand taels of silver on her. The rest add up to several thousand. Even if it's more than ten times, my
initial intention was to bribe officials to help you with the lawsuit, not giving you a single tael. Now that you've come back, I'll let it go and give
you half to redeem your deed." Wei Huayang laughed, "One wants more, the other wants less, neither is acceptable. Just do as I say
, redeem her at the original price. Even if Master Shu refuses, I'll insist on doing it this way. Xiu Ma, if you refuse, I'll listen to your decision."
"Old Master Wei has handled countless official duties, and he rarely bothers with such a trivial matter," said Xiu Ma.

Wei Huayang replied, "Since it's settled, let's have some wine today, and the deal will be done tomorrow. Xiu Ma, to be honest,
there are already petitions in the county, just waiting for you to initiate them. They'll all rise up and make a big fuss for you. Now that it's settled, one family
will get the man, another will get the money, and everyone will be safe and sound. It's just too good for you." Xiu Ma said, "Thank you,
thank you." She instructed the madam to open the box and heat the wine. The Wei family then brought out many dishes, and everyone sat down. Xiu Ma said
, "Please bring out your daughter to have a drink with us." Shu Sheng said, "We must meet, but today is not the right time." Xiu Ma,
seeing that he was very reliable, didn't insist. They parted happily that day.

The next day, he went to the Wei family with Ma Bujin and the madam. Wei Huayang held a grand banquet, welcoming the ten local heroes, and
reiterated the agreement in person. Shu Sheng exchanged 450 taels of silver, showing it to Xiu Ma in detail. Xiu Ma pleaded for more, and another
50 taels were added. Xiu Ma, seeing this as a sign of displeasure, reluctantly produced the original marriage contract and wrote a new
document confirming the payment, clearly stating the terms. Shu Sheng asked, "I wonder if this contract is Qiao Jie's original handwriting?" Wei Huayang replied, "Today
we must thank Xiu Ma. Take it and let her recognize you, then you can go out with her. Now that she's officially married, she should
act like a respectable family." Shu Sheng said, "That makes sense." He took the old contract inside. Soon after, he and Cui Qiao arrived, and they
exchanged greetings. Xiu Ma said, "My daughter, congratulations on marrying such a charming husband." Cui Qiao said, "Thanks to Mother's good fortune."
Ma Bujin also stepped forward to congratulate her. Cui Qiao remained silent, tears welling in her eyes. Everyone bowed and said, "Congratulations, Qiaoniang,
you've escaped this hellhole today!" Cuiqiao said, "Thank you all." She bowed and withdrew. Each family had their own business that day, so they drank a few cups and dispersed
.

Xiu Ma left the Wei family's house, her beloved daughter suddenly gone. Thinking of Qiaoniang's cunning ways, she wondered where she could find such a
good match. The more she thought about it, the more she cried, the more bitter and sorrowful she became. Pointing at the silver, she said, "What's the use of such a worthless treasure? My Qiao'er,
how could you abandon me like this?" The madam said, "Mama, wipe your tears and go cry elsewhere. If you go and cry to her, she won't cry to you,
what's the use?" Xiu Ma said, "I've treated her well in many ways." The madam said, "Even if you tricked her into going with someone else and then came back to
whip her, it was all for your own good. She remembers everything." Hearing this, Xiu Ma was both angry and annoyed, and returned home dejectedly
.

Meanwhile, Shu Sheng sent his maid away, gave Wei Huayang a hundred taels of silver as thanks, and prepared the lanterns and torches. He then took Cui Qiao to
a separate room as his wife. All his friends came to congratulate him on the wedding. Shu Sheng, feeling both satisfied and unfulfilled, was overjoyed. Cui Qiao,
however, had been hesitant and had some reservations. But since things had come to this, she decided to let it be and enjoy herself while she could. The two, a handsome man and
a beautiful woman, were a perfect match. Shu Sheng then composed a poem: "Following the main road, I embrace you, and present you with my youthful beauty." The words were exquisite. Cui Qiao
also composed a poem: "Awakening to the spring breeze, I burst forth with fresh glory; awaiting your kind voice. Such a gift to me, I would rather have never been born." Shu Sheng said
, "So you intend to delay and avoid me?" Cui Qiao replied, "If you are not fond of beauty, then you are like Song Yu." They
laughed heartily. Shu Sheng then recited the *Gao Tang Fu* (a type of classical Chinese prose). Cuiqiao said, "Then you are truly a goddess." Shusheng said, "That would be too much
. I would never exchange a goddess from the netherworld for a living Cuiqiao." From then on, their affection deepened day by day, and they treated each other with the utmost respect.

Just as they were lingering there, news came that Shusheng's father had arrived. Shu Sheng said, "My father is coming. There will surely be gossip. I'll go see him first,
and then we'll go to pay our respects together." Cui Qiao said, "Be careful in everything. Even if you are severely reprimanded, you should accept it. If you disagree, not
only will it increase your father's anger, but he will also say that you are infatuated with your father and disobeyed him." Shu Sheng said, "I understand." When he went to see his father, his father first made
a scene, and then scolded him, "You fool! How old are you to take a concubine! Taking a concubine is already wrong, but you even took a sister
! Who is your father-in-law? Your wife is a noble lady. If they find out that you have taken a concubine, they will be furious. You
can forgive me, but how can I bear this? Return the concubine to the Ma family properly, and everything will be over. If you are still stubborn,
I will go and tell you to return the concubine as well."

Shu Sheng said, "I will not hesitate to scold and beat my child. As for returning the concubine, everyone knows that I, Shu Shou, have taken Ma Qiao as a concubine.
" "They've retreated, what a sight! I'd rather die than obey!" His father roared, "You won't listen to me!"
"I'm determined to have you return her," said the father. "The government is run by scholars. They only have
the right to ban prostitutes, not ban virtuous women from prostitution!" His father said, "If you're so stubborn, I'll definitely have that prostitute returned." He turned to leave, and just then, he bumped
into the officials passing by. The old man, in a fit of anger, cried out, "My son is disobedient!"

The prefect, being a very filial son, heard this and ordered him to be taken back to the yamen to ask what had happened. The
old man said, "My son took a prostitute, and I asked him to return her to the brothel, but he disobeyed me and refused." The prefect asked, "How long have you had her?
" The old man said, "Almost a year." The prefect said, "Nonsense! She's been your wife for a year, how can you return her
to the brothel? What has that woman done to disgrace your family?" "Old Shu said, 'No, that's not true.' The prefect
asked, 'What kind of person is your son?' Old Shu replied, 'He's a student from Wuxi County.' The prefect said, 'Since he's a scholar
, how can you marry her and then send her out to entertain guests? What kind of behavior is that?' This cannot be dismissed. Why are you so determined to break them up
?" Old Shu said, 'Your Honor, you don't know, but his father-in-law is a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Personnel, and his wife is still young
. How can he tolerate that woman? I'm afraid it will ruin his life, so I told him to break off the engagement.' The prefect said, 'I see. But logically speaking, it's
not acceptable. Summon him here, and I'll reason with him and see what happens!' He signed a red slip and ordered a messenger, 'Summon that
student Shu and his wife to see me.'

The student Shu, who had been standing outside the prefectural gate, changed into a blue robe and hat upon seeing the red slip and went in to see the prefect. The prefect said, "Your father
accused you of disobedience. What do you say?" The student replied, "Father and teacher, I am a scholar who knows proper etiquette. How dare I disobey you?
Last year, I, being unworthy, took a prostitute named Ma Qiao as my concubine. Now, a year has passed. Father wants me to return her to the brothel.
Where is my dignity? That woman hasn't committed any of the seven grounds for divorce; she is already a respectable woman. How can I bear to see her fall back into prostitution? How can I be satisfied? Therefore
, I firmly refused, and Father said I was disobedient." The prefect said, "This is unacceptable. Please return; there will be a proper judgment
."

Suddenly, Wang Cuiqiao arrived. The prefect said, "Ma Qiao, that Shu Zheng has accused that student Shu of returning you to the brothel.
How can "What do you mean?" Wang Cuiqiao said, "Grandpa, only prostitutes reform themselves, how can a virtuous woman become a prostitute? Since I married into the Ma family
, I am a member of the Ma family in life and in death, my life and death are in their hands, but I will never leave their home. Having left the Ma family, how can I possibly
be trapped there again? I beg you, sir, to grant me a reprieve." The prefect deliberately tested her, saying, "The Ma family doesn't want you, so naturally they will force you into prostitution
. It's not up to your nature." Cuiqiao said, "I will accept whatever fate brings, sir, but I cannot obey."

Before the prefect could reply, Ma Bujin stepped forward and said, "Your Honor, Ma Qiao originally came from my family
. I beg you to release me." The prefect said, "Who are you? I didn't call you, how dare you barge in like this! What is your
name? "What's wrong?" the pimp asked. "The musician's name is Ma Bujin. Hearing that the Shu family has dismissed Ma Qiao, he has come to take her away." The prefect said, "
You've come to take someone away? I'll take you. Take her away and kneel to the side."

Suddenly, another musician stepped forward and said, "The musician's name is Gan Xialiu. Hearing that the Shu family doesn't want Ma Qiao, he has come to submit his request to the official
to buy her." The prefect said, "Kneel to the side. I won't let you go back empty-handed." Gan Xialiu also knelt there to serve. Ma Bujin
argued, "Ma Qiao originally belonged to my family. You have no shame. How can you come here to claim her?" Gan Xialiu said, "She has already left your
family. She belongs to the Shu family. Everyone can take her. How can you say that you should take her and I shouldn't?" The two argued fiercely.
The bailiffs couldn't stop them. The prefect said, "There's no need to argue. Even if no one takes her away, she will still be beaten with a board and cangue." He ordered the bailiffs to take
her away and beat her twenty times each. They were beaten until their skin was torn and bloody, and they were kneeling on the ground. The prefect said, "These scoundrels are so arrogant! She
has reformed, and all things have their owners. I have never sold her off through official channels. What kind of scoundrel is so audacious! Put them in cangues and display them to the public for a month.
" Ma Bujin and Gan Xialiu were each put in a large cangue. They still wanted to argue, but the prefect said, "Slap them!" Each of them
received thirty slaps to the cheek, until their faces were swollen like gourds, and they were put out of the prefectural gate in cangues. Xiu

Ma was so anxious that she jumped up and down, trying to rush in to report. The gate was blocked and she was not allowed to go in. Xiu Ma shouted and screamed. The prefect ordered her to be arrested, and two
or three people rushed outside, grabbed Xiu Ma, and took her to see the prefect. The prefect said, "What's this shrew doing, making such a fuss in front of the yamen
?" Xiu Ma replied, "My husband, Ma Bu, hasn't come in to get someone. I don't know what crime he's committed, but you've put him in shackles again!" The prefect said
, "I have no official warrant for this. Who sent him to cause trouble? This is a public place; how can a turtle run rampant! Tie this shrew up!
" Three or four bailiffs rushed forward, some with their hands, some with their feet, and began to tie her up. The prefect, enraged, ordered a thorough torture
. Two men lifted her up with a board and swung her 120 times, until Xiu Ma was covered in blood. In unbearable pain, she could only
rub her feet. Not only were her skirt and trousers completely removed, but even her knee-length trousers and bound shoes were pulled down. The prefect ordered her to be dragged to the
front of the yamen for public display, and her entourage led her out. She not only suffered but also had to pay money to have the shackles removed secretly. Many other things were left
unsaid.

The prefect, displaying his power and authority, said to Cuiqiao, "If you don't return to the brothel, I must enforce the law." Cuiqiao replied,
"I'd rather die under the law than return to the brothel." The prefect ordered the cangue to be brought, saying, "I'll beat you, but you'll have to be in the cangue for a month before
you're allowed to return to the brothel." Cuiqiao said, "I'm willing to accept your punishment, Your Honor." After the cangue was put on and the cangue sealed, Shusheng rushed into the hall,
embracing her and crying, "I've caused you trouble, I've caused you trouble!" The prefect asked, "How have you caused her trouble?" Shusheng said
, "When I wanted to marry her, she had already foreseen this, but today it has come to pass." The prefect
said, "If that's the case, then she must be a woman of insight." Shusheng said, "This woman is not only insightful but also well-versed in literature. I implore
Your Honor to grant her leniency, so that the couple may enjoy boundless blessings, and their good deeds will be passed down through generations." The prefect said, "
Cuiqiao... Since Ying is skilled in poetry, why not use the cangue as a theme? I once saw a talented woman in this prefecture who composed a
poem titled "Yellow Oriole" on the theme of the cangue; it was very elegant and has been passed down to this day. Compose a poem on the spot; if it is worthwhile, I will grant you permission.” Cuiqiao, hearing the order,
dared not refuse, and thus came up with a new idea, composing another poem, "Yellow Oriole."

Though I am at odds with wood, I rejoice in escaping the trap. I feel the square and round walls concealing my ugliness, but my shoulders and ribs are shameful, and sitting in the well is worrisome.
Pity the tears that flow, not even reaching my clothes and sleeves. Thank you, sir, for teaching me to be stubborn; I will never again allow you to sing.

The prefect, overjoyed, exclaimed, "This work is even more exquisite than the old one! Truly, a beautiful woman is a perfect match for a gentleman; they shall be husband and wife forever
!" He ordered his men to remove her shackles, brought in Shu Zheng, and instructed him, "It's extremely rare for someone to have such a fine daughter-in-law
. If you're worried about your in-laws' reaction, then don't bring Wang Shi home. Which official doesn't have multiple wives and concubines? Even fathers and sons should consider their relationship here
. How can a father-in-law and son-in-law interfere in such matters?" Shu Zheng was speechless. The prefect then ordered a pair of colorful flags to be brought and inscribed a couplet in the hall:

Today, a pair of phoenixes are joined, a joyous sight to see a talented man meet a virtuous woman. Next autumn, literary fortunes will flourish, and the osmanthus will accompany Chang'e (the Moon Goddess).

With drums, music, lanterns, and a joyous sedan chair, they are escorted back to the Shu residence. Shu Sheng and Cui Qiao thank their father for his benevolent act,
board the sedan chair, and return home , overjoyed
. Shu Zheng, now in this predicament, has nothing to boast about, and can only follow his father's instructions to keep it a secret from his family.

The next day, Shu Sheng and Cui Qiao visit their father, who says
, "My dear daughter-in-law, it's not that I, as your father, cannot tolerate you, but I fear your wife at home will not." Cui Qiao says, "I will do my best as a humble woman, and accept whatever she says." Shu Zheng
says, "You are right, but if you don't return to Wuxi, she can't do anything to you." Cui Qiao bows in gratitude and withdraws. She
treats superiors with respect, inferiors with kindness, and husbands with deference; everyone, inside and outside the household, praises her virtue. She only suffered, never progressed, and succumbed to
depravity. The cangue wasn't enough; when it was removed, it was twenty strokes again. Xiu Ma's beating was also ten strokes, but she endured this period of suffering. Shu Zheng instructed
his son to prepare a new house for Cui Qiao to live in alone, fearing that if the family came to see her, it would cause trouble. He kept it a secret from everyone
.

In this world, if you don't want others to know, you must not do it yourself. Marrying off children like this, involving officials and the government, how could you hide it from everyone?
Someone had already told Miss Huan about these actions. Miss Huan laughed, "That's exactly what I wanted him to do. If he had told me openly that
he had taken a concubine, I would have been considerate of my husband's ambition and concerned for my own dignity. Since he's hiding it from me, I'll play along and make
him lose everything, let's see if they can escape my grasp!"

A servant, trying to curry favor, reported, "My master has taken another concubine." Before the servant could finish, Miss Huan roared
, "That servant deserves to die! How could my master not tell me he'd taken a concubine! He must have scolded you, and you're deliberately trying
to sow discord between my husband and me. It's truly infuriating. I intended to send him to the authorities, but my master isn't here, so I can't see the officials. Instead, punish this servant
by making him slap himself thirty times." After slapping him, she still complained bitterly, "This servant is so arrogant and unruly. It's one thing to anger others
, but why is he even getting angry at my master? If anyone else speaks out of turn, I'll pull out four of their front teeth!" No one
dared to speak again. This gossipy fellow was in trouble; he was beaten, yet he failed to please the young lady and incurred the resentment of Shu Sheng.

The wet nurse, Granny Li, said to the young lady, "The rumors about him taking a concubine are probably true." The young lady replied, "I trust Shu Sheng
; he would never lie to me. Besides, taking a concubine isn't a crime, and I'm not his elder; why would he hide it
from me? Wet nurse, from whom did this come?" The wet nurse said, "It was Shu Chu who came from Linzi." The young lady said, "I was just about to
find out who said this. It turns out it was this servant. He broke a jade bell, something Master Shu cherished
, and I beat him several times. He holds a grudge, and now he's fabricated these rumors to incite me to be an unvirtuous woman and to portray my master as a fickle
man. It's truly hateful." She then ordered Shu Neng to fetch Shu Chu. When Shu Chu arrived, the young lady ordered, "That slanderous
servant of the master, pull out his four front teeth for me." The order was absolute; who dared disobey? Those with axes and pliers,
their hands and feet bound, all worked together. Shu Chu screamed and fainted, only waking after a while. His four teeth were already gone.

Truly: trouble arises from too much talk, and worries stem from being too assertive.

To be continued in the next chapter.

Chapter Thirteen: Parting Hearts Bitter, How Can I Bear Separation? Deep Jealousy Remains Unspoken .

The poem says:

In the realm of love, it's hard to fake it; let's not talk about husband and wife, but speak only a fraction of what's said.

Hesitating to utter half a word is astonishing; concealing even a single word seems like deceit.

If one can confess and apologize, showing genuine affection, perhaps there's still hope.

Such concealment and evasion only make daytime seem like night. (Right tune: "Butterfly Loves Flowers")

After Miss Huan pulled out Shu Chu's front teeth, no one dared to discuss taking a concubine. More than a year passed, and it was as if no one had
heard of it. Shu Sheng also sent a trusted confidant to inquire about the matter, but there was no word of it. The confidant reported back to Shu Sheng, who was very
pleased. He said to Cuiqiao, "I've been married to you for over a year. I sent people to inquire at home, but your wife didn't know
anything. Do you think you've kept it a secret?" Cuiqiao replied, "Even the slightest movement of grass or a bird's feather falling can cause such a stir in Linzi. How could there not
be any whispers at home? And over a year has passed; how could there not be a single word of gossip? Is it possible that
you've been deceived?" Shusheng said, "You've guessed that, but she hasn't known a single word of what's going on in her correspondence. Is
that not enough to be believed?"

Cuiqiao said, "Even so, I can't completely doubt it. I've been living in Linzi for a long time. While your wife is still unaware of the rumors, I'll go home
to visit her. If there's anything to say, I can mediate. If there's nothing to say, I can at least reassure her. If others gossip,
it will only cause more trouble. You say your wife is taciturn, never showing anger or joy. Such a person harbors deep secrets
..." Bao Juhong is shrewd and far-sighted. To be honest, I'm quite afraid of her. My lord is honest and reserved; I fear he's no match for the wise and resourceful Bao Juhong.”

Shu Sheng said, “Indeed. She is the most loving and devoted to me. Since our marriage, there has never been a single word of discord or disagreement. Yet, I truly
fear her like a tiger, never daring to speak or laugh lightly. Thinking of her life and deeds, there is not a single thing that could be unacceptable between husband and wife
. The reason I feel so guilty is because of her dignified demeanor and meticulous actions, as if I were facing a deity, and I dare not be presumptuous. I have long
wanted to return to see if she understands my feelings, but because you are newly married, I cannot bear to leave so soon.” Cui Qiao said, “Her well-being is my well-being
; her well-being is precisely what brings me well-being. If you don't take advantage of this before things come to light, go and mediate. What will happen once things are exposed?
Your father-in-law and mother-in-law will probably accuse you of abandoning your wife and remarrying. I am now married to you, and I am your wife. I only wish for harmony within the family.
” "If you go to Anping, then the days ahead will be long." Shu Sheng said, "In that case, I can leave with peace of mind."

Suddenly, his father summoned Shu Sheng, and Shu Sheng went with someone to see his father. His father said, "Wang Shi is already your concubine. It's a long-term relationship, not
something that can be established overnight. You've been away for a long time, you should go home to see her and put her mind at ease, so as to avoid gossip. You're too
attached to this side, and you've offended her parents, causing me to argue." Shu Sheng said, "She also advised me to go home to see
her, and Father said the same thing. Tomorrow is the day I leave, so I should pack up and head south." His father was overjoyed, packed travel expenses and
livestock, and sent Shu Sheng off. Shu Sheng returned to see Cui Qiao and told her about his father's intentions. Cui Qiao said, "I think so too
."

That night, she prepared wine to send Shu Sheng off. She said, "My lord, you must comfort me on this journey. I look forward to your return next year on this day
." After saying this, she wept bitterly. Shu Sheng said, "I will return home in three to six months at most, and I will definitely come back then,
so you won't have to wait anxiously." Cui Qiao said, "You have been away from your hometown for more than a year now, and you are only now able to return. Half a year and three months after returning home..."
"If you leave now, won't your mother be suspicious? If she is suspicious, trouble will ensue. Although you love me, you must not come to Linzi for at least a year
." Shu Sheng sobbed uncontrollably, and Cui Qiao wept bitterly. Shu Sheng said, "The endless storms have just subsided; our limited marriage
is suddenly severed. Even a heart of stone would be broken." Cui Qiao also shed tears, saying, "Your loving couple
has been separated from you for over a year because of me. I have committed countless sins. I have received your love, and repaying it is never enough; every extra day is my wish
. But the situation is dire, and there is no time to delay. Therefore, I have reluctantly urged you to depart, but my heart is breaking." They then wept together
.

Shu Sheng said, "When I read Jiang Yan's poems, I didn't see their sorrow, but today, seeing it in my own life, I feel tears welling up in my eyes." Cui Qiao
said, "Even fish and birds can understand the feelings in a poem, let alone humans? Jiang Yan's 'Farewell Poem' expresses our feelings. Jiang Yan's 'Lament' expresses
our hearts." Shu Sheng said, "You are right. Poetry is for recording events. Such a long separation cannot be left unsaid. Let us each express
our feelings to commemorate this parting." Cui Qiao said, "My lord, please write first, and I will follow suit." Shu Sheng put down his cup and composed
a five-character regulated verse. The poem reads: "

With sorrow at parting, I linger for a while, lingering over wine. I will return to my homeland today, but the days in this foreign land are growing increasingly distant.

Sails are unfurled on the river, horses gallop through the smoke at the ferry. We are separated by a thousand miles, my deep sorrow pierces my eyes.

" Cui Qiao read it and said, "Its sorrow and its profound meaning are no less than Jiang Yan's 'Farewell Poem.' I will add ten poems from the 'What Night Is This Tonight' series
to broaden its scope."

The first poem reads: "What night is this tonight? My lord is composing a grand poem." My concubine counts the days at home, asking when my lord will return with his sword.

Second: What night is this? Heartbroken, parting is difficult. A farewell song, two lines of tears, sending you off to Yangguan tomorrow.

Third: What night is this? Parting brings no joy. Suddenly, the iron horse gallops, startling my departing soul, making it hard to sleep.

Fourth: What night is this? Tomorrow is another day apart. Looking towards the pass, where is it? Loving but unable to see, tears stream down my face.

Fifth: What night is this? The moon is full, yet we are separated. We are separated by thousands of miles, I know not when I will return.

Sixth: What night is this? Words fail me. Suddenly, I hear the cry of a lone wild goose in the sky, as if lamenting our separation.

Seventh: What night is this? Drinking cannot erase my sorrow. People say wine relieves sorrow, but wine only intensifies my grief.

Eighth: What night is this? I fear seeing the moon. The moon waxes and wanes only fifteen days, my love's comings and goings are immeasurable.

Ninth: What night is this? I force a smile to please my beloved. I fear he grows haggard because of my illness, I pity his toil and comfort his heart.

Tenth: What night is this? We are separated by life and death. Death can bring us together in the netherworld, but separation in life leaves only tears of blood.

Shu Sheng said, "'The mournful sound is unlike the previous one, all who hear it weep. Who weeps the most? The Jiangzhou Sima,
his blue robe soaked with tears!' Tonight's lament is almost as powerful as the pipa tune. I, the Jiangzhou Sima, am heartbroken and my tears have dried up." Tears streamed down his face, he almost
lost his voice. Cui Qiao choked and could not speak. After a long while, she said, "My lord, do not act like a woman. Others will think you lack manly spirit
. Do not grieve before your journey. I hope you will restrain your sorrow. Have you not heard that a true man, though he may shed tears, does not shed them at parting?" Shu Sheng replied,
"I am not unaware of this, but when my heart is so broken, my sentimental attachment diminishes my heroic spirit. Even a brave and valiant man like myself could not escape
the lament of Yu Xi. I now know that a man of true character does not consider severing all love and affection as the highest virtue. Moreover, you and I are merely talented and virtuous women
. Our love is for those of us. Even if we were to plead with our parents and countrymen, what harm would it do us?" Cui Qiao said, "My lord, you speak of this, showing
how deeply you love me. How could I bear to part with you? But tomorrow you will embark on a long journey, facing wind, frost, and dew. It would be too much for you to endure with your weakened body.
" Therefore, she cherished it dearly.

She poured a full cup and handed it to Shu Sheng, saying, "I wish you would drink this cup to the brim, and I will recite a poem to broaden your mind and encourage your journey
." Shu Sheng took the wine and said, "My throat is choked, and I cannot drink it down." Cui Qiao said, "Farewell wine must be forced down to ease the sorrow
." Then she recited an ancient poem: "A thousand miles is not far, ten years is not too late to return. We are both within this universe, why lament our separation?"

Cui Qiao's voice was clear and exquisite, like a lament, like a sob, like a yearning. Shu Sheng said, "This poem can't relieve my sorrow; it only
increases my depression." Cui Qiao said, "Then how about singing 'The Great River Flows East'?" Shu Sheng said, "I'm exhausted, everything
is unsatisfactory, and I want to sleep." Cui Qiao said, "I'm afraid the spring scenery will be too alluring, and I won't be able to sleep." Shu Sheng said, "
This spring night is worth a thousand pieces of gold; how can we waste it?" Cui Qiao said, "Then I'll make the bed and you can
sleep peacefully, my lord." Shu Sheng took her hand and said, "Tonight we'll share a bed, but what will tomorrow bring?" Cui Qiao said, "The flowing water hasn't
dried yet, and our beauty hasn't faded; in future years, we'll still ride the Milky Way." Then they got into bed. The two were in the prime of their youth, their love deep and inseparable
, like lingering rain, their emotions overflowing. They didn't stop until dawn. It was truly a time when:

words could not be finished on the pillow, and the rooster crowed again across the woods as dawn broke.

Shu Sheng got up, and before he could finish washing and dressing, the carriage was already urging him to leave. There was no time to linger. He drank three cups of wine, uttered
the words "Take care," and departed with tears in his eyes. Cuiqiao wanted to see him off to the door, but suddenly Shusheng and all his relatives and friends from the shop came to the hall to see him off
. Cuiqiao could not see him off further, and could only stand behind the screen, shedding tears. After Shusheng finished distributing his luggage, he came back and said to Cuiqiao, "I'm
leaving. Please be patient." He bowed deeply, tears streaming down his face. Cuiqiao could not reply, only nodding and weeping. Shusheng, parting with
his beloved, bid farewell to his father, relatives, and friends, and mounted his horse to return south.

He arrived at Wangjiaying, crossed the Yellow River, and took a boat to Wuxi. After another five or six days, he crossed the river and arrived home .

When Shusheng reached his own door, he was afraid that Miss Huan might have heard something, and he couldn't help but feel uneasy. But now that he was home
, he couldn't worry about such things. He mustered his courage and walked in.

Since his mother's death, Miss Huan had been in charge of the family business. The maidservant hurriedly informed the young lady, who rushed out to greet him, saying,
"Husband, congratulations on your return!" Shusheng bowed repeatedly, saying, "Long time no see, long time no see." The young lady asked,
"Is everything at the shop well? Is your father-in-law healthy?" Shusheng replied, "Father is in excellent spirits, and business at the shop is booming. How are your parents-in-law?
" The young lady said, "They are well. He said he wanted to find a capable maidservant to serve me; I wonder when he will find one he likes and send her
over! There was a letter with one hundred taels of silver for you to buy books; and four bolts of silk for your father-in-law." Shusheng said
, "Thank you, I have received them." The young lady instructed the kitchen to prepare wine for her husband to welcome him home. All the servants, maids
, and wives came to kowtow. The night ended in merriment.

It was truly a case of "a new bride is not as good as a long-lost husband," and their affection was beyond words. At first, Shusheng was afraid she would find out, so he prepared some written reply
. If she asked about this matter, he would tell her directly. But Miss Huan remained silent, and Shusheng dared not bring it up. He thought
, "Since she doesn't know, it's best to keep it from her. If I explain, it'll be like picking my teeth and causing trouble." He then thought, "Cuiqiao called me..."
Even if I explain it to her when I get home, this is still true. But if I delay even a day, things might get complicated. Let me explain it to her clearly.” He then thought, “
Today is my first day back, and I'm in high spirits. If she's virtuous and understanding, and only comes home to her husband, she
won't argue with me. But if she gets angry and makes a scene, what will become of my dignity? I'll sleep tonight and
find out from my subordinates. If they know anything, then I can tell them. If they don't, I'll keep it from them and make a fuss
.” He suppressed his anger and remained silent.

Reader, you might say that many things later happened because this one thing wasn't said. Therefore, when it's time to speak
, you must speak. If you miss the opportunity, you'll miss it, and it will be too late to speak later.

The next day, Shu Sheng searched high and low, but there was no word of it. An old servant said, "Half a year ago, news of this spread, but the young mistress
didn't believe it. When Shu Chu returned from Linzi, he revealed the truth. When the young mistress found out, she was furious,
saying, 'It's unacceptable for servants to sow discord between us!' She pulled out four of her front teeth, and the rumors died down. No one has mentioned it since. The young mistress remains calm and composed, not at all like someone who knew
. You should have communicated with her by letter then, or at least informed her after the marriage. Now, so many years have passed,
and she hasn't mentioned it at all. If you were to tell her, you would only anger her." Shu Sheng nodded, "Well said. Let's keep it a secret to the end."
The old servant said, "Now that the matter is settled, who would dare to bring it up again? Besides, we're thousands of miles apart; it's easy to keep it a secret.
" Shu Sheng then made up his mind and didn't mention it again.

After two days at home, he packed gifts and went to visit his father-in-law. His father-in-law had gone to the capital, and his mother-in-law
was overjoyed to receive him. After a meal and some casual conversation, no word was uttered concerning the matter of taking a concubine. Shu Sheng bid farewell and returned home
, thinking to himself, "This matter was handled very discreetly; both families acted as if they knew nothing. There's only one problem: my wife trusts me too much . She's convinced
I won't take a concubine. She also says I wouldn't hide it from her if I did, so while others gossip, she alone believes without question. But from now on
, I can't allow her any doubts. Once those doubts are raised, she'll doubt everything. All her previous unwavering trust in me has turned into utter '
I'll tell you everything.'" From then on, he sought Miss Huan's trust in everything, and she reciprocated with sincerity; the two were extremely loving.

One evening, the young lady said to Shu Sheng, "I have no ill intentions, yet I was almost sowed discord by a scoundrel. When Shu Chu returned from Linzi, he must
have seen you entertaining guests and drinking heavily. Upon returning home ,
he spread rumors that you had taken a concubine. I said taking a concubine isn't illegal, and you would naturally let me know. Husbands and wives always trust each other; why would you do something so secretive? I had four of his front teeth pulled out, and only then did he
stop talking. After questioning him further, he confessed: 'I saw you entertaining guests and taking prostitutes, but I never mentioned taking a concubine.'
Don't you think this servant is hateful?" Shu Sheng blushed, hesitant and uneasy, and forced a reply, "He did entertain guests and call prostitutes,
but how could I not tell my virtuous wife about taking a concubine?" The young lady said, "I can understand this matter; why are you uneasy, sir?" Shu Sheng
was silenced by her words and could no longer admit to the culprit. The couple's love deepened, but Shu Sheng couldn't let go of his jade hairpin.

Time flies, and another year has passed. Shu Sheng said to Miss Huan, "I've been away from my father for a year and wish to
visit him. Upon my return, I'll be taking the imperial examinations." Miss Huan replied, "My lord
, if you don't speak, I was just about to urge you to leave. Your father is old and lonely, and you are in mourning. It would be good for you to take over the household chores, manage the shop, and also
study. How can you entrust such matters to others? Have you chosen an auspicious day? I'll hold a farewell banquet for you." Shu Sheng said,
"The day after tomorrow is an auspicious day; I will depart then." Miss Huan said, "A gentleman should choose the day after tomorrow; what is there to hesitate
or delay?" She immediately instructed the servants to fetch a boat, and the day after tomorrow, her husband would travel north. Shu Sheng was overjoyed. The next day, he went to pay his respects to
his mother-in-law. Upon returning, Miss Huan prepared a farewell feast, and they drank heartily until the end. On the third day, he bid farewell to Miss Huan, boarded the boat, and set sail for Zhenjiang.
But that's another story.

Now, Miss Huan dismissed Shusheng and immediately returned to her parents' home in a sedan chair. Upon seeing her mother, she said, "Shusheng has left. I wanted to
use my power to capture that maid and punish her. But I feared it would bring me the reputation of a jealous woman and damage our marital harmony, so I pretended not to know anything."
Now that she's gone, I've devised a plan. I'll take her and make her a maidservant, then tell my father I'm asking for her. When Shusheng returns
, we'll all be together. He won't recognize me, and he won't be able to explain himself. I'll remove a thorn in my side without incurring the scorn of a female official;
she'll suffer the humiliation of a hungry fox lamenting a pittance, and the shame of being a male concubine. Thus, my wish will be fulfilled. His mother said, "A scholar who doesn't leave home
should plan ahead. Now that they've already gone, even with a plan, how can we anticipate their actions?" The young lady laughed, "My plans are well-thought-out. Linzi is
a coastal city; if we go along the coast, we can return in less than ten days. My son hasn't even reached the halfway point, and my plan is already complete. My family has officials who are like hawks and
hounds; they are seafarers, well-versed in sea routes. I will give them a plan, and they will surely capture him." It is just as the saying goes:

Don't laugh at the unfinished tiger; the arrangement of its claws and teeth is truly astonishing.

Let's hear the next chapter.

Chapter Fourteen: The Hawks and Hounds' Manipulation of Beauty Wang's Trials and Tribulations

The poem says:

When kindness is deep, hatred is not shallow. A delicate bird in a cage, how can it withstand hawks and hounds? The flower

seeker is not gentle and kind, the jade-like beauty is not soft and gentle.

Thinking carefully, the beauty should be shy; with tigers and leopards following, how can she feel at ease?

Since the clouds live in the sky, they are bound to be swept away by the wind. The story of Huan

Ying and Huan Quan, originally sea dwellers, was known for their strength and had engaged in various trades at sea. Later, they went to the capital
to do business and, hearing of the power and influence of the Huan family, became their slaves. The Ministry of Personnel, seeing their competence and exceptional courage, arranged for each of them
to be paired with a wife. The two men, grateful for their master's kindness, devoted themselves to serving him and helped him in every way. One day, the young lady summoned them to discuss
this matter. The two men replied, "As you command, young lady, these are trivial matters! We will cross the sea from Taicang and
reach Linzi in less than five days. Once we ascertain their location, we will quickly abduct them and sail here. Within half a month, we can present them to you
." The young lady was overjoyed and gave Ying and Quan one hundred taels of silver. The two men accepted the plan and departed. Meanwhile

, Cui Qiao, after Shu Sheng left, was very worried about the disturbances at his home. Upon receiving a reply saying that she had heard nothing of it at home, she was both
suspicious and delighted. I was relieved that nothing was wrong at home, but also suspicious that such actions could have had no impact on my family. There must be
a reason. Later, several letters arrived, all saying the same thing, which put my mind at ease. However, I missed Shusheng, so I composed
ten quatrains entitled "Since You Left."

The first: Since you left, I've longed for the blue phoenix every day. I pray the phoenix will not come, I only see white clouds in the sky.

The second: Since you left, I've frequently planned your return. My fingers ache unbearably, yet my beloved has not arrived.

The third: Since you left, dust has buried the phoenix in the mirror. I fear that the autumn-like face reflected there is no longer the same.

Fourth: Since you left, I dare not climb the high tower. Outside the tower are willows, their delicate branches only stirring sorrow.

Fifth: Since you left, I neither speak nor weep. Speak, and there will be no one to understand; weep, and I fear I will startle my beloved awake.

Sixth: Since you left, I sit alone, unable to sleep. Half my thoughts are of our reunion, half of our parting.

Seventh: Since you left, I light the lamp and frequently gaze at my shadow. Gazing at my shadow, I wander aimlessly, thin and pitiful.

Eighth: Since you left, I loathe the moon shining on my empty bed. A thin quilt keeps me awake, and I fear the harsh frost on my lonely pillow. Ninth

: Since you left, not a day passes without longing for you. I think of you, but you do not come; tears soak my silken robe.

Tenth: Since you left, my heart is broken and my spirit is ashes. We are separated by a thousand miles, longing for you, but you have not returned.

Many other poems follow, too numerous to list. Cuiqiao imagines that more than a year has passed since Shusheng's departure; how can he not come? Fearing the eunuch's
detention, she went to the back garden to burn incense at night, reciting a poem, "Su Zhong Qing," to pray to the heavens. "

My longing for you deepens, I ponder it all day. How many heart-wrenching years have passed since we parted? When will we meet again?

I softly beg the heavens, hoping for your blessing. I urge my beloved to return quickly and renew our marriage.

" As she finished her prayer and was about to turn away, a dozen or so strong men, armed and fierce-looking, suddenly appeared from under the shade of the flowers. They
bound Cui Qiao and dragged her away. Cui Qiao, suspecting thieves, said, "Take whatever you want, but spare my life." The men
didn't answer, but shoved a narcotic into her mouth, rendering her speechless. They pushed her into the main hall, hastily gathered some gold and silver
, put a hat on Cui Qiao, draped her in a blue cloth robe, helped her onto a horse, opened the gate, and drove off. They set off a
merciless fire, which burned brightly, reaching the heavens and the earth. The entire Shu family and neighbors rushed to help put out the fire, and the others escaped.

Two maids emerged, flustered, saying, "Mother went to the back garden to burn incense at night. We were stirring tea here when suddenly we saw
a dozen or so generals push her into the main hall. They searched the entire room, and fire broke out on all sides. The group rushed out, but they couldn't find
Mother. They only saw a man in black riding a horse, speeding away. We don't know where Mother is hiding!" Everyone exclaimed in surprise, "
It must be the Fire God!" One person said, "We were too busy putting out the fire to look around. Just now we bumped into a group of people surrounding
a man on horseback, saying that in this calamity, only Wang Cuiqiao survived, and she sped away." Shu Zheng cried, "In that case, my daughter-in-law
has been burned to death in the fire." He immediately ordered a servant to brave the flames to search, and sure enough, there was a burnt corpse there. Shu Zhengyi
He became serious and cried, "Poor thing, poor thing. I never imagined this daughter-in-law would end up like this. I might as well cremate her, so I
don't have to cut her up. It's even more pitiful to see her like this. Add some dry firewood and burn her clean." The next day, he bought a coffin, collected her bones
, and set up a memorial tablet in the side hall. The tablet was inscribed with "Memorial Tablet of My Deceased Daughter-in-Law, Wang Shi."

More than ten days later, Shu Sheng arrived and, upon hearing the tragic news, stumbled and fell before the ancestral tablet, wailing and weeping
, "My beloved Cuiqiao, where have you been? We made a promise to meet again when we parted, but now I've come, and
you're nowhere to be found! My wife, I'm heartbroken, my insides are torn apart! My wife, you should know your husband is here. I'm bowing to you, weeping for you
, calling out to you, do you know? My wife, I'm too late. My wife, if I had come ten days earlier, we could have reunited and spoken of our longing
. Even in death, it would have comforted my heart. My wife, why is our fate so cruelly separated? My wife, I only thought that your mother was jealous and
couldn't tolerate you, and that this was a source of worry. But your mother never said anything, and now the Star Lord of Mars is at odds with you! My wife,
I..." "What incense did we burn in our past lives to sever our heads, only to be bound as husband and wife for a year? Wife, this pain is killing me!" After weeping, she fainted,
vomiting blood. Her father repeatedly embraced her, saying, "Son, it's not that you wronged her, it's that she wasn't born with a good destiny.
Take care of yourself, don't frighten your old father." Shusheng awoke after a while, and only after much persuasion from everyone did he finally eat a little soup or water.

Several days later, unable to bear leaving her, and filled with grief, he held a grand Buddhist and Taoist ceremony to commemorate her spirit, performing meritorious
deeds on the forty-nine-days-after-death period. In that place lived a Taoist priest named Dongxuan, who could summon generals with flying talismans and judge the souls of the dead. Shusheng asked him to summon him, so he built an altar, prayed, and
went to request the talisman. After a long while, the Taoist priest said, "This woman is deeply entangled in demonic possession and cannot die immediately. She is currently trapped in a predicament of 'qi' (vital energy),
and will meet again in a year, but the marriage will not be able to continue." Shu Sheng said, "Since she is already dead, how can her soul return?" The Taoist priest said
, "Sir, you need not doubt. You will meet again in a year, but you will not be able to speak a word, only then will you see that my words are not wrong." Shu Sheng
was half-believing and half-doubting, and thanked the Taoist priest. The situation of being alone and miserable day and night is left aside for now. Now,

let's talk about those strong men, who were the companions of the eunuch hawk and his hounds. This corpse was an unclaimed skeleton from the beach, which they would
use as a substitute for a living person. They would tie it to a horse, waiting for the gate to open so they could send it into the main hall. They
would then change the corpse's clothes and hat to Cui Qiao, disguising her as a man to avoid suspicion. Several of them would first jump into the back garden to hide, thus coordinating the plan from within and without. They would then soak the corpse in pine resin and sulfur
, so that it would catch fire instantly and be beyond saving. They exchanged a corpse for a living person to avoid local investigation and the Shu family's capture
.

They robbed Cuiqiao and traveled 150 li in one night,
stopping at an inn at dawn. One of their companions was ill and needed a soft bed made, so they carried her to the ship. Cuiqiao, poisoned, lay awake, unable to speak, and barely conscious. Once on
the ship, the man, knowing Cuiqiao's fierce nature, didn't administer an antidote, leaving her in a daze, refusing food and drink.

The journey took only a few days, reaching Taicang. They changed ships and went directly to the official residence in Wuxi. Madam Huan sent someone to fetch the young lady .
Upon arriving at the mansion, she said, "Now that this girl is here, how should we proceed?" The young lady replied, "This matter requires Mother's power
. We must awaken her and say she was sold into the mansion as a maid. If she obeys obediently, fine;
if she utters any dissent, we must give her a dressing down and make her submit. Then we can send her to serve me, and I will naturally have her under my control." Madam Huan said,
"Understood." The young lady took her leave.

The next day, the antidote was used to treat Cuiqiao. Suddenly, she understood, as if waking from a drunken stupor, as if awakening from a dream. She said, "How did I
get here?" What is this place? An old woman said, "You were sold into my mansion as a slave. Today you are meeting this old lady.
You must be careful." Cuiqiao was speechless, scratching her head in confusion. Looking closely at this mansion, it was a grand and imposing residence, not the kind of humble
dwelling one might expect. She thought to herself, "I, Wang Cuiqiao, am probably dreaming. I was clearly burning incense in the Linzi Garden, pouring out my heart and praying to Heaven, when suddenly
a group of thieves broke in and tied me up. Then I suddenly lost consciousness, and after a nap, everything
has changed! Where is my home? Where are my maids? They've all vanished! Whose mansion is this? And here I am?
Is it a dream, or am I awake?"

Just as she was filled with doubt, a maidservant approached and said to Cuiqiao, "New sister, the mistress is sitting in the main hall and wants to ask you
something. Go and pay your respects quickly." Cuiqiao had no choice but to follow the maidservant, who walked around in circles. A large hall, with a plaque above it that read...
The four characters "Tian Guan Zhong Zai" (天官冢宰) were inscribed on the main hall. A lady, around fifty years old, sat in the center, flanked by thirty or forty maids. Among them, a dozen or so
burly men stood respectfully, each holding a rope and a board. Cui Qiao thought, "This is no good place. If I fall into her
house, I'll be in deep trouble again." Tears welled in her eyes. But things had come to this, and she had no choice but to go forward and meet her. She straightened
her clothes and moved with graceful steps. It was late spring, and she was only wearing a light-colored silk blouse over a red silk jacket
, a white embroidered skirt, and bright red phoenix-head shoes. She walked step by step up the stairs to the hall, her appearance elegant and refined.

Madam Huan looked at her and said, "Indeed, what a fine piece! No wonder my son-in-law loves her. If we don't teach her a lesson today
, how can we break her spirit?" Cui Qiao looked at the maid standing beside her as she approached and said, "The new maid kowtows to
Madam." Cui Qiao didn't know who she was, and turned to look at the person who called out. The maid shouted, "Why aren't you kowtowing? You're asking for a beating!
" Cui Qiao was startled and knelt down repeatedly, kowtowing four times. Lady Huan began by asking, "Where is that girl from?
What is her name? What happened that your husband sold you here?"

Upon hearing the words "sold by her husband," Cui Qiao was at a loss for words. She could only kneel forward two steps, tears streaming down her face, and plead, "
Your Majesty, please allow me to tell you my story. I live in Linzi, and I am a married woman. I was burning incense in the back garden at night when I was abducted and brought here
. I beg Your Majesty to rescue me." Lady Huan said, "This girl is talking nonsense! Linzi is over two thousand li away from here. When did you
leave?" Cui Qiao replied, "I was burning incense that night on the fifth day of the third month." Lady Huan was furious. "This girl is truly despicable!
Not a single word she utters is true. It takes a month to travel from Linzi to here. Today is only the twenty-fifth, and you have been
in my household for three days. Even if you flew, you couldn't have flown here. I see that your words are incoherent and your behavior is strange. You are not a runaway husband, but someone who
has been..." "You've been sold here, surely for some immoral act, your husband sold far away. Confess now, and I'll spare you from torture." Cuiqiao said,
"I am a good wife from Linzi, with a home, a business, a husband, and a wife. I was abducted here by bandits."

The lady sneered, "That's even more absurd. The bandits kidnapped you and will sell you to my household. The boat took three days, a journey of over
two thousand li, and you haven't said a word? Besides, this is an official boat; do you think I'm afraid of them?" Cuiqiao cried, "Madam
, even though I was bound, I was still conscious. I said, 'Your Majesty, I'll take your money, but don't take my life.' What things did he take from
me ..." A smear of her lips, and she was instantly intoxicated, dazed and confused, not knowing what was happening. Only today did she understand
. "When I saw the Tan family mansion, I still wondered if it was a dream." The lady laughed, "This is a dream with your eyes open. You came to me and didn't tell me the truth, instead
spouting such nonsense to deceive me. I'll wake you up from your dream, and you'll naturally speak the truth." She called out, "Maids, tie her up and beat
her thirty times, then interrogate her." Two maids responded and rushed to Cuiqiao's side, dragging her to the ground. They grabbed her hands
, feet, and pulled at her trousers, pulling them off. Her large trousers revealed her fair skin, truly lovely. Those
maids, however, knew nothing of cherishing beauty and were accustomed to using sticks. They stretched her trousers tightly, making her unable to move at all. One
knelt on the ground counting, two grabbed her hands, one held her head down, and one wielded the stick. With a shout and a count, a blow struck the air, bringing her
down.

Cuiqiao cried out, her arm burning as if on fire; her soul was already gone. The merciless bamboo paddle struck the same
spot repeatedly; in just a few strokes, blood flowed like a river. How could such a beautiful young woman endure such torment? Her cries of injustice reached
the heavens, even tearing away an inch of the ground. After twenty strokes, she breathed her last. A maidservant reported to the madam, "The new maidservant is dead.
" The madam said, "Lift her up and spray her with water to revive her." The maidservants responded in unison and released Cuiqiao. One maidservant grabbed a handful of her hair and
pulled her up from behind; another took water and sprayed it on her face. In an instant, she gradually revived. She cried out, "It hurts so much!" After a while , she finally 　　calmed down and
cried, "Madam, spare my life!" Madam Huan said, "I have over three hundred maids in my household. If you die, you're nothing more than a hair on a felt mat. Don't try to scare me with death. If you change your ways and get rid of all your glibness, I'll treat you differently . If you continue to act like that, know that I'll beat you to death." She then called out the old woman and said, "This girl will be under your care. Teach her to embroider and water flowers, and name her Flower Slave. Change all her old clothes and give her new ones from the embroidery team." The old woman went to Cuiqiao and said, "Sister Flower Slave, thank you, Madam. Come with me to rest." Cuiqiao, half-dead from the beating, heard this and thought, "Dying here is worthless. I'll go with the old woman and see ..." "What happened? If I cannot avenge this in life, I will become a vengeful ghost in death." She crawled forward, kowtowing and saying, "Thank you, Grandmother." The lady said, "From now on, you must abide by the rules. If you break them, you will be severely punished. You must be careful." Having said this, she rose and retreated inside, and all the maids dispersed. 　　The old woman told the embroidery maid to help Cuiqiao to her quarters, ordered the servant to warm some wine and add some sugar, and then fed Cuiqiao. Cuiqiao said, "I feel nauseous and can't eat." Grandma said, "This is blood attacking your heart. If you don't drink the blood-infused wine, you will surely die. If you die in this mansion, you'll be worse off than a chicken or livestock. I see you have an extraordinary appearance; you will surely have your day. I don't know what sins you committed in your past life to deserve this suffering. Just focus on taking care of yourself; this matter will surely be resolved." 　　Cuiqiao found Grandma's words very reasonable and cried, "I beg you, Mother, have mercy. I will force myself to drink the wine." Grandma then went to get some heart-protecting medicine for her to take. She slept for two whole months until her sores from the beating healed. She got up, changed into her blue dress, and joined the embroidery girls in their shifts. Every five or ten days, the Madam would come to check. Seeing how well she embroidered and how lush the flowers were, she couldn't help but admire her. 　　One day, the young lady returned home, and the Madam summoned the flower maid to greet her. The young lady asked, "When did this maidservant arrive?" The lady replied, "She's been here for five months. She's clever and skilled in needlework. Your father brought her to serve you, but I was afraid she wouldn't be of much use, so I kept her in the manor to train her. Once she's learned the proper etiquette, I'll send her to you. Now she's perfectly capable." The young lady said , "Thank you, Mother." The lady instructed, "Msservant, you must serve the young lady as I have here. She must not do anything shameless at her husband's place. If any rumors spread, I'll bring them back and have you beaten to death." The young lady said, "My master isn't that kind of shameless scholar." The lady smiled and said, "Even so, I still need to instruct her." 　　The next day, the young lady returned home, and Ms. Hua bid farewell to the lady and then to her grandmother. The grandmother wept, also reluctant to part with Cuiqiao. He whispered, "Life is of utmost importance. If you encounter someone you know, remember not to recognize them. Keep it in mind, keep it in mind." Cuiqiao scratched her head , saying, "Thank you for your instruction, I will never forget it." She tearfully took her leave and followed her mistress home in her sedan chair. Upon entering the gate, another...

In her current situation, she inevitably had to serve those maids and servants. The young lady asked, "Hua Nu, do you know any acrobatics?" Cui Qiao, feeling
melancholy and bored, wanted to express her resentment through music, so she replied, "This servant knows the erhu." The young lady instructed her to fetch an erhu and
gave it to Cui Qiao. Cui Qiao, heartbroken and ill-fated, played a particularly poignant tune. The young lady was overjoyed and said, "Since you are skilled in this art,
from now on you can just accompany me for drinks and leisure, without having to join those maids." Cui Qiao said, "Thank you for your kind recommendation, Miss."
She spent her days playing strings and singing with her, partly to avoid being with those maids who dealt with household chores, and partly to vent her pent-up frustrations
.

Time passed quickly, and more than half a year went by in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, news came that her husband had returned. The young lady came out to greet him, and the two exchanged pleasantries and inquired about his well-being.
All the maids and servants kowtowed in unison. Cuiqiao was still in her room tidying up
Huan's dowry when the young lady called Hua Nu to kowtow to the young master. Cuiqiao put down her comb and then straightened her clothes and went to the hall. Stealing a glance, she exclaimed in surprise, "Oh! How did Shusheng
get here!" Suddenly, the maidservant called out again, "Hua Nu, come and kowtow to your master!" Indeed:

Under his low eaves, how dare we not bow our heads?

To be continued in the next chapter.

Chapter Fifteen: Living Hell, Enduring Indignation and Feigning Compassion, Writing Sutras to Fulfill Vows .

The poem says:

"So much kindness, so much love, where are they now? Blind, deaf, and mute, what's the big deal?

Zeng Ming and Gai Zai thought about it, and they were already beyond the heavens and the earth. Such lovers, if they want to have fun, will surely be harmed.

" The right tune is "Butterfly Loves Flowers."

It is said that Cui Qiao recognized Shusheng and was about to go forward to acknowledge him, but hearing the young lady's address, remembering her grandmother's parting instructions
that she should not acknowledge acquaintances, that her life was more important, she quickly stopped herself. She nodded to herself, "I knew
it! "So this is the scheme of a jealous woman. I'll swallow my anger and go forward to reason with her." Holding back tears, she approached
and said to Shusheng, "Son-in-law, kowtow." Shusheng was returning home for the first time, and secondly, Cuiqiao had been dead for a year, so he had no idea she was in such
a predicament. Thirdly, her clothes were plain, unlike her previous elegant attire, and he didn't want to be taken into the house by this woman. After seeing Cuiqiao kowtow
, he asked Huanshi, "Where did this girl come from?" The young lady replied, "My father brought her from Beijing to serve me.
This girl is quite capable, skilled in new songs, and plays the stringed instrument well."

Hearing these words, Shusheng's thoughts of Cuiqiao rekindled, and he felt a pang of sorrow, his eyes welling up with tears. So he straightened his clothes
, wiped away his tears, and asked, "What is her name?" The young lady replied, "Her name is Hua Nu." Shusheng said, "Hua Nu, get up
and serve the young lady well." Cuiqiao responded with tears in her eyes and stood beside Huanshi. Shu Sheng glanced at her and was utterly shocked,
his soul nearly leaving his body, his mind blank. This flower maid was none other than Wang Cuiqiao! He secretly lamented, "Oh no
, I've fallen for this jealous woman's trick. She refused to acknowledge my taking a concubine back then, precisely because of this. How am I supposed to defend myself today
? How can I save her? It's truly heartbreaking for Qiao'er. I've ruined her life." He couldn't help but burst into tears. Huan Shi asked, "Why are you crying
, sir?" Shu Sheng replied, "The mourning period is approaching, and thinking of your mother-in-law, I can't help but feel heartbroken and shed tears." Huan Shi said, "If you
shed tears for your mother-in-law, sir, you are truly filial." Seeing Shu Sheng so moved, Cuiqiao couldn't hold back her tears, which streamed down her face
. Fearing Huan Shi would see through her, she excused herself and went inside. There is an ancient poem to attest to this: "

What a strange turn of events today, a new official and an old official. Neither laughter nor tears are daring, only now do I truly believe how difficult it is to be a person."

Knowing the two were in dire straits, Lady Huan secretly rejoiced, thinking, "This is far better than killing that harlot
. I'll deal with her slowly." She ordered wine to be prepared to welcome her husband. Shu Sheng said, "I'm exhausted from the journey
and can't drink. I'd like to stop." The young lady said, "Hua Nu is quite skilled in music. Have him serve the wine and force him to drink a cup to comfort
us after such a long separation. Don't let this displease me." Shu Sheng had no choice but to reluctantly agree.

Soon the wine arrived, and the two sat down. Lady Huan called Hua Nu to pour the wine, and Cui Qiao came and poured. The young lady said, "Young
master is to serve you, but don't disobey the old lady's orders. Serving is fine; I'm not like those jealous,
petty women who can't tolerate others. Today, however, you must persuade your husband to drink a few more cups." Cui Qiao poured the wine, and Shu Sheng felt like he was sitting on pins and needles. Several times he
wanted to overturn the table, knock over the wine jar, and hug Cui Qiao, wailing and crying. The eunuch, with sweet words and playful banter, repeatedly poured
wine to urge the young master to drink. Shu Sheng firmly refused.

The eunuch said, "If you don't drink, I will follow the example of Wang Kai." She then said to Cui Qiao, "If you cannot persuade your son-in-law to drink this
enormous cup, then military orders will be enforced. Quickly take the cup and kneel before him!"

Cui Qiao dared not disobey, bowed her head, and knelt before Shu Sheng. Shu Sheng, at a loss, forced himself to drink it all. He said,
"I have already done as I was told; please forgive my sins, Hua Nu." The young lady laughed loudly, "I can be like Wang Kai, but you cannot be like Wang Dun!
This wine is truly for a beautiful woman." Shu Sheng said, "My aversion to drunkenness and forced drinking is just like Wang Dao's prioritization of human life
." The eunuch said, "Sir, you are truly a man who cherishes beauty. Hua Nu, offer your son-in-law another cup of wine. You are skilled at the erhu; you can play a tune to persuade
him to drink." Cui Qiao dared not disobey, took the erhu, and poured wine from the pot. Before Shu Sheng and Huan Shi, she said, "Young master and young
lady, please have some wine. Hua Nu will play the erhu to accompany the toasts." The young lady said, "Only play the best, newest, and most pleasant tunes. If you play poorly
, you'll be beaten. Here's a cup of wine and two slices of meat for you. Eat first, then play." Cui Qiao dared not refuse. Shu Sheng's heart ached
as if cut by a knife, and tears streamed down his face. Cui Qiao was afraid of being beaten, so how could she disobey? She adjusted the erhu, playing a harmonious melody. Seeing Shu Sheng
, once her bedmate, now a guest at the banquet, unable to recognize her, she lamented the rise and fall of dynasties and composed "Lament for Today," which she then played.
The poem reads:

"I, a woman of ill fate, fell into a brothel, but married a wealthy and powerful man. Amidst the brocade-clad procession, music filled the air; in the jade-green camp, extravagant music filled the air. Jealous rain
drifted with the wind, and I was sent on a floating raft towards the gates of a noble family. I dare not laugh or cry as if I were not here; my joy and anger are left to others to decide. I heard that my master has returned from a thousand miles away;
when we meet again, it is my old home." One was a dashing son-in-law at the table, the other a lowly cook in the kitchen. Their eyes met, anger extinguished; their hearts clashed, yet
they fought to the death. He casually played the erhu, lamenting old grievances, for today was truly tragic. How sorrowful today, how convoluted their positions! Recalling the past, he pressed
the clapper and sighed deeply. Meeting in silence, his heart was breaking. When would they meet again, to fly together as a pair?

Before the music was finished, a mournful wind and rain, howling and pattering, swept across the table. The official, Lady Huan, sat upright, gloomy and unhappy. Shu Sheng,
however, wept uncontrollably. Cui Qiao, heartbroken, also wept bitterly. Shu Sheng, fearing to reveal his true colors, leaned
against the table and fell asleep. Lady Huan said, "Hua Nu, I told you to persuade the young master to drink, but you played such a tune that he fell asleep
. He won't wake up and will beat you." Shu Sheng repeatedly raised his head and said, "This humble servant is not asleep. I listened carefully to the music and pondered its meaning, resting my head on the table for a moment."
"Well, this piece is truly beautifully played. It expresses my feelings and delights others. Wonderful!" said Lady Huan. "Indeed, it is beautiful.
Those who understand will know, but the melody is too mournful, not suitable for drinking. Play another piece, one that will refresh the listener's spirit, and I will forgive
your fault." Shu Sheng said, "Once is too much. Why must it be played again?" Lady Huan said, "A second time is enough. What harm is there?
Hua Nu, play it again. If you are late, you will be severely punished." Cui Qiao said with tears in her eyes, "Young master and young lady, please drink
. Let Hua Nu play another good piece." She then straightened her strings and played again. The lyrics were:

"Soaring high, resting in Yingzhou, I seek Liezi as my sworn enemy. I eat dew and wear the morning glow, drifting lightly across the sky.

I am equal to all things, transcending all self-satisfaction, entrusting my life to fate.

" After this piece was played, those who heard it felt refreshed and delighted. Shu Sheng said, "High as a towering mountain, graceful as flowing waves. How beautiful! The skill of the erhu
has reached such heights!" Huan Shi said, "'Flying slender fingers gallop, flowing and meandering,' truly a superb skill. Please, sir, drink a full
cup of wine to appreciate it." Shu Sheng, helpless, forced down another cup. Seeing Cui Qiao's torment, unable to speak or utter a word
, he felt remorse, self-pity, and a secret heartache. He was restless and had no heart to drink.
Moreover, hearing such a sorrowful melody was like a knife twisting in his heart, forcing him to swallow his anger. But fearing it would upset Cui Qiao, he forced himself to drink.
Miss Huan, pleased and satisfied, made the two of them unable to recognize each other. One was the master of the table, the other a singing maid; seeing
them, their eyes darting about, their ears tormented, unable to exchange a single word or offer a word of comfort, she looked at them coldly, both pitiful and laughable
. He said, "Today's feast is enough to dispel ten years' worth of resentment."

Cuiqiao was caught between a rock and a hard place. She looked at Miss Huan, a female demon with a heart of steel; she looked at Shusheng
, her former husband, with whom she had shared deep affection and loyalty. One side was joyful, the other fearful. Joyful to see her beloved again, fearful of the demon before her
. Cuiqiao thought to herself, "Miss Huan, Miss Huan, how cruel, how jealous, how mean you are to toy with us like this
! Others' jealousy is nothing more than quarrels and arguments, a quarrelsome outburst. Even as a concubine, one can still step forward and say a few words to mediate
, her husband can offer a word of defense, and others can easily chide her. But you used such a vicious scheme, borrowing my family's name
to capture me out of nowhere, throwing me into the ranks of maids. Even when husband and wife meet, though we clearly recognize each other, we dare not acknowledge each other, truly unable to
express our feelings. She knows our love burns like fire, yet she treats us coldly, never taking it seriously, only laughing and cursing, not
caring that she's driving her husband to his death. It's truly: a thread in a black python's mouth, a needle on a yellow beetle's tail—neither of these is as poisonous as a woman's
heart. Miss Huan, how cruel! Miss Huan, how cruel! I, Cuiqiao, cannot avenge your cruelty in life, but in
death "Your soul."

As the night grew quiet, Miss Huan looked at the two of them, unable to live or die, restless and unsteady, and thought to herself, "
This pair of bastards has had enough to live on. Fine, I'll spare them for today, and deal with them again tomorrow." She said to Shu Sheng, "My
lord is extremely tired and bored, and seems unable to drink. He must be exhausted from the journey and wants to sleep." Shu Sheng, in his distress, heard
this as if the emperor had issued a pardon or a general had delivered a notice of release. He hurriedly replied, "I have worked hard these past few days and am extremely tired.
I cannot please my virtuous wife. I will be more energetic tomorrow and will try again." Miss Huan said, "How can you say such things between husband and wife?"
She ordered the maid to clear the wine and food, and to light the lamps and go into the room. Cuiqiao then called the cook to clear away the banquet, and, holding a candle in the room, said, "The candles are ready
. Please, young master and young lady, return to your rooms." Miss Huan said, "Please come, sir." Shusheng said, "I'll go with you."

Upon arriving at the room, Shusheng said, "Tell Hua Nu to go to sleep." Miss Huan said, "She was originally meant to serve you
. It's not too late for her to go after you've gone to sleep. Hua Nu, take off your shoes and socks." How could Cuiqiao dare disobey? Shusheng only wanted to finish and send her to
sleep, so he quickly took off his clothes and went to bed. Hua Nu stood there, waiting to serve the young lady, and then helped her remove her jewelry
, brought her water to rinse her mouth, cleaned her hair, and brought her water to wash her face. She asked for incense to be burned in the censer, and then helped her remove her knee-length trousers
and change her into slippers. After she had used the toilet and brought water to wash her feet, Cuiqiao grew impatient with her service and, feeling somewhat
weary herself, finally said, "Go to sleep!"

Cuiqiao returned to her room at dawn. She thought, "The sword is old in Yanshan, the pearl is sunk to the bottom of the sea; when will I escape this living hell ? It would be better to
die in the Yellow Springs, at least that would end it all." She untied a handkerchief tied around her waist, intending to hang herself. Then she thought, "
What's so difficult about dying? But my boundless sorrow and pain cannot be fully expressed to Shusheng. If I die here, I'll be worse than a chicken or a dog. I'll endure it
for a while longer. Shusheng will surely devise a plan to save me; it will probably be just a matter of continuing our relationship. I wonder what
terrible things I did in my past life to deserve this in this life." Tears streamed down her face, and she remained sleepless all night.

Meanwhile, Shu Sheng, though physically with Huan Shi, was deeply worried about Cui Qiao. He thought bitterly, "How could that shrew resort to
such a ruthless scheme? Now I'm trapped, and there's no hope of reconciliation. But how can I use a clever plan to escape Cui
Qiao's misery and let her find another way to survive? If I let her continue like this, she'll either be driven to death or killed. This jealous woman
, watching her die is like removing a thorn from her eye; but for me, to watch her die without helping is tantamount to killing her!
How long can my delicate Cui Qiao endure? This jealous woman knows we're in love, but she pretends not to, indulging in her ruthless and cunning nature.
Her evil flames are unstoppable!" He had no solution and tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

The next morning, unable to stay at home, he packed some gifts and went to visit his mother-in-law. Madam Huan continued, "My dear son-in-law,
when did you return?" Shu Sheng replied, "Yesterday." Madam Huan said, "Your father-in-law fears that a young woman managing the household will be too troublesome, so he specially
brought a maid from the capital to serve her. Is she any good?" Shu Sheng said, "Excellent." Madam Huan said, "This girl
served me for half a year and knows her place quite well. My dear son-in-law
, you must respect her and not let her become unruly." Shu Sheng said, "I am not that kind of person." Madam Huan said, "Your wife also said the same thing; I was overthinking it. However, many young scholars
suffer from this problem, so I must explain." Shu Sheng simply nodded.

When he returned that evening, he saw Madam Huan sitting in the main hall, with Hua Nu kneeling there. Shu Sheng was terrified and helpless. He could only
force a smile and enter the hall, saying, "My dear wife, what has made you angry?" Lady Huan greeted him with a smile, saying, "It's quite amusing
. I was just about to interrogate this wretched maid when my husband got home. Yesterday's drinking was over before it was too late, so there was no trouble at all. Usually
, I don't go to sleep until the third or fourth watch before my husband returns. But last night, this morning she did my makeup and hair, her eyes were red and rosy. She was talking
nonsense. I asked her why she was acting this way, and she said she was thinking of the past and it was just a coincidence. What kind of family do I have? Do I tolerate such a
pretentious and wicked maid? Tell me the truth. If her words are reasonable, I will forgive her; but if she makes excuses and tries to cover it up, I'll be in trouble."
"Give this old lady the torture device and have her beaten to death. I beg you, sir, to interrogate her first."

Upon hearing this, Shusheng and Cuiqiao exchanged glances, utterly dumbfounded! Shu Sheng thought to himself, "If I don't agree to the torture
, she'll surely order someone to beat me, and Cui Qiao will suffer terribly; but how can I bring myself to torture her?" After much deliberation, he suddenly
realized, "I've just returned; please delay the torture for another day. Hua Nu, confess quickly, lest Miss be angry
." Cui Qiao, tears streaming down her face, said, "I will confess myself." Miss Huan said, "Girl, fetch paper and pen for her." Cui Qiao
picked up the paper and pen, tears still flowing, and said, "My life is in Miss's hands; I only beg for your mercy and pardon my
death." Miss Huan smiled and said, "Confess now." Shu Sheng wanted nothing more than to kneel down and beg for her mercy, but it had nothing to do with him
, and she was a maid sent by his father-in-law; how could he possibly get close to her? This was like a mute eating bitter melon—the bitterness was in his heart.
Seeing the two of them so affectionate, Miss Huan deliberately maintained a show of authority.

At that time, Cuiqiao had nowhere to turn, no way to escape. Knowing that even a meager salary couldn't save her, she ground ink and wrote a confession: "

Confession of this humble servant, Hua Nu, confessing to a heartbreaking tale:

I was born in Beijing, my father suffered injustice, I fell into prostitution, and was later married off to Linzi. My husband left, and I was imprisoned in a noble household. I served him with servility, my life as a servant
was short-lived; my face was filthy, my hair disheveled, my mirror buried in dust for many years. I once pitied my ill-fated life, wanting to sever my
hair with golden scissors; tears fell on my beautiful face, breaking jade hairpins and cooling silver candles. The road home is far, my heart is broken with sorrow; I long for
my husband, whom I cannot see, shedding tears of blood day and night. I beg for mercy, that I may convert to Buddhism, to the fivefold virtue, and wish my mistress much happiness, longevity, and many sons
. This confession is sincere and heartfelt.

Presented to Lady Huan." Lady Huan said, "So you also have a husband, but circumstances are different, and situations vary. Since you're here
, you must act accordingly. What kind of behavior is this!" She then said to Shusheng, "Hua Nu's husband is also in Linzi. If
you go, please inquire for her. If they can be reunited, it would be the best thing in heaven and on earth." Shusheng agreed.
Lady Huan said, "Since you want to become a nun, I will gladly bathe you." Returning to her room, she thought, "Thanks to that written confession, she's
been given a sliver of leeway. Although we can't be husband and wife, at least I can avoid being humiliated in public. Besides, I'm full of resentment, with no one to confide in. I can plead
my case before Guanyin Bodhisattva. My fate is so unfortunate; with my husband right in front of me, I dare not acknowledge him
. If I had become a nun back then, I would have avoided so much embarrassment. Now I'm stuck in this predicament, unable to move forward or backward."

Indeed: "If only I had known that marriage contracts were unreliable, I would have regretted becoming a nun."

To be continued in the next chapter.

Chapter Sixteen: A Perilous Encounter at Guanyin Pavilion, A Sentimental Encounter at Wenshu Temple, and

a Poem Composed in Praise The poem reads: Though events are unpredictable, careful consideration leads to understanding. Panic and frantic commotion yield

no results. It's not that I'm being unreasonable; I foresee that I'll always be clueless. It's a pity that such deep affection, unable to withstand the test, is suddenly exhausted.

(Right tune: "Ke Shao Qing")

The story goes that because of Cui Qiao's confession, the Huan family allowed her to enter Guanyin
Pavilion to copy scriptures. Shu Sheng was both happy and resentful. He was happy that Cui Qiao was in Guanyin Pavilion, where she could eat a clean meal and avoid all kinds of torment and public humiliation. He resentful that
from then on, he could not even see her, which was truly unbearable. After thinking for a while, he happily said, "It's
better to send her away. Although she won't be in my sight, I'll feel more at ease. If she's in front of me every day, she'll either beat or scold me. Not only will
my Cuiqiao be driven mad, but even Shu Shou will be furious. If she goes to the Guanyin Pavilion, she'll be calmer, which is better than being stuck in this room,
unable to sleep, sit, eat, or dress as she pleases." He thought and thought, tossing and turning
, unable to sleep.

Huan knew his heart was with Cuiqiao, but she didn't say anything. At dawn, he got up, washed, bathed, and changed his clothes. He and Shu Sheng then escorted Cuiqiao
to the Guanyin Pavilion. Cuiqiao changed into simple clothes, a yellow crown, a cloak, and a whisk. She went to see Huan and was about to perform a grand ceremony. Huan said, "
Once you become a nun, you become a human being. Writing the sutra is to fulfill my vow. You are now a Buddhist disciple, so there's no need for this ceremony." She ordered incense, flowers
, and candles to be prepared and sent her into the Guanyin Pavilion. The gate opened to the back garden, and looking around, it was indeed a beautiful garden. Flowers bloomed in all four seasons
, and the scenery remained evergreen throughout the eight solar terms. A four-character ancient poem testified to this: "

Graceful and luxuriant, all things follow their course. The slumbering creatures, the king also softens them. The way is followed, transformation is achieved.

Trees wither in autumn, grass sprouts in spring. Beasts roam the grass, fish leap in the deep pools. The four seasons alternate, the eight winds blow in turn.

The stars shift their positions, their celestial bodies change their course. The five planets are without error, the six qi are without change. Our king, he continues the legacy of civilization. "

Entering the garden and climbing the tower, they saw a statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva. Huan and Shu bowed to it, and Cuiqiao also bowed four times.
Huan prayed, "Disciple Shumen Huan, I have been granted permission to copy a copy of the *Avatamsaka Sutra*, and now…" She then stopped.
She said to Shusheng, "How can you tell the Bodhisattva that you asked Hua Nu to write it? Wouldn't that be disrespectful to the scriptures?" Shusheng replied, "It's inappropriate in terms of title
, but in terms of the act of writing the scriptures, it should be said that it's an offering." Huanshi said, "Exactly. But the name Hua Nu is not suitable for the Buddha.
Sir, please give her a Taoist name." Shusheng deeply disliked the name Hua Nu, and taking advantage of her suggestion, he looked up and saw
the words "Zhuoquan" written on the plaque. Pointing to it, he said, "Let's name it 'Zhuoquan'." Overjoyed, Lady Huan prayed again, saying, "
I originally promised to copy one copy of the *Avatamsaka Sutra*, and now I specially offer it to the Daoist nun Zhuoquan to copy it by hand. On the day of its completion, we will perform further meritorious deeds."
After the prayer, she instructed Chunhua and Qiuyue, "Copying sutras is no ordinary matter; you two must serve diligently. Tea and food must not be neglected
, changing water, burning incense, brewing tea, and sweeping the floor are all your duties. If you fail to serve even slightly, I will find out and each of you will be
severely punished with thirty strokes of the cane." Chunhua and Qiuyue readily agreed. Shusheng and Lady Huan went downstairs. Cuiqiao wanted to see them off, but Lady Huan said, "You
are copying sutras yourself; you don't need to be bound by formalities, but you must be careful." Having said this, she went downstairs with Shusheng.

Shusheng, who had previously witnessed her humiliation of Cuiqiao, wished he could dig a hole and hide there. Now, seeing Cuiqiao imprisoned upstairs
, he wished he could snatch her away. Alas, having exhausted all her resources and devoid of any means to rescue them, she could only despair and remain in a daze, as if drunk
.

Meanwhile, Cuiqiao, seeing Huan Shi and Shu Sheng leave, sighed, "I, Wang Cuiqiao, have fallen into a life of hardship. The ancients considered prison auspicious
, but who knew that a vast Dharma gate might not open within this sea of vinegar? Moreover, my sins in my past life were heavy, hence the endless tribulations. Now, I can sincerely copy
scriptures and worship Buddha to atone for my karmic debts. I can open my heart and calmly face this situation. Eating simple food and drinking plain water, living a life of purity and non-
action, I am neither honored nor disgraced. Although my heart cannot be completely free from attachments, being trapped here is unavoidable; I must accept my fate.
" Seeing the high pavilions and vast ponds, the passing of days and nights, the changing of spring and autumn, a single lamp, and a half-closed meditation bed, she was moved to compose a poem
. The poem reads:

A white glint of light rises from the still pond, a long reflection of the high pavilion hangs in the sky. Fine rain falls like arrows on a step, the west wind

carries the fragrance of osmanthus under the autumn moon. Fish startle, their cries echoing across the clear water, carrying gentle waves; wild geese cry out in the vast ocean, bathed in the setting sun. Sitting here, I cannot bear to think of the past; the crystal-clear world protects my meditation bed.

Leaving aside Cuiqiao's work of copying scriptures at the Guanyin Pavilion, let us tell you of Shusheng, who saw Cuiqiao being subdued there copying scriptures. He claimed it was for offerings
, but in reality, it was a trap. He pondered the matter, but could not find a way to save her. He lost his appetite and sleep, unable to see Cuiqiao even once
. Although he went to the Guanyin Pavilion with Huanshi on the first and fifteenth of each month to pay respects, they could not exchange a word, only increasing his sorrow. Unable to stay at home, he packed
his zither, sword, and books, and left Huanshi to study at Huishan. Huanshi, because Shusheng was at home, feared the two of them might talk, so she had to keep an
eye on him. Since Cuiqiao was being subdued at the Guanyin Pavilion, she was less vigilant, but still had to keep an eye on her. Hearing that Shusheng was going to
study, she readily agreed, saving herself the trouble of guarding the palace. Each person had their own ideas.

After Shusheng left, half a month later, Lady Huan, missing her mother, returned to the Huan residence in a sedan chair. Just then, Shusheng returned
home from the city after passing the imperial examination and asked his maid, "Where is Mother?" The maid replied, "She went to see Lady Huan." Upon hearing this, Shusheng felt as if
a long drought had ended with rain, or as if he had just passed the imperial examination. Without asking when Lady Huan had left, when she would return, or how many days she would be gone, his heart
was filled with longing to see Cuiqiao, and he went straight into the back garden. The gatekeeper dared not stop him and went up to the Guanyin Pavilion to see Cuiqiao. Cuiqiao, fearing that
Lady Huan had come along, dared not approach. Seeing that only Cuiqiao remained, Shu Sheng rushed forward and embraced her tightly, weeping bitterly, "I've wronged you
, I've wronged you! I only thought you'd been burned in Linzi, but I never imagined you'd be suffering here. She's driven you to the brink of despair
, unable to utter a single word to you. You're imprisoned here; when will this end? My wife, my heart is breaking, my eyes
are dry from crying. Every day I think of you until the third watch, every night I miss you until the fifth. But I'm trapped in this scheme, unable to admit it
, unable to speak of it. Watching you suffer this living hell, it pains your flesh, but it's my heart that aches. I almost wanted to
die with you to end this misery. But I haven't yet amassed any wealth, I have no offspring, the Shu family line depends solely on me.
So I cannot die, I cannot bear to see you tormented, I cannot bear to see you humiliated. I wish my soul could possess your body, my spirit could take your
place..." I wish I could suffer a thousand hardships in your place, but alas, I have the will but not the skill, and can only indulge in delusional fantasies,
weeping in vain. Wife, why don't you answer me? Do you hate me? Wife, I've ruined your youth, ruined so many beautiful days
, ruined the spring flowers and autumn moon, ruined your music and poetry. If you hate me, I have no resentment; if you resent me, I have no excuse.
Wife, could you at least say a word to comfort me? Why do you remain silent, only weeping? Wife!"

Cuiqiao saw him crying so sadly, tears falling like rain, but she just lowered her head and wept. Seeing that Shu Sheng was pressing her for answers, she said, "
What am I supposed to say? Ah, what's done is done, life and death are in our own hands, honor and disgrace are fate."
Shu Sheng said, "Writing scriptures is another name for being a 'soft prisoner.' After the scriptures are finished, there will surely be another unfaithful envoy. She knows our love is burning brightly, yet she
treats us with cold indifference. Sending you from the official's family makes it difficult for me to speak openly, to acknowledge my former concubine, and now to recognize you as
my wife. She is cunning and treacherous, harboring evil intentions. We are both caught in her trap; how can we endure this suffering? Wife, I have a plan,
one I've wanted to tell you secretly. But there are too many eyes, too many guards, I dare not speak. This jealous woman is so daring and decisive, truly a
woman who kills without blinking an eye. Since she has set up this desperate plan, she is determined to kill you. Her mind is made up, there's no
going If you die, I won't even recognize you. What difference is there between you and a pig or a dog? There are many nunneries to the west of this garden. Pack your meager belongings
and flee elsewhere to hide for a while. Once things have calmed down, go far away and escape for your life. Your husband's love ends here
.”

Cuiqiao nodded. Startled, she asked, "Where is Miss? Why have you come here alone?" Shu Sheng replied, "She went back to
her parents' home. I was studying in Huishan, and when I returned, she wasn't there, so I stole a moment to come and see you." Hearing that Huan Shi was not there
, Cui Qiao dared to speak, "Husband, your wife has suffered so much. Since arriving at the Huan family, she was first
subjected to twenty humiliations. After coming to the Shu family, I don't know how much hardship and torment she has endured. I only know she is a tragic beauty, robbed and sold into a noble household, not the
prison and schemes laid out by her mistress. But I am alone; death is not difficult. It is pitiful that someone of my character should
die so unjustly among the maids. My heart is truly unwilling, so I linger here. Husband, you must remember our past kindness and spare my life
. If I cannot repay you in this life, I will in the next." Having said this, she wept bitterly to the ground. Shu Sheng embraced her tightly, saying, "It was
I, Shu Shou, who disobeyed your advice and fell into the trap of a jealous woman. I've been imprisoned, trapped in a sea of sin, with no way to escape or be rescued
. After much deliberation, I've only managed one desperate measure—to escape and save my life. Wife, don't ruin your future." Overwhelmed with
sorrow, he bowed deeply, and Qiao also knelt.

Suddenly, Chunhua came upstairs and said, "Husband, Mother is back." Shu Sheng and Cuiqiao quickly stood up, straightened their clothes, and wiped away their tears. Just as they were about to go
downstairs, Huan Shi arrived. Shu Sheng was sweating profusely; Cuiqiao was carrying a treacherous child. Huan Shi, her face beaming, asked
, "Husband, when did you return home?" Shu Sheng replied, "Tomorrow is the literary gathering, so I just returned." Huan Shi asked, "
How is the sutra you've copied?" Shu Sheng replied, "I'm looking at it here; it's indeed well-written." Huan Shi washed her hands, went upstairs, and bowed to the Buddha. Cui Qiao
stepped forward and bowed. Huan Shi greeted Shu Sheng, then looked at the sutra scroll and said, "Indeed, it
's well-written, with the strength of Yan Zhenqing and Liu Gongquan, iron strokes and silver hooks—truly excellent calligraphy. I'll tell my wife when I get home, and she also wants to hand-copy a copy of the Tripitaka. Once I've finished here
, I'll send it to you." Cui Qiao replied, "Yes." She then thought to herself, "Another scheme has arisen. How pitiful, how pitiful." Huan Shi
asked, "When will this sutra be finished?" Cui Qiao replied, "Two more months." Huan Shi said, "Write it carefully, don't
miss any details or misinterpret the meaning; that would be everyone's fault." Cui Qiao said, "I understand." After drinking a few cups of tea, she remained
silent... Fa, overjoyed, went downstairs with Shu Sheng.

Cuiqiao asked Chunhua, "When did Mother arrive?" Chunhua replied, "While you were complaining upstairs, Mother was already
downstairs. She wouldn't let me announce her arrival, so I dared not." Cuiqiao thought to herself, "What a formidable woman! She truly possesses the ability to remain calm
in the face of sudden events and show no fear in the face of adversity. She's full of inappropriate sentiments,
yet her face is plastered with a benevolent smile. In such a situation, no one should be without anger, yet she speaks with a smile. Anger is human nature, but how can one fathom her heart when she smiles? If she were to
return to the Huan family now, my life would be over. How could I possibly avenge my wrongs? I must finish my studies, flee elsewhere, and resume my
Taoist practice." From then on, she worked day and night without ceasing. Within a month, she had finished copying the scriptures, packed some gold and silver utensils for Buddhist offerings, made a bundle
, tied a rope to a tree on the west wall, wrapped herself in a headscarf, and dressed herself as a Taoist nun. He instructed Chunhua and Qiuyue to go to sleep
, and then composed a verse, which reads:

Go, go, go, nowhere to dwell. Kick over the vinegar bottle, sever the karmic ties. The Buddha has eighty-four thousand forms, the lion's roar echoes in thirty-six places. No.
Swift enough to escape, yet bound by a noose around the neck in the Avici Hell. Ah! How delightful! A gourd and a bowl, wandering the world, unrestrained, dwelling with the wind.

A large inscription on the door, climbing a tree, lowering down with a rope. The moonlight is hazy, carrying a bundle, heading west. The journey was secluded
and quiet. As dawn broke, people began to move about, causing her anxiety.
Looking up, she suddenly saw the three characters "Zhaoyin Nunnery." Cuiqiao exclaimed with joy, "This is a place to settle down!" She knocked on the door, and after a while, a nun emerged chanting Buddhist prayers. Opening the door, she saw Cuiqiao, dressed as a nun, and asked
, "Where did you come from, Bodhisattva? Why are you here so early?" Cuiqiao replied
, "I've been traveling and found this temple so peaceful; I'd like to offer my prayers." The nun said, "I cannot make that decision; Bodhisattva, please ask the abbot." Cuiqiao followed
the nun inside. After sitting in the main hall for two hours, a nun came out. Although middle-aged, she possessed a refined and otherworldly air. She addressed
Cuiqiao and Nan, asking, "Where did you come from, fairy nun?" Cuiqiao replied, "It's a long story. My master and I
traveled here together, intending to visit a fellow Daoist at Zhaoyin Nunnery. We went together, but somehow we took the wrong turn and couldn't find it. I saw
the inscription 'Zhaoyin Nunnery' on this temple. Has my master ever been here?"

The nun asked, "What is your master's name? My name is Jueyuan. Are you looking for me?" Cuiqiao then replied
, "Indeed, it is Master Jueyuan. My master's Daoist name is Qiaoshui." Jueyuan said, "Could it be Brother Hengshui from Zhenjiang?
" Cuiqiao said, "That's right." Jueyuan said, "It's been several years. Where are you?" Cuiqiao said, "A lady took me
to the capital, where I've lived for several years. I was also taken in from Beijing. I have prepared some Buddhist offerings to give to my master. Master, would you mind
?" "What should I do if she comes?" Upon hearing that she had something to offer, the nun, like a fly drawn to blood
, said, "Since your master wants to see me, she will surely come looking for you. You are young and unfamiliar with the ways; where will you find her? Why not sit in my nunnery and wait for her?" Cuiqiao thanked her repeatedly and took out
a golden bell and a silver chime to present to Jueyuan. Jueyuan was overjoyed. He asked Cuiqiao her name, and Cuiqiao replied, "My name is Zhuoquan." While they were talking,
they prepared a vegetarian meal. From then on, she lived in Zhaoyin Nunnery. After waiting for several days without her master coming, Cuiqiao deliberately said, "Could it
be that Zhaoyin Nunnery is keeping you here?" Jueyuan said, "For a monk, wherever you are is home. If your master doesn't come,
you can stay in my nunnery; there's no need to have any other thoughts. If you don't mind, I wish to become your sister." Hearing this
, Cuiqiao seized the opportunity and became Jueyuan's Daoist brother. The two became very close. One day, while climbing the Jade Emperor Pavilion, Cuiqiao, inspired by the scenery,
composed a poem. The poem reads:

The imperial pavilion soars into the sky, its heights inspiring a broad and open heart. A delicate rope divides the water's course, revealing the vastness of the mountains and forests.

The sound of Buddhist chants and bells resounds, the fragrance of the heavenly countenance permeates the air. Gazing upon it for a long while, all thoughts are subdued.

Jueyuan said, "I didn't know you were such a poet, brother. I must ask for your guidance." Cuiqiao said, "This is not difficult." Another poem , "Staying Overnight at Zhaoyin
Nunnery," reads:

Wind and smoke obscure the four fields, the trees are already desolate. Birds scatter beyond the blue sky, the poem is completed before the green waters.

My heart follows the autumn god's arrow

, my couch is connected with the evening clouds. Do not ask where home is, I concentrate on gazing at the white lotus. In late spring, Jueyuan, along with Cuiqiao, Zhaokong, and Buxia, sat on the Ascension Bridge at night. Jueyuan said, "A beautiful night like this
should not be without poetry. We, with our mundane hearts, have failed to appreciate this scene. Brother Zhuoquan, do not begrudge your precious words, let your brush flow freely, lest the mountains and rivers laugh at our lack of refinement
." Cuiqiao smiled and agreed, and then composed three regulated poems.

The first: A long night of conversation on the Immortal Bridge, the bright moon reflected in the sparse forest. Herons roost on warm sandy shores, fish leap among deep algae and duckweed.

Facing the wind, wisdom arises; still water settles the mind in meditation. All worries vanish, the croaking of frogs mingles with the sounds of chanting.

Second: The cool moon reflects on the pond, a gentle breeze stirs my heart. Inspiration arises from the beautiful scenery, poetry is born from a wise heart.

Delighted to gather with good friends, laughter fills the air. Fish, hearing the music, seem to come and go.

Third: Many wonderful things happen at once, their elegance admired for eternity. The pond connects to a fairyland, mountain clouds cover the painted pavilion.

Birds listen quietly, carp swim aimlessly. At midnight, songs rise, small boats ripple in the lotus pond.

Everyone said in unison, "Brother Zhuoquan is truly talented, but alas, we are all of humble origins and cannot join in. Let us fill
our cups and offer our thanks to the master." Thus, they competed in drinking, exchanging toasts until the fifth watch, and this became a regular occurrence
. Indeed: Half a bed on a meditation mat while away the day, a couplet of fine poetry lingers through the clear night.

To be continued in the next chapter.

Chapter Seventeen: At the Ghost Festival, a sudden encounter with a demon leads to depravity; the brothel reopens, and a hero is encountered in a world of pleasure .

The poem reads:

Concealment and leaks, escape and capture—truly beyond one's control. Shame on her simple hairpin, pain in her worn skirt, yet her painted eyebrows remain fresh.

One day, she catches the eye of a hero, and suddenly they are close. Ten thousand soldiers welcome her back, and only then can her heroic spirit be fulfilled.

(Right tune: "A Young Man's Journey")

Now, let's talk about Cuiqiao, who has been living peacefully in the Zhaoyin Nunnery for half a year. The next morning, the head of the Shu family got up early and sent water upstairs
, calling Chunhua and Qiuyue to come and take their shifts. The two said, "We were writing scriptures late last night and haven't gotten up yet. Let me go and call them
." They went to the room, but there was no one there, only an empty bed and books and a zither on the four walls. Panicked, they hurriedly informed Huanshi. Lady Huan
nodded and chuckled to herself, "That servant is really quick; he's gone. Check what's missing!" The report came: "
The gold bell, silver chime, pearl banner, and precious vase are gone, along with other clothing, furnishings, and utensils, totaling about two hundred taels of gold." Lady Huan said,
"Send someone to inform the master, and have people put up notices."

Shu Sheng, knowing this, was startled and thought, "He's gone, but could he have escaped?" Still worried, he went
home. He saw notices plastered all over the city. Shu Sheng said, "The Huan family is nowhere to be found; how can they make my family famous?"
He and his trusted aides cleaned up all the notices. Returning to Lady Huan, she said, "Where has Zhuoquan fled to
? I must bring you here to investigate." Shusheng replied, "She's a member of my father-in-law's family. It's better to make my father-in-law famous.
If I become famous here, and we bring her back, people won't recognize her as a maid. What kind of image would that be? Besides, since she escaped, she's likely lost her chastity
. Bringing her back would be unseemly, but killing her is pointless. In my humble opinion, we
should just leave her alone." Lady Huan knew this plan was originally her husband's, and now that she was gone, she was afraid that pursuing the matter would damage their relationship. She added,
"My husband is right. Let's remove the sign; there's no need to search for her and create more trouble." Shusheng secretly rejoiced
, thinking, "Cuiqiao is fortunate. Go ahead without worry." Therefore, Cuiqiao stayed in the nunnery for half a year without any disturbance
.

One day, the nunnery held a grand Ullambana Festival, and officials, ladies, and young ladies filled the nunnery. Cuiqiao feigned illness and did not go downstairs. Inside,
a lady named Chang, following along, entered Jueyuan's room and, seeing the golden bell and silver chime, exclaimed in surprise, "Where did these things come from? Only the Shuya Temple..."
"This treasure exists before the Great Master Yin. It is said that this item was presented to the Ministry of Personnel by a foreign official, and the official's daughter brought it to her husband's home to worship Buddha, which was considered
a wonder by the entire county. We are relatives, which is why we have seen it. I never expected that Bao'an Temple also possessed such an item; it's
no wonder Shuya is also here." Jueyuan was so shocked and flustered that he managed a vague reply. After the celebration ended, he told Cuiqiao about this. Cuiqiao exclaimed in alarm, "This is terrible!
What should we do?" Jueyuan hurriedly asked why, and Cuiqiao said, "This truly belongs to the Shu family, and now I have no choice but to tell you the truth.
" She recounted the whole story, leaving Jueyuan utterly bewildered. He said, "Sister, you've ruined me! You've ruined me!"

Cuiqiao said, "Sister, don't worry, I have a plan to cover their tracks. But I can't stay here any longer, so you need
to find me a place to stay first. Go to the coppersmith and have them make a replica of this bell and chime, cover it with gold and silver leaf
, and display it in your room. If they hear any rumors and come to investigate, just say that you saw the bells and chimes in your yamen and made them exactly the same, and that they're not the real thing. They'll think
twice and give up." Jueyuan said, "This plan is brilliant! I have my godmother, Mama Bo, where I can stay. Sister, you need to change
your clothes before you go there." Cuiqiao said, "What if I don't have any clothes for a layperson?" Jueyuan said, "I
'll get some." He went to buy clothes. He bought several outfits. Cuiqiao changed into women's clothing, discarding all her Taoist robes
. She said to Jueyuan, "These clothes should be altered before wearing them, otherwise, don't let the Shu family recognize you." Jueyuan said, "I understand.
" Then, that night, he escorted Cuiqiao to the Bo family.

Bo's mother was a shrew, a woman of questionable character. Seeing Cuiqiao's appearance and hearing that she had come seeking refuge
, she harbored some ill intentions. After keeping her there for several days, she frequently frightened Cuiqiao with strange and disturbing acts. Cuiqiao
, already disheartened, was understandably flustered and confided in her mother, discussing her plans. Madam Bo said, "I think it's absolutely impossible to stay here
for long. The only way is to marry someone far away to find peace. A local man is unsuitable, and as for someone from afar, who knows what kind of person he is? Going
to marry him would be risky. I have a nephew, Bo Xin, who is twenty-eight years old and not bad-looking. He's not very well-read, but he
has a basic understanding of literature and is still unmarried. He used to work in Taizhou, Zhejiang, and is now back to buy goods. Why don't you marry him and go to
Zhejiang with me? It would be a safe way to avoid harm. What do you think, Madam?" Cuiqiao lowered her head, thinking, "If I don't go, this
isn't the end. If I go, I'll see what kind of person he is."

Suddenly, a man entered and called to his aunt. Madam Bo came out and greeted him. Cuiqiao stole a glance and saw that the
man was dressed elegantly and looked quite presentable. However, his eyes were narrow, his mouth was upturned, and his face was thin and lacking in cheeks. Although his skin was fair and flawless, he was undoubtedly treacherous and heartless. She remained
silent, tears streaming down her face. The man left, and Madam Bo entered, saying, "Did you see him, Madam Wang? This is my nephew
. If you like him, I'll go and invite Master Jueyuan to discuss it. If not, it's up to you." Cuiqiao didn't answer, only lowering her head and
smoothing her hair. Madam Bo knew she was willing, so she went to see Jueyuan and told him about it. Jueyuan said, "This matter is for her to decide
; we can't force her." He then went with Madam Bo to see Cuiqiao. "
What about what Madam Bo mentioned, sister ?"

Cuiqiao asked tearfully in a low voice. "I really have no choice about this. If I don't go, this place is not a safe place for long. If something
happens, not only will my life be in danger, but your Zhaoyin Nunnery will also be in trouble. If I want to go far away, a young woman like me
will be easily captured. What Madam Bo suggested is actually shameful and hard to agree to. I have no choice but to accept, and I can't
refuse directly. I'm so weak and can hardly control myself. What can you do for me, sister?"

Jueyuan said, "I also hate to see you go. But you can't really settle things here. It would be better to go
far away with Madam Bo's nephew, away from this dangerous place. But he's not good enough for you." Cuiqiao said, "
Alright "Yes. But this man is cunning and sly, not a loyal and honest person. I'm afraid he'll see me as a valuable commodity, and then Cuiqiao will fall into the hands of this devil again
." Jueyuan said, "This matter cannot be discussed openly. If you want to live with him, you must make it clear." Jueyuan
called to Mama Bo and said, "The matter of the king's marriage is out of necessity. I have no choice but to follow your guidance, Mama. But since
I have gone with your nephew, I entrust my life to him. I cannot bear the thought of a promiscuous woman being abandoned halfway or discarded along the way. Therefore,
I am hesitant." Mama Bo said, "My nephew is extremely loyal. Let him write a document for you." Cuiqiao said, "
That's not necessary, but if he swears to heaven that he will never betray me, then I will go with him." Mama Bo said, "He will naturally not accept
much, but you must have a proper ceremony." Bo Xing nodded and said, "I understand." "This is easy. How much dowry do you want?"
Cuiqiao said, "Since I belong to him, the money is his too. But I have nothing to give as a gift, so I'll ask him to bring twenty taels of silver
. I'll give five taels to thank Madam, five taels to the nunnery for offerings to Buddha, and ten taels to buy bedding."

Madam Bo was overjoyed and immediately went to call Bo Xin to tell him about it. Bo Xing was overjoyed and hurriedly bought a paper horse
, burned incense, and prayed to the heavens: "If I, Bo Xing, betray Wang Cuiqiao and do not grow old with her, may I be shattered into
a million pieces." After making this vow, he discussed the dowry with his mother. His mother said, "He will naturally not accept much, but you must prepare a proper gift."
Bo Xing nodded and said, "Understood." He prepared thirty taels of silver, four sets of clothes, and a hairpin, and had a servant deliver them.
His mother received them and opened them for Cuiqiao. When Cuiqiao saw these arrangements, she thought to herself, "They do seem like proper people. In times of emergency
, they follow orders, so I must obey." She accepted the silver and dowry, gave five taels to his mother as a thank you, gave five taels to Jueyuan to offer to Buddha,
asked Jueyuan to buy bedding with ten taels of silver, and gave two taels to his mother for food and wine. She also took a bath and freshened her makeup.

Since Cuiqiao fell into the trap of the eunuch, she had not visited you for two years. Today, her face was refreshed, like a
precious gem suddenly emerging from the earth, even more vibrant and radiant. Before long, the wedding sedan chair from the Bo family arrived. She bid farewell to Granny Bo and Jueyuan
, then boarded the chair. After the ceremony at Bo Xin's house, they returned to their room. Bo Xin said, "I am deeply grateful that you, Mother, have not abandoned me and are willing to marry me. I wish
to be with you forever." Cui Qiao said, "If you do not abandon me for my impropriety, I will be greatly grateful." Bo Xin said, "The vow is still in my ears;
how could I dare to break it? I hope you have no doubts." Cui Qiao wept, "Today's situation is out of necessity; I hope you will have pity and be startled."
Bo Xin said, "I am not a heartless man; why do you worry so much?" He then wiped away her tears, and they took hands and went to bed. The man was a long-time patron of brothels
, and the woman was a long-absent and resentful woman; their love was as harmonious as fish and water.

The next day, Bo Xin bought a boat and set off with Cui Qiao for Zhejiang. They traveled without incident, eventually arriving in Taizhou. Bo Xing said, "My lady,
please stay in the shop. I'll go tidy up the place and come back to meet you." Half a day later, the same group of men returned and said, "My lady
, these are our shop assistants. Good brothers, come out and greet them." Cui Qiao came out from inside and saw that the man had thick eyebrows, large eyes,
a dark face, and a stubble beard; he looked like a bandit. Cui Qiao thought to herself, "How can I do business with someone like that?" She gave a curtsy.
Then he turned and went back inside. He asked Bo Xing, "How's the house?" Bo Xing replied, "I haven't been here for a long time. A neighbor is staying
upstairs. They'll be cleaning up and moving out tonight, and you can move in tomorrow."

The man instructed the innkeeper to prepare wine to welcome Bo Xing. The three of them ate and talked, and ate and talked until the second watch of
the night before parting. A table was also sent inside for Cui Qiao to eat. Before leaving, Bo Xing said, "The house needs to be cleaned thoroughly." The man said
, "I know." They parted ways, and Bo Xing returned to his room. Cui Qiao said, "That man looks like a robber." Bo Xing, who had a little
wine, hugged Cui Qiao tightly and said, "He's from the sea, that's how he's always been. You don't need to be afraid of him. I've seen him a few times at the inn
, and I'll get used to him. I'll go to sleep for you." Cui Qiao wanted to ask him more questions, but seeing that he had a little wine, she stopped.

It turned out that this heartless man specialized in the cannibalistic business, trafficking people as guests to take other people's daughters and concubines
as wives. He would bring them to the docks and place them in inns, where the owners would arrange their sale. The black-faced, bearded man
was a broker in the cannibalistic trade, acting as a middleman to look after the people. They agreed on a dowry of 240 taels of silver, with 200 going to the heartless man and 40 to the owner and the middleman
.

The next morning, they got up early and asked the owner to prepare breakfast before heading to the inn. After washing up and eating, Bo Xing said to Cui Qiao, "I
'll go to the shop first and have a sedan chair come to pick you up." Cui Qiao asked, "Where's my luggage?" Bo Xing replied, "I'll have someone pick it up myself. You just need to get in
the sedan chair and go to the shop." After Bo Xing left, Cui Qiao said, "That man is so strange. He's acting so flustered
. Could he be plotting against me? This doesn't seem like he's coming to the shop. It's more like he's just sending me off. Don't be so naive. Don't trust someone who seems honest; beware of those who are seemingly kind.
Pack my personal belongings, dowry, and clothes into a leather trunk and put it in the sedan chair. That way, if
anything happens, I can use it for self-defense. And when I get somewhere else, I can make a good impression." She quickly packed all her belongings into the leather
trunk and made a bundle of bedding. She also tied more than twenty taels of silver to her hands. Just as she finished packing, the sedan chair bearers arrived. Cuiqiao
said, "Put the trunk and bedding on the sedan chair, and let the porters carry the rest." The sedan chair carriers said, "Master Bo instructed that
some of the luggage and bedding don't need to be carried." Cuiqiao said, "Nothing else needs to be taken; this is for personal use and should be placed on the sedan chair." She then handed it
to the sedan chair carriers. The innkeeper said, "Master Bo said to leave it here and then come back to collect it." Cuiqiao became suspicious and angrily said
, "I can go, but you can't leave the things? Besides, it was my idea, what's wrong with that!" She insisted on leaving it on the sedan chair. After bidding farewell
to the innkeeper and handing over the luggage, she boarded the sedan chair and set off.

After winding through the streets for about half a day, they finally stopped in front of a building. The sedan chair was carried in, and
the porters said, "Madam, please alight." Cuiqiao looked closely and realized it didn't resemble a shop. She thought to herself, "This isn't the right way."
She didn't get out of the sedan chair and said to the porters, "Please invite Master Bo." Seeing that she wouldn't get out, the porters were at a loss and replied, "I'll go find him." They went inside
. After a while, Bo Xing didn't appear. Instead, a woman, about thirty years old, came out and said to the sedan chair, "Master Bo is
coming. Please come inside, Madam." Cuiqiao, seeing that the woman was a commoner, replied, "Madam, please take my luggage
, one bag and one box. I'm here." The woman was delighted and told them to take the luggage inside. Cuiqiao got out of the sedan chair and said, "
Why did you have to come to greet me, Madam?" The woman said, "It's alright." They went inside together. Cuiqiao then saw a group of female guests standing inside
and immediately understood. Upon reaching the main hall, she said, "Mother, please sit down. Allow Cuiqiao to pay her respects
." The woman was overjoyed. She said, "My good son, no need to bow." Cuiqiao bowed four times.

It turned out that the woman was the nanny. The nanny said, "My son, how did you know he sold you?" Cuiqiao said, "His actions
were very different from usual, so I knew." The nanny said, "My son has good eyes. I won't make things difficult for you. You must work hard for my business
." Cuiqiao asked, "Mother, how much silver did you spend to get me?" The nanny said, "Two hundred and forty taels." Cuiqiao sighed,
"Ten times the profit." The nanny asked why, and Cuiqiao explained in detail. The housekeeper comforted her, saying, "Such a wicked person will surely
be punished by Heaven. It's fortunate you had the foresight to bring so much luggage." Cuiqiao replied, "These are my dowry items; they have nothing to do with him. He
would never dare to ask for my things. Such a heartless person deserves his just deserts; there's no need to say anything more. I only ask that you be forgiving
, Mother; that would be enough for Cuiqiao. This is because my sins are not yet finished, which is why I've come here again. Cuiqiao will not have any more delusions." Seeing
her like this, the housekeeper was quite pleased. She didn't hit her or scold her at all, and the two got along well.

The fickle man, having received the money, hid elsewhere, waiting for Cuiqiao to get up before returning to his lodgings. Seeing that Cuiqiao's luggage had been sent away, he
stamped his foot and said, "What a bargain for the innkeeper! Two hundred taels of silver for a woman, and she gets sixty or seventy taels worth of jewelry and clothes. I originally wanted to go to her door
to collect it, but I was afraid I'd run into Wang Cuiqiao and she'd grab me and make a scene, leaving me
utterly humiliated. Forget it, just throw it away, consider it a gift to a prostitute." He then packed his luggage in one breath, prepared some travel expenses
, and returned to Wuxi.

Now, Cuiqiao, having fallen back into prostitution, lamented, "Why is my fate so cruel! After countless trials and tribulations to finally be with a virtuous woman, I endured countless
hardships. Now I'm back in this situation; is this not the will of Heaven?" She gave up all hope and got drunk, singing softly. People sought her pleasure
, and she used them to amuse herself, singing loudly all night, drinking and reveling. Her name quickly became famous. Then

came a hero, named Xu Hai, also known as the Monk Mingshan, a man from Yue. He was open-minded and magnanimous, regarding the rich and
powerful as mere feathers and his peers as weeds. His integrity was unparalleled, his heroism unmatched. He was deeply versed in strategy, skilled in both orthodox and unorthodox tactics. He once said, "
Heaven has endowed me with talent, which must have its use. If I have talent but no use for it, Heaven has wronged me. If Heaven wrongs me, I will also wrong Heaven. A true
man should live uprightly, establishing immortality in the world; how can I follow the meat-eaters to grow old and die under the eaves? Even if I have talent but no fate,
a hero..." " A hero has no place to use his skills. To be remembered for generations, one must create one's own destiny; to wrestle in a treacherous pond will leave a lasting shame. Otherwise,
how can this vibrant, passionate blood within me find its outlet?" In his youth, he studied Confucianism but failed, abandoning it to become a merchant
. With ample wealth, he delighted in making friends. Hearing of Cuiqiao's chivalrous spirit, he came to visit with two or three valiant men.

The housekeeper, knowing Mingshan was a valiant hero, quickly told Cuiqiao to accompany him. Their eyes met, and a mutual attraction was palpable
. Mingshan said, "I've heard that you've been here for a year, and you haven't taken a single person seriously. Is that true?" Cuiqiao replied, "People say that's
an exaggeration. I only meet people because of their character and through their character, but I don't easily entrust my heart to vulgar people. As for the wise and foolish, the good and the ugly
, what can I not tolerate!" Xu Mingshan said, "From this perspective, you seem to be 'not knowing to whom one's heart belongs, yet reminding
one of Lord Pingyuan.' If I were to compare myself to even a fraction of Lord Pingyuan, would I be worthy of his name?" Cuiqiao said, "A hero with such magnanimity must be an extraordinary person from Taiyuan.
Even Lord Pingyuan probably didn't have such open-mindedness." Xu Mingshan laughed and said, "You've found your kind in the dust; don't mistake a hero for someone else."
Qiao said, "My handsome eyes, which recognize heroes, are so discerning!" Xu Mingshan said, "Alright, Xu Hai
has met a kindred spirit today. You are a man of understanding, and I will speak to you with understanding words, and casually compose a poem for your consideration." The poem reads: "

Often I meet people with indignation, and they look at me with disdain for my naivety. My heart and soul have always been entrusted to guests, and my writings are even more hidden.

I hold onto my unpolished jade, not the He Shi Bi, and I am ashamed to be welcomed like Cai Sheng in seclusion. A true man has the ambition of a hero, and I would not be willing to emulate you.

" Cui Qiao said, "A mute shout can cripple a thousand men. He is indeed heroic, but unfortunately, he lacks the aura of a king." Xu Mingshan said,
"You are indeed wise in your words, but I dare not expect to be a king myself." He then brought wine and invited her to stay overnight. Cui Qiao entrusted her life to Xu, and Xu
resolutely took it upon himself to do so.

The next day, he redeemed Cui Qiao from her servitude with two hundred taels of gold, let her live separately, and hired a maid to serve her. Cuiqiao said, "Why don't you
take me home instead of setting up this stove again?" Xu Mingshan replied, "Your words are inferior to Zhuanyu's. Zhuanyu wanted ten high-ranking officials
to act as matchmakers before marrying Hao Sheng. I alone cannot bring ten thousand soldiers to welcome Cuiqiao. My wife will stay here for now, and I will bring you home in less than three years
. With grand gestures, drawn swords, and a huge entourage, this will be Xu Hai's moment of triumph. My wife will pour wine in the southeast
to celebrate. Now you are all alone, where can you go? At this point, I can only consider it as redeeming you from your servitude, and it is not yet time to discuss anything else." Cuiqiao suddenly understood
. Xu Hai then built a house by the water and had Wang Cuiqiao live there. Xu Hai and Cuiqiao lived together for five months before Xu Hai parted from Cuiqiao and left
. Three years passed without any news.

One day, suddenly, news came that a large army of invaders had arrived, and the residents had all fled. Everyone urged Cuiqiao to move, but Cuiqiao said, "I
have an agreement with Mingshan that I cannot leave this place even during wartime. You may leave if you wish, otherwise we will die together." The servants dared not stop her and
left in droves. A large troop of Russian soldiers, several thousand in armor and wielding weapons, along with a dozen generals, suddenly arrived and circled the residence, shouting
, "Where is Lady Wang? We have been ordered by His Highness Xu Mingshan to invite you, Lady Wang!" Cuiqiao then came out and said, "It is I."
The dozen or so generals and several thousand armored soldiers all knelt down and said, "Lady Wang, we all kowtow." Lady Wang said, "Thank you for
your trouble, but where is His Highness now?" The soldiers replied, "His Highness is stationed at Dahuang, awaiting Lady Wang." Lady Wang said, "
In that case, give the order to rise immediately." The soldiers then reported, "Lady Wang, please wait a moment, the imperial carriage will arrive soon." Lady Wang issued an order
: "The residents of this place are all my neighbors and protectors. Do not plunder, kill, burn houses, or commit adultery. Anyone who orders this will be beheaded and their heads displayed to the public." Upon receiving the order,
the entire army was in awe, and the region was at peace. Those spared from slaughter were all thanks to Lady Wang's virtue and benevolence. Soon after,

a large general with twenty or thirty men arrived in a single carriage with palace maids. Seeing the lady bow, she said, "The generals are still in their armor and cannot
perform the full ceremony. We pay our respects." The lady said, "We have troubled the generals greatly
." The palace maids kowtowed and said, "By order of His Majesty, we kowtow to welcome the lady." The lady said, "Rise." The welcoming soldiers all kowtowed. After the ceremony, the generals reported, "The carriage is ready
. Please change your clothes and board the carriage, Majesty." The palace maids presented her with a pearl crown and a wedding robe. The lady dressed in front of the mirror, and the palace maids helped her onto the imperial carriage
. She was surrounded by

attendants. About half a day later, another large army came to pick her up. The officers who received her paid their respects and presented her with food. On the third day, they arrived in the Great Wilderness.
Twenty or thirty scouts came galloping over, and the guards shouted, "Quickly report to His Majesty, the lady has arrived!" The scouts sped away. In no
time, cannons roared, flags in the camp rose in unison, and 100,000 armored soldiers stood in formation around the camp. Every soldier wore golden armor, and every officer
wore a tiger head banner. The central army's apricot-yellow banners fluttered, and drums and music resounded. Pairs of swords, spears, whips, halberds, sickles, axes, grappling hooks,
clubs, and countless other weapons descended to meet the enemy. Soldiers performed their duties diligently, followed by nine gilded umbrellas. Seated leisurely on horseback was a
man in a three-peaked hat and a crimson robe. With a jade belt, black court boots, an iron face, sword-like eyebrows, and a tiger-headed, swallow-chin style, he was none other than the monk Mingshan. Xu Hai
greeted Cuiqiao, saying, "Madam, how does welcoming you today compare to Hao Sheng welcoming Zhuanyu?" Cuiqiao replied, "Hao Sheng's welcoming of
Zhuanyu ultimately relied on the favor of ten high-ranking officials; Your Majesty's welcoming of your wife is entirely your own doing, without the need for a concubine." Xu Mingshan said
, "Madam, you understand my heart perfectly." He welcomed her to the camp, feeling as if they had been separated for three years. The former commoner was now wealthy and powerful.
Though not a complete separation, they had conquered cities and territories, their power and prestige were undeniable. Lady Wang advised him to stop burning down houses, raping women, and
wantonly killing the old and young. Mingshan followed her advice. From then on, wherever the troops went, orders were issued to refrain from indiscriminate killing and rape, all

thanks to Lady Wang. One day, reminiscing about the old days in Linzi, Mingshan said, "What's so difficult about that? I'll lead five thousand soldiers, sweep Linzi clean, and avenge
this deep hatred for you, Lady Wang." Lady Wang said, "The sinners are only Ma Bujin, Xiu Ma, and Chu Qing; do not harm others.
" Indeed: Only gratitude and lingering hatred can remain untainted for ten thousand years.

To be continued in the next chapter.

Chapter Eighteen: Lady Wang Kills the Unrighteous Man with Her Sword; Xu Mingshan Presents Gold to His Benefactor

The poem reads:

Deep hatred is etched in the teeth, great kindness is etched into the bones, even death cannot erase it. If there is a way to repay it, if it can be avenged, the joy would be extraordinary.

Having suffered all kinds of filth, suddenly fragrance remains. Only now do I know that Heaven's way, in its treatment of human affairs, is not without reason.

The right-hand tune of "A Young Man's Journey"

tells of Xu Hai leading 5,000 troops to plunder Linzi and avenge Lady Wang. He dispatched the valiant general Shi Zhao with spies to Linzi first
, to scout the whereabouts of Ma Bujin and others, and to ambush them, waiting for the arrival
of the main force to capture them immediately. No one, young or old, was to be captured; if even one escaped, they would be punished according to military orders. Shi Zhao received the order and departed. He then dispatched the valiant general Lei Feng, carrying a command arrow, to stand at the gate of the Shu family, instructing them
not to disturb the old or young. Lei Feng obeyed the order. He further dispatched the general Bian Bao with 5,000 light troops, advancing at double speed to Wuxi
, to capture the jealous woman Huan Shi, Ji Shi, and the servants of Shu Shou; Bo Po, Bo Xing, and Jue Yuan of the Zhaoyin Nunnery, and all the other criminals,
all to be captured alive, with no one to escape. They were to meet in Linzi within a month. Bian Bao led his troops away. Then Xu Hai chose
an auspicious day, convened a meeting of all forces, and launched a simultaneous attack.

At this time, in Fujian, Guangdong, Qinghai, Xuzhou, Wu, and Yue, bandits roamed freely, warfare raged, the people suffered terribly, and the plight of the populace
was indescribable. On the day of the expedition, Xu Hai asked Lady Wang to give a swearing-in ceremony. Lady Wang said, "I am but a woman; how dare I interfere in military and
political affairs?" Xu Hai said, "Today's troops are raised for you, Lady Wang, as a means for your revenge. Please pour wine, Lady Wang, and then
I will send out the troops." Lady Wang then poured wine and gave the swearing-in ceremony, and the entire army knelt down. Lady Zhu Yun said, "Heaven and Earth bear witness to this heart, and
mountains and rivers proclaim my thoughts. Wang Cuiqiao, because of her father, was forced into prostitution and framed by Ma Bujin, Chu Qing, and Xiu Ma. Now,
relying on the divine power of Lord Xu, we have raised an army to avenge her. I dare not ask for more, only to stop at the oath we made. To repay kindness with kindness and to repay
injustice with justice—even sages do this, why should I alone not! I dare to appeal to Heaven and Earth and the gods with this heart before sending out the army. All you three armies, spare no effort
and serve me with vigor." After speaking, she offered a libation. The three armies responded in unison, "The three armies, large and small, are willing to serve Lady Zhu Yun."
The sound of their battle shook the mountains and the seas. The troops were divided and set off.

In just a few days, they reached Linzi. A cannon boomed, and with great force, they charged forward. Although the local garrison numbered a few hundred
, how could they withstand such a large force? They dared not advance, only abandoning their armor and weapons, cowering and groveling. In a day and a night, they reached
Linzi. The officials and residents fled almost entirely. Xu Hai set up camp in an open area. His valiant generals, including Shi Zhao, who had dismounted, came to
claim their reward. Xu Hai ordered them to be kept aside. Then, another valiant general, Lei Feng, brought the Shu family father and son to see him. Xu Hai instructed, "Take him to a side
camp and treat him well. Do not make things difficult for him." He then reported to General Bian Bao, who entered the camp to report, saying, "Your Majesty, Bian Bao, by
Your Majesty's decree, has captured Huan, Shu, and other criminals. All have been apprehended. Only Shu Shou is out and has not yet returned, so he has not been captured. I have come to
plead guilty." Xu Hai said, "Shu Shou is here. Thank you for your trouble, General. You will be rewarded accordingly. Take the criminals aside for now." Bian Bao
dodged and retreated.

Xu Hai invited his wife out of the camp, saying, "The criminals from Wuxi and Linzi are all captured here. How should I deal with them, Madam?"
His wife said, "I have received kindness from the Shu family father and son, and the kindness of Grandma and Jueyuan. I wish to repay their kindness first, and then avenge their
grievances. What does Your Majesty think?" Xu Hai said, "That makes sense." He then summoned the Shu family father and son, Grandma, and Jueyuan to see him.

Before long, Lei Feng led the Shu family father and son, and Bian Bao led Jueyuan and his grandmother into the camp. They knelt down, all pleading for their lives, begging for mercy
. Xu Hai ordered them to change clothes before meeting. The two generals led the four to change. The four, bewildered and terrified, were completely disoriented. Even though they were
dressed, they entered the camp trembling and prostrated themselves, not daring to raise their heads. Xu Hai said, "You four, rise, don't panic. You and your wives
are virtuous and will all be spared." The lady cried out, "Shu Sheng, I am Wang Cuiqiao. You saved my life back then, so I will spare
your and your son's lives. Your wife, Huan Shi, I have captured her here, and I will surely avenge those atrocities." She ordered the soldiers
to take one thousand taels of silver and one hundred bolts of silk, "and send Shu Sheng back. If you want to see your wife, you can see her alive in the east corridor
."

Shu Sheng listened carefully to the reason and realized it was Wang Cuiqiao seeking revenge. He knelt and begged, "This foolish wife truly deserves ten thousand deaths. But since Lord Shu has
received Your Majesty's mercy, this foolish wife hopes to extend that mercy and grant Lord Shu another chance to live." The lady laughed, "You want me
to spare you... "Her? What did she do to me that day? Why didn't she try to make amends? This seems hard to believe."
Shu Sheng said, "Did Madam forget the plan devised by Guanyin Pavilion?" Cui Qiao pondered for a long time and said, "Fortunately, we have this one. We'll leave one alive and return her to you
. You can take her in a little while. We'll also give you a command arrow to protect the family. Any soldier who dares to enter the Shu family without permission will be beheaded and their head displayed to the public. Go."

Shu Sheng came out and told his father to go back first. He then went to the east corridor to see Huan Shi. He saw Huan Shi and her son, Huan Ying, Huan
Quan, and others there. Huan Shi saw her husband from afar and hurriedly said to Ji Shi, "Mother, isn't that Shu Lang?" Ji
Shi looked and saw that it was indeed her son-in-law. She hurriedly called out, "Shu Lang, come quickly." Shu Sheng walked over, and everyone hugged each other and cried. Lady Huan said
, "Why is my lord here too?" Shu Sheng replied, "It's all your fault." He then stumbled and said, "Miss, young
lady! Your affair with Hua Nu has escalated." Lady Huan, momentarily stunned, asked, "What do you mean?"
Shu Sheng said, "What's there to say! Wang Cuiqiao hates you and your son for harming her. Now that she's married to King Xu, she's sent troops to take you down for
revenge. I escaped death because I was unaware of the situation. You brought this upon yourselves, what can you do now!"

Upon hearing this, Lady Huan felt as if her foot had collapsed on a mountaintop, or a boat had capsized in a bottomless abyss. She stamped her feet repeatedly, saying, "
It's over, it's over! It's all ruined, it's finished. My Huan family has met its match, and now it's too late for regrets. I once said,
'If you don't cut the weeds at the root, they'll sprout again in the spring.' Mother, it was you who said, 'She's just a woman, why should I be so wary of her?' I said that a woman,
when she has power, is better than a man, and now it has indeed come to pass. But my husband has no grudge against her, and now she is a guest in the hall. Can you bear to see me
as a captive in the hall? Can you not offer a single word of support? Although I offended the Queen Mother that day, I did not offend my husband. Why doesn't my husband extend
the lingering effects of the Queen's actions to me?" Then several tears streamed down her face. Shu Sheng said, "Even those from Wu and Yue who are on the same boat look out for each other, let alone husband and wife. I have
pleaded with them repeatedly, and they have already opened a way for my life, but the damage may still be done. This person is very clear about gratitude and resentment. I told her
about Guanyin Pavilion, and she allowed me to bring the people in. When things get really bad, Miss, you must be discerning." Before he finished speaking, the general gave an order to
bring the prisoners in, and they all pushed and shoved them inside.

Now, seeing that the Shu family father and son had left, Madam Wang stepped down and took the hands of Jueyuan and Granny, saying, "Brother Jueyuan,
do you recognize Zhuoquan? Granny, do you recognize Hua Nu?" The two were stunned. Madam Wang said to Jueyuan, "I am
Wang Cuiqiao, the one who gave you the golden bell and silver chime, the one who was tricked by the heartless man. Don't you recognize me?" She then said to Granny, "I am Hua Nu
, the one who was beaten twenty times by Madam Ji and put under your name to embroider and water flowers. Have you forgotten me?" Jueyuan looked carefully and
then said, "Sister, are you still here? The heartless man came back and said you died because you couldn't adapt to the climate. I couldn't bear to part with you, so I set up a memorial tablet for you
, set up a Taoist altar, read scriptures, chanted Buddha's name, and performed repentance and incantations. I didn't know that you were here as a goddess. Congratulations!"
The two greeted each other.

Grandma nodded and said, "I was terrified! So you are Lady Wang from the Shu family. You've suffered so much, yet you've come to this day
. I've always worried about you, wondering where you were. You're so kind; you must take care of me." The lady said, "I specially invited
you to repay my kindness." Xu Hai bowed and said, "Madam, I am deeply grateful for your protection. I never forget it. Now that we have met again, I am overjoyed.
" He ordered his servants to bring two hundred taels of gold and four thousand taels of silver. Half was to be given to his master to aid his spiritual practice, to repay your kindness; the other half was to be given
to Grandma to care for her for the rest of her life, to repay the kindness of saving her life. Grandma kowtowed and accepted the gifts.

Jueyuan said, "We monks are based on compassion and use expediency as our means. Saving lives and rescuing those in distress is our very nature
. Why should Your Excellency bestow such a generous gift? I am a layman, and gold and silk are of no use to me. I am grateful for this gift of jade, which will be used for the army's expenses." Xu Hai said
, "This small amount is insufficient to repay your great kindness, but it is a small contribution to my spiritual practice. I hope Your Excellency will not refuse." The lady said, "Brother Dao,
your temple has been destroyed by war; you must repair it upon your return. Please accept this small gift." Jueyuan had no choice but to accept it. The lady ordered seats to be prepared, saying
, "Please, both of you, take a seat for now. Watch as I, Wang Cuiqiao, avenge myself today." Jueyuan and Granny sat below the lady.

A drum sounded, and the blue flag bearer called out names. The first group of prisoners entered. Bian Bao led Huan Shi, Ji Shi, Huan Ying, Huan Quan, Bo
Xing, Bo Po, and others to kneel. Their shackles were removed. The lady said, "Old Woman Bo dragged someone into the well, and Bo Xin sold himself into prostitution. Bo Xin kept his vow
, chopping her body into pieces with a knife and feeding it to the horses. Old Woman Bo beheaded him." The executioners responded and cut off Old Woman Bo's head. Bo Xin
rolled up a straw mat like a bundle of firewood and tied it tightly with rope. Two men held him, and one man raised a file, chopping from her feet to
her head into over a hundred pieces. A vibrant, alive person was instantly reduced to pieces of minced meat. Those who witnessed it were horrified. The report was relayed.
After grinding, the lady instructed that the mixture be added to the hay and fed to the horses separately.

Calling out to Lady Huan, Lady Huan trembled with fear and replied, "Madam, spare my life!" The madam said, "Miss Huan, you are
so cunning, so patient, so cruel to mock. Always leave a way out, so you can meet again in time. Today, you cannot
live." Lady Huan kowtowed repeatedly, saying, "Madam, this lowly concubine truly deserves ten thousand deaths. I only beg you to read my confession and write the scriptures, and leave
without further investigation. It's not that I don't respect you, but we are irreconcilable enemies. Unable to relinquish my affection, I created this feud. I beg your
forgiveness."

The madam lowered her head for a moment and said, "I wish to devour your flesh and skin you to quell the hatred of these two years. The reason you are not dead is that I will not
pursue you, and I still intend to release you. You cannot escape your punishment." Lady Huan said, "I will accept my punishment, but I only beg for leniency
." The madam said, "Who exactly kidnapped me in Linzi? Tell me quickly, and I will lessen your punishment." "Madam Huan said, '
Though the scheme was carried out by eunuchs and their lackeys, it was I, your humble servant, who issued the orders. The army followed the general's orders; it was truly my fault. They were merely following orders
. If they are used to atone for my crime, how can I bear it?' The Lady said, 'You are indeed a woman who bears resentment.' She ordered the executioners
to behead the eunuchs and their lackeys as a warning to the powerful servants of the eunuch family. The executioners responded and
took the eunuchs and their lackeys away. In a short while, two bloody heads were presented. Lady Wang ordered that Madam Ji be arrested and severely punished with thirty strokes of the cangue. The soldiers
all acted at once." Huan Shi embraced her, saying, "I'm willing to take her place." The lady said, "Yours is yours,
but her thirty [units of currency] must be repaid. How can we let that go unpunished!" Seeing this, the old woman immediately knelt down, saying, "This old servant is willing to take the place of my mistress." The lady said,
"This favor is too great; we have no choice but to listen. It's just that this old shrew is getting off easy. Old woman, you take her with you." The old woman thanked the lady
and helped Ji Shi out of the camp.

Ji Shi was over sixty years old. As a first-rank lady, she had never experienced the hardships and toil of official life. Since the robbery in Wuxi, she had suffered
endless suffering and torment. Adding to this was the chilling war, the ruthless killing by the military, and her advanced age and timidity; she too was frightened to death. The old woman
could only wait outside the camp for their bodies to come out.

When Lady Wang saw the old woman leading Ji Shi away, she ordered the palace maids to strip Huan Shi naked, hang her up and beat her a hundred times, and then send her back to the scholar's quarters
. The palace maids responded, grabbed Huan Shi's hair, and stripped her naked, leaving only a thin shred.
Her hair was hung high from the roof beam. One maid held one hand, while two others, each wielding a whip, began to strike. One
struck from above, the other from below. She was beaten like a fish thrown into ashes, an eel in boiling water, crying out in agony, her body twisted and turned,
not a single wound unscathed. After one hundred blows, the madam said, "Drag her out and have that scholar take her." Huan Shi was released,
half-dead. The soldiers responded and dragged her away, telling the scholar to lead her. The scholar thanked them repeatedly and took Huan Shi
. Huan Shi was barely breathing. The scholar sighed, "Wife, it's all because of your great power that I've been cut by the blade." He quickly
told his servants, Chunhua and Qiuyue, to carefully support the young lady, while he went to thank the madam and then carried her back. Shu Sheng entered the camp to apologize
, and the lady sent someone to say, "Let him go." Shu Sheng collected Ji's body and helped Huan's family home, where they rested
for half a year before recovering.

Meanwhile, Shi Zhao escorted Ma Bujin, Xiu Ma, and Chu Qing into the camp. The lady said, "Xiu Ma, do you recognize me?" Xiu
Ma replied, "Grandma, this little harlot doesn't recognize me." The lady said, "Find her head, let her see who I am!" A soldier
shouted, grabbed Xiu Ma's hair, and recognized her as Wang Cuiqiao. She repeatedly said, "This woman deserves to die ten thousand times, I only beg Grandma
to spare my life." The lady laughed, "You still want to live? How will you atone for your vow to the heavenly lamp!" She ordered the soldiers to
pour tar over Xiu Ma, head to the ground, feet to the sky, and light a lamp upside down to fulfill her vow. Ma Bujin's limbs
were spread open with a canopy, his skin ripped open, and his tendons pulled out, causing his limbs to split apart, to fulfill his vow. Then, they boiled a pot of pine resin and hemp skin
over a high flame until it melted, while a large vat of water was poured in nearby. They stripped Chu Qing naked, and one man poured boiling pine resin over her while another poured ice
water on her. Once cooled, they brought her in. The soldiers, receiving orders, took her out.

Before long, the soldiers had turned Xiu Ma into a large candle. Her head was visible underneath; she was still alive. Ma Bujin was already
on the shed, and Chu Qing was made to look as hard as iron. The lady ordered the candles lit, and the soldiers stood high to light them. The candles were lit right on Xiu Ma's feet
. At first, she seemed dead, but the burning brought her back to life, and she cried out in agony. The lady said, "Do you feel pain? How can you so
wantonly mutilate someone else's skin!" Xiu Ma was unconscious and unable to answer. The lady ordered that Ma Bujin's tendons be pulled out, and her body dismembered. Then she ordered
the soldiers to tear off the hemp skin from Chu Qing's body. The soldiers obeyed. They cut open Ma Bujin's skin at the tendon joint with a sharp knife,
hooked the tendon end, and pulled it off forcefully. Ma Bujin died instantly from the pain. After pulling out three or four tendons, with a crack, Ma Bujin's body
was torn to shreds. The lady ordered the tendons to be scattered into the sea to feed the fish, as punishment for his suffering while adrift.

Chu Qing was bound by pine resin and hemp skin; he was still alive inside, but unable to move outside. The soldiers approached,
picking at the remaining hemp skin, and ripped it off. Chu Qing's skin was already rotten from the pine resin, so they didn't need to exert any force
; a single pull and a piece of skin would fall off. In less than half an hour, Chu Qing was stripped bare, resembling a bloody mass. Although
a layer of skin had been peeled off, he was still breathing. The lady ordered a basin of lime water to be brought and poured on Chu Qing's body. Instantly, large blisters appeared
, which quickly rotted into pus and blood, the flesh fell away, the bones withered, and he died.

The lady rose and thanked Xu Hai, saying, "My deep-seated hatred has been avenged by Your Majesty's divine might. Even if I were to die a martyr, it would not be enough
to repay your kindness." Xu Hai replied, "To see injustice, to take up arms; to meet a friend, to offer one's head—this is the true nature of my men
. Moreover, between you and me, husband and wife, we have shared joys and sorrows, hardships and life and death. Now that your hatred has been avenged, the anger in your heart must be somewhat relieved, and the furrow between your brows must have lessened. When will I be able to reunite with your parents? My wish will then be fulfilled." The lady thanked him
repeatedly . 　　Jueyuan rose to take his leave. His wife asked, "Where do you intend to go, Daoist brother?" Jueyuan replied, "I admire the beauty of the Yue River and will now travel there." His wife said, "Your noble aspirations are too much for me to ask you to stay. I wonder if we will meet again?" Jueyuan said, "The meeting will not be far off, within five years." His wife said, "Then you are truly wise, Daoist brother." Jueyuan said, "I truly do not know. I met a Daoist nun named Sanhe, and heard profound explanations of the true meaning. She deeply understands good and bad fortune, saying that the emperor is wise and the royal aura is strong. Although there is temporary conflict, peace will eventually return. This year, I will surely meet an old friend amidst the conflict, and within five years, we will meet again. I did not fully believe it at first, but now I see my virtuous sister avenging her humiliation amidst the turmoil. The omen has been confirmed, and the future will follow. I heard she is on the banks of the Yue River; I am about to go and ask her for some news." His wife said, "Please ask her for the ending for me."

Yuan said, "I obey." The lady instructed that the looted luggage be returned to Master Jueyuan, ensuring nothing was lost. The soldiers returned the
luggage, listing each item clearly. The lady instructed a soldier: "Lead the soldiers to a peaceful place and retrieve the documents.
Keep one command arrow, one command flag, and one silver token with you, brother. If you encounter rebel soldiers, show them to avoid being
plundered." Jueyuan thanked her deeply and left.

Xu Hai ordered a grand feast for the three armies, a ceremony to clear the lady's name. Every soldier received a reward.
After three days of celebratory wine, a cannon fired, and the army set off. One could see:

whips cracking and stirrups jingling with joy, laughter echoing as they sang triumphant songs. Swords slayed the wicked, gold rewarded the virtuous, and a thousand hatreds were avenged in one fell swoop.

Mingshan led his troops back to the Great Wilderness, where bandits plundered from all sides, and their military might grew daily. The governor dispatched Lieutenant General Qiu Rao and Vice General Bu Ji with 10,000 troops
to meet the enemy, where they encountered Xu's army on the way. Xu Mingshan said to his wife, "Wherever my troops go, not a single one has dared to challenge us
. Today, by sheer luck, we have encountered this government army. Let me personally test their armor and the strength of their soldiers. My wife,
you oversee the battle. I will personally cut down the enemy general's banner to demonstrate the might of our army." After three drumbeats, the two armies opened fire. Mingshan rode out,
dressed in his finery:

a three-peaked hat, gleaming with gold; a lion-patterned armor, adorned with dragon scales; a crimson robe, embroidered with brilliant flowers; a golden axe, fluttering like clouds of war
. With pheasant feathers and a sable tail, he resembled a hero; with sword-like eyebrows and an iron face, he looked like the King of Hell. A long, flowing beard swept behind his head; he was Xu Gong, capable of stirring up mountains and seas.

He shouted, "The strong soldiers, come forth! The weak, stay away!" Seeing Xu Mingshan's imposing presence and murderous aura, Generals Qiu and Bu
charged forward on horseback, axes in hand. Their movements were like gods descending to earth, or demons descending to the mortal realm. Bu
Ji ordered Qiu Rao to face the enemy, saying, "You are a guerrilla general; you should be the first to charge." Qiu Rao replied, "You are a pure-hearted officer; why are you
pushing me forward?" The two pushed and shoved each other, unwilling to engage. Seeing this, Xu Mingshan roared, "So this is how government
troops fight! I'll storm your camp!" He spurred his horse, brandished his axe, and roared like a thunderclap
. He shouted, "All you men, follow me and storm the camp!" and charged ahead, charging at Qiu Rao. Qiu Rao dared not resist and ordered the garrison commander Kong Hun to meet him
. Kong Hun, having no other choice, charged forward on horseback with his spear. Xu Mingshan shouted, "You bird officer, prepare to die!" and charged forward with his spear. A sudden chill ran through him
, and he stumbled and fell from his horse. Ming Shan caught up, and with a single axe blow, cleaved him in two,
then unleashed a massacre. The government troops, Qiu Rao and Bu Ji, fled in terror, too afraid to engage. The scene of the defeated army was truly pitiful.

They charged through the ranks, felling banners. Horses trembled at the sound of drums and gongs, soldiers cowered at the shouts. Swords and spears clashed wildly, oblivious to the clash
; soldiers faced each other, unable to discern directions. The charging generals were like tigers, the advancing soldiers like flying bears. At first, both sides
were spirited; later, the tide turned. The defeated, like wounded birds, flew high at the sight of a crooked tree; the victors
, like hungry tigers climbing a cliff, rampaged through the flock of sheep. Those struck by swords were slashed from shoulder to back; those struck by axes were beheaded and disemboweled; those struck by swords had their intestines
spilled from their armor; those struck by spears had blood staining their robes. Men trampled each other; horses collided, leaving corpses strewn everywhere. The wounded and disabled soldiers cried out in anguish,
the archers wept bitterly. Drums and gongs were scattered across the ground, provisions and fodder were abandoned on the sandy banks. The fleeing enemy was pursued relentlessly, leaving a trail of blood and corpses. Soldiers died on the plains
, cattle and horses filled the valleys. Yesterday, a traveler passed through the battlefield, hearing the mournful cries of ghosts.

With the government army defeated, Xu Hai, riding the wave of victory, advanced swiftly. In less than three days, he captured five counties, his military might greatly increased. Suddenly, news
arrived that the governor's army had arrived, and only then did Xu Mingshan order a retreat. He saw Lady Wang and said, "I always looked down on China for its lack of talent, but I never expected to be so empty-handed
. If I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have waited until today to send troops." Lady Wang replied, "Your Majesty's might is not bestowed by men. I believe the court's army
is not entirely weak. However, peace has been maintained for too long, and people are unfamiliar with warfare. Military officers are accustomed to flattery, and civil officials are accustomed to currying favor. The commander-in-chief is unfamiliar with
warfare and lacks combat skills. Upon hearing the sound of drums and witnessing the might of battle, he becomes helpless and disregards life and death. Who would dare to
compete for victory? While there may be no heroes in the court, there are indeed heroes among the common people. The world has suffered from war for too long and must be actively
recruiting. Surely there are extraordinary talents and abilities among the common people who will answer the call! Your Majesty's fame spreads far and wide, and all who hear of it tremble with fear. I believe Your Majesty
should not worry about lacking might, but rather about becoming arrogant after a great victory. If the general is arrogant, the army will become complacent; if the army is complacent, the outcome of the battle will be uncertain. I hope Your Majesty will
... "Fear, good planning, advance according to the enemy's strength, and plan for victory before engaging in battle—then the path to hegemony can be foreseen."

Xu Hai was overjoyed and said, "Madam's words are reasonable." He ordered the three armies, large and small, to be strictly disciplined and to maintain order. Anyone who dared to
dart about, whisper among themselves, make a fuss, display unclear banners, have inadequate armor or weapons, be negligent in night patrols, or fail to provide accurate information would be dealt with
according to military law. Upon receiving the order, the three armies were in perfect order, a testament to their formidable military might.

The sky was filled with a murderous aura, with iron horses and golden spears floating in the air; ten thousand clouds of war fluttered high banners and great flags. Thousands of halberds, their leopard tails reaching the sky;
ten thousand steel swords, their dragon heads swallowing the sun. Axes and halberds clashed, javelins flew in dense array. Skilled swordsmen clashed, the mournful sound of horns
echoed; gleaming silver helmets, sharp as ice and snow. Embroidered robes and brocade jackets surrounded the vanguard on horseback; jade-belted soldiers attended the commander-in-chief in the center. The charging soldiers
were heroic and brave; the fighting warriors were awe-inspiring. It was just as the general chanted within the lotus-shaped tent, while the emperor trembled in the willow-lined camp. Only
because military strategy encompassed heaven and earth, even dragons and tigers dared not act.

Suddenly, a report came that the governor's office had sent someone to persuade them to surrender, and Xu Hai ordered them to be brought in bound. The military officer received the order, bound an old man, and made him kneel on the ground.
Xu Hai said, "Who are you? How dare you come to the tiger's den to provoke us? If you can reason with me, I'll spare your head; if not, know that
my sword will devour human flesh." The old man trembled and said, "My name is Hua, and my dog's name is Hua Ren. Your Excellency has long known that Your Majesty
is a hero of our time and greatly admires you. You wish to persuade Your Majesty to surrender, but you have no one to act as an intermediary. You would send an official, but you fear incurring
Your Majesty's wrath. Therefore, seeing that I am of high rank and have long enjoyed Your Majesty's protection and grace, you have sent me here." Xu
Hai said, "Tell me what Your Excellency has to say?"

Hua Ren said, "Your Excellency says that Your Majesty, though powerful and influential for a time, will not have a lasting legacy. It would be better to obey Heaven's will, care
for the people's lives, and submit to the court. You will then be granted a
title and honors, bringing glory to your ancestors. Your wife will receive an imperial decree, your son will wear the royal seal, and your name "Wouldn't that be beautiful in history? Why kill instead of living, creating chaos for peace, and becoming a target for all ages? I hope Your Majesty will consider this carefully.
" Xu Hai was furious and said, "How dare this old thief try to entice me! I live in a remote area, and although I cannot expand my territory, I still maintain my dignity and
call myself 'I, the sovereign.' Yet you want me to surrender, to become a lackey, to wag my tail and beg for mercy, to suffer the humiliation of those civil officials. Your words are hateful and irritating
!" He ordered the executioners to cut off the old man's head

. The executioners responded, grabbed the old man's head, and were about to cut it. Lady Wang quickly stopped him, saying, "Spare his life."
Then she calmly said to Xu Hai, "When two countries are at war, envoys are not killed. Whether he surrenders or not is up to me, what does it have to do with
the envoy? If you kill him, I fear the world will say that Your Majesty cannot tolerate anyone. Besides, the old man is just a commoner; even if he is unworthy, he should be spared. He tried to persuade me to surrender..."
He has rendered meritorious service without fault; to kill him would be inauspicious and would also close the path for future virtuous men. I have heard that those who achieve great things possess the magnanimity to encompass the world and
the grandeur to disregard the universe. Now, an old man has arrived; to not let him return alive would surely reveal my own narrow-mindedness and cowardice. I beseech Your Majesty to spare his life, to treat him with food and drink, and to allow the old
man to return home. This would allow you to spread your benevolence and power, to proclaim your virtue and courage, so that they may both fear your might and submit to your kindness. To keep a seemingly useless
old man will bring me boundless blessings; would the gain be more than enough? Xu

Hai thanked him, saying, "Your words are true, Madam." He then ordered Hua Ren to be untied, saying, "I should have killed you to show the Governor-General
my power. Madam said you were useless and not worthy of my execution, so she spared your life. I will also give you wine and food. Eat quickly and go back to pay your respects
to the Governor-General. You must explain that surrendering is not a trivial matter and cannot be lured by words. If you insist on my surrender, it will only be through war. I am unwilling to accept
this humiliation. If the Governor-General cannot grant me the task of a chicken's beak, how can I surrender quickly?
It is rare that you risked your life to come from afar. Here is a hundred taels of silver as a reward to calm your nerves." Old Hua kowtowed repeatedly, not daring to accept it. Madam said
, "Your Majesty's kindness is appreciated, Old Hua can accept it." Old Hua then kowtowed and thanked her before leaving.

He returned to report to the Governor-General, recounting Xu Hai's words in detail. The Governor-General, upon hearing this, looked worried. Old Man Hua said, "My lord, please rest assured,
there is still an opportunity." The governor asked, "What opportunity?" The old man said, "Although the fate of the bandit Xu is uncertain,
I sensed from his words that Lady Wang, whom he favors, seemed inclined to surrender. If we can establish a connection, we can use that to execute the bandit."
The governor said, "Since we have this opportunity, we cannot let it slip away!" He then richly rewarded Old Man Hua and sent him away.

He then gathered his officials and asked, "I wish to send an officer to persuade Xu Hai to surrender. Who dares to go?" General Luo stepped forward
and knelt down, saying, "General Luo is willing to go." The governor was overjoyed and said, "It is excellent that you go, but you must carefully consider the strategy. I have heard
that Xu Hai is brave and intelligent, skilled in battle and has won the hearts of his troops. He has been rampant for ten years without encountering a worthy opponent. Previous attempts to appease him have not only
failed..." They succeeded, but all were killed. I did not use officials to persuade them to surrender, but sent Old
Man Hua, because he had met Xu Hai before, hoping that he might have some acquaintances in his army, so that I could take advantage of the situation to enter. Now Old Man Hua said that Xu Hai's wife, Lady Wang, intends to surrender
, and Xu Hai is fond of her. This success can only be achieved through this woman. I have prepared three thousand taels of gold, fifty thousand taels of silver,
a thousand bolts of colored silk, two jade belts, a bushel of pearls, forty pairs of rhinoceros horn cups, two sets of brocade robes, a pearl crown, and a velvet tent.
Go and entice her to surrender, and the court will bestow a title upon her, bringing honor to both husband and wife, and lifelong happiness and prosperity. Select two maids and send them to serve Lady Wang
and persuade her to surrender. I heard that she is a woman from Beijing, whose father hid in a brothel and drifted to Linzi. She is skilled in new music and can play the erhu
. She has a deep longing for her homeland and parents. I will instruct the maids to use this to move her, and the matter will likely be eight or nine out of ten successful.” He then recruited capable women into the army to carry out
the plan.

There was a female criminal named Xuan Yi Niang, and another female criminal named Yu En Niang, both willing to sacrifice themselves to join the enemy and atone for their fathers' and husbands' sins. The governor
asked them what crimes their husbands and fathers had committed. One said: "My father was involved in a murder." The other said: "My husband was hanged and deserves to die." The governor then summoned
the husband and father, saying, "You two are criminals, both unforgivable. Your wife and daughter sacrificed themselves to enter the enemy camp in your place; their intentions are commendable
, and you are spared death." The two kowtowed and begged for forgiveness. A long plank was then broken, and the governor gave the two women a bag and two hundred taels of silver, instructing them
to take it into the enemy camp. The two women secretly gave one hundred taels to their father and husband. The father and husband then knelt before the governor, offering to accompany them on their journey. The governor granted their request
. Luo Zhongjun, leading twenty valiant soldiers, along with the two women, Xuan Yi and Yu En, headed towards Xu's camp.

After two months, the soldiers reported that Xu's troops had encamped ahead. Luo Zhongjun led the way, and a patrolman shouted, "Who
dares to roam here?" Luo Zhongjun replied, "I am a valiant officer under the governor, ordered by the governor to see the king.
" The patrolman said, "Wait a moment," and went to inform Xu Mingshan. Xu Mingshan asked how many men there were. The patrolling soldier said, "There's only
one officer, with no more than twenty men. There's a cart, but we don't know why." Xu laughed, "They must be trying to lure me into surrendering
." He ordered his soldiers to prepare a vat of boiling oil. He then summoned the central army commander, Luo, to come in. Luo entered from outside and saw the camp
filled with armor and weapons. In the center were a hundred vats of boiling oil, flanked by five hundred fierce swordsmen. Xu Mingshan sat upright, his hand on his long sword,
glaring at the central army commander.

Luo bowed deeply as he ascended, saying, "Luo pays his respects." Xu Mingshan roared in anger, "What kind of bird officer is this, so
disrespectful! Order the soldiers to boil this scoundrel alive!" Luo was so frightened that he knelt down repeatedly, pleading for mercy from the king. Xu Mingshan
laughed, "With your audacity, how dare you come as a persuader! Killing you would only sully my sword. Speak plainly, and I'll spare you from being boiled alive." Luo
Zhongjun was stunned for a long while before finally speaking, "By order of the Governor-General, I have long admired Your Majesty's noble character and have sent this humble official to offer this undeserved gift
as a birthday present for Your Majesty. Two maids have been sent to attend to Your Majesty." Lady Wang said from the side, "Since this is
an official sent by the Governor-General to deliver a gift, you must treat him with respect." Xu Mingshan then smiled and helped Luo Zhongjun up, saying, "I was just joking with Zhongjun; why
are you so frightened?" Luo Zhongjun said, "Your Majesty's divine might almost frightened me to death."

Xu Mingshan and Zhongjun exchanged greetings and sat down. Xu Mingshan asked, "What instructions does the Governor-General have for sending Zhongjun here?" Luo Zhongjun said,
"The Governor-General has heard that Your Majesty is a heroic man who will not be humiliated by corrupt officials, hence the use of force in the pond; such actions are truly forgivable.
Now..." " A minor official presents three thousand taels of gold, fifty thousand taels of silver, two jade belts, two sets of brocade robes, one thousand bolts of colored satin, one bushel of pearls,
forty pairs of rhinoceros horn cups, one pearl crown, one velvet tent, and two maidservants. I hope you will accept these gifts with a smile." Xu Mingshan said, "I have never met the Governor before
. How can I accept such generous gifts? There must be something you wish to discuss. Please speak frankly, General." The General said, "I have something to say,
and I dare to speak only if His Majesty will not rebuke me. Governor, please convey my deepest respects to His Majesty. His Majesty is a wise and virtuous ruler, and I wish to befriend you. Being a bandit
is not a long-term solution, and the lands beyond civilization are not a place to stay for long. The imperial fortune is flourishing, and heroes are emerging. With such a vast empire and so many people,
if..." To annihilate one side is tantamount to lifting Mount Tai to crush a pile of eggs! But Your Majesty, with your benevolent virtue, has issued an edict to offer amnesty. The Governor-General, with a heart of benevolence
, has diligently worked to appease you, hoping Your Majesty will lay down your arms and surrender. You may reform your ways and become a pillar of the royal family; you may quell the chaos and eliminate the remnants, becoming a cornerstone of the great nation
. We may share wealth and honor, and work together to strengthen our land. We hope Your Majesty will consider this carefully.” Xu Mingshan said, “Thank you for your kindness, Governor-General .
General, this matter is not something that can be resolved overnight; it is of great importance. If you fail, your life will be in danger. General, please return. I
dare not accept such a generous gift. We will discuss it again another day.” General said, “The decision to surrender is uncertain, and I dare not force you. The gifts from the Governor-General are specifically for
Your Majesty; I hope you will accept them.” Xu Mingshan said, “How can I accept his gifts?”

Lady Wang said, “He comes with gifts; accepting them will not harm you, but refusing them would leave a trace. It would be better to accept
his gifts He replied, "When two armies are facing each other, what harm is there in social interaction?" Xu Mingshan agreed. He then said to the central army, "I originally intended to decline this generous gift
, but I fear it would disappoint your lord's good intentions." He ordered the soldiers to accept the gifts. The soldiers, upon receiving the order, left the camp and soon presented gold and pearls.
Two women, dressed in elaborate palace attire, kowtowed. Except for Mingshan, who said, "Go to the inner palace to serve the Lady," two luminous pearls and four pairs of coral trees were presented as a gift to the Governor. One hundred taels of gold and one thousand taels of silver were given to General Luo. The remaining soldiers who had accompanied him were each given ten taels of silver as a token of their appreciation
before departing . 　　The two women, seeing that Lady Wang had kowtowed, conveyed the Lord Fu's intention to persuade the King to surrender: "If you, Madam, can persuade the King to surrender, then your husband will be honored, and you will return home in glory, becoming a noblewoman of the court—how glorious that would be! If he remains outside the borders, the outcome is uncertain. Madam was originally a filial daughter; if you now contribute to the country and persuade the King to surrender, relieving the emperor's and the nation's anxieties and saving the people from suffering, your merit would be immeasurable , your virtue unsurpassed. Formerly a filial daughter, now a loyal subject, we should petition the Emperor to commend you, allowing you to return home in glory, reuniting you with your father . In life, you will be honored; in death, you will be offered sacrifices. We hope that you will prioritize the emperor and the nation, and care for the people. Work diligently day and night to achieve this great undertaking. " Lady Wang nodded without speaking. Indeed: how many injustices in the world are hidden in silent bowing. 　　To be continued in the next chapter. ---------------- ...

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