Unofficial History of a Hundred Flowers (The Queen of a Hundred Flowers)

Chapter One: Chen Long Receives a Courtesan at the Inn
A poem reads
: "It's not that enemies are destined to meet, but when will this reunion end
? Knowing there's no mercy after death, I'd rather imprison the love I shared in life.
" The story goes that the monk Liao Ran ordered his disciple Fan Kong to take five taels of silver to fetch Wu Xiuying for entertainment. Xiuying accepted the silver and happily said, "Go back and pay your respects to your master. I still have a few days of official duties. I'll find a moment when I have time and go to meet you. There's no need to come again." Fan Kong replied to Liao Ran, who was overjoyed and looked forward to it every day.
Two days later, a man named Chen, a centurion, was on his way back from his mission to the capital. Passing through Liuzhou, he stopped at an inn and, hearing of Xiuying's name, took two taels of silver with a servant and delivered it to Xiuying's house, inviting her to meet him. The madam replied, "A guest is staying here and cannot leave immediately. He will come to your inn tonight." The messenger returned. Let's leave that aside for now. Now, let's talk about Xiuying getting into the sedan chair. On the way, she thought, "We're heading towards Mingtong Temple. It would be better to meet Liaoran first, to ease his worries, and then go to the inn later. It won't be too late." She quickly told the sedan chair bearers, and they arrived at Liaoran's room. Liaoran, upon seeing her, beamed with joy and led her into the quiet pavilion. He instructed Fankong to dismiss the sedan chair bearers and set out wine and food. The two drank together, and Liaoran recounted his longing since they last met. Xiuying, however, was only concerned with staying overnight at Chen Baihu's place and had no intention of lingering. She urged Liaoran to do so. Liaoran told her to undress and go to bed, but Xiuying only took her clothes with her. Liaoran, hearing her words, was greatly displeased and had to finish quickly. Xiuying rose to take her leave. Liaoran, knowing it would be difficult to persuade her to stay, became jealous and resentful. He saw her out of the room and called for the sedan chair. Fankong said, "I thought she would stay here." "Send them away," Xiuying said. "The inn is on West Market Street, but it's inconvenient to walk alone. It's dusk now, so there shouldn't be many people around. Please escort me there." Liaoran had no choice but to reluctantly escort her. On the way, he asked, "Young lady, do you remember when we first met last year? Did you call me 'Monk's Darling'?" Xiuying replied, "When I had money, I was your darling. Now that you're broke, you're no longer my darling." Liaoran was furious. "I've spent half a year and a fortune on you! Why do you suddenly say such heartless things?" Xiuying said, "Master, don't say I'm protecting you, a monk. Of course, I have to pay more for you." Liaoran said, "I'm giving you five taels of silver today. Are you just going to accept it like this?" Xiuying said, "We're still old friends. I'm considering your feelings. If it were another monk, I'm afraid you wouldn't be able to get it." Liaoran was furious. He picked up a stone and slammed it down on the top of his head. He was beaten to death. It happened right at the entrance of Chen Baihu's inn. Seeing him dead, they hurriedly returned to the temple, not even informing the monks.
At dawn, the commotion alarmed the locals. They told the madam, who then reported the matter to the prefect. This prefect was none other than Lord Bai. Lord Bai, newly appointed to Liuzhou, immediately sent men to arrest Baihu Chen Long and the innkeeper Lü Xiao'er. Lord Bai asked Baihu, "You are an official of the court. Drinking and frequenting brothels are forbidden by law. Why did you commit such a violent act, beating someone to death?" Chen Long replied, "I did indeed pick him up, but he never came to the inn. I don't know who killed him at the entrance." The madam said, "You sent a servant with two taels of silver to pick him up. There was no other arrangement. If he didn't come to the inn, where did he go?" Lord Bai then asked Chen Long, "His body is now outside your inn. How can you say he didn't go?" Chen Long replied, "He came on foot." "It came by sedan chair," said the madam. "It was carried by a hired sedan chair," said the centurion. "Since it came by sedan chair, surely no one in the inn saw it? Please ask the innkeeper, sir." Lü Xiao'er stepped forward and reported, "There are many people in the inn, and no one saw a sedan chair arrive." Bai Gong asked the madam, "Do you recognize the sedan chair bearers?" The madam replied, "They were just passing by. I don't actually know their names." Bai Gong was suspicious and had the centurion punished with twenty strokes of the cane and imprisoned. Two months later, the son-in-law Zhang Ji was on an inspection tour of Liuzhou. The father-in-law and son-in-law brought up this case for trial. Unexpectedly, Inspector Zhang woke up from a nap, ordered them to be taken away, and then left the private office to rest. He slept until midnight and had a dream. He went to a temple and saw eight characters posted on the wall:
"It's clear at a glance. Why suffer from lovesickness ?
" Chapter Two: Yun Nu cleverly disguises herself as a wronged soul
. The poem reads
: "Daily he indulges in drinking and frequents brothels. This amorous monk is no ordinary person."
His robes were often stained with rouge. When he picked them up, he smelled the fragrance of flower powder.
Inspector Zhang suddenly awoke. It was all a dream. He thought, "Yesterday I was questioning Commander Chen about this dubious case. Why did I have this dream?" He replied, "It's all clear at a glance. Why bother thinking? It's clearly the truth." The next day, he sentenced Commander Chen to death. His inspection tour was over, and he was about to issue the warrants when a fellow scholar from another prefecture, Wang, came to visit. After exchanging greetings, Wang hurriedly asked where he was staying. Wang replied, "I'm temporarily staying in Liaoran's room at Mingtong Temple." Upon hearing the name Liaoran, Inspector Zhang became suspicious. His fellow scholar had left, so he himself went to Mingtong Temple by sedan chair to pay his respects. Wine was served at the temple. Inspector Zhang strolled along the west corridor and saw two lines of writing on the wall:
"I only wish to be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss, to avoid the suffering of unrequited love in this life.
" He was startled upon seeing this. He thought to himself, "The monk's name is Liaoran. Could it be that he killed Wu Xiuying?" He then sat down with Wang, who was of the same rank, as host and guest. Liaoran served tea. Zhang asked, "What is the monk's name?" Wang replied, "It is indeed Liaoran. He is known for his virtuous conduct and composes excellent poems." Zhang asked, "The poem on the west corridor wall, is that your work?" Liaoran kowtowed and said, "I dare not." Zhang feigned politeness, "So you are a poet-monk. I have been disrespectful. I would like to invite you to speak with my yamen tomorrow." Liaoran replied, "I dare not." A gatekeeper came and reported, "The banquet is over. Please, gentlemen, attend." Zhang and Wang went to the main hall and took their seats. A play was performed in the hall. The banquet lasted until nightfall. Zhang then
took his leave and returned to his yamen. The next day, Wang sent someone to deliver a thank-you note. Zhang asked, "When will your master depart?" The servant replied, "He will depart tomorrow." Zhang Yuan thought to himself, "If I arrest Liao Ran today, Brother Wang will surely ask for favors. I'll wait until he leaves before arresting him." The next day, he personally escorted Wang Jinshi off the boat. Upon returning to the yamen, he immediately ordered his men to arrest Liao Ran. He made Liao Ran kneel in the hall. Zhang Yuan asked, "Wu Xiuying is here to accuse you." Liao Ran panicked and said, "This humble monk doesn't know anything about Wu Xiuying." Zhang Yuan said, "No need for torture. I expect you won't confess. Guards, quickly put him in your place." Both sides responded. Liao Ran removed his shoes and socks and was put in the place. Liao Ran cried out like a pig being slaughtered, "Grandpa! I'm being wronged! This didn't happen!" Seeing that he wouldn't confess, Zhang Yuan extorted another hundred coins. He stubbornly denied it to the death. Zhang Yuan said, "Take him to the county jail for further questioning another day." He then retreated to the private yamen, thinking, "Could I have wronged him? Those eight words, 'It's all clear at a glance, why bother with lovesickness,' are clearly true. Moreover, after encountering this couplet, there's no doubt about it." How could he refuse to confess even at the cost of his life? He thought about it until midnight before finally falling asleep.
Two days later, the young apprentice, Fan Kong, wrote a guarantee to vouch for Liao Ran. Zhang Yuan thought for a while and said, "If it's like this, then you'll know the truth." He then said, "Fan Kong, I shouldn't have allowed you to vouch for me, but considering you're a monk and a follower of the Three Jewels, I'll allow it. Go tomorrow morning; you can go back today." Fan Kong kowtowed and said, "May you be a nobleman for generations to come." He left. Zhang Yuan followed briskly and went to call the madam. He made her kneel in the hall. Zhang Yuan dismissed the servants and had the madam kneel in front of him. He said, "Do you think there are any prostitutes in the brothel who resemble Xiu Ying?" The madam replied, "There is a girl named Yun Nu who looks exactly like me." Zhang Yuan said, "Tonight, have her pretend to be Xiu Ying's wronged spirit and lie prostrate outside Mingtong Temple. When Liao Ran walks by, grab her and shout..." "Return my life, Liaoran! Let's see what he says. If he reveals anything, I'll have him arrested immediately. Human life is a serious matter; it must not be leaked!" The madam kowtowed and said, "I dare not disobey." She left the yamen and went straight home. She told Yunnu about the matter, explaining everything. Yunnu understood, dressed herself up, and waited for nightfall to tease Gou Tu.
Meanwhile, Zhang Yuan, seeing that it was getting late, sent someone to the county jail to retrieve Liaoran and send her to the temple. He also explained Yunnu's situation to the messenger, as it was indeed true. He was to bring her back immediately. The messenger obeyed and left the yamen. At dusk, he went straight to the county office and said he wanted to take Liaoran. The magistrate ordered the jailer to immediately bring Liaoran to the jailer's office. Liaoran said, "Officer, I don't know why you want to take me now." The messenger said, "Your disciple, Fankong." They presented a guarantee at the inn. The magistrate, taking pity on you as a Buddhist disciple, granted the request. He specifically sent two men to escort you to the temple. No food or drink were provided. "What's wrong?" Liao Ran asked. "We will naturally thank you once you arrive at our temple," the guard said. "It's almost midnight. Hurry up, we're hungry. Although there's a moon in the sky, it's shrouded in clouds, and we're still several miles away." As they spoke, they reached the gate of Chen Baihu's house. Liao Ran felt a chill run down his spine. After taking a few more steps, a cloud of sand was thrown at his head. Liao Ran was greatly startled. The two guards deliberately said, "Oh no! This sand was thrown by a ghost! What should we do?" They then heard the sound of ghostly wailing approaching. The three men panicked. Liao Ran said, "Let's go back to the inn to rest and come to our temple tomorrow morning." Just as the guards were about to reply, a woman with disheveled hair appeared in the darkness, grabbed Liao Ran, and cursed... "You heartless bald man! What have I, Xiuying, done to wrong you? You beat me to death! I've already pleaded with the King of Hell! Now, quickly come with me to see the King of the Underworld!" Liaoran was chilled to the bone, unable to utter a sound. The two men feigned fear and quickly moved away. After a while, Liaoran cried out, "Sister, it is truly I who have wronged you! If you have mercy, I will return to the temple to perform a ritual to help you pass on." Yunnu said, "I doubt you, you poisonous bald man, are truly sincere. I will simply go with you. We'll see what happens next.
" (Chapter 3: Bai Gong Retires and Marries a Beautiful Concubine)
"Sister," Liao Ran said, "our feelings for each other are not shallow either. How could I not have had some thoughts?" Yun Nu said, "What's wrong with me? Why did you beat me to death?" Liao Ran said, "It was only because you wanted to stay at Chen Baihu's house that I got jealous and hit you once. Who would have thought you would die?" At this time, the brothel runners and the madam all heard the story and rushed forward, grabbed Liao Ran, and locked him up with iron chains. They were taken to the gate of the magistrate's office. It was just dawn. A short while later, Magistrate Zhang held court. He had Liao Ran brought in and told him everything Yun Nu had said. Magistrate Zhang was furious and said, "What a vicious bald man!" He immediately sent men to the county to bring Chen Baihu for interrogation. Magistrate Zhang asked Liao Ran what he had to say. Liao Ran lowered his head and remained silent. He wrote a confession, put him in a long cangue, expelled the madam Chen Long, rewarded Yun Nu with one tael of silver, and had Liao Ran beaten forty times. He was imprisoned and awaiting execution. Zhang Yuan wrote a memorial to the throne overnight. A few days later, the draft was submitted to the Ministry, where the final decision was to be made. The execution would take place in the autumn. Those watching at the execution ground chanted:
"They say monks are happy, but they are truly tyrannical. Wearing black robes and shaved heads, they put on such an act, bald on top and bald on the bottom. The lower half is balder than the top. Only when bald, bald, bald, bald, bald is a true monk with two heads.
" After the matter was settled, Prefect Bai went to see Inspector Zhang Yuan. He said, "If it weren't for my son-in-law's talent and wisdom, how could you have made such a brilliant decision? I am over fifty and still have no children. I wish to return home. I hope my son-in-law will petition immediately." Inspector Zhang Yuan immediately agreed. But let's leave that aside for now. Just the day after, when Prefect Bai returned home, his desire for a son was so strong that he married six beautiful concubines. The more he wanted one, the less it affected him. The First Madam said, "You are over fifty years old, quite old indeed. Looking at your current state, there's no hope of having any offspring. We must investigate your wives and find a suitable heir to inherit the family fortune, lest any mishap lead to the loss of this vast wealth and the absence of descendants. It would be too late for regrets then." Bai Gong said, "Your words are reasonable." He then arranged for his younger brother's second son, Bai Yun, to be married off and adopted. Bai Yun was only nine years old, a time when he should be focusing on his studies. Bai Gong then informed his relatives and friends about hiring a tutor. One day, a relative recommended a fourth-class student named Hou Shan, who didn't seem to be from this area. Bai Gong, seeing his quiet demeanor, accepted the offer. That day, Bai Gong felt quite bored and wanted to visit West Lake. He returned after a short while, taking a few servants with him. He bid farewell to his wives and concubines, then went to the study to say goodbye to his tutor, and left. The servants, wives, and maids, upon seeing their master leave, were like birds released from their cages, rushing off to play near the gate. No one even brought tea to the study. The lady instructed Su Mei, the maidservant who served the concubine from Yangzhou, to bring tea to the study. The scholar said, "Thank you for bringing it, sister. I am guilty." Su Mei put down the tea and left. A short while later, laughter could be heard coming from inside, all heading towards the front hall. The scholar asked Baiyun, "Who is so happy?" Baiyun stood up and looked outside, but didn't come back in for a long time. Seeing that Baiyun wasn't coming, the scholar went to call him. He left the study and looked towards the back of the hall. He saw six beauties, each as
charming
as Xi Shi of the Wu Palace, as beautiful as Wang Zhaojun of the Northern Frontier. They were like fairies pounding frost, or perhaps even a fairy descended from heaven. They were as plump as Yang Guifei. Slender and delicate, like a swallow fluttering lightly. When did the immortals depart for
distant lands? The portraits in the Golden Valley Stone Garden remain. Although the gentleman has been a tutor year after year, visiting various gentry households, he has never seen a family with six women of unparalleled beauty. So charming and beautiful, each one lovely. Looking beneath their skirts, their shoes varied in length and size. Only one beauty, wearing a black crepe-blouse, had truly exquisite small feet, utterly captivating. Just as he was peering around, the gatekeeper announced that Master Xu had come to see the First Madam. Hearing this, the six beauties turned and ran inside. What happened next? Let's find out in the next chapter.
Chapter Four: The Old Marquis's Gate Threshold Causes Laughter
. The six beauties turned and ran towards the back courtyard. The gentleman, fearing a loss of face, panicked and hurriedly turned back, forgetting the gate threshold of the back courtyard. He tripped and fell face-first to the ground. The beauties saw this. Unable to suppress a laugh, she covered her mouth. There was a seven-character phrase:
"Priceless, worth a thousand pieces of gold. It can smooth two furrowed brows. Sometimes it can tear the skin from the lips. Then it can bring a burst of joy. Those who see it burst into laughter. Beauties clutch their bellies and rub their navels. Children clap their hands and giggle. Young and old alike are all in harmony.
" The gentleman fell. He couldn't get up for a moment. Baiyun came to help him. All the beauties covered their mouths and went inside. The gentleman returned to his room and sat down. He said to Baiyun, "Because you haven't come for a long time, I went to call you. Unexpectedly, the women went in. In my haste to avoid them, I forgot the threshold and tripped and fell. These women laughed at me." Baiyun said, "It was my cousin Xu who came to visit my mother. These aunts were avoiding him and walked too fast, causing you to fall." The gentleman said, "This fall is actually a sign of success. Tell me, which aunt is that one wearing a black gauze jacket with small feet?" Baiyun said, "This is my new concubine whom I married in Yangzhou two years ago. Her surname is Li. She is skilled in everything—music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and needlework. My parents love her very much and have entrusted her with managing the family's treasury. Su Mei, who just brought tea, is my new concubine's maid." The teacher said, "Although it's not late, I fell and cannot sit for long. Let's go in and discuss the lesson.
" Baiyun came out and replied,
"A beautiful woman from the South, her jade-like face is truly lovely.
" Baiyun hesitated for a long time before replying. The teacher said, "You just said that my new concubine is very clever. Why don't you take it and ask her to compare it?" Baiyun got up and left. The teacher said, "This lesson should only be known to my new concubine. If others know, they will say that you are not talented, and my parents will not be happy." Baiyun said, "No need to tell her." He went straight to his new concubine's room, took out the lesson, and asked her to compare it. The new concubine looked at it and smiled. This rascal, who doesn't fall and doesn't die, still tries to be clever.
He then wrote:
"The scholar of the Western Study, so humble yet feigning refinement.
" Baiyun brought it over. The teacher looked at it and laughed. "He's mocking me for falling. He's quite the character. But I shouldn't have challenged him, and he shouldn't have mocked me. I'll revise another couplet for him and see what he thinks.
" "The scholar of the Eastern Wall, his methods of stealing fragrance are the most skillful.
" Having written it, he said to Baiyun, "My new concubine is making fun of me. Take this in and show it to her. Is it revised well?" Baiyun brought it in. The new concubine looked at it and said, "This thing is despicable. Let's leave it here and tease him a bit." She called, "Young master, tell him that this couplet is well-written and that we'll leave it for the master to review when he returns." Baiyun came to the study and told the truth. The teacher panicked. "If we really show it to the master, what will become of our dignity?" He told Baiyun to go in and retrieve it. The new concubine deliberately refused to give it to him. He ordered a servant to bring out his supper. He couldn't eat anything, sighing and lamenting until late into the night. He didn't eat anything, but the servant still put it away. The new concubine saw it and laughed, "I was just joking, but he took it seriously and couldn't eat. I'll have Su Mei return it to him tomorrow morning." The next morning, she wrote the first couplet on the back:
"Such a bold move isn't very impressive.
I immediately had Su Mei take it back." Su Mei, who was very sharp-tongued, saw the teacher and said, "Last night you didn't eat or drink. I guess you were trying to steal a kiss. The east wall is high, and you fell and hurt yourself. I repeatedly told the new concubine to return it to you. What will you give me in return?" Old Hou, seeing the couplet, was overjoyed, saying, "Good sister, I'll be in your womb tomorrow and give birth to a plum to repay you." Su Mei, knowing she was teasing him, retorted, "This will be a sour baby, a sour one at that." She went in smiling. To be continued
... Chapter Five: Su Mei Sends a Poem to the New Concubine
... Su Mei went in smiling. Old Hou was about to tear up the paper with the couplet when he saw two lines written on the back. He read, "Such boldness is not very impressive." He then had a sudden thought:
"Exactly!
A moment of romantic misfortune will leave a lasting reputation for frivolity.
" Old Hou said, "His eight characters clearly say I'm not bold enough. He's telling me to be bolder. I'll just write a few love poems and send them to him. If he's interested, he'll surely reply. If he even leaves a couplet, I have his handwritten comments here. What am I afraid of?" After finishing her morning homework, Bai Yun picked up a brush and wrote:
"The elegant and refined Zhuo Wenjun, uses this as a substitute for Sima Qin.
A predestined connection in this life, sown in a past life. How can we bear to be so close yet so far?"
It is also said:
The twin jades of Lantian have taken root. They met and were immediately etched in our hearts.
Priceless treasures are easily found throughout the land; true lovers are rare indeed.
After finishing writing, he sealed it. That afternoon, Su Mei brought tea again. The gentleman said, "Sister Mei, there's another pair today. Could you please give one to the new aunt?" Su Mei said, "Don't rush things tomorrow." The gentleman said, "Now that I have the new aunt's birth date here, it's a matter of marriage. What's the rush?" Su Mei hurriedly asked, "What birth date?" The gentleman smiled and said, "These birth dates are the birth dates." Su Mei had no choice but to take it inside. The new aunt opened it and said, "This gentleman is becoming increasingly rude. This time, he must be kept for the master to see. Send him back." Su Mei said, "He said he's not afraid. He has the new aunt's birth date as the birth date. If the master sees it, it might cause trouble. Just ignore him." Now, let's talk about Bai Gong's third concubine. Her surname was Wang. Because he was from Suzhou, she was called Aunt Su. Her feet were larger than the new aunt's. However, both had many charming features. Her nickname was Chu Chu, and she was also a woman with a basic understanding of literature. He and his new aunt were very close. Just then, he came to his new aunt's room. Seeing the poem on the table, his new aunt explained the reason for yesterday's poem. She said he had originally intended to tell his master about it, but because of the eight characters he wrote in his reply, he feared it would arouse suspicion. So she simply ignored it, letting him have his way. Chuchu said, "Yesterday you stole from us, suffered a fall, and are no longer behaving like a gentleman. Now you're doing this again. You're a prodigal son." His new aunt burned the poem. Su Gu returned to her room, thinking, "My master has a fortune of ten thousand, but lacks a son. Now I can use this opportunity to cultivate a relationship with the scholar, a little bit of his selfishness. If we can have a son, it will be a lifelong blessing. I shouldn't miss this chance.
" Indeed, it's like using
someone else's resources to benefit oneself.
Chuchu immediately picked up a box of agarwood incense. The maid Chunxiang secretly took it, saying that the new aunt had asked her to deliver it to the teacher and convey her regards. She also warned Su Mei, who was quick to speak, not to tell him anything, regardless of rank, until she came out to relay the message. Chunxiang went to the study, just as Baiyun had gone outside. Chunxiang handed him the incense box and instructed him on how to use it, word for word, to deliver to Old Master Hou. The teacher was overjoyed, clapping his hands and laughing, "Sister, please sit here a while. Let me write a few words to send to the new aunt:
'I am deeply grateful for your kind kindness in bestowing upon me this incense. Even the finest fragrances cannot compare. I bow twice to accept it. The incense penetrates to my very bones; my gratitude is etched in my heart. I offer these few words to express my humble feelings. The fairy maiden bestowed this Guanghan incense, which permeates my clothes and perfumes my bed. My feelings are like Wenjun seeking Sima, and my intentions like Jia Yi gifting Han Yu. I am ashamed to lack the jade to repay your kindness; I must sing a poem of fragrant grass.'" Let me express my deepest feelings with this pen. My love for you is boundless.
Seal it well. Hand it to Chunxiang and say, "Give my regards to my new aunt. My heart is full of unspoken thoughts. I don't know what will happen. Let's find out in the next chapter.
" Chapter Six: A Secret Affair in Chunxiang's Pavilion
. Now, as Chunxiang received the letter and was about to leave, Old Hou, seeing her unusually flirtatious demeanor, became aroused. He said, "Chunxiang, please go into the inner chamber. I have something important to say." Chunxiang, unaware of the reason, went into the master's bedroom. Old Hou, anxious, said, "I see you are young and beautiful. If you grant me a little pleasure, I would be eternally grateful." Chunxiang didn't answer, her face flushing red. Old Hou, knowing she understood, grabbed her and pushed her to the bedside. He pulled down her trousers and began to do his business. He was afraid Baiyun would see, so he just made do. Chunxiang got up and tidied her hair. He smiled and left the study. He went back inside and handed the letter to Chu Chu. Chu Chu read it and smiled, saying,
"Exactly! Substituting a plum for a peach
, calling a deer a horse
." Chu Chu harbored her own selfish motives. She would often have Chun Xiang send her sachets and flowers, very discreetly, so no one knew. One day, Old Hou happened to leave his study and encountered his new aunt coming out. He pondered deeply and bowed. The new aunt turned and walked away. Old Hou thought, "How could we have been so close these past few days? Why is she ignoring me today?" He guessed and suspected that she was afraid of being seen, hence her avoidance. She was quite shrewd. He decided to send her another poem, asking for her reply and seeing her reaction.
He wrote:
"I think of my beautiful lady day and night, and dream of her all night long.
In my dreams, I am filled with love and affection, but upon waking, I cannot touch her again.
" He also wrote...
Forgetting to eat and sleep, consumed by lovesickness. Short sighs and long lamentations, known only to myself.
A single plea from a devoted
lover, a single thread of affection, is worth more than a luminous pearl. The poem is sealed. Just then, Chunxiang brings a sprig of jasmine. The gentleman smiles, "Just as I predicted." He quietly gives the poem to Chunxiang. Chuchu opens it and says, "Time is of the essence. While I await a reply, I'll write a few lines to help her achieve her wish.
" She writes:
"The luminous pearl, hidden away, no longer shines as it usually does.
Thinking of you, like a thirsty dragon yearning for water, I send some clouds and rain to the high heavens.
" She seals it and tells Chunxiang to close the door and sleep tonight, without leaving the lights on, and to come back late at night. Chunxiang goes out and repeats Chuchu's words to the gentleman. The old master hears this and is overjoyed, as if a worm is burrowing into his heart. There, Zhu was busy kissing Chunxiang. He wanted to do it again. Chunxiang, seeing things weren't going well, (cleverly) swiftly lifted her lotus feet and ran into the courtyard. Old Hou couldn't wait for dusk. He wanted to drink a few more cups of wine before closing the door and going to sleep fully clothed. Chuchu had Chunxiang open all the doors first. As dusk approached and the courtyard was quiet, she and Chunxiang quietly slipped out through the doors and arrived at the study door. Chunxiang went back inside. Chuchu went to the bedside and touched the teacher. Still half-asleep, she pushed him. The teacher was startled and quickly got up, pressing his face against Chuchu's and calling out, "Darling! What a wonderful woman!" Chuchu, being a sensible woman, immediately touched his penis and found it unusually large and strong like iron. Old Hou hurriedly helped him undress, spread his legs, and thrust into his flower. Chu Chu, whom Bai Gong married, had never experienced such pleasure. Those charming and alluring scenes were difficult to describe in words.
A wisp of spring breeze pierced through the crabapple blossoms, her fragrant sweat soaking her silken robes.
The beauty of it all was only in her heart; her relaxed posture held a lingering charm.
It was also said:
Though their forms differed, their essence was the same; a natural and harmonious union.
Their mutual affection and intimacy were all contained in that single, tender moment.
After a while, the two stopped their passion. Master Zhu said, "That day I saw six beautiful women, but your feet were the most exquisite. My lady, please place them on top of my manhood to dispel my initial desires." Chu Chu's feet were large; she feared he would recognize them. So she said, "My feet hurt. How can I place them?" What will happen next? Let's hear the next chapter.
Chapter Seven: Chu Chu Secretly Takes the Red Embroidered Shoes
. It is said that Chu Chu said, "My feet hurt. How can I place them?" "I'll bring you an old shoe tomorrow night for your amusement," the gentleman said. "This shows my great kindness," he replied, then inquired about the previous events in detail. Chu Chu, feigning the mannerisms of a new aunt, answered. The gentleman believed her and was very pleased. Before he knew it, the rooster crowed three times. Chu Chu got up, dressed, and took her leave. The gentleman saw her to the back hall. Chu Chu closed the door tightly and went to her room to sleep. She
didn't get up until late afternoon to wash and dress. Remembering the shoe, she hurried to the new aunt's room. Just then, the new aunt was preparing food in the kitchen. Chu Chu took the opportunity to steal a large red phoenix-patterned shoe from her bedside, hiding it in her sleeve. Returning to her room, she thought, "Now that I'm sure of the new aunt, I have no doubts." That evening, she took the red shoe and acted as she had the previous night. She returned it the next morning, and this had happened more than ten times. The gentleman asked her that night, "I heard you manage the treasury. Why not give something to a friend?" Chu Chu replied, "Wait a moment. I will naturally give something." The next day... Chu Chu thought to herself, "He treats me like a new aunt, hoping to help me. If I give it to him, I have no savings. If I don't give it to him, I won't be like a new aunt." She then went to her new aunt's room and took back any lost items. However, her new aunt's room was also missing wine vessels and clothing, which Chu Chu had given to the teacher. Old Hou was very happy.
Unexpectedly, a day later, Bai Gong returned from West Lake and came out to see the teacher, supervising Bai Yun's studies. He was very envious and thought, "This is a good teacher." He deeply respected and loved him. At this time, Chu Chu could only meet him two or three nights out of ten days. The teacher, having been studying until mid-December, would choose a day to leave the school and go to see Bai Gong to discuss the matter. Bai Gong, seeing that she had brought this up, said, "I have something to tell you. The second day of the new year is the fiftieth day of the lunar calendar. I will inevitably be busy for a few days. I will present my tuition tomorrow." Mr. Qu is spending the New Year here. Next year, I hope to be able to rely on you. I wonder what your opinion is? The gentleman thought to himself, "I will send my tuition home. My parents and wife will take care of things. Spending the New Year here will ensure the school's stability next year. Besides, my new aunt's kindness is wonderful. I fear losing this school. Now that I have this opportunity, how can I refuse?" He then said, "I respectfully accept your request. Since you have bestowed this favor, I will find a place in the countryside tomorrow and send it home as soon as possible. Then I can rest assured."
The next day, Mr. Hou went to Liuli Street to inquire about villagers returning home. He happened to run into a neighbor, also of the same age, named Shi Jiang. Shi Jiang was staying at the Wang family's inn near Yigong Bridge. Upon seeing Hou Shan, he asked, "Brother, where are you setting up your school this year?" Hou Shan replied, "At the Bai family's residence. I only have one student, and my tuition is twenty-four taels. However, since it's New Year's Day two days later, my wife is turning fifty, and I fear there will be congratulatory messages. The old master invited me to stay for the New Year, and I had some tuition to send home. I was looking for a friend to help me send it home. I'm so grateful to have met you, brother. I dare to trouble you." Shi Jiang said, "This is just a side note. Why not? I'll come to your place tomorrow to collect it." Hou Shan bid farewell to Shi Jiang and spent another night with Chu Chu. The next day, when he finally got up, Bai family sent someone with a gift card, twenty-four taels of tuition and two taels of festival gifts. Hou Shan accepted it, saying, "Thank you very much. Thank you for your trouble." He then wrote a door card. He sealed the gifts and sent them away. Before he could even wash up, Shi Jiang arrived at his study. Hou Shan hurriedly said, "Excuse me, please sit down. I wasn't feeling well this morning and only just got up. I apologize for not greeting you properly. Please have a servant bring tea." He then began washing up, writing a letter, and preparing the gifts, totaling twenty-six taels, all sealed away. Unexpectedly, Shi Jiang went to his stationery to get a comb to comb his hair. He noticed something red under the shelf. Lifting it from the top shelf, he saw a pair of red embroidered shoes with a letter inside. Shi Jiang quickly took them and tucked them into his sleeve. He put his stationery back in order, sat down, and Hou Shan, having finished his work, put on his Taoist robe, bowed again, and handed over the silver and letter. He then pulled Shi Jiang to a tavern for a brief chat. Soon, wine, food, and fruit were laid out. After a few drinks, Shi Jiang wanted to ask about the red shoes. Fearing he might hesitate to speak, I decided to fabricate a story. I'll summon a lover to tease him, and then he'll naturally reveal his true feelings. So I said, "Brother Hou, you, as a teacher, are honored and without shame. You are a free and easy immortal in this world. I wonder what will happen next? Let's find out in the next chapter.
" Chapter Eight: Using a Lover's Scheme to Inquire About the Truth
. Now, Hou Shan asked, "How do you know I'm a free and easy immortal?" Shi Jiang replied, "Two years ago, I was in a wealthy family in Yuhang. A young widow was staying at her parents' home to observe mourning. She was quite clever. At that time, I was in the library. I wrote a poem about my feelings and pasted it on the wall:
'A bell awakens a thousand-year dream; the Five Classics pierce half a lifetime's heart;
three winters' work in the library; ten years' life in the forest of calligraphy.
' One day, I went out to visit a friend. He entered the study and circled my four lines of crooked poetry. When I got home, I asked who had circled them." He then quietly sent a maid out and said, "It was my young lady who selected it. She said that Mr. Dao's words are like pearls, and she truly admires them. Therefore, she selected it without permission. At this moment, I will write a poem about Wenjun's elopement with Sima Xiangru and send it to her." He then sent out a poem about Cui and Zhang's romantic rendezvous under the moon. "In the evening, they became friends and companions. Moreover, there were many private gifts. That was still a commoner's family. Now, you live in such a wealthy family, with concubines and servants. You should also find one to dispel your loneliness." Hou Shan smiled but did not answer. Seeing that he was being forced to stay silent, Shi Jiang said, "You talk a lot but drink little. Let's play a game of rock-paper-scissors." Hou Shan lost five cups in a row and was already full of wine. Shi Jiang then provoked him, saying, "Think about it, even casual relationships in this world require a person to be fortunate enough to be one. If one is not fortunate enough, one cannot even dream of being one in a lifetime." Hou Shan said, "These are common occurrences in families. Why mention them?" Shi Jiang laughed loudly and said, "According to what you said..." After all, some interesting things had happened. At that time, Hou Shan, emboldened by alcohol, recounted the whole story of his new aunt. Shi Jiang said, "I thought, in such a wealthy family, surely there's someone who loves romance." After finishing their meal, they parted ways. Shi Jiang left his post on the fifteenth. On the afternoon of the sixteenth, he came to the Bai family again to say goodbye. Hou Shan saw him off at the door and went straight in. Shi Jiang was displeased. "In the dead of winter, I painstakingly gave you a sum of silver, but you didn't even give me a penny for travel expenses. You didn't even see me off a few steps, just went straight in. I hope you can live out your remaining years well." He then spoke to Hou Shan on the boat, tearing apart Hou Shan's tuition fees. He forced himself to change his money, getting only twenty taels. He kept four taels for the gifts and two taels for the ceremony, and sent them to the Hou family, saying, "The gifts are twenty-four taels." He then took out four taels, saying he needed them for Lady Bai's wedding gift, hence the extra money. Hou's parents naturally believed him and thanked him profusely. They saw him off. Meanwhile, Hou Shan spent the New Year at the Bai residence, where he was treated very well. From the second day of the New Year, the whole family was busy with opera performances for days on end, only stopping on the tenth. Before they knew it, the Lantern Festival arrived. The lanterns in Jiaxing were truly magnificent. Indeed,
the sounds of pipes and strings filled the room, the lanterns illuminated the courtyard, and
the moonlight was beautiful. The lanterns were finally put on until the seventeenth. Bai Gong then sent Bai Yun back to school. The teacher began his teaching methods again. Every morning, he recited classical texts, did two short essays before noon, and lectured on various schools of thought in the afternoon. He was busy every day, never having a moment's rest. Time flew by like an arrow. Last June, Chu Chu and the teacher made their vows. Unexpectedly, fate smiled upon her, and she became pregnant. On the first day of the third month, at noon, she gave birth to a son. Bai Gong was overjoyed, and everyone in the family was happy. Chu Chu was extremely happy. Neighbors and relatives all praised her. Three days later, the baby was full. A celebration and feast were inevitable. However, Chu Chu was exhausted from childbirth and developed postpartum weakness. A wet nurse was quickly hired to breastfeed the baby morning and night. But let's leave that aside for now. Let's talk about Shi Jiang. Last year, he was furious with Hou Shan and wanted to make Hongxie'er a "red mouse" (a derogatory term for Hou Shan) so that he wouldn't be able to teach. He was also teaching in Hangzhou's Lake Market, and no one visited him. He had to stop his studies for a day because he had something to do. Just then, while strolling in front of his door, he suddenly saw Wang Dongweng's steward passing by. He called him into his study and said, "I have a letter; please deliver it to Master Bai's house." Steward Wang said, "Write it quickly." Shi Jiang picked up his brush, thinking, "It's inconvenient to write a letter. If I just write a poem, he won't know who sent it. He'll blame me for not writing it properly." He wrote:
"My new aunt is pampered in ancient Yangzhou. Embroidered red shoes with double phoenix heads.
She should only stay in her boudoir with me." How could she have secretly crossed the stream
? Chapter Nine: Interrogation of Chunxiang in the Back Garden
. Now, let's talk about Shi Jiang, who had sent Chu Chu's reply poem that day, along with a pair of red shoes and four lines of his own poem. He sealed them together, sealed the envelope, and wrote "Letter from Master Bai" on it. He gave it to Steward Wang, saying, "Give this to the gatekeeper and return. No need to wait for a reply." He also gave two hundred coins as payment for wine. Steward Wang accepted it, thanked him, and left. The next day, he arrived in Jiaxing. He delivered the letter to Master Bai's house and returned. The gatekeeper hurriedly asked his name, but he didn't answer and had already gone far away. The gatekeeper had no choice but to deliver it. Master Bai saw the letter, opened the envelope, but there was no copy or name card. Instead, there was a paper package. He opened it again and found a pair of women's slippers and two pieces of paper with writing on them. Master Bai was surprised. He quickly dismissed his attendants, picked up one of the papers, and read it with his wife. It said...
A pearl, hidden away, conceals its brilliance. Unlike ordinary pearls, it is not easily protected.
Thinking of you, a thirsty dragon longs for water. I send some clouds and rain to Gaotang.
Your humble concubine, Li from Yangzhou
, bows. Bai Gong's face flushed red. He went to fetch another one to look at.
The new aunt, pampered in ancient Yangzhou, embroidered red shoes with phoenix heads.
They should only be together in their boudoir. Why must they secretly cross the stream?
After reading it, Bai Gong was furious. He exclaimed, "This lowly maid dares to have an affair with Hou Shan! She has disgraced my family! I must kill her!" His wife pleaded, "Sir, please calm down. I think these little shoes belong to the Li family. This poem doesn't sound like his at all, and the handwriting is so ugly it's unrecognizable. It's more like Chu Chu's handwriting. Something is suspicious. We mustn't reveal it yet. Tomorrow, we'll lure the gentleman out and search his room. If there's anything else, there will surely be something else. Then we can deal with it." The next morning, Bai Gong sent someone to meet his cousin Xu and told him, "You're hosting today. Please let the gentleman go out of the city for a day." Old Xu immediately went to his uncle's house, grabbed the gentleman, and dragged him out of the city. He wouldn't let him go, and they were off without even closing the gate. Bai Yun went with them. Bai Gong and his wife went to the study and saw a leather trunk, tightly sealed. Bai Gong closed the door. They pried open the knife and awl, and took out the objects. They were all from the new concubine's room. Bai Gong was furious. "It's true that this lowly maid is having an affair with Old Master Hou!" The lady said, "It's very suspicious. These items have been stolen several times. We've searched inside thoroughly, even Su Mei was tortured several times." Bai Gong said, "She secretly gave them to her lover, fearing that one day they would be found. She's putting on this act to cover her tracks." The lady said, "He's just wearing his own clothes. No one will know if he sends more. Why make it obvious?" Bai Gong said, "Call Su Mei to ask." A moment later, Su Mei arrived. The lady said, "Do you recognize these items in the box?" Su Mei looked at them and immediately burst into tears. "The new concubine tortured me several times, beat me a lot. How did I end up here?" Bai Gong cursed, "What a terrible thing this lowly maid has done! When did Li Shi and Hou Sheng have an affair?" Su Mei said, "Where did you begin to talk about that?" The new concubine was chaste and self-disciplined. Who would dare to offend her? There was absolutely no such thing. Now, when the new concubine heard about this, she was shocked. She hurriedly went to the study. Bai Gong angrily said, "How did these things end up here? Tell me the truth at once!" The new concubine looked at them, both shocked and angry, and could not utter a word. Bai Gong took out a red shoe and the two poems from his sleeve and placed them on the table. The new concubine looked at them and said, "These few lines of crooked poetry are already laughable. Can't you recognize this handwriting?" Su Mei came closer and looked at them, saying, "This is Su Concubine's handwriting." She then whispered a few words to the lady. The lady nodded and said to Bai Gong, "Sir, if you want to know the truth about this matter, have Chunxiang go to the back garden to question her. Then you will know the truth." Bai Gong listened and said, "Let's pack these things up and go inside. Instruct the servants to return and ask for the items. Just say you don't know." After giving the instructions, they all went inside and arrived at the back garden. Su Mei quietly called Chunxiang. They went straight to the back garden hall. Bai Gong said, "Bring the finger-crushing instrument." Chunxiang panicked and began to cry. The lady said, "Don't cry. I'll ask you, when did you steal this pair of red shoes from Aunt Xin?" Chunxiang didn't know what to say. Let's find out in the next chapter.
(Chapter 10: Aunt Xin's Farewell to the Guest
) Chunxiang said, "These were stolen by Aunt Su and given to Hou Sheng last June. It has nothing to do with me." The lady said, "Did she also steal those clothes and wine vessels?" Chunxiang said, "I didn't know when she stole them. Aunt Su asked me to make them and send them over several times." Bai Gong angrily asked, "How did this happen?" Chunxiang said, "One day, Aunt Su remembered that Master's vast wealth still lacked a son. Seeing Hou Sheng's youthful good looks, she had selfish thoughts and did this." Aunt Xin said, "Why did you write a poem and make me famous?" Chunxiang said... Lord Hou originally favored you. Therefore, Aunt Su, playing along, pretended to be your new aunt. Upon seeing Lord Hou, she spoke in Yangzhou dialect. The new aunt cursed, "Shameless! You're keeping a lover! You've tarnished my reputation! How can I be so angry? I'll go slap him!" The lady grabbed her, saying, "No! Such private matters are utterly despicable. But his illness is severe; it's only a matter of time. If he dies, it will be your doing." Bai Gong said, "This beast! He must be punished!" The lady said, "Wait. Wait until the Dragon Boat Festival, only ten days later. Then send him half a year's tuition and properly teach him. Why make it public now? This son is grown up; how will he behave? Besides, your official conduct is tainted. Li Shi has tarnished your reputation. In my opinion, the punishment is most appropriate.
" Bai Gong sighed and went out to visit guests. The new aunt pondered, feeling very annoyed. Fortunately, none of the men and women in the household knew anything. The lady instructed Su Mei and Chun Xiang that if any word leaked out, they should be beaten to death. Meanwhile, Hou Shan returned late in the evening, still unaware of the loss of his belongings. Bai Gong, angered, went straight to the estate, but fell ill again. The lady had no choice but to take her servants and attendants to look after him, leaving the household affairs to Xin Yi.
On the first day of the fifth month, Xin Yi presented twelve taels of silver as a dowry and one tael as a travel gift, along with a name card, which she had a servant deliver. It read, "My lord respectfully presents this dowry. Please return home temporarily. We will invite you back when you have recovered." The servant delivered it to the study and explained everything. Old Hou was displeased, thinking, "Even though my master has a problem, Xin Yi should have kept me here. Why haven't I come out for two months? Has our friendship ended like this?" He then saw a farewell feast laid out in the front hall, with Bai Yun accompanying him. Hou Sheng was greatly disappointed. He had no choice but to bring the wine. He then told the servant who was pouring the wine, "Call out Sister Chunxiang for me." The servant went to call Chunxiang. Aunt Xin understood and followed. Chunxiang arrived at the table. Old Hou said, "Sister Chunxiang, call out Aunt Xin for me." Chunxiang said, "I am from Aunt Su's room. It is inconvenient for me to invite her. Besides, how could Aunt Xin see you? How can you say it so easily?" Hou said, "How could you forget? Aunt Xin asked you to bring incense first, then gifts to my room. You have gone there many times. How can you speak so carelessly?" Aunt Xin shouted from behind the screen, "Nonsense! Have you seen a ghost? When did I bring you anything? What a shameless face! Quickly call some servants to slap him across the face." Five or six servants came and said, "Sir, you are drunk. Don't talk nonsense." Hou blushed for a moment and said... "Could it be that I've always been dreaming?" Aunt Xin, fearing he would spread rumors and ruin his reputation, hurriedly said, "A fox often comes and goes from my house. It can change its appearance from male to female, and this has been going on for quite some time. I think I'm bewitched. It can also steal gold and silver jewelry, appearing and disappearing mysteriously, single-mindedly bewitching people. Could it be that I've been bewitched by a fox
?" The gentleman, hearing that it could steal gold and silver, rushed to the room to check. It was empty. He said, "Oh no! There really is a spirit. Many things in my chest have been taken away." Aunt Xin said, "The items in my room have been missing for almost a year. The other night, they were all taken back. This pair of red embroidered shoes is now a pair." Old Hou trembled with fright and said, "There really is an evil spirit. Quickly, call a boat! I must go." Aunt Xin smiled secretly and hurriedly had her servants hire a boat, take the luggage, and send him off. But let's not go there. Now, let's talk about Aunt Su, who died that day. He died instantly. Little did anyone know that Ling'er had already caught up with Hou Sheng, haunting his boat and appearing in his dreams at night, still recognizing him as his new aunt. This led to a near-death experience for her. That day, Hou Sheng disembarked and was passing through the lake market when he bumped into Shi Jiang at the river mouth. What happened next... we'll find out in the next chapter.
Chapter Eleven: Chu Chu's Ghostly Revenge
Hou Sheng bumped into Shi Jiang and asked, "Brother Shi, where do you live?" They exchanged pleasantries. Chu Chu's ghost, knowing about the red shoes incident, realized it was he who had murdered her, causing her to die of illness. She secretly slapped Shi Jiang across the face. Shi Jiang immediately lost his footing and said, "Please come in," before heading to his home.
Chu Chu's ghost had already arrived home with Hou Sheng. His parents and wife were overjoyed to see him. It happened to be the Dragon Boat Festival, and everyone sat down to drink. Hou Sheng drank several cups. Evenings with his wife were a way to express their long separation. The illness initially seemed like a delusional disorder, but gradually it became more real. Each day it worsened, and after several days, he passed away. One spirit went to the underworld, while another guarded the corpse. The third spirit was approached by Chu Chu, who asked Hou Sheng, "Who are you?" Chu Chu explained the reason: "I've come to find you. Tomorrow we must go to Prince Li of Songjiang for trial." Hou Sheng said, "So you are Aunt Su, impersonating Xin's aunt, forming a predestined bond. But I don't know who Prince Li of Songjiang is." Chu Chu said, "He is a scholar from Huating, upright and meticulous. God respects his virtue and has appointed him King of the Underworld, in charge of all the souls of the dead. He studies by day and reigns by night. Those who commit evil deeds in this world will be severely punished, while those who do good will be rewarded. I now need you to come with me to the trial. Go now." Wandering aimlessly, the two souls had already crossed the Qiantang River and arrived at Hushi. There they found Shi Tang (Jiang) lying ill on his master's bed. Chuchu said, "Last winter, he stole the red shoes and sent four heartless poems, angering his master and causing my sudden death from illness. This hatred is hard to quell. I must take him to King Li to file a complaint." One of his souls was sent out first. A gust of ghostly wind blew him to the front of the Underworld Palace. There, they saw a red plaque with gold lettering, inscribed with the Three Prohibitions of the Underworld:
First Prohibition: Do not dry boots and shoes on the roof.
Second Prohibition: Do not walk with hands clasped behind your back.
Third Prohibition: Do not place a table upside down.
Hou Sheng thought to himself, "This is utterly unreasonable. Therefore, I must stop." Just as he finished reading, a summons came for Wang Chuchu and Hou Shan. Chuchu dragged Shi Jiang inside. Li Wang first ordered Hou Shan to kneel. He then looked at the document and said, "You were a tutor in the Bai household. You shouldn't have spied on his concubines. How could you have given such a reply and harbored such wicked thoughts? Wang Chuchu, you shouldn't have used a pseudonym to commit such acts. You shouldn't have stolen embroidered shoes and other items, thus implicating the innocent." He then looked at Shi Jiang and asked, "Who is this person?" Wang Chuchu replied, "This is the person who sent the letter and the shoes. The woman harbors a deep hatred for him, so she dragged his spirit here." Li Wang said, "This person shouldn't be dead yet, and there was no written statement. It's difficult to rely solely on your one-sided account. Order the judge to present the details of Shi Jiang's life." Li Wang read it and said, "Last year, you shouldn't have stolen the letter, taken the red shoes, and fabricated a story in the tavern." He lured him into confessing his adultery, thus defiling Li's reputation. He shouldn't have offered the lowly silver, and instead took four taels from it, keeping two taels as a gift. You shouldn't have sent those shoes in April. It's hateful and your crime is indeed grave. However, since we haven't received the offering, we can't investigate further. First, gouge out his eyes. When he returns to life, he will suffer all the evil retribution. On the day of his death, his punishment will be determined according to his crime. First, gouge out Shi Jiang's eyes, bloodied and raw, and have the ghosts push him out of the gates of hell so he can return to life. Li Wang said, "Although Wang Chuchu is lustful, she truly desires to have a son to continue the family line. Her intentions are understandable. Hou Shanzun, as a teacher, has been disrespectful to his mistress and concubine, seeking only petty gains. He has also corrupted people's conduct by passing on his secret to Shi Jiang, causing a minor grudge and nearly defiling an innocent person. His crime is the greatest. Order the ghosts to punish him severely with thirty strokes and send him to the Wheel-Turning King." He was ordered to serve as a dog in the Bai family for three years. Later, he was poisoned and died. He was reincarnated. Wang Chuchu was exonerated and sent to the Wheel-Turning King. He was ordered to serve as a female cat in the Bai family, catching mice for Li, to atone for his tarnished reputation. He was to produce several kittens each year, preserving good offspring to honor the Bai family. He was to be reincarnated again after five years. Li and Wang finished their investigation and left it at that. Now, let's talk about how Bai Gong recovered from his illness and treated his new wife the best. Every night, they would engage in intimate acts. His new wife was pregnant . It was just as the saying
goes ,
"Intentionally planting flowers doesn't yield blooms, but unintentionally planting willows results in lush shade.
" (Chapter Twelve: Bai Gong Celebrates
with a Play) Now, let's talk about how his new wife was pregnant. In February of the following year, she also gave birth to a son. The First Madam was overjoyed and sent someone to inform the Master. Bai Gong bought a small cat with bright red eyes and a spear-like appearance. He brought it in and went straight to his new wife's room. The cat jumped. Beside his new aunt's bed, he lay prone on the ground, unable to move, as if he had been raised to be a tame animal. Bai Gong privately said to his wife, "There's no need to doubt this child. The three-day celebration is almost over, and it will be the one-year anniversary of Chu Chu's birth of her eldest son. It's a double celebration in one day! All the relatives and friends, without being invited, have bought gifts to congratulate us." After his cousin finished offering his congratulations, he reported to his uncle, "I have a strange story. Three days ago, I bought a golden-haired pug on a grain transport ship. It barks incessantly, but won't eat, and has become very thin. Yesterday, a neighbor summoned a shaman, and I went to inquire about his future. We talked about the dog again.
" The shaman Kong interpreted it as follows
: "Yesterday's golden-haired dog was last year's Hou Xianggong.
It was only because of its careless heart that it was reborn to repay its master.
The snow-white cat with sun and moon eyes was previously found in the delivery room.
My third aunt, Wang Chu Chu, shares the same intentions as the dog.
" The nephew returned home. He told everyone. He pondered the words of Confucius for a while, then called him Hou Shan. Hou Shan shook his head and wagged his tail, seemingly wanting to speak but unable to. He then said to Hou Shan, "If it's true, eat quickly. Tomorrow I will definitely send you to the Bai residence." Hou Shan immediately ate his entire meal, lay down, and didn't call out again. His eyes were fixed on his nephew. "That's why I specially sent him today." All the relatives and friends were amazed. Bai Gong was also surprised. He then handed the food to Su Mei to keep. But let's leave that aside for now. Since that day, Chu Chu's ghost struck Shi Jiang at the lake mouth and returned to Dong Weng's house. Dong Weng had to hire a doctor to treat him. Later, Shi Jiang went blind and became so ill that he could no longer teach. Dong Weng had to hire a boatman and, along with the people from his family who came to look for him, returned to Yuyao. Every night he dreamed that Chu Chu came to take his life. Not many days later, he also died.
...That's right.
The words spoken in the dream are truly remembered. Don't say there are no gods, for there are gods indeed.
Advise people not to be busy in all things. Retribution will surely come soon.
Now, let's talk about the new aunt's full-month celebration. All the relatives and friends came to feast. Music and music accompanied the banquet. A play was being written. Just as it was halfway through, a servant announced: "Son-in-law Zhang, newly appointed as the Fujian Provincial Inspector, is returning home to pay respects to his ancestors. He is now alighting from his sedan chair at the mansion gate." Knowing it was his son-in-law Zhang Ji returning, Bai Gong was overjoyed. He hurriedly put on his official robes and came out to welcome him into the front hall. They exchanged pleasantries. This was double happiness in one day. Bai Gong said, "I was just about to write a couplet for the hall:
'Without officialdom, one is carefree; with sons, all is well.
'" Zhang Ji said, "Now that you've taken up officialdom, this couplet can't stand up anymore. A few words need to be slightly changed, but it will still be acceptable:
'An official should be incorruptible; with sons, all is well.
'" Bai Gong looked at it and laughed heartily. Indeed, my son-in-law is highly talented. His revisions are excellent. He immediately took a piece of vermilion paper, wrote the poem, and pasted it up. All the relatives and friends drank and celebrated.
The following two lines read:
"May you continue to do good deeds and keep your heart pure; may your life be as long as the mountains and your position as high as the tripod.
" Just as they were offering their congratulations, a short while later, the officials from the prefecture, county, and imperial academy all came to pay their respects. Bai Gong said, "What virtue or ability do I possess to deserve such a favor from my great-grandfather, great-grandmother, and parents? How dare I accept such kindness?" The officials added, "We also have a collection of Tang poems to offer as a farewell gift:
'With your governance and education flourishing, a prosperous era begins. Riding a fine steed, you now come to Fujian.
Embroidered robes warm the spring in this divine abode. Green cypress trees flutter in pairs at the Censorate.
Concerned for the country, you wield your pen to speak out. Observing the winds, you must display your talent to save the nation.
Who knows where the grass bends and the wind blows? Culture now spreads throughout the land.'"

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