Flower Boat Author: Xiling Madman Quan

Volume One

From now on, we shall call them the willows of Yangtai, their myriad branches dancing in the spring breeze.

We will not speak of Weixin's departure by boat, but rather of how Master Xi, upon hearing of her passing, was overjoyed. As evening approached, under the bright moonlight, he invited Zhenru to drink and admire the moon. Over drinks, the two reminisced about the rise and fall of dynasties. As the conversation was winding down, Master Xi, wanting to get to the heart of Zhenru's, asked, "Back in your hometown, when we met with your relative Bi, he highly praised your wife's elegant and flowing poetry. He had long wanted to have his wife learn from her, but feared her common taste wouldn't be able to appreciate such fine conversation and might even be rejected, so he stopped. I wonder if you, my brother, would also be willing to accept such a request?" Zhenru replied, "That was Brother Bi's overreaction. Although my wife knows a few characters, it's nothing more than fabricated words and flowery phrases. How could I dare to offer my humble opinion?" Master Xi said, "Brother, you are too modest. May I ask what kind of literature your wife enjoys studying and what she writes?" Upon hearing this, Zhenru secretly thought to himself, "Perhaps Master Xi has some idea of what's going on and is using this to probe me. It would be better to just tell him my concerns rather than hide them and live in constant fear." He replied, “When my late father was alive, he devoted himself to study diligently and extensively, but unfortunately, he had no one to guide him properly. My wife, though she has a limited understanding of poetry and literature, has only a superficial grasp of history and classics. Relying on her protection and love, I dare not lie to her. My parents only gave birth to one unworthy son, and their excessive pampering led to his lack of education in his youth and neglect of his studies. He has been confined to his home and lives a meager existence. Due to our meager circumstances, I was recommended by my elder brother Bi to serve under your patron. If I were to rely on myself alone, I would surely be disgraced by your appointment. Fortunately, with the help of my wife, I can do my best to fulfill your esteemed trust.” Master Xi said, “Are all your recent works truly the work of your wife? I have now seen the likes of Xue and Xie again. I admire you greatly! I would like to request an audience with you in the future to receive your great instruction and to honor your friendship.” Zhenru said, “Your brother has not been able to teach for several days. Why did you not come out to instruct him today?” Master Xi said, “I had some minor matters to attend to and sent him back to his residence. Therefore, I could not keep you company.” The two then chatted about worldly affairs and found themselves quite compatible.

After the banquet that day, Zhenru returned home and said to Liangniang, "Old Xi somehow knew about your talent. He asked me about it today, and I told him about my ghostwriting. He was quite surprised and said he would teach you in person another day. I don't think he actually believed it." Liangniang was delighted to hear that Old Xi recognized her talent, but she pretended to complain, "Ghostwriting for you was a private matter. How could you tell others? Isn't that shameful? What did he say? Did he want me to do it in person?" Zhenru said, "Since we're together, he'll find out eventually. Why not explain it beforehand? It's more straightforward and elegant. He said later that he would have you ask him in person, but that's just talk. I doubt he meant it." Liangniang He laughed, "There are people in the world as shameless as you. Bingdao has a younger brother who is probably here too. What does he say when he hears this?" Zhenru said, "I don't know why Master Xi's brother went home this morning. I didn't even know. I haven't had a proper meeting, and I feel it's difficult to go." When Liangniang heard that Weixin had left, her joy turned to worry. She was very shocked and asked, "Why did he leave so quickly? Did his brother mention what it was about?" Zhenru said, "Old Master Xi didn't mention it. I only found out when I didn't see him sitting with me and asked him by chance." Liangniang looked up at the empty space, filled with longing. The meeting was uncertain. She hid it from her husband and secretly shed tears.

That day, Master Xi missed her dearly and was eager to meet Liangniang. He knew that Zhenru was staying at his place and it was not easy to go. He had to invite him here so that he could meet Han. He had to explain this to his wife. Entering the room, he said to Madam Lu, "Such a strange thing has happened! I've actually invited a female advisor here today; it's quite news!" Madam Lu replied, "This is ridiculous. Is Tao Sheng really a woman? What use are her and her family? It's not that she's trying to deceive people." Master Xi said, "Even if Tao Sheng is a woman, this brother is illiterate. On the contrary, his wife is very talented; all the manuscripts used to be written by her." Madam Lu said, "I don't believe that's true. Even if she studied from a young age, she only learned the general idea and didn't take the imperial examinations. How could she have talent that surpasses men?"

Master Xi wanted to reveal the poem he had given to Wei Xin, but his wife was not very wise, and he feared she would become jealous and keep quiet, so he didn't use his plan. Even when Wei Xin left, Master Xi had used the excuse of parting to explain to his wife; why did he reveal it this time? He replied, “It was Tao Sheng who said it himself, so it must be true. I still have some doubts. Tomorrow I will announce your name and send a letter of invitation to invite him to the yamen so I can interview him and see the truth. Besides, we have been here for several months now, and you have never invited him for a chat. Won't people say behind our backs that we are impolite?” Madam Lu said, “An invitation is essential, but he is a member of the household. How can you ask him to come for an interview? You must be reasonable and not lose your dignity.” Master Xi said, “I have a good plan, and it will not be a problem.”

The next day, Master Xi prepared an invitation and sent a maid to deliver it to the beautiful lady. On the appointed day, he sent another urgent letter. The beautiful lady, dressed simply and with her maid Mei’e, came to the banquet. That day, she looked different from usual, as the poem says: Her eyes were like autumn waves, her hair like clouds, and a red skirt was seen deep within the embroidered curtain.

The east wind gently blew fragrance, and even in her dreams, she could still smell the fragrance of a hundred herbs.

He bowed, stood up, and said to the beautiful lady, "In this cold and sweltering weather, we are deeply ashamed and humbled for troubling you, Yu Xuan, to travel such a long distance. Furthermore, my husband and I are naturally careless and perhaps have fallen short; we hope you will forgive us." The beautiful lady replied, "We met by chance and are deeply grateful for your kindness in sharing food and clothing; we will never forget it. My husband is of limited talent and has failed in his duty; we beg your forgiveness." Mr. Xi said, "Yesterday, upon hearing Brother Tao's esteemed words, I learned that all the excellent works of the past were penned by your esteemed wife. Your talent truly rivals that of Shi Han, inspiring our utmost admiration. Previously, I was unaware of this and had no time to seek your guidance." Hearing this, the beautiful lady smiled slightly, covered her mouth, and replied, "These are simple, rustic words; my husband has not concealed his clumsy attempts, and I am sure he will find them laughable."

Mr. Xi said, "Your esteemed wife's writing is unparalleled, not only among women of the past and present, but even among the most prominent figures, few can rival her. How could I possibly have the honor of receiving your instruction today?" "I have a matter to trouble you with, and I hope you will not find it presumptuous, and that it will be appreciated by your family. The previous censor has investigated a case of someone illegally releasing grain from the granary. Although I have recorded their statements, I have not yet submitted a detailed report. Now that the censor will be returning to the capital soon, I await the transcript to be attached to the case file. I had intended to visit Brother Tao, but I imagine I must be awaiting your instructions. Therefore, I personally request your assistance, hoping you will not hesitate to write this." The young lady said, "This is my duty, how could I possibly refuse? I will draft it upon returning home and present it to you." The official said, "I have been asked to speak briefly; how could I leave after only a cup of tea? There are no outsiders here, so please enlighten me. Let me explain the situation so that you may choose your words. The county has accumulated over 2,800 shi of grain, which was lured by the granary official Wen Rui, who violated the censor's order and secretly lent it to the people. I have already left office, and now the arrears remain unpaid; the law requires my investigation. I beg you, Madam, to grant me your permission." Having said this, he ordered a maid to bring out pen, ink, paper, and inkstone, and immediately asked her to begin writing.

The beautiful woman, knowing she couldn't refuse, and having always wanted to display her talent, wrote without hesitation: "The granaries are meant for the city's defense. The previous county had stored over 2,800 shi (a unit of dry measure), which was sufficient. However, the granary official Wenrui incited me to replace old grain with new. I, too, was swayed by this wickedness, unaware of the Green Sprouts Act, a practice that has been flawed since ancient times. The emperor, having thoroughly investigated the situation, criticized and prohibited it, resulting in the destruction of the county and its subsequent public display—a model for all ages. Unfortunately, his greed and disregard for the law have led me to lend grain to the people, filling the bellies of half the officials. A review of the records shows a total of [amount missing] shi. People are easily swayed by borrowing, but difficult to repay. When I finally pressed for repayment, it became arrears. Moreover, when the officials borrowed it, they took from the outer treasury, treating it as their own. What was intended as a benefit has become a harm. With the granaries empty, what will the city's defense rely on?" Given the rampant piracy of today, should any unforeseen events occur, how could Rui's crimes be punishable by death? The county register has evidence that the amount has never been reduced, but he is to be sentenced to exile. For any grain or stones borrowed, if the person is still alive, the amount will be recovered; if the person is deceased, compensation will be ordered. This will serve as a warning to future officials in charge of granaries, as the law will not tolerate any misappropriation of grain.

The beautiful woman finished her work and had Mei'e deliver it for her inspection. Smiling, she whispered, "My humble work is an eyesore, and I fear it is not worthy of your attention." Master Xi took it, read it aloud, and said, "The writing is powerful and the thoughts flow swiftly. Reading it makes one want to retreat three steps; how fortunate I am to have received such acclaim." The beautiful woman said, "I am merely showing off my limited skills; I hope you will not laugh at me." Master Xi glanced at the beautiful woman a few more times, seeing her smiling face and obvious self-confidence. He pondered, "This woman can be seduced, but I mustn't be hasty. How can I catch her without luring her away?" He glanced at Madam Lu again, noticing her angry expression, and then excused himself. The room where the beautiful woman sat was connected to Master Xi's bedroom, separated only by a partition, with the door at the back. Master Xi quietly entered the room, eavesdropping on the beautiful woman's conversation.

Madam Lu kept her company; lunch was over. The beautiful woman sat alone outside the window, admiring the potted flowers. Master Xi approached the window and muttered loudly to himself, "A fine horse is foolish, a clever wife is clumsy—this is truly true. What a pity, such wasted youth!" The beautiful woman heard this and knew it was directed at her, but she only sighed deeply and remained silent. Madam Lu, having overheard this, quickly went to the courtyard. The beautiful woman immediately sat down and told Madam Lu about the family's past splendor, now reduced to ruin, like a dream. Her conversation was filled with regret. Master Xi listened, feeling genuine pity. Before long, a feast was prepared. The beautiful young woman seemed troubled and listless, unable to eat. She reluctantly accepted the host's hospitality, drank a few cups, and then rose to take her leave. Seeing her husband and the young woman exchanging glances and whispering amongst themselves, Madam Lu did not try to stop him.

The young lady first thanked Madam Lu, then asked Mr. Xi to express his gratitude. Mr. Xi said, "We are deeply grateful for your presence, Madam. Your humble visit is truly inconvenient and has taken great care of us. My wife and I are deeply apologetic." The young lady said, "As the poem says, 'Having been drunk with wine, we are satiated with virtue.' We should respectfully recite this for you, sir. Why do you speak so disrespectfully?" Mr. Xi said, "I have another matter to trouble Brother Tao with. I hope you will convey it to me. I am deeply honored by your reply. I had prepared gifts and intended to have them delivered, but these people have no one to rely on. I originally intended to have my younger brother go with me, but he has other business and has already returned home. I wish to ask you, Brother Tao, to go. I will repay you for your trouble in doing so. I wonder if you, Madam, would agree?" The young lady said, "I dare not disobey your command. However, my husband is foolish and may have made a mistake. Moreover, our household is short of people, so perhaps we should ask someone else to take charge." "Master Xi said, 'I only trouble Brother Tao to escort you on your journey. Once you arrive at the provincial capital, all matters will be handled by the envoy. You need not trouble yourself. If your wife has any official business to attend to at your residence, have a maid explain it to her in detail. If she finds it too quiet, how about sending a maid to your residence to keep her company?' The beautiful lady said, 'But I don't know when I can leave?' Master Xi said, 'It's set for tomorrow.' The beautiful lady said, 'I will tell my husband when I get back and ask him to do his best.' Before leaving, they looked back at each other with great reluctance. Master Xi was secretly concerned, while the beautiful lady returned to her room with sorrow.

Zhenru asked with a smile, 'May I ask why this banquet is held?' The beautiful lady said, 'I know why. Yesterday, I was greatly honored by your recommendation and was specially invited to try my hand at writing.' Zhenru said, 'So that's what you're doing. It's so nice. Why do I have to keep an eye on things inside?' The beautiful lady said, 'The military governor wants you to escort the envoy to the provincial capital tomorrow morning to deliver gifts to the provincial governor.'" I declined several times, but he insisted. I can pack my things and go in his place.” Zhenru said, “He insists that since you handle all the paperwork, I have plenty of free time here, so he wants me to go. But you are all alone, and Mei’e is so young, how will you pass the time?” Liangniang said, “He said he’ll have a maid come in to keep you company.” Zhenru said, “That’s a must. I just worry about how you’ll manage at night, with your bed warm and cold.” Liangniang said, “You’re not exactly lively at home, why bring that up!” "The beautiful woman, thinking of Master Xi's appearance during the day, was filled with sorrow and remained silent, feeling desolate and anxious. She eventually went to bed to sleep. Zhenru, who was about to leave for a long journey, inevitably pestered the beautiful woman again, and she had no choice but to accept it.

The next morning, Master Xi first summoned the messenger, then brought out Zhenru, and handed over the gifts, the letter, and the document (not the full text) to the messenger. After everything was settled, he assigned two strong constables to escort them. The four of them parted ways and set off.

Now, Master Xi, without telling his wife, found some rare jewelry and exquisite silks, called over his maid Chunyan, and whispered in her ear, 'Master Tao is going to the provincial capital today, and he wants you to accompany his wife. I have long desired to have her, but I have no way to do so. Fortunately, this opportunity has come. If you help me achieve this, I will take you as my concubine.' Chunyan glanced at Master Xi and said, 'Last time, you forced me to comply. I didn't expect that my mistress would find out, and I suffered several beatings and scoldings. You won't be clean either.'" "Now you want me to stop scheming against other men's women? If word gets out and reaches Grandma's ears, I'll be ready to kill myself, let alone talk about wives and concubines. When Grandma beats and scolds you, you never dare to breathe a word, yet you dare to spout such nonsense!" Master Xi said, "Next time I'm promoted to another place, I won't take him with me. Then I'll promote you, and you'll be free from any control. Wouldn't that be wonderful?" Chunyan said, "I must say this today, lest I forget it later." Master Xi said, "Of course I won't forget. Here are a few pieces of jewelry and several bolts of silk. Take them and give them to him, and tell him I'll convey my regards." Chunyan said, "Give me one or two pieces of jewelry as well, just to give to others." Master Xi said, "I'll get you something else another day. These are from Grandma, so she might recognize them." Chunyan said, "You stole Grandma's jewelry and gave it to your sweetheart. If they investigate later, don't implicate me." Master Xi pushed Chunyan away and said, "Go to the Tao family quickly, and stop talking nonsense." Chunyan said, "Going isn't a big deal, but what if Madam calls for me?" Master Xi said, "I've already told him. Why don't you go and tell him again, but don't show him what you're carrying." Chunyan said, "Just leave it there, I'll come back for it."

Chunyan went to see Madam Lu and said, "Master wants me to accompany that Tao family lady. I asked Madam, should I go or not?" Madam Lu's face changed when she heard the question, and she didn't speak. After a long pause, she said, "You should go, why ask me? Those two shameless women yesterday put on a nauseating display in front of me all day. If they do anything improper, don't expect to see me again unless you come and report!" Chunyan agreed and went to see Master Xi, saying, "You've been keeping your flirtatious ways hidden. Madam saw through your act yesterday, and when I was on guard, her words were very harsh. I find it quite amusing that one is acting as the ringleader, and the other is being used as an inspector. Whom should I follow?" "Enough, enough, let's just go with the inspector's orders. That guy is not someone to be trifled with." Master Xi said, "Aren't you afraid of me? When I get angry, I'm ten times more ruthless than that man. It's better to never be your partner in this life than to beat you up every day. Even so, I still beg you to help me wholeheartedly. The inspector will always be the one to lead the way, and we'll never be exposed." Chunyan said, "We'll see what fate has in store for you."

After taking the things, she saw Liangniang and said, "Master, please give my regards to Madam. Yesterday was rather brief, but I just happened to find some ornaments and coins, which may help with the occasional needs of the dressing table. I hope Madam will accept them. However, you must not mention them in front of my mistress." Liangniang said, "I am deeply grateful for your master's kindness. Refusing would be disrespectful, but accepting would only make me feel ashamed. I would rather risk being disrespectful than accept such a generous gift repeatedly." Chunyan said, "Master has instructed that Madam must accept these gifts. I'm afraid it would be impolite to go back and forth with them." "The pretty lady said, 'Since you say so, sister, I'll accept it for now, and I'll repay you later.' The pretty lady told Chunyan to sit down and ordered Mei'e to brew some tea. The two chatted in the room about various things.

After instructing Chunyan to leave, Master Xi thought of coming to visit, but he was afraid that Madam Lu would ask questions. He waited until after lunch, and when he found that Madam Lu was taking a nap, he couldn't help but rush into the study. Mei'e saw him, but without informing the mistress, she quickly replied, 'My husband is not here. If the master is here, what are you talking about? Let me bring him in.' Master Xi said, 'You are young and don't know anything. I have an urgent matter that I need your wife to write down.' The pretty lady was in the room with Chunyan when she learned that Master Xi had arrived. She dismissed Mei'e and specially invited her in.

The two sat down opposite each other, and the pretty lady said, 'I have received your kindness repeatedly. The giver is never tired of it, but the receiver is truly ashamed. I also fear that I may have offended your kindness, so I dare not refuse to accept your request and will wait to repay you in a timely manner.'" "Master Xi said, 'A mere token of appreciation is nothing to boast about. But I have a pressing matter to attend to. Recently, due to the unrest at sea, campaigns have been difficult. Now, the Governor and the Censor have issued official documents, ordering all provinces to send proclamations to pacify the region. I am of limited talent, and thus I request your esteemed work, Madam.' The beautiful lady had no further reply. She instructed Mei'e to brew tea for the guest, then went to wipe the table, spread out paper, and prepared to write. Master Xi approached the beautiful lady, took the ink, and began grinding it on the inkstone, smiling, 'In the past, Brother Tao would grind the ink, making it easier for Madam to conceive her ideas. Now that Brother Tao is far away, I will write in his place.' The beautiful lady smiled and said, 'No need for you to trouble yourself, sir. I will send it out as soon as it is finished.' Master Xi said, 'A single piece of paper can appease a thousand men; this is a matter of great importance. There may be some discussions along the way. I must see you in person when it is completed.'" "

Master Xi and the beautiful lady lay side by side, their minds in turmoil. Kuang Chunyan then pushed Mei'e out to the outer room to get a fire to brew tea. Fearing she might get in their way, she went out to play in the garden and observe the scene. Master Xi, taking advantage of the fact that no one was inside and they were under the low eaves, and that the beautiful lady's words seemed to agree, boldly waited until she was seated, about to put down her pen, then stepped closer, hastily cupped her neck, and offered a kiss. Caught off guard, the beautiful lady, her lips already on his, quickly pulled away, saying, 'Don't disrupt our refined manners!' Master Xi simply kicked the chair away from her, catching her firmly, and said, 'Since ancient times, which talented person hasn't done this, thus creating a timeless tale? Madam, you possess both exquisite talent and beautiful appearance, it's a pity you were mistakenly captured by a madman, almost unheard of in this life. Moreover, how long is life? Gradually, one grows old, and suddenly decays, rotting away like grass and trees. Isn't this a waste of your unparalleled talent and your extraordinary beauty?'" "I am merely a confidante of your wife, why refuse me so firmly?" The beautiful woman smiled but did not answer, throwing her brush to the ground and pushing him away with both hands.

Xi Gong lifted her up forcefully, intending to take her to the bedroom to undress and make love, when suddenly Chunyan rushed in, saying, "Madam is here! This matter is definitely ruined!" Xi Gong was so anxious he had nowhere to hide, and could not go outside. For a moment, he was at a loss, hastily crawling under the beautiful woman's bed and lying motionless. The beautiful woman lowered the bed curtains, straightened her clothes, sat upright, picked up the brush she had just thrown, and began to draft. Chunyan leaned against the table, propping her chin on her hand as she watched. Sure enough, Madam Lu quietly entered. The beautiful woman stood up to greet her, thanking her for yesterday's banquet. Madam Lu asked, "What is Madam writing here?" The beautiful woman replied, "I was recently instructed by Your Excellency to draft a proclamation to quell the bandits, so I am drafting it." Madam Lu said, "Where is my husband now?" "The pretty maid said, 'Explain the truth, and then return to the yamen.' Madam Lu sat down, waiting for Mei'e to bring fire to make tea. After drinking, she looked around before leaving. After saying goodbye to the pretty maid, she called out Chunyan and asked, 'The maid from the Tao family said that Master was in his residence. Where is he hiding now?' Chunyan said, 'Master came here just now because he needed to write a draft. So Madam Tao asked Mei'e to bring fire, and after saying a few words, he left. If there was anything else, how could I not report to you, Madam?' Madam Lu said, 'Her husband just left today, and Qiaoqiao has a draft to write. She doesn't come when I'm not sleeping. I know you always cheat. As long as you do it cleanly and I don't catch you, you'll show your skills. I'll preserve that harlot's dignity and not search for her. If I find even a trace of her, I'll make sure you, this harlot, are ruined by me!' She muttered and cursed as she left."

Seeing that Madam Lu had gone far away, Chunyan rushed into the room. She saw that Master Xi had crawled out from under the bed, covered in dust, and was embracing Liangniang, clearly wanting to make love. Chunyan said, "You're still playing around here. This is really bad. Madam knows everything, but because she couldn't find Master, she left without saying a word and even accused us of cheating. This time, if she can't find Master and he suddenly comes here, a search will surely expose us. What kind of order will that be? I will suffer more than you two, but why did I come here? Master, you should quickly go to the main hall to fool around for a while, or chat in the clerk's room to cover it up, and then plan another meeting next time." Master Xi was a little scared, his joy vanished, and he slipped away and hurried out. Chunyan said, "Wait a minute, let me brush the dust off your clothes. If Madam blocks the way, and you openly barge out, wouldn't that be like giving yourself away? Let me check first." After Chunyan had cleaned her clothes, Xi Gong hid in a secluded spot in the garden. Chunyan went to look around but didn't find Madam Lu. She quickly called Xi Gong outside, but then Mei'e came in. Chunyan asked, "Have you seen my Madam?" Mei'e replied, "She went to the main hall." Chunyan whispered to Xi Gong, "The situation is bad today. If things take a turn soon, you mustn't let anything slip. If you leak any information, I absolutely won't utter a single word." Chunyan's heart was pounding like a drum, filled with uncertainty about good or bad fortune. She and Mei'e entered the flower hall and tightly closed the door. Xi

Gong quickly went into the study and sat down. Forcing himself to remain calm, he picked up a book from the table and began to read, intending to wait for Madam Lu to come and tell her that he was reading quietly and had no other intentions. Tucked inside the book were two pieces of stationery, one from the beautiful young woman and the other from Weixin. He stumbled upon them, and they stirred his emotions. Lost in thought, he read them aloud, gesturing wildly, displaying a triumphant air. Just then, Madam Lu arrived, catching a glimpse of him from afar, and knew something was amiss. She crept up behind Master Xi and saw him admiring the stationery, clearly delighted. Upon closer inspection, she saw that the stationery contained several lines of love writing at the beginning, and the beautiful young woman's name at the end, along with "The Great Master of Ci Poetry, Master Xi of the Imperial Academy." Madam Lu, though literate, was an illiterate and jealous woman. How could she discern the titles and forms inside? Seeing the character "Xi," she assumed it referred to the beautiful young woman and her husband. She had been filled with suspicion that day, and just as she was meticulously investigating, this was the perfect evidence! She swiftly reached out and snatched the letter, tearing it to shreds. She shouted, "You've done a fine business, hired a good tutor! That unkempt slut coming to my door seeking a lover is nothing to worry about. But you, a fourth-rank official, lack integrity and fearlessness, engaging in such despicable acts—how can you govern the people? How can you rule your subordinates? Since you two are both driven by lust, why not just become husband and wife? Write me a divorce agreement, or I'll kill you!" She wailed and wept, collapsing to the ground.

The official, his letter snatched, turned around and saw his wife. He was horrified, his face turning ashen. The torn letter broke his heart, yet he couldn't bring himself to snatch it back. His eyes bulged with rage, his limbs felt like ice, and he dared not utter a word of complaint. Until she cried and cursed incessantly, forcing him to write a letter of divorce, Lu Shi, overcome with rage, cursed, "There are such shrewish women in the world, utterly without influence, slandering people with their vile words. When Brother Tao finds out, how can I face him? Besides, that lady is virtuous, pure, and of noble character, unlike your shrewish and owl-like nature!" Lu Shi cried and cursed, "You damned bastard! Today, for that harlot, you viciously curse your wife, even comparing her to a fairy from the moon palace! Fine, fine, you can forget about being an official, and I don't want to live anymore. I'll go and fight that harlot to the death!" With disheveled hair, cursing and weeping, she rushed out the door.

Seeing Lu Shi about to fight with the beautiful woman, Master Xi was very anxious and rushed to the door. He grabbed Lu Shi and slammed her head into her husband's chest. Master Xi also grabbed his wife's clothes and wouldn't let go. The couple wrestled together, locked in a fierce battle. A good fight ensued: fists clashed, tears streamed down their faces. Their clothes were torn, like banana leaves after the rain; their hair and beards were disheveled, like hungry ghosts in prison. They stumbled and thrashed about, like rolling a ball in the first month of the lunar year; they leaped and pounced, like mischievous children jumping on bouncy balls. One side was fiercely competitive, oblivious to the burning jealousy; the other side deliberately stalled, having already ruined their lewd mood. The yamen was a battlefield of power, and husband and wife became enemies. Master Xi had fallen from the grape trellis, and his wife had fallen like a pink lotus. The couple had

been locked in a struggle for a long time, and no one dared to approach to persuade them, until they were exhausted and finally stopped fighting. Master Xi's face was scratched and broken by Madam Lu's fingers. He couldn't see anyone outside the yamen and claimed to be ill, refusing to go out to attend to his duties. The maid helped his mistress to the upper floor, where she cried bitterly and hanged herself. The maid revived her, and Master Xi sat silently in his study, pretending not to hear.

Chunyan, having seen her master off, was worried and came to find out what was going on. She was beaten by two men and, frightened, retreated and hid in a secluded place. After waiting for Madam Lu to go upstairs, and realizing she hadn't been affected, she felt somewhat relieved. She quietly entered Master Xi's room and asked, "Did you actually find out, Madam?" Master Xi replied, "I was always suspicious, so I didn't actually find out. I was annoyed by his rudeness and repeated bullying, so I gave him a ruthless lesson as an example." Chunyan said, "Your ruthlessness today is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event, absolutely unique. We still have some support." Master Xi said, "Please take what you say to heart. I won't sleep upstairs tonight; I'll come over there after everyone is quiet. You can prepare to meet me." Chunyan said... "At first, Madam Tao seemed willing to submit, but now, due to Madam's violent temper, she fears something might happen. She said she's waiting for her husband to return home so she can leave. You still want to seduce her? I'm afraid she might not agree. Look at all these colorful scars on your face, yet your enthusiasm doesn't wane. You really think you're a hero."

Chunyan was in the middle of her flirtatious banter when suddenly Lu Shi shouted from inside the building, "Send two maids to the garden to fetch that slut Chunyan. I'll reward her for her seduction." The maids responded. Chunyan's tongue lolled out, unable to retract, and she fled in panic. Master Xi grabbed her, saying, "Don't forget what I said." Chunyan didn't listen and ran forward like Tian Dan rescuing the fire ox from Jimo. The maids, following Lu Shi's orders, went to fetch her, but Master Xi scolded them and stopped them.

Chunyan rushed to the garden, not daring to enter Liangniang's residence. Under the tangled flowers and dilapidated walls, she waited until almost evening before daring to reveal herself. After sitting with Liangniang for some time, they finally saw the evening meal being brought out from inside. Chunyan asked, "Why is it only now that dinner is served?" Wentong replied, "Madam told the kitchen staff to distribute the food and not to bring it here. I went to the master's place to let him know that he was going to beat up the kitchen staff, and it was really bad, so he hurriedly told me to bring it here." Liangniang also felt listless and ate a little haphazardly, while Mei'e took the food away to eat herself. After Wentong took the dishes, Chunyan said to Liangniang, "My mistress is too fierce! Master always yields to her out of consideration for our marriage. But today she lost her temper and beat me until I was covered in bruises. I'm sitting upstairs alone, threatening to kill myself. Master completely ignores her, ruining the mood. Isn't this just asking for trouble?" Liangniang said, "I am innocent and pure, yet your master has provoked me for no reason. Why am I being treated so coldly today?" Chunyan, seeing that Mei'e was not there, whispered, "I'm not trying to deceive you, Madam, but Master truly admires you greatly. If he were willing to yield, not only would Madam not dare to do anything, but everyone in the yamen would be careful to flatter him. Even if Master returns, who would dare to utter a word? If he still insists on not agreeing, then there will be a fight. Outsiders don't know the details, and if they hear of the discord between him and the mistress of the house, they will surely suspect an affair. At that time, even if the waters of the East Sea were to overflow, it would be difficult to clear their name."

As the two were talking, they suddenly saw a tall man standing in the lamplight and were both startled. Looking up, they recognized him as Master Xi. Chunyan said, "You're too impatient. It wouldn't be too late if we waited until it was quiet. What if that person comes looking for a snake again?" Master Xi said, "I've already locked the main gate. That wretched woman is in pain and has been sleeping for a long time." Master Xi gave Chunyan a wink, and just as Chunyan was about to leave, Mei'e ran up and grabbed Master Xi, saying, "Sir, what brings you here in the middle of the night? Even if my husband were at home, he should still maintain a proper decorum. If you go straight into the inner room and outsiders find out, wouldn't that ruin your family's reputation? Although we are poor, we are still descendants of a distinguished official, not like those of lower classes. Please go back, sir, don't treat us with such contempt." Master Xi had no reply. The pretty maid shouted, "Stop your sweet talk and get out!" Mei'e replied, "How can you say I'm being sweet-talking? This concerns the mistress's lifelong integrity and the Tao family's traditions. If she stumbles, it will be difficult to recover." The pretty maid was about to come closer to hit her, but Chunyan quickly pulled Mei'e away and took her to the outer room to sleep. Mei'e just cried and jumped, unwilling to wait until the second watch. Unable to resist Chunyan's nagging, she finally went to sleep.

Xi Gong closed the door and pressed the pretty maid against him, seeking pleasure. The beautiful woman said, “Your wife, with the heart of a viper, has instigated this insane jealousy. Even though I do nothing during the day, I am still harmed by her vicious words. Now, if I am ordered to act as a pair of lovebirds, I know I will surely die. I humbly beg your forgiveness, sir.” Master Xi said, “With me here, Madam, please rest assured. That jealous woman is as wicked as a demon, as venomous as a bee or scorpion; I can control her myself and will not let you suffer. It is almost midnight; you should go to the Yangtai Terrace soon.” The beautiful woman was about to make a show of respect when Master Xi forcibly embraced her, just as the saying goes: “To be with the phoenix and the dragon, one must first test the tiger and the wolf’s might.”

Whether the beautiful woman will ultimately comply remains to be seen; let us see in the next chapter.

(Volume Two,

Chapter Four: Listening to Private Conspiracy, Sweeping Away the Flower Array

; Do not strike the southward-flying geese, let them fly north.

When striking, strike them in pairs, do not let them separate.)

Meanwhile, Master Xi carried the beautiful woman to the room, laid her on the bed, and pinned her down, stealthily undressing her. The woman, panting heavily, couldn't move. Her vagina had already been touched by Master Xi's lewd instrument; knowing there was no turning back, she pulled her hands away and embraced Master Xi, showing her tenderness. Master Xi was overjoyed and focused intently on his thrusts. A poem testifies to this: "The beautiful flower blooms in its prime, let the lover pluck it.

Let us protect each other with one heart, lest we be swayed by the raging wind.

" On the ivory bed, their encounter lasted a long time. Just as they finished, they heard whispers from inside the brothel...

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Flower Boat Author: Xiling Madman Quan

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