Peach Blossom Temple

Chapter One: Zhang, the Hereditary Jinshi Scholar
The poem reads: "
The Great Way has no place other than the Way, all depends on joy and sorrow, separation and reunion;
all things turn to strange and ingenious names, beyond the comprehension of modern people. Things
have their own inherent order, do not misinterpret the words;
carefully study and ponder, lest you miss the joy in the book. "
This leads to a historical anecdote about the Ming Dynasty. When Emperor Hongwu fought a great battle with Chen Youliang,
he was defeated in Suzhou and surrounded by a large army. With no food or reinforcements, he was in dire straits. Fortunately, one person came to his rescue.
Who was this person? In Suzhou lived a wealthy man named Zhang, who was willing to provide 200,000 shi of
grain. With this food, Emperor Hongwu's army was able to defeat the Prince of Han. Later, after ascending the throne and sitting in Nanjing, he remembered this incident and summoned Zhang
to the capital, bestowing upon him great rewards.
Zhang, upright and honest, refused both the official position and the gold. The Emperor, having no other choice, granted him the hereditary Jinshi degree and a hundred acres
of fertile land.
Master Zhang returned home after receiving thanks, and died a few years later. He had one son named Zhang Cai, courtesy name Xuefu, who was sixteen
years old. He married a woman surnamed Dou and observed three years of mourning. Now that the mourning period was over, he spent his days at home reciting poetry and books.
It was March when he heard about the Spring Festival celebration at Tiger Hill. He thought to himself, "I haven't been out for leisure for the past few years. I should tell
my wife that I'll go to the celebration to relax."
The young man sat alone in his study, feeling bored and silent. Suddenly, he heard that the celebration was at Tiger Hill. He
thought to himself, "I haven't been out for leisure for the past few years while observing mourning at home. I might as well go out today to enjoy the celebration. I'll see the beautiful scenery,
the elegant ladies dressed up, the spring scenery of the third day of the third month, the golden-bridled horses neighing on the grass,
the people drunk in the apricot blossoms, the peach blossoms and willow catkins, and the butterflies fluttering about." The young man was eager to go
to the celebration. He returned home and asked his wife, Dou, to explain the situation.
Having thought this through, the young master returned to the inner quarters. Upon seeing him, Lady Dou asked, "My lord,
why have you come to the inner quarters instead of studying diligently
in your study?" The young master replied, "My lady, you may not know, but I have been observing mourning for three years and have not left the mansion. Today, I suddenly heard about the Spring Festival celebration at Tiger Hill
on the third day of the third lunar month. I wish to go and see the beautiful scenery to ease my mind, so I came to tell you."
Lady Dou said, "It's fine for you to go out and enjoy the scenery, but you are still young and frail, and I worry about you."
The young master said, "Don't worry, my lady, I will return in two or five days. What is there to worry about?"
Lady Dou said, "Since you are going, I dare not insist that you stay."
She ordered a maid to prepare a table of food and drink, and the couple sat down opposite each other. Lady Dou said, "My lord, you are going to visit the festival.
I have some good advice for you."
Lady Dou was a virtuous woman, well-versed in the feelings between husband and wife; she replied that she was going to visit the festival and prepared wine to see her off. With a slight smile, she said
, "My lord, you are going to visit the festival; let me explain." "I have a few words of advice for you, but I fear you are young and may not be upright
. Tiger Hill is full of all sorts of people, many of whom are unscrupulous and will swindle you. I urge you to be careful and discreet at all times, and never
be swayed by clever tricks. First, do not indulge in beautiful women and prostitutes; second, do not drink excessively like Liu Ling; third,
do not go to gambling dens. There are no unscrupulous people there, only idle spectators watching the buying and selling and the tricks. I hope you will
return home after a short visit, and not be tempted by the allure of the brothels and the sounds of music and song, which will only make me anxious and worried." This was the wise and virtuous
Lady Dou, offering her husband these wise words of advice.
Lady Dou then addressed her husband with these words of advice.
The young man said, "Don't worry, my lady, I've remembered everything."
Madam Dou asked, "Sir, how many servants will you need for your journey? Will you ride a horse or a carriage?"
The young man replied, "No need. Just one person and one horse will take me there. Have the servants return home, and they
can come to fetch me in three days."
Upon hearing this, Madam Dou took out a complete set of new clothes, boots, and hat from her trunk and helped the young man change. She and her husband then packed a
bundle, cut off a few taels of silver, and instructed the servants to prepare a fine horse. Madam Dou personally saw him off at the gate. Zhang Xuefu
mounted his horse, accompanied by a servant, and the young man spurred his horse towards Tiger Hill.
The young master rode his horse towards Luyang Pass, while Lady Dou watched her husband stand at the door, seeing him gallop onto the main road.
She saw only the shadows of willows obscuring the view of his horse and riders. She thought, "He just returned home, like Jinlian. From now on, I
'll be a mountain of longing for my husband, forever alone in my empty room, never to return to Hengyang. From now on, our parting will be a dream for a thousand autumns, and
seeing each other again will be incredibly difficult." But let's not talk about the young master's excursion; 　　 let's talk about the nun who became a nun in Peach Blossom Temple. Leaving
aside Zhang Xuefu's journey, let's talk about the temple east of Tiger Hill, named Peach Blossom Temple. There lived a nun named Chen, 　　whose Dharma name was Miaochan. Her father, Chen Naisong, lost a fortune in Suzhou trade and sold his daughter to this temple. She was eighteen years old at the time, 　　exceptionally beautiful and intelligent, with unparalleled talent and charm. From the age of sixteen, her flirtatious nature 　　was evident in her behavior. Every day, she longed for a handsome and suitable husband to quell her desires. However, her 　　standards were high, and she found none of the many young men—princes, nobles, commoners, and even ordinary men—to her liking. Thus, she endured the torment of her days and 　　nights, yearning day and night. By the time she turned eighteen, it was late spring. This Daoist nun sat in her meditation room, 　　melancholy and lost in thought. Her longing for spring is a scene that modern writers cannot fully capture. How can one describe it? 　　 The second chapter, "Watching the Spring Outing at Tiger Hill," 　　 reads: 　　 "Holding the Eastern Lord, good times are wasted. 　　 The morning breeze blows away the dust of the world. The Three Jewels are not burned, the sound of scriptures is not heard. 　　 Before me, endless sorrow for the flowers and orioles. Several springs 　　 have passed, spring after spring. Yet spring is truly the most alluring." 　　 This song, "Stopping the Clouds and Flying," ends here. 　　 Speaking of Miaochan, once spring arrived, her spring thoughts stirred. She neither recited scriptures nor burned incense, becoming lazy with food and drink, 　　sitting silently in melancholy. My master's surname is Li, and her Buddhist name is Daoyuan. She was a commoner 　　who became a nun. She was simple-minded and clumsy, and had been pampered and spoiled since entering the monastery with Miaochan. Now that she was grown up, 　　she obeyed her disciple's every command. Those who came to offer incense, Miaochan would greet with tea and courtesy to those she liked, and have my master deal with those she disliked. 　　 One day, Li Daoyuan saw his disciple looking sullen and unhappy, and called out, "Disciple, today there is a Spring Festival celebration at Tiger Hill. 　　High-painted pavilions are erected, there are songs, dances, and plays. People from all directions are gathering 　　like clouds. Those young masters and nobles, men and women, dressed in red and green, in groups of ten or eight, calling out to each other, coming and going without end..."

"Everyone has come to the fair. There are also merchants and traders of all kinds, gathered together, with many people laughing and joking,
performing tricks, singing ditties, and many Western, Central Plains, mountain, and water scenes. And with the
beautiful spring scenery of the third day of the third lunar month, why don't you, my disciple, dress up and go to see the sights, enjoy the flowers, see the people, and relieve
your pent-up feelings? Your heart will be filled with joy!"
The old nun first described the fair, and Chen Miao, secretly hoping for a happy reunion, was overjoyed. She thought to herself, "Since this grand spring festival is being held,
why don't I follow my master to see it? I'll see which beautiful women are there, and which handsome men are there; if I find
a handsome man who suits my taste, I'll secretly lead him into the peach blossom garden. I'll snatch him and hide him in a quiet inner room, and at night we'll
make love to relieve our desires; at that time, with our willow waists intertwined and our bodies entwined, what a delightful and romantic experience!"
A poem reads:
A beautiful young woman, past sixteen, is alone in her room, speechless with longing;
thoughts linger in her tea and meals, sleep is restless and she cannot sleep soundly.
Daytime musings are unbearable, nighttime tossing and turning is even more unbearable;
if only she could see her beloved's face, she would hold him tightly in her arms.
She longs for a nightly reunion with a Cowherd and Weaver Girl, to quell her burning desire; the beautiful woman makes up her mind, returns to
her room, and carefully washes and dresses.
When the Daoist nun Miaochan heard this, she was overjoyed. She hurried back to her meditation room, washed and dressed, and put on a
new set of colorful robes depicting mountains and water and the Eight Trigrams. Her hair was styled in a carefree bun, a silk ribbon sash was tied around her waist, a handkerchief was held in her left hand, and a whisk in her right
. Looking in the mirror, she saw no trace of worldly appearance before leaving her meditation room.
Upon seeing him, the master was overjoyed and said, "My son, it's fortunate you chose to become a nun. If you were a commoner, marrying a poor man and
washing dishes every day, that would be a waste of your talent."
Li Daoyuan, seeing his disciple's beaming face, said, "My son, your talent is extraordinary. You have become a nun and a celestial being,
far better than suffering poverty like a commoner. You were originally a celestial maiden descended to earth, willing to endure hardship for your master's sake. These past few
days, I've noticed you've been unhappy, listless and restless. I'll take you on a spring outing to enjoy the scenery and see many
sights, bringing you endless joy." The old nun turned and closed the door, and the master and disciple left the mountain gate.
The two, with Miaochan leading the way and Daoyuan following behind, continued their journey up the mountain, ignoring the spring scenery along the way
.
The beautiful young woman, eager to see the handsome young man, disregarded the many spring scenes along the way. She and her master walked awkwardly forward,
oblivious to the peach blossoms and willows lining the riverbank, the swallows carrying mud to and fro, and the butterflies fluttering among the flowers. She feared only that
the spring sun would dull her delicate face, that she would wear out her embroidered shoes by lifting stones, that the fragrant dust would sting her eyes, and that the gentle breeze
would ruffle her carefree crown. The nun, weak and listless, walked step by step until they reached Tiger Hill.
The master and disciple, having traveled and rested three times, finally reached the summit of Tiger Hill. Looking up, they
saw an endless stream of people entering the mountain. There were men and women, old and young, tall and short, handsome and ugly,
fair and dark-skinned—a truly lively scene.
Daoyuan said, "Disciple, you're new to the fair, and the paths are unfamiliar. There are so many people, it's easy to get confused.
Why don't you hold onto my robe, and I'll show you around."
Miaochan said, "Master, go ahead, I'll watch you from behind."
Daoyuan, hearing this, led the way, and Miaochan followed.
Once inside, Miaochan observed the fair closely. She saw many shops on both sides: on one side, several large restaurants; on the other,
the aroma of various dishes wafting from the wine shops; on one side, loud calls of "chicken broth noodles"; on the other, "baked buns and sugar"; on one side
, bows and arrows gleaming, steel knives used to settle accounts at every turn; on the other side, books and pens,
stacks of sage's books piled high; on the other side, silk and satin shops, colorful banners hanging, rolls of bamboo combs and fine silk from Suzhou and Hangzhou; endless rows of timber,
hoes, sickles, pestles, and ironware. They watched endless horse races, the acrobatic performances, the water-carrying, the bustling,
the bustling, the mules and horses in the market, and the papers in the general store. Just then,
the master and disciple looked ahead and suddenly heard the sounds of singing and dancing from a decorated pavilion. They looked up and saw the pavilion in the middle of the water. It turned out to be
a play for young men, a story of Zhang Sheng and Yingying in the West Chamber. The audience couldn't get enough of the beautiful scene, and the beautiful
nun was incredibly alluring. The thirsty woman, not yet satisfied, moved her eyes and heart, swaying her hips and waving her arms.
The old nun called out, "Disciple, let's go outside!" The disciple obeyed.
Meanwhile, the nun Miaochan, who was thoroughly enjoying the play, said, "Disciple, there are so many people here,
and I'm sweating. Why don't we go outside and cool off?"
Miaochan replied, "Let's just watch this play for now!"
She remained glued to the performance, watching the actors' movements and imagining the unpleasant experience. Upon seeing that throbbing yang
, he felt a deep, hazy sensation, as if water had surged from his body in a monk's hut, soaking his clothes.
The feeling was truly unbearable. Because he was under the watchful eyes of everyone, he had to force himself to stay awake. This was truly: "Clearly,
my body suffers, but my mind adds to it; if not for the disturbances, I would lie on the ground feigning death. My burning desire
cannot be extinguished; who will offer me a place in the monk's hut? If I were to meet you, young master, I would be your companion in music and lute."
Chapter Three: Miao Chan's Thoughts on Worldly Matters .
The poem reads:
"Touring, one should enter the east of the Song family, sleeves drooping, heart open, a gentle breeze blowing;
orioles hide in the willow's shadow, no one speaks, only the wall flowers bloom red on the trees. "
Enough of this digression. Now, just as Miao Chan was enjoying herself, she suddenly stopped the drums and called out, "Master,
let's go out and rest!" The two then left the theater.
Not far ahead, they saw a teahouse with a large cloth tent downstairs, where many people were coming and going to drink tea.
Miaochan said, "Master, how about we have a cup of tea here and rest for a while?"
Before the old nun could answer, the tea server asked, "Ladies, is this tea for you? Please go upstairs. It's quiet
and spacious; wouldn't it be nice to rest here?"
Daoyuan, hearing this, went upstairs with his disciple and sat down. The tea server brought the tea and served it, and they drank
a cup. Miaochan looked down from the window and saw people coming and going,
a lively gathering of young and old.
Looking down from inside the building, she saw people coming and going, some old and some young, all
enjoying themselves. Some were dressed in black and some in white, all wearing fine clothes. Several...
The faces were ugly and unattractive. Looking at the handsome young men, one had a fair, powdered face, but his eyes
were vertical and his eyebrows unbowed; another had an elegant figure, but his face was as black as ink; another was dressed beautifully
and was dashing, but his eyebrows were thick and his face short and like a clay bowl; another had a charming demeanor, but his body was too young to
bear the weight. Among these young men, there were many, but none stood out as suitable. The nun, having chosen a husband, was indifferent.
One of them came and ordered tea to be served.
Now, the nun, having observed all the young men, found none to her liking. She said,
"I long for a handsome and intelligent man to soothe this sickly and lustful body, to relieve my thirst
. But in this vast place, I cannot find a single suitable one." This was truly:
A fairy maiden with the will to descend to the mortal world, but where did the golden boy come from?
As Miao Chan was pondering, a young gentleman emerged from the crowd and approached the tea room. He
ordered tea to be prepared.
"Coming! No rush," she said, quickly ushering him downstairs to sit.
The tea server brought the tea. Miao Chan looked closely and saw that he was
quite different from the one she had seen before. He was handsome and refined, and there was a poem about plum blossoms in his mind: "
Braving the blossoms, he is handsome, like two green ribbons fluttering in the wind
, like butterflies dancing in the breeze.
His blue robe is very fitting, both modern and stylish. He is graceful and charming
, like a golden boy descending from heaven.
His eyes are clear and bright, like two spring mountains, sparkling
and radiant. He looks at
people with affection, touching their hearts. His lips are red and his teeth are white, like two lines of jade, like pearls hidden within.
His words are fresh and pleasant.
His forehead is full, a sign of good fortune, wealth, and honor."
The land is vast and expansive, a place where sons and grandsons prosper.
She sits gracefully in her pink-soled boots,
like Song Yu reborn, or Pan An descended to earth. "Xiangru,
where do you come from? Wenjun is hiding upstairs." The beautiful woman, her
body softened by the sight, hurriedly called for the teahouse window.
She thought to herself, "If I could hold this man in my arms, it would be better than
cultivating immortality and living ten thousand springs." She imagined them making love, a beautiful night worth a thousand pieces of gold. She wondered
where he lived, perhaps he already had a beautiful woman he desired. "If I could spend the night with him, I would surely be overjoyed,
kissing and cuddling." The more she looked, the more she loved and longed for him, her heart growing more anxious. Up and down in the teahouse,
they watched clearly. The man, unaware of the beauty above him, felt a pang of longing in his heart, wishing they could share a bed and a kiss
.
Now, the woman Miaochan watched from the window for a while, while the gentleman continued to drink his tea without looking up. "My lord,"
she said, "do you think this gentleman is?" "This is Zhang Cai, the gentleman from Shuangzhu Lane in Suzhou Prefecture." His family had brought him to the fair, and
he had sent them all home. He spent half the day there alone, and only when he felt thirsty did he come to this shed
to sit down and drink tea. Vegetarian fruits and snacks were laid out before him.
The young woman was upstairs; how could he know?
At this moment, the maiden Miaochan, perched above the window, pondered to herself, "How can I let him know, so that those handsome eyes will give
me a deep look? That would make me feel better."
After a moment's thought, she was at a loss for what to do. Suddenly, an idea struck her: "I've got it! I'll just toss a few sunflower seed shells
into his teacup, and he'll naturally know to look at me."
Thinking this, the maiden blew on a few sunflower seeds, held the shells in her hand, and looked out the window, tilting them
towards the young master's teacup. The shells landed precisely inside.
Just then, Zhang Cai was drinking his tea when suddenly, a few sunflower seed shells fell from above and landed in his teacup.
He thought to himself, "Where did these come from?" He looked up and exclaimed, "Ah!" I saw a
young woman sitting inside the window upstairs . She leaned out, wearing a carefree crown and an embroidered robe with eight trigrams,
holding a whisk in her right hand and a plain silk handkerchief in her left. Her delicate fingers pursed as she breathed on melon seeds. Her graceful and elegant demeanor was
truly beyond description or painting. Later generations, seeing her, even commissioned a skilled painter to depict her in a portrait
. A poem was inscribed above: "
Viewing a figure from the window, her beauty is unparalleled in the world;
a graceful young woman, fifteen or sixteen years old.
Wearing a robe with eight trigrams, one realizes she is a Daoist nun;
bathed in warm sunlight, her face radiant like the rising sun.
She floats like an immortal amidst the clouds, her aura fragrant with orchids;
her elegant attire surpasses the fashions of the time.
Adorned with purple grapes, plum blossoms, and red carnations;
her unspoken feelings are subtle yet conveyed.
The young master, upon seeing her, felt his soul depart for the eighth month;
to know what happens next, meet again in the next chapter. "
Chapter Four: Young Master Zhang Desires to Consummate His Love
The poem reads: "
At first sight, a shy smile, their hearts beat as one;
Secretly conveying their feelings, their eyes sparkle with longing; Though their feelings are clear, their words are evasive.
The thought lingers in their hearts, they remain in their minds; if not acted upon, when will their love be fulfilled?
" This song, "The Butterfly Lovers," tells the story of Miao Chan's confession of love. It is said that when Young Master Zhang first saw Miao Chan, his eyes shone brightly ,
radiating
a captivating charm. Miao Chan, seeing the young master's gaze, displayed an even more alluring demeanor, her beauty captivating and alluring. Her beautiful eyes held
a hint of affection, a half-smile playing on her lips; her slender waist swayed gently, a movement both subtle and ethereal, resembling the drunken Yang Guifei in the Chang Le Palace, or the elusive
Diao Chan at the Phoenix Pavilion. Upon seeing her, the young master's soul was stirred; he felt a fire ignite within him, and how could he possibly resist?
Upon seeing the Daoist nun Chen Miao, the young man felt an indescribable sensation. He
had never seen such an ethereal, otherworldly beauty, unlike any other woman he had ever encountered. He thought to himself, "There's no Peach Banquet here. How did Chang'e leave the Moon Palace? Perhaps
the Jade Emperor is indulging in extravagance, and Zhang Qijie refuses to come to the mortal realm? Perhaps a fairy descended to the garden to admire the scenery? Perhaps the Weaver Girl
secretly descended from the heavens? I clearly came to see the banquet today; could I, like Liu Chen and Geng Zhao, have become an immortal?
How did I end up in this brothel? They talk about how beautiful
Lady Zhaojun was, how she was so captivating, how she was so alluring, how she was so charming, how she was so beautiful ...
The beauty of Xi Shi and Diao Chan, so rare in history, how could they be together in
love?
Young Master Zhang, after seeing them, was captivated, his eyes fixed on them, unable to look away. Meanwhile, Miao Chan,
inside the window, first peeked out, revealing half her face. Seeing the young master's gaze, her longing was evident
.
She then fully revealed herself, placing one of her small, bound feet outside the window,
tucking a duster behind her neck, and gently brushing the dirt from her embroidered shoes with a handkerchief. She then
placed a melon seed in her hand, her delicate fingers touching her cherry-like lips, her lips
parted, exhaling softly. Her eyes, like autumn waves, were fixed on the young master, moving up and down, conveying her affection.
The young master, seeing this, felt even more embarrassed and couldn't help but offer his affections.
Their eyes met, and Miao Chan felt weak and powerless,
almost unable to resist. Even the Buddha of the Western Paradise, upon seeing this, would find it hard to remain unmoved. This was truly:
offering extraordinary charm, surpassing a thousand beautiful flowers.
Miao Chan deliberately tossed a few melon seeds onto the table in front of the young master. He
picked them up one by one, enjoying them immensely while watching Miao Chan.
Miao Chan, seeing this, felt even more attracted, and though she didn't speak, her feelings were clear to everyone. Miao Chan then tossed a packet of melon seeds
into a handkerchief and casually tossed it down. The young master immediately took the melon seeds, then
bent down to pick them up. He looked at the handkerchief, wiped the sweat from his face, and felt the fragrance of orchids and musk filling
his mouth. He wiped again and again, looking at the handkerchief again and again, finding it quite annoying.
Young Master Zhang held the handkerchief, kissing it repeatedly, and wiped the sweat from his face with his hands. He found the fragrance intoxicating and delightful. He
felt as if he were holding a large, purple-gold basin. This handkerchief was a gift from the fairy herself, and he felt it was worth a thousand pieces of gold. He couldn't help but
look at the fairy, who smiled with her hands clasped in greeting. The fairy, Miao Chan, glanced at him with her beautiful eyes and smiled happily. Her lips parted as if to offer a gift. Young Master Zhang took a step forward, his
emotions as if expressing gratitude. He thought to himself, "The fairy is kind to me. I should be able to stay close to her and embrace her soon. But I don't
know where she lives or what her name is. I can't ask her in front of everyone. I'll have to find her when we meet again."
Young Master Zhang, clever and quick-witted, thought to himself and began to write a poem on the handkerchief.
Now, thinking of this, Young Master Zhang spread his handkerchief on the table, and using the master's brush and ink, picked up a writing
brush and wrote a poem: "
Like Ruan mistakenly entering his wife's garden, I hear the flute and song of a celestial being in the Qin Tower;
Chang'e, with a sudden infatuation, I, a humble man, have no way to reach the Moon Palace.
I ask where the celestial realm resides, Daring to emulate your jade hands and ascend to the Ninth Heaven;
When will I be able to untie my fragrant sash, And linger among the delicate flower branches?
Respectfully submitted by Zhang Cai Xun, who has bathed and bowed a hundred times." After Young Master Zhang finished writing, Miao Chan, inside the window, had already seen everything clearly. She stretched out
her jade-like, snow-white hair, as if to receive it. Young Master Zhang, unable to pass it up, tossed the handkerchief upwards, but
it was so light and delicate that it was blown away by the wind.
Unable to see her handkerchief, Miaochan lightly touched her lips and said in a soft voice, "Master, I dropped my handkerchief downstairs
. Please come down and retrieve it quickly, or someone else might take it."
The old nun said, "My disciple, you are careless. Let me go find it for you."
She then went down from the teahouse to the window of the covered pavilion and saw a young man holding a handkerchief, looking it over. She said
, "Young master, this is my handkerchief. Please give it to me quickly!"
The young man, hearing that someone had come to ask for it, knew that it was the fairy nun who had sent her master to ask for it. He thought to himself, why not take this opportunity to go
upstairs and take a look? If it were:
to be close to a beauty and hold hands, it would be better than passing the imperial examination with flying colors.
Thinking this, the young master said, "Master, I found this handkerchief. I don't know who lost it. You
say it's yours, but do you have any proof?"
The old nun said, "This handkerchief isn't mine, but it belongs to my disciple. I don't
know what proof there is. My disciple told me to go downstairs to retrieve it."
The young master said, "Since it belongs to your disciple, have him come and get it himself. If you have proof, I'll give it to you."
The old nun, seeing that the young master's words made sense, had no reply and was about to turn back. Miao Chan Nu, inside the window, saw
and heard everything clearly and was secretly pleased. She invited him upstairs. To be continued in the next chapter.
Chapter Five: The Master and Disciple's Caution at the Teahouse.
Poem:
Since the beginning of the ritual, who can escape the sea of romantic suffering?
Unexpected spring colors outside the wall, tempting the tourists.
When will the East Wind protect them, urging the wild wind not to blow recklessly?
Their beautiful appearance reveals its spring light first, then they will bloom again in the heat.
After this song was finished, the story of Miaochan and Zhang Cai's meeting began. Miaochan, overcome with passion, longed
to be with him immediately. From the window, she called out, "Master, why waste your breath on him? If he's willing to return it, he can
personally bring it upstairs. I'll thank him in person. If he hides it, he can take it home for his wife!"
The young master, hearing Miaochan's words clearly, was overjoyed and said, "Master, your
disciple is right. I'm willing to personally deliver it upstairs."
The old nun said, "It would be better if you and I delivered it. If not, my disciple can ask you for it."
With that, the young master went first, followed by the old nun, into the teahouse, climbed the stairs, and went upstairs.
What a mismatch between love and talent! He was seen climbing the stairs, leaning on the railing. Like Zhang Qian mistakenly entering the Niu family mansion, or
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang visiting the Moon Palace and reaching the Heavenly Terrace, where he saw a jade rabbit holding a pestle, but also a fairy maiden on the Jade Terrace, Zhang Gongzi
looked up. Miao Chan, delighted, came down from the window, turned around, and stepped forward, her jade-like hands clasped in his
. It was as if they had been separated for a long time and were reminiscing about their destined love.
The old nun said, "What? Do you two know each other?"
Miao Chan replied, "
Sir, please be kind." She quickly said, "Thank you for your kindness." Zhang Gongzi stepped forward and pinched her cheek.
The old nun said, "Young master, my disciple is a nun; you mustn't break the rules."
The young master said, "I will accompany the fairy maiden with proper etiquette."
My goodness, this pinch from the young master made Miao Chan's heart ache terribly.
The woman's body tingled with pleasure, a sensation difficult to bear. She was captivated by the man's alluring charm, her eyes brimming
with affection, and she almost collapsed into his arms. He, in a daze, embraced her, his hands around her slender waist.
The old nun said, "My disciple, there are chairs here, why aren't you sitting? You must be seeing things."
He quickly released her and lifted himself up. The woman's beauty was like a spring of water, deep and lustrous, like
a peony in full bloom, its petals glistening with dew. She felt as if a pear blossom on a pavilion could barely stand. He had to force himself to speak, saying, "My lord, please kneel and sit down . This humble servant
thanks you and offers you a handkerchief. "
The woman, captivated by the man's embrace, felt a tingling sensation throughout her body. But with her master present, she had to force herself to speak, her eyes
sparkling with affection, saying, "My lord, please sit."
The man, completely mesmerized, didn't refuse and sat down.
My lord, this teahouse is only for the three of us—master and disciple—to drink tea; there are only these two chairs.
The young master had already taken one seat, leaving only one chair. The old nun then called for a waiter to find another seat.
Miaochan said, "Master, there's no one else to sit on. Please take this chair!"
The old nun said, "I'll sit. Where will you sit, my disciple?"
Miaochan glanced at the young master and said, "I'll stand here."
The old nun said, "My daughter's lotus feet are too narrow; standing will harm her."
Miaochan said, "Master, if I can't stand, I'll sit with this gentleman."
The old nun said, "My daughter is too young. If she sits with you, it would be disrespectful to you,
and if outsiders see this, it might cause the young man to gossip."
Miaochan said, "I'm young and frail, and this gentleman is also quite young
. We're both just children; what do we know? I'm a nun and have no ulterior motives, but I'm afraid this gentleman won't agree."
Clearly, this was an invitation for the young master to sit with her. Knowing that the young master longed for her and wanted to hold her in his arms, how
could she refuse?
Hearing this, the young master was captivated and said, "That's alright." He then reached out and pulled on Miao Chan's
eight-trigram fairy robe, saying, "Fairy, please sit."
Miao Chan immediately bent her waist and sat down with the young master on a chair.
Speaking of Miao Chan, her heart was truly filled with sorrow; upon seeing Young Master Zhang, she quickly offered him a seat. With a mere bend of her slender waist, she
sat in his arms; her jade-like body pressed against his embrace, as if breaking her vows of fasting.
His master said, "It's fine for the two of you to sit together. But just behave yourselves."
Miao Chan said, "Don't worry, Master."
I was a young monk with no evil intentions, and I could only sleep together without any lust. Young Master Zhang reached out and embraced the slender waist.
Miao Chan's almond eyes were half-closed and her heart was pounding. She couldn't help but turn her head back. Young Master Zhang's lips were like cloves. First, they
sat side by side with their jade thighs. Then, she was draped upside down by the young master's clothes. Young Master Zhang embraced the slender waist and carried her back. Miao Chan's jade thighs were
pressed against him without her noticing. The two of them were snuggling together, and the pleasure was wonderful. But his penis never entered her flower heart. Miao Chan's jade dew... The rain soaked
his trousers, like a gentle drizzle soaking the young monk. One whispered "Brother," the other called out "Beauty" to his fragrant cheek.
One said, "Come with me today," the other said, "I don't know where the fairy is." One said, "Spend the night among the peach blossoms," the other said, "But
I fear my master is too old." One said, "I wish to marry my husband," the other said, "A moment of bliss is worth a thousand pieces of gold." The two spoke sweet words of
affection. Their master, seeing this, was furious. He saw that the two were calling their disciple "my disciple," and didn't know that men and women shouldn't be ashamed
of their relationship. Seeing that the two were about to consummate their marriage, the master immediately said, "Let's separate them."
Chapter Six: Yin and Yang, Fish and Water, Joyful Together.
The poem says: "
In the Chen courtyard, no one is there, the grass and trees are bare, the sweet oriole sings again by the Yang side;
casually playing on the water, floating flowers are there, the waves come out, Chen, my love."
These four lines are just idle talk. Let's talk about the story of Miao Chan and Zhang Cai returning to the peach blossoms together. Now,
let's talk about the old nun. First, she saw the two sitting side by side, then one in front of the other. She asked, "Disciple,
it would be more pleasing to sit side by side. Why are you sitting like this? I can only see your face, not yours
."
Miao Chan replied, "Master, in the meditation room, the chair I sit on has a backrest and is
warm. Today, sitting on that bare chair is uncomfortable. I thought sitting on your lap
would be more comfortable, like sitting on cotton."
The old nun said, "While it might be comfortable, it won't last long."
Miao Chan laughed, "Sitting for a while is only temporary." She then turned and kissed him, before
secretly slipping her hand into his sleeve to loosen his belt and reach down to touch him.
At that moment, the young man's penis was erect. When Miao Chan touched it, he couldn't resist and loosened her sash
, reaching down to touch something—a jade mountain high, with a spring in the middle from which water gushed forth, a truly enticing sight.
The two sat close together, head to head, body to body; one touched the other, the other touched, both experiencing the same blissful sensation.
At this moment, the young master, his hand pinching the flower's heart, said, "Fairy, I wish you would compose a poem in response, to match
yours. What do you think?"
Miao Chan replied, "Please compose one, sir, I will certainly respond."
The young master, his hand still pinching the flower's heart, then recited :
"Jade Mountain's ancient cave hangs halfway in the air, I wait daily for the monk to come to the door;
sometimes I invite the little monk, and the green flow comes and burrows inside.
" After the young master finished reciting, Miao Chan, unable to resist the itch, pinched the phallus and said, "What a beautiful 'green
flow comes and locks inside.' I have a poem, how about we respond to it?"
The young master was willing to hear it.
Miao Chan then, her tongue plucked, recited: "
A little wind monk, eyes upside down, carrying a wooden fish to the door;
once inside the monk's quarters, he comes in and out, burrowing and burrowing again."
Upon hearing this, the young master repeatedly praised, saying, "Well said! Well said! I wonder how much talent the fairy maiden possesses; I would gladly
follow her even unto death."
Young Master Zhang, captivated by the poem, then said, "Fairy maiden's talent is unmatched; she was born a phoenix, a guest on earth.
How did she enter the Xuanmen to comprehend the Dao? From now on, I wish to be with you, my love, my heart is one and the same. But I
fear our master may be suspicious, and then our love will not last long, which would be a pity. If you, my lord, are willing to love me, I am willing to
be your husband. If you come with me today, I will ensure you have your happy time." He then offered his eager body to her.
The young master, like a flower in full bloom, was completely captivated by her; the old nun, pampered since childhood, had been infatuated with her. He was a foolish man, what did he know? The two of them, so
affectionate and passionate, didn't notice that afternoon had passed and the sun was setting.
The old nun, unaware of their delight, said, "You two should stop talking!" It was getting late, but he
urged them to get up. The old nun tried to persuade the young master. A poem reads: "
A beautiful woman of sixteen, her body like soft butter, a sword at her waist to slay mortals;
though no heads fall, she secretly drains one's marrow."
The woman's heart was like the Yellow River, churning with icy coldness.
The young master immediately leaped up, and the woman quickly lifted herself up as well, one like clouds dispersing, the other like a request
to pause.
The young master turned and sat in Miao Chan's lap. The old Taoist priest, seeing this, said, "Aren't you two perhaps playing tricks?"
The young master asked, "What do you mean?"
The old Taoist priest said, "When I went downstairs, my disciple was sitting with you. When I returned, I saw you sitting with him. You hugged
him once, and he hugged you once. Isn't that playing tricks? You two are young and carefree, and the stories you play are quite famous.
Sir, I invite you to my place to practice more stories with my disciple. In the future, when people come to the temple for chanting sutras
, you two can play those stories for everyone to see."
Indeed:
Wild women are common, but a mad Taoist nun is rare;
born ignorant of worldly affairs, men and women are of one mind but not of the same.
Though at the time they made jokes and used flowery words to amaze people;
if you wish to know what happens next, read the next chapter, where beauty will be intoxicating.
Newly Engraved Peach Blossom Hermitage, Volume Two, Chapter
Seven: Young Master Zhang Worships the Deity
The poem reads: "
Mountain spring drips, filling the steps; ten thousand peach trees reflect the emerald tower;
idly thinking of affection, I remain still, watching someone comb their hair beneath the crystal curtain.
" These four lines of casual conversation set the stage. Having heard the request, Miao Chan said, "I've heard that this gentleman is coming
to our temple to worship the deity and pray for his vow. Master, why don't we go together?"
The old nun said, "His worship of the deity is a good thing; we monks are naturally pleased and should
go with him."
Upon hearing this, the young master quickly greeted her. The old nun said, "Since that's the case, please come down from the teahouse, let's go!"
Miao Chan, hearing this, took the young master's hand and went down from the teahouse. Seeing the large crowd, the master went first, and the two followed behind.
They didn't notice the beautiful scenery along the way. Before long, they left the gathering place and reached the main road. The master walked ahead,
and the two, hand in hand, began to chat.
They traveled alone on the road, but saw him holding hands and kissing passionately. Chen Miao, facing the young master, asked him repeatedly, "I
ask you who else is in your family. First, are your parents still alive? Then, are you married or not? Next,
where do you live? And how old are you this year? I beg you to tell me everything from beginning to end, so that if I ever miss you , I
will know. Even if it means eloping a thousand miles away, I will not regret it." The beautiful woman asked him everything from beginning to end. "Young Master Zhang, you seem to be a very affectionate
person. I originally lived in Suzhou City. I had a home in Shuangzhu Lane. My father and mother passed away three years ago."
"He is a man whose family has been scholars for generations, receiving imperial favor. I am Zhang Cai, courtesy name Xuefu. Today, I celebrate eighteen springs of my life. I married a woman surnamed Dou at sixteen .
She takes care of everything in the household." After telling his family's true story, the beautiful woman gently parted her
lips and asked why. "I ask you, is your sister a good person? To have you is to be a blessed man." The young master said, "She is not
ugly, but she is not good at matters of the heart." As soon as the young master mentioned the word "romantic," the beautiful woman took his arm and called him "
My lord," saying, "I am ugly, but I fear you are not satisfied. I am willing to serve you for life."
The two walked hand in hand, chatting happily. The old Taoist priest said, "We have arrived at Peach Blossom Mountain." He looked up and saw that they had arrived at the first three mountain gates.
The two chatted and laughed as they arrived at the mountain gate. The old Taoist priest opened the mountain gate, and the two went in together.
The old nun asked, "Young master, would you like to worship Buddha first, or have some tea first?"
Before the young master could answer, Miaochan said, "Young master, you are new here and must be hungry. Please have some tea and a vegetarian meal first
!"
The old nun said, "In that case, please come to the guest house."
Miaochan said, "If I stay in the guest house, it won't be very convenient for you to have tea. Why don't you go to the meditation room?"
The old nun said, "The meditation room is not a place for guests, but I'm afraid you won't go."
The old nun asked, "Young master, would you like to sit in the guest house or in the meditation room?"
Before the young master could answer, Miaochan pulled him along, and the young master said, "I am a humble person, and I dare not presume to
be a guest. Firstly, I am very young and not considered a guest." "Come to my meditation room!"
the old Taoist said. "Since that's the case, come to my meditation room!"
Miao Chan, hearing this, said with displeasure, "I find Master's room not very clean."
Seeing his displeasure, the old Taoist immediately said, "Disciple, tell him to go to your room!"
Miao Chan, hearing this, went from being angry to happy and said, "That's fine."
The old Taoist said, "My child, I've spoiled you since you were little, and you're not as good as you. You always want to follow me,
but even when you grow up, you're still the same. I'll treat you like the precious pearl in my palm and make do with you! Hurry up and let the guest
go, I'll go and make you some tea."
Hearing this, Miao Chan smiled and took the young master's hand, leading him to her meditation room.
As the beautiful young woman led the young master into the room, Zhang Xuefu looked up and carefully observed; on the front door were four characters, which turned out to
be "Zhi Jie and Bing Shuang" (meaning "pure and sturdy").
The young master asked, "Fairy Maiden, whose tone is that?"
Miao Chan replied, "My tone."
The young master said, "Is this what you call purity and frost?"
Miao Chan laughed and said, "I am pure and frost with others, but I can't compare to you."
On either side was a pair of yellow paper couplets, with two lines of calligraphy written by a master: the first line reads, "With a clear mind and refreshed spirit, I comprehend the nine paths," and the second line reads, "
Cultivating truth and nourishing nature brings joy to the three luminaries."
The young master said, "Fairy Maiden, is this what you call self-cultivation?"
Miao Chan smiled and said, "Although it's not self-cultivation, it certainly brings joy and harmony."
A gilded square table, as bright as a mirror, sat before them, flanked by two armchairs. On the eastern side was a small table with delicate floral patterns, above which
hung a landscape painting. Several volumes of scriptures were neatly arranged on a small table, and a white jade vase held a sprig of spring begonia. In the two rooms, a white silk curtain
hung high with gilded hooks, beneath which lay a bed where the fairy maiden slept. The young master walked closer and went inside; inside, a green quilt...
The air was filled with the fragrance of musk and orchids. A comfortable pillow sat on the headboard, and the young man gazed at the other, longing for their love.
He teased, "Fairy Maiden, you've kept me here. Who will sleep on this brocade pillow tonight?"
Miao Chan replied, "My brother always sleeps with two people."
The young man said, "I won't."
Miao Chan said, "If you won't, I won't let you have your way." She
then embraced the young man, and the two of them lay down on
the ivory bed. The young man reached out to untie his fragrant silk sash, and Miao Chan quickly unbuttoned her clothes. Just
as they were undressing, the old Daoist nun entered the room carrying a tea tray.
Just as the two were about to make their move, the old nun entered the meditation room carrying a tea tray and called out, "Disciple,
tea is here."
Hearing this, the two quickly rose and straightened their clothes. The old nun asked, "Disciple, what kind of
game are you playing now?"
Miaochan, still dressed, replied, "Master, this is called 'Phoenix Spreading Wings.'"
The old nun said, "You two have the same style, what's it called?"
Miaochan said, "This is 'Mandarin Ducks Spreading Wings.'"
The old nun said, "Good name! Disciple, you should learn from us how to be humble. Let this guest have some tea first!"
Hearing this, Miaochan then let the young master sit in the seat of honor, and then let his master sit down. The old nun said, "
I've already taken both chairs, disciple, you still have no seat. You sit and keep the young master company while I prepare the vegetarian meal for you." With that,
she took the tea tray and left. Chapter Eight 　　 :
Miao Chan Gu Achieves a Happy Marriage . A poem reads: " 　　 The most clever of all are the lustful women, finding endless pleasure in every scheme; 　　 their romantic nature and refined manners are what make them think, forgetting the possibility of having no offspring. " 　　 These four lines of idle talk set the stage. 　　 The young master called out, "Fairy Maiden, please sit over there, lest my master see us." 　　 Miao Chan Gu replied, "My master is a great fool; even if we sit together, it won't matter if he sees us." 　　 As she spoke, she untied the young master's blue robe, separating it to the left and right. Only a brocade sash remained around his waist. When the 　　young master loosened it and pulled down his inner garment, his manhood was revealed. Miao Chan Gu lowered her head, staring blankly, 　　wishing she could hold it in her mouth. 　　 After watching it once, she was so captivated that she couldn't resist the urge and was completely infatuated. So she called out in a soft voice, "Dear sister, let me 　　take care of him!" 　　 Seeing that Miao Gu was so infatuated and her eyes were glazed over as if she were in a trance, the young master couldn't control himself either. So he called out, 　　"Dear sister, can you take care of him for me?" 　　 The young master's use of the word "sister" revealed a different attitude in Miao Chan. It was clear that 　　 she was deeply in love, infatuated, her eyes were glazed over, her heart was in turmoil, 　　 her heart was burning with passion, 　　 her body was numb and she couldn't bear it. She cried out, "Dear sister, please take care of him quickly!" 　　 She quickly untied her sash, pushed down her red silk skirt, and with a graceful sway of her waist and a gentle lift of her jade-like thighs, sat lightly 　　in the young master's lap. She opened her fairy robe slightly and exclaimed, "Dear brother, please lift it up!" 　　 Hearing this, the young master raised his penis, but Miao Gu suddenly sat down, saying, "My dear, I've finally 　　caught you!" 　　 The young master deliberately asked, "Fairy, what have you caught of me?" 　　 Miao Gu reached down and touched his penis, saying, "I've caught it and cleaned it up." 　　 The young master said, "If you've cleaned it up, then clean it up completely! Why leave half of it behind?" 　　 Miao Gu said, "This half is enough for me. If I cleaned it up completely, I'd faint." 　　 These words made the young master feel as if he were in a dream, his mind drifting to the Han palace. 　　 He couldn't help but tightly embrace her waist, pulling her upwards. Miao Gu leaned forward, prostrating herself on the 　　tabletop. 　　 As the young master's jade thighs were nearly lifted, and his words penetrated for half a day, the beautiful maiden fainted. 　　 The maiden, experiencing her first blissful moment, felt a wave of dizziness; her eyes were glazed over, like a dazed man; her whole body felt numb and weak, unable to bear it, and she 　　gasped for breath, calling out for him. Her small, golden lotus-like thighs were like peach blossoms, her face rosy and fair; truly, 　　this charming woman was beautiful, her whole body relaxed, her figure like that of a fairy. 　　 The old nun entered with a vegetarian meal, saying, "Disciple, please eat!" 　　 Just as the maiden was reaching her most intimate moment, the old nun entered the meditation room with the vegetarian meal, calling, "Disciple, please eat!" 　　 Hearing this, the maiden quickly sat up, still seated on the young master's jade thighs. 　　 The old Taoist asked, "Disciple, what story have you learned this time?" 　　 Miao Gu replied, "It's called 'Bodhisattva Sitting on a Lotus Throne.'" 　　 The old Taoist said, "I've seen statues of Bodhisattvas sitting upright on lotus thrones, but you're sitting 　　here like you're in a daze." 　　 Miao Gu answered, "That's another story." 　　 The old Taoist asked, "What story is that?" 　　 Miao Gu said, "It's called 'The Goddess's Dream of Wushan.'" 　　 Upon hearing this, the old Taoist said, "Disciple, I'll learn it too!" 　　 Miao Gu said, "You're too old to learn it. Go and have your meal!" 　　 Hearing this, the old Taoist walked out, saying, "When people get old, they're useless; they can't even 　　have a dream of Wushan anymore." 　　 As he spoke, he went to the kitchen. 　　 Miao Gu, still sitting there, refused to leave. Looking up, she saw two plates of vegetarian fruit and two plates of bamboo 　　shoot soup on the table. 　　 Miao Gu reached out and took a sweet cake, saying, "Brother, have one." 　　 The young master said, "How can I take it with my arms around you?" 　　 Hearing this, Miao Gu put the cake in her mouth, lifted her lotus feet, and with a slender waist, gently turned around, her 　　lotus feet brushing against the young master's waist. She then turned her face towards his mouth and placed the cake in his mouth. After 　　 the young master ate a few bites, Miao Gu asked, "Brother, is it delicious?" 　　 The young master said, "It's incredibly delicious because Miao Gu spat it out herself." 　　 Hearing this, Miao Gu again gently turned her waist, lifted her lotus feet, and did another half-turn, reaching out and taking another cake 　　in her mouth. She then turned around and spat it into the young master's mouth. The young master ate another one. But the story doesn't end there; Miao Gu ate 　　three cakes in a row, her jade thighs clashing with the wise man. This is like two stories: 　　 one, an immortal pushing a millstone; two, a white ape offering fruit.

Miao Gu said, "Playing like this is quite enjoyable, but I'm afraid it might hurt your limbs, brother. Let me go downstairs!"
The young master hugged Miao Gu tightly, saying, "I don't mind being hurt by such a fairy maiden."
Miao Gu was captivated by this. She parted her lips slightly, took the young master's tongue in her mouth, and sucked on it for a moment, saying,
"Brother, I'm going downstairs for a snack. It's getting late. We can do good deeds again when the lamps are lit."
After saying this, she turned her slender waist, facing outwards, her golden lotus feet touching the ground, and her body rising up. Gentlemen, this
movement has a story to tell:
the little monk left the monastery, and the little bald monk emerged from the golden cave.
Miao Gu turned her head and saw that the young master's inner garment was soaked. She pulled up her trousers, took a towel,
and wiped the young master's body with her. The young master stood up, and Miao Gu and the young master tied their sashes. Water was brought over, and the two washed their hands. They
sat down together and ate at the table. By the time they finished eating, the sun had set. The old nun came and cleared away the chopsticks and bowls.
She lit the candles and said, "Master, go to your rest! You are no longer needed here."
The old nun said, "Disciple, I'm leaving. You must study your martial arts diligently and not neglect your training."
Miao Gu said, "Disciple will remember, Master, please rest assured."
After saying this, the old nun left the meditation room.
An old Taoist priest and a foolish man emerged from the meditation room. Little Miao Gu quickly got up and closed the door. Turning back, she called out
to her brother, "My dear brother, Peach Blossom, you've been unable to enjoy the delicacies of the day, but tonight you can eat as you please without worry.
How many years of youthful joy can one have? What is the value of a single moment? Seeing you today is a blessing from a past life
. Your beauty and charm are truly rare. Being matched with you is worth a fortune. Today is like
the meeting of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. Is this delicious meat fresh or not?" With that, the two went to bed, their souls intertwined.
Chapter Nine: Going to the Terrace to Ask Her Lover for Wine .
The poem reads:
Tonight, the moon shines brightly.
A casual glance, a chance encounter.
Seeing him by the lamp, I wonder if he's come from a dream.
My heart is filled with surprise, my face flushed red, my heart burning like fire.
This poem concludes the story of Miao Gu's happy reunion. Meanwhile, Miao Gu closed the door, embraced the young master with both arms,
and was about to get into bed.
The young master said, "Wait a moment, Miss Miao. I've come to celebrate this auspicious occasion with you. I think for our first meeting, we must have a cup of wine
to enjoy this pleasant evening."
Miao Gu said, "Why didn't you say so earlier? I could have sent someone to fetch what's available here, which would have been convenient. But we haven't prepared any
wine, and it's already dark. Who can I send to get it?"
The young master said, "There's no wine tonight, so I won't drink."
As he spoke, he turned and sat down on the chair, remaining silent. Seeing his displeasure, Miao Gu quickly leaned forward
, kissed him on the lips, and exclaimed, "Dear brother, please have some wine; I'll go get it." The young
master asked, "Where are you going?"
Miao Gu replied, "About a mile from here, I'll be back soon."
The young master said, "Why bother with all that? There's plenty in this room. Won't you give me some?"
Miao Gu asked, "Where is it?" The young master said, "On your person." 　　 Miao Gu said, "On
your person?"
"What kind of wine is this?"
The young master reached out and placed his hand under Miao Gu's waist, touching her prominent breasts, and said, "This is not a
fine wine."
Upon hearing this, Miao Gu leaned into his arms and said, "Dear brother, it's alright, but you almost scared me to death by teasing me."
The young master said, "What are you afraid of?"
Miao Gu said, "I'm afraid of spoiling your interest, brother. If you had told me earlier that the wine was on me, I would have let you drink it. I
was even afraid that you wouldn't enjoy it. Since you want to drink it, please come to bed, and I'll make sure you get drunk."
After saying this, she pulled the young master to the bedside, sat him on the bed, and helped him take off his boots, loosen his belt, and pull down his undergarments
. The young master also took off his blue shirt, and they were completely naked. Miao Gu then brought over the candles from the table and placed them
in front of the embroidered curtains, illuminating them very brightly. She then looked the young master up and down carefully. Although the season was over, you
can imagine how happy she was.
Young Master Zhang stripped completely naked, and the beautiful maiden examined her closely; her limbs were perfectly aligned,
yet her body was exceptionally fair and strong. Looking up, she saw the object below her waist, causing her body to tingle and her heart to race; hastily,
she removed her fairy robes and loosened her silken belt, then tied her dark hair into a loose silken bun. She removed her carefree crown and undergarments before
getting into bed; naked, her jade-like body quickly lay down, now on top of the young master. Lowering her pink neck and red lips, she pressed
her lips to his, her jade-like body secretly sending words between them; she cried out, "My darling, move a little, this pot of fine wine tonight will be
yours."
Now, Miao Gu was with the young master, and his manhood entered her golden orifice. Miao Gu, her body dazed, cried out, "My dear son-in-law
, does this feel good?"
The young master said, "This is wonderful, but I wonder how you feel, fairy?"
Miao Gu said, "I am also dazed; at first, I even felt a little uncomfortable."
The young master said, "What did you feel uncomfortable about?"
Miao Gu said, "I felt uncomfortable that it wasn't fully inside."
As Miao Gu spoke, the young master moved downwards and swayed twice, only then entering more than halfway.
Miao Gu said, "Brother, please push it harder."
Hearing this, the young master arched his jade thigh upwards.
My lord, this arching made Miao Gu uncomfortable again, and she could only moan and groan incessantly, calling out "Brother! "
This was truly:
The flower buds could not resist the tenderness, the spring breeze's call had not yet ceased.
The flower heart was not yet satisfied, the love's veins were boundless. She
softly called to her lover, the spring night's joy was endless.
Her insatiable body rose and fell, her slender waist swaying, her flower-like heart gently bending, the young master lifting and lowering her.
The two made love for a long time, until, at the climax, the young master was panting heavily, and Miao Gu cried out softly,
"My dear brother, slow down!"
A moment later, overcome with pleasure, they both reached their climax. Miao Gu lay on top of him for a long time before turning down, crying, "Brother,
you've suffered so much!"
Chen Miao Chan, having finished their lovemaking, kissed her again and again, calling out, "My dear brother, my beloved, this little servant has long awaited our reunion for three years..."
For so many years I have not been able to see you, my heart has been filled with a secret desire for you, and I am unwilling to easily lose my virginity to anyone else. Today,
I went to the Spring Festival gathering to enjoy the scenery. There were many young men there who were my ideal men, but I did not see anyone who stood out from the crowd. Unexpectedly,
I met you in the teahouse. The moment I saw you across from me, my heart was set. I am so happy that you have fulfilled my wish.
The young master said, "If I don't come, what will you do?"
Miao Gu said, "If you don't come, I'll be starving to death."
Unable to indulge in romantic pursuits at night, I don't know if you love me or not, but I fear your heart doesn't reciprocate mine.
Tonight, we'll be together in love, but I fear I'll have to get up and go home today, to embrace my wife and share our joy.
I won't concern myself with these wildflowers and weeds; even though I'm heartbroken, you've waited in vain for news from Hengyang. I'm so consumed by longing
that I've fallen ill. I'm dying for you, my love for you is unbearable. Chen Miao Gu, having finally met you, is now separated again. Young Master Zhang turned his head and
kissed you, calling you, "Fairy, you have such good feelings for me."
Miao Gu said, "Shut up! You keep calling me 'Fairy Maiden' this and 'Fairy Maiden' that; that's not a good way to address me
!" The young master said, "How should I
address you?" Miao Gu
said, "Call me 'Dear'." The young master said, "Dear what?" Miao Gu said, "
Dear Madam, dear Sister."
The young master said, "Is that a good way to address you?"
Miao Gu said, "Just saying it like that will make you feel better."
So the young master called out, "Dear Madam, dear Sister."
Miao Gu leaned forward and said, "Brother, say it!
I see you are the most beautiful woman in the world. If you don't mind my humble appearance, I'm willing to stay with you for life. " The young
master Zhang said something very affectionate, and Miao Gu smiled and asked why.
Chapter Ten: The Beautiful Woman Stitches Silk and Arranges Flowers.
The poem reads:
"Leisurely confiding my feelings to my lover, how can I arrange my body and mind?
Before even expressing my feelings, I urge her to cherish her beauty."
These four lines are just casual remarks.
After the young master finished speaking, Miao Gu exclaimed, "My lord, are you speaking sincerely or feigning sincerity?"
The young master replied, "I will not lie to you. Of all the women in the world, none are as talented, beautiful, and dashing as you
, my lady. Therefore, I have dared to come here, and to be near your beauty is my greatest fortune. Furthermore
, I am deeply grateful for your affection and the prospect of becoming your wife. I feel I am truly blessed, and I would gladly spend my life with you
."
Miao Gu said, "My dear lord, if you are truly sincere, I will certainly prepare a feast to thank you tomorrow."
The young master said, "Why not offer your thanks tonight?"
Miao Gu said, "Tonight, at the third watch, there is no wine..." "How shall I express my gratitude?"
the young master asked. "The food and wine are readily available,"
the young master replied. "Where are they?"
the young master asked. He embraced her and said, "Right here on you."
The young master said, "Tonight, I give myself to you, but I fear you may tire yourself out."
The young master said, "Tonight, meeting you, my fairy, gives me even more energy. Playing with you is like playing with
a bird on my back—I don't even realize it."
Hearing this, the young master leaned against him and cried, "My dearest, how else do you want to play?"
The young master said, "Come upon me!"
Hearing this, the young master leaned against him and used her hand to gently insert his penis into her vagina, stroking it softly, and said:
"When I first met Shen, it was enough to satisfy me with just half of it going in. Why is it that this time, you want
it all in?"
The young master said, "Just go for it a little longer."
Miao Gu lowered her hips a bit more, her slender waist arching a few times, and said, "If it only goes in a little more than halfway like this, tomorrow night
, after I sew a white silk ribbon, we can play like this again, tying it to the base, pulling it up with one hand,
and it will go in completely without any effort. Would that be alright?"
The young master said, " "You sit down tomorrow morning, and I'll try it with you tonight. Consider this a story."
Miao Gu asked, "What story?"
The young master said, "It's called 'Beautiful Woman Upside Down Flower Insertion.'
" Miao Gu laughed, "How is it considered proper flower insertion?"
The young master turned to one side, wrapped his arms around Miao Gu's slender waist, flipped her over, making her lie supine with her
lotus feet spread apart, and inserted his penis into her golden orifice, saying, "This is proper flower insertion."
Miao Gu said, "Is it you inserting it, or am I?"
The young master said, "Fairy, steady yourself..." "Young man, enjoy this, let me take care of it for you!"
Young Master Zhang, his heart pounding with desire, was busy with two things at once. The beautiful woman, lying on her back, secretly savored the pleasure. One thrust, one acupuncture point; the other,
one bowing, one heart pounding. One lifted, one leaped, like a chicken eating rice; the other, one hardened, one offered wine. At first, it was like
fish playing in the water, peaceful and carefree; later, it became a frenzy, like butterflies in flight. Although the beautiful woman had experienced this two or three times, she felt that the previous times were not as
strong as this one. At first, it was like a child scratching an itch, playing in the water; this time, she had experienced the great battlefield of wind and rain, and only felt... Her whole body tingled unbearably
, and she couldn't help but moan and call out to her beloved. Little Golden Lotus clung tightly to the young master, her lips pressed against his, calling him "Mother."
Tonight, she knew for the first time how skillful the young master was; this was her first time experiencing such sweet pleasure
. The beautiful woman's soft, sweet voice never stopped, and the young master's desire surged wildly. Time seemed to fly by, and he couldn't bear it any longer. The two of them rolled around on the bed, their red silk shoes
hanging loosely, their black hair disheveled. They clung to each other, unwilling to part, when suddenly they saw the red sun shining through the sand-screened
window.
The two, engrossed in their play, kissing and cuddling, didn't realize it was already dawn. The beautiful woman said, "My lord, please sleep for now.
I'll get up and wash myself, and then I'll help you get dressed."
The young master said, "Let me dress you first!"
The beautiful woman laughed, "If I make you wear clothes all night, you'll still be naked in the morning."
With that, she got up, pulled the blanket over the young master, and covered him with his trousers. Only then did she put on her clothes, get out of bed, and go to her dressing
table. She looked in the mirror, finished washing and grooming, and opened the door. The old nun brought her water to wash her face. Miao Gu washed her face, applied makeup ,
and truly looked like:
a beautiful young woman of sixteen, radiant and graceful, gazing in the mirror, washing and applying powder;
meticulously arranging her alluring charm, she seemed to be casting a fragrant bait to catch fish in the Xiang River.
Miao Gu finished her makeup and looked in the mirror; she was truly delicate and charming, utterly adorable.
She rushed to the bedside, lifted the bed curtains, and saw the young master sleeping peacefully. She
then turned her head and kissed him. The young master awoke and quickly got up. Miao Gu took his undergarments, held them in her arms, and helped him put them on. She then brought his boots and helped
him put them on. After putting on his blue robe, Miao Gu personally helped him fasten his belt, carried him off the bed, and out of the bed curtains.
Miao Gu brought him water to wash his face, took a towel and soaked it in the washcloth, then dried his hands before getting up.
Seeing Miao Gu's attentiveness, the young master was deeply in love and exclaimed, "Fairy Maiden, I am here and wish to
make a long-term plan with you. But I fear my master will not speak of it in time; firstly, this is the case; secondly, if outsiders see this, Fairy Maiden will find it difficult to tolerate gossip
. What should I do?"
Miao Gu pondered for a moment and said, "It is alright. If you love me, brother, I have my own ideas."
As the two were talking, the old nun entered with some refreshments. Miao Gu quickly took the gift and placed it on the table,
saying, "Master, this gentleman wishes to live with me as a disciple. What do you think, Master?"
The old nun said, "You've grown so old, yet you still don't understand. We are nuns, and he is a
man. Monks and nuns are only suitable for men to be ordained. How can we, as nuns, accept him? This
mixing of men and women will surely make it impossible for us to live together."
Miao Gu said, "Master, this gentleman is a woman."
The old nun said, "Disciple, you're deceiving me again. He's clearly a scholar; how can you say he's a woman?"
Miao Gu said, "Master, you don't understand. Although he's dressed as a gentleman, he has a woman's body."
The old nun said, "That's true! You're just deceiving me !" "Me?"
Miao Gu said, "It's true, I'm not kidding you."
The old nun said, "No wonder you two are so affectionate when you meet, always together. Since that's the case, why not
have him change into women's clothing? At my age, it would be good for me to take on another disciple, so you two sisters can keep each other company.
But I'm afraid he might be a man, not a woman."
Miao Gu said, "Since Master wants him to take on a disciple, I'll make sure he changes. Master, go to the village and get a large pot
of wine to offer as a sacrifice to the statue. My sister and I will change into women's clothing, and Master, you can see if it's a man or a woman so we can kowtow and call him Master
."
Upon hearing this, the old nun said, "Since my disciple is so, I'll go to the village to get wine and incense. You can quickly change him
into women's clothing."
After saying this, she went out.
A clever woman knows how to play tricks, making her master a fool; if not for such clever dressing up, how could she have stayed halfway through spring?
Chapter Eleven: The Master-Disciple Relationship – The Man Disguised as a Woman .
A poem reads: "
When the oriole sings, the spring sun is high; red blossoms bloom by the well;
a beautiful woman skillfully sews clothes, her delicate scissors swiftly plucking the blossoms."
These four lines of casual conversation set the stage.
Upon hearing this, the old nun indeed went out to fetch wine.
Miao Gu said, "Husband, come here!"
The young master said, "Why should I come here?"
Miao Gu said, "Come here and I'll change your hairstyle."
The young master said, "It's uncomfortable to look like this."
Miao Gu said, "If we don't change it, when guests come to see us, we'll talk back and forth, and people will see through us. There will inevitably be trouble in the future
. If that happens, I'm afraid our marriage won't last. If you don't change now, I'm afraid our marriage won't last either, and
your lustful heart will be attached to Miao Gu."
Then he said, "Because of you, you little girl, I've become neither man nor woman." He
then came to Miao Gu, who embraced him, removed his headscarf, and began
to comb his hair.
The young master sat in her lap, and Miao Gu was overjoyed; she untangled his hair and skillfully styled it into a bun. Her dark hair was like flowing water, and her golden hair was pressed
against her temples; she put on the carefree crown, and the green ribbons fluttered.
She took off her comfortable blue shirt and put on the Bagua fairy robe, dressing up like a fairy maiden.
Who knew it was not a woman but a man? The beautiful woman leaned out and kissed her, saying, "From now on, I don't want you anymore. From now on, I
don't want the top but the bottom. At night, I will hold you. I don't covet this appearance during the day." The young man lifted himself
up, and Chen Miao saw something that made her feel troubled.
As the young master ascended, Miao Gu noticed he was wearing boots and said, "Boots are
something only a Daoist nun would wear. This can't be hidden, and you don't wear men's shoes. What should we do?"
The young master replied, "Since they are men's shoes, I can wear them; I won't wear the same as you."
Miao Gu said, "That's alright. Among nuns, feet vary in size. Those with small feet are female nuns, and those with large feet are
Daoist nuns. Female nuns become nuns later in life, while Daoist nuns become nuns from a young age. It's just that Daoist nuns don't wear these boots."
After pondering for a moment, she said, "I've got it! I recently made a pair of red satin shoes with my master's lay disciple, but I haven't taken them yet
. Let me get them and try them on to see if they're good."
With that, she went to her master's room, retrieved the shoes, and returned to her own meditation room. She and the young master took off the boots, and
the shoes fit perfectly.
They were now fully dressed. The old nun, carrying a large jug of wine and incense paper, entered the meditation room. After setting down the wine,
Miao Gu asked, "Master, can you tell if it's a man or a woman?"
The old nun looked up and was overjoyed, saying, "I thought it was a gentleman, but it's indeed a lady."
The old nun looked closely, then stepped forward, grabbed her arm, and said with a smile, "I saw you swaying like a scholar,
but I never knew you were a woman disguised as a man. From now on, you will be my disciple, and I will treat
you like my own daughter. You two will be the elder sister and the younger sister, learning to strike the drum, ring the bell, and recite scriptures. If I attain enlightenment in the future, I will guide you
both to your full happiness." The old nun was completely satisfied and kept
saying, "Master, please have a vegetarian meal." The old nun believed her completely and kept giving her instructions.
Miao Gu said, "Master, please have your meal! After you've eaten, my sister and I will kowtow before the gods." Only then did the old nun sit
down.
The three of them ate together at the table, enjoying some snacks.
The old Taoist priest laid out the offerings, and Miao Gu took incense and paper money. They went out of the room, and the three of them went to the altar, burned incense, and kowtowed. The old Taoist priest chanted scriptures and burned paper money. After they finished kowtowing, they left the main hall. The old Taoist priest said, "Disciple
, your sister has just arrived today and doesn't know the scenery here. Why don't you go and play with her in our peach orchard?"
Miao Gu was delighted to hear this and thought to herself, "To appreciate flowers, one must have wine. I'll ask this master for some wine so that
my husband and I can have some fun."
Then she said, "Master, my sister loves to drink every day at home. How about I let her drink some nun's wine today?"
The old nun said, "These nuns are female monks; they cannot drink wine."
Miao Gu said, "Master, my sister is new here; she doesn't need to be taught yet. She can be taught after three days!"
The old nun said, "My darling, you can do as you please! You go and be with your sister. I'll bring you
wine and food later. You two can have fun, but don't fight."
Miao Gu said, "I understand." After saying this, she smiled and took the young master's hand, leaving the Buddhist temple and heading straight for the Peach Garden
.
The beautiful maiden led the young man into the peach orchard, her laughter echoing, "This day is priceless!" Before them, a thousand peach trees bloomed
in vibrant color, and beside them stood a handsome young man, his apricot-shaped face and peach-blossom cheeks exceptionally charming. His captivating allure was irresistible. Turning her head, she
parted her lips in a smile, calling out, "My dear, charming lover, today we've come to play in this peach orchard. This humble servant is
as happy as if I were in heaven! I'll gladly offer you all the fine food and wine,
and let you enjoy my beautiful body. Let's make this peach orchard our bond, where we can make love as we please!" The beautiful maiden walked along, her heart filled with joy, and soon they arrived at the peach orchard
.
The young man looked up and saw the flowers, like flames, stretching as far as the eye could see, a truly magnificent and enchanting sight
.
The young master said, "Fairy Maiden."
Miao Gu said, "Why are you calling me Fairy Maiden?
You should call me Sister." The young master said, "I'm not
used to calling you that." Miao Gu said, "Don't call me that again."
The young master said, "I'll call you Sister again then. Sister, looking at this beautiful scene, I have a couplet to match
. How about 'Fairy Maiden'?"
Miao Gu said, "I'd like to hear it."
The young master said, "Ten thousand peach trees, ten thousand fires."
Miao Gu replied, "A pair of wandering maidens and a handsome man."
Upon hearing the couplet, the young master was overjoyed. He stepped forward and hugged her tightly, exclaiming, "Dear Sister, I'm completely convinced!"
Young Master Zhang embraced Miao Gu and said, "Sister, you are a genius. You are a priceless pearl,
buried in this alley like gold. I shouldn't have tainted your pure body. Today, I am fortunate to be
married to you. If your fortune comes one day, you may also wear a phoenix coronet and jade belt."
Miao Gu said, "How could I, a nun, be here?"
The young master said, "Fairy Maiden."
During the Tang Dynasty, there was an Empress Wu Zetian. Emperor Shizong of Tang, while visiting a temple and offering incense, was moved and placed her in the palace to usurp the throne.
Later, when Shizong died and entered the Dragon Palace, all the civil and military officials paid their
respects and sat on the jade steps of the golden throne. Ruyi Jun accompanied her like bees and butterflies flitting among the flowers. Young Master Zhang mentioned the licentious women of the Tang Dynasty, and Miao Gu lightly parted her lips to ask what she meant. What did the gentlemen ask? We'll have to wait for the next
chapter to find out.
Chapter Twelve: Banquet in the Garden, Drinking Together .
The poem reads:
Flowers adorn the bright moon, bamboo adorn the smoke, a hundred-foot silk rope hangs in mid-air;
the beautiful and elegant Miao Chan maiden swings below the peach blossoms.
(A casual remark.)
When the young master spoke of Empress Wu Zetian, Miao Gu said, "Sir, please stop. That Empress Wu
Zetian concealed her affair with the late emperor and secretly recruited concubines from the harem. She was a licentious woman. Although she was the most powerful woman,
she was not very proper in matters of etiquette. I don't even respect such a person."
The young master said, "It's alright for a woman to be like her."
Miao Gu said, "Although she held a high position and great rank, she only sought pleasure according to her heart. I, your foolish sister, am not talented enough. Today, I have
flowers and wine, and I have my sister with me. Even Empress Wu Zetian was no different."
The young master said, "Sister, is she a fake?"
Miao Gu said, "A fake is better than a real one."
As the two were talking, the old Taoist nun brought two dishes of wine and food, as well as vegetarian food and fruit. Under a large peach tree, there was
a stone table with seats on both sides. She placed the wine and food on the stone table and said, "Disciple, you two play here
. I need to go back and guard the gate." After saying this, she strolled away.
Miao Gu and the young master arrived at the stone table. Miao Gu poured a cup of wine and invited the young master to sit down and drink.
The young master said, "I don't know how to serve this wine."
Miao Gu understood, reached out and picked it up, put her arm around the young master's neck, and drank a cup with him. The young master
then asked Miao Gu to drink as well.
Miao Gu said, "I don't know how to serve it anymore."
The young master said, "You knew how to serve it before, but you don't know how now?"
Miao Gu said, "I know how to serve it when you drink, but I don't know how when I drink."
The young master said, "You originally asked me to serve you."
He then reached out and embraced Miao Gu, took the cup, poured her a cup, and asked, "Is this alright?"
Miao Gu said, "It tastes better this way."
The young master, now burning with lust, untied Miao Gu's sash and touched her repeatedly. Miao Gu felt uncomfortable and
cried out, "Brother, I want another bite."
Hearing this, the young master took the cup again. Miao Gu said, "I won't drink this cup; I want to drink the pot you carry at your waist
."
Hearing this, the young master quickly untied his trousers, revealing his manhood. Miao Gu turned around, her jade thighs parted, and sat
on the young master's lap. His manhood entered her, and they began to make love again.
Lady Zhao sat on the lotus throne, her jade thighs parted; Xiangru held a cup at his waist, and Wenjun received her through her jade gate. A copper
pot drips wine from its own chalice, a silver vat overflows with its own spout; Zhang Sheng, knowing Miao Gu's thirst, specially hardens his golden stem to pour out a cup.
Miao Gu, her lust burning, embraces the young master from behind, her hands tightly around his waist, her red lips lightly touching his tongue
, her body pressed against him, and she cries out, "My dear brother!"
The young master, intoxicated, his jade body hardens, half-pulling, half-yielding, his fragrant tongue licking at her. Their deep
affection is truly indescribable.
There is also a poem in the style of "Mandarin Ducks":
Their passions are in perfect harmony, hands entwined on fragrant shoulders, lips touching cheeks;
jade body sits in her lover's lap, sweet words and warbling voices call out, "My darling. "
One's golden stem is erect, this jade pot overflows the steps;
a pair of mandarin ducks dance, two flower geese cannot be separated.
After their dance, Miao Gu says, "My lord, let's find another way to play, what do you say?"
The young master says, "What other way can I play, sister?"
Miao Gu said, "I have a couplet. If you can match it, I'll give you my body to play with, and you can have it all you want.
If you can't match it, you'll give yourself to me, and you can do whatever I say without disobeying. How about this?"
The young master said, "I'd like to hear it."
Miao Gu said, "Butterflies dance in the heart of peach blossoms." The young master said,
"I can't match it."
Miao Gu said, "If you can't match it, you have to do what I say."
The young master said, "I've matched it again."
Miao Gu said, "Say it again so I can hear it."
The young master said, "A mad little monk before the Jade Cave gate."
Miao Gu heard the matching. She embraced the young master, sat for a while, and said, "What a mad little monk before the Jade Cave Gate!"
The young master said, "How accurate is that?"
Miao Gu said, "Excellent."
The young master said, "Now you must obey me."
Miao Gu said, "I will obey."
The young master picked Miao Gu up, laid her on the stone table, and made her lie on her back. He untied the embroidered double phoenixes from her legs,
and took off her green and red trousers, revealing her two white legs that seemed to defy frost and snow. Truly, she was
elegant and refined, her jade-like skin dazzling and moving.
The young master, not satisfied with his sight, opened his mouth and bit below her jade-like skin. Miao Gu cried out, "Brother!"
The young master then tied the embroidered ribbon to Miao Gu's legs, dangling her legs from the peach blossom branch. He then poured a cup of wine and
poured it into Miao Gu's mouth, and drank a cup himself. Miao Gu's jade cave gate opened, and her golden orifice flowed with fluid.
Unable to restrain himself, the young master thrust forward, his manhood penetrating her. Miao Gu
cried out in a soft, sweet voice.
Miao Gu called out to her beloved in a soft, sweet voice, her voice like a warbling nightingale's song. She cried out, "My lord, please stop!
Slow down! Slow down! This humble servant is new to this world and finds it difficult to bear. Enter the upper half first and wait a while." Miao Gu
swayed her slender waist, her voice trembling. The young master gently touched her, asking if this was alright. The young master said, "I
'll let you have your fill." As for what happens next, we'll have to wait for the next chapter to find out. (
Newly Engraved Peach Blossom Hermitage, Volume
3, Chapter 13: The Dou Family Daughter Sends a Servant to Find Her Husband)
Poem:
A false promise from a past life, a dark harbinger of misfortune in this life.
A lost and carefree life in the Yellow Sea, all for the sake of sex.
A devoted lover, with a heart full of love, who knew that such arrangements would be difficult to make.
Thinking of her yellow, withered face and her ten red faces,
her once fiery heart suddenly turned as cold as an icy sea.
This is the story of the two concubines, specifically Lady Dou's search for her husband. Now, let's talk about Young Master Zhang. He had thoroughly entangled
Miao Gu, leaving her disheveled and her hairpins askew, her juices flowing freely. At the moment of her passing, Miao Gu was exhausted and dizzy. The young master
took a sweet treat from a plate and placed it in her mouth. Turning around, he saw a peach blossom fall from a small table. He picked it up,
held it in his hand, poured himself a cup of wine, took a sip, and then looked Miao Gu up and down. He then placed the peach
blossom inside her jade cave. Sitting to the side, he drank three cups in succession and called out, "Fairy Miao Gu,
you have a beautiful poem to recite! If you can compose one in response, I will release you, and I will not play with you. What do you say?"
Miao Gu said, "I wish to hear it."
The young master then composed a poem and recited it aloud.
The poem reads:
"A peach blossom opens in the jade cave, dewdrops fall and water flows freely;
one day the blossoms fall and the fruit ripens, in the Mid-Autumn Festival of the eighth month, we'll see the red and white.
" My lord, the last two lines of this poem are Zhang Cai's praise of Miao Gu throughout his life. Later, her son became the top scholar in the imperial examination, precisely because of this line about "seeing the red and white in the Mid-Autumn Festival of the eighth month ." 　　 The
phrase "the blossoms fall" is highly inauspicious, foreshadowing Zhang Cai's death in the third month. But enough of this digression.
Now, let's talk about Miao Gu. After hearing this, she lay back on the stone table and recited four lines: " 　　 Peach blossoms bloom before the jade cave gate, but the little monk is not allowed to enter; 　　 one day if I enter the monk's quarters, the jade door will be tightly shut, and I will not be allowed to return." 　　 The young master, hearing the poem, greatly admired Miao Gu's talent and was very satisfied. He immediately untied the sash from his jade-like body. 　　 Miao Gu's golden lotus feet fell to the ground. He turned around, plucked the peach blossom branch, and stood up, calling out, "My lord, you 　　must obey me now." 　　 The young master said, "I am willing to obey." 　　 Miao Chan said, "Let me put on my undergarments first." 　　 Upon hearing this, the young master embraced her and helped her put on her undergarments. Miao Gu wiped the flower branch with her handkerchief and 　　said, "My lord, put it in your mouth." 　　 The young master then put the flower branch in his mouth, and then the young master had to take off his trousers himself. Upon hearing this, the young master loosened his belt and 　　took them off. Just then, the old Taoist nun entered the garden. 　　 Upon seeing it, she asked, "Disciple, what are you carrying around your waist?" 　　 The young master quickly pulled up his trousers and replied, "Nothing." 　　 The old nun said, "I don't believe you. Why is there a mustard-pounding mallet hanging there, swaying back and forth?" 　　 Miao Gu, standing to the side, replied, "Master, you don't know. When I became a nun, I learned that you love mustard greens, so I brought this 　　mustard-pounding mallet. I can pound some mustard juice for you morning and evening." 　　 The old nun said, "Alright, you can take it out for me to use morning and evening." 　　 Miao Gu said, "Is that alright?" 　　 The old nun said, "It's already past noon. Go back to your room for your meal." 　　 Miao Gu said, "Master..." "Father, you should go back now. My sister will return the feast here." 　　 The old nun said, "I have no teeth, but I'll still eat my fill." 　　 After saying this, she sat down and said, "Second disciple, what kind of feast do you plan to prepare 　　? I'd like to sneak a bite too." 　　 Miao Gu said, "Master, I can't eat anymore, I have no teeth!" 　　 Seeing that her master wasn't leaving, Miao Gu winked and called out, "Sister, I'm feeling hungry, let's go eat some vegetarian food 　　!" 　　 The young master then got up and followed Miao Gu. Miao Gu grabbed the young master's hand and said, "I'll let you off for now. 　　If we go to the room, you can return the feast." 　　 The two chatted and laughed as they went back to their room. 　　 Young Master Zhang and the Daoist nun Chen Miao left the peach blossom garden hand in hand. From then on, the young master became the nun's husband, and the two 　　became a pair of inseparable lovers. The nun was devoted to the young master and would never leave him, while the young master was devoted to the nun and would never return. They made love day and night 　　, and lived and slept together. But let us not dwell on their romantic affairs. He hurriedly returned and told Dou Shi...

The story goes
that the two men, captivated by each other, were inseparable, engaging in sensual acts day and night. The young master,
feeling as if he were in the moon palace, never thought of returning home. This chapter clearly explains the situation.
Meanwhile, the young master's wife, Lady Dou, had been worried about him every day since he left. On the fourth day, she sent her servants
with horses to fetch him from the gathering, searching everywhere, but to no avail. She then inquired carefully for another day, but
the gathering ended and everyone dispersed, and still found no trace of him. She had no choice but to return home and inform Lady Dou. Lady Dou pondered this
matter deeply; it was indeed
unusually urgent. Hearing this, Lady Dou felt uneasy. She lowered her head and thought carefully, pondering deeply. "A perfectly healthy person, gone and not
returned. Though young, he didn't leave late. He hasn't returned yet, causing her great anxiety. Could it be that the young man,
in his youthful indiscretion, has run off to gamble with some rogue?"
He muttered again, "He went to gamble. He's never liked that since he was a child. Maybe a friend invited him to
drink, but he can't stay for many days. Does he have to wait six or seven days for drinking?"
He muttered again, "He's gone."
He thought, "The young man must be a womanizer, lusting after the beauty of prostitutes. He must have met a flirtatious woman somewhere,
taken her away, and kept her at home. I told you before he left, how could you forget my words of advice?" Dou Shi
thought and thought, her heart heavy with worry, and she called her family again.
But what was Dou Shi thinking? Let's hear the next chapter, continuing the story.
Chapter Fourteen: The Family Members and the Abbot of the Nunnery.
A poem:
A famous flower occupies the upper realm, never allowing snow or frost to invade.
Though golden bells adorn the branches, butterflies and bees search in vain.
These four lines are a digression. Dou Shi thought for a while, then hurriedly instructed several family members to inquire carefully in the surrounding villages
. After three or four days of inquiries, there was still no news. Lady Dou was filled with doubt and unease, losing her appetite and pacing aimlessly,
listless and bored.
One day, while sitting, she suddenly heard the sound of a clapper. She hurriedly ordered her maid, "Go and fetch that fortune teller; I want to
consult with your young master."
The maid left the mansion. Soon, she brought the fortune teller into the inner courtyard. He sat outside the door, while Lady Dou
sat inside. She instructed the maid to bring a cup of tea for the fortune teller and asked, "Madam, do you want your fortune told for a boy
or a girl?"
Lady Dou replied, "For a boy."
The fortune teller said, "Bring me the eight characters (birth date and time), let me calculate."
Lady Dou then provided her eighteen years old, born on the fifteenth day of the third month at midnight. The fortune teller, playing a
drumstick, began his calculations. "
The fortune teller listens to the eight characters, his ear is sharp! Before he even speaks, he determines good or bad fortune. He says, 'Madam, my fortune telling is
most accurate. The eight characters are never wrong; I can calculate them clearly.'" Whether it's calculating parents, or spouse, or lifespan, or
official career, everything is predetermined, and I've never flattered anyone.
This person was born at eighteen, a very auspicious age. He was born in the year of Bingchen, a great dragon, in the third month at the hour of Wuchen,
and on the fifteenth day of the Jiazi month at the hour of Zi. This person's birth chart indicates nobility from a young age; he will naturally achieve fame and success without needing to study. I predict that
he will have no parents by the age of sixteen, and that he will have a wife and concubine to bring him honor.
Madam Dou said, "He only has one wife now, no one else."
The fortune teller said, "Don't try to fool me. His birth chart shows he will have a beautiful woman by his side."
Madam Dou asked, "How many children will he have?"
The fortune teller calculated for a while and said, "According to his birth chart, he should have a son this year, but he will be caught in a
trap."
Madam Dou said, "How long will he live?"
The fortune teller calculated again and said, "Not good! According to his birth chart, he will die within a thousand years, probably
within three months."
The fortune teller said something unintentionally that frightened Madam Dou so much that she fell to the ground.
Madam Dou, upon hearing that she would die within three months, was so frightened that she coughed up phlegm, which blocked her throat, and she fell to
the ground. Her maids and servants rushed forward to support her, crying out, "Madam, don't die!"
They patted her chest and tapped her back a few times, and after a few choking sounds, she coughed up phlegm and finally
breathed her last.
Hearing the ominous sound, the blind man quickly changed his words and said, "Although his fate is sealed, is there
a savior?"
A maidservant approached and asked, "What savior? Tell me quickly."
The blind man said, "Hide him in your house. If he doesn't see his wife and daughters for a hundred days, he will naturally escape." Madam
Dou awoke, her eyes filled with tears of pain. She understood and asked, "Calculate again, where is he now
?"
The blind man said, "Give me an hour, and I'll calculate for you and see what happens."
Madam Dou looked up and saw that the sun was about to set, so she gave him the hour of Shen (3-5 PM). The blind man counted on his fingers and said
, "He is right now. Forty li to the west, in a large mansion, he is accompanied by women every day
. He can still escape within two months. After two months, when the hour of You (5-7 PM) arrives, he will disappear without a trace."
After the blind man finished speaking, Madam Dou ordered the maidservant to collect the divination fee, and the blind man took his cane and went out. As soon as Madam Dou
rose, her maid helped her to her room. She collapsed onto the bed, overwhelmed with thoughts, and began to weep.
Madam Dou lay on the ivory bed, tears streaming down her face. She murmured, "Husband, where have you gone?
I worry about you every day, unable to return home. I calculate you are forty miles to the west, and I know you spend your days with beautiful women. Surely
some idle flower has taken a liking to you, or some woman has hidden you away. Have you ever thought about it? The worst thing
you could do is spend ten days or half a month away. If something bad happens to you, how can I, a young widow, bear it?" Madam Dou wept
bitterly, her heart breaking. The maids entered the room to serve tea and soup.
Madam Dou sighed deeply, weeping bitterly as she thought of her husband. The maids brought food, but she had no appetite.
She lit a candle and went to bed alone, not closing her eyes all night.
The next morning, he instructed his family to take ample travel expenses and travel forty li westward,
thoroughly inquiring about all the local gentry, temples, merchants, scholars, farmers, artisans, and commoners. The family obeyed and traveled forty li. But that's another story. Now,
let's talk about the young master and Miao Gu, who spent their days drinking and making merry, indulging in passionate lovemaking. This day, in their room, he was embracing Miao Gu...
The old nun entered the meditation room and said, "Disciple, today in Suzhou, in Shuangzhu Lane, a member of the Zhang family
came here asking about the whereabouts of their master. I told them that only my master and I, the three of us, were here; there were no men, and no one had seen your master 　　.
They didn't believe me and wanted to come in and see for themselves. Disciple, would you allow them to come in?" Upon hearing this, Miao Gu felt as if 　　 a basin of water had been poured into her stomach, and ice had been placed in her bosom. 　　 Her warm body was suddenly plunged into cold water. She sat on the bed, as if in a trance 　　, not uttering a word. 　　 The old nun, unaware of the situation, called out, "Disciple, do you not want them to come in and search?" 　　 The young master, seeing Miao Gu's face change from red to white, then to yellow, in an instant, 　　 like a lotus stem broken, like a peony losing its vibrant color. 　　 Upon seeing this, the young master's heart ached as if cut by a knife. He cried out, "Sister, don't worry, he'll come in to search. We're both women, 　　how could he possibly find a man?" He 　　 then said, "Master, go and tell that family that my two disciples are inside, and there's no man. If you don't believe me 　　, go and see for yourself. If he comes, he comes; if he doesn't, so be it!" 　　 Hearing this, the old nun went out. 　　 Miao Gu grabbed the young master and cried, "My dear, my dear, are you still here with me? Are you leaving me?" 　　 The young master said, "Don't worry, fairy maiden. I'm here with you, 　　like the moon in a lover's garden. My love for you is the same as your love for me. If you were to leave, my heart would truly feel like it's being cut by a knife." 　　 Just then, two servants entered. Did they recognize the young master? To be continued... 　　 Chapter Fifteen: Greed, Adultery, and Lust Lead to Death 　　 A poem reads: 　　 Day and night they danced in merriment, their passionate hearts hard to part; 　　 a sharp knife cannot sever their intertwined flesh; when will their affection and beauty fade? 　　 Let us not dwell on these four lines of idle talk. Now, let us speak of Miao Gu. Hearing the young master's words, she felt a little relieved and called out, "My lord, 　　if anyone recognizes you and tells my sister, our marriage will not last long." 　　 The young master said, "With my appearance, how could he recognize me?" 　　 As they were talking, two servants entered, looking around. They saw two young women sitting on the bed and 　　examined them closely. Miao Gu cried out in fear, "Who are you, servants? How dare you come here without cause?" 　　 One of the servants said, "I am a servant from the Zhang family in Shuangzhu Lane in the city. I have been sent by Madam Dou 　　to find my master." 　　 Miao Gu said, "This is where the young women live. What brings your master here?" 　　 The two servants, speechless, were driven out. Only then did Miao Gu feel relieved. She grabbed the young master and exclaimed 　　, "My lord, you almost scared me to death!" 　　 Miao Gu pulled him closer, saying, "My kind lord, you are a precious gem, but 　　I fear we are not fortunate enough to be separated. Hearing that your family has come to visit, I was so frightened my soul flew to the Terrace of Longing for Home. If you were 　　to leave me today, I would probably die. From then on, we would never see each other again, like mandarin 　　ducks being torn apart." Miao Gu spoke a series of passionate words, and the young master Zhang 　　 said, "Please rest assured, fairy maiden." After Miao Gu finished speaking, the young master said, "Fairy maiden, rest assured, my love for 　　you is mutual. Even if I die here, I will not be separated from you." 　　 Miao Gu said, "Thank you for your kindness, my lord." 　　 The two embraced and made love again. Their love was like glue, inseparable day and night. 　　 Time flies like an arrow, and more than three months have passed in the blink of an eye. Young Master Zhang's face was pale and ashen, 　　his body thin and weak. Seeing this, Miao Gu was filled with worry day and night. She said, "My lord, our lustful desires have caused your 　　body to become so weak. I am deeply concerned. From now on, let's postpone our sexual relations for 　　a few days. Let me nurse you back to health before we do our pleasures." 　　 The young master, also aware of his own frailty, agreed. From that day forward, Miao Gu did not approach him, nor did she remove her sash at night, focusing solely on 　　nursing him back to health. 　　 However, the young master's lust was excessive. During the day, he would relieve his boredom by playing chess or drinking wine, which he could somewhat restrain. But at night, when 　　he lay down, his penis would become erect, causing him sleepless nights and physical discomfort. Miao Gu was determined to break his vows, but he refused to violate the rules. After a long while 　　, she had no choice but to let him explore her body with her bare hands. Miao Gu did not resist, and the young master, like a hungry bird on her back or a baby at her breast, made 　　Miao Gu feel unbearable pain. So she took off her inner garment and took her manhood into her vagina, letting him hold it. He still resisted; the young master's body 　　was already corrupted, and he truly felt 　　 like a child clinging to its wet nurse, like a mother soothing her child. 　　 She coaxed the young master to sleep, and then, like a lowly woman, slowly withdrew her manhood from his vagina. If the young master 　　woke up, he was still in pain, and Miao Gu would try to comfort him. The young master still cried out in pain and begged in every way, and Miao Gu, helpless, 　　still held his manhood. 　　 "My lord," she said, "if lust is like this, how can you not die?" 　　 What a charming and amorous Daoist nun, Chen Miaochan! Her care for the young master was truly admirable. Though youthful passions often lead to lust, and 　　who doesn't crave the pleasures of life? Unfortunately, her unbridled lust led her astray. Now, while it's easy to think things through, it's difficult to back down. For her lover's sake 　　, she resolved to abstain from lust and focus solely on maintaining his health. However, the young master contracted a kidney disease, and every night he 　　suffered from impotence. Although Miaochan sincerely wanted to care for him, she didn't know the disease had become incurable. 　　 Miaochan continued to care for the young master night after night, and after several days, his condition worsened. 　　He became bedridden, unable to move, unable to drink, his face as yellow as a vegetable, and he grew as thin as a horse's frame. 　　 Seeing this, Miao Gu was horrified and burst into tears, crying out, "My lord! I've 　　ruined you!" 　　 Miao Gu embraced the young master, weeping bitterly. She cried out, "My kind and handsome lord, when we first met at the Spring Festival, we 　　fell in love and became a couple. We loved each other dearly, but I feared our love wouldn't last. Therefore, 　　I disguised you as a woman, hoping for a long and happy life together. I even searched for you at home, but now I regret it deeply 　　. I shouldn't have hidden you away. My lord, my lord, who knew of your illness? If anything happens to you today 　　, I will have no way to live my life in this world!" Miao Gu held the young master tightly, crying incessantly. The young master, panting, opened his mouth. 　　 Miao Gu, holding the young master, cried for a while. The young master, panting, said, "From now on, my lady..."

" Afterwards, you need not love me anymore. I urge you to take care of your health. If my life ends, it is my own choice to die a promiscuous death
. How could I blame you, my lady?"
Upon hearing this, Miao Gu felt as if her heart was being torn apart, and she cried incessantly, saying, "My lord, I have a pregnant woman by my side.
I do not know if it is a boy or a girl. My lord, please give her a nickname so that she can call it morning and night. It is because you have come to this world that
she will miss you when you grow up."
Upon hearing this, the young master nodded several times and said, "Good! If it is a girl, she can stay in the house to keep you company.
If it is a boy, if you have feelings for him, send him to the Shuangzhu Lane in Suzhou City to be adopted by Madam Dou
. It will be a way for me to establish a foundation in this world."
After saying this, he lowered his head and remained silent. Miao Gu embraced him, tears streaming down her face, saying, "My lord, my lord,
I will obey your every command."
As she spoke, a sound came from the young man's throat, blood gushed from his mouth, he bit his lip, drooped his neck
, stretched out his legs, and breathed his last.
Three months earlier, at a pleasure gathering, he had met Miao Gu, who sold her charms; captivated by her beauty, she couldn't bear to part with him, cleverly disguising herself as a woman to be his lover. The man,
greedy for her beauty, tried every means to enjoy her pleasures; the young man, after a hundred days, became a libertine ghost, regretting not having stopped her sooner.
What will Miao Chan do now? Let's find out in the next chapter.
Chapter Sixteen: Widow Gives Birth to a Son Posthumously . A
poem says:
When will this love end? One dies, two grieve;
how many lifetimes will I see my beloved again, hand in hand, singing until our hair turns white?
Enough of this digression. Now, let's talk about Miao Gu. Seeing the young man dead, she wept bitterly, her sorrowful scene truly
indescribable.
Miao Gu burst into tears, heartbroken and grieving. Tears streamed down her face, wetting her cheeks. She cried out, "Where has my short-lived lover gone?
When did he come, swaying and staggering? I'll never again dream of our joyful nights in the bedchamber, never again of our carefree life on the Yangtai Terrace! I rush
home, stamping my feet and beating my chest in self-reproach. I long to embrace all that love I once held dear. Miao Chan, Miao Chan, it's all your fault! You
lingered here, the worst thing you could have done. You've turned a good intention into a tragedy! Suddenly remembering our love
, I frantically scratch my ears and cheeks. This is my unfortunate fate, my shallow fortune, unable to bear it all. I've brought this handsome and talented man
to his death!" She cried out, "My poor, unfortunate lover, your death is so tragic! You have nowhere to be buried!" Miao Gu continued weeping, her voice trembling. "My
dear disciple, what is it that you are crying about?" The old nun came into the room and inquired.
As Miao Chan continued to weep, her master suddenly asked, "Why are you crying so in the middle of the night, my disciple
?"
Miao Gu replied, "Master, you don't know, my sister has breathed her last."
The old nun said, "She's already dead. She's only been here for two or three months, and she hasn't done anything for you. Why cry for her?
Let me pull her out and bury her in the peach blossom garden!"
Miao Gu said, "Master, you're mistaken! We were sisters, how could I forget? It would be better to bury her
under the altar, and I can burn incense and offer tea to her morning and evening, so that we won't forget our sisterly bond."
The old nun said, "My disciple, you are a compassionate person. If I die, you can bury me with her, and let
me offer some incense morning and evening, how about that?"
Miao Gu said, "No need to say anything more. Quickly fetch the shovel and make a burial place for her so I can carry her out."
Upon hearing this, the old nun fetched the shovel and made a burial place under the altar. Miao Gu changed the young master's head into
men's clothing, then took a bolt of silk and wrapped his body tightly. She carried him out and buried him under the offering table.
The master and disciple buried him with soil. Before dawn, Miao Gu returned to the meditation room. Seeing the cold and desolate place, she couldn't help but
cry again.
Miao Chan Nu entered the room and, finding it cold and desolate, burst into tears, sobbing, "Where has my short-lived lover gone?
From now on, I'll have a servant in the side room. I'll never again have laughter and joy, never again recite poems and drink with Liu Ling. Thinking of
that day in the Peach Garden, I'm so anxious that my eyes and ears are blurred, and I beat my chest. I think of my handsome and talented lover who has no fortune to enjoy this. It's better to say that
I did evil in my past life and have no good deeds. This kind of shallow-life, lowly person is better off dead. It's a waste to suffer in this mortal world by covering myself with clothes. I'd rather put on a white silk ribbon and
commit suicide, so that I can go to the underworld with my lover."
Then, she changed her mind and said, "Wait! I'm over two months pregnant and still don't know if it's a boy or a girl. If I die, would
n't the Zhang family line end? But life cannot be wasted; I must endure the days. If I give birth to a son or daughter, it will still be
a part of the Zhang family's bloodline, and I won't forget to have a chance to be with my husband!"
Thinking of this, Miao Chan was tempted to die, but she chose to endure the days to prolong her life. If she gave birth to a son or daughter, it would at least
leave a trace for her husband after his death. Miao Chan made up her mind and thus patiently endured each day.
Now, having made up her mind, Miao Chan endured the cold and lonely days, the unbearable time passing. Before
long, ten months had passed, and she suddenly felt pain in her abdomen, knowing that her delivery was imminent. It was as if:
a celestial maiden descended from the heavens, clad in a silk robe and wearing slippers;
the City God and Earth God came to receive her, and the Goddess of Childbirth brought her child.
Miao Gu went through two or three waves of pain, and the nine knots and eight knots were untied;
fresh blood dripped from her vulva, and from within, she gave birth to a child.
The child was born, and Miao Gu fainted for a while. The amniotic sac came out, and Miao Gu heard the child's voice. She looked up and
saw it was a boy. She quickly picked him up, cut the umbilical cord herself, and was both happy and sad—what a pitiful sight!
When Miao Gu saw it was a little boy, she couldn't help but hold him, feeling a deep sorrow. "You were born a mother but no father, a lonely child. You
were already alone before you even found your home, and your father was chased to the gates of hell. You were born amidst peach blossoms, and I fear it would be
difficult for your mother to stay here. You should have been born a girl, not a boy. Your father also instructed me, how could I forget my
promise? Our meeting as mother and child is already filled with the pain of parting, making my heart ache with unbearable sorrow."
Miao Gu picked up the baby and thought for a moment. The baby was difficult to keep alive in the room. Remembering her husband's instructions, she said,
"Very well! I'd better ask my master to find someone to take him to Sister Dou in Shuangzhu Lane, to raise him
to adulthood, thus establishing a foundation for the family. My son and I can see each other again then."
Thinking this, Miao Gu called her master a few times. The old nun, hearing this, rushed forward, surprised, and asked,
"Disciple, whose child are you carrying?"
Miao Gu said, "Master, don't raise your voice. Quickly go and find someone you trust to take him away!"
The old nun went out the door, thinking to herself, "There's a widow nearby named Wang Sansi who often comes here to burn incense and chant Buddhist prayers."
"I must go and call him!"
In an instant, Wang Sansi was summoned, and it was said, "My disciple is waiting for you in the meditation room; he has something to say to you."
Upon hearing this, Wang Sansi entered the meditation room and saw Miao Gu holding an infant in her arms. She exclaimed loudly, "Good! My
little Master Chen, you've really brought trouble upon yourself!"
Sansi entered, his words strange and clever; calling out "Master Chen," his true intentions were hard to fathom. "You nuns, where did the child
come from? If the master knew, how would you arrange it?"
Wang Sansi entered and made some arrangements, making Miao Gu uncomfortable. To know what happened next,
please read the next chapter.
Chapter Seventeen: Wang Pozi Sells an Infant.
The poem reads:
"Alas, the beautiful young woman and talented young man, suffered misfortune and could not stay together;
a debt of love was incurred night after night, unable to obtain lasting love.
With sincere patience, she gave birth to a child after ten months;
yet, she had to part with her child."
This song about peanuts, just talking about Wang Sansi, tells the story of selling his son.
After Miao Gu finished speaking, she quickly took out a tael of silver and handed it to Wang Sansi, saying, "Here's ten taels of silver for you.
Please take this child to Madam Dou of the Zhang family in Shuangzhu Lane, Suzhou, and raise her to adulthood."
Wang Po said, "Master Chen, where did this baby come from? Tell me, so I can know its origin."
Miao Gu knew this matter was difficult to conceal and didn't rise to speak. Miao Gu said, "If Madam forgives this lowly woman, then I can
tell the truth."
Wang Po stepped forward and grabbed her, saying, "I'll forgive you."
Miao Gu bowed twice and said, "Madam, you've heard me."
Miao Gu addressed her as "Madam" again, tears streaming down her face as she confessed, "At the beginning of this year, Tiger Hill held a Spring Festival celebration.
My master and I went to the celebration and met a gentle and elegant young man. We exchanged glances and fell in love. He
came here with me to offer incense, and we secretly pledged our love. He played around here for three months, unaware of the situation,
and I became pregnant."
The lady asked, "He's been here for three months. Where did he go after that?"
Upon hearing this, Miao Gu burst into tears, like a precious delicacy with a broken string, and cried out, "Madam!"
The young master, who had been seriously ill, was about to die. Before Miao Gu could finish speaking, a loud thud was heard, and
Madam Wang collapsed to the ground, tears streaming down her face.
It is said that Miao Gu said the young master was dead. Upon hearing this, Madam Wang fell to the ground. Miao Gu, unable to bear the loss,
bit off a section of the child's little finger, and the child cried incessantly. Madam Wang then held the child tightly in her arms and
went out. Wang Po
, carrying the child in her arms, hurried out of the mountain gate, intending to go into the city to deliver him to Madam Dou. She stepped forward, the child tightly
clung to her, and only then did she enter the city amidst the chaos of people and horses.
All that could be heard were shouts of "Make way!" If one were to bump into a horse's head and get injured, the officials would know who this was
. This was none other than Su Kun, the prefect of Suzhou.
Wang Sansi, carrying a baby, was walking forward when a group of people approached, shouting and yelling,
ordering everyone to make way.
Wang Po had no choice but to hide to the side. As she approached, one of the constables recognized her and called out
, "Aren't you Wang Sansi? What's that bulging thing in your arms?"
Wang Po replied, "Whatever it is, it's none of your business."
The man said, "You've been walking around so furtively, have you stolen something?" The constable
made a joke, but the magistrate inside his sedan chair overheard it and asked, "Who's making such a fuss?" The constable replied
, "No one's making a sound."
Magistrate Su said, "I just heard some talking, how come no one's making a sound? Bring her in."
The constable dared not delay and reported, "Sir, it's Wang Sansi, he bumped into your horse."
Upon hearing this, Su Kun ordered, "Bring her in." The constable had no choice but to bring Wang Po in. Wang Po knelt before the sedan chair and said,
"This humble woman kowtows to you, sir."
Lord Su looked up and saw that Wang Po was indeed hiding something in her arms. He asked, "Are you
Wang Sansi?"
Wang Po replied, "This humble woman is Wang Sansi."
The lord said, "What are you holding in your arms?"
Wang Po said, "Sir, I have nothing in my arms."
The lord angrily said, "You are clearly holding something, yet you try to hide it from me! Both of you, untie her arms!"
Wang Po said, "I will untie them myself."
With that, she untied her arms, revealing a blue robe wrapped around a blood-stained boy. Upon seeing this, the lord thought to himself:
"Old Granny Wang is over fifty years old, and she's carrying a small child out; there must be a reason."
So the man asked, "Old Granny Wang, whose son are you carrying? His blood is still wet, and you're already carrying him out. Where are you
going?"
Granny Wang replied, "This is my son; he's going to his old home."
Upon hearing this, the man said, "You good-for-nothing! How dare you deceive me! Let me ask you, how old are you?"
Granny Wang said, "I am sixty-two this afternoon."
The man then asked, "How old is your husband?"
Granny Wang said, "He is eighty this afternoon..." "He's been dead for forty years."
The master said, "Yes, there's no such thing as a child without a father in this world, especially one over fifty. If you tell the truth, fine;
if not, your master will make things difficult for you."
Upon hearing this, Wang Po thought to herself, "If I tell the truth, Miao Gu gave me a silver ingot and told me not to say anything. If I
don't say anything, the master will get angry and force me."
So she came up with a plan and said, "Fine! Let me tell you a lie to fool him!"
Wang Po quickly began, "Master, listen up; this child is not my own. My neighbor to the west is
poor; he married a wife who raised children effortlessly. Two or three a year, seven or eight in total; they had no money to feed them, so they sent them to
my house. They told me to take them out and sell them on the street; I was in charge, and I got the money."
Wang Po recounted the story from the beginning, much to the delight of Prefect Su Chuan. He immediately addressed Wang Po, saying, "I have a young child now, and I
'll have to weigh the silver right now. We'll discuss it in the next chapter."
Chapter Eighteen: Prefect Su's Adopted Son.
Poem:
A graceful and virtuous woman, with extraordinary talent and charm;
A noble son was born in the nunnery, a top scholar descended from heaven. But enough
of this digression. Now, let's talk about Lord Su. Hearing Wang Po's words, he was overjoyed. He thought to himself, "I'm over fifty
years old and have no son. Perhaps I should buy this child? Is there a price?"
So he asked, "Wang Po, how much silver do you want for this child?"
Wang Po thought to herself, "There's some uncertainty. If he buys him, what will he send to the Zhang family
?"
Then she thought again, "Very well! I'll sell this child to Lord Su, and he can give me a penny.
Wouldn't that be a win-win situation? Better than me going out to see doctors and chant Buddhist scriptures."
Thinking this, Wang Po said, "Sir, please keep this child. Ten taels of silver is enough."
The lord, hearing this, said, "Not much."
He then ordered someone to weigh out ten taels of silver and gave it to Wang Po.
Granny Wang took the child and picked him up, thinking to herself, "I'll keep this blue shirt and get
a few taels of silver in return."
So she placed the naked child into the sedan chair.
When Lord Su took the child in his arms, he was delighted and said, "His forehead is full and square; he will surely be a noble person in the future."
He then ordered the sedan chair to be carried back to his residence, and everyone hurriedly carried it back.
Master Su carried his son back to his mansion in a sedan chair. The old lady immediately came to greet him and asked whose child he was carrying.
Master Su told her the truth: he had bought the child for ten taels of silver on the street and adopted him as their son. The old lady
was overjoyed and quickly took the child into her arms. From then on, Master Su treated the child like
a precious jewel, giving him the nickname Su Baoyu. At six or seven, he was sent to the Southern Academy to study. By thirteen or fourteen, he
had become a talented scholar and passed the imperial examination with top honors. This was a stroke of luck for the Zhang family; Lady Dou fell
in love with him at first sight.
Meanwhile, Wang Po secretly sold the child to Master Su, and the two elders cherished him dearly.
Time flew by, and Master Su's term as an official ended. He wanted to return home, but the people pleaded with him to stay. They petitioned the Emperor, who
then appointed him Prefect of Suzhou, a post he would hold for fifteen years before being reinstated. Therefore, the gentry and noble families of Suzhou Prefecture all had dealings with him, and before they knew it
, more than ten years had passed. Young Master
Su was fifteen years old at the time and had entered a school. He was then sent to the Tenth Academy for a public examination, but that's another story.
They saw that person heading east from the gate, and saw that gentleman heading east from the gate. Madam Dou immediately got up, went
outside the gate, looked east, and said, "Who is that but your young master? Why doesn't he come home? Maid, quickly
call him!"
The maid said, "Madam, you're mistaken about your young master. That's not your young master. Judging from his mannerisms
, although he's the same as my young master at home, his age is quite different. This person is only fifteen or sixteen
years old. My young master left home at eighteen, and it's been fifteen years since then. If it were him, he would be thirty..." "Thirteen or fourteen, Madam,
think about it some more."
Upon hearing this, Madam Dou sighed deeply and said, "Heavens, heavens, I've gone mad with worry."
Madam Dou sighed and cried out to heaven,
calling for her beloved husband, who had vanished without a trace. Since that year when he went on a spring outing to enjoy the scenery and went to a rendezvous, fifteen years have passed. She has been waiting at home, hoping and waiting, but why has he not returned home yet? She and her
young husband are no longer seen, and her devoted heart has turned into a mountain of longing for her husband. It is at this door that Madam waits for her husband, and then her husband sways
and turns back.
Now, Madam Dou was outside the gate, lost in thought. She saw her husband turn
back after a while. Madam Dou looked up and looked him over carefully. She saw that
he was wearing a blue shirt and a headscarf, with a gentle and elegant demeanor;
his face resembled Zhang Caifu, and his bone structure was exactly the same.
Their mannerisms were similar, but alas, they were both under twenty.
The lady, having seen them, was captivated and asked her husband why.
Now, Lady Dou, having glanced at the man, said helplessly as he approached,
"Sir, please stay here for a moment."
The man, hearing this, walked to the lady and bowed deeply, saying, "Madam, please call me down.
What brings you here?"
Lady Dou, hearing the man's voice, recognized him as her husband's, and a thought crossed her mind. She said, "This
is not the place to talk. Please come to the inner quarters."
She then ordered a maid to lead the young man forward, and the lady followed through the main gate. They entered through the second gate, this time into the guest house.
Madam Dou and the young master sat as host and guest, but the young master repeatedly refused. Finally, he sat on equal footing with Madam Dou. Madam Dou
asked, "What is your honorable surname, sir?"
The young master replied, "My surname is Su."
Madam Dou said, "There aren't many people with the surname Su in Suzhou Prefecture. Only the prefect has this surname. Are you related to the young master?"
The young master replied, "Then that is my father."
Upon hearing this, Madam Dou rose and bowed, saying, "So you are the young master of your family. I have been very disrespectful."
Young Master Su returned the bow and said, "I dare not accept such formality."
The two then reported back and brought tea. Madam Dou thought to herself, "I heard that Master Su
had no sons, but bought one for ten taels of silver. This must be the boy. I'll ask him about it."
So she asked, "How many brothers does the young master have?"
The young master replied, "I am all alone and have no brothers."
Madam Dou then asked, "How old is your father?"
The young master replied, "Sixty-three years old."
Madam Dou then asked, "How old is your mother?"
The young master replied, "The same age as my father."
Madam Dou then asked, "How many wives are there in the household?"
The young master replied, "Only my mother."
Madam Dou then asked, "How old are you, young master?"
The young master replied, "Fifteen years old this year."
Upon hearing this, Madam Dou secretly calculated the birth date and knew that the young master was not Su's biological son, but she did not know his
biological origin. Not wanting to ask directly, she said, "Young master, as I stood outside the gate, I suddenly looked up
and saw many people coming and going. If a woman saw you, she might suddenly feel affection and wish to form a
mother-son bond with you. What do you think, young master?"
Having said this, whether the young master would agree or not, we'll find out in the next chapter.
(Newly Engraved Peach Blossom Hermitage, Volume Four)
Chapter Nineteen: Lady Dou Recognizes Her Son as Mother
A poem reads:
Thinking of her husband who would not return, she recognized his face as her own;
She only thought of a temporary act of affection, little did she know it was truly the bond of blood.
These four lines outline the theme.
After Madam Dou finished speaking, the young master thought to himself, "The Zhang family also has a hereditary tradition of
producing Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), and they are well-known local gentry in the prefecture. Master Zhang has been away for many years without returning. I have heard that Madam Dou is a virtuous and chaste woman. It would be
my great fortune to have her as my godmother. Why not accept her as my godmother?"
Thinking this,
he quickly rose and bowed, saying respectfully, "Mother, if you have such a kind intention, I will bow in gratitude." Seeing him kneel down, Madam Dou
quickly stepped forward, pulled him up, and said, "My son, I am overjoyed that you have this intention. There is no need for such a grand ceremony. Please sit down. I have something to tell you!"
Madam Dou was delighted to hear that he obeyed. She said, "My son, listen to me. It is because my husband went out that year, and
it has been fifteen years since he returned. Although I have been waiting for him at home, I longed for him. One day, I came to the gate, and when I
saw you walking outside the gate, it was as if I saw my husband returning and entering the main hall."
Now that I have seen you, I act just like your godfather whom I have never met.
Seeing that your physique is similar to his, I have brought you into my home. This is a boast I made without realizing it.
My son, if you obey my command, I will treat you as my own. My Zhang family is a hereditary family of scholars, and from now
on, we will be related to the Chai family. Tell the maids to quickly prepare a banquet. Your young master and I will sit together and
share our feelings. But let's not talk about the newly recognized mother and son exchanging greetings; a celestial being has arrived at the gate to deliver a child.
Now, Madam Dou, feeling pleased, ordered her maids to prepare a banquet to entertain her young master. But let's leave that aside for now.
Now, since Wang Sansi sold the baby to the Su family, he received twenty taels of silver. He had enough to eat, wear, and wear, and devoted himself to matchmaking and
medical treatment. Years passed, another fifteen days went by, and she was over seventy. She was no longer eligible for matchmaking or medical treatment, and
her money was all gone. Rice and firewood became scarce. Today, she suddenly remembered the
clothes she had used to wrap her child. She decided to take them out and try to exchange them for a few taels of silver at a wealthy family's house in the city.
With that thought, she took them out, locked the door, and headed towards the city.
Reaching the city, she wondered where to sell them. She had heard that her goddaughter
had been cooking for the Zhang family in Shuangzhu Lane for the past two years. She thought she should find her and ask her to exchange some silver for some money. It was much better than going through all that trouble and having no
reliable source.
Having made up her mind, Wang Po went to the Zhang family's gate without announcing herself and went inside. Upon reaching the kitchen door,
a maidservant called out, "Isn't that your godmother? What brings you here?"
Wang Po sat down and said, "My child, I came here because I'm short of firewood and rice, and have nowhere to borrow
. But I have this blue shirt; please take it to your mistress. If she wants it, ask her to give me two
taels of silver so I can make a living."
The maidservant said, "Your mistress is entertaining guests at the inn. Wait until she sees them off!"
Wang Po said, "It's already past noon; I need to go home. Go and ask her quickly!"
The maidservant then took the blue shirt, examined it, and found it quite exquisite. She then took it into the inn and reported, "Your mistress..." " Madam, Lady Wang
has brought a blue robe and wants to exchange it for two taels of silver.
Please bring it for you to see." Madam Dou was talking to her son when she heard the maid's report. Madam Dou said, "We have no
men
in our household now, what use is this blue robe to us?" The maid replied, "Madam, Lady Wang is seventy or eighty years old and lacks firewood and rice, so she has come to seek refuge. I
see this robe is very beautiful. Madam wants a nice garment, and also wants to help the widow and orphan
. Isn't that good?"
As she spoke, she opened the blue robe and looked at it. Madam Dou also looked at it. "My goodness," she thought, "this is exactly what
I chose for myself; I'll recognize it even after a hundred years.
" Madam Dou examined the blue robe carefully, took it, and looked it over thoroughly. She found the robe very familiar.
She then examined the collar, buttons, and floral stitching of the blue shirt closely and exclaimed, "Oh no!"
Her face flushed crimson with worry. She thought to herself, "This blue shirt is one I made myself. My husband wore it when he went out that day, but
he hasn't returned home today. How could his clothes have returned? I realize that to find out where my husband is, I must
call someone to ask him."
Meanwhile, Madam Dou recognized the shirt as her husband's and asked, "Who brought this shirt?"
The maid replied, "My godmother."
Madam Dou asked, "Does your godmother have any sons?"
The maid replied, "She has neither sons nor daughters."
Madam Dou said, "Bring her here; I want to ask her myself."
The maid then summoned Wang Po to the inn.
Wang Po said, "Kowtowing to Madam."
She kowtowed, then stood up and saw a young gentleman beside her. She then performed a trial bow to him,
asking tremblingly, "This gentleman, you must be Madam's son. What a handsome young man! He will surely become
a high-ranking official someday."
Madam Dou, upon hearing this, said, "Your Madam is not so fortunate; she cannot bear this son. This is
the young master of Master Su."
Wang Po, upon hearing this, paused for a moment and said, "Is this Master Su's son?"
Madam Dou replied, "Indeed."
Wang Po said, "Very well, now that you have reached this stage in life, as a young master, you should..." " You've endured so much hardship, so much hardship!
If I hadn't sent you to the Su family, how could you have reached this position?"
Upon hearing this, the young master asked, "Madam, we've never met before
. What favor have you done for me? Why don't you speak of it?"
Wang Po replied, "This cannot be explained in a short time, and besides, I cannot say it in front of Madam . I ask you
, Madam, what do you want to ask me?"
Madam Dou asked, "I want to ask you, is this blue robe yours or someone else's?"
Wang Po said, "It belongs to my household."
Madam Dou said, "There are no men in your household. Who is wearing this blue robe?"
Wang Po was speechless and remained silent.
Madam Dou said, "If you tell the truth, I will give you even if it's just two taels of silver. If you don't tell the truth, you must have stolen it."
"It's stolen. I'll send you to the authorities, but it will put you in a difficult position."
The lady said, "Wang Po, listen to me; the blue-robed man's true origins must be explained clearly. I'll reward you with ten taels of silver so you can go home and make
a living; if you don't tell the truth, you'll suffer." Wang Po listened, her heart filled with apprehension; "I'm over seventy now,
how can I hide this?" If she told the truth now, the silver would be in her hands; if she wanted to know the truth, she would have to read the next chapter.
Chapter Twenty: Wang Po Explains the Truth .
A poem says:
The truth is reasonable, lies are hard to explain;
if Wang Po conceals the truth, when will this case be solved?
Thinking of this, Granny Wang said, "Madam, to tell you the truth, this blue robe was worn by this young master
."
The young master, standing nearby, heard this and, filled with doubt, exclaimed, "You old woman, I've never left the mansion since childhood
, and I have many clothes at home. How could this be?"
Granny Wang said, "Young master, please don't be offended by
what I'm about to tell you." The young master said, "Please speak."
Granny Wang said, "Young master, do you know that you are not the biological son of the Su family?"
The young master said, "I don't know."
Granny Wang said, "I suppose you don't know either." She sat down to the side, listening to her story.
Granny Wang began: "Young master, listen carefully. Only I know your true origin. That year, on the fifteenth of the first month, when
lanterns were being lit, a young nun named Peach Blossom, Miao Chan, called me to her, bringing her a child. The child was only two days old, wrapped
in a blue robe. She told me to take him out so that my master could nurse him."
At that moment, I carried the old woman out of the city, and I went straight into Suzhou. I happened to meet Master Su, who was going to worship at a temple.
Inside the west gate, he saw me and asked what was wrong. I told him I wanted to sell my child. Master Su agreed immediately upon seeing the baby and gave
me ten taels of silver. He took the child right then and there.
At that moment, I saw that the blue robe was very new and worth a few taels of silver, so I kept it.
This is the true story of the young master's life:
Madam, Madam, listen carefully, the story of this blue robe is clear. Wang Sansi will tell you the whole story from beginning to end.
The mother and son in the inn were both startled. Master Su, knowing he wasn't from the Su family, wanted to ask his mother about his origins. After hearing
the true story of the blue robe, Madam Dou hurriedly asked her husband about the inside story.
Now, Madam Dou, having discerned the origin of the man in blue, asked, "How many maidens are there in Peach Blossom Village?"
Wang Po replied
, "Just the master and his apprentice." Madam Dou asked, "Who gave birth to this baby?"
Wang Po answered, "He was born to Master Chen."
Madam Dou then asked, "There are no men here; where did this man in blue come from?"
Wang Po said, "You don't understand. If there were no men, where would this baby come from? The reason
is known to each of them."
Madam Dou said, "To tell you the truth, this man in blue originally belonged to my husband, since the time of Shanghu..." Qiu Shan has not returned from his meeting,
and fifteen years have passed without a word. Seeing this garment today, he must know her husband's whereabouts. Tomorrow
morning, I will personally visit him. If he refuses to tell the truth and demands you as a witness, can you bear to testify?"
Wang Po said, "Madam, please rest assured, I am willing to testify."
The lady said, "If that's so, sir, please return home. Tomorrow morning, I will go to offer incense, so that when I return,
you will have a clearer understanding of your origins."
However:
One thing remains unclear, two hearts are troubled; ten years of coldness end in a single day.
Young Master Su returned home that day. Madam Dou kept Wang Po there. The next morning, Madam Dou took a sedan chair,
secretly carrying the blue garment with her, and then, with Wang Po in tow, headed towards the peach blossoms.
Lady Dou was about to offer incense in Peach Blossom Lane, her heart set on finding her husband, her lifelong husband. She longed to see him again after ten years of marriage,
but alas, her husband had already passed away. Sitting in her sedan chair, she pondered the matter. The truth was unclear. Perhaps
the nun, with her alluring appearance, had secretly led her husband to the Peach Blossom Nunnery, where they had enjoyed each other's company. This was why
they hadn't returned home. But then she thought the matter was suspicious. Even if they were truly in love, given that Suzhou was
not far away, why had they been silent for fifteen years? The truth was difficult for people to discern nowadays. She had to personally inquire
about the root of the problem. Just as Lady Dou was lost in thought in her sedan chair, her servants announced that they had arrived at the Peach Blossom Nunnery.
Lady Dou, still lost in thought, arrived outside the gate, alighted from her sedan chair, and sent someone to announce her arrival. At this time, the old nun had also passed
away, leaving only Miao Gu alone.
Upon hearing that it was Madam Dou from Shuangzhu Lane who had come to offer incense, Miao Gu hurriedly came out to greet her and led her to the guesthouse. Madam Dou, upon seeing
Miao Gu, truly recognized her as a first-rate beauty and thought to herself, "This matter is almost certainly true."
After observing her closely, she prepared to enter the temple to worship Buddha. Miao Gu led her to the Buddha statue, where they burned incense and paper money. After the worship was complete, they returned to
the guesthouse. Miao Gu offered vegetarian food and tea, and upon sitting down, she asked, "Madam, I apologize for not greeting you properly
."
Madam Dou said, "Of course, of course. How old are you, fairy maiden?"
Miao Gu replied, "Thirty-two years old. May I ask how old you are, madam?"
Madam Dou replied, "Thirty-three years old."
Miao Gu then provocatively asked, "How many sons do you have?"
Madam Dou said, "Fairy maiden, you may not know, but since my marriage, my husband has left home, and I have had no news of him for fifteen years.
My children are all..." "No."
Upon hearing this, Miao Gu was slightly startled, thinking to herself, "I once ordered Wang Sansi to send my son there, so why
do you say there is no one? Perhaps my son's life was short and he has passed away."
A tear gently fell from her eye. Seeing her sorrow, Madam Dou asked, "Why does the fairy maiden
look displeased upon hearing my words?"
Miao Gu replied, "I see that you, Madam, are over thirty years old, widowed alone, just like me, a nun. It is truly pitiful."
Upon hearing this, Madam Dou said, "Fairy maiden and I share the same feelings and the same respect. I wish to become sworn sisters with you.
I wonder what your opinion is?"
Miao Gu said, "But I fear that Madam may have reservations about social status."
Madam Dou said, "Fairy maiden, since you are so willing, let us bow to each other."
After speaking, she rose from her seat and bowed, and then bowed four times with Madam Dou. They then returned to their seats and recounted their ages. Madam Dou was
one year older, making her the elder sister, and the little monk the younger sister.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Madam Dou said, "Sister, there's still one thing I don't understand about why I've come here today."
"I hope you can enlighten me, sister."
Miao Gu said, "Sister, what is it? Why don't you speak plainly?"
Upon hearing this, the lady took out the blue robe she had brought and said, "It's this robe, I don't understand."
Upon hearing this, Miao Gu reached out and took it, then suddenly looked up and secretly shed tears.
Seeing the blue robe, tears streamed down her face, remembering Zhang Xiangong of yesteryear; their love was deep and profound, fifteen winters have passed since then.
She had given birth to her delicate body, and Wang Po had wrapped her up and taken her out of the house; now, suddenly seeing her again, it was impossible not to shed tears. Miao Gu's tears flowed
uncontrollably, and the lady wanted to ask for the truth; "My lord doesn't know what happened later, I'll explain in the next chapter."
Chapter Twenty-One: Three Months Later, Her Father Passed Away .
A poem reads:
"A thousand words of advice to Wang Po, remember these words,
secretly take the baby and send her away, never tell a word.
Who can bear to part with such broken emotions today, missing her husband so much,
how can she not shed tears like shuttles?"
It is said that upon seeing this robe, Miao Gu secretly shed tears.
Madam Dou asked, "Do you still recognize this garment?"
Miao Gu secretly wiped away her tears and said, "Sister, you're mistaken! Your sister has entered the Taoist sect and has no
male relatives; what would she recognize?"
Madam Dou said, "This blue robe originally belonged to you. The other day, you told Granny Wang, 'Don't say much. Take
this child to Madam Dou in Shuangzhu Lane, Suzhou Prefecture, and tell her to take good care of him. If she asks,
you must never say that he was taken away from here.' Granny Wang, having received the silver, said, 'Master Chen,
I have done my best for you. Please take him away!'
Miao Gu said, 'Wait, let me wrap him up.'
She then took the young master's blue robe from the box and wrapped it around herself. "
Granny Wang stepped forward to receive him, and Miao Gu's heart ached as if cut by a knife, her eyes filled with tears of pain. She cried out, "Granny Wang, I
have something to tell you about my child today!"
Miao Gu, cradling her newborn son, wept bitterly. She told him, "Zhang Cai of Shuangzhu Lane is your father,
and Peach Blossom Miao Gu is your mother. They were unable to raise you, so they sent you back to your hometown. She wanted to
tell the truth to Dou Shi, but fearing Dou Shi would change her mind and want Cai Lang, she deliberately didn't send you elsewhere. Your father's instructions
must not be forgotten. You are destined to be a hereditary scholar. My child, grow up to be wealthy and noble." Tears streamed down her
chest. She parted her cherry-red lips and held the baby's hand in her mouth, a clever plan forming in her mind. She bit off a small, short finger.
Now, Miao Gu, unable to bear parting from her child, held him in her arms and wept for a while. This is a story from the past, but let's not dwell on it now.
Upon hearing this, Madam Dou spat out a mouthful of phlegm and sighed deeply, saying, "Heavens!
Heavens! I've waited for you for fifteen years, but you're already dead."
Wang Po said, "Madam, your husband has already passed away; crying is useless."
The two women helped Madam Dou up, and she said, "He has already ascended to heaven. Why did you give this blue robe to Wang Po?"
Miao Gu said, "Madam, I wouldn't easily give away this blue robe; there's a reason."
Madam Dou said, "Tell me about it."
Miao Gu said, "Madam, I'll tell you everything.
Because I'm three months pregnant, I told my husband the truth, and he said that if I gave birth... " "You must send this child
to my wife, Madam Dou. After he is ten months old and has completed his birth, it is as if the heavens have sent a divine messenger. If you
grow up and become a responsible adult, you can come to Peach Blossom Lane to recognize your mother." The young lady, holding her precious child, could not bear to part with him. Therefore, the young master
went to call Granny Wang. I kept his instructions in mind and made sure to send this child to Shuangzhu Lane so that Madam Dou could raise him to
adulthood. I gave Granny Wang ten taels of silver and gave her the blue robe. It has been fifteen years since then
, so that I can always think of him. Today, I can see Madam Dou and ask if my precious child is safe and sound.
The young lady, Miao Gu, cried and told her story. Madam Dou, with tears in her eyes, asked the reason.
After Miao Gu recounted her story in tears, Madam Dou, hearing this, cried out with tears in her eyes, "Sister, you have such a kind heart,
but it's a pity I can't get that child back now! Sister!"
Miao Gu, startled, asked, "Where did the child go?"
Madam Dou cried, "The child was sold to the Su family by Wang Po."
Hearing this, Miao Gu was filled with pain and hatred. Pointing at Wang Po, she cursed, "You old slut! Why did I give you ten taels of silver,
only to have you sell this child to someone else? How infuriating! You said it yourself!"
Miao Gu, enraged, cursed Wang Po, saying she was inhuman: "I told you a thousand words, and before you left, I gave you ten taels of silver. I commanded
you to take her to Shuangzhu Lane, to settle down with my wife; my husband and I are deeply in love, to ensure the Zhang family line continues. Why did you disobey
me and sell my child to the Su family? You are greedy and cruel, without any conscience; how can you be considered human if you don't die in your old age?"
Upon hearing this, Granny Wang immediately knelt down and pleaded with her master to calm her anger: "It wasn't my wish to sell the child to the Su family. When
I took him in and entered through the west gate, I happened to meet Master Su returning home from visiting the temple. He called me to his sedan chair and questioned me about the child
's origins. I didn't want to tell the truth, so I lied and said he was a neighbor's son, too poor to raise, and ordered me to take him out to find a buyer.
Who would have thought that old man would readily agree and reward me with ten taels of silver? I couldn't argue with him, so I took the child away. I left my blue shirt
behind before giving it to Madam."
Master Miaogu, upon hearing this, cried out to heaven, her sobs almost unbearable.
Hearing this, Miao Gu was heartbroken and cursed, "You heartless, despicable man! I once pleaded with you countless times
to sell my child to another. He was a hereditary imperial scholar, and you took him away to sell him to another family. Now,
where is the Zhang family's descendant?" Miao Gu wept uncontrollably, thinking of her child. Madam Dou called out, "Sister, please arrange it yourself. Yesterday,
I saw my beloved child at the door. I took him home as my wife, which is why I left him in the inn. I met Wang Po selling
clothes and explained everything clearly. The child went home half-believing and half-doubting, which made me worry. That's why I came to the alley to burn incense and
ask her about it. Today I understand the whole story. Although Zhang Caifu has been dead for fifteen years, you must come with me to see the baby."
Chapter Twenty-Two: The Second Virtuous Wife Su Family Seeks Child .
Poem:
Alas, the tree in the courtyard, its roots buried in a different place;
only because it came too late, it was transplanted elsewhere.
Now, Madam Dou cried out, "Sister, things have come to this point, there's no need for further discussion. We are essentially one husband with two wives. From
now on, come back to the manor with me and demand our son from the Su family. That is the only right thing to do. Wang Po, can you bear witness to that?"
Wang Po said, "Madam, of course! I'll live to be a hundred and be a witness."
The lady said, "Since that's the case, let's go home together."
Miao Gu said, "Let me worship the deity first."
The two sisters worshipped the deity together, then got into the sedan chair together, leading Wang Po back to Shuangzhu Lane.
That night, Madam Dou and Miao Gu shared a bed, endlessly recounting the kindness of her husband and thinking of their son's
face. They talked all night without closing their eyes.
The next morning, after washing and dressing, she first instructed her servants to go to the Su residence to inquire. If Master Su was there, they could go and ask for their son. The servants went, and the two ate together. Just as they finished, the servants reported that Master Su had led 　　the scholars from various
counties of Suzhou to Nanjing for the imperial examinations that day , and had just gotten into his sedan chair. 　　 Lord Ming, Madam Dou and Miao Gu longed to see Young Master Su, as if he were a precious pearl, wishing they could bring him to them immediately. 　　Unfortunately, fate had other plans. 　　 Their hearts were burning with anticipation, yet a few drops of cold water were poured down their throats. 　　 Madam Dou exclaimed, "Sister, Master Su's procession today must include his son. He'll likely be 　　passing through this main street. Why don't we climb the tower and take a look?" 　　 Miao Gu, yearning for her son, also longed to see him immediately and complied with Madam Dou's request to climb the tower. They saw 　　many sedan chairs and carriages in the main street. 　　 Master Su rode in a sedan chair in front, followed by a group of scholars on horseback, with officials from the city seeing him off—a truly magnificent sight. 　　 Madam Dou, looking clearly from her tower window, saw only a noisy procession of carriages and horses. She didn't even glance at Master Su riding in his sedan chair, but 　　focused on recognizing the scholars. Madam Dou said, "You haven't seen him for fifteen years; you probably wouldn't recognize him. Even if 　　we met face-to-face, you wouldn't recognize him." Miao Gu, however, recognized him clearly with a single glance. 　　 A young man, riding ahead, looked and acted exactly like the young master Zhang from years ago. He said, "Sister, 　　let me guess who it is." 　　 The lady said, "Which one do you think it is?" 　　 Miao Gu pointed and said, "This first one, it must be right." 　　 The first one's appearance and character were exactly like her own short-lived husband. As the horse galloped past with a clatter of horns, 　　the two sisters on the balcony were heartbroken, wishing they could hold him in their hands. The Zhang family line was dying out, and it seemed unlikely 　　he would return for many days. The two ladies waited as if each day were three winters. Leaving aside their virtuous longing for their beloved son, they also wanted to see the young master Su 　　. But let 　　 's leave aside their longing for him. Now, let's talk about the young master who went to Nanjing, went to the capital for the imperial examinations, entered the metropolitan examination, passed 　　the provincial examination, and then the palace examination, which concluded in a few days. The Emperor's edict was displayed at the Meridian Gate, announcing that Su Baoyu had achieved the top rank in the imperial examinations 　　. Adorned with flowers and red ribbons, he attended the Qionglin Banquet, visited the Prime Minister's residence, and learned that Prime Minister Cheng Ji had chosen a son-in-law. The Emperor then bestowed upon him an official title. After the ceremony 　　 , he met the Emperor to express his gratitude, and the Emperor bestowed upon him a golden saddle and jade pendant. He was then sent home to pay respects to his ancestors 　　. Su Baoyu's parents, having made all the necessary arrangements, immediately sent someone to Suzhou Prefecture to report the good news. 　　 That day, Su Baoyu returned home with his son, the top scholar. His wife was overjoyed. 　　 Lord Su and his son, the newly crowned top scholar, returned home amidst much commotion. The messenger had already delivered the good 　　news to Suzhou Prefecture, and officials of all ranks were there to welcome the scholar. Madam Dou, upon hearing the news, grabbed Miao Gu's hand, overjoyed. "My son 　　has achieved the highest rank today! Why hasn't anyone come to congratulate us?" she cried. "His spiritual root has been transplanted to another's land. Seeing these large 　　cherries, I can only look on with longing. Tomorrow morning, I'll go to the Su residence to offer my congratulations and inquire whose son possesses this extraordinary spiritual root." But Madam Dou 　　made her decision, and hurried back to tell Lord Su to return home. 　　 Meanwhile, Madam Dou, upon hearing of her son's success, was both happy and sad—but we'll leave that aside for now. 　　 Lord Su, leading his son, entered Suzhou Prefecture, where officials of all ranks from various counties came to greet them. They entered 　　Suzhou City and the government office, followed by Madam Dou into the inner courtyard. An incense table was set up in the center, and they first bowed to Heaven and Earth . The scholar 　　then kowtowed to his mother. 　　 Upon seeing this, the lady was delighted. The official then recounted the story of the Prime Minister's father, Master Cheng, seeking a son-in-law. The lady was overjoyed 　　and asked when the wedding would take place. 　　 Master Su replied, "After returning home to pay respects at the ancestral graves, I will 　　 personally go to the Prime Minister's residence to formally marry into the family." He then arranged a banquet, and everyone in the household, young and old, came to offer their congratulations. Master Su generously rewarded each of them. 　　 The next morning, officials and gentry from the same city came to offer their congratulations. A banquet was set up in the main hall, decorated with lanterns and streamers. 　　Master Su offered seats and entertained the guests, ordering the top scholar to pay his respects to each one. As Master Su was sitting, a servant came to report that 　　Madam Dou from the Zhang family had come to offer her congratulations. I thought the Zhang family also had a hereditary 　　tradition of producing scholars. Master Su was surprised and, not wanting to be slighted, instructed the servant to inform his wife, who would then escort her out of the mansion and host a banquet in the back hall. The servant reported back to his wife, and Madam Dou 　　was brought into the back hall. After the bowing ceremony, they sat down as host and guests. 　　 How did Madam Dou begin? We'll find out in the next chapter. 　　 Chapter Twenty-Three: Scholar Su Returns to His Clan and Recognizes His Mother . 　　 The poem reads: " 　　 Plucking the cassia branch in autumn, the heart still doubts and finds it hard to understand; 　　 though the roots are in a good place, it is unwilling to immediately follow the wind. 　　 " These four lines tell the story of Scholar Su changing his family and returning to his clan. After Madam Su invited Madam Dou to sit down, 　　and after tea and wine, Madam Dou asked, "How old are you, Madam? You are so healthy." 　　 The old lady replied, "I am seventy-three this afternoon. 　　 " Madam Dou 　　 then provoked, "How many wives are there in the household?" The old lady, not paying attention, replied, "It has been one husband and one wife since childhood." 　　 Madam Dou said, "Good. How many sons do you have now?" 　　 The old lady replied, "Just this one son, who has died young." 　　 As the two were talking, the scholar returned to the inner hall and kowtowed to Madam Dou. 　　 The lady stood up, watched the young man bow, and said, "My son, there is no one else here. Sit down; I 　　have something to ask you." 　　 Hearing this, the young man stepped forward, bowed, and respectfully said, "Please, both mothers, have a seat." 　　 Seeing her son's address, the old lady asked, "Why do you address me like that, my son?" 　　 Before the lady could answer, the young man said, "Mother, you don't know; this is the mother and son I've recognized." 　　 Hearing this, Lady Dou exclaimed, "My son, I'm poor now, and he's my biological mother. What are you doing here?" 　　 The young man said, "I truly don't know." 　　 The old lady, standing nearby, replied, "You, lady, are being unreasonable! My own son, who says you are his biological mother?" 　　 Lady Dou said, "Don't try to argue. Let me ask you, how old are you now, and what year and day was he born?"

"Tell me everything about him today."
The old lady stammered, finding it difficult to respond, and then said, "You say he's your own son, what
proof do you have?"
Madam Dou said, "Of course."
Madam Dou was eager to have her little darling, and her rosy face suddenly turned angry at the banquet. "He has parents, he's from the Zhang family, and
you want to force him? You can't do that! You used your official position to coerce me into giving him away! You didn't treat me well back then, but now
the truth is out, and you still want to deceive others? I have Wang Po as a witness, and his birth mother
as proof!" Madam Dou spoke loudly before the banquet, alarming Prefect Su in the front hall. Meanwhile,
Madam Dou was arguing with the old lady in the back hall. Prefect Su, who was entertaining guests in the front, heard the commotion and quickly
got up to say goodbye and went to the back hall.
He saw a lady arguing with his wife, claiming he was her own son, and hurriedly approached, bowing respectfully.
"Madam, please calm down and sit down. I have some questions to ask you."
Seeing his polite manner, Madam Dou said, "Please sit down, sir."
They sat down, and Master Su said, "Madam, you've come to congratulate me today, but I was not courteous
enough. Please forgive me."
Madam replied, "I've come to bother you."
Master Su said, "Of course, of course. As soon as I entered the inner hall, I heard you mention my son, but I don't
know who your son is."
Madam said, "This newly appointed top scholar is my son." "..."
Upon hearing this, Lord Su said, "Madam is mistaken."
Lord Su did not speak, but was lost in thought. However, when he spoke again, he addressed his wife as "Madam." "We two old folks have never had another son in our lives.
This son is the root of the Su family line. Today, he has achieved fame and fortune through the imperial examination. You come to our mansion looking for our
son for no reason. When and where has he been? Our two families have no connection or kinship. You are so obsessed with your son that you
have lost your mind." Lord Su's words, which were full of grudges, infuriated Madam Dou at the banquet.
After Master Su finished speaking, Madam Dou said, "Sir, you say the top scholar is your son. I'd like to ask who your
father is?"
The master replied, "My wife gave birth to him."
Madam Dou asked, "How old is your wife now?"
The master replied, "Seventy-three years old."
Madam Dou then asked, "How old is the top scholar?"
The master replied, "Fifteen years old."
Madam Dou said, "Your wife is seventy-three, and the top scholar is fifteen. Subtracting fifteen from seventy-three,
your wife is fifty-eight. Can you possibly have a son or a daughter?" "Sure, I've never heard of such a strange thing in the world!"
These words left Master Su speechless. He then said, "Madam,
my child has a provenance. You say he's your own son, what proof do you have?"
Madam Dou said, "Of course, I have proof."
She then instructed her maid to go and summon Madam Chen and Granny Wang. The maid dared not delay
and left the yamen, instructing her servants. The servants returned shortly and brought Miao Gu and Granny Wang to the back hall. Madam Dou called out:
"Old Wang, tell me, whose child is this new top scholar? Tell me the truth!"
Upon hearing this, Old Wang knelt down and respectfully said, "Sir, this old woman kowtows to you, sir."
Lord Su was startled to see Old Wang and said, "Old Wang, are you not dead yet?"
Old Wang replied, "I won't die until this matter is resolved."
Lord Su said, "Old Wang, I heard you're struggling to make ends meet at home, all alone. From today onwards, I'll keep you in my
mansion, providing you with food and clothing. I truly hope you'll speak wisely today." "Whose son is this top scholar?"
Madam Dou cried out. "Wang Po, tell me the truth! Whose son is this top scholar?"
Wang Po replied, "Madam and Master, you don't need to argue. He's neither yours nor his.
He originally belonged to my Master Chen."
Upon hearing this, Master Su was furious and said, "Good Wang Po! How did my son become someone else's? You're the one who said
it! "
Wang Po said, "Master, don't be upset. Let me tell you."
Wang Po began to speak, and Master, calm your anger. Speaking of the top scholar, only I can truly understand his story. He was born a peach blossom, and his master took him
in. He told me to carry him out and send him to Suzhou. He came to the Zhang family, a family of scholars, and his wife raised him. When he met the Master, he told me to tell
the truth. His master instructed me not to let it slip. Therefore, I told a lie to deceive the Master. I said I was looking for a customer, and the Master
readily agreed. He gave me ten taels of silver and held the child in his arms. I couldn't answer, lest this happen.
The young lady didn't know whose son he was, but she knew that Master Miaogu was his biological son. This was the beginning of the truth. If we were
to say whose son the top scholar was, Master Chen was his own son. Wang Sansi recounted the whole story from beginning to end, explaining the entire
sequence of events clearly. Lord Su would then argue about taking his son away. I don't know how the lord would reason with us. We'll have to wait and see in the next
chapter.
Chapter Twenty-Four: A Double Burden for Descendants.
The poem says:
A wondrous son was born, a young man who became the top scholar;
Wang Po's convoluted actions caused a dispute between Su and Zhang.
Wang Po recounted the whole story from beginning to end. Lord Su thought to himself, "I've devoted myself wholeheartedly to raising my son
, and now he's the top scholar. If I take him away, who will shoulder the responsibility for the great affairs of my Su family?" Thinking of this, she made up her mind to make
him make a vow, and called out, "Wang Po, there was indeed such a thing back then, but this child is now dead. This
is my own son, not that other one."
Upon hearing this, Miao Gu hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Sir, please don't deny it. How could I not recognize the son I raised
?"
Lord Su said, "Your son, how can you still recognize him?"
Miao Gu said, "Of course, when my son and I parted, I was filled with grief and hatred, so I
bit off half of his left little finger. Today, I have summoned the top scholar to examine him in court. If all ten fingers are intact, he is your son;
if even one finger is damaged, can you still claim him? Top scholar, my son, come here. I have given birth to you for fifteen years, and now
you have finally come to see me. If you cherish the bond between mother and son, you must recognize him today; if you betray the bond of giving birth to me,
I will die here and never return." After saying this, she wept uncontrollably.
Upon seeing her, the young man hurriedly stepped forward and said respectfully, "Mother, I have not seen you for fifteen years. It
is a great fortune to see you today. But how could I forget your kindness, Mother?"
Miao Gu remembered that her left hand was not fully extended. A newly appointed top scholar stepped forward and called out to his mother again, saying, "This
unfilial son has not seen you for fifteen years. Now that we can recognize each other, I have forgotten the kindness of your birth. I cannot face Heaven."
In the back hall, the mother and son could not contain their emotions, while the old official Su was furious.
The story goes that the top scholar, having recognized his stepmother, was experiencing a mix of joy and sorrow when Mr. and Mrs. Su, startled for a moment, realized
there was no point in arguing. Suddenly, they called out, "
Top scholar, come here!" Hearing this, the young master hurriedly stepped forward, bowed deeply, and said respectfully,
"Father, what do you need me to teach you?" Hearing that he was still being called father, Mr. Su, with tears in his eyes, said, "Am I still your father?"
The young master replied, "Father, there's no need for this. I have just passed the imperial examination and today I have seen my birth mother. If I do not
acknowledge her, it would be unfilial; if I forget your kindness in raising me, it would be unjust. If I were to commit such unfilial
and unjust acts after achieving such a high rank, then heaven and earth would surely condemn me."
Indeed:
Never underestimate a scholar, for wisdom often arises from books.
Upon hearing this, Master Su felt somewhat relieved and said, "My son, you have now acknowledged your stepmother
and are truly returning to the family line. You should follow her name."
The young master replied, "This matter still needs to be discussed with Father."
Upon hearing this, Master Su thought to himself, "If I make him take my surname, you will not agree. If I
make him return to the family line, my Su family will be without a son today. Who will take over? Will my Su family be extinct?" Indeed,
one person cannot satisfy the wishes of two families, both wanting a lineage. Master Su, unwilling to make a decision, said, "I am also unwilling to make a decision 　　. How about we discuss it
with the officials in the front hall ?" 　　 The young master said, "I will leave it to Father to decide." 　　 Master Su, along with his mother, went to the front hall to meet the officials from the prefectural school and the county professor, and then to the back hall to meet Madam Dou 　　. After exchanging greetings, they recounted the events that had transpired. 　　 The prefectural and county school officials discussed the matter and said, "The top scholar is descended from the Zhang family, and is naturally a member of the Zhang family 　　. It is only proper for him to return to the family line. Lord Su raised him to adulthood, and his son's success in the imperial examinations 　　is a testament to his great care. Since he has no other heir to carry on the Su family line, it is also proper for him to be adopted 　　and marry into the family. The Prime Minister's daughter will become the daughter-in-law of the Su family, and her son will bear the Su surname, carrying on the Su family's legacy. This is also a testament to Lord Su's good upbringing. The Zhang family can choose another wife or concubine. The top scholar will marry, and his son will bear the Zhang surname, carrying on the Zhang family line. 　　This would be a double blessing, wouldn't it?" 　　 After the two officials finished speaking, both the Su and Zhang families were delighted. 　　 Madam Dou and Master Su thanked the officials profusely and then returned home with Miao Gu and Granny Wang. 　　 The top scholar stayed at the Su residence for several days before returning to the Zhang family residence. At this time, officials of all ranks from the same city came to the Zhang residence 　　to offer their congratulations. Madam Dou and her family were joyful and treated their guests with great respect. 　　 It was said: 　　 For fifteen years there had been no men, then suddenly a top scholar appeared. 　　 The Zhang family then chose the Xu family of Kunshan County for marriage. The top scholar first married into the Prime Minister's household, then took Xu as a concubine. Later, the Su family 　　had three sons, all of whom passed the imperial examinations. The Zhang family had two sons, both of whom entered officialdom through high selection. 　　 A later poet praised them: 　　 Zhang Cai was a dashing man, suddenly meeting the beautiful Chen Miaochan. 　　 Young men could not resist their desires, and Zhang Cai should have died. 　　 Although Miaochan was a promiscuous woman, she loved only one man 　　 in her life, and gave birth to a top scholar. Mother and son met 　　 for fifteen years. The Su family raised their son to fame early. Dou was a virtuous woman, 　　 determined to leave a legacy for the Zhang family. She was able to collect her husband's remains, and Zhang was driven away. 　　 This can be considered a biography of meritorious service, written in the Peach Blossom Hermitage. 　　 [The End 　　 ]

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