Governor Hu, the governor of Shandong, was stressed out about the foreigners. At that moment, a telegram from the Foreign Affairs Department arrived. Thinking it was bad news, he frantically tore it open, only to find it was a minor issue, which relieved him. He said to his subordinates, "These foreigners are gonna be the death of me, you just wait and see!" Nobody knew what to say except for Tao's brother-in-law, the head of the Foreign Affairs Office, who had a lot of experience and certainty. He said, "You can't reason with foreigners; whether you comply with them or not, it's the same. I've been working in the foreign affairs office since I was nineteen, for over thirty years, and have dealt with many matters big and small without a hitch. Brother Tao is young and inexperienced, and now he has to deal with foreigners for the first time. So what do we do? My suggestion is for you, Governor, to send a telegram to Wang Daotai and ask him to help resolve this matter. If we can return the machines, even if it means paying a bit extra and fining a few guys, that's fine. If they really can't be returned, there's no choice but to eat the cost and buy them. As for the extra forty thousand that the foreigners want as compensation, we absolutely not agree to it." Governor Hu said, "Brother, you are truly experienced. Fortunately, Brother Tao is your relative, so I entrust this matter to you." Then he showed his brother-in-law out.
Tao Ziyao's brother-in-law immediately went to the telegraph office to send a telegram to his uncle, asking him to handle it and report back. He also sent a telegram to Wang Daotai, pretending to ask for help, but really helping his uncle out. Wang Daotai's overseas expenses were funded by Shandong, so he wouldn't give his uncle any trouble. In fact, as long as he got his overseas money, he was happy to help a fellow official out. Even if Tao Ziyao screwed up big time, he'd already covered for him.
Speaking of Wang Daotai, he was angry in the trading post in Shanghai because he didn't receive the money. After dinner that day, he sent Zhou Lao Ye to chase him up again. Zhou Lao Ye said, "We've almost worn out the threshold of the Gaosheng establishment, but we can't see him. I've been there several times myself, but either he's not there, or he's already left. There are curtains hanging in the room, saying there are other guests, so we can't go in. If we go to the trading post now, we definitely won't see anyone." Wang Daotai said, "If you don't go find him, how can you see him? Go tell him, if he continues like this, I will really crack down!" Zhou Lao Ye was forced by Wang Daotai and had no choice but to change his clothes and go find him. Just as he was about to leave, a telegram crackled in from Shandong for Wang Daotai. He quickly brought it in and read what was written on the telegram. Wang Daotai opened it and saw that it was sent by Tao Ziya's brother-in-law, which read: "To Wang Daotai at the Changfa Trading Post in Shanghai: Regarding the machinery handled by Tao Ziya, if the foreign merchants will take it back, please arrange for its immediate return. If not, please purchase it. Please wire funds to cover the shortfall and Tao Ziya's travel expenses. Also, please negotiate with the foreign company for an additional 40,000 taels—don't let them take advantage of us. Once everything is settled, please hurry Tao Ziya back to the province with the machinery. Await your reply." Below was Tao Ziya's brother-in-law's name. When Wang Daotai saw the words "wire funds to cover the shortfall" in the telegram, he said, "No need to bother Tao Ziya for the money; his brother-in-law's sorted it. Even if it's 40,000 or 80,000 taels, it can be done." He quickly told Zhou Lao Ye not to go and said, "Given his brother-in-law's telegram, we should let him know." Zhou Lao Ye said, "There's no need to notify him; he'll be along once he gets the wire." Wang Daotai said, "You're right, it's better to wait for him to come." So he didn't say anything more.
Ever since Wang Daotai asked Tao Ziyao for money and contract receipts, Tao Ziyao has been avoiding him, hiding at Lu Lanfen's place in Tongqingli every day to avoid being found. Previously, Mr. Zhou had come twice, and the housekeeper responded. Later, when the master avoided seeing him, the housekeeper would just send him away without reporting back. So these days, Tao Ziyao felt more at ease, waiting for a reply from Chou Wuke's. One day, Wei Pianren came and said, "Word came from the foreign governor, agreeing to the telegram from the East, giving us the go-ahead to sue Shandong." Tao Ziyao was both shocked and delighted. Shocked that this was going to blow up; delighted that he had foreign help, and as long as the machinery wasn't returned, he'd be set. He thought to himself, "I've already sued Chou Wuke. My superiors won't suspect a thing when I report back." He thought again, "As long as I get my cut, I don't need to go back. I can find a business to do in Shanghai, like Chou Wuke and Pianren; they make a lot of money in a year. Those guys make more than the deputy governor, the prefect, or even the heads of the Foreign Affairs, Camp, and Supply Bureaus." With a plan in mind, he took one step at a time. However, he had borrowed a couple hundred bucks from Pianren before, and it was almost spent. He was hesitant to ask for more money, so he just said to Pianren, "Pianren's like family to me. If it weren't for your help, this trip of mine would not only have been in vain, but I would also have lost money. I hope they pay you back, even the forty thousand." Pianren said, "I hope so. But Wuke says no machine return, and the compensation is just talk." Then he said some other idle talk and left.
The new girlfriend has been feeling a bit upset these days because Tao Ziyao is broke. Today she urged him to go see a house again, but Tao Ziyao said he wasn't feeling well and would go in a few days. The new girlfriend knew he didn't have money, so she said a bit angrily, "You gotta keep your word. A promise is a promise. How long have you promised me? Wasn't it three weeks ago?" Tao Ziyao said, "I never break my promises. I just want to wait until I feel better before doing this. We've known each other for so long, don't you trust me?" The new girlfriend didn't say anything, only replied, "You're unreliable. The sooner you finish this, the sooner you can relax." Tao Ziyao said, "Don't you know my intentions?" Then they chatted for a while, but I won't go into details.
Two days later, the new girlfriend urged him to go see the house again. Tao Ziyao had been in Shanghai for so long and knew that this "keeping" thing wasn't easy, so he went to ask Wei Pianren how to handle it. Wei Pianren said, "Whoa, congrats, man! You're living the high life! We've been friends forever, and let me tell you, things aren't always what they seem." Tao Ziyao said, "Don't tease me." Wei Pianren asked, "What's her situation?" Tao Ziyao said, "She insists on marrying me." Wei Pianren said, "Oh, you have to get hitched!" Tao Ziyao said, "Exactly! It's been three or four weeks already. She wants the whole shebang: red dress, the works, a proper wedding with a sedan chair and the whole nine yards. You know how it is with us officials – gotta do things right. But get this – she also wants an extra two grand. Won't tell me what it's for. It can't be the dowry; that's way too much. Pianren, any ideas?" Wei Pianren said, "This matter, we need to ask the new girlfriend for ideas." So they headed over to Tongqing Lane together.
As soon as they met, the new girlfriend shot right out, "Have you found a house?" Tao Ziyao didn't say a word. Wei Pianren said, "Congratulations! So what's up with you two? Why isn't there a matchmaker? Some things are better not said face to face. Let me play matchmaker and smooth things over." The new girlfriend said, "Who needs a matchmaker? We haven't planned to get married officially yet, so we don't need one." Wei Pianren noticed something was off and asked Tao Ziyao, "What's going on?" Tao Ziyao was stunned when the new girlfriend changed her mind; he didn't speak for a while and then said to her, "Didn't you say you wanted to marry me? And have the whole wedding shebang: red dress, bridal sedan, the works?" The new girlfriend replied, "What else?" Tao Ziyao said, "We'll talk about it later." She turned to Wei Pianren and said, "Wei Lao, it's not that I'm breaking my promise, it's just that this guy is a bit unreliable. Marriage is a lifelong matter; I'm not Lin Daiyu or Zhang Yuniang, getting married and leaving home every few days, just having some fun with him. Right now, we’re renting a small house, living together for a while, and if it works out, then I'll marry him. If not, no one has anything to say. Wei Lao, what do you think?" Wei Pianren smiled and didn't answer. Tao Ziyao jumped up and said, "Us government types, when we want to get married, we get married; when we want to divorce, we divorce. What's with this whole 'sugar daddy' thing?" Wei Pianren said, "Tao, don't be angry; it's better to support. If you want to support, support; if you want to separate, separate. It's up to you. If you get married, things will get complicated. The new girlfriend is sincerely good to you, takes care of you, and won't harm you." Tao Ziyao had nothing to say. The new girlfriend glanced at Wei Pianren and said, "You talk too much!" Wei Pianren said, "Alright, I won't say anything." The new girlfriend said, "I didn't ask you to be silent. Sooner or later, I will marry him. Look at him; he hasn't seen the house, hasn't saved any money. Do you think he's reliable?" Tao Ziyao thought to himself, "Since I came to Shanghai, I've spent a lot of money, and she still says I haven't given her any money. I wonder where all the previous money went." As he thought this, he showed an unhappy expression on his face and sat silently. The new girlfriend said, "Why aren't you talking?" Tao Ziyao replied, "I have no money; what can I say?" The two of them had it out. Wei Pianren had to get up and mediate, but one was really angry, and the other was deliberately trying to provoke him—Wei Pianren couldn't get a word in edgewise.
During a real knock-down, drag-out fight, Tao Ziyao's butler delivered a telegram. Everyone thought it was from Shandong, but it turned out to be from Shaoxing. Wei Pianren was puzzled, and Tao Ziyao was also surprised. He quickly opened it, but since he didn't have a telegram codebook, he sent someone to the bookstore to buy one. Wei Pianren was having a smoke at the opium den and chatting with his new sister-in-law, while Tao Ziyao sat alone at the table, meticulously checking the telegram and making notes as he went. Wei Pianren asked him, "What's in the telegram?" He just shook his head. After checking the telegram, he stuffed it into his pocket, walked over, and didn't say a word. Wei Pianren pressed him about the telegram, but he clammed up. Then he sat there, looking glum. When Wei Pianren was about to leave, he followed without a word, and his new sister-in-law didn't even try to stop him.
I had just left the house when Wei Pianren asked me, "Where did that telegram just now come from?" I sighed and said, "Never mind, it came from Shaoxing." Wei Pianren asked again, "What's going on? We're in this together; I can help you come up with ideas." I said, "Pianren, my friend, don't feel awkward, I'm so embarrassed to even say it!" Wei Pianren said, "What's the big deal?" I said, "I work at the Shandong Self-Strengthening Bureau, and my brother-in-law handles my salary every month. He pockets ten taels of my salary each month and sends it home to my wife. When I go out, this money goes into someone else's pocket. My brother-in-law thinks I found a good job and don't need to worry about bills, but I've been slack. I only wrote one letter when I went to Shanghai, and I haven't sent money back for several months. This month, I felt troubled and even more reluctant to write a letter. My wife wrote me five letters, asking for money and worrying about my health. I didn't reply, so she got anxious and sent a telegram urging me, saying she would take a small steamboat from Hangzhou to Shanghai. So, I'm kind of hoping things don't work out with the new sister-in-law. I'll wait for the telegram from Shandong, and if my wife comes to Shanghai, I'll see how things go before deciding. I originally wanted to bring my family to Shanghai; it would be good if she comes too, so I don't have to make another trip." Wei Pianren said, "Since your wife is coming, it's better not to pursue this matter. If she's understanding, it'll be fine. But women can be a bit dramatic sometimes. I think it's better not to pursue it." We talked some more and then split up.
I ended up staying at the guesthouse for three days. I didn't go to Tongqing Lane, and my sister-in-law didn't send anyone to invite me. During the day, I would kill time at the First Floor teahouse or have a few drinks with mates. I came and went early and late every day, just to avoid Wang Daotai, afraid he would come to ask for money. One day, I was drinking at Nanchengxin when my subordinate ran over panting, saying, "Someone's at the guesthouse with a letter, wants to see you. I said you weren't here, but he's insistent, says it's urgent, made me come find you. He's waiting, go back and have a smoke." I was stumped. If I went back, I was afraid it was someone sent by Wang Daotai to pester me for money; if I didn't go back, I would be worried. I finished my cigarette, had some tea, put on my jacket, paid up, and followed the steward out. On the way, I asked the steward, "Did you ask where that person came from?" The steward said, "He just urged me to come quickly, so I put on my clothes and came out without having time to ask." I said, "You idiot!" and walked, unknowingly returning to the guesthouse. When I walked into the living room, it turned out to be a friend from the Qiuwuke line, holding a letter from Wuke. This person was very honest and insisted on handing it to me in person. I opened it and saw that Wuke's handwriting was really bad, a rambling twenty-odd words, most of it unclear. I laughed and asked him, "I haven't received a telegram yet, where did this letter come from?" He said, "I heard from a friend at the money changer's that Wang Guancha received a telegram from Shandong yesterday, and they're processing it. If there isn't enough money, Shandong will send it over, even including the funds for Wang Guancha's trip abroad." I said, "No wonder Mr. Zhou didn't come today. In that case, I must have received a telegram here too." Before I could finish speaking, the telegraph office sent a report. I quickly opened it and saw that it was a telegram sent by my brother-in-law, saying that if the machine could be returned, return it; if not, process it as usual. Once the machine arrived, I was to hurry back to Shandong to wrap things up. Of course, I was chuffed, copied the telegram for him to take to Qiu Wuke, and then wrote to the steward to ask Wei Pianren to dinner at the Yipinxiang tonight.
Qiu Wuke, meanwhile, sent word to me while also sending someone to find Wei Pianren. When Wei Pianren arrived at the inn, Qiu Wuke discussed with him: "We finally nailed this, but there's no need to shortchange old Tao. We put in so much effort—let him get all the credit? No way! Besides, if he takes the money, it'll just go to the guildhall. Why shouldn't we keep it? Brother Pianren, do you think what I said is right?" Wei Pianren replied, "Don't jump to conclusions; that Tongqing Lane thing is settled. But we helped, and there's no need to let him get away with it. We're talking over ten thousand yuan worth of goods, but we reported it as forty thousand. Tao's already down nearly ten grand; in my opinion, no need to give him any more." Qiu Wuke said, "The money from Shandong still has to go through his hands; I'm afraid we can't control things." Wei Pianren retorted, "What're you scared of? We've got two contracts: one for twenty-two thousand, one for forty thousand. Fake, but if he pushes it, he'll have to pay up. If he's smart, he won't argue with us—consider it lucky. If he balks, I'll take these two contracts and make him pay twenty-two thousand!" Qiu Wuke said, "Two contracts means two payments, means two machines." Wei Pianren replied, "Two machines would be best. He makes another one, we get another commission. Easy money, even if it's not forty thousand." When Qiu Wuke heard that there was money to be made, he was grinning from ear to ear, telling Wei Pianren to find out when Tao's Shandong money was coming and make him pay up.
After Tao Ziyao received the telegram, he asked the steward to invite Wei Pianren. He sat alone in the room, over the moon. He thought to himself: Wang Daotai must have received the telegram as well. I should visit him tomorrow. Firstly, to smooth things over with him, secondly, to explain the previous little friction, thirdly, now that I have money, even though he doesn't share my benefits, I don't have to worry about him making things difficult for me after returning to the province. Fourthly, I don't know when the money will arrive, probably along with Wang Daotai's overseas expenses. It's safer to check with him. He also thought: Chou Wuke actually got a telegram from the foreigners. Not even the Shandong officials dared to ignore it. It shows how powerful the foreigners are! I must buddy up to them tomorrow. If I can get in good with the foreigners, when I return to the province to become an official, their letter would carry more weight than one from a Beijing bigwig. I'd be set for life. The more he thought about it, the happier he became. He remembered the money he spent on the lawyer before and felt a bit ripped off. But on second thought, it wasn't entirely wrong. This would cover my back when I get back to the province. After all, it was promised by the Shandong Governor. Suddenly, he thought of his new sister-in-law: "She's not a bad person, it's just that I didn't have money before. I didn't help her out with rent or money, so we had a falling out. In the end, I owe her. Now that I don't have to worry about money, Shandong will probably send another twenty thousand. The machine originally cost only twenty-two thousand, so I've already cleaned up. The remaining eighteen thousand was arranged by Wei Pianren and Chou Wuke. I gotta thank them, even if it's a thousand each. I still have ten grand left! With ten grand, I can do anything!" Just as he was thinking, the steward who delivered the letter returned and said, "I went to Wei's house. He happened to be coming back from Chou's place. I showed him your letter. He said he was planning to come see you and will be at Yipinxiang soon." Tao Ziyao nodded and asked, "What else did Wei say?" The steward replied, "Wei asked if you were going to Tongqing Lane in the next few days. I said no." Tao Ziyao didn't say anything, and the steward left.
Tao Ziyao was just thinking about his brother's new wife, but now, after hearing the butler's words, he remembered the past even more and missed her even more. He thought to himself, "I didn't have money before, so we had a disagreement. Now that I have money, we can work things out. But we've already had a disagreement; how am I supposed to see her again?" Then he thought, "It was just a few arguments, nothing serious. I was impulsive; I shouldn't have gotten mad. I haven't gone in these days, so we've grown apart. Maybe I'll just head to Yipinxiang today, have a good chat after dinner, and also invite a few friends. If she wants me to stay, great. If not, no worries. When the money from Shandong arrives tomorrow, I'll rent a good place first, ideally a five-story building, something really impressive. Then I'll ask Wei Jianren to go and talk to her again. Women can change their minds; besides, she's not really heartless. If this works out, she said before that she didn't want to go anywhere else, she just wanted to live in Shanghai. There's the Chamber of Commerce and the Telegraph Office here; I could get a job there and have a good few years." Thinking of this, he lay on the bed for a while in the room, pacing back and forth, feeling like a bundle of nerves.
Thinking happily, he suddenly saw the steward leading in a country bumpkin, and the man bowed as he came in. Tao Ziyao recognized him as his cousin Zhou Daquan. He asked Daquan what he was doing here, and Daquan, speaking in the Shaoxing dialect, said, "Brother, my wife's come to Shanghai." Tao Ziyao was shocked and quickly asked, "Where are they staying?" Zhou Daquan said, "At the Donglaisheng." Tao Ziyao asked again, "Who else is with them?" Zhou Daquan replied, "There’s also a monk." Tao Ziyao's face turned pale when he heard this, unable to say a word. Why? Because his wife, known for her sharp tongue, was always getting into fights at home, either arguing or swearing at people. No one in the neighborhood had a good word to say about her. Later, when her husband donated an official position in Shandong and became an official, she became even more arrogant, acting like the big madam. Her family used to call her "the big madam" or "the second madam," but after Tao Ziyao became an official, he insisted that others call her Mrs. Tao. In Shaoxing, women all believe in Buddha and observe vegetarian diets. One time, she was burning incense in the temple when her mother-in-law accidentally called her "the big madam" instead of "Mrs. Tao," which made her so angry that she muttered "Amitabha" while still letting loose a string of curses. When she came out of the temple, she was still holding prayer beads in one hand and banging the table with the other, cursing non-stop. Fortunately, her mother-in-law had a good temper and didn't argue with her. This time, Tao Ziyao was to blame because he hadn't written to his family for several months. It wasn't just about her not having money to spend; the main issue was that she had heard that Shanghai was not good, with many vixens around, and anyone with a weak will would be ensnared there. She figured he'd been seduced by some Shanghai floozy since he hadn't sent any money. A month later, she was planning to come to Shanghai to find him in person, but her mother-in-law managed to dissuade her. After waiting another month without any news, she insisted on coming and her mother-in-law couldn't stop her, so she had to let her go. Since no one else could accompany her, her mother-in-law asked her nephew Zhou Daquan to escort her. She thought Zhou Daquan was too rustic and couldn't be seen in public. Luckily, her brother was a monk at Tianning Temple in Yangzhou, with the Buddhist name Qinghai. He was on vacation from the temple to visit his family and was planning to go to Shanghai to burn incense at Putuo Mountain via Ningbo. When his sister found out, she made plans to go with him. This monk had been around for a long time and had no trace of Shaoxing rusticity. He was in charge of receiving guests at the temple and was very presentable when meeting donors. However, Tao Ziyao didn't like him and always said that his wife sitting next to a monk was inappropriate. His wife was indignant and pointed at his face, saying, "What's wrong with me sitting next to my own brother? I'm not going to steal the monk. I've already given you face!" This made Tao Ziyao even angrier. Qinghai, seeing his brother-in-law didn't like him, just ignored him. When Tao Ziyao heard that his wife and the monk had come together, he was furious.
At that moment, he said to his cousin Zhou Daquan, "Your wife is here. I will immediately send someone to carry the sedan chair to pick her up. We'll all stay here. You don't have to go back to the inn; it'll save you the trouble of going back and forth. That monk can continue to stay at the inn; don’t let him see me." Zhou Daquan agreed repeatedly. Tao Ziyao also asked the servant to bring Zhou Daquan a bowl of fish noodles. Daquan gobbled it down, even drinking up all the soup. After eating, Tao Ziyao asked the steward to take the sedan bearers to pick up his wife.
As he was speaking, Tao Ziyao muttered in the room, "Why did he have to come today of all days? Just my luck!" Before he finished speaking, he saw the servant leading a furious woman and a monk rushing in. Before the servant could speak, the woman started cursing loudly. Tao Ziyao saw that it was his wife and his eldest brother-in-law! His wife rushed to him as soon as she saw him, sobbing uncontrollably. Tao Ziyao was anxious, "Cut it out! Have some decency! Is this how officials behave?" He quickly asked the servant to make tea for his wife, prepare water for washing her face, and asked if she had eaten. His wife grabbed him and cried, "Don't you dare! Other people's wives, when their husbands become officials, enjoy a good life. I've suffered so much! Two years I've been a widow, and not a word from you! No money, no support... What kind of wife am I? I have endured so much with you; how can I compare to your new and old sisters-in-law! I heard your job pays a fortune; where did the money go?" Tao Ziyao explained, "Where did you hear about this good job? Don't believe everything you hear!" But he wondered, "Who told her?"
His wife said again, "You still want to deny it! I have evidence, and there are witnesses!" Tao Ziyao said, "No way! Where are the witnesses?" His wife said, "Don't ask me, go ask Xie Er Guan." Tao Ziyao felt familiar with the name Xie Er Guan, but couldn't recall it for a moment. Coincidentally, the steward, who'd gone to fetch his wife but hadn't found her, had returned and was watching the argument. When he heard his wife mention Xie Er Guan, Tao Ziyao couldn't remember, and the steward said, "Sir, isn't it the one who often comes here, looking like a ragamuffin? Sometimes he asks you for a silver dollar, sometimes for three copper coins. He says he's from the same hometown as you, and you used his family's money before. I asked him what his last name was, and he said it's Xie, so it must be him." Tao Ziyao said, "Nonsense! Would I use someone else's money? This unruly fellow! Causing trouble, making mischief! If I see him again, I'll turn him in to the cops!" His wife said, "Oh! So you still think you haven't used other people's money?! When you bought your official position that year, you even took my sister's silver bracelet to raise money! And you still say you don't use other people's money! Do you have any shame?" By now, the inn was packed with onlookers. Finally, a monk couldn't stand it anymore and stepped in, persuading them for a long time before finally calming them down. His wife angrily entered the room. His brother-in-law, Zhou Daquan, also arrived with luggage, and the maid was busy combing his wife's hair and preparing water for washing her face.
Tao Ziyao was in the outer room. Although his wife didn't give him a hard time anymore, when he lowered his head, he saw that his best silk robe, which he had just changed into, had been crumpled by her. He had originally planned to wear this new outfit to entertain guests at Yipin Xiang, but now, feeling furious, he stomped his foot and said, "What a rotten day! This day can't get any worse!" Stressed and not knowing what to do, he remembered that he had already made an appointment with Wei Pianren at Yipin Xiang but had forgotten to reserve a room. Now that it was dark, he didn't know if there were any rooms available. Luckily, it wasn't far from Yipin Xiang, so he went there alone. As soon as he climbed the stairs, he ran into Wei Pianren. Both of them were very happy, and they found out that only room 18 was available. They went to room 18. The waiter served tea and the menu, and the two of them talked about what happened. They discussed how to resolve it, with Wei Pianren saying that he hadn't received the money yet, so he couldn't reveal the truth for now. During the meal, Tao Ziyao mentioned that his wife had come and caused a scene in the inn, and he told Wei Pianren everything. As they talked, both of them sighed. Seeing that Tao Ziyao was bummed out, Wei Pianren suggested that he invite some friends over to have some fun. Tao Ziyao thought it would help him feel better and also give him a chance to catch up with his new sister-in-law, so he quickly wrote a note to send word.
Before finishing a few dishes, I saw his new wife and Lu Lanfen come in. His wife had a stern face and didn't say a word, so Tao Ziyao didn't feel comfortable talking to her. It was Wei who tried his best to help, telling him, "Tao's money'll be wired tomorrow; you won't be at a loss this time." Just as Tao Ziyao was feeling pleased, the waiter came and said, "A woman and a monk came to room 6, ordering a feast. The woman claimed to be surnamed Tao and said, 'Our master is also treating guests here today.'" Tao Ziyao's face changed drastically upon hearing this, exclaiming, "That bitch! She's been after me for ages! Wherever I go, she follows!" After saying this, he stood up and said, "Hey, Wei, let's chat another day!" and took off downstairs without saying where he was going. His wife and Lanfen had no choice but to leave as well. Wei finished his coffee, signed his name, and glanced at room 6, where indeed a woman and a monk were enjoying a fancy meal, but he couldn't see clearly who they were. Wei also left the restaurant and went about his own business.
Mrs. Tao and her brother were at the inn, knowing that Tao Ziyao was treating guests at the restaurant. They expected it to be lively and wanted to catch him red-handed and give him a hard time. However, Tao Ziyao got wind of the news first and skipped town, leaving Mrs. Tao with no choice but to give up. After dinner, they returned to the inn. By two o'clock, Tao Ziyao hadn't returned, and Mrs. Tao was beside herself with anxiety and fury. With no news, she guessed that Tao Ziyao must have spent the night at a whorehouse and wouldn't come back. Furious, she sat on the bed, not sleeping all night, cursing fiercely. Her brother and the monk stayed up with her all night. The next morning, Tao Ziyao still hadn't returned. Mrs. Tao, disheveled and in tears, insisted on going to the magistrate's office to complain and have the women driven away to stop them from harming others. Her brother tried to persuade her and eventually calmed her down.
It's noon, Mr. Wang from Changchun Tavern sent Old Zhou to deliver a message, saying that the money from Shandong has arrived and is in his hands, asking him to inform Tao Zi Yao to come and collect it. When Mrs. Tao heard this, regardless of whether anyone was around, she rushed out and said, "This money must be handed over to me, not to that scoundrel; he will definitely try to please his little lover!" Old Zhou chuckled and only after asking the butler did he realize that she was referring to Mrs. Tao Zi Yao.
Mrs. Tao was dead set on going to Changchun Tavern with Old Zhou to see Mr. Wang, worried that Mr. Wang would secretly give the money to Tao Zi Yao. This put Zhou in a real bind, but fortunately, a monk stepped in to help, saying, "Mr. Wang is my brother-in-law's boss; it's not proper for a lady to go. Let me, a monk, go on your behalf." After clarifying the relationship between the monk and Mr. Wang, Old Zhou had no option but to agree. The monk asked the butler to bring a travel permit, called for a carriage, changed into a new monk's robe, and went to Changchun Tavern to meet Mr. Wang.
As for where Tao Zi Yao is hiding now, and how the monk Qing Hai went to see Mr. Wang, more on that next time.
