The poem goes:
With light makeup and a variety of expressions, the frequency of glances grows. One recognizes the promised heart of the zither, entwined with double ribbons of joy.
Recalling encounters of wind and moon in a splendid hall, marked by a slight frown and a faint smile, feeling helpless. Beside the sleeping duck stove, behind the screen of soaring phoenixes, she secretly unravels fragrant silk.
—— Set to the tune of "Unfortunate Past"
Ximen Qing dismissed Cai Zhuangyuan and An Jinshi. One day, he was riding a horse, wearing a veil and striding confidently down the street, when he encountered Feng Mama. He asked the servant to call Feng Mama over and inquired, "How is the girl you helped me find? Why is there no news at all?" Feng Mama replied, "These days, I've come across a few, but they were all meat sellers with their wares. How could I possibly report that to you? I never expected that fortune would smile upon me, and a daughter from a good family would show up. That girl is truly a beauty, born in the Year of the Horse, and just turned fifteen after the New Year. If I hadn't happened to pass by her house yesterday and her mother hadn't invited me in for tea, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet her! She wore her hair in a high bun, had a tall, straight figure like a pencil, and cloth wrapped around her ankles, with heavy makeup on her face, a small mouth, and a sharp wit. Her mother said she was born on the Dragon Boat Festival, and her nickname is Aijie. Not only do we like her, but I bet you'll like her too when you see her!" Ximen Qing said, "Look at this Feng Mama, why did I make her busy for nothing? There are young and beautiful girls at home. Honestly, this is Mr. Zhai, the steward of the Cai family in Tokyo, who’s looking to take a concubine to secure an heir, and he asked me to help him find one. If you can help him out, I assure you won’t be shortchanged." Then he asked, "Which family does this girl belong to? Bring me their invitation card so I can take a look." Feng Mama replied, "Let me tell you, it’s right near your place—she’s the daughter of Han, the manager of your wool shop. If you’re interested, I can speak to them later, get the invitation card, set a date, and you can just go over." Ximen Qing instructed, "In that case, let them know that if they're willing, they should bring the invitation card to my place and let me know." Feng Mama nodded and went off to take care of it.
Two days later, Ximen Qing was sitting in the front hall when he suddenly saw Mother Feng come back with a message, holding a letter for him to see. It said: "Han family, female, aged fifteen, born on the fifth day of the fifth month at midnight." Mother Feng said, "I conveyed your words to their family, and they said: 'Since it's the elder who has taken a liking, it's a blessing for her too. However, our family is poor and has nothing good to prepare.'" Ximen Qing replied, "Tell them that they don't need to prepare anything. I'll handle all the clothes, jewelry, and bridal boxes, and I will also give them twenty taels as a dowry. All they need to do is prepare shoes for their daughter. When the day comes, I'll even have her father escort her to Dongjing. This is much better than having her as a concubine. Steward Zhai wants her to be the main wife, and if she bears a son or daughter in the future, that would indeed be great wealth and nobility." Mother Feng asked, "When do you want to go see her, so they can prepare?" Ximen Qing said, "Since they have agreed, I will go and take a look tomorrow. There's no need for them to rush; just let them know not to prepare anything. I will just have a cup of tea and leave." Mother Feng said, "Sir, when you go to their home, even if you don't fancy their daughter, you shouldn't let them let you come and go empty-handed!" Ximen Qing replied, "Don't say any more; I have things to do." Mother Feng said, "In that case, I will go and tell them." She first went to Han Daogu's house and relayed Ximen Qing's words exactly to his wife, Wang Liu'er: "Tomorrow after court, Ximen Qing will come to see the girl. Tell them not to prepare anything; he will just have a cup of tea and leave." Wang Liu'er asked, "Really? Mother, don't trick me." Mother Feng replied, "Would I dare to deceive you? He is very busy, with people coming and going at home, never stopping." After hearing this, Wang Liu'er arranged a banquet to entertain Mother Feng, then sent her off, agreeing to come back the next day to help. That night, after Han Daogu returned home, the couple discussed their plans. The next morning, Wang Liu'er went to Gaojing to buy a load of sweet water and also purchased some fine nuts to have at home. Then she went to the shop to conduct business. She entrusted the household to an elderly woman, while she put on heavy makeup, dressed beautifully, washed her hands and face, cleaned the cups and dishes, peeled the nuts, brewed the tea and waited, with Mother Feng arriving first to help get everything ready.
After the yamen session ended, Ximen Qing returned home to change into informal clothes, rode a horse wearing a veil, and took Dai An and Qin Tong as his attendants, then went straight to Han Daoguo's residence, dismounted, and went in. Madam Feng quickly invited him to sit in the inner room. After a while, Wang Luer led her daughter Aijie to greet him. Ximen Qing barely noticed his daughter; his gaze was fixed on Wang Luer. Wang Luer was wearing a purple silk jacket, a black satin vest with gold trim, and a jade-colored skirt that accentuated her slender legs. She had a tall figure, an oval face, and delicately arched eyebrows. It is said: before knowing her true self, one should first admire her beauty. Only to see: lustrous and unadorned, her natural charm is captivating; elegant and unpretentious, she shuns heavy makeup, innately possessing a graceful spirit. Her arched brows resemble distant mountains, and her eyes glisten like autumn waters. With a gentle smile, she draws the attention of bees and butterflies alike; her slender waist is demure, subtly embodying the essence of moonlit romance. If it weren't for her secret rendezvous with Cui's daughter, she would undoubtedly be recognized as the talented and virtuous Lady Zhuo Wenjun.
Ximen Qing saw Han Daoguo's wife and daughter, and immediately had lewd thoughts. Although he didn't say it out loud, he muttered to himself, "No wonder those people said a few days ago that Han Daoguo was cheating on his wife; it turns out he has such a beautiful woman at home." He then looked at Han Daoguo's daughter and thought, "With a mother and daughter this beautiful, the daughter must be just as stunning." Han's wife first bowed to Ximen Qing, then had her daughter Aijie also bow to him. After that, the mother and daughter stood by to attend to him. Han's wife's mother quickly brought in tea, and Han's wife wiped the teacup and had her daughter pass it to Ximen Qing. Ximen Qing carefully looked over the girl: she had shiny black hair, delicate makeup, she was beautiful and gentle, with fair and delicate skin, and a faint fragrance. He had Dai An take out two silk handkerchiefs, four gold rings, and twenty taels of silver from his bundle for her mother to accept. Han's wife's mother quickly slipped the rings onto her daughter's fingers, thanked him repeatedly, and then went back inside.
Ximen Qing said to Han's wife, "In a few days, I will send someone to pick up your daughter and take her measurements for some clothes. Keep this silver to make her a few pairs of shoes." Han's wife repeatedly thanked him, "Our whole family relies on you, and you care so much for the child. We could never repay your kindness, even if we gave our lives. Thank you again for your generous gift!" Ximen Qing asked, "Is Han working at home?" Han's wife replied, "He went to the shop in the morning. I will have him come home tomorrow to thank you." Ximen Qing noticed how respectful Han's wife was, calling him "father," which made him feel even more touched. Before leaving, Han's wife asked him to stay a little longer, but he declined and headed straight home. When he got home, Ximen Qing told this to Wu Yueniang. Wu Yueniang said, "Looks like fate has brought them together from far away! Since Han's daughter is so good, let's make an effort to help her." Ximen Qing said, "Bring her over for two days tomorrow so we can get her fitted for some clothes. I'll take ten taels of silver to have some jewelry made for her." Wu Yueniang said, "Hurry up and have Han Daoguo bring her over the day after tomorrow, so we don't have to send anyone." Ximen Qing said, "Close the shop for two days, and we need to send Lai Bao to the government office to check if the gift we sent to Cai Fuma a few days ago was taken care of."
Two days later, Ximen Qing indeed sent a servant to pick up Han's daughter. Her mother, Wang Shi, bought gifts and personally brought her daughter here. Upon entering, she bowed and greeted Wu Yueniang and others, saying, "Thank you, Uncle and Aunt, and all the ladies for your kindness to my daughter. We are deeply grateful for all the trouble you have taken." They first drank tea in Wu Yueniang's room, then moved to the living room for a gathering. Li Jiaojiao, Meng Yulou, Pan Jinlian, and Li Ping'er all accompanied them. Ximen Qing bought four bolts of fine silk for Han's daughter to have her undergarments made. He also hired the tailor Zhao to make her two sets of splendid clothes, one of which was a bright red embroidered satin robe. After Wang Liuer saw her daughter settled, she returned home that evening. Ximen Qing also prepared a partial dowry for her, including a gilded trunk, a dressing mirror, a jewelry box, a copper basin, a chamber pot, a brazier, and so on, quickly prepared everything. After writing a letter, he decided to send her to Dongjing on the tenth day of the ninth month. Ximen Qing requested four nimble constables from the county office and also dispatched two soldiers armed with bows and arrows to escort and protect her. The characters Lai Bao and Han Daoguo hired four horse-drawn carriages to carefully escort Han's daughter on her journey, but that’s not the main point. It's worth noting that Wang Liuer felt empty and lonely at home after her daughter left, crying for days on end.
One day, Ximen Qing had nothing to do, so he rode his horse to the house on Lion Street. Feng Mama came to serve him tea, and Ximen Qing gave her a tael of silver, saying, "The other day, you had trouble with the Han family, so use this tael of silver to buy some fabric to make clothes for yourself." Feng Mama repeatedly thanked him. Ximen Qing then asked, "Have you been to the Han family these past few days?" Feng Mama replied, "That day I purposely went to accompany her for a while. Since her daughter left, she's been alone at home. Both mother and daughter used to rely on her daughter, crying for several days. It was only these past two days that they've started to recover a bit. She also mentioned that she was sorry for the trouble her daughter caused you, asking if you had given her any compensation. I told her you were too busy and that I hadn't been there lately, so I'll just take whatever you give me; how could I ask for more? She said when her husband returns, she'll be sure to thank me properly!" Ximen Qing said, "When her husband returns, there will definitely be a reward, and you won't be left out." After a brief conversation, seeing no one around, Ximen Qing quietly told Feng Mama, "When you have a moment, go to her place and see if you can find a chance to tell her. Just say I asked you to pass on the message, that I have some free time and want to go sit with her for a while, see if she's willing. I'll come ask you again tomorrow." Feng Mama covered her mouth and smiled, saying, "You’re like a daughter at home sneaking a peek at the leatherworker—always looking for your chance. You've found a real gem, and now you want to check in on her and her mother! Tonight, I'll find a chance to talk to her properly. Master, you don't know this woman; she's the sister of Wang Tu, the pig butcher on our back street, the sixth child, born in the year of the snake, twenty-nine years old. Though she dresses well, she's still single. You come again tomorrow, I'll ask her and bring your message to you." Ximen Qing said, "Okay." After that, he rode his horse back home.
Mom cooked dinner, locked the door, and slowly walked to that woman's house. The woman opened the door, let her in, and said, "I cooked some noodles yesterday, thinking you would come to eat together, but you didn't come." Mom replied, "I had to come; there's always something happening at home, and I'm so busy I can barely keep up." The woman said, "I just made some hot food, stir-fried wheat gluten; you should eat a bit." Mom replied, "I just had a meal; let's just have some tea instead." The woman then brewed her a strong cup of tea. After finishing the tea, the woman sighed and said, "Look how miserable I am! I relied on my husband, and now that he's gone, this house is empty, and I have to take care of everything myself. It's worn me down to the point where I look so gaunt and haggard; do I even look human anymore? It would be easier if he were gone for good; then it would all be over! He has gone far away; how can I ever find peace? I just want to see him one last time, but I can't." As she spoke, her eyes grew moist and she started to cry.
Mom said, "It is what it is. People say raising sons is lively while raising daughters is quiet. Even if you live to be a hundred, you'll still have to depend on others. If you keep complaining, just wait until your sister has a boy and a girl in the house; you two will live in comfort, and as for me, this old lady, there's no need to say." The woman said, "In wealthy families, life is all about layers. Who knows what the future holds? When he grows up, we might end up scraping by somewhere!" Mom said, "Why do you say that? Your sister is sharp and talented, good at sewing and managing the household; what can't she handle? Everyone has their own food and clothing, so why worry about her?" The two of them talked back and forth for a long time, and when it was almost over, Mom said, "I'll be bold and say something. The house feels empty, and you're all alone at night—aren't you scared?" The woman said, "You're the one who made me so scared. Will you come over to keep me company at night?" Mom said, "I might not be able to come right away, but I'll set you up with someone to keep you company; how does that sound?" The woman asked, "Who is it?" Mom covered her mouth and smiled, "One guest doesn’t bother two hosts, right? Your husband went to the other house yesterday and told me about this. He said you were alone and he wants to come by and keep you company for a bit; what do you say? There's no one here, and if you hit it off with him, you won't have to worry about anything! Once the relationship is established, he could help you find a better place down the line, way better than this dump!"
The woman smiled slightly and said, "With so many concubines in his family, would he look at me, this ugly old hag?" The old mama said, "Why do you say that? It's said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder; it's all about destiny. He had nothing to do, and when he wasn't paying attention to you, he came to see me yesterday to discuss this? He even handed me a tael of silver, saying it was for the trouble with the child a while ago. He said no one was keeping you company and asked me to mediate. If you are willing, he is still waiting for me to go back and give him a reply. If both families are willing to mortgage the land, how could I possibly deceive you?" The woman said, "In that case, please invite him over tomorrow; I will wait here." Noticing her change of heart, the old mama lingered for a moment before departing.
The next day, Ximen Qing came, and the old mama told him everything the woman had said. Ximen Qing was overjoyed and quickly gave Mama Feng a tael of silver to buy food and drinks. When the woman heard that Ximen Qing was coming, she quickly tidied up the room, lit some incense, arranged the decor, and brewed tea. Before long, the old mama returned with a basket brimming with delicious dishes, fresh vegetables, and ripe fruits, and went to the kitchen to get everything ready. The woman washed her hands and made a flatbread. In the main room, she wiped down the tables and chairs, making sure everything was spotless.
Ximen Qing arrived at the woman's house in the afternoon, in disguise with an eye mask, accompanied by Dai'an and Qitong, two young servants. He instructed them to take the horses back to the house on Lion Street and return in the evening, leaving only Dai'an to wait. Ximen Qing sat down in the living room. After a while, the woman, dressed neatly, came out and thanked him for his help with the matter concerning her child a few days ago. Ximen Qing said, "I couldn't attend to it at the time," but the woman expressed her heartfelt gratitude and performed four kowtows. Feng Mama brought tea, and the woman personally poured tea for Ximen Qing. When the horse left, Dai'an closed the door. The woman accompanied Ximen Qing for a while and then led him into the inner room. In the main room, four curtains of various colors hung beside the paper window next to the door, with images of Zhang Sheng and Yingying painted on them. The table was filled with mirrors, boxes, jars, and tinware, with incense burning in the air. There was also a Dongpo-style chair. The woman brewed a strong cup of walnut and salt tea for Ximen Qing, who drank it. She then sat beside him and they chatted about everyday matters. Ximen Qing suggested finding a maid to help her with the household chores, and the woman said it would be best to find someone from her hometown to avoid inconveniences. Ximen Qing agreed to help find a maid and pay for it. Feng Mama mentioned a thirteen-year-old girl from Sister Zhao's house, and Ximen Qing agreed to purchase her for four taels of silver. The woman poured him a cup of wine in gratitude, but Ximen Qing stopped her from kneeling, saying they had already exchanged pleasantries. They drank and ate together, while Dai'an and Feng Mama enjoyed their meal in the kitchen.
The two of them drank a few glasses of wine, and the woman shifted closer to Ximen Qing, chatting with him while pouring him more wine. They continued to drink one glass after another, noticing that no one else was coming in. Ximen Qing wrapped his arms around the woman's neck and kissed her. The woman seized the moment to touch Ximen Qing's manhood, and they became affectionate, forgetting about the wine. They shut the door and began to undress. The woman prepared the bed, and by that time, it was already evening. Feeling emboldened by the wine, Ximen Qing pulled a silver trinket from his pocket. The woman ran her fingers over it, noting how thick, heavy, and shiny it was. She settled into Ximen Qing's embrace as they kissed... the scene was truly something to behold...
Majestic and enchanting, a murderous intent hangs in the air. On coral pillows, the hero demonstrates his strength, while in emerald tents, courage is challenged. The furious man, in a rage, stands firm and thrusts with his black cherry spear; the female commander, furious, thrusts her hips and wields the pursuit sword. Back and forth, Lu Shan once matched with the beautiful Tai Zhen; with a clash, Jun Rui pursued the lady Cui. From left to right, they converge, like the Weaver Girl in a fateful reunion with the Cowherd; up and down, they spiral, encountering the fairy spirit of Yuan Zhao. The spear is raised, as Cui Lang offers Xue Qiong Qiong, while cannons fire to greet, as Shuang Jian and Su Xiao Xiao join forces. One sings like a warbler, evoking the meeting of Wu Zetian and Ao Cao; another breathes like a swallow, akin to Shen Zai meeting Lü Zhi. In the initial battle, knowing how to stab wildly with the spear, the sharp sword is met with a slight defense; later on, with double cannons firing simultaneously, shoulders come together. The furious man thrusts his spear at the heart; the female commander, frantic, lunges to strike at her foes. One uses double cannons, attacking the inner thigh soldiers; another circles around, sandwiching the lower belly general. One stands proud like a golden rooster, high on stilts, showcasing her spirit; another, like a withered tree with intertwined roots, plunges in to stab the female. After a long battle, the starry eyes become hazy, but some numbness arises; after many fights, the slender waist sways, enduring countless battles without retreat. The cave master retreats across the bridge, releasing water to drown the troops; the general in black armor feigns a thrust, sidestepping to escape. The rider tumbles from his horse, landing in the mud; the elegantly made-up beauty suddenly tumbles into the deep ravine. The grand armor lies shattered and broken, like a sudden rain beating down on the flowers; the brocade cap is exhausted, just like a fierce wind blowing away the leaves. The sulfur general, with his helmet askew and armor scattered, finds no way to escape; the silver-armored general, defending the old camp, fights for his life. Indeed: sorrowful clouds rise to the ninth heaven, a mass of defeated soldiers lies sprawled across the ground.
It turns out that this woman had a vice... Ever since those two times, Ximen Qing couldn't stop thinking about her. That day, they were entwined until dawn before returning home. The woman said to Ximen Qing, "My love, come early tomorrow, and we can have a good time during the day." Ximen Qing was overjoyed. The next day, he went to the thread shop on Lion Street, gave Mama Feng four taels of silver, and asked for a maid to serve him, renaming her Jin'er.
Having savored the pleasure, two days later, he rode to the woman's house again. The chess boy and Dai'an accompanied him. Upon reaching the door, he instructed the chess boy to take the horse back to the house on Lion Street. Mama Feng attentively served him wine, ran errands, and helped in various ways, hoping for some tips to help make ends meet. Every time Ximen Qing visited, he would give the woman a tael of silver. He would visit during the day and stay until dawn before returning home, and his family was none the wiser. Mama Feng helped out at the woman's house every day and rarely returned to Li Ping'er’s home. Li Ping'er sent her servant to call her several times, but couldn't track her down; sometimes, she would just lock the door and be out all day.
One day, the young painter ran into Mama Feng and called her back home. Li Ping'er said, "Mom, you haven't been seen all day, what are you busy with? I've called you several times and you weren't around, nor did you come to visit, working like this! There are so many clothes and the children's bedding waiting for you to help wash, why haven't you come?" Mama Feng said, "Mom, you make it sound easy, but I have no time! I feel like a runaway, where do I find the leisure! I really don’t have time for all that!" Li Ping'er said, "Mom, as long as you're willing to help, you could make a decent amount in a day. Where have you been?" Mama Feng replied, "I don't have time to make money! Please don't be angry, I've been too busy lately, really no time to come over. A few days ago, Auntie gave me some silver and asked me to buy a mat for praying, and I forgot. I just remembered yesterday, but the sellers of mats have already left, what am I supposed to do?" Li Ping'er said, "You really think you can say you haven't bought it? You might as well just follow the monk! She gave you the silver, and you still haven't bought it, really foolish!" Mama Feng said, "I'll go back and tell Auntie to get her money back. Yesterday I was riding a mule and almost lost her mat." Li Ping'er said, "If you lose it, just wait to die!" Mama Feng walked all the way to the backyard, not going to Yue Niang's room, but first to the kitchen. She saw Yu Xiao and Lai Xing's daughter-in-law sitting there and said, "Oh, this woman! Noble person, where are you? Liu Niang wants to eat your meat, saying you’ve been MIA." Mama Feng went over and bowed twice, saying, "As soon as I got there, she laid into me." Yu Xiao said, "Mother, how's the mat you were supposed to bring for Liu Niang?" Mama Feng said, "I went to buy it yesterday with the silver, but the mat seller was already closed, and won't be back until next March. I still have the money, sis, you hold onto it!" Yu Xiao laughed and said, "Why don’t you sit down first? Let me ask you, how long has Han the clerk been away with his daughter? He should be back soon, and when he returns, you will prosper, he will thank you properly." Mama Feng said, "Whether he thanks me or not, it doesn’t matter. He just left eight days ago, and still has to wait a while before he can come back." After a bit, Xi Menqing exchanged some silver and headed out with Ben Si, who was carrying the land deed.
The old nanny walked to Ximen Qing's wife, Yu Niang's place, not daring to pull out the silver. She just said that the coarse cloth from the barbarians was all sold out, and she'd bring back two nice pieces of cloth next year. Yu Niang was pretty straightforward and said, "Alright, you keep the silver. Next year, just give me two pieces of cloth." Then they shared some tea and snacks.
Later, the old nanny went to Li Ping'er's room. Li Ping'er asked her, "Did your mistress give you a hard time?" The old nanny said, "I chatted with her for a while and cheered her up; she even treated me to tea and handed me two pastries before letting me go." Li Ping'er smiled and said, "She went to the Qiao family yesterday to celebrate the full moon. You old hag, always babbling on! You could talk a mosquito to death in June!" She then said, "You can skip helping me with the laundry today, don't come." The old nanny replied, "Give me ten coins for laundry fees, I'll come back tomorrow morning. In the afternoon, I have to work at a regular customer's house." Li Ping'er said, "You old hag, always talking nonsense. If you don't show up tomorrow, we're gonna have words!" The old nanny chatted for a bit before hurrying off. Li Ping'er even insisted she eat before leaving, but the old nanny replied, "I'm still good, thanks." She was afraid that Ximen Qing would go to Wang Liu'er's place, so she picked up the pace.
It is as follows:
In the matchmaking scene, little devils are sweet-talking all around.
Walking thousands of steps a day, just my poor legs are paying for it.
