The poem says:
An elegant gathering without any uninvited guests, high spirits meet in difficult times. One cup spills the sea of wisdom, eight dou excels in the poetry arena.
When the conversation flows, it feels like the rising sun; when frost comes, it fears not the cold. To beg at Wang's residence, with dark crumbs served like a meal from the clouds.
Xia Shou returned home to report the news, and Xia Ti Xing immediately came to thank Ximen Qing, saying, "Your Excellency, I owe you my life; without your help, I wouldn't have made it!" Ximen Qing smiled and said, "Don't worry, my friend, we have nothing to fear; say whatever you like, there will be justice with the master." He then set a table in the hall for him to dine, and they chatted until evening before sending him home. The next day, Xia Ti Xing went to the yamen to work as usual, and this matter passed.
Zeng Gong, the inspector, saw that the memorial had no effect and knew that those two officials had used tricks, feeling quite angry! The seven issues presented by Chancellor Cai were largely misrepresented, deliberately exaggerating and harming the lower while benefiting the upper. Zeng Gong went directly to the capital to see the emperor, submitting a memorial to strongly protest: "The country's wealth should circulate reasonably; taking money from the common people to the capital isn't how a peaceful and prosperous society should operate! The adjustment method for grain among the people is unworkable, ten cash coins cannot be used, and the salt currency method cannot be changed repeatedly. I've heard that the common folks are struggling; who will protect the country?" When Cai Jing heard this, he was furious and hurriedly reported to Emperor Huizong, saying that Zeng Gong was speaking recklessly and obstructing state affairs. He then dispatched Zeng Gong to the Ministry of Personnel for an investigation and ultimately demoted him to be the governor of Qingzhou in Shaanxi. The Shaanxi inspector Song Pan was the brother-in-law of Cai You (the son of Chancellor Cai). Chancellor Cai secretly instructed Song Pan to impeach Zeng Gong on personal matters, arresting his family, fabricating charges, dismissing Zeng Gong from his post, and exiling him to Lingnan as revenge. But those are matters for another time.
When Ximen Qing was at home, he instructed Han Daoguo and Qiao Dahus nephew Cui Ben to take the warehouse cash and hurry to register with Mr. Han at the Gaoyangguan Household Department. Then he prepared some fruits and snacks at home, and waited for Imperial Censor Cai's boat to arrive. One day, Lai Bao found out that Imperial Censor Cai and Imperial Censor Song had set off from the capital together and had already arrived in Dongchang Prefecture, so he quickly sent someone to deliver the news. Ximen Qing immediately set off with Xia Tixing. Lai Bao first met Imperial Censor Cai on the boat in Dongchang Prefecture and sent him some things to use on the way. Then, Ximen Qing and Xia Tixing traveled fifty miles out of the city to meet them at Xinhukou, also known as Baijiacun. They first went aboard Imperial Cai's boat and mentioned the invitation to Imperial Song. Imperial Cai said, "I know, I will definitely bring him to the mansion." At that time, the Prefect of Dongping Prefecture, along with officials, military officers, scholars, monks, fortune tellers, and others from various counties, all came with greeting cards to welcome them. The General from the Shuai Mansion, the Supervisor of Jing, and Zhang Tuanlian led soldiers to guard and clear the way, with drums and gongs sounding, causing even the chickens and dogs to hide away. They warmly welcomed Imperial Song into the Dongping Prefecture Court, where officials from all levels greeted Imperial Song, presented their documents, and arranged for him to rest for the night.
The next day, the doorkeeper announced, "Mr. Cai, the salt inspector, is here to visit." Song, the imperial censor, hurried out to greet him. After some small talk, they took their seats. After tea was served, Song asked, "Mr. Cai, when are you leaving?" Mr. Cai replied, "I still need to stay for a day or two." He continued, "There's a guy I know in Qinghe County named Ximen Qing. He's a wealthy local known for being honest and hospitable. He's also a former student of mine. I've met him before, and he’s invited me over to his place." Song asked, "Which Ximen Qing is it?" Mr. Cai replied, "He’s the magistrate here and came to see you yesterday." Song had his assistant fetch the registry and saw Ximen Qing and Magistrate Xia listed. He wondered, "Could he be related to Zhai Yunfeng?" Mr. Cai said, "Yes, he is. He is waiting outside and wants to invite us to his home for a meal. What do you think?" Song said, "I just arrived here, so it may not be convenient." Mr. Cai said, "What’s the big deal? Since it's related to Zhai Yunfeng, what’s the harm in going together?" He ordered a sedan chair, and they headed out together, sending someone to let them know we’re coming.
After receiving the news, Ximen Qing rode home with Lai Bao and Ben Si on swift horses, preparing a banquet. A decorative canopy was set up at the door, a band was playing in the courtyard, and there were performances of sea salt opera and acrobatics. Song Yushi dismissed all his attendants, only bringing a few Qing officials with him. He and Cai Yushi sat in two large sedan chairs, holding double-canopy umbrellas, and made their way to Ximen Qing's house together. Meanwhile, both Dongping Prefecture and Qinghe County were abuzz, saying, "The inspector knows Master Ximen too, and went to his house for a drink!" Zhou Shubei, Jing Dujian, and Zhang Tuanlian all stationed soldiers to patrol the streets. Ximen Qing, dressed in a blue official robe, greeted them from a distance. With the sound of drums and gongs filling the air, they arrived at the gate and disembarked from their sedan chairs. Song Yushi and Cai Yushi were both clad in bright red embroidered robes, black gauze hats, black boots, crane-top red belts, while their attendants carried large fans. Inside the hall, five chambers were decorated with highly draped curtains and embroidered screens. An array of exquisite sweets and snacks was set in the middle, with two banquet tables arranged. The two officials entered the hall and exchanged greetings with Ximen Qing. Cai Yushi had his servants bring gifts: two pieces of Lake silk, a set of literary works, four bags of bud tea, and a piece of Duanxi inkstone. Song Yushi only presented a red greeting card inscribed with "Respectful student Song Qiaonian pays his respects." He said to Ximen Qing, "I've long heard of your esteemed reputation. I've just arrived and haven’t had the opportunity to explore properly, so I should not disturb you. If it weren't for Mr. Cai's invitation, how could I have the pleasure of meeting you?" Ximen Qing quickly bowed and said, "I’m merely a military officer under your command. It is truly an honor to have your presence today!" He then respectfully bowed, demonstrating great humility. Song Yushi also returned the courtesy, and the two engaged in small talk. Cai Yushi asked Song Yushi to sit on the left, himself on the right, and Ximen Qing to sit at the bottom. After tea was served, music filled the air, and the drums echoed. Ximen Qing toasted and began serving dishes. Various delicious dishes were presented, and there was singing and dancing, creating a lively atmosphere! Each attendant of the two officials received fifty bottles of wine, five hundred snacks, and a hundred pounds of cooked meat. The servants, officials, and guards also had a separate banquet in the side rooms, but that’s a story for another time. This banquet of Ximen Qing cost him at least a thousand taels of silver.
Song Yushi was from Nanchang, was quick-tempered, and after sitting for a little while, he heard a performance and felt the urge to leave. Ximen Qing urged him to stay, while Cai Yushi advised, "Brother, go ahead and sit for a while longer, why leave so quickly?" Song Yushi replied, "You two sit first, I still have some official matters to take care of at the inspection office." Ximen Qing hurriedly instructed his subordinates to pack up the two prepared banquet tables, including gold and silver utensils, with a total of twenty bearers to carry everything. Song Yushi's table included a large table, two jars of wine, two sheep, two boxes of gold-threaded flowers, two rolls of red silk, a gold tray, two silver wine pots, ten silver wine cups, two silver basins, and a pair of ivory chopsticks. Cai Yushi's table was similar. They both offered invitations. Song Yushi declined, saying, "How could I possibly accept this?" and glanced at Cai Yushi. Cai Yushi said, "Brother, as the inspector, this is proper etiquette. I can't possibly accept!" Ximen Qing said, "This little gesture is just a token of appreciation, please don't be polite." The two exchanged polite refusals for a while, but the items had already been taken out. With no other option, Song Yushi reluctantly allowed his subordinates to accept the invitation and thanked Ximen Qing, saying, "Today is our first meeting, and I’ve imposed on you with such a lavish banquet and received such great kindness from you. I truly don't know how to repay you! I will definitely repay you in the future!" Then he told Cai Yushi, "Brother, you stay a little longer, I really must be going now." With that, he stood up to take his leave. Ximen Qing wanted to see him off, but Song Yushi refused, quickly urging Ximen Qing to return, and he got into the sedan chair and left.
Ximen Qing returned to accompany Minister Cai, helped him remove his hat, and invited him to sit down in the awning in the backyard. He instructed for the band to be sent away, leaving only the performers. Ximen Qing also had the table set again with an array of exquisite fruits and snacks, and the two of them drank wine. Minister Cai said, "It is already quite disrespectful to accompany Brother Song today, and to have such a splendid feast and so many wine vessels, I truly feel embarrassed." Ximen Qing smiled and said, "It's just a small gesture, merely a token of goodwill!" He then asked, "What is Song Yushi's rank in the family?" Minister Cai replied, "He is the second in the family; his courtesy name is Songyuan. Pine tree for 'Song', and spring water for 'Yuan'." He continued, "He was reluctant to come before, but after I praised your esteemed reputation in Siquan, saying he knew you well, he agreed to come. He also knows that your family is related to Yunfeng." Ximen Qing said, "It must be that the Zhai family is mediating. I think Song Yushi is a bit peculiar." Minister Cai replied, "Although he is from Jiangxi, he is not eccentric at all. It’s just that since it’s our first meeting, he should at least make an effort!" After saying this, he laughed. Ximen Qing said, "It’s getting late today; why don’t you stay here for the night, sir?" Minister Cai replied, "I must set off early tomorrow morning." Ximen Qing said, "Please don’t mind my humble home; stay for one night, and I will see you off to the long pavilion tomorrow." Minister Cai said, "I really appreciate your kindness." He then instructed his subordinates, "Everyone, step outside and come back to get me tomorrow." Everyone agreed and left, leaving only two family members to attend.
Seeing that all his subordinates had left, Ximen Qing got up from his seat and whispered a few words to Dai An'er: "Go to the courtyard and bring Dong Jiao'er and Han Jinchuan'er in through the back door in a sedan chair, don't let anyone else know." Dai An'er promised and went. Ximen Qing returned to his seat and drank with Cai Yushi. The actors from Haiyan sang songs nearby. Ximen Qing asked, "How long have you been back home, sir? Is your mother doing well?" Cai Yushi replied, "My mother is doing well. I stayed at home for half a year, then came back to take up my post; I was unexpectedly impeached by Cao He, and I and fourteen others from the same year at the Academy were all demoted to different places. I chose to serve in the Western Office as the new Salt Inspector of Lianghuai. Song Laoxiong is touring under you, also a student of Mr. Cai." Ximen Qing asked, "Where is Mr. An now?" Cai Yushi said, "An Fengshan has been promoted to the Ministry of Works; he went to Jingzhou to expedite the delivery of imperial wood. He should be back in a few days." After he finished speaking, Ximen Qing called the Haiyan actors over for a toast. Cai Yushi ordered, "Sing 'Pride of the Fishermen' for me." The actor clapped and sang, but Dai An came in and asked Ximen Qing to speak on the side. Dai An said, "Dong Jiao'er and Han Jinchuan'er have come in through the back door; they are sitting in your inner room." Ximen Qing said, "Tell them to move the sedan chair to the side." Dai An said, "It's already been moved to the side." Ximen Qing entered the upper room, where the two actors bowed. Ximen Qing said, "I brought you here today to serve Cai Lao Ye at the villa tonight. He is now a touring inspector, so make sure to serve him well, and I’ll reward you extra." Han Jinchuan'er smiled and said, "No need for the master's orders; we know what to do." Ximen Qing joked, "People from the south prefer a gentle breeze while working, so don’t be shy." Dong Jiao'er said, "Mother is listening, father, you are getting sharper as you get older. We've already bowed at the Wang Mansion gate, so we won't be drinking from this well."
Ximen Qing walked forward with a smile. When he reached the ceremony gate, he saw Lai Bao and Chen Jingji holding an invitation and coming over to show it to Ximen Qing, saying, "Qiao's father-in-law said that while Cai Lao is free now, you should discuss this with him, in case he gets tied up tomorrow. Let our names be written on it." Ximen Qing said, "Follow me." Lai Bao followed and stood outside the canopy. When Ximen Qing was drinking, he said, "There is something I don't want to impose on you." Cai Yushi said, "Siquan, whatever it is, just tell me, and I will definitely do it." Ximen Qing said, "Last year, a relative of mine over there received some grain supplies and salt, and is now sending salt to Yangzhou. I hope you can look out for it and facilitate an early release when you go there; I would greatly appreciate it." Then he handed over the invitation that Cai Yushi examined. It said: "Businessmen Lai Bao, Cui Ben, originally approved for thirty thousand Huai salt, requesting early release." Cai Yushi smiled after reading it and said, "What's so difficult about this?" He called Lai Bao to kneel down in front of him and ordered, "Bow to Master Cai." Cai Yushi said, "When I arrive in Yangzhou, you can go directly to the court to find me. I will expedite it a month earlier than for other merchants." Ximen Qing said, "Old sir, please look into it; ten days early would be sufficient." Cai Yushi took the invitation and put it away. The servant poured wine nearby, and the actor began to sing again. After the song, it was already dark. Cai Yushi said, "I have disturbed you all day, drank enough wine, and now I bid farewell." As he stood to leave, his attendants offered to light the way, but Ximen Qing said, "Don't light the way, please come to the back to freshen up." So he took him to play in the garden for a while, and they arrived at the Feixuexuan, where the curtains had already been drawn, the candlelight flickered, and the banquet was laid out. The actors from Haiyan had already been dismissed by Ximen Qing. The servant tidied up the canopy, closed the door, and saw two actors in fancy dress standing under the steps, bowing four times like flickering candles. It read: "Graceful appearance in golden silk, fragrant dust does not move under the steps. When the time comes, the water splashes on the silk skirt, like the rain returning to Wushan."
Cai Yushi wanted to go in but couldn't; wanted to leave but couldn't bear to. He said, "Si Quan, you’re treating me so warmly, I’m afraid I can’t handle it!" Ximen Qing smiled and said, "How is this any different from our time at Dongshan before?" Cai Yushi replied, "I’m no Su Shi, but you definitely have the elegance of Wang Xizhi!" So, they walked hand in hand with two prostitutes under the moonlight, feeling like Liu Ruan stepping into Mount Tiantai.
Entering the house and seeing that the furnishings were still the same, Cai Yushi wanted to leave a note. Ximen Qing immediately asked the servant to prepare dark ink and high-quality paper. Cai Yushi, after all, was a top scholar; he picked up the pen and wrote fluidly, his handwriting smooth and free. He quickly composed a poem:
Not even half a year since I visited your home,
The pavilion's treasures are still faintly discernible.
After the rain, the servant opens the medicinal garden,
When the wind returns, the fairy steps onto the flower terrace.
Why rush to drink at the drunken place,
The poem is finished, but the hourglass keeps ticking.
This visit adds to the new melancholy,
Not knowing when there will be a return.
After finishing writing, he asked the servant to pin the poem to the wall as a keepsake. Then he asked for the names of the two prostitutes. "The small one is surnamed Dong, named Jiao'er, and her name is Han Jinchuan." One replied. Cai Yushi asked if they were just ordinary prostitutes; they didn’t have stage names. Dong Jiao'er said, "Don’t be so modest." After asking several times, Han Jinchuan finally said, "My stage name is Yuqing." Dong Jiao'er added, "My lowly name is Weixian." When Cai Yushi heard the two words "Weixian," he felt a special joy and paid her extra attention.
He asked the servant boy to bring the chessboard and play chess with Dong Jiao'er. Ximen Qing accompanied them, while Han Jinchuan poured wine for them, and the servant boy sang to liven up the atmosphere. Cai Yushi won a game, and Dong Jiao'er quickly raised a toast to him; Han Jinchuan also raised a cup in response to Ximen Qing. After drinking, they continued to play chess. This time, Dong Jiao'er won and quickly raised a toast to Cai Yushi, and Ximen Qing also raised a cup in response. After drinking, Cai Yushi said, "Si Quan, it's late at night, I can't drink anymore." So he walked outside and stood beneath the blossoms. It was mid-April at that time, and the moon had just risen. Ximen Qing said, "Old sir, it's still quite early! Han Jinchuan hasn't toasted you yet." Cai Yushi said, "Yes, yes, bring her over, I will drink with her under these flowers." So Han Jinchuan took a large golden cup, filled it with wine, and handed it to Cai Yushi with her delicate hands. Dong Jiao'er was holding a plate of fruit on the side. After Cai Yushi finished drinking, he poured another cup for Han Jinchuan. Then he bid farewell, saying, "Si Quan, I have drunk too much today, I truly appreciate your hospitality." He shook hands with Ximen Qing and said, "I will always cherish your kindness and friendship. If it weren't for our mutual admiration, how could it be like this? I've always kept in mind the money you lent me; I've already mentioned it to Yunfeng in the capital. If I achieve something in the future, I will never take your kindness for granted." Ximen Qing said, "Old sir, what are you saying? There's no need to dwell on it."
When Han Jinchuan saw Cai Yushi holding Dong Jiao'er's hand, she understood what was happening and decided to leave. Once back in the room, Yue Niang asked, "Why didn't you stay with him for the night?" Han Jinchuan smiled and said, "He left Dong Jiao'er behind; why should I stay there?" After a while, Ximen Qing returned and called for Lai Xing'er, giving instructions: "Prepare some food and snacks by five tomorrow morning, and send Cai Lao Ye to Yongfu Temple along with a chef. Also, have two young performers accompany him; we can't afford to miss the timing." Lai Xing'er replied, "The Second Madam is celebrating her birthday at home, and there's no one to help." Ximen Qing said, "Leave Qi Tong to handle the shopping, and let the chef cook in the backyard."
Before long, Shu Tong and Dai An packed up, brewed a nice pot of tea, and went to the garden to help Cai Yushi rinse his mouth. The bed in the study of Fei Cui Xuan was all prepared with bedding and pillows. Cai Yushi noticed Dong Jiao'er holding a fan made of Xiangfei bamboo with a gold face, adorned with ink paintings of Xianglan flowers and flowing streams. Dong Jiao'er asked, "Could you please write a poem on it, Sir?" Cai Yushi said, "Let's use your stage name, 'Weixian,' as the title." He then wrote four lines on the fan with a brush:
The small courtyard is quiet, with the moonlight shining through the window curtains over the pool.
By chance, before nightfall, the Purple Wei Lang gazes at the Purple Wei flower.
After he finished writing, Dong Jiao'er quickly expressed her thanks. The two of them tidied up, climbed into bed, and fell asleep. Shu Tong, Dai An, and the other servants slept in the outer room. The night passed quietly.
The next morning, Magistrate Cai gave Dong Jiao'er a couple of taels of silver wrapped in red paper and took it to show to Ximen Qing. Ximen Qing smiled and remarked, "How can a civil servant have so much money to give you! This is indeed a great omen!" He then gave some money to Yue Niang and asked them to leave through the back door. The servant brought washing water for Magistrate Cai and helped him wash and dress. Ximen Qing came out and joined him for breakfast in the hall. The sedan chair was ready, and Magistrate Cai bid farewell to Ximen Qing, thanking him repeatedly. Ximen Qing said, "The matter I mentioned to you a few days ago, when you arrive there, I will write a letter to you; please pay close attention, this is very important to me." Magistrate Cai said, "Even if you don't go in person, just send a letter, I will do my best." After that, the two set off on horseback together, escorted by attendants. They left the city and arrived at Yongfu Temple, where they rented the venue for a farewell banquet. Lai Xing'er and the chef had already prepared the feast. Li Ming and Wu Hui, two young actors, were performing to liven up the atmosphere.
After a few drinks, Magistrate Cai stood up to say goodbye, and the horses and sedan chair were waiting outside Sanmen Gate. Before leaving, Ximen Qing mentioned the situation with Miao Qing: "He is my friend, and because of the old case involving the former Grand Inspector, he was wanted in Yangzhou. This matter has been clarified. If you see Lord Song, please help me say a word; I'd really appreciate it." Magistrate Cai said, "No problem, I'll mention it to Brother Song when I see him; even if they catch him, they can just let him go." Ximen Qing thanked him again. Stay tuned for the next chapter: Later, Magistrate Song went to Jinan and met Magistrate Cai on the river. When the officials in Yangzhou arrested Miao Qing, Magistrate Cai said, "This is unrelated to Mr. Zeng's case; why are you bothering him?" So they let Miao Qing go. When they arrived in Dongping Prefecture, they questioned just two boatmen and soon released them. As the saying goes:
Justice and human emotions are both right and wrong,
Balancing justice and human emotions is the hardest thing.
If justice follows human emotions, justice is lost,
If human emotions follow justice, human emotions suffer.
Ximen Qing wanted to send him to the boat, but Cai Yushi refused, saying, "You don't need to see me off all the way; let's say goodbye here." Ximen Qing said, "Please take care on your journey. I'll send someone to check in on you later." After saying this, Cai Yushi got into the sedan chair and left.
Ximen Qing returned to the abbot's seat, and the old monk approached with his palms together in greeting and offered tea, which Ximen Qing returned. Noticing the old monk's snow-white eyebrows, Ximen Qing asked, "How old are you, sir?" The old monk replied, "I am seventy-four years old." Ximen Qing said, "You're still so healthy at your age!" He then asked for his Buddhist name, and the old monk said, "My Buddhist name is Dao Jian." Ximen Qing asked again, "How many disciples do you have?" The old monk replied, "I only have two disciples, and there are more than thirty monks in the temple." Ximen Qing said, "This temple is quite large, but it is a bit dilapidated and needs repairs." The old monk said, "Honestly, this temple was built by Lord Zhou Xiu, and for a long time, we have lacked the funds and resources for repairs, which is why it is in such disrepair." Ximen Qing said, "So this is the incense hall of Lord Zhou Shoubei. I know his estate is not far from here. How about this: you report to Lord Zhou, create a donation ledger, and gather some support; I'll pitch in too." Dao Jian quickly joined his palms in thanks. Ximen Qing instructed Dai An, "Give the elder a couple of silver taels as a thank you; I apologize for disturbing him today." Dao Jian said, "I didn't know you were coming, so I didn't have a meal ready." Ximen Qing said, "I need to go to the back to change my clothes." Dao Jian hurriedly called a little novice to open the door. Once Ximen Qing changed his clothes, he noticed five large meditation halls behind the abbot's seat, where many wandering monks were tapping wooden fish and chanting scriptures. Ximen Qing wandered in to take a look.
He saw a monk who looked strange, with a rough appearance, leopard-like eyes, a purplish face, wearing a chicken-wax hairpin and a red robe. His beard was messy, his head was bald; he was a rather peculiar arhat, clearly a fiery one-eyed monster. This monk was sitting cross-legged on a meditation bed, with his head bowed and neck hunched, with snot dripping from his nose. Ximen Qing thought to himself, "This monk must be a wise monk; otherwise, how could he look like this? I have to wake him up and ask." So he shouted loudly, "Monk, where are you from, what high monk are you?" Shouting once without response, shouting again without response, on the third shout, the monk turned over on the meditation bed, stretched and yawned, opened one eye, jumped up, nodded at Ximen Qing, and said in a rough voice, "Why are you calling me? The poor monk does not change his name or surname; I am a Hu monk from the Cold Court Temple at the waist peak of the Michonglin in the Tianzhu country in the Western Regions. I am traveling here to administer medicine to help people. Sir, what do you want from me?" Ximen Qing said, "Since you administer medicine to help people, I’d like to ask you for some nourishing medicine, do you have any?" The Hu monk said, "I have, I have." He then said, "I’d like to invite you to my place right now, will you come?" Ximen Qing said, "Yes, I will." The Hu monk asked again, "Will you come?" Ximen Qing said, "Yes, I will." Ximen Qing said, "Since you said to go, let's go now." The Hu monk immediately stood up, took his iron staff from the head of the bed, put on his leather bag—inside were two medicine gourds—and walked out of the meditation hall. Ximen Qing instructed Da'an, "Call for two donkeys; let them go home first and wait for the master, I will come later." The Hu monk said, "Sir, there is no need for trouble; you ride first, I will not ride; I’ll make sure to get there before you." Ximen Qing thought to himself, "This monk must be a wise monk; otherwise, how could he say such words?" Afraid that he would leave, he instructed Da'an, "Be sure to follow him." So Ximen Qing bid farewell to the elder, rode his horse, followed by his servant, and headed straight into the city to go home.
On April 17th, it was Wang Liu'er's birthday, and the family was also celebrating Li Jiao'er's birthday with guests coming to drink. In the afternoon, no one was home to help at Wang Liu'er's house, so he sent his brother Wang Jing to go invite Ximen Qing. Wang Jing was told to only talk to Dai An, but since Dai An wasn't at the door, he just stood there. Just then, Yue Niang and Li Jiao'er were helping Li Mama into a sedan chair, and they noticed a young servant boy, around fifteen or sixteen, so they asked him who he was. The young servant boy approached, bowed to Yue Niang, and said, "I’m from the Han family, looking for Brother An." Yue Niang asked, "Which Brother An are you looking for?" Ping An was nearby and worried that the boy would realize he came from Wang Liu'er's side, worried he might say the wrong thing, so he quickly pulled him aside and told Yue Niang, "He is a Han family servant sent to find Dai An, asking when the Han family servant will come." And that's how they managed to handle it. Yue Niang didn’t say anything more and went back.
After a while, Dai An and Hu Seng arrived at the gate, both exhausted, with sore legs and drenched in sweat, complaining non-stop. However, Hu Seng remained calm and composed, not even breaking a sweat. Ping An told Dai An about sending Wang Jing to invite Master Ximen to come, and said, "Luckily Madam didn't see; I helped him save face, otherwise we would have been exposed. If Madam asks later, just say that." Dai An, panting heavily from exhaustion, kept fanning himself and said, "Why is today so unlucky? The master had me drag this bald donkey back for no reason; the road is so short! I walked all the way from the temple gate to home without rest; I’m so worn out I can barely breathe. The master wanted him to ride, but he wouldn’t. He's fine, but it’s such a hassle on my legs! The soles of my shoes are worn out, my feet are blistered!" Ping An asked, "Why did the master invite him back?" Dai An said, "Who knows! He said he wanted to ask for medicine from him." Just then, they heard Master Ximen's voice. When Ximen arrived home and saw Hu Seng at the gate, he said, "Master, you really arrived quickly!" He invited him to sit in the hall. Ximen asked the servant to bring clothes, changed his hat, and sat with him. After drinking tea, Hu Seng looked around and saw the spacious and well-lit hall, the deep courtyard, the green beaded curtain with a tortoiseshell and shrimp whisk design hanging at the door, and the velvet carpet featuring lion embroidery on the floor. At the center stood a uniquely shaped table topped with a marble screen. Exquisite furniture was placed around, and priceless calligraphy and paintings adorned the walls. It was as follows:
"It was as follows:
'The toad skin drum resonates in the hall,
The ebony spring platform holds wine vessels.'"
After the monk finished eating, Ximen Qing asked him, "Master, do you drink wine?" The monk replied, "This poor monk eats both meat and drinks wine." Ximen Qing immediately instructed the servants, "We don't need the vegetarian dishes in the back, bring out the wine dishes!" It happened to be Li Jiaoer's birthday that day, and various dishes were prepared in the kitchen, the table was set, and everything was quickly served. First, four plates of fruits, four plates of side dishes, and four plates of dishes to go with wine were served: a plate of fish head, a plate of marinated duck, a plate of black chicken, and a plate of bass. Then, four dishes to go with rice were served: a plate of lamb horn onions stir-fried with walnuts, a plate of minced meat, a plate of fat lamb intestines, and a plate of slippery eel. Next, a soup and rice dish was brought out: a bowl with two meatballs served with a roll of flower sausage, called "One Dragon Playing with Two Pearls Soup"; and a large plate of meat buns. After Ximen Qing invited the monk to eat, he asked Qin Tong to bring the wine jug, opened a red clay wine jug from Yau state, poured out some fine wine, filled the tall wine glasses, and handed one to the monk. The monk took the wine glass and downed it in one gulp. Then, two additional dishes were brought out: a plate of minced sausages and a plate of pickled goose necks. Two types of fruit were served to go with the monk's wine: a plate of grapes and a plate of plums. Finally, a large bowl of eel noodle soup and vegetable rolls were served to the monk. The monk ate until his eyes lit up and said, "This poor monk has had enough wine and food, thank you."
Ximen Qing had the dining table removed and asked about the issue of the aphrodisiac. The monk said, "I have a potion that was concocted by Laozi and handed down from the Queen Mother of the West. I won’t give it or share it with those who aren’t destined for it. Since you have been so hospitable, I will give you a few pills." He then took out a gourd from his bundle, poured out around a hundred pills, and instructed, "Only take one pill at a time, do not take more, and take it with some strong liquor." He then took out a small gourd, poured out two qian of a pink salve, and instructed, "Only use a little bit at a time, do not use too much. If you feel discomfort, pinch and vigorously smack your legs a hundred times to relieve it. Use it sparingly and don’t share it with just anyone." Ximen Qing accepted the medicine with both hands and asked, "What effects can I expect from this medicine?" The monk recited:
Shaped like chicken eggs, colored like goose yellow. Refined thrice by Laojun's alchemical fires, personally handed down by the Queen Mother. It appears as light as dirt on the outside, but treasured like rare gems within. What is gold worth compared to gold? What is jade worth compared to jade? Regardless of whether you wear gold, don purple robes, reside in a grand mansion, ride fine horses, or are a talented pillar of society, this medicine rests in your palm, ready to elevate your experience. In the cave, springtime is eternal; outside, the scenery remains lush. The jade mountain never decays, and the elixir field glows at night. A battle makes the spirit clear, another battle makes the blood strong. Not just for beauty and charm, adorned with twelve exquisite red hues, engaging with me brings pleasure, as firm as a spear throughout the night. With prolonged use, it enhances digestion, nourishes the kidneys, and boosts Yang. Your hair will turn black in a hundred days, and you'll grow stronger with a thousand mornings. Strong teeth and clear vision, Yang flourishes while Gou remains hidden. If you doubt it, mix it with rice and let the cat have a taste: three days of indulgence, four days of unbearable heat; the white cat turns black, and waste ceases; lying in the wind in summer, hiding in the water in winter. If it remains unresolved, your hair will fall out. With each half-cent dose, your Yang grows stronger. Spend a night with ten women, and your essence will remain unharmed. The old woman frowns, unable to resist the temptation. When your heart feels weary, take a break and retreat. Take a sip of cold water, and your Yang will remain intact. Savor the night with beauty, as the room blooms with spring colors. Share it with a trusted friend, as a timeless means of self-preservation.
After Ximen Qing finished listening, he wanted to ask for the prescription, saying, "If you're going to see a doctor, make sure it's a good one, and to pass on medicine, you must pass on the prescription. Master, if you don't give me the prescription, where can I find you in the future if I run out of medicine? Just tell me what you want, and I'll make it happen." So he instructed Dai An, "Go to the back and get twenty pieces of gold." He handed it to the monk, wanting to ask him for the prescription. The monk smiled and said, "I'm just a wandering monk. What do I need this money for? Sir, you should take it back." As he spoke, he was about to get up. Ximen Qing, seeing that he was unwilling to pass on the prescription, said, "Master, if you don't want money, I have a piece of cloth that is five zhang long. I can give it to you to make a piece of clothing." He quickly had someone bring it to him and handed it to the monk with both hands. It was only then that the monk thanked him. Just before leaving, he reminded him, "Don't overeat—remember that!" After that, he slung the package over his back, leaned on his cane, and walked away. As the saying goes: "With a pillar staff carrying the sun and moon, and hemp shoes treading across the nine military districts."
