The poem goes:
The smoke curls up, the gauze curtains and brocade canopy, what a beautiful sight! What a beautiful sight! The golden hairpin tilts and the phoenix crown is askew. In a daze, as if transported to the fairy island of Penglai, this meeting is truly a deep connection! A deep connection! The most delightful thing is the delicate brows.
Dai An and Wen Sao returned home together. Dai An told Ximen Qing, "Father is in the study across the hall." After entering and reporting, Ximen Qing was sitting in the study with Wen Xiucai. When he saw Dai An, he came out and invited her to sit in the guest chair. Dai An said, "Wen Sao asked me to call you, she is waiting outside." Ximen Qing quickly replied, "Let her in." Wen Sao gently pulled aside the warm curtain, walked in, and bowed respectfully to Ximen Qing. Ximen Qing said, "Wen Sao, long time no see." Wen Sao said, "Yes." Ximen Qing asked, "Where are you living these days?" Wen Sao said, "Due to a lawsuit, I had to leave the old house; I now live on Wangjia Lane in Dangnan Shou." Ximen Qing said, "Please stand and chat." Wen Sao stood by. Ximen Qing asked everyone to leave, Ping An and Huatong waited outside the door, while Dai An listened from behind the curtain.
Ximen Qing asked Wensao, "Which noble families do you often visit?" Wensao replied, "I often visit the royal relatives on the main street, the Zhou family of the military governor's residence, the Qiao family, the Zhang family, and the Xia family. I am quite familiar with them." Ximen Qing asked, "Do you also know the Wang family of the Zhaoxuan Mansion?" Wensao said, "They are my old customers; the madam and the third young lady often look after my business." Ximen Qing said, "Since you are familiar, I have a favor to ask you; I hope you won't refuse." Ximen Qing took out a silver ingot weighing five taels from his sleeve and whispered, "It's like this... find an opportunity to invite Madam Wang to your home; I will come to see her then, and I'll thank you again once it's done." Wensao laughed heartily upon hearing this, "Who told you? How did you know?" Ximen Qing said, "As the saying goes: fame can be a double-edged sword; how could I not know?" Wensao said, "Speaking of Madam Wang, she was born in the year of the pig, thirty-five years old, very beautiful; she looks like she's in her thirties. Although she is in this line of work, she is very cautious and careful! There are always many people following her when she goes out, with fixed routes. The third master is always cautious in front of outsiders; how could she just stay at someone else's place? Those rumors are completely untrue. Her family's courtyard is quite secluded; if the third master isn't home, she can easily hide without being noticed. But I can't do that; my place has a small, narrow entrance, and I dare not get involved in such matters. Even if you offer me the silver, I really can't accept it. I'll just tell the madam what you said directly."
Ximen Qing said, "If you refuse to accept, I'll be upset. After the matter is done, I will reward you with a few more pieces of silk." Wensao said, "Are you still worried about not having the opportunity? If a noble person has taken a liking to you, that's a real stroke of luck!" She kowtowed, accepted the silver, and said, "I'll have a quiet word with Madam about it and let you know what she says." Ximen Qing said, "Just handle it well, and I'll be waiting here. When you come, just come here directly; there's no need to let the servants know." Wensao said, "I understand. No need to wait until tomorrow or the day after; just come by whenever it's done." After saying this, she left. Dai'an said, "Wensao, it's up to you; just give me a tael or two of silver, and I can consider it as helping you make the trip. Don't hog it all to yourself!" Wensao said, "Even a monkey knows when it's stealing a sieve and whether it's leaking!" After that, she rode away on a donkey, with her son trailing behind, and Ximen Qing and Wen Xiucai sat for a bit until Xia Tiexing arrived, and they all went to Luo Tongzhi's (Luo Wanxiang) house to drink, and they didn't head home until after the lights were out.
Wensao was overjoyed as she returned home with the five taels of silver given by Ximen Qing and hastily dismissed the tea delivery person. In the afternoon, she arrived at Wang Zhaoxuan's mansion and greeted Mrs. Lin. Mrs. Lin said, "Why haven't you come to see me these past few days?" Wensao then told Mrs. Lin about being busy at home sending tea and getting ready to visit the temple to offer incense for the upcoming Lunar New Year. Mrs. Lin said, "Your son can go; you don't have to." Wensao replied, "I can't possibly go myself. Let Wengong go in my place." Mrs. Lin said, "I'll give you some money for the journey." Wensao said, "Thank you for your generosity." After that, Mrs. Lin asked her to sit closer to the fire, and the maid promptly brought in tea. While drinking tea, Wensao asked, "Is San Lao Ye not home?" Mrs. Lin said, "He hasn't come back these past two days; he's been out gallivanting. He spends all day with those friends, indulging in wine and women, neglecting his beautiful wife at home. What are we going to do about this?" Wensao then asked, "Where is San Niang? Why haven't I seen her?" Mrs. Lin said, "She's still in the room and hasn't come out yet." Seeing no one else around, Wensao said, "Don't worry, Madam. I have a plan to get rid of these people and help San Lao Ye settle down. If you trust me, I’ll take care of it; if not, that’s fine too." Mrs. Lin said, "I have always trusted your words, so speak freely." Wensao then said, "Ximen Daguanren at the county office is now the chief executioner of the judicial office, running a loan shark business from home, and managing several shops: a satin shop, a medicine shop, a silk and satin shop, and a woolen thread shop. He’s also into shipping, dealing in salt in Yangzhou, and offering tribute wax in Dongping Prefecture. He has dozens of managers and assistants under him. The Grand Tutor Cai in Beijing is his godfather, the Grand Marshal Zhu is his superior, and the steward Zhai is his in-law. He’s got connections with the governor and the inspector, not to mention the local magistrates. His family's land stretches for miles, and the granaries are stocked with rice. Besides the main wife—the daughter of Left Guard Wu Qianhu of Qinghe—who is Ximen Qing's wife, there are several well-dressed concubines. There are also singers and dancers, favored maidservants, at least a dozen. He is living a life of luxury every day. Ximen Qing is not yet thirty years old, in his prime, tall and handsome, charming and elegant; he excels in chess and football, is well-read, truly a charismatic figure. I’ve heard our family has a long-standing scholarly tradition, and knowing that San Lao Ye studies martial arts, he’s keen on befriending our family. He just hasn't met us yet, so he hasn't come. Yesterday, I heard that Madam's birthday is approaching, and that Madam associates with virtuous people, so he wants to come and wish Madam a happy birthday. I suggested, 'It wouldn’t be proper to drop by unannounced for a first meeting. Let me first inform you, Madam, and ask for your opinion, then invite Ximen Daguanren.' You not only agreed to meet him but also hoped that he could help drive away those friends who are corrupting our family's reputation." Mrs. Lin was touched by what Wensao said and agreed to meet Ximen Qing the next evening.
Sister Wen got Mrs. Lin's promise to return home, and the next day after the meal, she arrived at Ximen Qing's house. Ximen Qing was sitting in his study when Dai An announced, "Sister Wen has arrived." Upon hearing this, Ximen Qing hurriedly came out and instructed the servants to lower the curtains. After a while, Sister Wen entered and bowed, and Dai An quietly left. Sister Wen then shared how Mrs. Lin praised Ximen Qing's character and family background, how he made friends with powerful figures, how he was generous and chivalrous, and how charming and dashing he was, which made Ximen Qing extremely happy. They agreed that tomorrow night, when the third master was not at home, Mrs. Lin would host a banquet in waiting. They said it was about social connections, meeting in secret. Ximen Qing was thrilled to hear this and gifted Sister Wen two bolts of silk. Sister Wen said, "Dad, you should go tomorrow, but don't leave too early. Wait until it’s dark and the streets are quiet. From the back door at Bianshi Alley—there's a Mama Duan living next to your back door, I'll be waiting at her place. Just knock on Mama Duan's door, and I'll come out to let you in, so the neighbors don’t see." Ximen Qing replied, "Got it. You go ahead tomorrow and stay put; I'll be there on time." After saying this, Sister Wen took her leave and returned to report to Mrs. Lin.
On that day, Ximen Qing spent the night in Li Jiao'er's room, not a word was spoken all night. The next day, he felt invigorated. At noon, with a hat on, he rode with Count Ying to attend a birthday banquet at Xie Xida's house. There were two performers at the banquet. After downing a few drinks, Ximen Qing waited until dark and then slipped away. He mounted his horse, followed by his two young servants, Dai An and Qin Tong. It was the nineteenth, and the moonlight was hazy. He walked down the street with a veil over his face, directly arriving at the back door of Wang Zhaoxuan's residence on Bian Shi Alley. At that moment, the lights were just coming on, and the street began to quiet down. Ximen Qing stopped his horse not far from the back door and sent Dai An to knock on Duan Mama's door first. Duan Mama lived in the back room of Wang Zhaoxuan's house and was introduced by Sister Wen. She usually took care of the back door, opening and closing it. Whenever someone came, they would stay at her place. Sister Wen, hearing the knock, quickly opened the door. Seeing Ximen Qing had arrived, he dismounted and removed his veil, and Sister Wen brought him inside, instructing Qin Tong to hold the horse and wait under the eaves of the house across the street, while Dai An stayed in Duan Mama's room. Sister Wen led Ximen Qing in, closed the back door, locked it, and entered through the side door. Passing through several rooms, they reached the five main rooms belonging to Madam Lin, next to which was a small door that was closed. Sister Wen gently knocked on the door ring, which, as it turned out, had a doorbell. After a moment, a maid came out to open the door. Sister Wen guided Ximen Qing to the back hall, lifted the curtain, and saw that the room was aglow, featuring a portrait of Madam Lin's ancestor, Wang Jingchong, the governor of Taiyuan and Prince of Panyang, in the center: clad in a bright red robe, adorned with a dragon robe and jade belt, sitting in a tiger-skin armchair reading military books. It resembled a portrait of Guan Yu, only with a shorter beard. The red plaque at the entrance bore the words "Jie Yi Tang," and on the walls hung a couplet: "The family preserves integrity like pine and bamboo, the country honors achievements like fighting mountains." Just as Ximen Qing was admiring the scene, he heard the bell on the door curtain ring, and Sister Wen came out with a cup of tea for Ximen Qing. Ximen Qing said, "Please have the old lady come out to meet me." Sister Wen replied, "Please drink tea first, my lord. I have already informed the lady."
Mrs. Lin unexpectedly peeked out quietly from behind the door curtain and saw Mr. Ximen Qing, a tall and handsome man, dressed in a white hat, a sable coat, a purple cashmere cloak, and pink leather boots. He was simply a vision of elegance.
Those wealthy folks are all devious and wicked, oppressing the good-hearted common folk and living it up with booze and women. When Mrs. Lin spotted Ximen Qing, she felt particularly delighted. She quietly called Wen Sao over and asked her who's in mourning. Wen Sao said, "It's her sixth husband, who just died last September. Her husband passed away early, and there are only a few people left in the family now. Just look at her—she's as sharp and savvy as a newly hatched quail." This made Mrs. Lin even happier. Wen Sao urged her to go out and meet Ximen Qing, but Mrs. Lin said, "I'm a bit shy to go out, so could you invite him in?" After Wen Sao went out, she told Ximen Qing, "Madam invites you to come in and see her." She lifted the door curtain, and Ximen Qing entered the room and saw red curtains hanging, thick felt rugs on the floor, the air filled with musk, warm and cozy. The embroidered bed curtains billowed like clouds, casting moonlight reflections on the brocade screen. Mrs. Lin wore a crown of gold-threaded green leaves on her head, a white silk jacket, a sandalwood-hued brocade cape adorned with gold floral designs, a red palace brocade skirt, and white silk high-heeled shoes. She resembled a delicate young lady from a rich family, an elegant Bodhisattva in her secluded boudoir. As a poem goes:
Thick clouds and heavy makeup, long traces of dark, Lotus steps lightly move with orchid and musk scent. After getting tipsy, deep feelings return to the embroidered curtains, Only then did I realize that she was something special.
Ximen Qing bowed as soon as he entered, saying, "Madam, I am here to pay my respects to you." Lin Shi said, "There's no need for all this formality, sir." Ximen Qing insisted on paying his respects, bowing twice. Lin Shi returned the gesture. After the ceremony, Ximen Qing sat in the chair facing her, while Lin Shi sat sideways on the edge of the kang to accompany him. Wensao closed the front door, and there were no other servants in the room. The side door on Ximen Qing's side was also closed. A maid named Furong brought tea, and Lin Shi shared tea with Ximen Qing. Wensao said on the side, "Madam has long held your reputation in high regard and would like to ask for help in resolving a matter, if you are willing." Ximen Qing asked, "What can I do for you?" Lin Shi said, "Honestly, my family has been in official positions for generations. Unfortunately, my husband has been gone for many years, and there are no savings in the family. My son is still young and has not yet taken the imperial examination. Although he is in martial arts school, he is too young, and his studies have been delayed. Some shady people outside are tempting him to drink every day, and he's neglecting family responsibilities. I've considered going to the authorities a few times, but I am afraid of tarnishing my late husband's reputation. Today, I asked you to come so I could explain everything, like filing a petition. I hope you can help me handle these people, so my son can turn his life around, focus on his studies, and continue the family legacy. This would be a huge favor, and I’d be really grateful. I will definitely repay you." Ximen Qing said, "Madam, your words are too polite. Your family has been a prestigious one for generations, with ancestors who were generals and ministers. Since your son is in martial arts school, he should work hard in his studies and carry on the family legacy. He shouldn't listen to lazy people and get caught up in drinking and partying, which is a common trap for young folks. Since you have commanded so, I'll go to the authorities and take care of those people to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future." Upon hearing this, Lin Shi quickly got up, bowed to Ximen Qing, and said, "I'll make sure to thank you properly another time." Ximen Qing said, "We're family, so no need for all this formality."
During the conversation between the two, they exchanged meaningful glances. Before long, Mrs. Wen brought out the food and wine. Ximen Qing deliberately declined, saying, "This is my first visit, and I didn't bring any gifts. How can I be treated so generously by the madam?" Mrs. Lin said, "We didn't know the gentleman was coming, so we didn't prepare anything special. It's cold, so we prepared some wine and food to express our hospitality." The maid poured the wine, using a golden pot to pour the fine wine and a jade cup to hold the fine dishes. Mrs. Lin stood up to toast, and Ximen Qing also stood up and said, "Allow me to toast the madam first." Mrs. Wen interjected, "Sir, there's no need to rush to toast the lady. Her birthday is on the fifteenth of November, so you can come then to wish her well and bring a gift." Ximen Qing said, "Oh, why didn't you say so earlier! Today is the ninth; there are still six days. I will definitely come to wish the lady a happy birthday." Mrs. Lin smiled and said, "You flatter me." Before long, a lavish spread of delectable dishes was brought out, with tall candles lit on the side, a golden incense burner burning incense below. The two exchanged cups, played games, and laughed continuously. The wine emboldened their hearts. By the time the water in the water clock was almost gone and the moon was reflected on the window, their affection had deepened. Mrs. Wen had already left, calling for wine several times but no one came to pour it. Seeing that there was no one around, Ximen Qing gradually leaned in, speaking suggestively and making advances. He first hugged Mrs. Lin's neck, and she smiled without saying a word. Then Ximen Qing kissed Mrs. Lin, making a sound, and they both laughed. Mrs. Lin took the lead in closing the door, shedding her clothes, drawing the bed curtains, and smoothing out the sheets, and the two embraced each other. Ximen Qing knew that Mrs. Lin was lively, so he brought sex toys and even took aphrodisiacs given by a monk... The two were ecstatic, their passions igniting. It was truly: Masters of romance, they paid no mind to the jade hairpin that had fallen at the bedside.
Ximen Qing pulled out all the stops to enjoy a passionate night with Lin. Until the late hours of the night... Lin's hair was in disarray, and she was completely worn out. They embraced for a while before getting up to get dressed. Lin lit the silver lamp, opened the door, looked in the mirror to fix her hair, and called her maid to bring water for her to wash her hands. After downing a few more cups of wine, Ximen Qing bid her farewell and got up to leave. Lin desperately tried to keep him from leaving, urging him with countless reminders. Ximen Qing bowed to thank her and took his leave. Lin walked him to the corner gate before heading back. Sister Wen opened the back door and called Dai An and Qin Tong to bring the horse, and Ximen Qing rode home. People were already out patrolling the streets; it was late, eerily quiet, and the cold was biting, with not a sound to be heard. Ximen Qing returned home, and the rest of the night passed in silence.
The next day, Ximen Qing finished his official duties and called the local constable in charge of arrests to the back hall. He instructed, "Investigate who led Wang Zhaoxuan, the third son of Xuanfu, astray, and where he usually goes. Let me know right away as soon as you find out the names." Then, he said to Xia, "Wang San Gongzi is really a disappointment. Yesterday, his mother repeatedly sent people to plead for leniency, saying it's not her son's fault, but those troublemakers who led him astray. If we don't punish them severely now, who knows how many more children they'll lead astray in the future!" Xia agreed, "You are right, we must punish them severely!" The constable received Ximen Qing's orders, and that same day, he had gathered all the names, written a report, and delivered it to Ximen Qing's house in the afternoon. Ximen Qing saw the report listing Sun Guazui, Zhu Shinian, Xiao Zhangxian, Nie Yue'er, Xiang San, Yu Kuan, Bai Huizi, and Li Guijie and Qin Yuzhi. Ximen Qing grabbed a pen, crossed Li Guijie, Qin Yuzhi, Sun Guazui, and Zhu Shinian off the list, and ordered, "Arrest Xiao Zhangxian and the other five rascals, and bring them to the yamen tomorrow morning!" The constables agreed and left. That night, they found out that Wang San Gongzi and his crew were partying at Li Guijie's place, so they lay in ambush at the door. In the middle of the night, as soon as they stepped outside, the constables caught Xiao Zhangxian, Nie Yue'er, Yu Kuan, Bai Huizi, and Xiang San. Sun Guazui and Zhu Shinian hid in the back room at Li Guijie's place, while Wang San Gongzi hid under Li Guijie's bed, too scared to come out. The Li family was scared stiff and didn't know who had come, frantically trying to find out what was going on. Wang San Gongzi stayed hidden all night. The madam of the Li household was afraid that people from the capital would come to arrest him, so at dawn, she had Li Ming change into different clothes and sent Wang San Gongzi back to his place.
The bailiffs kept Xiao Zhang and the others locked up in the interrogation room overnight. The next morning, Ximen Qing and Xia Tiexing ascended the platform, with punishment canes displayed on either side, and brought the people up. Each person received twenty hard lashes, leaving their skin torn and blood flowing, with deafening cries and screams filling the air. Ximen Qing instructed, "You rascals, who lure children and shirk your responsibilities, deserve severe punishment. I will go easy on you this time, but if you offend again, you will be publicly humiliated with a wooden yoke!" Then he ordered, "Take them away!" The people cried and were dragged out.
After the two officials wrapped up their business, they retired for tea. Xia Tiexing mentioned, "Yesterday, a relative from the capital, Cui Zhongshu, sent a letter saying that the inspection report from the yamen has not yet arrived. Today, we are coincidentally together with the magistrate, so let's send someone to Huaiqing Prefecture to ask Lin Cangfeng, who is near the capital." Ximen Qing said, "The magistrate has a good plan." He immediately called a bailiff and instructed, "Take five taels of silver as travel expenses, carry my letter of introduction, go to Huaiqing Prefecture to find Magistrate Lin Qianhu, and inquire about the arrival of the inspection report from the capital and whether the Personnel Department has issued a document. Make sure to find out clearly and report back to me." The bailiff took the silver and letter, packed his belongings in the office, got a horse, and set off on his journey. The two officials then got up and returned home.
After Xiao Zhangxian and the others were beaten and walked down the street, they were all pondering how it all went down and blaming each other. Xiao Zhangxian said, “Is something going on in the capital?” Bai Huizi replied, “No, if it were something from the capital, how could they have easily let us go?” As the saying goes, “A clever person doesn’t act like an actor, a thief doesn’t act like a silversmith, and a capable person doesn’t act like a scaffolder.” Nie Yue'er firmly stated, “You all don’t know, but I’ve guessed it. It must be that Ximen Qing and Wang San Gongzi had a conflict. Wang San Gongzi offended Ximen Qing’s cousin, so they took it out on us. Truly, it’s a dragon fighting a tiger, and the little shrimp suffers!” Xiao Zhangxian said, “You all are fine, but I’m in the worst spot. Sun Guazui and Zhu Mazi went along, and they’re using us as scapegoats!” Yu Kuan said, “What are you talking about? Those two are friends of Wang San Gongzi. If they get caught too, how can Wang San Gongzi manage?” Xiao Zhangxian said, “Why not catch his wife?” Nie Yue'er replied, “Those two women are both Wang San Gongzi’s loves; Li Guijie is even his cousin. Why would he catch them? Don’t blame others; it’s just our bad luck to run into this. Why didn’t Xia Tixing speak just now? Only Ximen Qing spoke? There’s clearly something wrong with this matter. Let’s go to Li Guijie’s house and find Wang San Gongzi! Bai has already taken this beating; can’t we ask him for a few taels of silver for travel expenses? It’s also good to explain to our wives at home.” So they went straight to the brothel, only to find the door to Li Guijie’s house tightly shut. After a long wait, a maid called out from behind the door, asking who it was. Xiao Zhangxian said, “It’s us; we have business with San Gongzi.” The maid replied, “He went home since midnight; he’s not here. There’s no one at home, so I can’t open the door.” They had no choice but to return and went directly to Wang Zhaoxuan’s residence, sitting down in his guest room. When Wang San Gongzi heard they were looking for him, he was so frightened that he hid inside and didn’t dare to come out. After a while, Wang San Gongzi’s servant Yong Ding came out and said, “My father is not at home.” The crowd said, “What a laid-back guy! If he’s not at home, where did he go? Tell him to come out!” Yu Kuan said, “Honestly, cut the excuses. Just now, the Justice Department beat us up and brought us out, and now he has to go see the officials himself!” Yu Kuan rolled up his pant leg to show Yong Ding, asking him to go in and tell Wang San Gongzi, “Because of you, we got beaten; this is serious!” One by one, they lay on the bench, crying out in pain.
Young Master Wang San was even more reluctant to come out, only calling out, "Mother, what should we do? How can we save me?" Mrs. Lin said, "As a woman, how can I go and ask someone to help you?" After begging for a long time, they noticed the people outside growing impatient and wanting to ask the old lady to speak. Mrs. Lin still did not come out, but said from behind the screen, "Wait a moment, he is indeed at the village, not at home. I'll send a servant to fetch him." Little Zhang chimed in, "Old lady, hurry up and send someone to call him! This wound is bound to fester; covering it up won't solve anything. We took this beating on his behalf. Just now, the official ordered us to be brought out to look for him. If he doesn't come out soon, no one will be at ease, and things could get messy."
As soon as Mrs. Lin heard this, she had the servant bring tea for everyone. Mr. Wang was terrified, looking as if he had seen a ghost, and he urged his mother to find someone to help quickly. Desperate, Mrs. Lin said, "Wen Sao only knows people from the magistrate's office of Magistrate Ximen. She helped arrange a marriage for his daughter before and is quite familiar with their household." Mr. Wang said, "Even if she knows Magistrate Ximen, that will do! Quickly send the servant to invite her!" Mrs. Lin said, "Ever since you offended her last time, she hasn’t been in touch. How can we even think of inviting her again? She won't come." Mr. Wang said, "Mother, the situation is urgent now, please invite her; I will personally apologize to her." Mrs. Lin then secretly had Yongding go out the back door and invite Wen Sao. Mr. Wang pleaded with her, calling her "Aunt Wen," saying, "Aunt Wen, you know the officials at Magistrate Ximen's office, please help me in any way, save me!" Wen Sao feigned reluctance, saying, "Although I helped arrange a marriage for their eldest daughter before, who’s been to their place in recent years? They’re a well-to-do family; you can’t just barge in on them." Mr. Wang quickly knelt down and said, "Aunt Wen, please save me; I will definitely repay your great kindness, I will never forget. Those people are forcing me to go to the yamen now; what should I do?" Wen Sao glanced at his mother, who nodded. She said, "Alright, go have a word with them." Wen Sao said, "I can’t go alone. Third Uncle, you dress up; I’ll take you to Magistrate Ximen’s place myself, you can plead with him directly, and I’ll help on the side. I guarantee we can resolve the matter in a day." Mr. Wang said, "Those people outside are getting impatient; what if they spot us?" Wen Sao said, "What’s the big deal? I’ll go and appease them, prepare some food and drinks to entertain them; I’ll sneak you out the back. We’ll finish our business and come back; they won’t even know."
Mrs. Wen walked to the front hall, greeted everyone with two bows, and said, "The lady asked me to come out and let you all know: our third uncle has gone to the village, he is not at home. Someone has been sent to fetch him, and he will be here soon. Please sit for a while and have some food. This matter has inconvenienced all of you; who hasn’t eaten their fill? When the third uncle returns, he will thank you properly. You all came from far away to help, it's all to save face for us, mainly to get things done. The tasks handed down from above are out of our control. When the third uncle comes out, this matter will be sorted out in a day." Everyone responded, "Mrs. Wen knows what's up. If you’d come out sooner to say a few words, we wouldn't have been so anxious. You kept saying he's not at home; did we cause this trouble ourselves? You're dragging us into this mess; when they come looking for you, you pretend not to be home. Making us take the fall for you? Mrs. Wen, you are wise; if you come out, we can find a solution—compensate a bit, save face, and resolve the matter together. If you don't come out to see us, this issue will still get sorted out; a capture and interrogation yamen, we can't bear it for no reason, right?" Mrs. Wen said, "You are right, brothers. Please sit for a while; I will go tell the lady and arrange some wine and food to entertain you all. You must be hungry after coming all this way." Everyone said, "Mrs. Wen understands our hardships. Honestly, we bolted out of the yamen and didn't even have a sip of hot soup!" Mrs. Wen went to the back, quickly grabbed two taels of silver for drinks, bought one tael of silver worth of pastries, sliced up big plates of pork, lamb, and beef, and took them out, while encouraging everyone to dig in.
Wang Sanguan was dressed in a scholar's robe, having written up the petition document. Sister Wen led him, blindfolded him, and quietly took him out through the back door, walking to Ximen Qing's house. Upon reaching the main gate, Ping An recognized Sister Wen and said, "The master is in the hall now; you may go in. Is there something you would like to tell Mama Wen?" Sister Wen handed him the visiting letter and said, "Brother, please go in and report to him." In a hurry, he asked Wang Sanguan for two taels of silver, and only then did Ping An enter to inform Ximen Qing. When Ximen Qing saw the visiting letter, it read: "Your humble servant, Wang Cai, bows deeply." He first called Sister Wen in to clarify the situation, and then opened the hall door, letting the young servant invite Wang Sanguan in. Ximen Qing came out wearing a hat and informal attire to greet him. When he saw Wang Sanguan enter, he said playfully, "Why didn't Sister Wen say so earlier? I haven't changed my clothes yet." He then instructed those around him, "Bring me my clothes." Wang Sanguan quickly stepped forward to stop him, saying, "Uncle, please don’t trouble yourself. Your nephew is here to pay a visit; I wouldn’t want to impose on you!" Once in the hall, Wang Sanguan insisted on paying his respects to Ximen Qing. Ximen Qing smiled and replied, "This is my home." He repeatedly refused to accept the courtesy. Ximen Qing first bowed down, and Wang Sanguan said, "Your nephew has committed a fault; I have long admired your reputation, and I have been rude." Ximen Qing replied, "There’s no need for formality between us." Wang Sanguan again urged Ximen Qing to accept the courtesy, saying, "My family is humble, and Uncle, you should accept the courtesy to make up for my late visit." After several refusals, Ximen Qing finally accepted the courtesy. Ximen Qing invited Wang Sanguan to sit down, and after exchanging pleasantries, Wang Sanguan finally sat down at an angle.
After a while, having had tea, Wang Sanguan said to Ximen Qing, "I have something to ask, Uncle, but I don’t want to disturb you." He pulled a petition from his sleeve and handed it to him before immediately kneeling down. Ximen Qing pulled him up and said, "What is it, my dear nephew? Just say it, no need to be formal!" Wang Sanguan said, "Nephew is incompetent and has made a foolish mistake. I hope you can forgive my foolish mistakes, Uncle, especially since my late father was a military official. It would really help me preserve my reputation and avoid going to the yamen. If that happens, it would be as if I have come back to life. I promise I’ll repay your kindness in the future. I’m really anxious about this!" Ximen Qing opened the petition, which listed the names of Xiao Zhang and four others, and said, "I’ve already dealt with these scoundrels severely at the yamen and let them off. Why are they coming to plead with you again?" Wang Sanguan replied, "They’ve said that you punished them at the yamen, released them, and still wanted me to meet with the officials. They’ve been insulting and extorting me at home, and I can’t find peace or a way to appeal, so I came to ask for your help." He then handed over the invitation. Ximen Qing looked at it and said, "This is outrageous! These scoundrels are absolutely despicable. I spared them, and they actually dare to cause trouble!" He returned the invitation to Wang Sanguan and said, "Virtuous nephew, please go back, I won’t keep you any longer. I’ll send someone after them right now. I’ll invite you again another day." Wang Sanguan said, "I dare not, I thank you for not abandoning me, I should express my gratitude properly." He thanked him over and over as he left. Ximen Qing accompanied him to the second gate and said, "I’m in my everyday clothes, so it’s not really convenient for me to see you off." After Wang Sanguan left, still wearing a blindfold, the servant followed him. Sister Wen chatted with Ximen Qing for a bit. Ximen Qing instructed, "Don’t let them know, I’ll send someone after them."
Wen Sao and Wang Sanguan sneaked back home, but to their surprise, Ximen Qing immediately sent a junior officer with four constables straight to Wang Zhaoxuan's house. Those people were drinking and making a fuss when the constables rushed in and, without a word, arrested everyone and put handcuffs on them. Everyone's faces went pale with fear as they exclaimed, "That bastard Wang Sanguan lured us back here, and now he’s turned around to harm us!" The junior officer snapped, "You dare to talk nonsense? Be honest! Hurry up and beg for mercy in front of your father; staying alive is what matters most!" Xiao Zhang hurriedly said, "The elder is right."
Before long, everyone was taken to Ximen Qing's doorstep, where the constables and Ping An'er demanded money before they would report back. The people who were arrested had no choice but to strip off their outer garments and remove their hairpins and jewelry to bribe them. After a while, Ximen Qing emerged and took a seat in the hall, while the junior officer brought the people to kneel down. Ximen Qing scolded, "I gave you a chance to live well, but you ran to my house saying I extorted people! Honestly confess, how much did I extort? If you don’t come clean, I’ll have you dealt with!" Before he could finish, the constables brandished five or six new torture devices. Xiao Zhang and the others frantically kowtowed, pleading for mercy: "We really didn’t extort a single cent; we just said we were handling a case in the yamen, and then they treated us with food and drink. We didn’t ask for money." Ximen Qing said, "You had no business going to their house! You bunch of scoundrels, preying on good families and exploiting them, truly despicable! Since you refuse to tell the truth, haul them all off to the yamen and throw them in jail. Tomorrow, they will be strictly interrogated and publicly branded!" Everyone begged for mercy, crying out, "Master, spare us! We won't dare to bother them again. Don’t even mention branding; if we’re sent to prison, we’ll freeze to death this winter!" Ximen Qing said, "I’ll let you off this time, but you better change your ways! You are not allowed to loiter around here anymore, seducing young men and cheating money! If I catch you again, I’ll beat you to death!" He shouted, "Drag them out!" The group breathed a sigh of relief and hurried off.
Smash the jade cage to let the colorful phoenix soar, and open the golden lock to let the dragon escape.
Ximen Qing sent those people away, returned to the backyard, and Yue Niang asked, "What's going on with that Wang Sanguan incident?" Ximen Qing said, "He is the third son of the Wang family, Wang Zhaoxuan. The incident with Li Guier was caused by him. This kid and that woman have no repentance and continue their reckless behavior, giving that kid thirty taels of silver every month. That woman even lied to me that she had been hiding it from me! As a result, someone informed on them, and I sent people to arrest them and brought them to the yamen, where I gave them a thorough thrashing. Unexpectedly, those people ran to Wang's house to cause trouble, trying to extort some money, saying that the yamen wanted money. The Wang family had never dealt with a lawsuit before and were frightened, so they asked Wensao to bring fifty taels of silver to seek my help. I just arrested those people again, gave them a thorough thrashing, and resolved the matter for them. That family is really unlucky to have such a useless son! What kind of background did your family have? Your father is Zhaoxuan, you passed the military exam, and you have such a good reputation but don't go and do a good job as an official. You don't care about the beautiful wife at home and hang out with these scoundrels all day. At your age, you should be thinking about your future!" Yue Niang said, "You old crow making fun of pig's feet, you're not clean yourself! You also do those things, yet you still manage others!" Those words left Ximen Qing at a loss for words.
During dinner, Lai'an reported that Ying Bojun had arrived. Ximen Qing said, "Please ask him to sit in the study, I'll be there soon." Wang Jing quickly opened the door to the study, and Bojun entered and sat down. After a while, Ximen Qing came out. After they exchanged greetings, Ximen Qing took a seat on the kang, and the two began to chat.
The Earl asked, "Bro, why did you leave so early when you went to Second Brother Xie's house the other day?" Ximen Qing said, "I've been super busy lately, always busy, and even sent someone to Tokyo to inquire about the news. Am I busier than you guys who have all the time in the world?" The Earl asked again, "Bro, is there anything happening in the office recently?" Ximen Qing said, "There is nothing happening!" The Earl said, "Wang San said that Bro caught Xiao Zhang and four others in the office, and they were caught in Li Guijie's house on the eighth night. Only Lao Sun and Zhu Mazzi escaped. They got beat up when they were brought to the office this morning. They all went to Xuanfu to find Wang San to cause a ruckus. Why didn't you tell me?" Ximen Qing said, "Come on, who told you? You must have heard wrong. That wasn't us; it must have been done by Zhou Shoubei's office." The Earl said, "Why would Zhou Shoubei's office bother with such petty stuff?" Ximen Qing said, "I guess people from the capital sent someone to catch them." The Earl said, "No, this morning Li Ming told me that night freaked his whole family out. Li Gui'er is still scared and can't sleep; she still hasn't gotten out of bed. It seems that people from Tokyo came to arrest someone, and found out this morning it was the court that nabbed them." Ximen Qing said, "I haven't been to the office lately, so I had no idea. Since Li Gui'er has vowed not to associate with them anymore, let them get caught if they want. If she's scared to sleep, so what?"
The Earl saw Ximen Qing smiling and said, "Brother, you’re quite the character, keeping this from me. He told me today, and I knew it was you who did it. How did Zhuo Mazi and Old Sun get away? A capture office actually let them get away? Did you use a lamb as bait, scaring Li Guier's family into knowing your methods? If everyone gets caught, there’s no brotherhood left; it’ll all be meaningless. You can only pull this off once. Old Sun and Zhuo Mazi see you now and feel a bit ashamed. This is your strategy of showing strength while secretly going another way. Don’t take this the wrong way, but this move of yours is brilliant. This is what they call a real person not showing their true self, and a revealed self not being real. You’ve got the smarts and the experience." Ximen Qing was amused by the Earl's words and said, "What great wisdom do I have?" The Earl said, "I guess there must be others who have talked to you; how else would you know it so clearly? Truly a master of strategy!" Ximen Qing said, "Fool, if you want to keep something from others, you must not do it yourself." The Earl said, "Brother, the office no longer needs Wang Sanguan." Ximen Qing said, "Who wants him? When I was handling the case, I wiped the names of Wang Sanguan, Zhuo Mazi, Old Sun, Li Guier, and Qin Yuzhi, and only caught a few bachelors to take the blame." The Earl said, "Why is he still hanging around?" Ximen Qing said, "Honestly, he’s hoping to shake down some money. Surprisingly, Wang Sanguan came to apologize in person and even bowed to me. I had someone grab those bachelors again; they begged for mercy, saying they wouldn’t dare come back. Wang Sanguan kept calling me 'Old Uncle' and even sent me fifty taels of silver as a tribute, but I turned it down. He wants to come over to apologize again tomorrow." The Earl was surprised and said, "He really came to apologize?" Ximen Qing said, "Why would I make that up?" Then he called Wang Jing over: "Bring Wang Sanguan's tribute for Father Ying Er to see." Wang Jing took the tribute from inside, which said: "Your humble servant Wang Cai bows a hundred times." After reading it, the Earl kept praising, "Brother, your strategy is really something else." Ximen Qing said to the Earl, "If you see them, just tell them I don’t know."
The Count said, "I understand that the secret must not get out! Who am I to tell them!"
The two chatted for a while longer, drank tea, and the earl said, "Bro, I'm off. I'm afraid Lao Sun and Zhu Mazi will come looking for me soon. Just tell them I wasn't around." Ximen Qing shot back, "If they show up, just say I'm not in." He called over the doorman and said, "If those two come, just say I'm not at home." From that point on, Ximen Qing no longer went to Li Guijie's house, and he stopped inviting Li Ming to perform at his parties, pulling away from them.
As the saying goes:
Last night it rained on Huanhua Creek; who are the green willows and fragrant grass for?
