The words say:
The flowers wither and the fragrant grass lies still; the scenery for the guest has passed into another season. In the small courtyard at dusk, people recall parting, tear stains dotting like drops of blood.
Nearby, the rivers and mountains separate Chu from Yue; gazing into the distance, startled by the spirit, one thinks only of the lost fragrant soul. The dream shattered at the fifth watch, the sound of the horn echoes beneath the moonlit plum blossoms.
Ximen Qing and He Qianhu returned to the city together. Upon reaching the main street, He Qianhu invited Ximen Qing to his home for a meal. Ximen Qing declined several times, but He Qianhu had his men stop the horse, saying, "I have something else I want to discuss with you." So they rode side by side and dismounted at He Qianhu's house. Ben Si took a box directly to Cui Zhongshu's house. It turned out that He Qianhu had already set up a banquet at home waiting.
Entering the hall, one could see the charcoal fire burning vigorously, the golden stove filled with fragrant smoke. In the center was a main seat, with a guest seat next to it, and another place set on the east side. The table was filled with various fruits, and fresh flowers were placed in a vase. Ximen Qing asked, "What guest are you inviting today, Lord Qianhu?" He Qianhu replied, "My father is off work today, and I wanted to invite you for a simple meal." Ximen Qing said, "You're so thoughtful; it's truly a gesture of friendship!" He Qianhu said, "My father has simple food; I hope you don't mind." Then they served tea. Ximen Qing wanted to greet He Qianhu's father, and He Qianhu replied, "My father will be out in a moment."
After a while, Eunuch He came out from the back, wearing a green velvet python robe, a hat, black boots, and a jeweled belt at his waist. Ximen Qing stepped forward and bowed deeply four times: "Please accept my respects, Eunuch!" Eunuch He refused, saying, "That is not necessary." Ximen Qing said, "I am a colleague of Lord Tianquan. You are a person of high virtue and prestige, and as an imperial attendant, you deserve my respect." After much insistence, Eunuch He finally accepted a partial bow, allowing Ximen Qing to take the seat of honor, with Eunuch He accompanying him and Eunuch He sitting beside him. Ximen Qing said, "Eunuch, this is not appropriate between colleagues! It's fine for relatives to sit this way, but I dare not." Eunuch He happily said, "You truly understand etiquette; alright, I will sit beside you and have Eunuch He accompany you." Ximen Qing said, "In that case, I will be at ease." So they all sat down according to their seating arrangement. Eunuch He said, "Servants, add more charcoal; it's quite cold today."
Soon, the servants brought finely ground charcoal and added it to the brazier. They also hung up an oiled paper warm curtain, brightening and warming the room. Eunuch He said, "Lord, please change into a different outfit." Ximen Qing said, "I don’t have any decent clothes here; I’ll go get something." Eunuch He said, "There's no need to get one." He ordered the servants, "Bring the flying fish green velvet cloak that I wear and put it on the Lord." Ximen Qing smiled and said, "This is your official attire; how can I wear it?" Eunuch He said, "Just wear it; it’s no big deal! The Emperor rewarded me with this python robe yesterday, which I won’t be wearing, so I’ll give it to you." Soon, the servants brought the clothes, and Ximen Qing had Dai'an help him with the collar as he put on the cloak, thanking him. He also asked Eunuch He to take off his outer garment and sit together.
After serving more tea, Eunuch He said, "Call the musicians over." It turned out that there were twelve musicians in the house, and two masters led them in to pay their respects. Eunuch He instructed them to start playing before he began drinking. Eunuch He personally poured wine for Ximen Qing, who quickly said, "Please, Eunuch. With the presence of the magistrate, how could I dare to trouble you?" Eunuch He said, "I’d like to propose a toast to you, magistrate. My family’s magistrate has just begun his official career and is not yet familiar with the situation. I hope you can guide him, and I would be very grateful." Ximen Qing replied, "You’re too kind, Eunuch! As the saying goes, colleagues are like family. I also rely on your care and will naturally assist you!" Eunuch He said, "Well said, well said. We are all working for the Emperor, helping each other." Before Eunuch He could serve the wine, Ximen Qing took the initiative and raised his cup, toasting to Eunuch He and the magistrate. After exchanging pleasantries, they all took their seats. After the musicians finished playing, three musicians and their masters performed with the silver zither, elephant drum, three-stringed lute, and pipa at the table, performing a piece called "Zhenggong·Duanzhenghao," "Visiting Zhao Pu on a snowy night," and "Crystal Palace Jiaoxiao curtain." Once the performance was over, they exited.
After drinking a few rounds of wine and eating two dishes, as night began to fall, the lights were lit. Ximen Qing ordered Dai'an to reward the kitchen staff and musicians, got up and said, "I’ve been a bother all day; I’ll head back now." Eunuch He insisted that he stay, saying, "I just finished work today and want to chat with you. This isn’t just a banquet; just relax and don’t let yourself go hungry." Ximen Qing said, "Thanks for the delicious food, Eunuch; how can I say I'm hungry! I’ll head back and get some rest; I still have to visit Lord Tianquan at the Ministry of War tomorrow to get the official documents registered." Eunuch He said, "Since you want to work with my family's Qianhu officer, why not have your luggage brought to my house for a couple of days? There are a few small houses in my backyard, very quiet; it’s convenient to discuss official business with the Qianhu in the morning and evening. It’s better than crashing at someone else’s place." Ximen Qing said, "Staying here would be perfect; I’m just afraid that Lord Xia will find it strange and think I’m distancing myself from him." Eunuch He said, "No worries. These days, no one’s on duty for early court, and the late court doesn’t bow; the yamen feels like a circus. Although we used to be colleagues, he’s already retired and has no power anymore; the new official has taken office, and he has nothing to do with our judicial matters. If he thinks that, he’s just being unreasonable. Today I must sit with you all night and not let you leave." He ordered the servants, "Set up the table in the back room and entertain Mr. Ximen well. Send a few people to immediately move his luggage here." He also ordered, "Clean up the backyard west courtyard, lay out the bedding, and put charcoal on the kang." With a command from the hall, the servants all went to work. Ximen Qing said, "You’re too kind, Eunuch; I’m just afraid of offending Lord Xia." Eunuch He said, "He’s already resigned and has no power anymore, so don’t worry about him." Without further ado, he sent Dai'an and the horsemen to eat, dispatched several soldiers to carry the luggage, and went straight to Cuizhong’s place to move his stuff.
Eunuch He Gonggong said, "There is one more favor I need to ask of you: my family’s official is about to start his new post, so he can move his family in. I'll have him go with you first to find the house, and then send his family over after finding it. There aren't many people—just about twenty or thirty, including the servants." Ximen Qing said, "How much money does the house need to be, as you instructed, Gonggong?" He Gonggong said, "It needs to be a house worth around one thousand two hundred taels of silver to be suitable for living." Ximen Qing said, "Xia Longxi was appointed to an official position in the capital but never took it up, so his house is empty now. Gonggong, why don't you just live there? It's a great deal for both of us. The house has seven rooms in the front, a total of five floors, with a main hall as soon as you enter the ceremonial gate, side rooms on both sides, roofs shaped like deer antlers, bedrooms at the back, a flower pavilion, and many other houses around it. The street is also spacious, perfect for you to live in." He Gonggong asked, "How much does he want for it?" Ximen Qing said, "He told me it was one thousand three hundred taels, and later added another flat-roofed building and a flower pavilion. If Gonggong is interested, you can decide what to offer." He Gonggong said, "I'll leave this to you; you can take care of it. While I am at home now, send someone to speak with him and bring back the house deed for me to check. It's rare to find such a good house, so when my family's official arrives, he'll have a place to settle in."
After a while, Dai'an led the others to move the luggage and responded. Ximen Qing asked, "Have Ben Si and Wang Jing arrived?" Dai'an said, "Wang Jing came first, still watching over the clothes and luggage. There is also a sedan chair; Ben Si is watching over there." Ximen Qing whispered, "Tell Xia Lao Ye this: borrow the original deed of the house and let He Gong Gong take a look. Come back with Ben Si." Dai'an promised and left. After a while, Ben Si, wearing a blue robe and a small hat, came back with Dai'an holding documents and said to Ximen Qing, "Xia Lao Ye said, 'Since He Gong Gong wants it, there’s no need to discuss the price!' The original deed is here. Later, it was renovated and cost a lot of money. You can take care of it." Ximen Qing handed the original deed to He Gong Gong to look carefully. It stated that the amount was twelve hundred taels. He said, "This house has been occupied for several years; it must be a bit old. Not to mention the renovations; just for your sake, I will give it to him at the original price." Ben Si quickly knelt down and said, "He Gong Gong is right. As the saying goes, 'You spend money to build a field. The house has changed hands for a thousand years, and it is new after renovation.'" He Gong Gong was very happy to hear this and said, "Where are you from? You speak very well. As the saying goes, 'Those who achieve great things do not spare small expenses,' that's what it means. What’s your name?" Ximen Qing said, "He is called Ben Si." He Gong Gong said, "Alright, since there’s no one else here, you’ll act as the intermediary and help me retrieve the house deed. Today is a good day, so give him the silver." Ximen Qing said, "It’s late now; let’s talk about it tomorrow." He Gong Gong said, "I have to go to the palace at dawn tomorrow and attend the court. It’s better to give him the silver today and wrap this up." Ximen Qing asked, "When will you leave tomorrow?" He Gong Gong said, "At Zi Shi to the altar; the sacrifice will be completed at three shifts, and I will return to the palace at the first quarter of Yin Zheng. After having breakfast, I will attend the court, ascend the main hall, receive the court's congratulations, and the officials will present their New Year's greetings. On the second day, the civil and military officials will have a celebration banquet. You officials from other places will have nothing to do after the morning court." After that, He Gong Gong instructed He Qianhu to bring out twenty-four large silver ingots, packed in a food box, and sent two servants, along with Ben Si and Dai'an, to deliver them to Cui Zhongshu's house. Xia Lao Ye was overjoyed when he saw the silver being brought in. He immediately penned the house deed himself, handed it to Ben Si and the others, and asked them to deliver it to He Gong Gong. He Gong Gong was very happy and rewarded Ben Si with forty taels of silver, and Dai'an and Wang Jing each with three taels. Ximen Qing said, "They’re just kids; they don’t deserve such a big reward." He Gong Gong said, "Think of it as buying them some nice treats." The three of them kowtowed in thanks. He Gong Gong ordered a feast to be prepared and thanked Ximen Qing twice, saying, "It’s all thanks to your help." Ximen Qing said, "It’s all for the sake of Gong Gong." He Gong Gong said, "Please ask the adults to tell him to vacate the house early so I can send my family over." Ximen Qing said, "I’ll be sure to tell him to vacate soon. The official can stay at the yamen for a few days. After his family moves to the capital and settles down, the official can move there too." He Gong Gong said, "It’s best to wait until after the New Year to settle down. Send the family over first. It’s not really convenient to stay at the yamen."
Not provided.
It was almost midnight, and Ximen Qing said, "Please rest, Your Excellency! I've had about enough to drink too." Only then did He Gonggong take his leave to rest and return to the back courtyard. He Qianhu summoned the musicians to play and sing, and stayed with Ximen Qing for a while longer to drink before finally getting up to see him to the back garden. There were three studies, pavilions, lakes, rock formations, bonsai trees, and flowering plants. Inside, the candlelight burned brightly, and the incense burner was filled with musk, creating an elegant ambiance. He Qianhu engaged in conversation with Ximen Qing while enjoying tea together before he took his leave and returned.
Ximen Qing took off his hat, undressed and lay down to sleep. After sending Wang Jing and Dai An away, he rested on the warm kang. Ximen Qing drank wine, lay on the pillow, looked at the bright moonlight outside the window, and tossed and turned, unable to sleep. After a long time, the stillness of the deep night surrounded him, the shadows of the flowers were lonely, and the cold wind rustled the paper on the window, not to mention that he had been away from home for a long time. Just as he was about to call Wang Jing in to keep him company, he suddenly heard a woman's voice outside the window speaking in hushed tones. He put on his clothes, got out of bed, slipped on his shoes, quietly opened the door, and went to look. He saw Li Ping'er with beautiful hair and face, subtle makeup, wearing a plain white worn shirt, light yellow socks paired with bow-tied shoes, walking lightly under the moonlight. Ximen Qing pulled her into the room, hugged her, and cried, saying, "My dear, what are you doing here?" Li Ping'er said, "I have been looking for you everywhere. I found a house and came to see you specially. I will move in a few days." Ximen Qing hurriedly asked, "Where did you find the house?" Li Ping'er said, "Just nearby. Go east from this street, and in the middle of Zaofu Lane." After that, Ximen Qing and she shared an intimate moment. Afterwards, they tidied up their clothes, unwilling to say goodbye. Li Ping'er urged Ximen Qing, "Brother, don't drink too much, go home early. That person is always looking to harm you, don't forget!" After speaking, she walked with Ximen Qing to the street. The moonlight was bright as day, and indeed turned east past the archway, into a small alley, where she pointed and exclaimed, "This is my home." After that, she turned and went in. Ximen Qing hurriedly went forward to pull her, only to suddenly realize it was all a dream. He saw the moonlight shining through the window, flower branches reflected on the window. Ximen Qing touched the bed sheet, only to see semen soaked into it, the lingering fragrance on the quilt, the remnants of saliva still tasted sweet. Filled with regret and sorrow, he realized it was too late. It felt just like a dream within a dream.
The jade palace is shrouded in dimness, with frost covering the bosom; sleepless in desolation, consumed by boredom, he curses the cold rooster for not crowing. Ximen Qing had a restless night, eagerly awaiting dawn. When dawn broke, he drifted off to sleep again. Early the next morning, a servant of He Qianhu assisted Ximen Qing with his morning wash, and He Qianhu himself came out early to accompany him. After drinking ginger tea, Ximen Qing began to eat his porridge. Ximen Qing asked He Qianhu, "Where's your father-in-law? I haven’t seen him around." He Qianhu replied, "My father-in-law went to the palace at five in the morning." After finishing his porridge, he was served a bowl of meat dumplings, wontons, and egg soup. Ximen Qing ate while instructing that the horse be prepared. He Qianhu and Ximen Qing dressed neatly, followed by servants, and went to the Ministry of War to meet the officials. After leaving the Ministry of War, He Qianhu went home, while Ximen Qing headed to Xiangguo Temple to visit Elder Zhiyun. The elder invited Ximen Qing to have a vegetarian meal, but Ximen Qing only had a small snack, giving the rest to his subordinates. He then got up, crossed East Street, and made his way to visit Xia Longxi at Cui Zhongshu's residence. Passing by Zaofu Alley, he spotted a pair of white double doors that resembled those from his dream. Ximen Qing quietly asked Dai'an to inquire with the old lady next door who sold tofu, "What are the names of the people who live here?" The old lady replied, "This is Commander Yuan's house." Ximen Qing couldn't help but let out a sigh.
When Xia Longxi arrived at Cui Zhongshu's house, he was about to go out to visit someone. When he saw Ximen Qing coming, he quickly had someone bring the horse and welcomed Ximen Qing into the hall. The two exchanged polite greetings. Ximen Qing asked Dai An to bring out the gifts he had prepared: a piece of green woven brocade and a piece of colored satin. Xia Longxi said, "I haven't had a chance to congratulate the official yet, but here you are. Thank you so much for the trouble you took yesterday." Ximen Qing said, "Yesterday, Eunuch He mentioned he wanted to see a house, so I recommended that one because of our friendship. Eunuch He saw the deed and immediately bought it at the original price. That's the efficiency of an imperial official—he saw it and bought it right away. You really are lucky!" After that, both of them laughed. Xia Longxi said, "I still need to go congratulate He Tianquan." Then he asked, "Is he going to the palace with you this time?" Ximen Qing said, "He’s decided to go with you. His family will move in later. Yesterday, his father-in-law specially asked me to vacate the house early so that he could bring his family. He's temporarily staying at the yamen for a few days." Xia Longxi said, "I won't take too long. I'll find a nearby house and have someone bring my family over. It should be ready in about a month." After that, Ximen Qing stood up and left a visiting card for Cui Zhongshu. Xia Longxi saw him off on the horse, and Ximen Qing returned to He Qianhu's house. He Qianhu had already prepared lunch and was waiting for him. Ximen Qing shared the details of his visit to Xia Longxi: "The house situation is settled, and it will be vacated in at most a month." He Qianhu was very happy and thanked him, saying, "This really shows your kindness, sir."
After dinner, the two were playing chess in the main hall when suddenly a servant came in to report: "Master Zhai has sent someone to deliver items from the residence. It was first delivered to Old Master Cui, who then forwarded it." After receiving and reading the note, it said: "Sincerely presents a piece of gold satin and a piece of cloud gauze, one fresh pig, one whole northern sheep, one jar of wine, and two boxes of pastries. Your humble servant, Zhai Qian, bows in respect." When Ximen Qing saw the messenger, he said, "Master Zhai is being considerate again." As he accepted the gifts, he wrote a reply and rewarded the messenger with two taels of silver and five coins for the one carrying the boxes, saying, "As a guest away from home, I apologize for my inadequate hospitality; please forgive me." After the messenger bowed in thanks and departed, Wang Jing quietly said beside him, "My sister asked me to return to the residence to see Ai Jie; there are some items to bring to her." Ximen Qing asked, "What items?" Wang Jing replied, "Two pairs of shoes made at home." Ximen Qing replied, "I can’t just send two pairs of shoes!" He instructed Dai An, "I have some rose cake in my trunk; bring two jars." He then handed the reply note to Wang Jing, who changed into a green outfit and followed the messenger to the residence to see Ai Jie. Ximen Qing wrote a note, sent a whole sheep and a jar of wine to thank Cui Zhongshu, and sent a pig, a jar of wine, and two boxes of pastries to show respect to Elder He in the back courtyard. Elder He expressed his gratitude, saying, "Sir, we’re all family; there’s no need to be so formal!"
Wang Jing went to the mansion and asked for Han Aijie to come out and meet him in the outer hall. Han Aijie was dressed like a stunning beauty, even more beautiful and noticeably more mature than when she was at home. Wang Jing asked about the situation at home, and they had a meal together. Noticing that Wang Jing was wearing thin clothing, Han Aijie gave him a sky-blue silk cloak and five taels of silver to take back to Ximen Qing. Ximen Qing was overjoyed. He was playing chess with He Qianhu when they suddenly heard a knock on the door. The gatekeeper came to report, "Mr. Xia has come to pay his respects and brought two invitation cards." They hurried to the hall to greet Mr. Xia, expressing their gratitude once more for his assistance the previous day. Xia Longxi brought two pieces of satin and a bottle of wine as congratulatory gifts. Ximen Qing and He Qianhu expressed their heartfelt thanks and instructed their servants to accept the gifts. Xia Longxi also left behind another red invitation card, saying, "I apologize for my late visit; please extend my regards to your father-in-law!" After that, he bid farewell. He Qianhu also immediately sent a gift—a piece of gold satin, which was sent over. In the evening, He Qianhu hosted a lavish banquet in the cozy pavilion of the garden for Ximen Qing, with family members singing and playing music until the early hours. Ximen Qing had a spring dream during the day, so he instructed Wang Jing to bring the bedding to the study for him to sleep on the floor. In the middle of the night, Ximen Qing called Wang Jing to his bed and pulled him into an embrace. Unable to meet with Yingying, they sent Hongniang to fulfill their desires. As the night passed, the next day, at the break of dawn, Ximen Qing, He Qianhu, and others went to the palace together. They waited in the Dailou Court until the Donghua Gate opened before entering. They saw the dim stars and the soft chime of the palace bells. To sense the joy of the day, they caught a glimpse of the ethereal purple mist of Penglai in the distance.
After a while, the Ninefold Gate opened, and the call of the phoenix echoed; the palace gates opened wide, revealing the emperor's imposing retinue. At that moment, the Son of Heaven had just returned from a sacrificial ceremony in the southern suburbs, and civil and military officials had gathered, awaiting the court's audience. Soon after, the bell tolled, and the emperor emerged from the main hall to receive the officials' greetings. After a while, the incense ball swayed, and the curtains were drawn. One could see:
On a bright day, the azure lock gate swings open, the heavenly breeze carries the scent from the imperial incense burner. A thousand auspicious mists swirl around the golden palace, a red cloud embraces the Jade Emperor.
The emperor is handsome, with clear eyebrows and bright eyes, a tall and robust figure, and especially talented. He is proficient in poetry, songs, and essays, writes well, and is well-versed in all kinds of knowledge. He lives happily every day, just like Meng Haoran in Jiange, carefree and at ease; but he is also very lustful, like Chen Houzhu. Now the emperor is sitting on the dragon throne, the whip cracks sharply, and civil and military officials are standing in line, bowing and paying their respects in the Golden Hall, and then presenting memorials. After a while, a eunuch reads the imperial edict: "I have been on the throne for twenty years, Mount Gen has also been completed, auspicious signs have descended from heaven, today is a day worth celebrating, to share with everyone." Before he finished speaking, a minister rushed out from the crowd, his footsteps loud, his robes fluttering; it was Left Chancellor Cai Jing. He wore a hat, knelt on the ground, and shouted, "Long live! Long live! Long live forever! We are filled with trepidation and gratitude, Your Majesty. Since you ascended the throne twenty years ago, the world has been peaceful, the harvests have been plentiful, heaven has blessed us, auspicious signs have appeared one after another, the borders are secure, and nations pay tribute. Mount Gen is majestic, the capital thrives, we are fortunate to live in this prosperous era, and we wish Your Majesty a lifetime of glory and prosperity. We are extremely excited and offer this ode." After a long time, the imperial edict was issued: "Cai Qing's ode reflects your loyalty, I am very pleased. Next year, the reign title will be changed to the first year of 'Chonghe,' accepting the imperial seal on New Year's Day, and granting a general amnesty." Cai Jing received the edict with thanks. The eunuch read the imperial edict again: "Report early if there is something to report, otherwise, you may leave." At this time, a person came out, holding a tablet, bowing, wearing a red robe and a jade belt, kneeling down and saying: "I, Zhu Jian, request Your Majesty's approval to assess and make adjustments to the twenty-six judicial officials, and to fill vacancies." The twenty-six judicial officials also knelt down. After a while, the imperial edict was issued: "Handle it according to the usual practice." Zhu Jian received the edict with thanks. The emperor waved his hand, the officials dispersed, and the emperor returned to the palace. The officials filed out of the Duanli Gate, the lead carriage set off, and the guards also dispersed. Outside the morning gate, the streets bustled with carriages and horses, and the judicial officials all rode back to the yamen. After a while, someone came with a seal to say: "The lord will not return to the yamen; he has gone to pay New Year visits to the Cai and Li households." So everyone dispersed.
Ximen Qing and He Qianhu returned home. The next day, they received travel expenses, bid farewell to Steward Zhai, packed their luggage, and set off together with Ximen Qing. He Qianhu hosted a farewell banquet and advised, "Please consult Lord Ximen on all matters and do not take matters into your own hands." On November 20, they departed from Dongjing with more than twenty people, heading to Shandong. It was the depths of winter, and the river was frozen. On the road, they passed through desolate countryside, with barren trees and cawing crows, sparse woods, the setting sun, and drifting evening snow. After crossing the Yellow River and reaching Bajiao Town, a fierce wind suddenly picked up:
Is it the roar of a tiger, or the chant of a dragon? The biting cold wind hit their faces, and the chilling air invaded them. At first, there was no trace, no shadow; later, mist rolled in and clouds gathered. The wind blew flowers and swayed willows into a white haze, while stones were tossed and sand was raised, creating a gloomy scene. The strong wind made the big trees roar, startling the solitary wild goose to land in the deep moat. In an instant, sand and stones hit the ground, dust obscured the sky. Sand and stones hitting the ground were like a sudden downpour from the heavens; dust obscuring the sky resembled millions of mythical beasts rolling in. How strong was this wind? It could truly snap the trees at hell's gate, stirring up dust atop Fengdu; Chang'e hurriedly closed the moon palace, while Liezi called for help in the sky. Almost, the Jade Emperor could not reside atop Kunlun, as the earth and sky shook violently.
Ximen Qing and He Qianhu sat in the warm sedan chair, both unable to move against the wind. As night fell, they worried about encountering bad people, and Ximen Qing instructed his subordinates to find a place to rest. After searching for a long time, they saw a dilapidated temple by the roadside in the distance, with a few willow trees and half a wall:
A stone tablet obscured by dream grass, the ancient corridor and temple leaning at a slant. Deep into the night, there were no lights in the temple for them, as the moon set, the meditation felt even more sorrowful.
Ximen Qing and He Qianhu quickly entered to spend the night at a temple called "Huanglong Temple." Inside, several monks were meditating; it was dark, the buildings were in disrepair, and surrounded by a fence. The old monk came out to greet them, built a fire to brew tea, and cut grass to feed their horses. Ximen Qing took out dried chicken, cured meat, fruit cakes, and other foods, and shared a simple meal with He Qianhu. The old monk prepared a pot of porridge, and they settled down to rest. The next day, when the wind died down, they gave the monk some silver, thanked him, and continued on their way. Wang Shi rides tirelessly, crossing mountains and valleys to reach the capital. Night falls at an ancient temple without a fire, leaving travelers feeling anxious.
