The Lantern Festival had arrived once more on the fifteenth day of the first month. Ximen Qing had Dai An deliver birthday gifts to Li Ping'er a day early: four dishes, a jar of wine, a platter of longevity peaches, a platter of longevity noodles, and a beautiful set of gold-threaded clothes, embroidered with Wu Yue Niang's name. Li Ping'er had just gotten out of bed and finished getting ready when she invited Dai An into the bedroom, smiling as she said, "I troubled your aunt the day before yesterday, and today I'm troubling her again to bring gifts." Dai An hurriedly replied, "It's all part of my duty; the master also asked me to bring a small gift for the second mistress to appreciate." Li Ping'er asked Ying Chun to bring some snacks to treat Dai An. Before Dai An left, Li Ping'er gave him two coins and a beautiful handkerchief, reminding him, "When you get home, be sure to tell your family about me. I’ll have Old Feng send an invitation over shortly." After bowing in gratitude, Dai An left, and the person carrying the box received a tip as well. Li Ping'er then asked Old Feng to send out invitations, inviting Yue Niang, Li Jiao'er, Meng Yu Lou, Sun Xue E, and Pan Jin Lian to her home to enjoy the lanterns on the fifteenth, and discreetly sent a note to Ximen Qing, inviting him to the evening banquet.
The next day, Yue Niang left Sun Xue'e at home to keep watch and took Li Jiao'er, Meng Yulou, and Pan Jinlian, who each sat in their own sedan chair, to go out, all dressed in luxurious brocade clothes. Behind them followed four young servants: Xing'er, An'er, Dai'an, and Hua Tong, making a grand entrance to the new house Li Ping'er had just purchased on Lion Street Lantern Market. The house had a spacious facade and three floors in total: the front housed a shopfront, with side rooms, three reception rooms, and a small room inside; passing through the corridor, the third floor had three bedrooms and a kitchen. The back of the house was adjacent to the Qiao royal family garden, with particularly pleasant surroundings. Li Ping'er knew that Yue Niang and the others were coming to see the lanterns, so she specifically arranged tables and chairs on the street-facing level and hung many beautiful lanterns. She first welcomed the guests into the house, made small talk, and then invited them to the back room for tea. By noon, four banquet tables were set. Two singers, Dong Jiao'er and Han Jinchuan, were invited to entertain. A delicate banquet was also prepared upstairs, and Yue Niang and the others were invited to go upstairs to enjoy the lanterns and have fun. Beautiful curtains and lanterns hung from the eaves. Wu Yue Niang wore a bright red embroidered jacket with a green skirt underneath, and a mink fur coat on top, looking very noble. Li Jiao'er, Meng Yulou, and Pan Jinlian all wore white jackets and blue skirts; Li Jiao'er wore a golden-patterned fragrant wood-colored dress, Meng Yulou wore green, and Pan Jinlian wore bright red, adorned with many pearl and jade ornaments, with intricately crafted hairpins. The group leaned against the window, taking in the vibrant lantern market.
The lantern market is bustling with crowds, adding to the festive atmosphere. Dozens of lantern frames have been set up on the streets, with various goods on display. People coming to see the lanterns are dressed in all sorts of styles, as traffic flows steadily, creating a vibrant atmosphere. A stunning array of lanterns lights up the market: dragon lanterns, crane lanterns, lotus lanterns, hibiscus lanterns, as well as scholar lanterns, bride lanterns, monk lanterns, and judge lanterns... there's something for everyone. There are also camel lanterns, lion lanterns, monkey lanterns, elephant lanterns, and various rare and exotic creatures, each more lifelike than the last. Crab lanterns and catfish lanterns playfully dance in the water, silver moth lanterns and snow willow lanterns twinkle, fish and dragon lanterns tumble in the water, and immortal lanterns are also bustling with activity. The folk performance troupe drums and clangs, featuring spectacular acrobatic performances, while spinning lanterns, hanging lanterns, and all kinds of lanterns transform the market into a fairyland. Fortune tellers are busy offering readings, storytellers narrate captivating tales, and vendors calling out their sweet dumplings create a lively atmosphere. Accessories like spring scissors and cool hairpins draw in plenty of onlookers. In short, the whole place buzzes with excitement.
After looking for a while, Yue Niang saw that there were too many people crowded downstairs, so she and Li Jiao'er went back to their seats to drink. Only Pan Jinlian, Meng Yulou, and two singing girls continued to lean against the window and watch the lanterns. Pan Jinlian deliberately rolled up the sleeve of her white brocade jacket, revealing her glittering sleeve and slender fingers, wearing six golden rings. She leaned out half of her body, snapping melon seeds while spitting the shells down below, chatting with Meng Yulou. She pointed downstairs and said, "Big sister, look at those two embroidered lanterns hanging under the eaves, they are so beautiful!" Then she said, "Second sister, look at the big fish lantern hanging on the rack across the street, with lots of little fish and shrimp underneath, it’s so much fun!" Then she called out, "Third sister, look at that old lady lantern and that old man lantern..." While watching, a sudden gust of wind blew and put a big hole in the old lady lantern. Everyone saw it and couldn't stop laughing, which made the people downstairs look up and crowd closer.
Some idle men upstairs pointed and chattered; some said, "It must be some noble ladies." Others guessed, "It must be some high-ranking official's concubine; otherwise, how could she be dressed so lavishly?" Still others said, "Maybe it's a wealthy family's young lady, invited here to watch the lanterns and listen to the music." Just then, someone who knew them walked over and said, "Let me tell you, you're all mistaken. These two women aren't just from any ordinary family; they're from the Ximen Qing family! The one in green is Meng Yulou, and the one in red with the emerald face flower is Pan Jinlian, Wu Dalang's wife. Wu Dalang was killed by Ximen Qing, and he took her as his own. Later, her brother-in-law Wu Song avenged her but accidentally killed someone and was sent away to serve in the army. She hasn't been seen for years, and now look at her, so honored!" Just as they were speaking, Wu Yueniang saw more and more people gathering downstairs, so she called Pan Jinlian and Meng Yulou back to their seats to enjoy the singing, music, and drinks.
After sitting for a while, Lady Yuè is getting ready to leave and says, "We've almost finished the wine. Sister Èr and I will head out first, leaving you two sisters to sit for a while longer and enjoy some time together. Your husband isn't home today, and there are only a few maids in the house. I'm a bit worried." Lady Lǐ insists that she stay, saying, "Madam, I haven't entertained you properly! It's such a big festival today; we haven't even lit the lanterns or served dinner, and you want to leave? Even if Master Sīmén isn't home, his daughters are here too. Once the moon's out, I'll see you all off." Lady Yuè says, "Èr, that's not how it is. I'm not particularly keen on drinking. I want you two sisters to stay here with me." Lady Lǐ says, "Madam, don't say that. Èr hasn't had much to drink, so there's no need for that. Remember a few days ago when I went to Madam's house? I was drinking cup after cup, and all the ladies were very hospitable to me. Today, coming to my humble place, even though I don't have much to offer, it's just a small gesture of my hospitality." She then picked up a large silver wine pot and handed it to Lǐ Jiāo'er, saying, "Èr, have a drink. Madam, I won't offer a large cup, so I'll offer a small one." She then poured a full cup and handed it to Lady Yuè. The two singers were each given two qian of silver. After Lǐ Jiāo'er finished her drink, Lady Yuè stood up and told Yùlóu and Jīnlián, "We're leaving first. Have the servants bring lanterns to see you off, and you can come by later. There's nobody home." Yùlóu agreed. Lǐ Lǐng'ér saw Lady Yuè and Lǐ Jiāo'er to the door, and they left in a sedan chair. Lǐ Lǐng'ér returned upstairs, accompanied Yùlóu and Jīnlián in drinking. As night fell, they lit the lamps upstairs, and the two singers sang and drank, filling the place with a lively atmosphere.
On that day, Ximen Qing had dinner at home with Count Ying and Xie Xida, and then went to the lantern market. When they reached the east end of Lion Street, Ximen Qing remembered that Yue Niang and the others were drinking at Li Ping'er’s house, and worried they might see him, he avoided looking at the big lanterns on West Street and turned back at the place selling silk lanterns. As luck would have it, he turned the corner and ran into Sun Guazui and Zhu Shinian, who called out, “I haven’t seen you in days; I’ve been missing you!” Upon seeing Count Ying and Xie Xida, Zhu Shinian chided, “You two rascals, out here having fun with him and didn’t even think to call me!” Ximen Qing said, “Brother Zhu, you misunderstood them; we just ran into each other on the road.” Zhu Shinian asked, “Where are you going after seeing the lanterns?” Ximen Qing replied, “I’m heading to the big restaurant with my buddies for a few drinks; otherwise, I’d invite you all to my house; today the servants have all gone to drink at someone else's house.” Zhu Shinian suggested, “How about you treat us to the restaurant? Why not go visit Sister Li Gui? Let’s celebrate the holiday and pay our respects while soaking up the festive atmosphere. A few days ago, we were at her house, and she burst into tears when she saw us! She said she’s been having a hard time since the twelfth month, and the guy hasn’t even bothered to show up to see her. Now that you have time, we’d like to accompany you for a stroll.” Ximen Qing, thinking about his plans with Li Ping'er that evening, declined, saying, “I’ve got some stuff to take care of today; let’s do it another time.” But they wouldn’t take no for an answer, so he went with them to Li Gui's place.
It is precisely:
Under the willows, flower shadows cover the dusty road; it’s a moment of enjoyment, a moment of novelty. Little do we know how many laughs have been bought in Chang'an, and how many poor households are still struggling.
Ximen Qing and the others arrived at the Li family's house. Gu Qing, dressed up beautifully, stood at the door to welcome them and ushered them into the main hall. Zhu Shinian shouted loudly, "Quickly bring Sanma out! Thanks to us, we managed to invite the big shot here today!" After a while, the old granny came out with a cane. After greeting Ximen Qing, she said, "I haven't forgotten about you, brother-in-law. Why haven't you come to see Gu Qing? I bet you've found yourself a new beauty elsewhere." Zhu Shinian interrupted, "You really hit the nail on the head. Our big shot recently set his eyes on a stunning beauty and goes there every day, forgetting about your Gu Qing. If it weren't for us meeting him at the lantern market and bringing him here, he wouldn't have come! Mom, if you don't believe me, ask Sun Boxiu." Pointing at Ying Bojue and Xie Xida, he said, "These two are in cahoots with him." The old granny laughed heartily and said, "Good Second Brother Ying, we haven't offended you, why don't you say a good word in front of my brother-in-law? Although my brother-in-law has many women, as the saying goes: a good man doesn't visit a pretty woman, all the money in the world is the same. I'm not boasting, my Gu Qing is also not bad. My brother-in-law has a good eye; he doesn't need others to say it today." Sun Guazui said, "I'm telling the truth, the woman my brother has recently found is not from the mansion; she's from outside." Ximen Qing chased after Sun Guazui and said, "Old mom, don't listen to this disaster, old slick, old killer talking nonsense!" Sun Guazui and the others laughed together. Ximen Qing took out three taels of silver from his sleeve and handed it to Gu Qing, "It's the New Year; I'll treat my friends." Gu Qing refused to accept it and handed it to the old mom. The old mom said, "Why is it like this? My brother-in-law is joking with us; can't we bring out food and drinks to entertain our old brothers during the New Year? Let my brother-in-law spend money and take out silver. It makes our family look like we only love money." Ying Bojue came over and said, "Old mom, just accept it; quickly arrange food and drinks for us to eat." The old granny said, "We can't do that." While declining, she reluctantly accepted the silver, bowed deeply, and said, "Thank you for my brother-in-law's reward." Ying Bojue said, "Mom, don't be in a hurry. Let me tell you a joke: a young master was looking for a hooker in the courtyard. One day, he pretended to be poor and entered. The old lady saw his tattered clothes and ignored him. He sat for a long time without tea. The young master said, 'Mom, I'm hungry, make some food.' The old lady said, 'The rice jar is empty; where is the rice?' The young master said, 'No rice, bring some water; I want to wash my face.' The old lady said, 'Don't pick on water money; they haven't delivered water for days.' The young master took out ten taels of silver from his sleeve and put it on the table, asking her to buy rice and fetch water. The old lady was flustered and at a loss for words: 'Young master, wash your face after eating, eat before washing your face!'" Everyone burst into laughter. The old granny said, "You still love telling jokes, one after another; this has never happened before." Ying Bojue said, "Listen to me carefully: the big shot has recently found Hua Erge's woman - Wu Yiner from the back alley, and doesn't want your Gu Qing anymore!" The old granny laughed, "I don't believe it. Our Gu Qing is dressed up so beautifully today, even prettier than Wu Yiner. Our family and my brother-in-law are inseparable relatives. Who is my brother-in-law? He is knowledgeable and discerning; in critical moments, he can tell gold from fool's gold!" After speaking, she went in to prepare food and drinks.
After a while, Sister Gui Li came out, dressed to the nines! She wore a silk top, adorned with a gold hairpin, emerald hair ornaments, a pearl hairband, and gold pendants. She wore a white silk jacket on top and a red silk skirt below, looking very beautiful. She greeted Ximen Qing and Gui Qing, then sat down next to Gui Qing. Soon, the tea was ready; each person had a cup. After finishing the tea, the young servant came to clear away the table, just as he was about to take away the food and wine, he suddenly saw a few ragged people poking their heads in from outside the curtain, claiming to be "guests of honor." They knelt down, holding three or four pounds of melon seeds, saying it was a great festival to pay homage to Ximen Qing. Ximen Qing recognized one of them named Yu Chun'er and asked, "Where are the others?" Yu Chun'er replied, "Duan Mian Sha and Qing Nie Yue are waiting outside." When Duan Mian Sha entered and saw Count Ying there as well, she quickly knelt down. Ximen Qing had someone gather up the melon seeds, opened his silver pouch, and threw a tael of silver onto the floor. Yu Chun'er picked it up, along with the others, and knelt to thank him before quickly ran off.
There's a poem called "Zhao Tian Zi" that talks about the guests' behavior:
This family is getting along, while that family is playing matchmaker. He has little to do, yet he puts on quite a show; some things are unfortunate and clumsily handled, wandering around the courtyard. At the banquet, they help each other out, chatting casually. Eventually, they disperse, and there’s not much to show for it. How can they get caught up like this? He is trying to make a living in a tough world.
Ximen Qing dismissed those few "players" and called for food and drink. Li Guijie held up a golden cup, her red sleeves hanging down, with fine food and drink, exquisitely beautiful. After two rounds of drinks, Guiqing played the zither, and Guijie played the pipa; the two of them performed a piece titled "The Clear Skies and Harmonious Scene." Just as they were singing joyfully, three people dressed in blue and carrying yellow whips arrived, claiming to be from the "Circle Society," holding roasted goose and two bottles of good wine, saying they came to pay respects to Ximen Qing for the festival. Ximen Qing recognized them; the first was Bai Tuzu, the second was Xiao Zhangxian, and the last was Luo Huizi. Ximen Qing said, "You wait outside for a while; we'll finish our drinks before we play." He then set out four plates of rice, a pot of wine, and a plate of snacks, sending these "Circle Society" members to eat and drink first, then to serve them in kicking the ball. After finishing his drink, Ximen Qing went to the courtyard to kick the ball first. Then he invited Guijie to join the game, playing with the two "Circle Society" members. One played defense while the other went on the offensive, and they played energetically, with the crowd cheering them on. Even when they played poorly, they still received high praise. After they finished playing, they asked Ximen Qing for rewards, saying Guijie's ball skills were among the best, much better than the daughter of Dong Guan from Ertiao Alley. After Guijie played two rounds, she was drenched in sweat, panting, and felt sore all over. She took out a fan to cool herself and then watched with Ximen Qing as Guiqing and Xie Xida, along with Zhang Xiaoxian, kicked the ball. Bai Tuzu and Luo Huizi helped on the side, also sharing in the glory.
There is also a poem titled "Zhao Tianzi" that recounts the story of this kicking game:
At home, I am totally unoccupied, drooling everywhere, with the ball always by my side, standing on the street every day. The poor don’t come looking for me, while the rich envy me. From morning until night, I cannot have a full meal. Unable to earn big money, my wife often gets taken by others.
Ximen Qing was watching everyone play doubling sixes, play cuju, and drink. Dai An rode in and quietly told Ximen Qing, "The First Madam and the Second Madam have come to the house, and Hua Er Niang asked me to invite you to come over early." Upon hearing this, Ximen Qing quietly instructed Dai An to tie the horse at the back door and wait for him. He stopped drinking, pulled Gui Jie back to the room to sit for a while, then came out to wash his hands and rode away through the back door. Ying Bojue sent Bao Er to call him, but Ximen Qing only said he had something to take care of at home and refused to return. He gave Dai An one and a half taels of silver to send off the three "Yuan Society" members. Li Gui Jie was worried he might visit Wu Yiner again, so she sent a maid to follow him to the door before coming back. Ying Bojue and the others kept eating until the second watch before dispersing. Let them laugh and scold all they want; I’ll just enjoy myself for now.
