The text says:
The example set by a master is rarely followed, like the relationship between fish and water between ruler and subjects. Fortune is plentiful, but auspicious days are rare, and Mount Song gives rise to the elders. The emperor sends forth to strengthen the nation and its society, and people admire the harmonious halls and shrines. May we wish for longevity together, year after year, as high as the mountains.
Doctor Ren finished checking Li Ping’er’s pulse and returned to sit in the hall. Ximen Qing asked, “What is the matter with her illness?” Doctor Ren replied, “Madam’s illness is due to not properly recuperating after childbirth. Now her complexion is yellow, food does not taste good, and she feels tired with the slightest movement. In my opinion, she needs to take care of her health. Her pulse is weak; pressing it reveals a weak and irregular pulse, which indicates excessive liver heat, spleen deficiency, and wood excess, leading to abnormal circulation of qi and blood. If we don’t treat it now, it could lead to more serious consequences later.” Ximen Qing asked, “What medicine should we use?” Doctor Ren said, “We should use some herbs to clear heat and stop bleeding—Huangbai and Zhimu are the main ingredients, along with a few others; take them for a few days and it will be fine.” After hearing this, Ximen Qing gave the servant boy a tael of silver for Doctor Ren’s fee, and after Doctor Ren thanked him, he left. After a while, the medicine arrived, and Li Ping’er was in the room preparing to take it; this matter was put aside for now.
After Ximen Qing sent off Doctor Ren, he returned home to speak with Count Ying. The count said, "This morning, Li San and Huang Si came by, saying they were in urgent need of money and repeatedly asked me to ask you for help. Can you lend them some?" Ximen Qing replied, "Since it's so urgent, I'll help them out. You tell them to come get the money tomorrow." He then invited the count to eat in the small dining room. The count asked, "Is Li Gui'er still living here? The folks coming back from Tokyo should have arrived by now, right?" Ximen Qing said, "Yes, I'm just waiting to send him to Yangzhou; he should arrive soon." After finishing the meal, the count left. The next day, when Ximen Qing returned to the yamen, the count, Li San, and Huang Si were already waiting in the hall. Seeing Ximen Qing return, they hurriedly stepped forward to pay their respects. Ximen Qing changed into fresh clothes and asked Yue Niang to take out the two hundred and fifty taels of silver he had requested from the Xu family, adding another two hundred fifty taels, which he handed to Chen Jingji to take to Li San and Huang Si in the hall. Ximen Qing said, "I'm short on cash; if it weren't for Brother Ying pleading on your behalf, I really couldn't have come up with so much money! I really need the cash!" Li San said, "Thanks to the old man’s assistance, we can't afford to delay! We won’t touch a single cent of this money; we’ll send it right away." So, they both counted the silver, and Li San and Huang Si thanked him over and over as they left, just as Count Ying was about to leave, Ximen Qing stopped him.
As they were speaking, Ping An came in to report: "Lai Bao has returned from the capital!" The Count said: "I mentioned yesterday that he would be back." After a while, Lai Bao entered the hall and paid his respects to Ximen Qing. Ximen Qing asked: "What’s the deal with Li Gui'er?" Lai Bao said: "I saw Manager Zhai in person. After Manager Zhai saw your letter, he immediately had the head steward take the letter to explain the situation to General Zhu, and I went along. General Zhu said personally: 'Since they are people from the Grand Tutor's residence, let them all go. Because it was sent by Liu Huang, it wouldn't be right to send it back directly. Those who have not been caught don't need to be concerned about; those who have been caught, detain them for a period of time. These eunuchs can be unpredictable. When they calm down, they can be treated leniently.' " The Count said: "So, even Qi Xiang'er is let off? This little minx is really lucky!" Lai Bao said: "Even the people from the Zhu family will at most be beaten a few times; they shouldn’t face any serious charges." With that, he took out Manager Zhai's reply and handed it to Ximen Qing. After reading it, Ximen Qing said: "I never imagined I’d be able to help out with Zhu Mazi here." The Count said: "Brother, just think of it as doing a good deed." Lai Bao added: "Manager Zhai was very happy to see me and asked if you could go wish the old master a happy birthday tomorrow? I couldn't directly refuse, so I had to promise: 'I think I can make it.' Manager Zhai said: 'It'll be nice to see you; I also want to see your father.' " Ximen Qing said: "I really hadn't planned on going. Since that's the case, let's make a trip." He then instructed Lai Bao: "You've put in a lot of work, go grab a drink and some food in the back, rest well. In a day or two, you’ll need to head to Yangzhou." Lai Bao agreed and left. Ximen Qing wanted to go in to tell Li Gui'er the news, and said to the Count: "Just hang tight, I'll be right back." The Count also wanted to see Li San and Huang Si, and said: "I'll be back in a jiffy." Then he also left.
Ximen Qing came to Yu Niang's room, and Li Guier had already heard the news. She hurried over to bow to Ximen Qing and Yu Niang, thanking them, saying, "Thank you, my parents, for your concern and for saving my life! How can I repay you?" Yu Niang said, "Since you have lived in our house for a while, there are some things we must help you with; otherwise, why would we bother?" Guier replied, "Thanks to my parents for saving my life, but what about Qixiang, that little hussy? What relationship does she have? She was also let go. Her family is making money while we are left scared, yet we still pleaded for her; she should not have been spared!" Ximen Qing chuckled, "That little hussy is really lucky!" After chatting for a while, Guier was about to go home, saying, "My mom doesn't know about this yet; I'll go home and tell her so she doesn't worry, and then come back with my mom to bow to my parents." Ximen Qing said, "Alright, I won't keep you. Go home and tell her." Yu Niang added, "Guier, have a meal before you leave." Guier replied, "Mother, I won't eat." She said goodbye once more to Ximen Qing, Yu Niang, and the rest. Before leaving, Ximen Qing said, "This matter is considered closed; in the future, have less contact with Wang Sanguan." Guier said, "Father, what are you saying? I still have to deal with him! If I keep dealing with him, I won’t have a good life! Even the incident the day before yesterday was not provoked by me." Yu Niang said, "Just don't provoke him; why swear?" Then she called for a sedan chair to send Guier away. Ximen Qing mentioned to Yu Niang that he was planning to go to the capital. Yu Niang said, "If you want to go, you should prepare early; don't be in a rush later." Ximen Qing replied, "The python robe, brocade, gold and silver jewelry, and birthday gifts are all ready; it's just that my luggage hasn't been packed." Yu Niang said, "There's no hurry with the luggage." After Ximen Qing finished speaking, he went to see Li Ping'er in the front. The next day, he sat in the pavilion, called Chen Jingji, wrote a letter to Cai Yushi, handed it to Lai Bao, gave him some money, and let him rush to Yangzhou early the next morning, but let's not get into that right now.
A few days later, Master Cai's birthday was approaching, and Ximen Qing hurriedly chose an auspicious day, instructing the four servants: Qin Tong, Dai An, Shu Tong, and Hua Tong—to prepare luggage, ten items each. Yue Niang, Yu Lou, and Jin Lian packed more than twenty bundles of gifts and clothing. The night before, his wives and concubines prepared a feast to send him off. After dinner, Ximen Qing went back to Yue Niang's room to sleep. The next day, they first dispatched the twenty bundles of luggage and arranged for a travel permit to make it easier to change horses along the way. Once everything was ready, Ximen Qing went to Li Ping'er’s room to see the child and said to her, "Take care of yourself, and if you need any medicine, just have someone ask Doctor Ren." Li Ping'er said tearfully, "Be careful on the road." They saw him off at the gate, with Yue Niang, Yu Lou, and Jin Lian accompanying him. Ximen Qing got into the sedan chair, with the four servants riding ahead, and set off for the capital. They traveled at a leisurely pace, stopping to rest along the way, walking on official roads during the day and staying at inns at night, enjoying the scenery along the route. They encountered many civil and military officials heading to the capital to celebrate the birthday, carrying countless gifts. After roughly ten days of travel, they finally reached the capital. As they entered Wanshou's city gate, it was getting dark, and they went to stay at the Zhai family home under the Longde Street archway.
Zhai's steward heard that Ximen Qing had arrived, so he quickly came out to greet him and make small talk. After drinking tea, Ximen Qing asked Dai An to move the luggage into the Zhai family's home one by one. Zhai Qian had the luggage taken care of and prepared a feast to welcome Ximen Qing. Soon, they had just about everything you could think of, except for the rarest delicacies. The servers poured the wine, and Zhai Qian first toasted to the heavens before drinking with Ximen Qing, who returned the toast. The two sat down, and the food and wine kept coming. After a few rounds, Ximen Qing said to Zhai Qian, "I mainly came to celebrate the old Grand Secretary's birthday and brought a little something. I want to personally pay my respects to him. I've always looked up to the Grand Secretary and would like to ask for your help in letting me recognize him as my godfather; it would make my life worthwhile. I don't know if I can ask?" Zhai Qian replied, "What's the big deal? Although our master is a minister of the court, he is also very easy to get along with. Today, you have given such a generous gift; let alone becoming his godson, you'll definitely get a promotion." Ximen Qing was over the moon to hear this. After a bit, Ximen Qing said he couldn't afford to drink too much. The steward said, "Have another drink, why stop now?" Ximen Qing replied, "I have important matters tomorrow, I can't afford to drink too much." After a bit of coaxing, Ximen Qing took another drink.
Steward Zhai treated the servants to food and wine, then invited Ximen Qing to the study in the back to rest. The bed was covered with warm sheets and blankets, with a fragrant aroma. Several young servants helped Ximen Qing undress and get into bed. Ximen Qing was not used to sleeping alone, and he found the night difficult to get through. When dawn broke and he was about to get up, the door of the Zhai family was tightly closed. It wasn't until the hour of Si (9 to 11 AM) that someone came to open the door. Then a young servant brought in a towel and hot water for him. After Ximen Qing washed up, Steward Zhai came in to see him. After sitting down, a servant brought in a bright red box filled with over thirty delicious dishes, along with a silver pot to pour wine for breakfast. Zhai Qian said, "I'll go inform the master first, then you can bring in the gifts." Ximen Qing replied, "Thanks for your trouble!" After drinking a few cups of wine and finishing his breakfast, he tidied up. Steward Zhai said, "Please sit for a moment; I will go into the residence and be back soon."
Zhai Qian returned shortly and said to Ximen Qing, "The master is currently grooming himself in the study; the civil and military officials outside are waiting to pay their respects for his birthday, and he hasn't been able to see them yet. I've already informed the master, so let’s go in now to wish him a happy birthday to avoid the crowd. I will attend to him first; you can come in later." After saying this, he left. Ximen Qing was very happy and instructed his attendants and several servants from the Zhai family to first carry twenty loads of gold, silver, and silk to the Grand Tutor's residence. The group set off, and Ximen Qing, dressed neatly, followed in a sedan chair. He saw a sea of officials, all coming to celebrate the birthday. From a distance, Ximen Qing spotted an official also arriving in a sedan chair at Longde Fang and, upon closer inspection, recognized it was his old acquaintance, Miao Yuanwai from Yangzhou. Miao Yuanwai also saw Ximen Qing, and the two got out of their sedan chairs to bow to each other and exchanged pleasantries. It turned out that Miao Yuanwai was also a wealthy merchant with a nominal official title, had a good relationship with Grand Tutor Cai, and was there to celebrate the birthday, by chance meeting an old friend. They chatted briefly and asked about each other's homes before parting ways.
When Ximen Qing arrived at the Grand Tutor's residence, he saw:
In the grand hall, the green fields spread out, and the pavilion rises into the mist. The wide entrance is suitable for a turning horse, while the gate stands tall, ideal for displaying banners. Amidst the beautiful blossoms, the wind carries the clever notes of the songbirds; amidst the piles of gold and silver, the sun reflects the fragrance of the fine trees. On either side, lively screens display red silk; throughout the hall, precious antiques are showcased, each piece a Zhou ritual vessel or Shang bronze vessel. Twelve bright pearls hang in the room; who needs lamp oil at night? At the door, three thousand pearl shoes welcome guests, all of whom are renowned scholars. From the nine provinces and four seas, officials of all ranks come to celebrate; the six ministers and three regional governors all bow their heads. Indeed, apart from the emperors of old, only the current prime minister enjoys such respect.
Ximen Qing respectfully entered the main gate, where Steward Zhai awaited him. He noticed that the central gate was closed, and the officials were entering through the side door. Ximen Qing asked, "Why is the central gate closed for such a grand occasion?" Steward Zhai replied, "The central gate has been graced by His Majesty, so we dare not open it." Ximen Qing and Zhai Qian passed through several gates, each guarded by military officers, and everything was orderly. Upon seeing Zhai Qian, everyone bowed and asked, "Where do you come from?" Steward Zhai answered, "My master has come from Shandong to celebrate the elder's birthday." After that, they passed through several more gates and turned a few corners, all adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, in a magnificent mansion. Faintly, they could hear the sound of drums and music, as if from above. Ximen Qing asked again, "In such a secluded place, where does the sound of drums and music come from?" Steward Zhai said, "This is the band taught by the master, consisting of twenty-four people, who perform the Tianmo, Nichang, and Guanyin dances. They perform during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's likely breakfast time now." Just as Ximen Qing was speaking, he caught a whiff of fragrant aromas, and the music grew closer. Steward Zhai said, "We are almost at the master's study; please be quiet."
Turning down the corridor, they saw a grand hall, as grand as a palace fit for immortals. In front of the hall, there were exotic birds such as cranes and peacocks, as well as flowers such as jade flowers, night-blooming cereus, and mulberry flowers, blooming all year round, creating a riot of colors. Ximen Qing did not dare to enter directly; he had Steward Zhai enter first to scout the path, and then he followed into the hall. Upon reaching the hall, he saw a figure clad in a bright red python robe reclining in a tiger-skin armchair; it was Grand Minister Cai. Behind the screen stood twenty to thirty beautiful women, each dressed like palace maidens, holding handkerchiefs and elegantly fanning themselves, surrounding Grand Minister Cai. Steward Zhai also stood beside them. Ximen Qing stepped forward and bowed deeply four times, and Grand Minister Cai also rose from his soft cushion and returned the gesture. — This was their first meeting.
Later, Steward Zhai leaned in and whispered a few words to Grand Secretary Cai. Ximen Qing understood what was going on, so he bowed four more times. This time, Grand Secretary Cai did not return the bows. These four bows were a way of acknowledging him as a godfather, so Grand Secretary Cai accepted. Ximen Qing immediately addressed him as "grandfather" and said, "I am an unfilial son. Today is your birthday, so I prepared a few modest gifts to express my respect. I wish you blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea and a life as enduring as the Southern Mountain." Grand Secretary Cai said, "How can I possibly accept such kindness?" Then he invited Ximen Qing to sit down. The servants quickly brought over a chair, and Ximen Qing thanked them and sat down on the west side to enjoy some tea. Steward Zhai hurried out to call the people carrying the gifts inside. Before long, over twenty people carried the gifts and lined them up under the steps. Upon opening the boxes, the list of gifts included: a set of red python robes, a set of official green dragon robes, twenty pieces of Han brocade, twenty pieces of Shu brocade, twenty pieces of fire-washed cloth, twenty pieces of Western cloth, as well as forty pieces of various colored fabrics, a lion and barbarian jade belt, a gold-inlaid Qinan fragrant belt, ten pairs of jade cups and rhinoceros cups, eight red gold stacked flower goblets, ten pearls, and two hundred taels of gold, all as a greeting gift for Grand Secretary Cai. Grand Secretary Cai finished reading the gift list, saw the over twenty boxes of gifts being brought in, and was quite pleased. He said, "Thank you very much!" and asked Steward Zhai to store the gifts in the warehouse. He then instructed them to prepare a banquet in honor of Ximen Qing. Noticing that Grand Secretary Cai was busy, Ximen Qing took his leave. Grand Secretary Cai said, "Since that's the case, come back in the afternoon." Ximen Qing thanked him again and took his leave. Grand Secretary Cai walked a few steps to see him off but didn’t go beyond that. Ximen Qing and Steward Zhai left the mansion together. Steward Zhai mentioned he had matters to attend to back at the mansion and bid Ximen Qing farewell before heading back.
Ximen Qing returned to the Zhai family, removed his hat and outer garments, had lunch, and took a nap in the study. Meanwhile, Cai Taishi sent someone to invite him to a banquet. Ximen Qing gave the messenger a tip and then went. He dressed up again, gave lots of money to Dai'an, had him put it in a box, and took four servants in a sedan chair to Cai Taishi's mansion. That day, all the court officials came to celebrate, taking turns to raise their glasses. The banquet lasted for three days: the first day for imperial relatives, the second day for high-ranking officials, and the third day for other officials. Only Ximen Qing, as a guest from afar who brought many gifts, pleased Cai Taishi so much that he invited only him on the grand day. When Ximen Qing arrived, Cai Taishi hurried out to greet him. Ximen Qing insisted, "Please, after you, Grandfather." He bent slightly and stepped over the threshold. Cai Taishi said, "You've traveled a long way, it must have been hard. Just relax today and know my intentions." Ximen Qing replied, "I owe today to your grace; this little gift is nothing!" The two chatted and laughed, as if they were father and son. Twenty-four beautiful women played music together, while servants in the mansion poured wine. Cai Taishi wanted to drink with Ximen Qing, who politely declined, having just one cup before sitting down to eat. Ximen Qing asked a servant to bring him a golden cup filled with wine, knelt in front of Cai Taishi, and said, "Here's to your long life, Grandfather!" Cai Taishi was very pleased and asked him to rise, then drank the wine. Ximen Qing got up and sat down again. The feast at Cai's mansion had countless delicacies, too many to list. Ximen Qing drank until the evening, gave tips to the servants, and thanked Cai Taishi before leaving, he said, "Grandfather, I know you're busy. I'll take my leave now and come by another day." He left the mansion and went back to the Zhai family to rest.
The next day, Ximen Qing went to visit Miao Yuanwai. After a day of searching, Dai'an finally found him at the home of Master Li behind the Imperial City. Dai'an presented the invitation card, and Miao Yuanwai came out to welcome him, saying, "I was just thinking of finding a confidant to chat with, and you came just in time." So he invited Ximen Qing to stay for a meal and drinks. Ximen Qing tried to decline but ultimately had to stay. There was an array of delicacies on the table, and two striking young boys sang. Ximen Qing pointed at Dai'an and Qintong, saying to Miao Yuanwai, "These fools only know how to eat and drink; they can't compare to those two!" Miao Yuanwai chuckled and replied, "Perhaps they cannot serve the old gentleman, but if you like, I can give them to you easily." Ximen Qing politely declined the offer. After a night of heavy drinking, Ximen Qing bid farewell to Miao Yuanwai and returned to the Zhai family to rest. For the next few days, officials from the palace came to invite him for drinks, and Ximen Qing stayed in the capital for eight or nine days. When Ximen Qing wanted to return home, he had Dai'an pack his luggage. The steward of the Zhai family urged him to stay, so Ximen Qing had to drink all night again, reminiscing with the Zhai family before finally leaving the next morning for Shandong. As for Lady Yu at home, since Ximen Qing went to celebrate his birthday in the capital, the sisters eagerly awaited his return and stayed at home doing needlework, not in the mood to go out and play. Only Pan Jinlian was dressed to the nines, playing games and cards with the maids, laughing and joking, not caring who saw, only thinking about meeting with Chen Jingji. She wandered around the snowy cave in the garden every day, hoping to meet Chen Jingji. Chen Jingji also had Pan Jinlian in mind, coming to the garden to find her and teasing her when no one was around, kissing and hugging, wishing for fewer onlookers so they could indulge freely. It was like this: Though they hadn’t yet stepped into the dreams of Wushan, they happened to meet at the right moment by the Luo River deity.
One day, Wu Yueniang, Meng Yulou, and Li Ping'er were sitting together when they saw Dai'an rushing in anxiously. He bowed to Yueniang and the others and reported, "Master has returned!" Yueniang asked, "Where is he now?" Dai'an said, "I rode hard all the way back with the travel pass to deliver the news first. Master is now less than twenty miles away from home." Yueniang asked, "Have you eaten?" Dai'an replied, "I haven't had lunch since this morning." Yueniang ordered food to be prepared and then went with the sisters to the hall to welcome Ximen Qing. It was as the poet said: though the old man has gone, the orioles still sing; when the young master returns, the swallows are busy.
The wives waited in the reception hall for a long time until Ximen Qing finally arrived at the door. They all welcomed him in. Ximen Qing first greeted Yueniang, then Meng Yulou, Li Ping'er, and Pan Jinlian in turn. Afterwards, the young servants, Shutong, Qintong, and Huatong, also bowed respectfully before heading to the kitchen to eat. Ximen Qing detailed his hardships on the road, staying at the Zhai family, and being warmly entertained by Tai Shi Cai with wine, as well as drinking with the ministers daily. He then asked Li Ping'er, "How's the little one doing these days? Have you felt any effects from the medicine prescribed by Ren Yiguan? I've been worried about things back home while I've been in the capital." Li Ping'er replied, "The child is fine, and I feel much better after taking the medicine." While cooking for Ximen Qing, Yueniang packed the luggage and gifts from Tai Shi Cai. That evening, they threw a banquet to celebrate his return. Ximen Qing rested in Yueniang's room that night. The intimacy and joy between them, like a long-awaited rain after a drought or reuniting with old friends in a strange land, speaks for itself.
The next day, Chen Jingji and his sister came to visit Ximen Qing as well and discussed some accounts from the shop. Upon hearing that Ximen Qing had returned, Ying Bojue and Chang Zhijie came to pay him a visit. Ximen Qing stepped out to greet them, and they both said, "Brother, you must have had a tough journey." Ximen Qing then detailed the vibrant sights of the capital and the generous hospitality of the Grand Tutor. They listened and showered him with praise. That day, Ximen Qing invited them to drink together all day long. As Chang Zhijie was leaving, he said to Ximen Qing, "I've got a favor to ask, brother, but I don't know if you can help?" Saying this, he lowered his head and hesitated. Ximen Qing said, "Just say what it is." Chang Zhijie said, "Actually, it's because my living situation isn't very convenient, and I want to find a place to stay, but I have no money. So I want to ask you for some assistance, and I’ll pay you back with interest later on." Ximen Qing replied, "Are we really talking about interest between friends? But I'm really busy right now and don’t have any extra cash. Let’s revisit this when Han’s cargo ship comes back." After that, Chang Zhijie thanked Ximen Qing and left with Ying Bojue.
After Miao Yuanwai met Ximen Qing, he promised him two young singers at the banquet. Unexpectedly, Ximen Qing hurried home without staying long. Miao Yuanwai thought Ximen Qing was still in the city, so he sent his servants to the Zhai family to inquire, only to find out that Ximen Qing had already returned home. Miao Yuanwai thought to himself, "A gentleman's word is his bond. Since I have promised him, how can I break my word?" He then called the two young singers and said to them, "I invited Ximen Dashu from Shandong to a banquet a few days ago and promised you two to him. I will send you to his house now, so pack your things quickly." The two young singers knelt down together and said, "We have served you for many years; you have put in so much effort to teach us these Southern tunes, but you are unwilling to enjoy them yourself. How can you give us away to someone else?" Saying this, they started crying. Miao Yuanwai also felt sad and said, "What you said is true; why should we have to give you up? But as Confucius said, 'A man without trust, how can he be trusted?' How can I go against the words of the sage? Now it's not up to you, I will write a letter and send someone to take you there; let him take good care of you." The two young singers could not resist and had to agree. Miao Yuanwai had the steward write a letter explaining the intention of sending the young singers. He also prepared some gifts and sent his servant Miao Shi to deliver the letter and escort the two young singers to Ximen Qing's house. The two young singers tearfully thanked Miao Yuanwai, mounted their horses, and headed towards Shandong. When they arrived at Qinghe County, the three dismounted to ask for directions and finally arrived at Ximen Qing's house at the county town's archway.
Ximen Qing has been extremely busy since returning from Dongjing. He has been receiving gifts, entertaining guests, and has had friends visiting every day, so he hasn't had time to go to the yamen. On a relatively free day, he finally went to the yamen to handle cases and interrogate the suspects. He spent the morning questioning them with Xia, the magistrate. After finishing the official business, he returned home in a sedan chair, surrounded by several yamen runners. Miao Shi and two singers had been waiting there for quite a while. They followed Ximen Qing's sedan chair to the front hall, knelt down and said, "We are Miao, an official from Yangzhou, here to pay our respects to the master." They then presented a letter and gifts. Ximen Qing quickly said, "Please rise." He opened the letter and read it carefully. When he saw that they had sent singers, he was very pleased and said, "I unexpectedly met your official and received such a thoughtful gift. You truly kept your promise by sending this from so far away. Your official is truly reliable! Rare, rare!" The two singers kowtowed four times and said, "The official asked us to serve the master and we hope the master will treat us well." Ximen Qing said, "You may rise; I will make good use of you." He had a banquet set up to entertain Miao Shi and the two singers, prepared generous gifts of silk and satin, wrote a letter to thank the official, and had the two singers assist in the study. Unexpectedly, Wang Liumei, the wife of Han Daoguo, saw that Ximen Qing was very busy and wanted to stay in touch frequently. Since no one was available to deliver her messages, she decided to send her younger brother, Wang Jing—who was just fifteen or sixteen and quite handsome—to serve Ximen Qing. He also entered the house that day. Ximen Qing welcomed him as usual and had him assist in the study.
Ximen Qing was arranging matters in the hall when the earl arrived. He informed the earl about the matter of sending the singers from Miao Yuanwai, and invited him to sit. He then called for two young singers to sing southern tunes. The two young singers walked to the front of the banquet, stood properly, holding hand clappers, and sang a new piece called "Last Night in the Small Garden, the Jiangmei Flowers Bloomed." Their voices were clear and melodious, captivating the audience. The earl was very pleased and praised, "My friend, you’re really lucky to have such excellent musicians sent to you. It also shows Miao Yuanwai's kindness." Ximen Qing said, "I must prepare a generous gift to show my gratitude." He also named the two young singers: one was called *Chunhong* and the other *Chunyan*. After they sang a few more songs and drank for a while, the earl finally took his leave. It was indeed:
The wind and flowers dance with shadows, the new oriole sings—entertainers grace the banquet.
