Once upon a time, Chen Jingji, after the death of Sister Ximen, was sued by Wu Yueniang and barely managed to save his life through a legal battle. Feng Jinbao was sent back to the brothel as well. Chen Jingji's situation grew increasingly dire; the house was sold, the money was gone, and even the jewelry and belongings were all used up. In addition, Chen Ding was cheated out of money outside and later driven away. The daily expenses exceeded their income, leaving them in a precarious situation. He often went to Yang Dalang's house to ask about the fate of the goods from that half-ship.
One day, he came to the door of Yang Dalang's house and shouted loudly, "Is Yang Dalang at home?" Little did he know that Yang Guangyan had already made off with the half-ship's goods, sold the silver, and was now hiding. Eventually, it was reported that Yang Guangyan's wife had tragically taken her own life at home, which led to him being locked up for half a month. Now that Yang Guangyan had just returned home, he heard that Chen Jingji came to find him for the goods, so he sent his younger brother, Yang Erfeng, to handle it. Yang Erfeng confronted Chen Jingji, "You took my brother away for business, and there has been no news for several months. I don’t know if he was thrown into the river or met his end some other way. How dare you come to my house asking for goods? What’s more important, a human life or your goods?"
Yang Erfeng is usually a scoundrel who loves to cause trouble and flex his muscles. He has yellow hair on his chest and is a complete ruffian. As soon as he came out, he grabbed Chen Jingji and forced him to ask where someone was. Chen Jingji was so scared that he quickly broke free and ran back home. Yang Erfeng deliberately picked up a sharp piece of tile, cut his head, blood streaming down, and then chased after Chen Jingji cursing, "I'll f*** your mother! Do you have any silver at home? You dare to come to my house and run wild, I'll beat you to death!" Chen Jingji was so scared that he ran back home and slammed the door shut, not daring to make a sound. Yang Erfeng cursed loudly outside the door and even threw bricks at it. Chen Jingji had just finished a lawsuit, feeling terrified, he could only bite his tongue. As the saying goes: tender grass fears the frost, and the frost fears the sun; evildoers have their own ways of tormenting others.
Not long after, Chen Jingji sold the big house, cobbled together seventy taels of silver, pawned a small house, and moved to a remote alley to live. He also sold one of the two maids, leaving only Yuanxiao to sleep with him. But in less than half a month, he even had to move out of this small house and could only find a place to rent. Later, Chen An also left, there was no income at home, Yuanxiao also died, leaving him alone, even sold off all his furniture, leaving him penniless. Soon, he couldn't even afford the rent and had to crash in a cold storage. Those beggars saw that he came from a wealthy family, was good-looking, and even let him crash on a warm bed and gave him pancakes to eat. Some even taught him to be a night watchman, ringing the bell at night.
At that time, it was the twelfth lunar month, and heavy snow was falling in the bitter cold of winter. The wind was howling, piercingly cold. Chen Jingji finished his shift, sent off the night shift soldiers, and walked through the streets carrying a bell. The wind and snow were fierce, the ground was icy, and he huddled against the cold, his shoulders drawn up. Around dawn, he saw a sickly beggar lying in a corner, appearing near death. A sergeant had told him to keep an eye on the beggar, and he even gathered some straw to help keep the beggar warm. Chen Jingji spent the night wide awake, and eventually, unable to bear it any longer, he leaned against the wall and dozed off. Unexpectedly, he dreamed of living a lavish life in Ximen Qing's household, flirting and laughing with Pan Jinlian, enjoying all the wealth and glory. As he reminisced about the good old days in his dream, he couldn't help but cry upon waking up. When the other beggars saw him crying, they asked, "Why are you crying?" Chen Jingji sighed, "Brothers, my sorrows, how could you possibly understand? For years, I've endured hardships, lost my wife, and gone without food or proper clothes. My horse died, my servant ran away, and my house was sold. I'm all alone in a strange land. In the morning, I scavenge for scraps at the market, and at night, I sleep against a crumbling wall in the manor. There is only one path left for me, to beg at the cold, empty shop." From then on, Chen Jingji begged during the day on the streets and returned to the cold shop to spend the night, leading a truly desolate existence.
In the county town of Qinghe, there was an old man named Wang Xuan, with the courtesy name "Tingyong," a common practice in Chinese culture, who was in his sixties and came from a wealthy family. He was kind-hearted, always ready to help others, often aiding the poor and rescuing those in distress. He loved doing good deeds and showing respect to the gods. He had two sons, both of whom were already married and had established their careers. The eldest son, Wang Qian, inherited the ancestral position and served as the head of the horse breeding station; the second son, Wang Zhen, was a student at the prefectural school. The old man also hired a steward at the entrance of his home who ran a pawnshop. He lived a worry-free and leisurely life, either listening to sermons in the temple or providing medical assistance to people outside his home, holding prayer beads and reciting Buddhist scriptures to pass the time. Because there were two apricot trees in the backyard, he called himself "Mr. Xing An."
One day, Mr. Xing An, wearing a tall pleated headdress and a Daoist robe, stood at the door. Suddenly, he saw Chen Jingji passing by his house, and Chen Jingji knelt and bowed his head to the ground. Mr. Xing An quickly returned the gesture and asked anxiously, "My brother, who are you? My old eyes are failing, and I can't recognize you." Chen Jingji nervously stood aside and said, "I am the son of Chen Hong, who sells pine wood." Mr. Xing An thought for a moment and said, "Aren't you the son of Chen Dakuan?" He carefully examined Chen Jingji, who was dressed in rags and looked haggard, and couldn't help but ask, "My young friend, how did you end up like this? Are your father and mother okay?" Chen Jingji replied, "My father has passed away in the capital, and my mother has also died." Mr. Xing An sighed and said, "I heard you were staying with your in-laws?" Jingji answered, "My father-in-law has also passed away, and my mother-in-law kicked me out. Their daughter also passed away, and they took me to court. Later, they sold the house, and I was cheated of all my money. I've been doing nothing for years."
Xing'an inquired again, "Nephew, where are you living now?" Chen Jingji remained silent for a while before saying in a low voice, "I'm living by begging." Upon hearing this, Xing'an let out a series of sighs, "What a pity! Nephew, back then your family was so well-off, and I had a deep friendship with your father. Back then, you were just a child, starting school with your hair tied up in a bun. How did you end up in this situation today? It's really heartbreaking! What about your relatives? Don't they care about you?" Chen Jingji smiled bitterly, "Exactly. I haven't been to my uncle's place, and I feel too embarrassed to show up."
After chatting for a while, Xing'an invited Chen Jingji into his living room and instructed the servant to set the table, bringing out some snacks and dishes for him to enjoy. Seeing that he looked thin and cold, Xing'an also gave him a blue cotton robe, a felt hat, a pair of felt socks, cotton shoes, as well as some silver and copper coins, instructing him, "Nephew, wear these clothes and shoes, use the copper coins to rent a small room, and use the silver to do some small business to make a living. It's better than staying in a cold place that won't do you any good. Let me know how much the monthly rent is, and I'll cover it for you." Chen Jingji was overwhelmed with gratitude and knelt to thank him, saying, "I will remember."
Chen Jingji took the money and left Xing'an's house. However, he didn't bother looking for a place or starting a business. Instead, he blew the copper coins at bars and noodle shops every day. As for the silver, he spent it on counterfeit coins and ended up being mistaken for a crook by the patrolling officers, who hauled him off to the local magistrate's office for questioning. He was beaten badly and ended up with bruises all over. Within a few days, he lost his cotton clothes and traded his socks for a meal. In the end, he continued to wander the streets, begging for food to survive.
One day, Chen Jingji passed by Wang Xing'an's house again. At this time, Xing'an was standing at the door. Seeing Chen Jingji approach, he knelt down and kowtowed. His clothes and socks were gone, and he was only wearing the felt hat given to him before, barefoot in worn-out shoes, shivering in the cold. Noticing this, Xing'an asked, "Mr. Chen, how is your business going? What about the rent? Are you here to collect the rent today?" Chen Jingji listened, kept his head down and remained silent for a moment. Xing'an asked a few more times, and Chen Jingji finally hesitantly replied that he had spent all the money and things given to him before.
Xing'an sighed and said, "Ah, nephew, this isn't a way to live! Since you can't handle heavy work, why not do some small jobs instead of begging? It's better than being looked down upon and disgracing your ancestors. Why won't you listen to me?" While speaking, Xing'an let him into the house and ordered him a meal to fill his stomach. Afterwards, he gave him a pair of trousers, a white shirt, a handful of copper coins, and a bushel of rice, saying, "Take these things and make sure to do some small business, such as selling firewood, beans, or melon seeds. It's better than begging." Chen Jingji kept promising, took the money and rice, and left Xing'an's house.
However, in a few days, Chen Jingji had spent all these things. He bought cooked food, meat, and noodles with the money, and mixed with beggars at a cold food stall to eat and drink. Later, he went to gamble and lost the white shirt and trousers. In the first month of the lunar year, he wandered the streets with his arms bare, too embarrassed to face Xing'an again, so he could only lean against the wall outside Xing'an's house, warming himself in the sun.
Xing'an saw him through the window, but this time did not invite him in. Chen Jingji moved closer, slowly approached, and knelt in front of Xing'an, kowtowing. Seeing that he was still the same, Xing'an couldn't help but say, "Nephew, this is not a long-term solution! It's an endless pit, and time flies by. Come in; I have a place for you that is peaceful and will help you settle down, but I'm afraid you won't want to go." Chen Jingji listened, quickly knelt down, crying and said, "If Uncle is willing to help me, no matter where it is, as long as I can settle down, I am willing to go."
Xing'an said, "Not far from the city, there is a Yan Gong Temple on the Ma Tou in Linqing. That place is a land of fish and rice, with boats coming and going, abundant money and food, and a quiet environment. The abbot of the temple is a Taoist priest, and we have a good relationship. He also has several disciples and grandchildren. I can prepare some gifts and send you there to become his disciple. You can learn classics and play musical instruments, perform ceremonies for people, and make a living." Chen Jingji nodded repeatedly and said, "If Uncle is willing to arrange it, that would be great!"
Xing'an said, "Since you are willing, then it's settled. Tomorrow is a good day; come early, and I will send you there." Chen Jingji agreed and left. Xing'an quickly called a tailor to make two Taoist robes, a headdress, and to prepare shoes, socks, and other items for Chen Jingji.
The next day, Chen Jingji arrived early as expected. Xing'an arranged for him to take a bath in the empty house, comb his hair, styled his hair into a Taoist bun, changed into newly made robes and pants, and wore a silk Taoist robe over it, along with cloud-patterned shoes and felt socks. Xing'an also prepared four plates of offerings, a jar of wine, a piece of cloth, and enclosed five taels of silver as a gift. He rode a horse himself and hired a donkey for Chen Jingji, bringing along two servants, An Tong and Xi Tong, to carry the loads. The group left the city gate and headed straight to the Yanguan Temple in Linqing Matou. It's only seventy miles from the city, so they could reach it in a day.
When they arrived at the Yanguan Temple, it was already late. Xing'an dismounted and led Chen Jingji into the temple. They saw the temple stood solemn and majestic, surrounded by green pines and cypresses, with red walls in an octagonal shape on both sides, and three vermilion painted main gates in the front, indeed a magnificent temple. They saw:
The mountain gate towering high, with layered halls and pavilions.
Golden inscriptions hanging high, colorful paintings depicting the imperial court.
Five main halls, with twelve dragon kings sculpted;
Two long corridors, with thousands of aquatic creatures carved.
The flagpole piercing the sky, the military banners fluttering.
Connected in all directions, offering spring and autumn sacrifices in accordance with the times;
Praying for rain and wind, the people along the river all offer sacrifices.
The eternal incense burns strong, and the people rely on its blessings.
The young acolyte at the mountain gate saw Xing'an and his group early and immediately ran to report to the abbot. Upon hearing this, Taoist Ren quickly tidied his robes and came out to greet them. Wang Xing'an asked Chen Jingji and his gifts to wait outside. Soon after, Taoist Ren invited Xing'an into the "Songhe Pavilion" in the abbot's quarters to exchange pleasantries, saying, "Elder Wang, please take a seat! Why haven't you visited our temple for so long? What brings you here today?" Xing'an smiled and replied, "There are too many mundane matters at home, I really can't free myself, it's been a long time since I visited, I apologize."
After the two made small talk, they took their places as host and guest, and a young boy came in with tea. After drinking the tea, Ren Daoist said, "Lao Jushi, it's getting late; why don't you stay in the temple tonight?" He then ordered someone to take care of the horses. Xing'an said, "I have no reason to go to the Three Treasures Hall. I came today because I have a favor to ask; I hope you might be willing to help?" Ren Daoist quickly said, "Lao Jushi, just let me know what you need, and I will do my best to help."
Xing'an said, "There is a friend's son named Chen Jingji, 24 years old this year, handsome and intelligent. Unfortunately, his parents died early, and he lost his education from a young age. His family used to be well-off but got involved in a lawsuit and lost everything; now he has nowhere to go. I remember the deep friendship between his father and me, so I want to send him to you as an apprentice. Would you be willing to take him in?" Ren Daoist nodded and said, "Since Lao Jushi has spoken, how can I refuse? However, my luck is not good. I have two disciples, but they are not very capable and often make me angry. I don't know if this nephew of yours is honest and reliable?"
Xing'an smiled and said, "Don't worry, this child is timid, honest, and hardworking; he is clever enough to be your apprentice." Ren Daoist asked, "When will he be sent over?" Xing'an replied, "He is waiting outside the temple gate right now, and he brought a small gift; I hope you'll take it." Ren Daoist quickly said, "Why didn't Lao Jushi say so earlier?" and then ordered the gifts to be brought in.
After the gifts were brought in, Ren Daoist looked at the list, which included: a piece of rough cloth, a bottle of Lu wine, a pair of pig's trotters, two roast ducks, two boxes of fruit, and five taels of silver. Presented by Chen Jingji. Seeing the generous gifts, Ren Daoist quickly bowed and said, "Why did you go to all this trouble? I truly appreciate it, but I really can't accept all this!"
At this time, Chen Jingji walked in. He wore a golden topknot on his head, a blue silk robe on his body, and was wearing clean, cloud-patterned shoes and socks. A silk belt was tied around his waist, and he had clear eyebrows and bright eyes, white teeth and red lips, and a face like powdered silk. He stepped forward to bow to Taoist Ren, bowing respectfully four times. Taoist Ren saw that he looked smart and asked, "How old are you this year?" Jingji replied, "I was born in the Year of the Horse and just turned twenty-four this year." Taoist Ren saw that he was indeed intelligent and clever, so he gave him a Dharma name, "Chen Zongmei." It turned out that Taoist Ren already had two disciples under his guidance: the eldest disciple named Jin Zongming, and the second disciple named Xu Zongshun. So he ranked Chen Jingji as the third, calling him "Chen Zongmei."
Xing'an then introduced Jingji to the other disciples of Taoist Ren, bowing to each one. After receiving the gifts, the young boy lit the lamp and prepared the meal. The table was filled with a feast of delicacies, including chicken feet, goose, duck, fish, and plenty of wine. Wang Xing'an drank a few cups of wine, and the disciples took turns toasting him, but since he had a low tolerance for alcohol, he politely excused himself. The temple had already prepared a bed, so Xing'an stayed there overnight.
The next morning, the young boy brought water for Xing'an to wash up. After grooming, Taoist Ren personally served tea. Shortly after, breakfast was served, two more cups of wine were drunk, and he also fed the livestock that accompanied them, while he also paid the workers who had carried the gifts. Before leaving, Xing'an called Chen Jingji over and instructed him, "Study the classics diligently here, listen to your master's teachings. I will come to see you regularly and send clothes and shoes on time. If you misbehave, punishment is warranted; I will not shield you." Then, he privately advised Jingji, "After I leave, you must make a fresh start and learn some skills. If you still misbehave, I won’t step in." Chen Jingji repeatedly promised, "I understand, father."
Xing'an bid farewell to Taoist Ren, mounted his horse, left Yangu Temple, and returned home. From that day forward, Chen Jingji became a Taoist at Yangu Temple.
Jing Ji noticed that the Taoist priest was quite elderly, with a red nose, a burly build, a booming voice, and a thick beard. He had a bold personality, was known for his hospitality, enjoyed drinking, but delegated all other tasks to his senior disciple Jin Zongming. At that time, the court had just opened the canal system, and two water gates were set up in Linqing to regulate the water flow. Whether it was an official or civilian ship, when they approached the water gates, they would visit Yanguo Temple to seek blessings, fulfill vows, or consult the gods. Some donated money and rice, some offered incense, oil, paper, and candles, while others left pine and reed mats.
The Taoist priest handed over the surplus money and grain in the temple to his disciples and opened a money and grain shop on Ma Tou to earn silver and save it in his own pocket. The Taoist priest's senior disciple Jin Zongming was not an honest man. In his thirties, he often frequented brothels, kept concubines, and was a lecherous and greedy individual. He also had two young disciples under him, who lived in the same room with him and often exchanged gossip. Jin Zongming saw that Chen Jing Ji had red lips, white teeth, a fair complexion, a handsome and clever appearance, and a clever look in his eyes. He harbored ulterior motives and wanted to live with him.
One night, Jin Zongming invited Chen Jing Ji to drink together. After drinking late into the night and getting him thoroughly drunk, the two ended up sharing a bed. Initially, they kept their distance, but Jin Zongming complained about the odor of Chen Jing Ji's feet and asked him to move to the pillow side. Not long after, he complained about his bad breath and asked him to turn around and face away from him. Chen Jing Ji was too drunk to pay attention to him. Jin Zongming took advantage of the situation, pressed his body against Chen Jing Ji, moistened it with saliva, and assaulted him.
It turned out that Chen Jingji had been insulted by the beggar "Feitian Devil" Hou Linger when he was wandering, so he had long been broken in body. He secretly cursed in his heart, "This guy is really shameless, taking advantage of me for nothing. However, since he wants to play, I'll make him cough up some money and see what he can do about it!" So, Chen Jingji shouted out loud on purpose. Jin Zongming was afraid that the sound would reach Ren Daoshi's ears, so he quickly covered his mouth and said, "Buddy, don't shout! I will promise you whatever you want." Chen Jingji took the opportunity to say, "Since you want to be good with me, I won't beat around the bush; I have three conditions. First, from now on, you can't hang out with those two disciples anymore; second, you need to hand over the keys to the big and small rooms for me to keep; third, no matter where I want to go, you can't tell me what to do. If you agree, then I will agree." Jin Zongming hurriedly replied, "Buddy, not just those three, I'll agree to ten!" That night, the two of them had a wild night, tossing and turning until dawn. Chen Jingji had been mixing in the Fengyue scene since he was young, and he'd seen it all. He used sweet words and various teasing methods to charm Jin Zongming into willingly letting him call the shots. The next day, Jin Zongming indeed handed over all the keys of the temple to Chen Jingji, stopped hanging out with the other disciples, and only slept with Chen Jingji every day. As the days passed, Jin Zongming grew to trust Chen Jingji more, even bragging about how honest and reliable he was in front of Ren Daoshi. After hearing this, Ren Daoshi also relaxed his guard against Chen Jingji, and even paid to get him an ordination certificate. With trust and freedom, Chen Jingji started frequently taking silver coins to the Ma Head for some fun.
One day, he ran into an acquaintance, Chen San'er, and asked, "I heard that Feng Jinbao's brothel owner died; she was sold to the Zheng family and now goes by Zheng Jinbao. I heard that she is now working at a large brothel. Have you seen her?" Chen San'er was someone who couldn't forget past relationships. Upon hearing this, he immediately took some silver and followed Chen Jingji to the large brothel at Matou.
The restaurant was called "Xie Family Restaurant" and was the most famous restaurant in Linqing. The restaurant was located on the side of a hill, with the official river in front, bustling with life. Inside, the restaurant featured carved beams and painted rafters, low green railings, and windows adorned with emerald curtains, creating a very elegant atmosphere. Inside the restaurant, the sound of flutes and pipes came from young noblemen, and the ones serving wine were songstresses and dancers. Just as the poem goes:
The eaves catch the sunlight, while the clouds drift by.
The green railings are low, connecting to the window, the emerald curtains hanging high.
The sound of flutes and pipes all come from young noblemen;
Holding the cup, the songstresses and dancers are arranged.
Lost in a drunken haze, leaning against the blue sky and endless clouds and mountains;
Provoking the soul of poetry, transforming the auspicious snow into a misty river.
Chen San'er took Chen Jingji to the restaurant, found a private room, sat down, and ordered top-quality drinks and dishes. Afterwards, he asked the waiter to call Feng Jinbao. In no time, footsteps were heard coming up the stairs, and Feng Jinbao came up carrying a gong. Upon seeing Chen Jingji, she bowed deeply, tears streaming down her cheeks. Just as the poem says: A few sweet words, like a nightingale's song, fall like pearls from a string.
Chen Jingji saw her, pulled her to sit down, and asked, "Sister, where have you been recently? Why haven't I seen you?" Feng Jinbao wiped her tears and said, "Since the lawsuit in the county, my mother was frightened and died shortly after. I was sold to the house of Aunt Zhengwu. Recently, due to a lack of customers, I was sent back to solicit business here in Linqing Matou. Yesterday, Chen Saner said you were running a money shop here, and I was hoping to see you, and I can't believe I actually ran into you today!" After that, she cried again.
Chen Jingji took out a handkerchief from his sleeve, wiped her tears, and said, "Sister, don't be sad. I'm doing well now. Although the family business is gone, I became a Taoist priest in Yangu Temple, and my master values me a lot. I will come to see you often." Then he asked, "Where do you live now?" Feng Jinbao replied, "I live in Liu Er's small restaurant in Qiaoxi. It has hundreds of rooms, all surrounded by brothels. During the day, I serve guests at the restaurant."
As they chatted, they cozied up together and shared a drink. Chen Saner brought hot wine upstairs and also brought a pipa. Feng Jinbao played and sang a song called "Putian Le," with the lyrics:
Tears fall, falling down. Three cups of farewell wine, farewell wine three cups.
The phoenix is divided, divided into phoenixes.
The slanting sunlight outside the ridge falls, falls, outside the ridge.
Dark sky, lingering and unwilling to leave, unwilling to leave and linger.
When the two of them were drunk and flushed, they closed the door and shared a passionate encounter. Since Chen Jingji became a Taoist priest, he had not been near a woman for a long time. Now seeing Jin Bao, he was consumed by desire, and they lost themselves in each other. Afterward, the two of them adjusted their clothes. Chen Jingji noticed it was getting late, so he got up to say goodbye. He gave Jin Bao two silver coins, gave Chen Saner a hundred copper coins as a tip, and told Jin Bao: "Sister, I will come to see you often. If you want to see me, just have Chen Saner summon me." After that, he gave the innkeeper, Xie Sanlang, three qian of silver to cover the drinks, and then headed back to Yangu Temple. Feng Jinbao walked with him to the bridge before reluctantly parting ways. Just as the poem goes:
Longing pierced through autumn waters for wealth,
Weeping marred her beauty for Deng Tong.
