Ximen Qing had not seen Yueniang for quite a while, so he went to check on her himself. When he found Yueniang getting dressed, he invited Physician Ren to come in and have a seat. After a little while, Yueniang emerged, bowed to Physician Ren, who quickly stepped aside to return the bow. Yueniang took a seat across from him, and Qin Tong arranged the table and cushions. Yueniang rolled up her sleeves, revealing her fair wrists, and let Physician Ren take her pulse. After a long pulse diagnosis, Yueniang bowed again and went back to her room. A servant brought in some tea. After drinking the tea, Physician Ren said, "The lady is weak in both qi and blood, with a weak and irregular pulse. Even though she is pregnant, the qi and blood are somewhat imbalanced, prone to irritability, and has a lot of liver heat. Right now, she’s feeling dizzy, has tightness in her chest, and her limbs have more qi but less blood." Yueniang had Qin Tong relay, "I’m experiencing headaches, palpitations, numbness in my arms, stomach cramps, and back pain. I don’t have an appetite for anything." Physician Ren said, "I see, I understand everything now."
Ximen Qing said, "To be honest with you, my third concubine is pregnant now. She is experiencing anger, which is causing her qi and blood to stagnate in her chest. We would greatly appreciate your careful diagnosis and treatment." Ren Yiguan said, "Don't worry, I will do my best. I will prescribe some medicine to support her pregnancy, regulate her qi, harmonize her spleen and stomach, and nourish her blood to alleviate pain. After the old lady takes the medicine, she should avoid getting angry and eat less greasy food." Ximen Qing said, "I hope you can ensure her pregnancy goes smoothly." Ren Yiguan said, "I have already prescribed medicine to nourish the fetus and regulate qi and blood. Don't worry, I will be careful." Ximen Qing then said, "My concubine is experiencing some abdominal pain; could you also prescribe some medicine to warm her uterus?" Ren Yiguan said, "Okay, I will do that now." After he finished speaking, he stood up and walked to the front hall, where he noticed many musicians in attendance. He asked, "Sir, what’s going on in the mansion today?" Ximen Qing said, "The Imperial Censor Song and two officials from the Ministry, as well as the Prefect Hou Shiquan, are having a banquet at my mansion." Ren Yiguan, upon hearing this news, showed even greater respect. When he left, he bowed more deeply than usual. Ximen Qing saw him off, gave him a couple of silver coins and two handkerchiefs, and asked Qintong to ride out and fetch the medicine.
Li Jiaor, Meng Yulou, and the others were in Yue Niang's room arranging the fruit platter and polishing the silverware. They said, "Auntie, you didn't come out before; how did he know you were feeling unwell?" Yue Niang replied, "This heartless woman, if she dies, so be it. But he said, 'You are my mother-in-law? It's just a difference in age. I'm still eight months older than him; the man loves me; just wait and see.' If he can't even say what's on his mind, how can he argue with me? If it weren't for you all encouraging me to go out, I wouldn't have gone out for ten years! Let him die, I don’t care! As the saying goes, 'When one chicken dies, another crows, and the new one sounds just fine.' If I die, he marries another one; it won't be chaotic, and there won't be any fighting; that's called 'pulling out the radish makes the ground spacious.'" Yulou said, "Auntie, oh dear, oh dear! How can you say such things? We're all vouching for him. This Sixth Sister, and I'm not exaggerating, is a bit ungrateful and always pushes things, like a bunch of sharp-beaked ducks—she's just heartless. Auntie, you're angry with him; you know you're wrong, right?" Yue Niang said, "He's even more heartless than you! He's got plenty of tricks up his sleeve! How can he secretly listen to others and then use words to mock people?" Yulou said, "Mother, you are the head of the household; don't be so petty; you should be more magnanimous! As the saying goes, 'A gentleman manages ten petty people.' If you tolerate a bit, he will pass; if you argue with him, he will only be worse." Yue Niang said, "Only a man can keep him in check; the first wife just has to stand by." Yulou said, "Who believes that? Right now, you feel so miserable; does he dare to go into that room?" Yue Niang said, "Why wouldn't he go? He said that he has a pig's heart tied with a rope in his room, so he won't go? A man's heart is like a wild horse that’s broken free; he loves whoever he wants, and if you dare to stop him, he’ll just call himself a浪子 (playboy)." Yulou said, "Alright, Auntie, don't be angry anymore. I'll make him come and apologize to you. Since his elder sister-in-law is here, you two should patch things up. Otherwise, how will his father get along at home? It won't be convenient for outings either. If he goes to his room, he's afraid you'll be mad; if he doesn't go, he won't dare to come out. Today, we have a banquet to prepare for, and we're all busy, but he's just hiding in his room slacking off. We can’t let him get away with it. Elder sister-in-law, am I right or am I right?" The elder sister-in-law said, "Young lady, alright, San Niang is also right. Stop arguing; if you two don’t see each other, it won’t be easy for her uncle either. It’s tough for both sides." Yue Niang remained silent.
Meng Yulou hurriedly walked ahead. Yue Niang said, "Sister Meng, don't call him, let him come if he wants." Yulou replied, "He dares not not come; if he doesn't, I'll use a pig bristle rope to drag him here!" She walked straight into Pan Jinlian's room and saw that Pan Jinlian hadn't combed her hair, her face looked pale and sickly, and she was sitting on the kang. Yulou said, "Sister Wu, why are you pretending to be foolish? Comb your hair; there’s a banquet in front and so much to do behind, you should at least show your face, why are you just sulking? We just tried to talk to him once. You go to the back, shelve your bad mood and put on a smile, and find a way to apologize to him. We are all under the eaves, who dares to stand tall? As the saying goes: 'Sweet words warm the winter, harsh words can chill you to the bone.' You two have already quarreled, how long are you going to keep sulking? A person can endure a breath, and even a Buddha can endure a stick of incense; you go apologize to him, and the big issue will be resolved. Otherwise, with you like this, your father will be in a difficult position. If he supports you, he’ll also be angry." Pan Jinlian said, "Oh dear! What do I have to compare with him? He said it; he has real substance, a proper husband and wife, while we are just makeshift partners, what kind of status can we have? I can’t even compare to his little toe!" Yulou said, "You say that again, didn't I say yesterday that one stick can hit three or four people? Even if the later wife is not a proper match, she was still matched by a matchmaker at the beginning; could she just follow him home like that? Cutting one branch hurts the whole tree; even if Sixth Sister is mad at you, there are others who aren't. Don't go all out; save some for later. Everything should consider the overall situation and leave some room for retreat. Whether it's a grasshopper or a locust, we need to be diplomatic. In front of his three masters and Sister Yu, everyone cares about their face; don't we have any pride? He feels embarrassed today too. But if you don’t go, what are we going to do? We're going to be stuck together every day from now on; we need to sort this out. Hurry and comb your hair; let’s go to the back together." Seeing Yulou say this, Pan Jinlian thought for a long time, swallowed her anger, grabbed a mirror from the vanity, combed her hair, put on her hairpin, dressed up, and followed Yulou to the back room.
Yulou lifted the curtain and went in first, saying, "I went and brought him back! He didn't dare refuse!" Then she said, "My dear, hurry up and bow to your mother!" Next to her, someone said, "In-law, the child is young and doesn’t know better; he has offended you. Please, have mercy and forgive him this time. If he is rude again in the future and offends you, you can punish him however you like, and I, as his mother, won't dare to say a word." Pan Jinlian bowed to Yue Niang four times, jumped up, and shouted at Yulou, "I can't stand you, you old witch, acting like my mother again!" Everyone laughed, and Yue Niang couldn't help but laugh either. Yulou said, "You little brat, just because your mistress is nice to you, you think you can act up with me!" The big aunt said, "You sisters should laugh a little; isn’t it better to be happy? Just because our girl said a few harsh words in the heat of the moment, everyone should give a little ground and let it go. As the saying goes: 'Even the beautiful peony needs green leaves to support it.'" Yue Niang said, "If she doesn't say anything, who will speak well of her?" Jinlian said, "Mother is the sky, we are the earth. If mother tolerates us, we will always be grateful." Yulou gave her a pat and said, "My child, this time you really seem like the one I've raised. Stop talking back; we've been busy all day, and you should help out too." Pan Jinlian then went to the kang to help Yulou arrange the fruit boxes, which we won't go into detail about. The qintong brought the medicine, and Ximen Qing looked at the prescription, then had someone take it in for Yue Niang and Yulou. Yue Niang asked Yulou, "Did you bring some medicine as well?" Yulou replied, "I caught a cold the other day, and I've been feeling a strange pain down there, so I had our father tell Dr. Ren to bring me two doses of pills." Yue Niang said, "You caught a cold on an empty stomach yesterday; where's this pain down there coming from?"
In the front hall, Inspector Song arrived first, and Ximen Qing accompanied him to sit in the curtained pavilion. Inspector Song expressed his gratitude to Ximen Qing for sending him the furnace and tripod: "I should be paying." Ximen Qing replied, "I gave it to you, esteemed elder, and I worry it might not be enough; how could I dare to ask for money?" Inspector Song said, "How can I possibly accept this?" While bowing in thanks, they finished their tea and began discussing local customs and culture, to which Ximen Qing gave vague answers. Then, when asked about local officials, Ximen Qing said, "I only know that Governor Hu Zhengtang has a great reputation among the people, and County Magistrate Li is diligent in his duties. Other than that, I wouldn't want to speak out of turn." Inspector Song asked, "Are you referring to Jing Zhong, the Supervisor? How do you know him?" Ximen Qing said, "I've met him once; yesterday he handed me a letter, hoping you can promote him." Inspector Song replied, "I have also long heard that he is a good military officer." He then inquired about other officials, to which Ximen Qing said, "I also have a brother-in-law, Wu Kai, who is currently serving as the chief officer at the right office of this yamen. He was just appointed to manage the Yi granary yesterday; according to the rules, he should be promoted, and I hope you can support him; it would really be thanks to you." Inspector Song said, "Since he is your relative, when you compile the list tomorrow, not only should his rank be elevated, but I will also recommend him for a management position." Ximen Qing hurriedly bowed in gratitude and then handed Inspector Song the resumes of Supervisor Jing and Wu Kai. After reviewing them, Inspector Song instructed the scribe to keep them and said, "When you compile the list tomorrow, show it to me." The scribe took them. Ximen Qing then discreetly slipped the scribe a few taels of silver, and let's just say no more about that.
As they were talking, the sound of drums and music echoed from the front hall, and a voice called out from either side: "The two officials have arrived." Ximen Qing hurriedly went out to greet them and bowed respectfully in the hall. Only then did Inspector Song slowly emerge from the garden's corner gate. After the officials completed their greetings, they noticed a large table in the center, neatly arranged with five pieces of sugar known as "Wulao Dingsheng," displayed on a tall plate, arranged with great care. The surrounding tables and chairs were equally lavish, which delighted everyone. They all thanked Ximen Qing, saying, "Thank you for your hospitality; we’ll be sure to visit again soon." Inspector Song replied, "This little offering is hardly sufficient; please consider it a small token of my appreciation, and you needn't feel obliged to return the favor." Ximen Qing countered, "That’s not how it’s done." As they took their seats, tea was served from both sides. The officials also dispatched someone to invite others.
In the afternoon, a fast horse suddenly arrived bearing news: "The Marquis has arrived!" Immediately, the air was filled with the sound of gongs and drums, and the officials rushed to the main gate to welcome him. Only Inspector Song was waiting inside the second gate. After a while, the blue flag ceremonial escort passed by, and the Marquis, wearing a bright red robe adorned with peacock feathers, donning a marten fur ear cap, and with a pure gold belt around his waist, arrived in a palanquin carried by four bearers and disembarked at the entrance. The officials welcomed him inside, and Inspector Song also changed into a red robe with golden cloud patterns and a white fox ear cover, fastening a horn belt, and followed him in. Following a round of pleasantries, the officials exchanged their greetings, and then Ximen Qing stepped forward to pay his respects. The Marquis recognized Ximen Qing, as he had hosted the Sixth Yellow Grand Commander at a banquet last time, and instructed an official to present a visiting card from the Marquis's residence, featuring double red "happiness" characters, to Ximen Qing. Ximen Qing accepted the card with both hands and instructed his family to hold it. After paying respects, Ximen Qing took off his outer robe and sat down. The officials sat on either side, with Inspector Song in the main seat. After the tea was served, the band played music. Inspector Song offered a toast, arranged flowers, and presented a gift, then boxed up the dishes from the banquet and sent them to the public hall. Next, the dishes were served, including soup and rice and a flower pig; the specifics of these are not elaborated upon. First, the music troupe put on a splendid performance of dances and acrobatics. Afterwards, the young men from Haiyan stepped forward to pay their respects and presented their visiting cards. The Marquis ordered the staging of "Pei Jinggong Returns." After one act was sung, a lamb wrapped in fine brocade was presented. The scene was magnificent, filled with harmonious songs and dances, delightful music, golden glimmers, and a hall full of guests. A poem can summarize the grandeur of the moment:
The grand hall is neither fog nor haze, songs stop the drifting clouds, the banquet is full of wine.
Not only did the red maidens wear jade ornaments, but the green-haired ones also adorned themselves with golden cicadas.
Prefect Hou sat until sunset, drank several rounds of wine, watched two performances, then ordered his subordinates to reward the cooks, waiters, musicians, and servants with five liang of silver. After dressing, he stood up to take his leave. The officials escorted him to the front gate, watching him leave in his carriage. After returning, Inspector Song and the other officials thanked Ximen Qing and also took their leave to go home.
Ximen Qing sent everyone off and sent the musicians away. Since it was still early, he instructed them to keep the banquet as it was. He sent a servant to invite Uncle Wu, Scholar Wen, Count Ying, and the waiters Fu and Gan to join him for the play. He also prepared two tables of food and drinks for the younger members of his household to enjoy first. When all the guests had arrived, he scheduled performances of "Four Seasons" (Winter Scene), "Han Xizai's Night Banquet," and "Scholar Tao." He set out plum blossoms on the two side tables for everyone to admire while they drank. The three servants took their seats first. After a while, Scholar Wen arrived, followed by Uncle Wu, Second Uncle Wu, and Count Ying. Count Ying greeted Ximen Qing, saying, "I apologize for not visiting your wives recently, and thank you for your generous gifts." Ximen Qing chuckled and teased, "You rascal, were you spying on my wife through the window?" Count Ying replied, "Don't pay attention to that nonsense; it’s not true. I doubt anyone saw." He pointed at Wang Jing and said, "It's you, you little thief, learning to talk back at home. I’m going to get you tomorrow!" After saying that, he drank tea.
Wu Dajiu wanted to return to the backyard, and Ximen Qing accompanied him. He talked to Wu Dajiu, "I have already talked to Inspector Song on your behalf. He looked at your greeting letter and had the clerk accept it. I also gave the clerk three taels of silver, including Lord Jing's. He personally promised that he would help you with it when he writes the memorial tomorrow." Wu Dajiu was very happy to hear this and hurriedly bowed to Ximen Qing and said, "Thanks for your trouble, brother-in-law." Ximen Qing replied, "I told Inspector Song that you are my wife's brother, and he said since you are relatives, he will take care of this matter well." They then went to the room together and saw Yue Niang. Yue Niang bowed to her brother. Dajiu said to Yue Niang's sister-in-law, "You should go home; there's no one home; how can you just stay away?" The sister-in-law said, "The third miss asked me to leave after the third day of the new year." Wu Dajiu said, "Since the young lady is keeping you, you can head back on the fourth day." After saying this, he returned to the front hall and drank with everyone. Before long, the drums and gongs of the opera troupe started playing, beginning the performance of "Han Xizai's Night Banquet" (Postal Pavilion's Fortunate Encounter). Just when things were getting lively, Dai An came to say, "From the Qiao family, Qiao Tong is asking you to come over." Ximen Qing then got up to meet Qiao Tong. Qiao Xin said, "My father said he didn't have time to visit you yesterday. He asked me to bring the silver that needs to be paid, thirty taels for each envelope, plus an additional five taels for the official office." Ximen Qing said, "I will give the silver to Hu Dayin early tomorrow; he will issue the receipt. What’s the silver for the official office? You can take it back." At the same time, he instructed Dai An to bring food and snacks to treat Qiao Tong, and then he saw him off.
Furthermore, after performing the two acts of "The Post Pavilion," it was almost midnight. The guests in Ximen Qing's front yard had left, and after checking the candles, he went to Yue Niang's room. Yue Niang's sister-in-law was present, and upon seeing Ximen Qing enter, she hurried to the next room. Ximen Qing said to Yue Niang, "Today I spoke to Song Xun'an on behalf of your brother. He agreed to promote your brother and even let him meet the official in charge, specifically the deputy commander. I just told your brother, but he wasn't very happy and plans to submit a memorial at the end of the year." Yue Niang replied, "There's nothing we can do. He's a poor guard officer; where would he find two or three hundred taels to spend?" Ximen Qing said, "Who needs him to spend even a hundred wen? I told Song Yushi that you are my brother-in-law, and he personally agreed; he won't go back on his word." Yue Niang said, "Do whatever you want; I won't interfere." Ximen Qing then asked Yu Xiao, "Have you made the medicine for your mother? Bring it to me so I can see it and let her take it." Yue Niang said, "You go ahead; don't worry about her. I'll take it myself before sleeping." Just as Ximen Qing was about to leave, Yue Niang called him back and asked, "Where are you going? If you're going to the front yard, it's best not to. He has already apologized to me before; you still need to apologize to him. Yesterday, in front of my sister-in-law, he scolded me harshly, saying I spoiled you, trying to win his favor. You really have no shame!" Ximen Qing said, "Why do you care about that little schemer?" Yue Niang said, "Listen to me, don't go to the front yard today, and don't stay in my room either. Go sleep in Li Jiao'er’s room. I won't care if you go tomorrow or not." With no other choice, Ximen Qing had to spend the night in Li Jiao'er’s room.
The next day, the first day of the twelfth lunar month, Ximen Qing went to the government office early in the morning with He Qianhu to receive official documents. When he returned, it was already late, so he prepared gifts—pork, wine, and thirty taels of silver—to be sent to the prefectural magistrate of Dongping Prefecture by Dai'an. The magistrate promptly replied with a letter after receiving the gifts. Ximen Qing invited the fortune teller Mr. Xu to his home, set out pork, lamb, wine, and fruits in the hall, and burned paper offerings. After sending Mr. Xu away, Dai'an returned with the prefectural magistrate's reply. The letter was stamped with many seals and noted that Qiao Hong had been appointed as an official in the prefecture. Ximen Qing had Dai'an take two boxes of meat to Qiao Dahu's house and invited him over for drinks to discuss the appointment letter. He also gave a box of meat to Wu Dajiu, Wen Xiucai, Ying Bojue, Xie Xida, and other companions. Then, he sent out invitations to host a gathering on the third day for ten guests, including Zhou Shoubei, Jing Dujian, Zhang Tuanlian, Liu, Xue Ernaixiang, He Qianhu, Fan Qianhu, Wu Dajiu, Qiao Dahu, and Wang Sanguan, and also invited a theater troupe to entertain the guests. After Meng Yulou finished calculating the accounts, she handed them to Ximen Qing and asked Jinlian to take charge of the accounts, as she no longer wished to be involved. She also asked Yuemei, "Madam, did the medicine you took yesterday help? Are you feeling better?" Yuemei replied, "Of course, everyone says it's just a silly illness. A man squeezed my hand just yesterday, and today I feel better—no more headache or chest tightness." Yulou laughed and said, "Madam, you just needed that little bit of attention." Even the elder Madam laughed. Ximen Qing took the account book and asked Yuemei casually, "Who should be in charge of this account? Just give it to whoever you think is best; why ask me? Whoever is willing to take charge can do it!" Ximen Qing then gave Jinlian thirty taels of silver and thirty cash coins to manage.
After a while, Qiao Da Hu arrived. Ximen Qing sat with him in the hall and showed him the Hu Governor's appointment letter. Qiao Da Hu was overjoyed when he saw the three characters "Yi Guan Qiao Hong" written on it, as well as the words "According to the regulations, he is to contribute three thousand stones of white rice to support border expenses." He quickly thanked Ximen Qing, "Thanks to your help, I’ll definitely come by to thank you in person another day!" He asked Qiao Tong to carefully take the appointment letter back home. He also said, "If you have time tomorrow, I will come to visit wearing my official hat." Ximen Qing said, "Make sure to come early on the third." After finishing the tea, Ximen Qing asked Qintong to prepare a feast in the study room, saying, "Please sit there, it's warmer." They went to the study room and sat down, and then Yin Baojue arrived. He brought some congratulatory money from your friends, brother, and handed it to Ximen Qing, saying, "This is from everyone to congratulate you." Ximen Qing took a look at the money. The first one was Wu Daoguan, followed by Yin Baojue, Xie Xida, Zhu Shinian, Sun Guazui, Chang Zhijie, Bai Laiguang, Li Zhi, Huang Si, and Du Sange, a total of ten gifts. Ximen Qing said, "I also have Uncle Wu Er, Uncle Shen, the doctor outside, Brother Hua, and three assistants, Wen Caixuan, making it over twenty people. Let's invite them on the fourth." He instructed someone to accept the gift money, and then asked Qintong to invite Uncle Wu to accompany Qiao Da Hu. He asked, "Is Master Wen at home?" Lai'an said, "Master Wen is not at home, he went to a friend's house." After a while, Uncle Wu arrived, along with Chen Jingji, bringing the total to five for drinks. The table was full of food and drinks. While drinking, Ximen Qing said to Uncle Wu, "Today we have already received the appointment letter for Qiao Da Hu's promotion. I plan to prepare gifts and a carriage, and we will go to the government office together to congratulate him." Qiao Da Hu said, "I dare not trouble you all with such a high official position." Just then, the county bailiffs brought the new calendars, a total of 250 copies. Ximen Qing tipped the bailiffs and sent them on their way. Yin Baojue said, "We haven't seen the new calendar yet!" Ximen Qing opened fifty copies and gave some to Qiao Da Hu, Uncle Wu, and Baojue. When Baojue checked it, he noticed the new year was now marked as the first year of Chonghe, and it was a leap month too.
That night at the banquet, let's not mention the finger-guessing game that took place that night. We drank until late, and Mr. Qiao was the first to leave. Ximen Qing kept drinking with Wu Dajiu and the Count until nearly dawn before they finally broke up. Ximen Qing ordered the servants, "Get the horses ready early and invite Mr. He to my place; we will go together to the outskirts to send off Lord Hou. Leave four soldiers behind, and let Lai'an and Chunhong follow Madam's sedan to the Xia family." After saying that, he returned to Jinlian's room. Before he even entered Jinlian's room, she took off her hat first, her hair was a mess, and her makeup was all smudged, she hadn't even put on powder, her clothes were crookedly lying on the bed, not saying a word. Ximen Qing sat on the bed and asked her, "My little demon, why do you look like this?" Jinlian still didn't speak. Ximen Qing pulled her up and said, "Why are you so angry?" Jinlian put on a show of being wronged, twisted her face, tears streaming down uncontrollably. Even Ximen Qing, who usually had a heart of stone, felt his heart soften. He quickly wrapped his arms around Jinlian's neck and said, "My little demon, be good, why are you both angry?" After a while, Jinlian said, "Am I angry with him? He picked a fight for no reason, scolded me as a fox spirit, and said I seduced you. He said they are the real husband and wife. Why did you come back to my room? You should just stick with him and leave me alone. He said you keep pestering me in my room, it's disgusting, saying you've been sleeping in my room these days. He babbled nonsense, even said I didn't ask him and just took your fur coat without permission. I am a maid, shouldn't I hurry to your room to kowtow to you? Just because of this little thing, he scolded that shameless woman and said she didn't care, but still gossiping everywhere. You are a man, you should have the courage, just punch him, where did all these idle talk come from? No wonder us women belittle ourselves, as the saying goes: 'Cheap goods are easy to buy and easy to lose.' It's not easy for me to be your concubine here. Look at yesterday, afraid that he would be angry, who was guarding in the room? Who was calling the doctor? Who was serving on the side? I'm suffering, it's like I'm behind Mount Yin, no one cares even if I die. It's all that woman's idea! He even asked me to apologize to him with tears in my eyes." Jinlian's tears rolled down her face again as she fell into Ximen Qing's arms, crying with snot and tears. Ximen Qing hugged her and comforted her, "Alright, my child, I have something on my mind recently, both of you should say less. Who do you think is right or wrong? Yesterday, I wanted to come see you, but he said I came to apologize to you and didn't let me come. I slept with Li Jiaoer that night. Although I slept with someone else, I only thought of you in my heart." Jinlian said, "Alright, I can see your heart now. You are hypocritical to me, but you care more for that legitimate wife. She is still pregnant with your child, what are we women, how can we compare to her!" Ximen Qing hugged Jinlian and kissed her, saying, "Little demon, don't talk nonsense." At this time, Qiujie brought in the tea. Ximen Qing said, "This silly girl, so clean, why let her pour tea?" Then he asked, "Where is Chunmei, why can't I see her?" Jinlian said, "Why do you still ask about Chunmei? She's so hungry she's almost out of breath, lying in the room. She hasn't eaten or drunk anything for three or four days, thinking about ending it all. She said her mother-in-law humiliated her in front of everyone, making her cry for three or four days."
"Ximen Qing heard and asked, 'Really?' to which Jinlian replied, 'Do you think I'm lying? Just go see for yourself!'"
Ximenqing rushed into Chunmei's room, only to see Chunmei with messy hair and smudged makeup, sleeping on the bed. Ximenqing shouted, "Little demon, why aren't you getting up?" After calling her for a while, but she didn't respond, she was still asleep. Ximenqing lifted her up. Chunmei stretched lazily from under the covers, almost knocking Ximenqing over, but fortunately he held her tightly and didn't fall. Chunmei said, "Hey, let go of me. Why are you here to lecture us servants? You're going to get your hands dirty." Ximenqing said, "Little demon, your mother just said a few words to you, why are you so angry? Haven't you eaten these past two days?" Chunmei said, "Whether I eat or not is none of your business! Anyway, I'm just a servant; if I die, I die. I haven't done anything wrong as a servant, I haven't let the master scold me or hit me. Why did she scold me because of that woman who causes trouble everywhere, saying her mother doesn't care about me? Is it because that shameless woman hit me five times? If Han Daoguo's wife doesn't come tomorrow, it's fine; if she does, you'll see me scold her well. That woman they sent over is nothing but trouble." Ximenqing said, "Even if she was sent here, it was with good intentions; who knew it would make you angry?" Chunmei said, "If she were friendlier, would I have to scold her? She's too petty!" Ximenqing said, "I'm here; why don't you hurry up and pour me some tea to drink? I won't drink the tea she serves." Chunmei said, "When the butcher's gone, you’ll eat anything. I can barely move right now; why should I pour tea?" Ximenqing said, "Little demon, who told you not to eat?" Then he said, "Let's go to the other room. I haven't eaten yet; have Qiujie bring some dishes, pour some wine, bake fruit pies, and make fresh soup for us to share." So, holding Chunmei's hand, he went to Jinlian's room. He told Qiujie, "Go get the vegetables in the box." After a while, Qiujie brought a box of vegetables. Ximenqing told Chunmei, "Cut some bacon and chicken into shreds, add sour bamboo shoots and leeks, and make a big bowl of fragrant wonton soup." Set the table and serve the food. He also baked a box of fruit pies. Ximenqing and Jinlian sat side by side, with Chunmei accompanying them to eat. The three of them ate and drank until nearly dawn before heading to bed.
The next day, Ximen Qing got up very early, met with He Qianhu, had some morning wine, and together they went to the outskirts to see off Governor Hou. Wu Yueniang first sent gifts to Commander Xia, then dressed up, took a sedan chair, and had the troops clear a path. An and Chunhong followed along for drinks, but there’s little to say about her wife.
It is said that Dai An and Wang Jing were at home on guard. Around noon, they saw Mama Wang, who sold tea in the county, leading He Jiu, coming to the front gate and asking Dai An, "Is your master at home?" Dai An replied, "Grandma Wang, Elder He, what brings you here?" Mama Wang said, "I wouldn't dare come by without a good reason. If it weren't for Old Jiu's brother's matter today, I wouldn't have come." Dai An said, "The master went to see off the marquis today, and the lady is also not at home. Please wait a moment; I'll go inform the Fifth Lady." Dai An went inside and came out after a while, saying, "The Fifth Lady invites you in." Mama Wang said, "I wouldn't dare go in! What if there are any dogs?" Dai An then led Mama Wang into the garden, arriving at the door of Jin Lian's room, pulled back the curtain, and Mama Wang entered.
Jin Lian was dressed in a beautiful brocade dress, looking lovely, sitting on the heated bed. Wang Mama quickly bowed, and Jin Lian hurriedly returned the gesture, saying, "Wang Mama, please don't be so polite." After Wang Mama finished her greeting, she sat by the heated bed. Jin Lian asked, "Why haven't I seen you for such a long time?" Wang Mama replied, "I have been thinking about you, but I didn't dare to disturb you." Jin Lian asked, "Have you had another baby boy?" Jin Lian said, "I wish I had, but unfortunately, I had two miscarriages and couldn't keep them." Wang Mama asked, "Does your son have a partner?" Wang Mama said, "Not yet. He has been with the customers at our house for more than a year, saved some money, bought a donkey, and is milling flour to make a living." Jin Lian asked, "Is the master not home?" Jin Lian said, "He went out today to see the official off, and the lady is not at home either. If you have something to say, just go ahead." Wang Mama said, "He Lao Jiu got into some trouble, and I asked the master for help: his brother He Shi was caught as a thief, and he is currently being interrogated at the criminal court, being accused of being the mastermind. In fact, this has nothing to do with He Shi, and I hope the master can vouch for him. Even if the thief names He Shi, it shouldn’t be enough to convict him. Once He Shi is released, he’ll come to thank the master properly tomorrow; here's a note." Wang Mama handed the note to Jin Lian. After reading it, Jin Lian said, "You can hold onto it for now; I’ll show it to the master when he gets back." Wang Mama said, "He Lao Jiu is waiting outside; have him come back tomorrow."
Jinlian instructed Qiuju to brew some tea, and after a while, Qiuju brought a cup of tea to Madam Wang. Madam Wang sat down and said, "You’re living the good life, Madam!" Jinlian replied, "What good life? As long as I can keep my cool, that’s all that matters. I have been troubled by things all day long." Madam Wang said, "My dear, you have no worries about food and clothing, you can boss the maids and servants around, what else is there to worry about?" Jinlian said, "As the saying goes, 'Three nests and two blocks, a big wife and a concubine, two spoons in one bowl,' how can there not be a few conflicts?" Madam Wang said, "My dear, you are much smarter than those people! Make the most of the master's current good fortune and enjoy yourself!" Madam Wang then said, "I’ll ask him to come by again tomorrow." After saying that, she got up and bid farewell. Jinlian said, "Madam Wang, won't you stay a bit longer?" Madam Wang replied, "Old Nine is still waiting for me, I won't stay, I’ll come back another time." Jinlian did not insist, and Madam Wang left. At the door, she reminded Dai An a few words. Dai An reassured her, "Don’t worry, I got it, I will tell the master when he comes back." He Jiu said, "An Ge, I will come early tomorrow morning." Then he walked out with Madam Wang.
In the evening, Ximen Qing returned home. Dai An told him about what happened. Ximen Qing went to Jinlian’s room, glanced at the note, and handed it to someone to keep, saying, "Tell me about it tomorrow in the yamen." He also asked Chen Jingji to post the invitation for the guest on the fourth day of the month. Without telling Chunmei, he also had Qintong send a box of snacks and a couple of silver to Han Daoguo's house, saying, "This is for Shen Erjie, so she doesn’t get upset." Wang Luer smiled and happily accepted, saying, "She wouldn't dare to get angry. Thanks to the help of my parents, she didn't run into Miss Chunmei." We'll leave that for now.
At night, Yue Niang returned home and first greeted Aunt Xiang and the others, then met with Master Ximen, bowed and asked after his health, and said, "Madam Xia took a liking to me. Today, many relatives and friends also came. Master Xia wrote a letter and also sent one for you, to be delivered tomorrow. They will be heading to the sixth or seventh of the Lunar New Year, and have asked Ben Si to take them to the capital and come back. Ben Si's son even kowtowed to me today; he's quite a handsome lad! He brought me tea and secretly glanced at me. I didn't pay attention to him, but Madam Xia asked him to change his name to Ruiyun and told him to kowtow to 'Lady Ximen', then he put down the tea tray and kowtowed to me four times. I gave him two gold flower tokens. Madam Xia really likes him, treats him like her own son, not like a servant at all." Master Ximen said, "This child is lucky. In another household, how could this be? Without scolding him as a servant, he is still being praised!" Yue Niang glared at him and said, "What nonsense are you spouting? Did I scold your beloved daughter?" Master Ximen laughed and said, "He went to the capital with Ben Si; who's going to mind my cloth shop?" Yue Niang said, "We can close it for a few days." Master Ximen said, "Closing it for a few days will delay business. This is the busy season for silk and satin sales; how can we close the shop? Let's discuss it tomorrow." After that, Yue Niang went to change her clothes in the inner room, then sat with Aunt Xiang in the other room for a while. The servants in the house all came to pay their respects and kowtow. That night, Master Ximen stayed overnight in Xue'e's room, and the next morning, he headed to the yamen. He saw He Jiu asking about the letter and gave Dai'an two taels of silver. Dai'an said, "Master told you yesterday. If you go to the yamen today, your brother will definitely be released. Wait at the yamen gate." He Jiu was thrilled and dashed off to the yamen. At the yamen, Master Ximen interrogated the robbers; each received twenty hard lashes, and He Shi was released. They also arrested a monk from Honghua Temple, accusing him of colluding with the robbers who stayed at the temple overnight. As they say: Zhang drinks while Li gets tipsy. As the poem puts it:
The fate of the Song Dynasty is drawing to a close, and the administration of justice is grossly unjust. Ultimately, it's hard to escape public scrutiny; how can one tolerate stirring up the murky waters while trying to promote clarity?
That day, Ximen Qing invited four opera singers: Wu Yiner, Zheng Aiyuer, Hong Sier, and Qi Xiang'er. They arrived at noon and all went to Pan Jinlian's room to kowtow to Pan Jinlian and the madam. Pan Jinlian served them tea. They were playing music and singing when Ximen Qing returned from the yamen and entered the room. The four opera singers put down their instruments and happily kowtowed to Ximen Qing. After sitting down, Pan Jinlian asked, "Why did you come back from the yamen so late today?" Ximen Qing replied, "I handled a few cases today." Then he looked at Pan Jinlian and said, "I have already released He Jiu, as Wang Mama mentioned yesterday. Those two bandits falsely accused him, so I had them each given twenty lashes and a squeeze, then had a monk from the temple outside the gate fill in for his absence. Tomorrow, the documents will be sent to Dongping Prefecture. There is also a case of adultery between a mother-in-law and her son-in-law. The son-in-law, named Song De, is not yet twenty years old. Originally, he was the adopted son-in-law of the family. After the mother-in-law died, he married the late mother-in-law's name, Zhou Shi. Less than a year later, the father-in-law also passed away. Zhou Shi, young and widowed, couldn't help herself and had an affair with her son-in-law. Later, because she scolded a maid, the maid told the neighbors, and it was reported to the authorities. Today, after the interrogation, they were sent to Dongping Prefecture. In Dongping Prefecture, the adulterous wife and her mother-in-law, being close relatives, both faced execution." Pan Jinlian said, "I think they should beat that gossiping maid half to death and sentence her to death too. Dressed in green and hugging a black pillar, one word can harm the master." Ximen Qing said, "I also interrogated that maid severely. That maid's negligence cost two lives." Pan Jinlian said, "If the head's not straight, the tail won't be either. A female dog does not wag its tail, and a male dog does not mount. In the end, it's the woman's heart that's crooked. If a woman is upright, who would dare to offend her!" The four opera singers all laughed and said, "The madam is right. Even in our line of work, it's not advisable to befriend lonely elderly people, let alone outsiders." After speaking, they served Ximen Qing his meal.
After a while, the sound of drums and music was heard in the hall, and Supervisor Jing arrived. Ximen Qing quickly dressed in his finest and came out to greet him, inviting Supervisor Jing into the main hall and seating him at the honored place. After drinking tea, Ximen Qing said, "Song the Circuit Intendant has accepted the invitation; you’re sure to get promoted soon." Supervisor Jing stood up and thanked him, saying, "Sir, I truly appreciate your support; I will always remember your guidance." Ximen Qing continued, "General Zhou also put in a good word for you; Song the Circuit Intendant will definitely have arrangements." Just then, Liu and Xue, two officials, arrived. They were ushered in to the sound of music, and Ximen Qing invited them into the main hall and seated them as guests. Both officials were wearing blue and green silk robes, with jeweled belts, sitting in the center. Soon, General Zhou also arrived, and they all chatted together. Supervisor Jing said to General Zhou, "Mr. Shiquan has been very generous; yesterday, Song the Circuit Intendant praised your talents at your residence. Song the Circuit Intendant has taken notice of you, and you will soon be promoted." General Zhou modestly thanked him repeatedly. Later, Zhang, He, Wang, Fan, Wu, and Qiao also arrived. Qiao came in a blue robe with a coronet, followed by four attendants. He paid respects to the elders and then kowtowed to Ximen Qing four times. Everyone asked why he was so happy, and Ximen Qing said, "My son-in-law has recently received an official position of honor in the residence." General Zhou said, "Congratulations to your son-in-law; we should also celebrate." Qiao said, "I am grateful for the kindness of all the elders; I wouldn't want to impose." After that, everyone sat down in order. Tea was served first, followed by wine. The banquet was filled with delicacies, and treasures adorned the hall, with performances of singing and dancing. After a while, the banquet was ready, and everyone took their seats. Wang repeatedly declined to sit at the main table, but Ximen Qing insisted, saying, "It's fine on ordinary days, but today at my house, let me accompany you all at the main table." Wang had no choice but to sit on the left side and lower his head. After a while, the dishes were served, and musicians and performers from the local music troupe took the stage. Later, four opera singers came up with silver strings and jade plates, singing their hearts out.
The poem goes:
The dance skirts and song boards are ever new; all the gold that is scattered belongs only to this body. Don't squander it on the rich; frugality is like good medicine that can heal poverty. On that day, Lord Liu took the seat of honor and also rewarded many silver coins. Everyone drank to their heart's content, only breaking up late into the night. Ximen Qing sent the musicians off with their pay. The four performers stayed in Pan Jinlian's room to play and sing, while Pan Jinlian kept Wu Yiner over for the night, sending the other three away. As they were leaving, they spotted Ximen Qing in the hall and said their goodbyes. Ximen Qing instructed Zheng Aiyue: "You bring Li Guijie with you tomorrow, and the two of you come to sing for another day." Zheng Aiyue knew Wang Sanguan was here today, so she didn't call Li Guijie, and said with a smile: "Father, has your supply office fallen apart—did the thief get away?" She then asked, "Who will be drinking tomorrow?" Ximen Qing replied, "All are relatives and friends." Zheng Aiyue said, "If that guy Ying Er is also here, I won’t come; I really don’t want to see that ugly creep." Ximen Qing said, "He won't be here tomorrow." Aiyue said, "It's better if he's not. If that strange fellow is here, we won't come." After saying this, she bowed and left. Ximen Qing watched the instruments being put away, then returned to Li Ping'er and went to bed with Ruyi. There was no further conversation that night.
Early the next morning, Ximen Qing sent someone to escort the two prisoners to Dongping Prefecture. After they returned, he hosted a lavish banquet at his residence, inviting a total of twelve guests, including Wu Daoguan, Wu Erjiu, Hua Dajiu, Shen Yifu, Han Yifu, Ren Yiguan, Wen Xiucai, Ying Bojue, Li Zhi, Huang Si, Du Sange, and three household servants. During the banquet, three young ladies—Li Guijie, Wu Yiner, and Zheng Aiyue—took on the task of pouring wine, while three young men, Li Ming, Wu Hui, and Zheng Feng, provided musical entertainment. Just when the atmosphere was lively, Ping An suddenly came to report: "Uncle Yun has been promoted, and he has come to pay New Year’s greetings to your father, bringing gifts!" Upon hearing this, Ximen Qing quickly said, "Please invite him in!" Soon, Yun Lishou appeared in a blue silk official robe, wearing a cap and a gold belt, followed by several attendants carrying gifts. He first presented a congratulatory card for Ximen Qing to read. The card read: "Newly appointed Right Guard Commander of Qinghe, Shandong, Yun Lishou, humbly bows and presents a modest gift: ten sable skins, one fish, a bag of dried shrimp, four preserved geese, ten preserved ducks, and two oil lamps." Ximen Qing instructed his subordinates to accept the gifts and thanked him profusely. Yun Lishou said, "I just returned home yesterday, and today I specifically came to pay my respects to your father." The two then exchanged a traditional greeting involving four bows and eight knocks. Yun Lishou added, "Thanks to your father's great kindness, these humble gifts are just a token of my appreciation." He then greeted the other guests one by one. Seeing that he had become an official, Ximen Qing warmly welcomed him, arranging for him to sit at Wu Erjiu's table, promptly serving him food and drinks. Ximen Qing asked about the matter of his father's death and the succession of his position. Yun Lishou explained in detail, "Thanks to the consideration of Minister Yu from the Ministry of War for my father's passing while in office, my family's official position was retained, and I was allowed to take over as the Assistant Commander of this guard." Ximen Qing replied cheerfully, "Congratulations! I'll definitely come by to celebrate with you soon!" That day, everyone took turns toasting, and the three performers also joined in, soon getting Yun Lishou drunk. Ying Bojue was all over the place at the table, standing up and sitting down, joking with Li Guijie and Zheng Yueer, keeping the mood lively. The banquet was filled with laughter and was exceptionally lively, continuing until late at night before dispersing. After sending the three performers on their way, Ximen Qing headed back to his room to get some rest.
The next day, Ximen Qing woke up late, had breakfast in the main room, and was about to go visit Yun Lishou when Dai'an arrived and said, "Ben Si is in front asking to speak with you." Ximen Qing realized it was about Xia Longxi's family, so he came out to the hall. Ben Si pulled a letter from his sleeve, addressed from Commander Xia, and presented it, saying, "Master Xia has asked me to escort his family to the capital and wanted to know if you would accompany them?" After reading the letter, Ximen Qing saw that it mainly expressed gratitude for his care of Xia's family, and took the opportunity of sending the family to say, "Since Master Xia entrusted you, why don't you go?" He then asked, "When will you leave?" Ben Si said, "Master Xia ordered me this morning, and the family will leave on the sixth day. I won't be back for half a month." After that, he handed the key to the Lion Street shop to Ximen Qing. Ximen Qing said, "You can go; I will have Wu Er help you look after the shop for a few days." Ben Si then bid farewell and left to get his things ready. Ximen Qing put on his hat and headed out to visit Yun Lishou.
That day, Ximen Qing went to Big Aunt's house, and the sedan chair sat waiting at the door. Coincidentally, Lady Yu had prepared two boxes of tea pastries and sent them out to Ximen Qing outside the sedan chair. At that moment, Huatong was seen hiding in the gatehouse, crying uncontrollably. Ping'an stepped forward to pull him, and the boy cried even harder. Lady Yu and the others heard him and were about to head to Big Aunt's house, so they asked Ping'an, "You little brat, why are you pulling him? Why did you make him cry like this?" Ping'an said, "Master Wen called him over there, he wouldn't go, and even scolded me." Lady Yu said, "You should talk to him nicely." Then she asked the boy, "Master Wen asked you to go, why don't you go, why cry?" Huatong pointed to Ping'an and said, "It's none of your business, I'm not going, why are you pulling me?" Lady Yu said, "Why don't you go?" The boy stayed silent. Jinlian snapped, "This little brat is really a little troublemaker! Madam asks you a question, why don't you speak?" Ping'an stepped up and slapped the boy, making him cry even louder. Lady Lian said, "You bad boy, why are you hitting him? Ask him why he's not going." Just then, Da'an rode in. Lady Yu asked, "Is your father here?" Da'an said, "Uncle Yun left him to drink, let me take the clothes over, and bring back the felt." Seeing Huatong crying, he asked, "Little master, why are you crying so sadly?" Ping'an said, "Master Wen asked him to go, he wouldn't go, and even scolded me." Da'an said, "My brother, when Master Wen calls you, you have to be careful, Master Wen is known to be fierce; if you provoke him, you'll be in trouble. How do you usually deal with him, why are you hiding today?" Lady Yu scolded, "You little brat, what do you mean by Master Wen?" Da'an said, "Mom, you ask him." Pan Jinlian called Huatong over in a hurry and asked him, "Little slave, tell the truth, what did Master Wen ask you to do? If you don't tell the truth, I'll let Madam hit you!" Under interrogation, the boy became anxious and said, "He wanted to take advantage of me, he stuffed his things into my butt, making me very painful. I asked him to take it out, but he refused and kept moving. I couldn't bear it, so I ran out, and he chased after me asking me to go back." Lady Yu scolded, "You little troublemaker, get out of here!" Liu Jie also questioned, making everyone blush and their hearts race. Lady Yu said, "I thought it was something good, but it turns out it's this! This Master Wen is really shameless, actually trying to take advantage of the boy! This boy is also unreliable." Jinlian said, "Madam, no one does something like this; only those hooligans would do this." Meng Yulou said, "This Master Wen already has a wife, how can he be so shameless?" Jinlian said, "He's been here for six months, we've never seen his wife." Ping'an said, "Madam, I've never seen his wife. Every time he goes there, he locks the door. He only rode a sedan back to his mother's house once, and he came back at night. He rarely goes out, just hangs around the door in the evenings." Jinlian said, "His wife must be a not-so-good person; marrying him, she probably doesn't see the light of day, every day is like being in prison." After that, Lady Yu and the others headed back to the backyard.
Ximen Qing returned home in the evening and sat down in the main room. Yue Niang asked him, "Did Brother Yun invite you for dinner?" Ximen Qing replied, "When I got to his place, he had already laid out a table for drinks. Wei Zhong from the Ministry of Defense has been promoted, and he's about to become the office chief. Tomorrow, he and the Qiao family are sending two gifts to congratulate him. His colleagues are all saying they want to gift him a calligraphy scroll. We need to get Wen Xiucan to write a couple of articles and have them mounted on a scroll." Yue Niang said, "Why are you still messing with Wen Xiucan? Giving him all these nice things for no reason is just shameless. If this gets out, it'll be so embarrassing!" Ximen Qing was taken aback and asked, "What’s going on?" Yue Niang said, "Don't ask me, ask your servant instead." Ximen Qing asked, "Which servant?" Pan Jinlian said, "Who else do you think it could be? It's that painter kid. When I was bringing Auntie back, he was crying right at the front door. You should ask him yourself how Wen Xiucan treated him."
Ximen Qing was somewhat skeptical and said, "Call that little rascal here; I'll ask him." He had Dai An summon the painter boy to kneel in the main room and planned to interrogate him harshly: "You thieving servant, honestly confess what Wen Xiucai asked you to do!" The painter boy said, "He got me drunk, and then... did that stuff. I was hiding and didn't dare to show up. He also had Ping An come to call me and beat me; my mother saw it. He often asks me about the different concubines in our family, and I’m too scared to say anything. Yesterday, there was a family banquet at home, and he had me swipe some silverware and a fire basin for him. Also, that day, he had me take my father's manuscript to Master Ni, and Master Ni then showed it to Lord Xia." Upon hearing this, Ximen Qing was instantly furious: "You can paint a tiger's skin but not its bones; you can know a person’s face but not their heart. I thought he was a decent person, but I didn't expect him to be such scum. What good is keeping him around!" He immediately ordered the painter boy to get up and instructed, "Don't go over there anymore!" The painter boy bowed in thanks and left. Ximen Qing said to Yue Niang, "No wonder Zhai's family warned me a few days ago that I could get into trouble if I'm not careful; it turns out he leaked my affairs! How could I know? Such scum, why raise him at home!" Yue Niang said, "Who did you tell? Your family doesn't have children in school, keeping someone just to write a greeting card, and even letting him do such things!" Ximen Qing replied, "No need to say anything more; just let him go tomorrow!" He called Ping An and instructed, "Tell Wen Xiucai that the master needs to clear the room for goods, so he should find another place. When he shows up to see me, let him know I’m not home." Ping An agreed and left.
Ximen Qing said to Yue Niang: "Ben Si is saying his farewells today, setting off on the sixth day to send Xia Longxi and his family to Tokyo. I thought I’d have Erjie help out for a few days. What do you think about that?" Yue Niang said: "It's up to you, don't worry about me, so others won't say I'm favoring my brothers." Ximen Qing didn't listen and sent the chess boy to invite Wu Erjie. After a while, Wu Erjie came, joined Ximen Qing for a drink, and Ximen Qing handed him the shop's key: "Open the door on Lion Street early tomorrow." And that was that.
Wen Xiucai was worried when Huatong didn’t come back all night. The next day, Ping An came and said: "The master said to clear out the house to make room for goods, let you find another house." Wen Xiucai was shocked and knew that Huatong must have said something. He quickly dressed neatly and went to see Ximen Qing. Ping An said: "Master has gone to the yamen and has not returned yet." When Ximen Qing returned, Wen Xiucai dressed neatly again and waited, writing a long letter he wanted to give to Qintong. Qintong was too afraid to accept it, saying: "Master has just returned from the yamen, very tired, resting in the back. We dare not disturb." Wen Xiucai realized that Ximen Qing was trying to distance himself from him, so he went to talk to Ni Xiucai about moving back.
It is said: Who can draw water from the Western River, difficult to wash away the shame of today. Nothing has a beginning without an end; friendships are like water, fading over time. Since ancient times, no relationship lasts forever; indeed, flowers cannot stay red forever.
