Ximen Qing and Pan Jinlian finished bathing and went to sleep, while Chunmei was putting on shoes in the hallway. She saw the qintong sneaking around and asked him what was the matter. The qintong pointed to Qiujiao, who was kneeling in the yard, and Chunmei scolded him for being so slow and urged him to speak quickly. Only then did the qintong mention that Zhang An, the grave watcher, was waiting outside for Ximen Qing. Chunmei told him to wait and not to wake up Ximen Qing and Pan Jinlian. The qintong went out to wait for a while, then came back to ask if Ximen Qing was awake. Chunmei scolded him again and told him to wait a bit longer; if it got too late, he could just come back tomorrow.
Ximen Qing heard this in the room and called Chunmei to come in and ask what was happening. Chunmei mentioned Zhang An, and Ximen Qing got dressed. Pan Jinlian asked why Zhang An was here, and Ximen Qing said Zhang An mentioned that Widow Zhao wanted to sell land for three hundred taels, and he intended to offer two hundred and fifty taels. If he bought this piece of land, it could be linked to their family grave, and they could build a few rooms, a garden, and a well pavilion without spending much money, which would be a good deal. Pan Jinlian agreed, and Ximen Qing went to meet Zhang An.
Pan Jinlian got up to get ready and then came out looking to hit Qiujiao. Chunmei called the qintong over, and Pan Jinlian said for the qintong to bring cold wine for Ximen Qing to drink, scolding him for being disrespectful and saying she would hit him twenty times. When she reached ten hits, Li Ping'er came over and stopped her, so she stopped after ten hits. Then Li Ping'er said that Old Pan had bought a fifteen-year-old maid for seven and a half taels and asked Pan Jinlian to come take a look. Pan Jinlian went with Li Ping'er, and Li Jiao'er said that Ximen Qing had bought her and renamed her Xia Hua, and she was working at home.
Lai Bao and Manager Wu were escorting Ximen Qing's birthday gifts. The weather was very hot, and the journey was tough. Upon arriving outside the Wanshou Gate in Dongjing, they found an inn to stay at. The next day, they brought the gifts to Grand Master Cai's residence. Lai Bao asked Manager Wu to watch over the gifts while he went in to announce their presence. The gatekeeper asked who he was, and Lai Bao replied that he was a family member of Ximen Yuanwai, delivering birthday gifts. The gatekeeper scolded him, saying that the Grand Master’s residence wasn’t a place for just anyone to claim that title. At that moment, someone who recognized Lai Bao stepped in to help, saying that this was a new official who did not know the rules. He suggested that Lai Bao give the gatekeeper a little something to smooth things over. Lai Bao handed one of them a tael of silver, but that person said it was not enough and that he also needed to give something to the other two gatekeepers. Lai Bao then gave each of them a tael of silver. Only then did the gatekeepers start to lighten up, saying they would go inform Steward Zhai. After waiting for a long time, Steward Zhai came out, and Lai Bao quickly bowed to him. Steward Zhai asked why he was there, and Lai Bao presented the invitation and the gifts, mentioning the previous matter with the salt merchant Wang Si, thanking Steward Zhai for his help. Steward Zhai accepted the gifts and instructed that the birthday gifts be carried inside, telling Lai Bao to wait at the back seat on the west side of the second entrance. After a while, a little boy brought in some tea.
Before long, the Grand Master emerged. Zhai Qian first presented his report to the Grand Master, then asked Lai Bao and Supervisor Wu to step forward and offer their respects, kneeling on the steps. Zhai Qian handed the Grand Master the invitation for the birthday gift, while Lai Bao and Supervisor Wu carried the presents. They presented golden pots, jade cups, white jade carvings of immortals, embroidered python robes, and a dazzling array of colors; Nanjing silk, resplendent. The finest wine and meat were all carefully sealed; fresh fruits piled high on the plates. The Grand Master looked at these gifts but outwardly remarked, "These gifts are too precious; you should take them back." Lai Bao and the others, alarmed, quickly bowed and said, "Our master, Ximen Qing, lacks filial piety; these are merely meager gifts offered to the lord for your appreciation." The Grand Master said, "Then let the servants accept them." The attendants nearby collected all the gifts. The Grand Master then said, "A few days ago, I sent a letter to the governor about the guests from Cangzhou, Wang Si and the others. What was the outcome?" Lai Bao replied, "Thanks to your generosity, after the letter arrived, those salt merchants were released." The Grand Master further asked Lai Bao, "Your master has gone to great lengths several times; there is nothing with which to repay you. What should we do? Does your master hold any official position?" Lai Bao replied, "My master is merely an ordinary citizen; he holds no official position." The Grand Master said, "Since there is no official position, a few days ago the court granted me several blank appointment letters; I can arrange for your master to be appointed as Deputy Qianhu at the Shandong Procuratorate, to fill the vacancy left by Qianhu He Jin. How does that sound?" Lai Bao quickly bowed in gratitude, saying, "Thanks to your great kindness, my master's entire family could never repay your kindness, even if they were to be utterly destroyed!" He then had someone bring over a writing desk, and immediately signed a blank appointment letter, filling in Ximen Qing's name, with the position of Deputy Qianhu of the Jinwu Guard and Deputy Qianhu at the Shandong Procuratorate. The Grand Master then said to Lai Bao, "You both have worked hard in delivering the birthday gifts on my behalf." He then asked, "Who is the person kneeling behind you?" Lai Bao was about to say he is a helper when Supervisor Wu interjected, "I am Ximen Qing's brother-in-law, named Wu Dian'en." The Grand Master said, "Since you are Ximen Qing's brother-in-law, you have a dignified appearance." He then called for an appointment letter, saying, "I will arrange for you to take up the position of courier supervisor in Qinghe County. How does that sound?" Wu Dian'en was so startled that he bowed repeatedly. The Grand Master took another appointment letter, filled in Lai Bao's name, and appointed him as a school officer in the Shandong Yuwang Mansion. Both men bowed in thanks and accepted their appointment letters. The Grand Master instructed them to report to the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War tomorrow morning to register and receive their official appointments, which must be accepted by the deadline. He also instructed Zhai Qian to host them in the guest quarters and provided them with ten taels of silver for their travel expenses.
During the reign of Emperor Huizong, the political climate was corrupt, with treacherous officials in power and sycophants swarming the court. The four corrupt officials—Gao Qiu, Yang Jian, Tong Guan, and Cai Jing—sold official positions and titles, accepted bribes, and openly took bribes, literally weighing their official positions and pricing them openly. Those who flattered them could quickly climb the ranks, while those who were honest and upright found themselves stuck without promotions for years. This created a corrupt social environment, with dishonest officials everywhere, heavy taxation, widespread poverty, rampant theft, and chaos all around. If it hadn't been for the treacherous officials in power, the Central Plains wouldn't be drenched in blood.
At this time, Zhai Qian hosted Lai Bao and Supervisor Wu in the side room, setting up a large table of food and drink for them to feast. Zhai Qian said to Lai Bao, "I have a favor to ask of your master. I wonder if your master would be willing to help?" Lai Bao replied, "Manager Zhai, you're too kind! Thanks to the care from you and your master, please feel free to give any orders; we will definitely follow through." Zhai Qian said, "To be honest with you, I promised the master I would send him only one woman each day. I am nearly forty years old, frequently ill, and have no one to attend to me. I would like to ask your master for assistance in finding a young and beautiful woman, around fifteen or sixteen years old, from your area, and bring her to me. I will pay whatever dowry is necessary." After speaking, he handed Lai Bao a letter and a reply, and also gave them five taels of silver as expenses. Lai Bao politely declined, saying, "The master has already rewarded us, Manager Zhai, please take it back." Zhai Qian said, "That was the master's reward; this is my private gift to you, no need to refuse." After the meal, Zhai Qian said, "I will arrange for a staff member to accompany you to handle the paperwork, so you won't need to make another trip tomorrow. I've already informed them, so the departments won't delay your paperwork." With that, he called a staff member named Li Zhongyou, "You will go with them to the departments tomorrow to register, and once you have received the official appointment, come back and inform me." The staff member bid farewell to Lai Bao and Wu Dian'en, left the mansion, and went to the Baijiu Hotel on Tianhan Bridge Street to discuss matters. Lai Bao treated them to food and drinks and gave Li Zhongyou three taels of silver, agreeing to head to the Personnel Ministry first thing tomorrow morning, then to the War Ministry to register and receive the official appointment. Everyone knew that these were people from the Grand Secretary's Mansion, so no one dared to delay, and they quickly processed their paperwork. Zhu Jian, the Commander of the Jinwu Guard, immediately stamped and signed the document, and sent it to the subordinate departments, adding Lai Bao's name to the list of messengers for the Prince of Yun of Shandong. He also wrote a thank-you note and sent it to Manager Zhai. Everything was completed in less than two days. The hired staff member got up and returned to Qinghe County that night to share the good news.
The poem goes:
Wealth and nobility are often acquired through deceit, while fame and success rely entirely on Deng Tong's achievements.
One day, during the hot summer days, Ximen Qing was enjoying the lotus flowers and drinking wine in the Gathering View Hall, a cool pavilion in his home. Wu Yueniang and Ximen Qing sat in the main seats, while his other concubines and sisters flanked them on either side. Chunmei, Yingchun, Yuxiao, and Lanxiang were happily playing and singing nearby. What a splendid banquet it was that day! One could see:
Potted green grass and vases of red flowers. Crystal curtains rolled up like shrimp whiskers, and mica screens opened like peacocks. Plates piled high with delicacies, and beautiful ladies smiling while holding purple haze goblets; basins filled with ice peaches, and lovely women lifting jade goblets high. A variety of flavorful dishes and seasonal fruits were presented. The strings and pipes serenaded the air, weaving a tapestry of harmonious beauty; fine silks and jewels displayed, with two rows of dancing girls singing. At the banquet, applause echoed as the dancers' skirts flowed like brocade. Leisurely passing the time, as if the sun and moon were trapped in a pot, they wandered outside, intoxicated by the vastness of the universe.
The wives were drinking, and suddenly Li Ping'er was missing. Yue Niang asked Xiu Chun, "Where did your mother go?" Xiu Chun said, "My mother has a stomachache and is lying down." Yue Niang said, "Hurry and ask her to come over, don't just lie there, come listen to the opera before you go." Ximen Qing asked Yue Niang what happened, and Yue Niang said, "Sister Li is suddenly feeling unwell and is lying in the room; I asked the maid to fetch her." Then she said to Yu Lou, "Sister Li is seven or eight months pregnant; don't let her get tired." Pan Jinlian said, "Big sister, she’s not due this month; she’s probably due in August. It’s still early!" Ximen Qing said, "Since it’s still early, let the maid fetch Sister Liu to join us for the opera." After a while, Li Ping'er arrived. Yue Niang said, "Don't catch a cold; have some hot wine; it’ll do you good." Before long, everyone’s glasses were filled to the brim with wine. Ximen Qing asked Chun Mei to sing "Everyone Fears the Summer" for him. Chun Mei and the others started to play and sing "Everyone Fears the Summer." Li Ping'er was frowning at the banquet, and before the song was finished, she excused herself and went back to her room. Yue Niang listened to the song and felt a sense of unease, so she asked Xiao Yu to check the room. Xiao Yu came back and reported, "Sister Liu is having stomach pains and is tossing and turning in bed." Yue Niang was anxious, "I knew it! Sister Liu said it was too early! We need to call Cai Lao Niang right away!" Ximen Qing quickly told Ping An, "Hurry! Quickly invite Cai Lao Niang!" So everyone lost their appetite for drinking and rushed to Li Ping'er’s room to check on her.
Madam Yu asked Sister Li, "How do you feel?" Sister Li said, "Madam, I've been feeling pain from my chest down to my lower abdomen." Madam Yu said, "Get up, don't fall asleep, be careful not to harm the child. Once the midwife gets here, everything will be alright." After a while, Sister Li's pain worsened. Madam Yu asked again, "Who went to fetch the midwife? Why hasn't she arrived yet?" Da'an said, "Master sent me." Madam Yu scolded, "You fool, why haven't you gone to welcome her yet! You didn't arrange it properly, sending a little servant, no efficiency at all." Ximenqing told Da'an to hurry up and ride the mule to fetch the midwife. Madam Yu said, "In such an urgent situation, why are you dragging your feet?" Panjinlian, noticing that Sister Li was about to give birth, felt a bit uneasy. She watched for a while in the room, then pulled Mengyulou out, and the two stood under the eaves of the west wing to chat and cool off, saying, "Oh, it’s so crowded and noisy, and it’s not like anyone here is actually giving birth, yet everyone’s acting all nervous!" After a while, Granny Cai arrived and asked, "Who is the lady of the house?" Lijiao pointed to Madam Yu and said, "This is the lady." Granny Cai quickly kowtowed. Madam Yu said, "Granny, don't be like this. Why did you come so late? Look at this lady, is she about to give birth?" Granny Cai felt Sister Li's belly and said, "It’s time." Then she asked, "Madam, do you have the birthing supplies and paper ready?" Madam Yu said, "We're ready." She then called out to Xiaoyu, "Go grab the supplies from my room!"
Zai Shuo Yulou saw the old lady coming and said to Jinlian, "Cai Lao Niang is here, should we go check it out?" Jinlian said reluctantly, "If you want to go, go ahead, I'm not going. She's a woman with kids, good for her, but who really wants to see her? I accidentally said 'probably in August' before, just to please Big Sister. It's really ridiculous; it annoyed me for a long time." Yulou said, "I also said she was born in June." Jinlian replied, "You're also talking nonsense this time! Let me tell you: since last August, she's not a young girl anymore; she got pregnant right after marriage. A woman who's been married for a bit, even if a man has seen her a lot, it still takes a month or two to have a child, and you're saying it's our family's child? Am I wrong? If it's an August baby, there's still a bit of our family's shadow; if it's June, then that's a whole different story! Lost, where can we find a calf?" Just then, Xiaoyu came in carrying some grass paper, birthing supplies, and a little mat. Meng Yulou said, "Big Sister prepared these a long time ago; we're just borrowing them for now." Jinlian said, "One is the main wife, one is the concubine; tomorrow they'll raise the child together. Even if there were ten, they wouldn't be able to raise them all. We're like buying a hen that doesn't lay eggs; if it doesn't eat me, what am I supposed to do?" She continued, "What are you so happy about? No need to get all worked up!" Yulou said, "What's wrong with Wu Jie?" Later, when she saw that Jinlian was talking nonsense, she lowered her head to adjust her skirt, ignoring her. After a while, Sun Xue'e heard that Li Ping'er had given birth and hurried over to see, almost tripping over the steps in the darkness. Jinlian saw this and said to Yulou, "Look at this eager little servant! Walk slowly, what's the rush? Hurrying like this could cost you your life! Tripping in the dark and knocking out your teeth would cost money! After you give birth, I’ll get you a nice silk hat tomorrow!" After a while, they heard a cry from inside the room; the child was born. Cai Lao Niang said, "Tell the master to give me something nice; I’ve had a son." Wu Yueniang told Ximen Qing. Ximen Qing quickly washed his hands, lit incense in front of the ancestral tablets, and prayed for the mother and child's safety. Pan Jinlian heard that the baby was born; everyone in the family was happy, but she just got angrier, went back to her room, slammed the door, and cried. This happened on the third day of the sixth month of the fourth year of Xuanhe.
This is exactly what I mean:
Unpleasant things often happen, but you can’t talk to just anyone. After Old Lady Cai delivered the baby, cut the umbilical cord, buried the placenta, and made some soothing herbal soup for Li Ping'er to drink, the child was settled. Madam Yue invited the midwife to have her meal in the back. Before leaving, Ximen Qing gave her five taels of silver and promised to give her a bolt of satin on the third day. Old Lady Cai left, overflowing with gratitude.
That day, when Ximen Qing entered the room, he saw a plump little baby lying there, and he couldn't be happier! The whole family was overjoyed. That night, Ximen Qing rested in Li Ping'er's room, and he occasionally went to check on the baby. The next day, before dawn, he got up and prepared ten gift boxes to send to relatives and friends to share the good news. Ying Bo and Xie Xida heard the news of Ximen Qing's baby, so they rushed over with congratulatory gifts. Ximen Qing invited them into the house to have the gifts. Just as he was seeing them off, Ximen Qing was about to send a servant to fetch a matchmaker to find a wet nurse when Xue Sao led a wet nurse over. This wet nurse was a poor woman in her thirties whose child had died just under a month ago. Her husband had gone to war, leaving no one to take care of the child, so she planned to sell her child for six taels of silver. Madam Yue found the wet nurse to be clean and capable, so she suggested to Ximen Qing that they keep her for six taels of silver, naming her Ruyi, to take care of the child. She also called for Old Feng to keep an eye on the wet nurse discreetly, providing her five qian of silver each month to cover her food, clothing, and living expenses.
It was bustling that day when suddenly someone reported, "Lai Bao and Supervisor Wu have returned from Tokyo and are at the door!" In no time, the two of them came in and shared the good news with Ximen Qing. Ximen Qing asked, "What good news?" The two of them then detailed the story of presenting gifts to Cai Taishi in Tokyo from beginning to end: "The master was delighted to see the gifts and said, 'I have received gifts from your master many times, and I have nothing much to offer in return.' The court rewarded several vacant official positions, giving one to father and filling father's name in the position of Vice Captain of the Imperial Guard, serving here at the magistrate's office, replacing the vacancy left by He Lao. I also got promoted and became the Iron Bell Guard Captain, working at the Yunwang Mansion. Supervisor Wu was promoted to the post of County Postmaster." They then took out three official documents, as well as documents from the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War, and official attire, and placed them on the table for Ximen Qing to see. Ximen Qing saw many official seals on top of them, officially appointing him as Vice Captain, which filled him with joy, and he couldn't help but smile. He showed the appointment letter from the court to Lady Wu and the others, saying, "Master Taishi promoted me to become the Vice Captain of the Imperial Guard, which is a fifth-rank official position! You can share in this fortune and become the wife of a fifth-rank official. Supervisor Wu became the Postmaster, Lai Bao became the Captain of the Yunwang Mansion. Wu Xian helped me predict accurately, and I will soon don the official cap. Today, it has finally come true! Both happy events have been realized in less than half a month!" He then told Lady Wu, "The child born to Li Dajie is very strong, having had three baths in three days. Let’s name him Guan Ge'er!" Lai Bao came in and kowtowed to Lady Wu and the others before he spoke. Ximen Qing instructed them to deliver the documents to the magistrate's office the next morning and inform Xia the magistrate. Supervisor Wu also mentioned he would take the documents to the county the next morning before bidding farewell and returning home.
The next day, after the washing ritual, everyone knew that Ximen Qing's sixth wife had given birth to a child. Just three days later, another good thing happened—he became a thousand household official. Everyone rushed to pay their respects and win his favor. People came to offer gifts and congratulations without stopping from morning to night. As the saying goes, when the time comes, everyone comes, and when the time is not right, no one comes! This just goes to show the truth of the saying: When the time is right, even iron shines; when luck runs out, even gold loses its shine.
