Ximen Qing asked Wang Po to help him meet Jin Lian, promising her ten taels of silver. Wang Po said this would be difficult, as it required satisfying five conditions of "Pan An, Donkey, Deng Tong, and Little Leisure": looking like Pan An, having a physique like a donkey, being wealthy like Deng Tong, being young, having patience, and finally, having free time. Ximen Qing patted his chest and claimed he met all five conditions; although he couldn't compare to Pan An in looks, he was decent enough; he had experience from his younger days spent in pleasure houses; his family might not be as rich as Deng Tong's, but it was sufficient; he was incredibly patient; if someone hit him a hundred times, he wouldn’t lift a finger in retaliation; he had plenty of free time, otherwise he wouldn't be so eager to come to Wang Po for help.
However, Wang Po said that even if all five conditions were met, there was one crucial thing: money. Upon hearing this, Ximen Qing said that money wasn’t a problem; as long as Wang Po could pull it off, he wouldn’t hesitate to pay up. Wang Po smiled mysteriously and said it was late today, and they should discuss it again later. Ximen Qing insisted that Wang Po tell him right now, promising a generous reward. Wang Po then smiled and said that even though her plan might not be the most sophisticated, it was definitely more effective than Sun Wu teaching soldiers, with a high chance of success.
Wang Po then explained Jin Lian's situation in detail: although Jin Lian had humble beginnings, she was clever and talented, skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and was now married to Wu Dalang. Wang Po often chatted with her and had a good relationship. Wang Po said that to succeed, they first needed to buy a piece of blue silk, a piece of white silk, a piece of white gauze, and ten taels of good cotton for her. She would borrow a calendar from Jin Lian to pick an auspicious day, then find a tailor to make the clothes. If Jin Lian agreed to help make the clothes, that would count as a success; if Jin Lian was willing to come to Wang Po's house to work, that would count as another step forward; if Jin Lian was willing to stay for a meal, that would count as yet another step forward... Wang Po detailed each step and how to gradually approach Jin Lian to ultimately achieve the goal.
Ximen Qing was thrilled after hearing this, singing Wang Po's praises for her brilliant scheme. Wang Po reminded him not to forget about the ten taels of silver. Ximen Qing quickly agreed and asked Wang Po when they could get started. Wang Po said they could see results tonight, and she would go borrow a calendar from Jin Lian. Ximen Qing immediately sent her some silk and cotton. Once Wang Po received them, she sent the servant back.
The poem says:
At first glance, they seem like strangers, but slowly pondering reveals a hint of affection.
In a brief encounter over drinks, beneath the flowers, their eyes linger with love.
Startled by this new feeling, she asks about the old name.
The shadow holds tonight's candle; how many feelings crisscross?
When will the clouds and rain of Wushan come? Don't let Xiang Wang down in building the Chu platform.
Wang Po received the fabric and cotton, made her way past Wu Da's back door, and went to Pan Jinlian's place. Pan Jinlian was sitting upstairs, and Wang Po said, "Don't tease me, sister-in-law. Why haven't you come to my house for tea these days?" Pan Jinlian replied, "I've been feeling a bit unwell recently, too lazy to move." Wang Po said, "Do you have an almanac at home? Let me see; I want to choose a good day to make clothes." Pan Jinlian asked, "What kind of clothes does godmother want to make?" Wang Po said, "I'm old, with this illness and that illness, afraid that one day suddenly... my son is not at home." Pan Jinlian said, "Why haven't I seen your son recently?" Wang Po replied, "He went out with a guest, no news at all; I'm extremely worried." Pan Jinlian asked, "How old is your son this year?" Wang Po said, "Seventeen." Pan Jinlian said, "Why don't you find him a partner, so you can rest assured?" Wang Po said, "Exactly, I'm the only one at home. I've been getting by, I have to find him a wife sooner or later. Let's wait until he comes back. Now I cough and wheeze day and night, my body is falling apart, I can't sleep well, it hurts terribly; I need to prepare a burial shroud right away. There is a wealthy official who often comes to my house for tea; his family needs medical treatment, buys maids, and arranges marriages; he relies on me for everything, he feels that I am reliable. He also gave me a set of shroud fabric, both inside and out, with a lot of good cotton; it has been at home for more than a year, and I haven't made it yet. This year I feel it's not good, and it's also a leap month; these two days happen to be free, I want to make it, but the tailor always makes excuses and refuses to come. I'm so bitter!" Pan Jinlian laughed and said, "I'm afraid I won't do a good job. If you don't mind, I happen to be free these days; I can help you make it." Wang Po heard this and laughed with joy, "If you can help me make it, I can rest easy! I've heard a lot about your needlework skills, but I dare not trouble you." Pan Jinlian said, "No problem! Since I promised you, I will definitely do it well. You bring the almanac; let's choose a good day, and I will start tomorrow." Wang Po said, "Don't tease me, sister-in-law; you are good at poetry and songs, why do you still look at the almanac?" Pan Jinlian smiled slightly, "I didn't study since I was young." Wang Po said, "Alright." She handed the almanac to Pan Jinlian. Pan Jinlian looked at it and said, "Tomorrow is an inauspicious day, the day after tomorrow is also not good; the day after that is suitable for cutting clothes." Wang Po snatched the almanac and hung it on the wall, saying, "If you are willing to help me, you are my lucky star! Why choose a day? I've already checked it; tomorrow is an inauspicious day, I didn't pay attention." Pan Jinlian said, "It's perfect to make a shroud on an inauspicious day." Wang Po said, "Since you are willing to do it, I won't refuse; you can come to my house tomorrow." Pan Jinlian said, "Why bother making a trip? You send the fabric, and I will help you make it." Wang Po said, "I have to see you do the work, and there is no one in my house." Pan Jinlian said, "Alright, I'll come over after lunch tomorrow." Wang Po left with a thousand thanks and told Ximen Qing about it that night, making an appointment to come the day after tomorrow. Nothing much happened that night.
The next morning, Wang Po cleaned the room, prepared the needle and thread, and made some tea, waiting at home. Wu Da had breakfast and went out carrying a load. Pan Jinlian hung up the curtain, let Ying'er stay at home to watch, and went to Wang Po's house through the back door. Wang Po was overjoyed, welcomed Pan Jinlian into the room to sit down, and quickly brewed a cup of walnut and pine nut tea for her. She wiped the table clean and took out three pieces of silk. Pan Jinlian measured the dimensions, cut them, and began to sew. Wang Po watched and kept praising, "What great craftsmanship! I've lived for sixty or seventy years, and I've really never seen such good needlework!" Pan Jinlian sewed until noon, and Wang Po prepared some food and drinks to invite her to eat, and also cooked a bowl of noodles. After sewing for a while, it was almost evening, so she packed up the needle and thread and went home. Wu Da happened to be coming back home with his load, and Pan Jinlian quickly closed the door and lowered the curtain. When Wu Da entered the house, he saw his wife's face slightly flushed and asked, "Where did you go?" Pan Jinlian said, "It was the neighbor's godmother who asked me to help her make a burial garment, and she treated me to some food and drinks at noon." Wu Da said, "You shouldn't have eaten her food; we have helped her too. She asked you to make clothes, and you came back to eat snacks; it's not worth it to get involved with her. When you go again tomorrow, bring some money and buy her some food and drinks as a thank-you. As the saying goes: a distant relative can't compare to a good neighbor; don't ruin the good relations. If she doesn't return the favor, just bring the needlework back and make it for her."
The cage of the mother is deep, and the foolish Wu Da is completely oblivious.
Bringing money to buy wine to repay her deceit, only to send his wife off to someone else.
Pan Jinlian listened to Wu Da's words that night and said nothing.
The next day after lunch, Wu Da shouldered a burden and went out, and Wang Po came over to invite Pan Jinlian. Pan Jinlian went to Wang Po's house, took out her sewing, and sewed while chatting. Wang Po quickly brewed some tea for Pan Jinlian. Just before noon, Pan Jinlian took out three hundred wen from her sleeve and said to Wang Po, "Godmother, let me treat you to a drink." Wang Po said, "Oh, that’s not necessary. I invited you here to eat and drink, that’s more than enough!" Pan Jinlian replied, "My husband asked me to bring money; if you insist, I’ll take the work back and do it for you later." Wang Po said, "Wu Da is really thoughtful! Since you say so, I will accept it." Wang Po, worried about wasting time, topped up her funds to buy some good wine and dishes to entertain. It’s said that even the smartest women can be swayed by a little kindness. Wang Po prepared drinks and snacks and shared a meal with Pan Jinlian. After sewing for a bit, it was getting late, and Wang Po thanked Pan Jinlian and sent her home.
The next morning, Wang Po intentionally sent Wu Da off, then ran to the back door and called out, "Madam, I need to speak with you." Pan Jinlian upstairs replied, "I'll be right down." Once they met, they sat down in Wang Po's house and got to work sewing. Wang Po made tea, and they chatted over tea. Jinlian sewed until noon.
Speaking of Ximen Qing, he has been looking forward to this day! Dressed neatly, carrying some money, and shaking a beautiful fan in his hand, he strolled over to Zishi Street. When he arrived at Wang Po's door, he coughed, "Aunt Wang, long time no see!" Wang Po took a look and immediately responded, "Who is it?" Ximen Qing said, "It's me." Wang Po hurried out, smiling and said, "Oh, it's the big shot! You've come at the right time, please come in!" She tugged at Ximen Qing's sleeve, pulled him into the house, and said to Jinlian, "This kind sir brought me some fabric." Ximen Qing looked up and saw Jinlian, who was really beautiful, with black shiny hair, rosy complexion, wearing a white shirt, peach-colored skirt, and blue jacket, sewing clothes attentively. When Jinlian saw Ximen Qing, she quickly lowered her head. Ximen Qing hurriedly bowed and Jinlian also returned a salute. Wang Po continued, "This kind sir brought me some fabric, which has been left at home for more than a year without being made. Thanks to this neighbor lady for helping. Her sewing skills are truly impressive, so neat and precise, really rare! Sir, come and take a look." Ximen Qing took the clothes and praised, "This lady, your sewing skills are amazing, it's like something out of a fairy tale!" Jinlian smiled and said, "Sir, please don't make fun of me." Ximen Qing deliberately asked Wang Po, "Mother, which family is this lady from?" Wang Po said, "Guess." Ximen Qing said, "I can't guess." Wang Po laughed, "Sir, please sit down, I'll tell you." Ximen Qing and Jinlian sat opposite each other. Wang Po said, "Sir, you happened to pass by the door that day." Ximen Qing said, "The one who almost bumped into me at the door that day was her? I didn't even know which family she was from!" Jinlian lowered her head even more, smiled and said, "I accidentally bumped into you that day, please don't be angry." Ximen Qing quickly said, "No way, not at all." Wang Po said, "That's her, Wu Dalang's wife." Ximen Qing said, "So it's her, forgive me." Wang Po looked at Jinlian and said, "Madam, do you know this official?" Jinlian said, "I don't know." Wang Po said, "This is the richest guy in our county, even the county magistrate is in contact with him, his name is Ximen Qing. His place is overflowing with cash, and he has rice stacked high like a warehouse, along with all kinds of gold, silver, jewels, as well as rhino horns and ivory! His main wife, whom I matched, is the daughter of Wu Qianhu, beautiful and smart." Then she asked Ximen Qing, "Sir, why don't you come to my house for a cup of tea?" Ximen Qing said, "My youngest daughter is engaged recently, so I'm very busy." Wang Po said, "Who is your daughter engaged to? Why didn't you invite me to be the matchmaker?" Ximen Qing said, "She's engaged to Chen Jingji, the son of Yang Tidu of the Forbidden Army in Beijing. He's only seventeen and still in school. I didn't mean to leave you out, but they invited Mrs. Wen over there, and I invited Mrs. Xue to help here. They are all busy arranging this matter. If you're willing to go, have tea tomorrow morning, and I'll send someone to invite you." Wang Po laughed, "I was just messing with you! We matchmakers are useless; when it comes to the wedding, who even remembers matchmakers? As the saying goes, people in the same profession are enemies. I'll go to the wedding, have some food, give some gifts, that's the proper thing to do. I won't compete with them!" The two chatted for a while. Wang Po was all compliments for Ximen Qing, while Jinlian kept sewing with her head down.
Women have always been fickle, often cheating with other men.
Jinlian loves Ximen Qing; her heart is consumed with desire.
Ximen Qing noticed that Jinlian was interested in him. He felt a surge of happiness and wished he could be with her immediately. Wang Po brewed two cups of tea again, one for Ximen Qing and one for Jinlian, saying, "Madam, please have some tea, sir." Then she looked at Ximen Qing, touched his face with her hand, and Ximen Qing understood that there was something brewing here. "As the saying goes, tea has always been a matchmaker for romance, while alcohol is the matchmaker for lust," Wang Po said. "Sir, if you hadn't come, I wouldn't have dared to invite you to your home. First, it's fate, and second, you came at the right time. As the saying goes, one guest doesn’t trouble two hosts. Sir, you pay, this lady will do the work, thanks to both of you for your contributions. I didn't mean to trouble you. It's rare for this lady to be here. You should act as the host, take some money and buy some wine and food, make this lady happy, how about it?" Ximen Qing said, "I've got some cash on me." Saying that, he took out a little over two silvers from his chest and gave them to Wang Po to buy wine and food. Jinlian said, "No need to spend money." Despite her words, she remained seated. When Wang Po left with the money, she said, "Please keep the gentleman company for a bit; I'll be right back." Jinlian said, "Auntie, no need." But she didn't budge. Wang Po left, leaving Ximen Qing and Jinlian in the room.
Ximen Qing fixed his gaze on the woman. The woman stole a glance at Ximen Qing, then lowered her head to do her own thing. Soon, Wang Po bought roast goose, roast duck, cooked meat, pickled vegetables, and exquisite fruits, and came back to arrange these dishes on plates and placed them on the table in the room. She said to the woman, "Madam, don't rush to work, have a drink." The woman replied, "You accompany the gentleman to drink; I don't have much of a tolerance for alcohol." Wang Po said, "This wine is specially prepared for you, why do you say that!" She then arranged the dishes in front of the woman, and the three of them sat down to drink. Ximen Qing picked up his glass and said, "Madam, have a few more drinks with the lady." The woman replied, "I don't have much of a tolerance for alcohol." Wang Po said, "I know the lady can hold her liquor, so please have a few more glasses." The woman took the glass, bowed to the two, and Ximen Qing picked up the chopsticks and said, "Madam, help me persuade the lady to eat more." Wang Po selected the finest dishes for the woman. After three rounds of drinks, Wang Po went to heat up the wine. Ximen Qing said, "I hope you don't mind me asking, but how old are you, madam?" The woman answered with her head down, "Twenty-five." Ximen Qing said, "Madam and my concubine at home are the same age, both born in the year of the Dragon. She was born on the fifteenth day of the eighth month." The woman said, "You're too kind." Wang Po interjected, "This lady is smart and capable, good at everything, especially skilled in needlework. She excels in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting." Ximen Qing asked, "Where did she pick up those skills?" Wang Po said, "I'm not gossiping; with so many people in the gentleman's house, where can you find someone like her!" Ximen Qing said, "That's right, it's hard to explain in a few words. It's just that my luck is bad; I didn't marry a good one at home." Wang Po said, "Your former wife was pretty good." Ximen Qing said, "Don't mention it! When my former wife was alive, the house was not as chaotic as it is now. Although there are a few servants by my side now, they are all unreliable." Wang Po said, "I forgot, how many years have you been without your wife?" Ximen Qing said, "It's a bit of a long story; my former wife, Chen Shi, although of humble origin, was very capable and took care of everything for me. Unfortunately, she passed away three years ago. Now this concubine is always sick, doesn't manage anything, and the house is in a mess. Why do I always go out? I get frustrated just staying at home." Wang Po said, "Please forgive my bluntness, sir; your former wife and the current one are not as good as your first wife in needlework, nor as beautiful." Ximen Qing said, "Even the maids around here can't compare to the first wife’s charm." Wang Po laughed, "Sir, why don't you invite me to have tea with that singer, Zhang Xichun, who performs those little tunes?" Ximen Qing said, "It's that singer, Zhang Xichun, who performs those little tunes. I think her conduct is not good; I don't like it." Wang Po said, "Sir, you have a long relationship with Li Jiao'er in the brothel, right?" Ximen Qing said, "She has already been married into the family now. If she can handle the household duties, I’ll make her my official wife." Wang Po said, "How about Miss Zhuo Er?" Ximen Qing said, "Let's not mention Miss Zhuo Er; I've also brought her home as my third wife. She recently got a strange illness and passed away." Wang Po said, "Ah, if you can find a woman who meets your standards like your first wife did, it's okay to bring her to the house, right?" Ximen Qing said, "My parents have passed away; I make my own decisions, who dares to say no?" Wang Po said, "I'm just joking; how could you possibly find such a perfect woman right away!" Ximen Qing said, "Why not? It's just that my fate with my wife is thin, and I haven't met the right one." Ximen Qing and Wang Po chatted for a while. Wang Po said, "I’m having such a great time, but we’ve run out of wine. Sir, don't blame me for being inefficient; how about buying another bottle of wine to drink?" Ximen Qing took out three or four taels of silver from his purse and gave them to Wang Po, saying, "Madam, you take this; buy it when you want to drink, and keep the rest." Wang Po thanked him and got up. She looked at the woman; after three cups of wine, feelings were starting to blossom between them, and both of them had feelings for each other, but they dared not look up.
Exactly:
The meaning in the eyes and the expression in the eyebrows are never at rest; fate brings us together in a whirlwind romance. Old Wang's greed is insatiable; she's just good at smooth talk and charm.
