The poem says:
Walk along the flower path, the railing is low. To guard against prying eyes, one often feels startled. Thorns snag the skirt and hairpin, flashing back in the wisteria trellis.
Enticing the tender branches with a soft murmur, seeking a way back, looking for a gap, led in by the old family’s swallows, drawn into the window's veil.
— From the tune "Returning to the Cave Immortal"
Inside the house, Ximen Qing was happily charmed by Li Ping'er. The two embraced, whispering sweet nothings to each other, lost in their own world for a long time. Li Ping'er let Chunmei come in to set the table and went to the backyard to fetch wine.
Jin Lian and Yu Lou were crouched by the corner door, eavesdropping. The door to Ximen Qing's room was closed, with only Chunmei serving in the yard. Jin Lian and Yu Lou peeked through the crack in the door; the room was lit, but they couldn't make out the conversation. Jin Lian said, "I’m not as sharp as Chunmei; she picks up on everything." Chunmei listened for a while under the window and then came over. Jin Lian quietly asked her what was happening inside, and Chunmei spoke to both of them through the door: "My father told her to strip and kneel, but she refused. My father got angry and whipped her a few times." Jin Lian asked, "Did she take them off after being hit?" Chunmei replied, "When my father got angry, she panicked and finally stripped to kneel. My father is asking her questions now." Yu Lou, worried that Ximen Qing might overhear, said, "Fifth Sister, let’s go over there." She pulled Jin Lian to the west corner door. It was the second day of the eighth month, and the moon had just risen. The two stood in the shadows, chatting while waiting for Chunmei to come out. Pan Jin Lian said to Yu Lou, "Sister, just say I love fruit and just want to be here. Before it even began, I got a few lashes. I'm sensitive; if you flatter him, it might help. He’s like that candied hawthorn vendor; whether you buy or not, he always makes a profit. Thinking back to when those little maids bullied me, I was so careful, yet I ended up in tears with no way out. Sister, you've only been here a few days, and you still don't get his temperament!"
They were talking when they heard the corner gate open, and Chunmei came out, walking straight to the backyard. Her mother called out to her from the shadows, "Little Meat, where are you going?" Chunmei smiled and kept walking. Jinlian said, "You little girl, come here, I have a question for you. Why are you in such a hurry?" Chunmei stopped and said, "She cried and said a lot to my father. My father happily picked her up, told her to get dressed, asked me to set the table, and now I’m going to the backyard to get wine." Jinlian said to Yulou, "This shameless girl! The thunder was loud and the rain was light at first, but after a beating, it turned out to be nothing. I doubt it's anything serious, probably just bringing wine to serve her. She still has two maids in her room, let them get the wine! In the backyard, she's probably messing around with Xue'e, that little maid; I can't even hear what's going on." Chunmei said, "Whatever my father asks me to do, I'll do it!" and then walked away smiling. Jinlian said, "This girl, when you ask her to do something serious, she acts like she's dying. But when it comes to sneaky business, she moves so quickly! She still has two maids in her room, let them go, that's not her job! The radish vendor follows the salt vendor - she's such a busy little maid!" Yulou said, "That's right! My eldest maid Lanxiang, when I ask her to do work, she just drags her feet. But when my father asks her to do sneaky business, to follow orders, look how quickly she does it!"
As they were speaking, Yuxiao came from the backyard, "Is San Niang here? I'm here to pick you up." Yulou said, "You naughty boy, you scared me!" Then asked, "Does your mom know you're here?" Yuxiao said, "I told my mom to go to bed, I came to the front to see, and I just saw Chunmei go to the backyard to get some snacks and drinks." Then asked, "How is my father in her room?" Jinlian reached out and said, "Go in and keep it short." Yuxiao asked Yulou again, and Yulou filled him in. Yuxiao said, "San Niang, did he really make her take off her clothes and kneel down, and then beat her five times?" Yulou said, "My father only beat her because she didn't kneel." Yuxiao asked, "Did he hit her with her clothes on or off? How could her fair skin endure it?" Yulou smiled and said, "You really care about her!" Just then, they saw Chunmei holding wine and Xiaoyu holding a box, heading straight to Lijing'er's side. Jinlian said, "This girl, I don’t know why, but when she hears stuff like this, she acts like a troublemaker." She ordered, "Quick, have her maid take care of her in her room. Don't mind her, I'll call you!" Chunmei and Xiaoyu went in with a smile. They placed the wine and food on the table, then came out, Xiu Chun and Ying Chun responded in the room. Yulou and Jinlian asked her questions. Yuxiao said, "San Niang, let's go." The two of them headed out together. Jinlian told Chunmei to close the corner door and went back to sleep.
Unfortunately, tonight’s reunion is under the moon, its clear light just inches away from another reunion. Not mentioning Jinlian sleeping, let's talk about Ximen Qing and Lijing'er, two people who love each other, drinking and chatting until midnight before going to sleep. The light shines like a phoenix in the mirror; the fragrance lingers like butterflies dancing in the flowers. Tonight, it's better to shine the silver basin, afraid that this meeting is just a dream. Gently drawing her brows, she doesn’t want to fuss over the details. The clouds in the window and the mist in the pavilion seem to promise something deep, the orchid-like nature calls gently.
In mutual affection, a charming person lends support, like celestial beings unmatched in the world.
From now on, let's put aside our longing; a perfect bond is worth more than brocade.
The two of them slept until lunchtime the next day. Li Ping'er was just about to get out of bed to look in the mirror and comb her hair when Yingchun came in with the meal. Li Ping'er rinsed her mouth first, accompanied Ximen Qing in eating half a bowl of rice, and then asked Yingchun to bring the leftover Jinhua wine from yesterday. She took a small wine cup and they each drank two cups before she started washing her face and getting ready. Then she opened the trunk and took out fine jewelry and garments to show Ximen Qing. She took out a hundred Western beads and told him they were brought by Liang Zhongshu's family. She also took out a gold-inlaid dark blue hat, claiming it belonged to her deceased father-in-law. When weighed, it came to four taels and eight fen. Li Ping'er asked Ximen Qing to take it to the silversmith to make a pair of pendants. She then took out a gold-threaded hairpiece, weighing nine taels. Then she asked Ximen Qing, "Does the lady in the main room have any hairpieces like this?" Ximen Qing replied, "They do have two or three silver-threaded hairpieces, but none are woven like this." Li Ping'er said, "I feel a little shy about wearing it out. Please help me take it to the silversmith to modify it, making a nine phoenix hairpin, with each phoenix's mouth holding a tassel bead, and with the remaining gold, help me make a headpiece similar to the one his lady wears, the gold-inlaid jade Guanyin headpiece, styled like 'a full pool of delicate distractions'." Ximen Qing gathered the items, got himself ready, and then headed out.
Li Ping'er said again, "No one is watching the house over there. You should arrange for someone to guard it and bring back the servant Tianfu to help out. That old Feng lady is slow in doing things; I don't feel at ease with her alone there." Ximen Qing said, "I understand." He adjusted his hairpin and put on his hat before heading outside. Unexpectedly, Pan Jinlian was standing with her hair down at the east corner gate, calling out, "Brother, where are you going? We just came out!" Ximen Qing replied, "I have something to do outside." Li Ping'er said, "Why are you rushing out like this? Come here, I need to ask you something!" Seeing her call out urgently, Ximen Qing had no choice but to return. Li Ping'er pulled him into the room, sat him down on a chair, held his hand, and said, "I can't scold you outright, you scoundrel. Who would use a big shovel to get rid of you! Why are you running out in such a hurry? Come here, I'm asking you!" Ximen Qing said, "Enough, little minx, what do you want to ask? I have something to do; we'll talk when I come back!" Saying that, he tried to go out again. Li Ping'er felt something heavy in his sleeve and said, "What's this? Take it out and let me see." Ximen Qing said, "It's my silver purse." Li Ping'er was skeptical, reached into his sleeve, and pulled out a golden hairpin, saying, "This is her hairpin. What are you taking it for?" Ximen Qing explained, "She asked me if the people in the upper room had this kind of hairpin; she felt embarrassed to wear it, so she asked me to take it to the silversmith to alter it and make two pieces of jewelry to wear." Jinlian asked, "How heavy is this hairpin? What does she want to make?" Ximen Qing replied, "This hairpin weighs nine taels; she wants to make a nine phoenix hairpin and another headpiece similar to the one Madam Shangfang wears." Jinlian said, "For the nine phoenix hairpin, three taels and five mace of gold is enough. Sister's headpiece, I weighed it, and it's only one tael and six mace. With the leftover gold, could you help me make a nine phoenix hairpin?" Ximen Qing said, "The style of the Manchi Jiao requires solid inlay of branches." Jinlian responded, "Even with solid inlay of branches, three taels of gold is enough. There will be two or three taels of gold left, enough to make another hairpin." Ximen Qing chuckled and teased, "You little minx! Always looking for a way to take advantage!" Jinlian said, "Remember what I said. If you help me out, we can have a good life together. If you help me out, we’ll never hear the end of it!" Ximen Qing tucked the hairpin and left with a smile. Jinlian smiled and said, "Brother, you've really gotten yourself into it this time." Ximen Qing asked, "How am I in trouble?" Jinlian replied, "If you're not in trouble, why did you pretend yesterday that you wanted to hit her and make her hang herself? Today you took out a hairpin, slickly persuading her; I don't believe you're off the hook!" Ximen Qing laughed and said, "You little minx, just spouting nonsense!" Saying that, he went out.
Wu Yueniang, Meng Yulou, and Li Jiao'er were sitting in the room when they suddenly heard the servants outside shouting and looking for Lai Wang. Ping An pulled aside the curtain and entered. Yueniang asked, "Why are they looking for him?" Ping An replied, "Master is urgently waiting for him." Yueniang paused before answering, "I sent him to take care of something." It turned out that Yueniang had sent Lai Wang to Wang Guzi's nunnery in the morning to deliver sesame oil and rice. Ping An said, "I'll go back and tell Master that Madam sent Lai Wang on an errand." Yueniang scolded, "You stupid servant, say whatever you want!" Ping An was scared and did not dare to speak, quickly leaving. Yueniang said to Yulou and the others, "If I speak up, I'm criticized for being too lenient. If I stay silent, I feel anxious. It's tough being on my own; maybe we should just sell the house. It's just a waste of effort and worry. What’s there to worry about losing the house? Why do we have to send Lai Wang and his wife here? She has all sorts of illnesses; what if she gets sick? Who will take care of her?" Yulou said, "Sister, I hate to say this. You are the head of the household; if you don’t talk to your husband, there’s nothing we can do, and the children below have no one to rely on. He's been moody these past few days; it’s just so dull. Sister, listen to me, talk to him nicely." Yueniang said, "Meng Sanjie, don't say these things. I haven't argued with him; it's his own temper. Even if he shows me a bad face, he can't expect me to look at him! Behind my back, he calls me an unvirtuous whore; where am I unvirtuous? Now that there are so many people in the house, they only know that I am not virtuous! As the saying goes, speaking good words to please people, speaking the truth causes resentment. I advised you in the beginning; it was for your own good. You have accepted so many things from him, bought his house, and now want to take his wife, while also currying favor with the officials. Moreover, he is still in mourning; you shouldn't have married him. Who knows what schemes he is plotting behind my back, pretending to be friendly every day, deceiving me alone? Today he says he's resting in the courtyard, tomorrow he says he's resting in the courtyard; who knows he's just bringing people back home to rest, really resting in the courtyard! He sweet-talks his friends, acts pretentiously, deceives them, and thinks he's great. Honest folks like us give him good advice, but does he ever listen? He ignores me; can I beg him? I need to eat three meals a day, so I’ll just act like I’m a widow here. Don't bother with him." Her words left Yulou and the others feeling awkward.
After a while, Li Ping'er came out beautifully dressed, wearing a bright red, gold-embroidered blouse and a floor-length emerald green skirt adorned with beautiful patterns. Yingchun was holding a silver flask, and Xiuchun was carrying a tea box. They walked to the main hall together to serve tea to Yue Niang and the others. Yue Niang asked Xiao Yu to move a seat for Li Ping'er. After a while, Sun Xue'e also arrived, and everyone sat together drinking tea. Pan Jinlian, being outspoken, said, "Sister Li, come here and greet the elder sister. To be honest, the elder sister and her father haven’t spoken for a long time, all because of you! We just spent the whole day trying to persuade her for you. You should host a banquet another day to properly cheer up the elder sister and help reconcile those two old folks." Li Ping'er replied, "I understand what you mean, sister." Then she bowed four times to Yue Niang, just like lighting candles. Yue Niang said, "Sister Li, she's just teasing you!" She added, "Fifth sister, don’t encourage her anymore. I’ve already sworn that I won’t speak to him for a hundred years!" At this, everyone discreetly fell silent. Jinlian, sitting beside them, was combing Li Ping'er's hair and noticed that she was wearing a gold grasshopper headdress and a comb with a design of the three friends of winter: pine, bamboo, and plum. She said, "Sister Li, you shouldn’t wear that grasshopper headdress; it’s a bit prickly. It’s not as delicate and beautiful as the charming golden Guanyin that elder sister wears!" Li Ping'er, being honest, replied, "I want to have one made like that by the silversmith too!" Later, Xiao Yu and Yu Xiao came to serve tea and intentionally teased her. Yu Xiao first asked, "Sixth sister, which office did your husband work at in the imperial city?" Li Ping'er said, "He was in the Xiqin Department." Yu Xiao laughed, "No wonder you got a good scolding yesterday!" Xiao Yu then said, "Last year, many village heads sought you out to go to Tokyo." Li Ping'er looked confused and asked, "Why did they look for me?" Xiao Yu laughed, "They said you could predict floods!" Yu Xiao added, "Did your mother really worship a thousand Buddhas? You must have bowed enough yesterday!" Xiao Yu continued, "Yesterday, the court sent four night watchmen to ask you to go to the border with the barbarians. Is that true or false?" Li Ping'er replied, "I don’t know." Xiao Yu laughed, "They said you could make beautiful sounds like 'da da'!" This made Yu Lou and Jinlian burst out laughing. Yue Niang scolded, "You naughty girls, go do your work instead of just teasing her!" At this, Li Ping'er was so embarrassed that her face turned completely red, not knowing whether to stand or sit, and after a while, she hurried back to her room.
After a long time, Ximen Qing returned to the room and said that the silversmith he had hired was working on something. He then started discussing the invitations, saying that on the 25th, they would host a dinner to celebrate his marriage to Li Ping'er, and of course, they had to invite Huadan. Li Ping'er said, "His wife has been pestering me every few days, fine, go ahead and invite him." Li Ping'er also said, "There's an old Feng taking care of the place over there; you can have someone else here take turns with Tianfu to watch at night, there's no need to call Wangguan. Shangfang said her wife is ill and can't make it." Ximen Qing replied, "I didn't know that." He then called Ping'an and said, "You and Tianfu will take turns staying up at night, one of you each day, at the house on Lion Street." And that's how it was settled.
Before long, it was the twenty-fifth day. The Ximen family held a banquet to celebrate Ximen Qing's marriage to Li Ping'er. The banquet was lavish, featuring various acrobatic performances. Four performers, Li Guijie, Wu Yiner, Dong Yuxian, and Han Jinchuan, arrived by noon. The guests drank tea in the pavilion until everyone was present before taking their seats. The first table was reserved for Hua Dajiu and Wu Dajiu; the second for Wu Erjiu and Shen Yifu; the third for Ying Bojue and Xie Xida; the fourth for Zhu Shinian and Sun Tianhua; the fifth for Chang Zhijie and Wu Dian'en; and the sixth for Yun Lishou and Bai Laiguang. Ximen Qing occupied the host's seat, while others like Fu Zixin, Ben Dichuan, and son-in-law Chen Jingji sat on either side. The musicians put on several acrobatic acts and comedic skits. After the performances, clowns Li Ming and Wu Hui took the stage to sing and play, interspersed with traditional music. Then, the four performers came out to toast. Ying Bojue spoke first: “Today is my brother's wedding banquet, and we brothers are a bit presumptuous, wanting to invite the new sister-in-law to come out and meet us, to express our brotherly friendship. We rough men are not a big deal, but Hua Daguoren, the two old uncles, and Shen Yifu are all here, so what’s going on today?” Ximen Qing replied, “My concubine isn't presentable enough to meet guests, so let's skip it.” Xie Xida said, “Brother, you can't say that. We agreed to this beforehand; if it weren't for the sister-in-law, we wouldn't even be here! Moreover, since Hua Daguoren is present, we should first make friends before becoming in-laws, which is different from others. What’s there to be afraid of in inviting her out?” Ximen Qing chuckled but remained seated. Ying Bojue said, “Brother, stop laughing. We have brought gifts to meet her; it’s not just for nothing.” Ximen Qing said, “You little rascal, talking nonsense.” Feeling pressured, Ximen Qing reluctantly called Dai An and sent him to the back courtyard. After a while, Dai An returned with the message: “The Sixth Mistress says to forget it.” Ying Bojue said, “You little brat! When did you go to the back courtyard and come back to tease me?” Dai An retorted, “How could I dare tease Second Father Ying! You’d know if you just went in to ask!” Bojue said, “Do you think I wouldn’t dare to go in? I know this garden’s back courtyard very well; I’ll just go in and bring your ladies out!” Dai An said, “Our big dog is fierce; it might just tear you apart!” Bojue deliberately stood up, kicked Dai An twice, and laughed, “You little brat, you hurt me! Hurry up and go to the back courtyard to invite her! If you can’t bring her, I’ll give you twenty lashes!” This had everyone, including the four performers, laughing. Dai An stood there, looking at Ximen Qing without moving. With no other option, Ximen Qing had to call Dai An over and instructed, “Tell Sixth Mistress to come out and meet us!” Dai An took a long time, then returned to invite Ximen Qing in. Afterward, he drove the servants out and closed the main door. Meng Yulou and Pan Jinlian tried every possible way to dress up Li Ping'er, styling her hair, putting on flowers and jewelry, and after making her look beautiful, sent her out. The hall was adorned with a brocade carpet, and the four performers played instruments in the back, guiding Li Ping'er out. The air was filled with delightful fragrances and the sounds of strings and bamboo. Li Ping'er donned a vibrant, wide-sleeved red robe, with a green skirt adorned with golden branches and leaves, tied at the waist with a jade belt, and gold bracelets on her wrists. Her chest sparkled with various ornaments, and the bells on her skirt jingled softly. Her head was piled high with pearls and jewels, with hairpins half-covering her temples, her face adorned with floral patterns, and the red skirt made her look even more enchanting.
That's right:
It seems like Chang'e is leaving the Moon Palace, like a goddess gracing the banquet. At this moment, four actors play the pipa and zheng together, accompanying Li Bing'er as she steps out, flowers in hand, and bows gracefully to everyone. Everyone quickly stands up to return the gesture. Meng Yulou, Pan Jinlian, Li Jiao'er, and Wu Yuemeng hid behind the screen in the living room, listening to the opera. As they sang "Happy to Achieve Success" and "Heavenly Matched Pair, Like a Phoenix and a Luan," they sang all the way to "Eternal Reunion, Husband and Wife for Generations." Jinlian said to Yuemeng, "Sister, listen to this singing! It's really inappropriate for this little wife to be singing this play today! She sings as if she and her husband are a harmonious couple destined for generations; what does that say about you, sister?" Although Yuemeng usually has a good temper, she felt a twinge of discomfort after hearing those lines. Looking at Ying Bojue, Xie Xida, and the others, when Li Bing'er came out to greet them, they could hardly contain their praise, showering her with flattery: "Our sister-in-law is truly rare in the world, there's no one else like her! Not to mention her virtuous character and dignified demeanor, just her appearance and temperament—you've really hit the jackpot, brother! We are fortunate to see sister-in-law today, even if we kicked the bucket tomorrow!" Then they called for Dai'an: "Quickly, please let your mom rest in her room, don't tire her out, it's too hard." Yuemeng and the others silently cursed these ingrates. After a while, Li Bing'er finally came down. The four actors noticed the money she was holding, so they crowded around her, fawning over her, calling her "Ma'am," helping her fix her hairpins and fold her clothes.
Yue Niang returned to her room, feeling very unhappy. She saw Dai An and Ping An bring back a lot of gifts, including fabrics, clothes, and various items, all packed into several boxes that they brought to Yue Niang's room. Without even looking at them, Yue Niang scolded, "What a bunch of oblivious fools! Why do they have to drag them into my room?" Dai An said, "It was the master’s order to bring them to your room." Yue Niang asked Yu Xiao to collect the items and put them on the bed. Not long after, Uncle Wu finished his meal and came to the backyard to see Yue Niang. Seeing her brother had arrived, Yue Niang quickly greeted him and then sat down. Uncle Wu said, "Yesterday, your sister-in-law came here to disturb you, and it was thanks to your brother-in-law that she got a table sent over. After returning home, she told me that you and your brother-in-law weren’t speaking. I specifically came to persuade you, but unexpectedly your brother-in-law is throwing another party today. Sister, if you continue like this, all the good feelings from before will be lost. Since ancient times, silly men have feared their wives, and good women have feared their husbands. The three obediences and four virtues are just how women are expected to behave. In the future, whatever he does, don’t stop him; your brother-in-law won’t do anything wrong. Be a virtuous and good wife, and you will show your virtue." Yue Niang replied, "Virtue? If I had known virtue was so good, I wouldn’t have become so disliked. He has his wealthy sister and has forgotten about me, this poor official's daughter, as if I were an old account. Don’t worry about him; I’ll just leave him to it! When did this scoundrel become so cold-hearted?" Saying this, Yue Niang began to cry. Uncle Wu said, "Sister, you can’t act like this. We are not that kind of family; please don’t do this. You and your husband should live well together; we, as relatives, will also have face!" After persuading Yue Niang for a while, Xiao Yu brought in tea. After finishing the tea, a servant came to call them, and Uncle Wu took his leave. That evening, everyone ate until the lanterns were lit before dispersing. The four performers, Li Ping'er rewarded each with a silk handkerchief and five taels of silver, happily returned home. Everyone else kept quiet, but Pan Jinlian was the only one who felt really unhappy and secretly sowed discord between Wu Yue Niang and Li Ping'er. She told Li Ping'er that Yue Niang couldn't stand anyone else. Li Ping'er, clueless about the trap she was in, continued to call Yue Niang "sister," growing even closer to her.
Indeed:
When meeting people, speak honestly, but hold back a little; do not fully expose your heart.
Ever since Ximen Qing married Li Ping'er, he has struck it rich several times, and his family has become increasingly prosperous. The inside and outside of the mansion have been completely transformed. There were mountains of grain, herds of mules and horses, and teams of servants. He renamed the servant Tianfu, whom Li Ping'er had brought, to Qintong. He also bought two more servants, one named Laian and the other named Qintong. He outfitted all four maidservants—Chunmei from Jinlian's room, Yuxiao from Shangfang, Yingchun from Li Ping'er's room, and Lanxiang from Yulou—with clothes and jewelry. He had Li Ming teach them music and singing in the front west wing room. Chunmei learned the pipa, Yuxiao learned the zheng, Yingchun learned the xianzi, and Lanxiang learned the huqin. They treated Li Ming well every day and paid him five taels of silver each month. He also set aside two thousand taels of silver to open two shops, a pawnshop and a drugstore, managed by Fu Huoji, Bendichuan, and Chen Jingji. Chen Jingji handled the keys, coming and going as needed, while Bendichuan managed bookkeeping, weighing, and shipping. Fu Huoji was responsible for the operation of the drugstore and pawnshop, handling money and transactions. Upstairs in Pan Jinlian's building, medicinal herbs were stored. On Li Ping'er's side, the pawnshop was stocked with clothes, jewelry, antiques, calligraphy, paintings, and other valuables. Every day, silver flowed in and out of the pawnshop.
Chen Jingji gets up early and stays up late every day. He takes the keys and counts the incoming and outgoing silver coins with his assistant, keeping the accounts clear and organized. Ximen Qing is very pleased to see this. One day, while having a meal with Chen Jingji in the front hall, he said, "Brother-in-law, you manage business so well in my house that even if your father knows in Tokyo, he would feel at ease, and I am also very reassured. As the saying goes, 'If you have a son, rely on him; if not, rely on your son-in-law.' If I were to pass away in the future, this property will all belong to you two." Chen Jingji replied, "Unfortunately, my son has encountered a lawsuit at home, and my parents are not around, so I’ve had to rely on my in-laws. I am grateful for the kindness of my in-laws, a debt I can never repay. However, my son is still young and doesn’t understand, so I hope my in-laws can be forgiving, and I don’t dare to ask for more." Ximen Qing was even happier to hear him speak so intelligently and sensibly. He entrusted him with all the household affairs, incoming letters, and invitations. Whenever guests came, he would definitely ask him to stay by his side. Whether drinking tea or having meals, he was always there. Little did they know that this seemingly gentle young man had his own agenda.
He often peeks at Jia Yu through the embroidered curtain and steals glances at Han Xiang from the Qige.
In the blink of an eye, it was late November. After finishing tea at Chang Zhijie's house, Ximen Qing got up before it was dark and rode home with Ying Bojue, Xie Xida, and Zhu Shinian. As soon as they stepped outside, they saw dark clouds in the sky, and thick snowflakes were falling fast. Ying Bojue said, "Brother, let’s go home now; there’s nothing much to do at home. I haven’t visited Sister Gui for a long time, and since it’s snowing today, let’s go see her, like the poet Meng Haoran seeking plum blossoms in the snow." Zhu Shinian said, "What Brother Ying said is right. You give her twenty taels of silver every month without fail; if you don’t go, she’s quite comfortable on her own." As Ximen Qing listened to their conversation, he found himself turning his horse towards the brothel on East Street.
When they arrived at Li Gui's house, it was almost dark. The lights were on inside, and the maid was sweeping the floor. The madam and Li Gui came out to greet them. After some pleasantries, four chairs were arranged, and the four of them sat down. The madam said, "A few days ago, Gui came late, and that caused a bit of a stir. I also want to thank Liu Niang for the handkerchief and the jade you gifted." Ximen Qing replied, "That day I was worried that it would get too late and the guests might leave, so I let her go back first." As the madam sipped her tea, the maid laid out the table with wine and dishes. Ximen Qing asked, "Where is Gui?" The madam said, "Gui has been at home taking care of her brother-in-law these days and hasn't seen him come. Today is her fifth aunt's birthday, and she was taken to attend her aunt's birthday celebration." In reality, Li Gui hadn’t gone to her aunt's birthday celebration at all. Recently, seeing that Ximen Qing had not come, she had taken in Ding Xiangong's son, Ding Erguan, who was nicknamed Ding Shuangqiao. He brought a thousand taels of silver worth of silk secretly to the pleasure quarters to have a good time. He gifted Li Gui ten taels of silver along with two sets of exquisite silk from Hangzhou and stayed for two nights. Just moments ago, he and Li Gui were still drinking together when Ximen Qing unexpectedly showed up. The madam quickly urged Li Gui to hide in a secluded room on the third floor of the back house.
Ximen Qing took it at face value and said, "Since Sister Gui is not here, the madam, quickly bring the food and drink, and we'll take our time waiting for her." The madam on the side urged them on, and soon the table was laden with food and drink. Li Gui Jie emerged to play the zither and sing, and everyone began to drink and have fun. Just as they were drinking, Ximen Qing got up to change clothes in the backyard. Suddenly, he suddenly heard laughter from the east wing. After putting on his clothes, he crept to the window to sneak a glance and happened to see Li Gui Jie drinking with a foreigner in a square scarf. Ximen Qing was filled with rage, rushed forward, and flipped the table, sending dishes and cups flying everywhere. He loudly called for the four servants, Ping An, Dai An, Hua Tong, and Qin Tong, and wrecked the Li family's doors, windows, walls, and bed curtains. Count Ying, Xie Xi Da, and Zhu Shi Nian tried to intervene, but couldn’t hold him back. Ximen Qing demanded they drag the foreigner out and lock him and Li Gui Jie in the gatehouse. Ding Er Guan, being timid, saw the commotion outside and was so scared he hid under the bed, shouting, "Sister Gui, save me!" Gui Jie said, "Pah! What are you scared of? The madam is here too! This happens all the time in our courtyard; it’s fine, let him throw a fit, just stay put." The madam, noticing Ximen Qing was losing it, wanted to explain a few things, but Ximen Qing didn't listen at all; he furiously ordered the servants to lash out, almost hitting the madam as well. Fortunately, Count Ying, Xie Xi Da, and Zhu Shi Nian desperately intervened and managed to pull Ximen Qing away. After all that chaos, Ximen Qing vowed never to come back here again and rode home through the heavy snow.
Indeed:
"After a night spent among countless flowers,
Nothing beats coming home to sleep with my wife.
Though there's no romance on the pillow,
Sleeping till dawn costs nothing."
