The next day, Pan Jinlian sent Ximen Qing on his way early in the morning. She was thinking about making a pair of bright red shoes, with a needlework basket in her lap, sitting on the steps of the Feicui Pavilion, and began sketching the shoe design. She then asked Chunmei to fetch Li Ping'er. Li Ping'er asked, "Sister, what are you working on?" Jinlian said, "I want to make a pair of bright red shoes, using plain satin and white silk to create a pair of flats, with an embroidered parrot picking peaches on the toe." Li Ping'er said, "I have a piece of bright red brocade with ten patterns here; I'll make a pair based on your design. I will make high heels." So she pulled out her own needlework basket, and the two of them got to work together. After finishing one, Jinlian paused and said, "Sister Li, could you help me with this one? I'll call Meng Yulou later; she mentioned yesterday that she wants to make shoes too." With that, she headed to the backyard.
Yulou was sitting on the heated bed, sewing shoes. When Jinlian came in, she said, "You're up early!" Jinlian replied, "Yes, I got up early to send Ximen Qing off to He Qianhu. I arranged to meet Sister Li to do some needlework in the coolness of the garden. I just finished sketching one shoe and asked Sister Li to help me with it. I also invited you to join us." Then she asked, "What shoes are you sewing?" Yulou replied, "It's the black satin shoes you saw me make yesterday." Jinlian praised, "You're really talented! You've done a great job on another one." Yulou said, "I finished that one yesterday, and I've sewn a lot on this one too." Jinlian took a look and asked, "What heels are you going to use for this shoe tomorrow?" Yulou said, "I'm not as flashy as you young ones. I'm older, so I'll use sheepskin with a gold thread border. I'll use green and white thread to finish the edges. How does that sound?" Jinlian agreed, "That sounds good. Quickly put away your needlework; we need to go. Leping'er is still waiting for us." Yulou said, "Why don't you sit down and have a cup of tea first?" Jinlian declined, "That's okay, I'll just take the tea with me." Yulou asked Lanxiang to hurry up and make some tea. The two women held hands, carrying their shoes, and walked out together. Wu Yueniang was sitting in the upper room and asked, "Where are you girls going?" Jinlian explained, "Sister Li asked me to get Meng Yulou to come and help draw shoe patterns." They walked all the way to the garden.
The three of them sat together, picked up their shoes and fans, looked at each other and admired them. Yulou said, "Liu Jie, why are you making flat red shoes again? High heels look better. If you don't like the noise of wooden soles, why not use felt soles like me?" Jinlian said, "These are not shoes to wear; they are slippers. My slippers were stolen by the servant and used to apply oil, so Ximen Qing asked me to make a new pair." Yulou said, "We're talking about shoes again, and Li Dajie is listening. Yesterday, because you lost that shoe, Ximen Qing beat the servant, Little Iron Rod, saying that he beat him lying on the ground for half a day. It provoked a woman named Zhuangqing in the backyard to curse, cursing at that 'prostitute turtle son,' saying that he was a parrot, beating him like that; if he died, the 'prostitute turtle son' could not escape responsibility! I didn’t know who was being insulted at the time. Later, the little iron rod came in, and Dajie asked him, 'Why did your father beat you?' The servant said, 'Because I was playing in the garden and lost a shoe. I wanted to ask my uncle for a shoe ring. I don’t know who told my father, so he beat me. Now I'm going to find my uncle and ask for a shoe ring.' After speaking, he ran away. It turned out that the one being cursed as 'prostitute turtle son' was Chen Jingji. At that time, only Li Jiaoer was sitting next to him; Dajie was not in front of him, and if he had heard it, it would have turned into a farce." Jinlian said, "Did Dajie have anything to say?" Yulou said, "You still say, Dajie didn't say anything about you! She said, 'Now this family is in chaos, the nine-tailed fox demon has come out, causing the husband to want to divorce his wife, thinking of the former Laiwang'er servant, who came from the south well, one place in the east and one in the west, saying that his wife raised other men, and said how he used a knife and stick, causing a fuss and sending him away, forcing the daughter-in-law to hang herself. Now, over just a shoe, it has caused such a commotion. Your shoes are worn well on your feet; how could the servant have lost them? It must be drunk, fooling around with men in the garden, and lost the shoes. Now he is ashamed to see people, so he blames the servant; it's really no big deal.'" Jinlian listened and said, "Don't talk nonsense! What do you mean by 'big deal'? Killing is a big deal! The servant takes a knife to kill the master!" To Yulou, she said, "Meng Sanjie, I can't hide it from you. The two of us heard Lai Xinger say a mouthful and were scared! You are his wife, saying such things! You don't care, I don't care; let the servant kill the man. His wife is always bossing you around behind you; you let him push others around, getting along with this person, getting along with that person. Everyone has their own karma; you expose my shortcomings, I expose your shortcomings; hanging herself, and you still hide it from him. If I had known this, I should have made it clear from the start; otherwise, it would turn out like this? By shirking responsibility like this, saying some polite words, both left and right are me inciting men! Well, if he doesn't kick both the servant and the man out of the house, it's not over! Bottom line, I won't let you drag me into this mess!" Yulou saw Jinlian's face turn red with anger and persuaded her again, "Liu Jie, we sisters are all our own people. If there is anything wrong with what I heard, I will tell you? Just keep it in your heart and don't say it out." Jinlian didn't listen to her. When Ximen Qing returned that night, she recounted to Ximen Qing the details of how Lai Xing's daughter-in-law, Zhuangqing, had been cursing in the backyard, saying that she cursed Ximen Qing for beating her son and wanted to take it to the officials. Ximen Qing initially brushed it off, but it stuck in his mind after he heard it. The next day, he wanted to drive Lai Xing's family out. Thanks to Wu Yuemen's persistent pleas, he decided not to go through with it, but instead sent Lai Xing's family to the house on Lion Street to keep an eye on things, letting Ping An'er come back to watch the house. Later, when Wu Yuemen found out about this, she was furious but kept quiet.
One day, Ximen Qing was sitting in the main hall when suddenly Ping An'er came to report: "Lord Zhou from the Garrison sent someone to deliver a face reader named Wu Shenxian. He's waiting outside to see you." Ximen Qing had the person brought in, took the Garrison's letter, and then said, "Please bring him in." After a while, Wu Shenxian entered wearing a blue cloth cap, a robe, and grass sandals, with a yellow silk double-tassel belt around his waist, and holding a tortoise shell fan in his hand. He was probably in his forties, with a refreshing demeanor, as bright as the moon over the Yangtze River, and with an ancient, simple air, reminiscent of the towering pines of Mount Taihua. This master had four distinctive traits: standing like a pine, sounding like a bell, sitting like a bow, and walking like the wind.
The verse goes:
Awakening to the coolness, testing the bath with orchid soup, the lover playfully teases; anger fades, joy arrives.
I have no intentions, yet you treat me this way. Emotions are like water, easy to open but difficult to break; who knows about life and death?
- Adapted from the tune "Dian Jiang Chun"
This buddy understands astronomy and geography, is proficient in fortune-telling and feng shui, and has a clear understanding of astrology, yin and yang, and dragon veins. He can read fortunes and faces, can predict a lifetime of prosperity and decline, honor and disgrace, and even determine the auspiciousness and misfortune of a particular year. I reckon he’s either a hermit from the mountains or one of those street fortune-tellers in Chengdu.
Ximen Qing saw the immortal had come and quickly went down the steps to greet him, inviting him to sit in the living room. The immortal cupped his hands in greeting and took a seat. After finishing their tea, Ximen Qing asked the immortal, “What’s your name? Where do you live? How did you come to know Lord Zhou?” The immortal replied, “My surname is Wu, my given name is Sheng, and I go by the Daoist name Shou Zhen. I am from Xianyou, Zhejiang. I became a monk at the Zixu Temple on Tiantai Mountain as a kid and have traveled around various places. When I visited Mount Tai to seek the Dao, I passed through here and met Lord Zhou. This time, Lord Zhou invited me to see his old lady for a medical consultation.” Ximen Qing said, “What do you know about fortune-telling and face-reading?” The immortal replied, “I know a bit about the thirteen schools of Pingfa and am skilled in the Ma Yi physiognomy. I also understand the Liu Ren divination. Usually, I help people without chasing after money, just wandering around.” Upon hearing this, Ximen Qing became even more respectful and praised, “You truly are an immortal!” He immediately instructed his servants to prepare food and drinks to entertain the immortal. The immortal said, “You haven’t even had your fortune told yet; how can we eat first?” Ximen Qing smiled and said, “You’ve come from afar and surely haven’t had breakfast yet. Let’s eat something first; we can do the fortune-telling afterward.” Thus, Ximen Qing shared some vegetarian dishes with the immortal, then cleared the table, wiped it down, and brought out the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.
The sage said, "First, let's examine your birth chart, and then look at your face." Ximen Qing reported his birth chart: "Born in the year of the Tiger, 29 years old, born at noon on the 28th day of the seventh month." The sage silently calculated for a while and said, "Sir, your birth chart is: Year of Earth Tiger, Month of Metal Rooster, Day of Water Horse, Hour of Fire Horse. The white Earth on the 23rd day of the seventh month has already passed; fortune telling should be done after August. The month indicates Metal Rooster, suggesting an Injury Officer pattern. According to the Zi Ping method, when the Injury Officer is exhausted, wealth will follow. Your destiny is in the Shen Palace, with significant luck during the years of Metal Rooster, Water Dog, Water Pig, Wood Rat, and Wood Ox. Sir, according to my observation, your birth chart is noble and unique. You are either prominent or wealthy. However, the Earth Injury Officer born in July or August indicates excessive strength. Fortunately, the Day of Water Horse and the Water in the Ox can complement each other, allowing you to achieve great things. With the Hour of Fire Horse, Fire combines with Metal, guaranteeing that you'll rise to power. Your life will be wealthy and successful, happy and healthy, with promotion and wealth, and the birth of noble children. You are straightforward and serious, cheerful like a spring breeze when happy, and stormy like thunder when upset. You'll be blessed with wealth and several wives, a smooth career in public office, and two sons by your side at the end of your life. In the Year of Fire Rooster, Fire and Water combine, with Fire overcoming you, signifying that you'll achieve great success and wealth. Your major luck is in the Year of Water Pig, with Earth being nourished by Water, ensuring that good things will happen. Currently, the auspicious Red Phoenix is at your door, indicating that there will be good news. The auspicious star Yima is in the Shen Palace, suggesting that there will be good news in July at the latest." Ximen Qing asked, "How will my future luck be?" The sage said, "Sir, don't blame me for being blunt, but your birth chart does not favor excessive Yin Water. When the Year of Wood Rat comes, the Day of Water Horse will be broken, leading to disasters. Before the age of sixty-six, you will suffer from diseases like vomiting blood and emaciation." Ximen Qing asked, "What about now?" The sage said, "These days, there are five ghosts of decay haunting your home, causing some minor troubles, but nothing to worry about. The arrival of the auspicious star will help clear them up." Ximen Qing asked, "Are there any other disasters in my destiny?" The sage said, "Every year has its months, and every month has its days. It's hard to predict."
It looks like there's nothing here.
Ximen Qing was very happy to hear this and said, "Master, could you take a look at my face as well?" The immortal replied, "Please sit properly." Ximen Qing adjusted his sitting posture. The immortal began to read his fortune: "To read fortunes, the heart and appearance must be one; one's appearance reflects one's heart. If the heart is not present, the appearance follows the heart's shifts. I see, sir: a round head and short neck is a sign of enjoying blessings; a strong body is the material of a hero; a full forehead means a life free from worries about food and clothing; a square and round lower face suggests wealth and honor in old age. These are all good omens. However, there are some shortcomings that I dare not mention." Ximen Qing said, "Please feel free to speak." The immortal said, "Please walk a few steps to see." Ximen Qing really walked a few steps. The immortal said, "You walk with a sway like a willow branch, which could bring misfortune to your wife; if not, it may harm you instead. After having had my share of misfortune with a wife, it will be fine." Ximen Qing said, "I've already had my share of misfortune with a wife." The immortal said, "Please stretch out your hand for me to see." Ximen Qing extended his hand to the immortal. The immortal said, "Wisdom lies in the skin; joy and sorrow can be read in your hands and feet. Your hand is soft and plump, a sign of enjoying blessings; your eyes are mismatched, which may bring wealth but also deceit; the eyebrows have double tails, bringing happiness throughout life; the palm has three lines, indicating financial loss in middle age; the red and purple at the 'cunning gate' indicates a life filled with many wives; your forehead has a yellow aura, suggesting a promotion is coming soon; the 'three suns' area has a red aura, suggesting the birth of a noble child this year. There's one more thing I can't really say: a full tear hall may also suggest a penchant for indulgence; fortunately, your nose is a star of wealth, indicating good fortune in middle age; the fullness of the 'Chengjiang and Dige' indicates future wealth and honor. The 'Chengjiang and Dige' must be ample, for that is where the wealth star resides. Your fate is shaped by destiny, and the secrets of fortune-telling should never be underestimated."
After looking at the face, Ximen Qing said, "Please take a look at the others in the household as well." Then he told the servant, "Bring the Madam out." So Li Jiaor, Meng Yulou, Pan Jinlian, Li Ping'er, and Sun Xue'e all came out and hid behind the screen to eavesdrop. When the immortal saw Lady Yuexiang coming out, he hurriedly bowed and did not dare to sit down, standing by to read her face. After carefully examining her, he said, "Madam's face is like a full moon, which suggests a prosperous family life; her lips are like red lotus, suggesting that she will have no worries about food and clothing, and she will have noble children; her voice is clear, which means she will bring prosperity to her husband. Please show me your hand." Lady Yuexiang stretched out her slender fingers from her sleeve. The immortal said, "Your hand is like dry ginger, which indicates you are skilled at managing a household; your black hair indicates a good fortune. These are all positive signs. There are also some shortcomings; I hope you won't mind my honesty." Ximen Qing said, "Feel free to speak your mind, sir." "There is a mole in the tear duct, which could harm your husband if there aren't any prior illnesses; there are wrinkles under the eyes, suggesting strained relationships with family. A woman with a graceful appearance and dignified bearing, walking lightly like a turtle gliding through water. Walking without dust, speaking with principles, shoulders not moving, destined to be a nobleman's wife." After reading the fortune, Lady Yuexiang stepped back. Ximen Qing said, "There are also concubines, please take a look." So Li Jiaor came over. The immortal looked at her for a long time, "This lady, with a pointed forehead and a small nose, is not a legal wife and will remarry; with a plump body, no worries in food and clothing, honor and wealth; shoulders raised, voice crying, either in poverty or widowed; low nose bridge, either poor or short-lived. Please take a few steps so I can see." Li Jiaor took a few steps. The immortal said: "With a pointed forehead, exposed back, and a serpentine gait, she will likely find herself in a compromised situation in her youth. Even if she is not a woman of the brothel, she will stand behind the screen."
Li Jiao'er finished her fortune telling and left. Wu Yueniang shouted, "Meng Sanjie, come over and have your fortune told too." The immortal said, "This lady has balanced three traits (facial traits), with a life free from worries about clothing and food; the six palaces (facial traits) are full, indicating wealth and prosperity in old age. A life with few illnesses is attributed to the blessings of the Moon and Venus stars; no disasters in old age mainly due to the moist and delicate traits of the Year Palace. Please take two steps, madam." Yulou took two steps, and the immortal said: "With a clear, divine mouth, gentle and akin to a pearl in the palm. Commanding both power and wealth, ultimately, she may have two husbands." After Yulou's fortune was told, Pan Jinlian was called over. Pan Jinlian was there, grinning and reluctant to approach. Yueniang urged her several times before she finally came out. The immortal looked at her for a long time before slowly saying, "This lady, with thick hair and slanting eyebrows, indicates a love of beauty; her charming face and eyes, body twisting even when still. A mole on the face will definitely harm the husband; short lips mean a not too long life. Frivolous behavior only leads to debauchery, with eyes like lacquer dots that corrupt morals. Short on longevity under the stars, with little peace even in a grand mansion." After Pan Jinlian's fortune was told, Ximen Qing called for Li Bing'er to come forward and have her fortune told by the immortal. The immortal looked at this woman and said, "Her delicate and fair skin suggests she’s the daughter of a wealthy family; a dignified appearance, indicating a virtuous wife. However, her eyes are hazy, hinting at a secret affair; a beauty mark between her eyebrows suggests possible infidelity. A full, moist appearance of the forehead in a purplish hue indicates she will definitely bear noble offspring; fair complexion, round and plump shoulders, she will definitely receive her husband's favor. Frequent illnesses stem from a weak constitution; regularly encountering good fortune is thanks to the protection of auspicious stars. These are all good omens. However, there are also some negative aspects the lady should be cautious of: a dark, greenish nose bridge suggests she may hear cries around the age of thirty-nine; faint and weak nasolabial lines may indicate a challenging longevity. Be careful! Be careful!"
"In the beauty of flowers and moonlight, cherish the delicate brush; lifelong good friends, the phoenix and the mythical luan. The wealth and prosperity that lie behind the red door can be relied upon, but do not view common birds in the same way."
Li Ping'er finished her calculations and left. Yue Niang asked Sun Xue'e to come out for fortune-telling. The diviner looked at her and said, "Madam, you are petite with a sharp voice, a narrow forehead, and a small nose. Although you can live a good life, you will be emotionally distant and secretive in your ways. However, you have the Four Reversals in your features, and you will surely encounter misfortune in the future. These Four Reversals refer to: lips that are thin and lacking fullness, ears rolled back without contours, eyes devoid of life, and a crooked nose."
A wasp-waisted figure is associated with a lowly person, with eyes like flowing water lacking integrity. Often leaning against the door, not for maidservants, but surely for the worldly pleasures."
After Xue'e finished, Yue Niang asked the eldest sister to come up for fortune-telling. The diviner said, "This young lady, with a low, protruding nose, will bring misfortune to her father and family; her voice is like a clanging gong, and the family wealth will be squandered. Her complexion is too pale; although she may live long, she will also encounter early misfortune; hopping about like a little bird, she will be lacking in food and clothing at home. By the age of thirty, she will suffer torment."
Only those who defy their true nature possess spiritual insight; parents' support merely sustains life. Appearance is constrained and difficult to achieve success; avoiding a cruel death is also a struggle."
After the eldest sister's fortune was told, Chunmei was also asked to come up and let the immortal take a look. The immortal opened their eyes and saw Chunmei, around eighteen or nineteen years old, wearing a silver cloud hairstyle, a white embroidered shirt, a peach red skirt, and a blue gauze bib, dressed beautifully and came out to bow. The immortal looked for a long time and said, "This young lady has well-proportioned features and a unique bone structure. Fine hair and thick eyebrows, a relatively strong personality; quick eyes, impatient. Her foundation is strong; she will definitely marry a good husband and have children; her temples are prominent, and she will wear a pearl crown in her youth. She walks like a flying immortal, her voice is clear and pleasant; she will surely help her husband advance and prosper, and will be rewarded at the age of thirty. However, her left eye is large; she will bring misfortune to her father in her early years; her right eye is small; she will bring misfortune to her mother. The black mole at the left corner of her mouth may bring her trouble; the black mole on her right cheek will earn her husband's respect throughout her life."
"The face is well-proportioned and the features are even, speech is light and steps are gentle. Her fortunes will be plentiful, and one will always receive help from noble people."
After the fortune was told, everyone felt that the immortal's predictions were very accurate. Ximen Qing gave the immortal five taels of silver, gave five coins of silver to the guards who came from the Prefectural Government, and sent a thank-you note. The immortal repeatedly declined, saying, "I travel around, eating and sleeping in the open; what would I do with this money? I dare not accept it." Ximen Qing had no choice but to take out a roll of fabric and said, "How about giving the immortal a coat?" Only then did the immortal accept it, had a servant take it, and bowed deeply to express gratitude. Ximen Qing sent the immortal outside, and the immortal floated away. A poem reads:
"With a staff that carries the sun and moon at both ends, a gourd concealed among the mountains and rivers."
Ximen Qing returned to the back hall and asked Yueniang, "How are their fortunes?" Yueniang replied, "They are all considered good, except for three that are inaccurate." Ximen Qing asked, "Which three?" Yueniang said, "Eldest sister's fortune says she is sick and will give birth to a precious son tomorrow. She is currently pregnant, so this is inaccurate. Eldest sister's fortune also says she will suffer tomorrow, but it’s unclear what kind of suffering she will endure. Chunmei's fortune also says she will give birth to a precious son in the future. Maybe if you treat her well, you may not see the child she bears. I can't believe she would wear a pearl crown and hold the status of a lady. Our family does not hold official positions, so where would she get a pearl crown from? Even if there were a pearl crown, it wouldn’t be for her to wear." Ximen Qing laughed and said, "My fortune says I’ll have good luck and rise to power, but how can I hold an official position? When she sees Chunmei standing with you, dressed differently, wearing a silver cloud hairpin, she takes her as our own daughter, or maybe she will marry into a wealthy family in the future and find a good match, so she says she will wear a pearl crown. Fortune-telling has accurately predicted fate since ancient times, but it can’t foresee good or bad outcomes. When the heart is no longer alive, fortune-telling loses its value. Since Zhou sent it, we can't reject his face, so let him do the calculations to ease our doubts." After speaking, Yueniang set up the food in the room, and they finished their meal.
Ximen Qing took a fan made of banana leaves and strolled leisurely. He made his way to the Juanyuan Pavilion in the garden, lowered the curtains, enveloped by flowers and trees. It was noon, and all that could be heard from the deep shade was the sound of cicadas; suddenly, a burst of floral fragrance filled the air. A poem goes:
"The green shade is thick, summer days are long,
The pavilion's reflection dances in the pond.
The crystal curtain flutters as a breeze arises,
A rose trellis fills the courtyard with its fragrance."
Ximen Qing sat on a chair, fanning himself to keep cool. Just then, two young servants, Lai'er and Huatong, went to the well to fetch water. Ximen Qing said, "Call one of them over." Lai'er hurried over, and Ximen Qing instructed, "Go to the backyard and tell Chunmei to bring me a pot of plum soup to drink." Lai'er agreed and went off. After a while, Chunmei, with her hair adorned with silver-threaded cloud buns, came over with a pot of honey-infused plum soup, smilingly asking, "Have you eaten?" Ximen Qing replied, "I already had something to eat in the backyard." Chunmei said, "Why didn't you come inside? If you want plum soup, I'll chill it in the ice for a bit before serving it to you." Ximen Qing nodded. Once the plum soup was chilled, Chunmei walked over, held onto the chair, took the banana leaf fan from Ximen Qing's hand, and fanned him, asking, "What did Madam tell you just now?" Ximen Qing said, "She talked about Wu the Immortal claiming to tell her fortune." Chunmei said, "That Taoist priest was spouting nonsense, claiming Madam should wear a pearl crown, and Madam replied, 'If I have a pearl crown, I'm afraid it won't fit his head.' As the saying goes, appearances can be deceiving; how can things be so easily predicted? Who knows what will happen in the future? You might end up a servant in our house for life!" Ximen Qing laughed and said, "You really know how to flatter. If one day you have a child, I'll crown you." As he said that, he embraced Chunmei, held her hand to play, and asked, "Where is your mother? Why haven't I seen her?" Chunmei said, "Mother is in the room, having Qiuju heat up water for her bath. She couldn't wait and fell asleep on the bed." Ximen Qing said, "After I finish the plum soup, I'll go spend some time with her." So Chunmei poured a small cup of plum soup from the ice basin and gave Ximen Qing a sip. It was incredibly refreshing and sweet, like honeydew.
After drinking the plum soup, Ximen Qing hugged Chunmei's shoulders and turned the corner to Pan Jinlian's room. He saw Pan Jinlian sleeping on a newly bought mother-of-pearl bed. It turned out that because Li Ping'er's room had a mother-of-pearl open hall bed, Pan Jinlian let Ximen Qing spend sixty taels of silver to buy her a mother-of-pearl bed with railings. The lattice windows on both sides of the bed were inlaid with mother-of-pearl floral and feather inlays, hanging purple gauze curtains and brocade silver hooks. Pan Jinlian was naked, wearing only a red bandeau, covered with a red gauze blanket, with a mandarin duck pillow under her head, sleeping on a cool mat, in deep slumber. The room was filled with a fragrance. Ximen Qing was immediately aroused, asked Chunmei to close the door, and quietly took off his clothes, got into bed, lifted the gauze blanket, saw Pan Jinlian's fair skin, and began to tease... Pan Jinlian opened her eyes and smiled, saying, "You thief, I don’t know when you came in! I was asleep and didn’t feel a thing. I nearly didn’t wake up!" Ximen Qing said, "Even if it was me, if another man came in, you wouldn't know?" Pan Jinlian said, "I'm not easy to mess with, who would dare enter my room! I'll let you be so presumptuous!" It turned out that Pan Jinlian had secretly applied jasmine essence and butter all over to lighten her skin, leaving it smooth and fragrant, in order to compete for favor. Ximen Qing saw her snow-white skin, wearing newly made big red slippers, crouched over her, gripped her hips firmly, lifted her up forcefully, and gazed at her most intimate areas. Pan Jinlian said, "You bad guy, what are you looking at? My skin is dark, not as white as Li Ping'er's. She's pregnant, you're kind to her, I've been at your service for ten years, letting you play like this." Ximen Qing asked, "Did you wait for me to bathe?" Pan Jinlian asked, "How did you know?" Ximen Qing said, "Chunmei told me." Pan Jinlian said, "Go wash, I'll ask Chunmei to fetch some water." Soon, the bathtub was soon brought in, filled with hot water. The two got out of bed, took a hot bath together, and shared an intimate moment. After bathing, Ximen Qing enthusiastically laid Pan Jinlian back on the tub's edge, lifted her feet high with both hands... Pan Jinlian was afraid of her hair getting messy, one hand supporting her hair, one hand supporting the edge of the tub, emitting a series of seductive sounds, hard to describe.
What about this intimacy? Let's take a look:
The waves ripple in Huachi Lake, the green curtains rise high, autumn clouds darken. The talented young man, stirred by emotions, flaunts his charm; the beautiful woman, pleased, showcases her talents. The sounds of clapping and slapping form a lively chorus. Slipping and sliding, how can they possibly stop? It’s hard to stand amidst the crowd… One rows against the current, swaying her jade-like hips; another steers the helm, guiding the golden lotus… Both are love-struck, lost in their passion, oblivious to the rain and clouds. No matter the embroidered tent where phoenixes and dragons intertwine, it's not like the struggle between fish and water…
After a passionate embrace in the water… they dry themselves off and remove the bathtub. Wearing nothing but thin short shirts, they get into bed, setting out food and drinks. Pan Jinlian instructs Qiuchu: “Get some white wine for Dad.” Then she gives a fruit pie to Ximen Qing, worried he might be hungry. After a while, Qiuchu brings a pot of wine. Pan Jinlian pours a cup, finds it cold, and splashes it onto Qiuchu’s face, scolding, “You dead girl! I told you to bring warm wine! Why did you bring cold wine for Dad? What were you thinking?” She then calls for Chunmei: “Take her to the yard and make her kneel.” Chunmei replies, “I just went to the back yard to wrap my feet. I wasn’t here when you got angry.” Qiuchu pouts and mutters, “Father and mother usually drink chilled wine; why has it changed today?” Pan Jinlian hears this and scolds, “You dead girl! What are you saying? Bring her over!” She tells Chunmei to slap her ten times. Chunmei says, “Don’t hit her, don’t dirty my hands. Mother should just let her kneel with her face against a stone.” Without further ado, they pull Qiuchu to the yard and make her kneel against a big stone. Pan Jinlian then asks Chunmei to heat the wine again, drinks a few cups with Ximen Qing, clears the wine table, lowers the gauze curtain, and instructs to close the door. The two embrace and fall asleep, weary. It is just like: If it weren't for seeing the jade mountain peaks, most are just dreams sought from the balcony.
