The lyrics say: a lotus-like face, skin like ice and snow, naturally beautiful, already of marriageable age. She gracefully leans against the door, like a plum blossom on the verge of blooming, appearing open but not quite. The first time we met, she shyly hid behind the curtain; the second time we met upstairs, she warmly welcomed me. Whether standing, sitting, or moving, she appeared so lovely, and when we cuddled together, it was even more harmonious. — This is the lyric pattern of "The Song of Filial Piety."
It is said that on that day, Wu Song arrived at the inn in front of the county office, unpacked his luggage, and asked the constable to help move it to his brother Wu Dalang's house. When his sister-in-law Pan Jinlian saw Wu Song, she was overjoyed, more ecstatic than if she had found ten gold ingots, and quickly arranged a room for him. Wu Song sent the constable away and stayed at his brother's house that night. The next morning, his sister-in-law also got up early to boil water for him to wash his face. After Wu Song finished washing up, he headed out to report for duty at the county office. His sister-in-law said, "Uncle, after you finish your duty, come home early for dinner; don’t eat out." Wu Song agreed. After he finished his duty and completed a day's work, he returned home, and his sister-in-law had already prepared the meal. The three of them ate together, and his sister-in-law served a cup of tea to Wu Song. Wu Song said, "Thank you, sister-in-law. I’m feeling a bit uneasy; I’ll get a constable to help out tomorrow." His sister-in-law quickly replied, "Uncle, don’t say that! We are family; we don’t need others to help. Even though there’s a little maid named Ying'er, I find her manner of doing things bothersome and can’t depend on her. Even if we find a constable, those people aren’t clean and tidy; I look down on them even more." Wu Song said, "Alright then, thank you, sister-in-law." Here is a poem:
Though Wu Song's demeanor is not ostentatious, his sister-in-law's desires are hard to contain.
Returning home, longing often lingers as the quilt grows heavy with unspoken feelings.
Let's cut to the chase. Since Wu Song moved into his brother's house, he pulled out some money to buy biscuits, snacks, and fruit for Wu Da, and invited the neighbors on both sides. The neighbors all came to bring gifts for Wu Song. Wu Da also held a banquet in return. A few days later, Wu Song took out a piece of colorful silk to make her some clothes. She smiled and said, "Uncle, why are you being so generous! Since you are giving it to me, I won't decline." She accepted it and thanked him. From then on, Wu Song continued to live in his brother's house. Wu Da still went out to sell pancakes as he did before. Every day, Wu Song went to the county office to handle affairs, and no matter whether he returned early or late, his sister-in-law always prepared tea and food for him, serving him very warmly, which made Wu Song feel somewhat awkward. His sister-in-law often teased him, both on purpose and accidentally, but Wu Song was an honest man and didn't take it to heart.
Time flew by, and before he knew it, a month had passed. Before he knew it, it was November, and the weather was turning colder. For several days, a biting north wind blew, dark clouds gathered everywhere, and then it began to snow heavily. The snow was really heavy! How can I describe it? Look:
A thick blanket of snow covered the land, auspicious omens floated in the air. The jade flowers danced before the eaves. At this moment, Ru Zhi's boat was held up on the Shanxi River. In an instant, the buildings were all crushed, the silver landscape stretched endlessly. Flying salt sprinkled powder across the sky. At that time, Lu Mengzheng sighed in the workshop, lamenting his lack of money.
That day, the snow kept falling until late at night. The ground was already covered in a thick blanket of white, like a world paved with silver. The sky and earth were both covered in jade-like snow. The next day, Wu Song went to the county office to work, and he had not returned by noon. Wu Da's wife had already sent him out early that morning to sell pancakes. She asked the neighbor Wang Po to buy some wine and meat, and then set up a brazier in Wu Song's room. She thought to herself, "Today, I will try to flirt with him and see if he responds." Wu Da's wife stood by herself behind the curtain, watching as Wu Song returned, stepping on the thick snow and treading on the broken jade-like snowflakes. She lifted the curtain and greeted him with a smile, "Uncle, feeling cold?" Wu Song said, "Thanks for your concern, sis." Upon entering, he took off his wool hat. Wu Da's wife wanted to help, but Wu Song said, "No need for you to bother, sis." He brushed the snow off his hat and hung it on the wall. Then he untied his belt, took off his green cotton coat, and entered the room. Wu Da's wife said, "I waited all morning, why didn't Uncle come back for breakfast?" Wu Song said, "A friend treated me to breakfast in the morning, and then I had a few drinks. I didn't feel like moving, so I just walked home." Wu Da's wife said, "Since that's the case, Uncle, warm yourself up quickly." Wu Song said, "Alright." He took off his oil boots, put on socks, wore warm shoes, moved a stool, and sat next to the brazier. Wu Da's wife quickly told Ying'er to bolt the front and back doors, then brought out the cooked dishes and placed them on the table. Wu Song asked, "Where's my brother at?" Wu Da's wife said, "Your brother went out to sell pancakes and hasn't returned yet. Let's have a drink or two first." Wu Song said, "Let's wait for my brother to come back before eating together." Wu Da's wife said, "We can't wait for him!" Before she finished speaking, Ying'er brought a pot of hot wine. Wu Song said, "Sis, you're making an effort again." Wu Da's wife also brought a stool and sat next to the brazier. There were wine glasses and plates on the table. Wu Da's wife grabbed a glass of wine, looked at Wu Song, and said, "Uncle, finish this glass!" Wu Song took the wine and drank it in one gulp. Wu Da's wife poured another glass of wine and said, "It's cold, Uncle, have two glasses to warm up." Wu Song said, "As you wish." He drank another glass. Wu Song poured another glass of wine for Wu Da's wife. Wu Da's wife took a sip and filled Wu Song's glass again. Wu Da's wife playfully revealed some cleavage, half-covered her hair bun, smiled, and said, "I heard that Uncle has a singer in the county town, is that true?" Wu Song replied, "Sis, don’t listen to that gossip. I'm not that kind of guy." Wu Da's wife said, "I don't believe it! Perhaps Uncle is just not saying what he's really thinking!" Wu Song said, "If you don't believe me, go ask my brother." Wu Da's wife said, "Oh, don't mention him, he doesn't know anything! He's like a drunken dream! If he knew, he wouldn't be selling pancakes. Uncle, have a drink." She poured three or four more glasses in a row. Wu Da's wife also drank three glasses of wine, her heart fluttering with excitement, unable to hold back any longer, she started to flirt. Wu Song also understood most of it, but kept his head down and did not respond. Wu Da's wife got up to heat the wine. Wu Song stoked the fire in the room with a fire poker. After a while, Wu Da's wife came in with a pot of wine, holding the wine jug in one hand and pinching Wu Song's shoulder with the other, saying, "Uncle, are you not cold wearing so little clothing?" Wu Song was already very uncomfortable and ignored her. Seeing that he didn't respond, Wu Da's wife snatched the fire poker and said, "Uncle, you don't know how to stoke the fire, let me help you. Just make sure the brazier burns brightly." Wu Song felt annoyed and just stayed quiet. Wu Da's wife didn’t care if he was annoyed. She put down the fire poker, poured another glass of wine, took a sip herself, left half a glass of wine, and looked at Wu Song, saying, "If you are sincere, drink up this half glass of wine." Wu Song grabbed the wine glass and poured it on the ground, saying, "Sis, don't be so shameless!" He pushed her away, almost knocking her over. Wu Song stared and said, "Wu Er is an upright and good man, not the kind of person who corrupts morals and harms the world! Sis, don't be so shameless. If anything happens, I’ll still see you as my sister-in-law, but my fists won’t!" Wu Da's wife blushed at his words, had Ying'er clear the tableware, and said, "I was just joking, don't take it seriously. It's really ungrateful!" After clearing up, she went back to the kitchen.
Indeed:
Falling flowers want to drift with the flowing water, but the flowing water has no feelings for the falling flowers.
The woman was upset when Wu Song ignored her and instead scolded her. Wu Song was sulking in his room, lost in thought. It was around five o'clock in the afternoon when Wu Da returned, carrying a heavy load through the deep snow. He pushed open the door, dropped his load, and entered the inner room, where he found his wife with red eyes from crying, and asked, "Who did you have a fight with?" His wife replied, "It's your fault for being useless and letting others bully me!" Wu Da said, "Who dares to bully you?" His wife said, "Who else could it be? It's that Wu Er guy! I saw him coming back in the heavy snow, and out of kindness, I prepared some food and drinks for him. When he saw no one was around, he started making passes at me. Ying'er saw it too; how could I wrong him?" Wu Da said, "My brother is not that kind of person; he has always been honest. Don't shout so loud; we don’t want the neighbors to hear and make fun of us." Wu Da then ignored his wife and ran to Wu Song's room, calling out, "Second Brother, haven't you had a snack yet? I'll keep you company." Wu Song remained silent, pondering for a long time before stepping out. Wu Da called out, "Second Brother, where are you going?" Wu Song ignored him and walked straight out. Wu Da returned to the room and asked his wife, "I called him, but he ignored me and went straight down the road to the county. What's going on?" His wife scolded, "That useless thing! What’s there to be embarrassed about? He's planning to leave. I guess he's definitely having someone come to move his luggage; why are you keeping him?" Wu Da said, "If he leaves, people will laugh at me." His wife scolded, "You fool! It's him making passes at me that will make people laugh! If you want to keep him, you can do that yourself; I don’t want to be associated with this! Just write me a divorce, and you can keep him!" Wu Da dared not speak again, having been scolded by his wife.
The couple was in a heated argument when Wu Song led a constable shouldering a carrying pole directly into the house to pack his belongings, and then he left. Wu Da came out and shouted, "Second brother, why are you moving away?" Wu Song replied, "Elder brother, don’t ask, it’s too complicated to explain, just let me go." Wu Da didn’t dare to ask further and could only stand by and watch Wu Song leave. His wife inside was grumbling angrily, "Well, they say that brothers should be clear about money matters, but he doesn’t realize how his brother, as a constable, supports him and his wife, yet he bites back! What a pretty flower papaya, but it's all show and no substance. He’s moved out, thank goodness, finally rid of this nuisance!" Hearing his wife say this, Wu Da didn’t know what to do and felt even more uneasy. Ever since Wu Song moved to the inn in the county seat, Wu Da continued to sell pancakes in the street as usual. He originally wanted to go to the county to chat with his brother, but his wife repeatedly warned him not to provoke Wu Song, so Wu Da didn’t dare to seek out Wu Song.
Since Wu Song moved out of his brother's house, in the blink of an eye, the snow had stopped, and more than ten days had passed. It was said that the county magistrate had been in office for over two years and had pocketed a fair amount of money. He wanted to send a trusted person to take the money back to his hometown in Dongjing, and when his three-year term was up, he could return to pay respects to his superiors and build connections. Fearing that he might encounter bad people on the road, he needed to find someone strong, and suddenly thought of Wu Song, the constable, believing that only he could handle this matter. That day, he called Wu Song to the yamen and said, "I have a relative in Dongjing who is an official, surnamed Zhu, named Mian, who is the Grand Marshal at court. I want to send some gifts and a letter to greet him. I’ll feel better knowing you’re going. Don’t worry about the trouble, I will reward you handsomely when you return." Wu Song replied, "I’m honored by your trust and dare not refuse! Since you have given the order, I will go now." The magistrate was very pleased, treated Wu Song to three cups of wine, and gave him ten taels for travel expenses. And just like that, it was settled.
Wu Song received orders from the county magistrate, left the county government office, gathered a few bailiffs, and picked up some food and drinks from a street vendor before heading straight to Wu's house. Wu Da happened to be returning from the street, saw Wu Song sitting at the door, and asked the bailiffs to get things ready in the kitchen. Pan Jinlian had been thinking about Wu Song, and when she saw him bringing wine and food, she thought, "Could it be that this guy is thinking of me? Otherwise, why would he come back? I’ll have to ask him about it later." So she quickly went upstairs to dress up, changed into a beautiful outfit, and went downstairs to welcome Wu Song.
Pan Jinlian welcomed Wu Song and said, "Uncle, why haven't you visited me for so long? I was so worried! It's great that you came today! What brings you here with gifts?" Wu Song said, "Second brother has something to tell big brother." Pan Jinlian replied, "Let's sit upstairs." The three of them headed upstairs, and Wu Song invited Wu Da and his wife to sit in the honored seats while he sat on a stool. The bailiffs brought the food and drinks up. Wu Song encouraged Wu Da and his wife to have a drink. Pan Jinlian secretly observed Wu Song, while he was busy drinking. After a few drinks, Wu Song asked the bailiffs to pour him a drink and said to Wu Da, "Big brother, the county magistrate has tasked me with a job in the capital. I’m leaving tomorrow, and it might take me a month, maybe even two or three, to get back. I have a few things to tell you today. You’re a straightforward guy, and I'm worried someone might take advantage of you when I'm not home. Just sell five cakes a day, keep your hours regular, and steer clear of drinking with others. Close the door and put down the curtain when you get home, to avoid any trouble. If someone gives you a hard time, don’t engage with them; just wait for me to get back to sort it out. Big brother, listen to me, have this drink first!" Wu Da took the cup and said, "You’re right, brother, I’ll take your advice."
After finishing a glass, Wu Song poured another glass of wine for Pan Jinlian and said, "Sister-in-law, you're quite sharp; I don't need to say it all. My brother is honest, and you really hold the family together. As the saying goes, a harmonious family leads to success in everything. With you running the household, my brother can relax! Didn't the ancients say: 'A strong fence keeps the dogs out'?" When Pan Jinlian heard this, her face flushed instantly, and she pointed at Wu Da, scolding, "You pathetic loser! Why can't you say things in private? You don’t want to mess with me! After I married Wu Da, not even an ant would dare to cross our threshold, so where did the idea of a poorly made fence letting dogs in come from? Cut the nonsense and watch what you say! Once it's spilled, it's spilled!" Wu Song laughed, "If my sister-in-law can manage the family well, that's the best we can hope for, as long as we're all on the same page. Since that's the case, I will remember your words; let's cheers!" Pan Jinlian shoved the wine glass aside, ran downstairs, and shouted on the stairs, "You might be smart, but don’t you get that you should treat your sister-in-law like a mother? When I just married Wu Da, I didn't even know there was a little brother-in-law; where did all these troubles come from? These family relationships are really giving me a headache! I’m really unlucky to be stuck with all this drama!" With that, she cried and went downstairs.
Advice often breeds resentment, and Jinlian harbored a grudge and stirred up a storm. Feeling ashamed and restless, she took it out on the little brother of the hero. Pan Jinlian caused a scene. After drinking a few glasses of wine, Wu Da and Wu Song couldn't sit still either, so they headed downstairs to say goodbye, tears in their eyes. Wu Da said, "Brother, come back soon." Wu Song said, "Brother, you don't need to do business; just stay at home. I’ll send someone with your travel money." Before he left, Wu Song reminded, "Brother, remember what I said, be careful at home." Wu Da said, "I understand." Wu Song bid farewell to Wu Da, went back to the county office, packed up his gear. The next day, he received gifts and travel expenses from the county magistrate and hit the road for the capital.
After Wu Song left, Wu Da was scolded by Pan Jinlian for three or four days straight. Wu Da endured the humiliation and let her berate him, only following Wu Song's wise counsel to sell only half of the flatbreads each day and go home before dark. He would first set down his burden, lower the curtain, close the door, and then enter the house. Pan Jinlian saw this and felt anxious, scolding, "You useless thing! I've never seen anyone close the door in broad daylight, letting the neighbors laugh at us, saying our house is haunted. Listening to your brother just shows off and doesn't care about being laughed at by others!" Wu Da said, "Let them laugh; my brother is giving wise counsel and it saves a lot of trouble." Pan Jinlian spat in Wu Da's face, saying, "Pah! Useless thing! You're a man who can't make his own decisions and just listens to others!" Wu Da waved his hand and said, "Let it be; my brother's words are like gold." After Wu Song left, Wu Da went out early and returned late every day, closing the door as soon as he got home. Pan Jinlian was furious and argued with him several times. Eventually, accustomed to the arguments, Pan Jinlian would close the door first. Wu Da saw this and felt a secret sense of happiness, thinking, "This isn't so bad."
Be cautious in closing the door and returning early; love feels distant and precarious.
Spring feelings are as tangled as fine threads, locked in a cage that feels forever empty.
Time flies, and before you know it, spring has arrived. One day, on a bright sunny day in March, Jinlian was dressed to the nines and stood under the door curtain, waiting for Wu Da to come out. When it was almost time for Wu Da to return, she dropped the curtain and went back inside. Suddenly, someone walked past from under the curtain. What a coincidence! It seems fate has brought them together! Jinlian was holding a curtain rod and accidentally knocked the guy on the head as the wind blew it down. She quickly apologized with a smile and saw that the person was probably around twenty-five or twenty-six years old, very handsome, with a bit of a rogue charm. He wore a tassel hat, a gold hairpin, a gold ring, a green robe, slip-on Chenqiao shoes, white socks, and waved a gold folding fan. He was like a character straight out of a romance novel, and even cast a flirtatious glance at Jinlian from under the curtain.
The man was struck by a forked pole and stopped in his tracks. Just as he was about to lose his temper, he turned around and saw a stunningly beautiful woman. She had shiny, jet-black hair, arched eyebrows like crescent moons, lips as red as cherries, a straight nose, a porcelain complexion, an elegant figure, slender fingers, a soft waist, delicate skin, pointed toes, a full chest, and legs that were both slender and white. She wore a form-fitting garment that was vibrant white with intricate black patterns. In short, Jin Lian was so mesmerizing that it was impossible to look away. She was dressed in exquisite fashion: she wore her hair in a high bun with many small hairpins, a flower tilted to the side, her willow-leaf eyebrows complemented her rosy face, a delicate pendant adorned her chest, a loose blue cloth top with a Xiang skirt underneath, the cuffs tied with a handkerchief, a fragrant pouch hung at her waist, a bustier on her chest, white silk shoes with high soles on her feet, and red pants. As she walked, her skirt billowed, and a subtle fragrance wafted from her, so stunning it could leave anyone breathless.
The man's heart instantly softened as soon as he saw Jinlian, his earlier anger vanished, and he had a smile on his face. Jinlian realized her mistake, so she quickly bowed deeply to him and said, "I'm sorry, I was blown over by the wind and accidentally bumped into you with the pole. Please don't let it trouble you, madam!" As he adjusted his headscarf, the man bowed back and said, "It's okay, I must apologize for my impulsiveness, madam." Wang Po, who was selling tea next door, happened to witness this scene. Wang Po laughed and said, "Oh, which nobleman’s companion has passed under this roof? Well done!" The man smiled and said, "I must apologize for my impulsiveness, madam." Jinlian replied, "Please don’t take offense, sir." The man smiled and bowed deeply again, saying, "I dare not." He kept his gaze fixed on Jinlian, glancing back several times as he swayed away.
The wind and sun were bright, and as they strolled out, they caught a glimpse of a shy beauty behind the curtain. Because of the turning eyes before leaving, it awakened a restless heart of spring. Jinlian admired the man's handsome and charming demeanor, his gentle and considerate words, and felt even more attached. She pondered, "I really don't know who he is or where he lives. If he had no interest in me, he wouldn't have glanced back so many times as he left." When she could no longer see the man's figure, she let the curtain fall, shut the door, and retreated to her room.
Who is this person? This is the charming and dashing Ximen Qing. Because his third concubine, Zhuo Erjie, died, he was in a bad mood and went out for a stroll. Passing by the gate of Wuda, the scene that just unfolded occurred. Since Ximen Qing saw Jinlian under the curtain, he's been plotting to win her over. He suddenly remembered Wang Po, the tea seller next door, and thought she could help. So, without even eating, he went out to find Wang Po, arrived at her tea house, and sat down under the water curtain. Wang Po smiled and said, "Sir, you really made quite a scene just now!" Ximen Qing said, "Mother, come here, I ask you, who is the wife of the woman next door?" Wang Po said, "She is the sister of the King of Hell, the daughter of the Five Generals. Why do you ask?" Ximen Qing said, "I’m being serious, no jokes." Wang Po said, "Sir, don't you know her? Her husband sells cooked food in front of the county." Ximen Qing said, "Could it be the wife of Xu San, who sells jujube cakes?" Wang Po shook her head, "No, if it were her, they'd be a couple. Sir, guess again." Ximen Qing said, "Could it be the wife of Li Sanniang, the one who sells stuffed buns?" Wang Po shook her head, "No, if it were her, they'd be a couple. Sir, guess again." Ximen Qing said, "Is it the wife of Liu Xiaoer, the one who sells flower arms?" Wang Po burst out laughing, "No, if it were her, they'd be a couple. Sir, guess again." Ximen Qing said, "Mother, I really can't guess." Wang Po laughed heartily, "Let me tell you, her husband is Wudalang, who sells pancakes on the street." Ximen Qing exclaimed, "It can't be that Wudalang, the one known as Three-Inch Ding Gu Tree Bark Wudalang?" Wang Po said, "That's him." Ximen Qing stamped his foot and exclaimed, "How could such a prize end up with a loser like him!" Wang Po said, "That's just how fate works; it’s been like that since forever. Good horses often carry stupid people, and beautiful wives often accompany useless husbands. The Matchmaker God arranged it this way." Ximen Qing said, "Mother, how much do I owe you for the tea?" Wang Po said, "Not much, let's figure it out later." Ximen Qing then asked, "Where did your son Wang Chao go?" Wang Po said, "I don’t know; he went off with a traveler from Huai River and hasn't come back yet; we don’t know what’s happened to him yet." Ximen Qing said, "Why didn't you let him follow me? That child is very clever." Wang Po said, "If you could help him out, that’d be fantastic." Ximen Qing said, "Let's talk about it when he comes back." After that, he thanked her and took his leave.
In less than two hours, Ximen Qing returned to Wang Po's tea shop, sitting by the curtain and staring at the door of Wu Dalang's house. Wang Po came out and asked, "Sir, would you like a bowl of plum soup?" Ximen Qing replied, "Could you make it a bit more sour?" Wang Po made him a bowl of plum soup and handed it to him with both hands. After Ximen Qing finished drinking, he put down the bowl and said, "Ma'am, your plum soup is really delicious. Do you have any more inside?" Wang Po smiled and said, "In my lifetime of matchmaking, how could I not have some on hand!" Ximen Qing said, "I was asking about the plum soup, not matchmaking. What do those two have to do with each other?" Wang Po said, "I only heard you ask how the matchmaking was going." Ximen Qing said, "Ma'am, since you're so good at bringing people together, help me find a good marriage. I'll be really grateful." Wang Po said, "What kind of act are you putting on? If your wife finds out, I'd be in big trouble!" Ximen Qing said, "My wife has a good temper. There are a few maids at home, but none that I like. If you know someone good, help me arrange it. It's fine to mention it; as long as I like her, it's all good." Wang Po said, "A few days ago, there was a decent one, but I'm afraid you won't find her appealing." Ximen Qing said, "If she's good and you can help me out, I'll be really grateful." Wang Po said, "She's quite beautiful, but a bit older." Ximen Qing said, "There's an old saying about 'half-old women'; a year or two doesn't make a difference. How old is she?" Wang Po said, "That woman was born in the Ding Hai year, she's born in the Year of the Pig, and after the New Year, she'll turn ninety-three." Ximen Qing laughed and said, "You old lady are just teasing me!" After saying that, Ximen Qing got up smiling and left.
It was getting dark, and Wang Po had just lit the lamp and was about to close the door when Ximen Qing arrived again, walking straight to the stool under the curtain and sitting down, his eyes fixed on the door of Wu Dalang’s house. Wang Po asked, “Sir, would you like a bowl of Hehuan soup?” Ximen Qing replied, “That would be best! Make sure to add more sugar, godmother.” Wang Po hurriedly served him a bowl. He sat there until evening, and then Ximen Qing stood up and said, “Godmother, please keep a tab on this; I’ll settle up tomorrow.” Wang Po said, “No problem, you just go ahead and arrange things; we can settle the account another day.” Ximen Qing left with a smile. After returning home, he found it hard to eat or sleep, his mind filled with thoughts of that woman. His wife, Yue Niang, noticed his restlessness and assumed it was because of the death of Sister Zhuo Er, so she didn’t pry. That night, nothing much happened.
The next morning, as Wang Po opened the door and looked outside, she saw Ximen Qing already loitering on the street. Wang Po thought to herself, “This guy sure knows how to take advantage of the locals! Let’s see how I can use some sweet talk to keep him here and make him willingly spend money. Let him come here to pay a little something for protection, and let all the money he spends on his affairs fall into my hands.” It turned out that Wang Po, the teahouse owner, was no ordinary person. Over the years, she had built up quite a network, acting as a matchmaker, engaging in business, working as a tooth-puller, taking in concubines and cozying up to men, and even pulling tricks and causing a ruckus. In short, this old woman had her fair share of tricks up her sleeve. As the poem goes:
Deceive Lu Jia with clever rhetoric, outshine Su He in discourse. Depend entirely on the rhetoric of the six states, trust completely in the words of the Three Qis. Like a pair of birds, forming a bond in an instant; a widow and a widower, exchanging words and making a match. Do not let the women beyond the Three Mile Gate or the immortals within the Nine Palaces. The Golden Boy, serving incense in the Jade Emperor's Palace, pulls her by the arm; the Jade Maiden, rumored in the Queen Mother’s Palace, embraces her around the waist. Employ a sly scheme, leading an Arhat to embrace a nun; use a trick, causing Li Tianwang to embrace the Ghost Mother. Sweet words to entice, making a man like Feng She fall for her; gentle words to seduce, causing a woman like Magu to lose her cool. Hiding the beginning while revealing the end, encouraging virtuous women to long for one another; offering warmth while stealing away the cold, luring Chang'e to entice a man.
Wang Po opened the door, arranging the tea utensils in the tea shop. She saw Ximen Qing circling around several times, so she ran into the tea shop under the awning and kept glancing at Wu Dalang's door. Wang Po pretended not to see and continued to tend the fire in the tea shop, not bothering to greet him. Ximen Qing shouted, "You've come, sir? It's been a few days since I last saw you. Please sit." After a while, she brewed two cups of strong tea and set them on the table. Ximen Qing said, "Ma, join me for tea." Wang Po laughed heartily, "I'm not your shadow; how can I join you for tea?" Ximen Qing laughed too, and after a while asked, "Ma, what are they selling next door?" Wang Po said, "They sell fried pancakes, dried meat rolls, vegetable and meat pies, steamed buns, clam noodles, hot soup, and spicy fried snacks." Ximen Qing laughed and said, "You, old lady, always talk nonsense." Wang Po replied, "What I'm saying is true; they've got a decent man next door." Ximen Qing said, "I'm being serious here. If their pancakes taste good, I want to buy forty or fifty to take home." Wang Po said, "If you want to buy pancakes, just wait for him to get back from the street; no need to go to his place!" Ximen Qing said, "You're right, Ma." After finishing his tea and hanging around for a bit, Ximen Qing stood up and left.
After a while, Wang Po was secretly observing Ximen Qing in the teahouse. He would walk to the door, looking around, and then walk to the west, going back and forth seven or eight times. Before long, he entered the teahouse. Wang Po smiled and said, "Sir, it's been a few days since we last met; you're quite the rare visitor!" Ximen Qing also smiled and took out a couple of silvers from his pocket, handing them to Wang Po, saying, "Mother, let this be for the tea." Wang Po replied, "You don't have to give me that much!" Ximen Qing said, "If that's too much, just keep it, Mother." Wang Po thought to herself, "Here we go, this guy's about to get into trouble. I'll take the silver first and figure out his room charge tomorrow." Then she said to Ximen Qing, "Sir, you seem a bit troubled." Ximen Qing asked, "How'd you know, Mother?" Wang Po said, "What's so hard about that! The ancients said, 'When you enter the door, don't ask about matters of fortune or misfortune; just observe the face to know.' I've seen all sorts of people; what haven't I seen?" Ximen Qing said, "I do have something on my mind. If you guess it right, I'll give you five taels." Wang Po laughed and said, "No need to think too hard; I figured it out right away. Sir, tell me quietly, have you been coming around so much lately because you're thinking about that woman next door?"
Ximen Qing laughed heartily and said, "Mother, you are sharp as a tack! Indeed, ever since I caught a glimpse of her through the curtain that day, I have been restless, thinking about her day and night, losing my appetite and unable to focus on anything. Can you help me make a connection?" Wang Po laughed and said, "My lord, to tell you the truth, my tea house business is not good; it's been dead as a doornail. Ever since that heavy snow on the third day of the sixth month three years ago, when I sold a pot of tea, the business has been poor, and I have to make ends meet in other ways." Ximen Qing asked, "Mother, what do you mean by other ways?" Wang Po replied, "Since my husband passed away when I was thirty-six, life has been tough with this little servant. I've done everything from matchmaking to selling second-hand clothes, helped people with their children, sometimes even acted as a go-between, and I even do acupuncture." Hearing this, Ximen Qing laughed heartily and said, "I had no idea you were so talented! If you can help me with this matter, I'll give you ten taels of silver for your funeral expenses. Please arrange for her to meet me." Wang Po smiled and said, "I was just kidding! Why’d you take me seriously?" Stay tuned for the next installment.
There is a poem as evidence:
Ximen the reckless, with his heart on fire, plays with the maid, fueled by desire.
Poor Wang, the tea seller, struggles to cope, while the shamaness aids the king with hope.
