The poem says:
Wealth and status are as fleeting as morning dew, friendships are as insubstantial as grains of sand. It’s better to be behind a bamboo window, quietly reading and meditating.
In tranquility, we listen to verses, as the spirit is refreshed by brewing tea. Only concerned about the rooster's crow, as worldly matters entangle like hemp.
Ximen Qing and Pan Jinlian slept until dawn. Pan Jinlian asked Ximen Qing if he wanted to attend the two banquets on the 28th. Ximen Qing said of course he would go. Pan Jinlian said she had a request of him. Ximen Qing replied, "You little enchantress, just tell me what it is." Pan Jinlian said she wanted to wear Sister Li's fur coat; everyone would wear fur coats to the banquet tomorrow, but she would have none. Ximen Qing said, "Don't you have the fur coat from Wang Zhaoxuan's pawnshop?" Pan Jinlian replied, "I won't wear that; you gave it to Li Jiaor, and Li Jiaor gave hers to Xue'e. You give me Sister Li's coat, and I'll sew on two big red gold crane sleeves to wear with the white silk coat. After all, I’m your wife; I can’t be worse than anyone else." Ximen Qing said, "You little enchantress, you just love to be greedy for little things! That coat is worth sixty taels of silver; won't it dazzle others when you wear it?" Pan Jinlian said, "I’m your wife, giving you face, not wearing it for anyone else. Will you agree or not?" Ximen Qing said, "You’re asking me while trying to be tough!" Pan Jinlian said, "But I am your maid, should I soften before you?" Saying this, she leaned against Ximen Qing...
There are personal matters that welcome the gentleman's intentions, eagerly wanting to play the purple flute.
The doctor hosted a banquet, and Ximen Qing dressed up and went out. Pan Jinlian was still in bed, saying, "Hurry back, or you'll be busy again later." Ximen Qing went to Li Ping'er’s room, where the wet nurse and maid were already up, preparing tea. Ximen Qing saw Ruyier had put on light makeup and drawn her eyebrows, smiling as she handed him tea, and they chatted. Ximen Qing asked Yingchun to get the bedroom key, and Ruyier asked what he needed the key for. Ximen Qing said, "I’m looking for a fur coat for Fifth Lady (Pan Jinlian)." Ruyier asked, "Is it Mother’s mink coat?" Ximen Qing said it was. Yingchun went to get the key, and Ximen Qing embraced Ruyier, groping her breast, saying, "Although you’ve had a child, your breast is still so firm," and then they became intimate. Ruyier said, "I always see Father with Fifth Lady; I haven’t seen you go to other rooms." She's got a bad temper and can't stand anyone; a few days ago when you weren’t home, over a pestle, she gave me a harsh scolding. Luckily, Sister Han and Third Lady helped calm her down. After you came back, I didn’t dare to tell you, not knowing who had been gossiping about me, saying you wanted me. Didn’t she say anything to you? Ximen Qing said, "She did say something; just apologize to her tomorrow, that’s how she is. Just sweeten her up a bit, and she’ll be fine. She talks tough, but she doesn’t have any bad intentions." Ruyier said, "The day before yesterday, I had a spat with her. The next day when you came home, you defended me, saying you spent most of your time with her, and as long as I didn’t hide anything from you, everything else would be fine." Ximen Qing said, "Then let’s get along well." He promised Ruyier he’d come to her room every night. Ruyier asked, "Will you really come, Father? Don’t lie to me!" Ximen Qing replied, "Who would lie to you!" At that moment, Yingchun returned with the key. Ximen Qing opened the bedroom door and wardrobe, took out the fur coat, shook it, wrapped it up, and told Yingchun to take it to Pan Jinlian’s room. Ruyier whispered to Ximen Qing, "I don’t have many nice clothes; could you find me a few too? Even Mother’s old clothes would be fine." Ximen Qing found her a green satin coat, a yellow silk skirt, a pair of blue silk pants, and a pair of embroidered knee-length pants. Ruyier bowed in thanks. Ximen Qing locked the door and told Ruyier to take the fur coat to Jinlian’s room.
Pan Jinlian had just got up and was wrapping her feet when Chunmei told her that Ruyier had brought a fur coat. Pan Jinlian understood what was happening and invited Ruyier in. She asked if Ximen Qing had sent her. Ruyier replied yes. Pan Jinlian asked if she had received any gifts. Ruyier said that her father had rewarded her with two silk dresses and sent her to bow to Pan Jinlian. Ruyier bowed deeply four times. Pan Jinlian said, "Isn't that great? Your master loves you. As the saying goes: 'More boats don't block the harbor, more cars don't block the road,' why act like a villain? As long as you don't provoke me, I won't bother with you. Do I even need to care about you?" Ruyier said, "My mother is gone, and although my stepmother is in charge, you are still the head of the household. I hope you can help me out. I don't dare to play tricks; this is where I belong." Pan Jinlian said, "You must bring up this outfit to the madam." Ruyier said, "I asked the madam about it before, and she said that when my father has time, he would give me a few pieces." Pan Jinlian replied, "Then that works for me." Ruyier went out and returned to Ximen Qing's side, where Ximen Qing was already in the front hall. Ruyier asked Yingchun, "What did the madam say when you got the key earlier?" Yingchun said, "The madam asked what your father wanted the key for. I didn't mention it was to get the fur coat for the Fifth Mistress; I said I didn't know, and the madam didn’t respond."
Ximen Qing went to the hall to check on the banquet preparations. The group of assistants from Haiyan, Zhang Mei, Xu Shun, and Gou Zixiao, had all brought their theatrical trunks, and the four young actors, including Li Ming, were already waiting and bowed to him in greeting. Ximen Qing instructed that food be served to everyone and have Li Ming and the others perform in front while Xu Shun engaged with the audience from the back. That day, Han Daoguo's wife, Wang Liu'er, did not come but sent Sister Shen with two boxes of gifts, arriving in a palanquin, with her son, Jin Cai, accompanying her to celebrate Yulou's birthday party. Wang Jing escorted them to the backyard, and the palanquin left. After a while, Aunt Han, Aunt Meng, and a few others arrived, along with Fu's assistant, Gan's assistant's wife, Cui Ben's wife, Sister Duan, and Ben Si's wife. In the hall, Ximen Qing saw Dai An leading a short woman dressed in a green satin jacket and a red skirt, who wasn't wearing makeup and had small eyes, somewhat resembling Zheng Aixiang, and asked who she was. Dai An replied, "That's Ben Si's sister-in-law." Ximen Qing didn't respond.
Later, he met Wu Yueniang. Yueniang poured him tea, and Ximen Qing came in to have some porridge, then handed the key over to Yueniang. Yueniang asked, "What are you opening the door for?" Ximen Qing said, "Pan Liu'er said he's planning to go to Second Brother's place tomorrow for drinks, but he doesn’t have a coat to wear, so he wants to borrow Sister Li's coat." Yueniang gave him a cold look and said, "You really can't keep your mouth shut! Pan Liu'er is gone, and you all dispersed the maids in his room. People like you, I just can't even! When he was alive, he never wore that coat, but now that he's gone, he wants to wear it. If we'd known he was gone, if he hadn't died, you would have just been able to take a look at it." Yueniang's words left Ximen Qing speechless. Just then, someone announced that Liu Xueguan was here to pay back the money, and Ximen Qing went out to have a chat with him. At this time, Dai'an walked in with a note and said, "What did they send?" Dai'an said, "Congrats! They sent a piece of fabric, a barrel of good wine, and four kinds of snacks." Ximen Qing asked Wang Jing to jot down a thank-you note, gave the visitors five silver coins as a tip, and sent them on their way.
Sister Li Guimei stepped down from the sedan chair, and Bao'er was carrying four boxes of gifts. Dai'an hurried forward to help carry things, saying, "Aunt Gui, please go in through the side door. Mr. Liu is in the main hall." Li Guimei went in through the side door, and Lai'an took the gift boxes to Madame Yue's room. Madame Yue asked, "Did the master see it?" Dai'an said, "The master is hosting guests and hasn't seen it yet." Madame Yue said, "Put the boxes in the main room first." After the guests left, Ximen Qing came in to eat, and Madame Yue said, "Li Guimei brought gifts." Ximen Qing said, "I didn't know." Madame Yue asked Xiaoyu to open the boxes; inside were a box of fruit-filled birthday pastries, a box of rose sugar cakes, two roast ducks, and a pair of pig trotters. Li Guimei came out of the room, wearing a head full of pearls and emeralds, a large red jacket, and a blue satin skirt. She kowtowed to Ximen Qing four times in respect. Ximen Qing said, "That's enough, what else did you bring?" Madame Yue said, "Guijie just told me that she was afraid you would be angry. This has nothing to do with her; it's all her mother's fault: that day, Guijie had a headache and saw Wang Sanguan leading a group of people to Qin Yuzhi's house. They passed by the door and came in for tea, which disturbed her. Guijie didn’t come out to greet him." Ximen Qing said, "If she didn't come out to greet him that time, she didn’t come out to greet him this time; that doesn’t make sense. Speaking of which, I can't control you either. The Lichun Courtyard isn’t just some front for a bakery; there is money everywhere, I'm not angry." Li Guimei knelt on the ground and couldn't get up, saying, "Dad is angry. If I had any relationship with him, I’d be doomed; every pore will be covered with blisters. It’s all my mother’s fault; she’s getting old and doesn’t think things through, attracting both good and bad things, making Dad angry for nothing." Madame Yue said, "Now that it's been explained, why be angry?" Ximen Qing said, "Get up, I'm not angry with you." Li Guimei acted all shy and said, "Dad, you have to smile before I get up. If you don't smile, I won't get up even if I kneel for a year." Pan Jinlian interjected, "Guijie, get up. Don't kneel to him all the time, beg him for a favor, let him arrange it! If you kneel to him now, tomorrow when you go to his house, he will kneel to you instead; don't pay attention to him then." Ximen Qing and Madame Yue laughed, and Li Guimei finally got up. At this time, Da'an came in a panic to report, "Mr. Song and Mr. An are here." Ximen Qing hurriedly put on his clothes and went out to greet them. Li Guimei said to Madame Yue, "I don't want Dad anymore; I only recognize you as my mother." Madame Yue said, "Those insincere words of yours, once said, are water under the bridge. You went there twice before; why didn't you go there this time?" Li Guimei said, "Oh my god, oh my god, it was almost fatal! How did Dad go to my house? If he goes to my house and sees Dad, has some relationship, I will die! Mom, you got it wrong; he didn't go to my house, he went to Zheng Yuer's house twice to hire their little groom. She's the one stirring up all this trouble; otherwise, why would Dad be angry with me?" Jinlian said, "Everyone should mind their own business; why would she cause trouble for you for no reason?" Guijie said, "Fifth Sister, you don't know; we people, we all look down on each other; it's very distressing!" Madame Yue continued, "It’s all the same; we’re all looking down on each other. Whoever has a little ability has to be stepped on." Madame Yue served her tea, and this matter passed.
Ximen Qing warmly received Song Yushi and An Langzhong, each of whom was presented with a piece of satin and a book. The two gentlemen expressed their gratitude for Ximen Qing's enthusiastic hospitality. After sitting down for tea, Song Yushi explained the purpose of their visit: "I plan to host the banquet on the 30th at your mansion to bid farewell to Lord Hou, who has recently been promoted to the position of Grand Minister of Ceremonies. He will be leaving for the capital in two days. How does that sound?" Ximen Qing readily agreed, only inquiring about the number of tables needed. Song Yushi said that the banquet expenses had already been prepared and had the clerk bring out twelve taels of silver, requesting a large table and six small tables, and also invited a theatrical troupe for entertainment. Ximen Qing accepted the silver and told them to rest in the guest room.
Shortly after, Qian Zhushi also arrived, and the three officials gathered to play chess. Song Yushi praised the spacious and elegant style of Ximen Qing's mansion, adorned with exquisite paintings, calligraphy, and treasures. He was particularly taken with a delicate incense burner, depicted as being held by the Eight Immortals on a screen before him. The scent of sandalwood wafted gently, and smoke slowly drifted out of the mouths of the turtle, crane, and deer. He couldn't help but praise it and asked Ximen Qing where the incense burner came from. Ximen Qing said it was a gift from someone in Huai'an. They played chess and drank wine, and Ximen Qing ordered up some exquisite snacks and fruits, and asked the theatrical troupe to perform some Southern operas. Song Yushi chuckled and said, "The guests haven't arrived yet, but the host is already blushing. Isn't that a little inappropriate?" An Langzhong said, "It's cold, so having a drink is fine." Song Yushi then sent someone to fetch Magistrate Cai and Old Man Huang, and the messenger returned to say they were playing chess at the brick factory and would be here soon.
The performer sang a piece from "Yichun Ling" while serving wine, and before he had finished, someone announced that Governor Cai and Old Man Huang had arrived. Inspector Song quickly instructed to tidy up the banquet and arrange their attire to welcome the guests. Governor Cai was in simple attire with a golden sash and first presented a formal greeting card. Doctor An introduced Ximen Qing to Governor Cai, stating he was a disciple of a respected elder in the capital. After some polite conversation, everyone took their seats, with Governor Cai sitting in the main position. After the dishes were served, the performer presented the playbill, and Governor Cai chose "Shuang Zhong Ji," performing two acts. After several rounds of toasts, a young performer sang a piece called "New Water Order." Governor Cai laughed and said, "Inspector Song's green horse, the old beard of the Three Dukes..." Doctor An chimed in, "Today we can't say 'Jiangzhou Sima's green shirt is wet' anymore." Everyone burst into laughter. Ximen Qing then requested Chunhong to perform "Jinmen Xian Ba Ping Hu Biao," and Inspector Song took a liking to Chunhong, rewarding him with three silver coins.
Outside the window, the sunlight flickered by, and the shadows of the flowers moved between the seats. Before one cup was finished, the music began anew, and below the steps, the time was announced again. As the sky darkened, Governor Cai took his leave, and Ximen Qing and the others saw him off, sending someone to deliver the banquet items to Xinhaikou. Inspector Song also said his goodbyes, saying he would come by again another day.
After seeing the guests off, Ximen Qing dismissed the opera troupe, instructing them to come back the day after tomorrow and to bring a few skilled singers because Inspector Song wanted to host a banquet for Governor Hou. Ximen Qing also invited Master Wen and Second Uncle Ying, and everyone drank while listening to the opera. Ximen Qing asked about the opera troupe the Earl was bringing in for tomorrow, and the Earl said he could only manage to invite two who could sing small tunes, as he didn't have space for a large troupe. Aunt Meng and Cousin Meng San left first, and Miss Yang also said her goodbyes, mentioning she had to rush back home for her nephew's engagement ceremony. After the lamps were lit, the three wives of the attendants also said their goodbyes, leaving just Sister Duan and Granny Pan. Da Yinzi, Sister Li Gui, Sister Shen Er, the three aunts, as well as Sister Yu, Sister Li Jiao, Meng Yulou, and Pan Jinlian all remained in Yue Niang's room.
At this time, the banquet in the front hall had ended, and the servants began to clear things away. Pan Jinlian quietly walked to the corner gate and saw Ximen Qing supporting Lai'an, staggering towards Li Ping'er's room. She immediately pulled Ximen Qing into her room. Lai'an went to the upper room to clean up the dishes and utensils.
When Ximen Qing entered, Yu Niang sent Shen Erjie, Li Guijie, and Yu Dajie to Li Jiaoer's room. Then she asked Lai'an, "Has your father arrived?" Lai'an said, "My father is in Wu Niang's room, being quite a nuisance." Yu Niang felt a bit displeased and said to Yulou, "Look at him, he's being so inconsiderate. I said he would come to your room when he entered today, but he ended up going to his own room! He has been fooling around lately, constantly pestering him." Yulou said, "Sister, let him be! It seems like we are all fighting over him. The master is right, he can go to any of the six rooms as he pleases; we can't control that!" Yu Niang said, "If he really is up to something, it could be trouble! I just heard the crowd outside had dispersed, and he hurriedly ran over there." Then she said to Xiaoyu, "There is no one at the stove, go lock the ceremonial gate. Invite the three masters over and let them recite scriptures. Invite Li Guijie, Shen Erjie, Duan Dajie, and Yu Dajie as well." Yu Niang said to the old lady, "I had originally wanted the little novice to invite Huang Shi to come and recite, but Yang Niang went again today." She instructed Yuxiao to brew tea. Yulou said to Li Jiaoer, "Let's take turns pouring the tea so Big Sister doesn't wear herself out." Then each room started to prepare tea.
After a while, the table on the heated kang was set, and the three nuns arrived, sitting cross-legged on the bed. Everyone sat down, ready to listen to them recite scriptures. Yu Niang washed her hands, lit incense, and Xue Nun opened "Huang Shi's Female Scroll," reciting loudly:
It is said that the Dharma is eternal, thus it returns to emptiness. The Tao inherently has no birth, yet it manifests without being used. The Dharma body manifests the Eightfold Path, and the Eightfold Path reveals the Dharma body. The bright and compassionate lamp opens the doors to the world; the clear Buddha mirror dispels the darkness at the crossroads. A hundred years of scenery depends on a single moment; the four great elements are like bubbles and illusions. Every day, amidst the toil and hustle, from morning till night, the trials of work keep us busy. How can one realize that the essence is complete and clear while merely indulging in the greed of the six senses? Fame and fortune in this world are nothing but a grand illusion; wealth and nobility, no matter how astonishing, cannot escape the reality of impermanence. When the winds and flames disperse, there are neither old nor young; how many heroes have been worn down by the mountains and rivers! After reciting a section, I recited a verse and sang a few Buddhist songs encouraging goodness. Then, I shared the story of how Miss Huang came into being, how she practiced the sutras and performed good deeds, how she was reborn as a man after death, and how five individuals of both genders ascended to heaven together.
After finishing the sutras, it was already past the second watch. First, a pot of tea was brought from Li Jiaoer's room, and everyone drank it. Then, from Meng Yulou's room, Lan Xiang brought several exquisite fruit snacks, a large pot of wine, and a large pot of tea for Auntie, Sister Duan, and Sister Gui to drink. Madame Yue had Yuxiao bring out four boxes of sweets and snacks for the three masters to enjoy with their tea. Li Guijie said, "Once the three masters finish their reading, I’d like to sing a song to pay my respects." Madame Yue said, "Guijie, do you want to sing again?" Yu Dajie said, "Let me sing first." Madame Yue said, "Alright, Yu Dajie, you go first." Shen Erjie said, "After Sister finishes singing, I will also sing for everyone to listen." Guijie insisted, saying, "I want to sing first." She then asked Madame Yue what she wanted to hear, and Madame Yue said, "Sing 'Deep Silence'." So Guijie poured wine for everyone, picked up the pipa, gently plucked the strings, and sang a song. After Guijie finished singing, Yu Dajie was about to take the pipa, but Shen Erjie snatched it away, hung it on her arm, and said, "I will sing 'The Twelfth Month' for Auntie and all the sisters to listen to." She then sang, "The fifteenth day of the first month is the Lantern Festival, burning incense to the heavens and earth..." At this point, Auntie was feeling too tired, so before Shen Erjie could finish her song, she sipped her tea and headed off to sleep in Madame Yue's room. Once the song wrapped up, Guijie went back to Li Jiaoer's room, Sister Duan headed to Meng Yulou's room, the three masters returned to Sun Xue'e's room, and Yu Dajie, Shen Erjie, Xiaoyu, and Yuxiao settled down in the warm room on the other side. Madame Yue and Auntie slept in the upper room, so we won't say much more about that. Now, let me tell you all in detail: In ancient times, pregnant women wouldn’t sit sideways, lie down to sleep, listen to lewd sounds, or look at anything immoral; instead, they would regularly read poetry and literature. Therefore, the children born were upright and intelligent; this was considered a form of prenatal education. Now that Madame Yue is expecting, monks and nuns shouldn’t be reciting scriptures about life and death. Later on, an ancient Buddha was born, took possession of a body, and then vanished, unable to fulfill family ties.
It's such a shame! Here it is:
The future looks bleak, with uncertainty ahead, and the journey is risky; one becomes lost during the twelve hours.
