Explore Chapter 4 of 'Dead Water Ripples' with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
After banishing Gu Tiancheng, the Gambling Den at Yunji Inn in Tianhui Town hadn't changed in the slightest. Nor did it leave any trace in people's minds. Only Liu Sanjin, having experienced less of the world than the others, thought differently. She reasoned that Gu Tiancheng was no great Grain Household, and having been cheated, lost heavily, and then driven out, he would surely seek revenge. The gang, being thick as thieves, naturally feared nothing. But she, she was the weakest link. Moreover, upon reflection, Gu Tiancheng's misfortune was largely orchestrated by Zhang Zhankui urging her on. If Gu Tiancheng came to his senses, he would inevitably conclude, "That whore is the one who ruined me!" Could she really rely on Luo Waizui and his lot for the rest of her life? Impossible. It was better to slip away sooner rather than later.
One night, after attending to Luo Waizui in bed, she mentioned that it had been several years since she left Neijiang. Thanks to his care, she had managed to save a little money. It was now mid-November, she asked Luo Waizui, "Will you permit me to return to Neijiang for the New Year?" Luo Waizui, muddled and eager for sleep, merely grunted a few times.
This might have been his honest feeling, for he continued, "In the past, the women who passed through my hands, some were indeed more beautiful than you, but none had your cleverness. Some were many times more wanton, yet they lacked your charm... I've frequented brothels for decades without a shred of attachment. I dropped them the moment I said I would. When did I ever show them such attentiveness?... I think it must be because I only ever tasted a woman's body, never her heart... Perhaps in my youth, full of vigor, I saw women merely as playthings for the bed, to be discarded after use. Now, a little older, besides a woman's body, I seem to want something else... You understand. Even though I sleep with you every night, think about it-how many nights have I been earnest about *that*? Sometimes I don't even think of it for eight or ten days. Yet, I can't sleep well, nor am I happy, without you by my side... I can't explain it. But I won't keep you. I swore an oath as a boy never to settle down..."
Liu Sanjin, her own thoughts slightly stirred, tempted him, "Don't you know? When a man reaches a certain age, he needs a woman who understands his heart to cherish him. Since you feel this way, why not settle down? An oath sworn in youthful ignorance doesn't amount to much... If you truly can't bear to part with me, I won't go. I'll stay with you for life, alright?"
Luo Waizui laughed. "I thank you just for saying that! To be honest, if I were to settle down, I should marry a proper woman. But proper women don't suit my taste. You lot are fine, but then I'd be afraid of being crushed to death by a Cuckold!"
She poked his forehead with a finger, looking at him with a half-smile. "That mouth of yours!... You should know-a harlot turned proper wife becomes a respectable lady. Once she reforms, how could she carry on wildly? Wouldn't she fear being cut down?... I still want to follow you. I don't need you to marry me. Just don't let me lack for clothes or food!..."
He sat up, speaking seriously now. "San'er, no more joking. Pack your things slowly. Collect any debts owed to you. By the end of the month at the latest, I'll have Zhang Zhankui escort you back to Shiqiao. You're still young and charming, just entering your prime for a good life. Staying with me holds no benefit. I'm a rootless crab after all. I can't stay with you year-round, nor can I drag you around like a perfumed pouch. It would ruin you, and harm me too. You're somewhat fond of me, and I of you. That's true. Let's keep this 'fondness' safely in our hearts. Then we'll have good memories when we meet again. The day before yesterday, I had someone buy a length of fabric and enough lace for an entire outfit. Take it to make a padded jacket. Consider it a token of my affection. When you leave, I'll give you a silver ingot for your journey."
These past few days, she felt very busy, occupied with making shoe uppers and hat bands. She spent little time at Yunji Inn and much time in consultation with Sister-in-law Cai at Xingshun Shop. Sometimes she returned in the afternoon with rosy cheeks and slightly tipsy eyes, knowing she had been drinking with Sister-in-law Cai again.
Sometimes she invited Luo Waizui to join them, expecting him to order dishes at the red-wok Restaurant. But they never managed a truly satisfying feast. Either Zhang Zhankui and others sought him out, or some other business called him away.
Finally, on the night of the twenty-first of November, after everyone had dispersed, only the two of them remained in the room. Since winter began, this night carried a real chill. A north wind blew outside the window, rustling the dry leaves loudly. Several old Shaanxi merchants returning home from the provincial capital were lodged in the upper room, laughing and talking boisterously. Their laughter drifted over the wall in gusts with the wind.
Luo Waizui, wearing a lambskin robe, reclined by the opium tray, reading a newly printed "Eight Immortals" picture book. Liu Sanjin sat cross-legged on the edge of the bed, a Qiongzhou bamboo hand-warmer in her lap, holding a white copper water-pipe. To ward off the cold, she had wrapped the pipe's mouthpiece with a corner of an embroidered handkerchief.
Luo Waizui put the book down and looked at her with a smile. "Go on, then! What is it? I'm listening!"
She furrowed her brow and sighed softly. "A person must always make some plans for themselves. I've met quite a few men. But reaching your late thirties, as carefree as you are, is truly rare! You've treated me too well. I know it's not just me you treat this way. Never mind the others. Speaking just for myself, I'm grateful to you. Whatever happens, I must make a plan for you. If you'd only listen to me a little, I could leave with peace of mind!"
"When you say there isn't a second, do you mean no second businesswoman? Or no second woman better than me?"
She shook her head. "I'm not so sure. As for businesswomen, I know there aren't any working openly, but plenty working in secret. No need for me to say, you know it yourself. But I've observed carefully. None of them are a match for you. But to say there isn't a second woman in Tianhui Town better than me-that's slander! There's one right before your eyes. Surely you're not blind?"
She laughed. "If I said you were pretending to be crazy, it doesn't seem like it. If I said you truly have no heart, you don't look that hopelessly stupid. That's why Sister-in-law Cai says you're a preserved egg-shiny shell, muddled inside! Never mind her for now. Just tell me, do you love her or not? Do you think of her? Answer honestly, not a single word of deceit!"
She rolled her eyes. "Still pretending? I'm playing matchmaker for you! Matchmaking for you and Sister-in-law Cai! I'll tell you, her side is already settled. She doesn't want anything from you. She just loves you! She told me very clearly. She's loved you since she married Cai Shazi. It's just that you've been so vague. As if you knew, and yet as if you didn't..."
She tilted her head, freeing her mouth, and shot him a glance. "I've done my utmost. Believe it or not, it's up to you! You're not a woman. How could you understand a woman's thoughts? Some women, no matter how proper they seem on the outside, secretly long to steal a man more fiercely than we do. And Sister Cai isn't even that proper! You say 'relative'. Well, I can tell you, relatives are often the ones involved in scandal. Think of the operas. How many aren't about a cousin stealing from her cousin, or a sister-in-law stealing from her brother-in-law? No need for me to say more. In short, Sister Cai is a beautiful woman, charming but not wild, and she has you in her heart. You don't want to settle down, but you want a woman who suits your taste to be close to you. In my view, Sister Cai is the best. I've done my part. I've told you her secret feelings. And I've already persuaded her, telling her all your good points. Whether you believe it, whether you make a move, is entirely up to you. Of course, you can't force an ox to drink. It's just that Sister Cai is tempted now. That piece of tender meat won't be devoured by Cai Shazi alone forever!"
At first light, he rose. Liu Sanjin still slept soundly, her Yangzhou-style chignon disheveled on the pillow. He threw on his fur jacket, slipped into his shoes, quietly opened the door, and went to the kitchen to heat water for washing. People were in the kitchen: Zhang Zhankui and Tian Changzi, both with red eyes as if they'd been up all night. They were talking and, seeing him enter, Zhang Zhankui said, "Brother Luo, you're up? We were just coming to ask you, what did Liu San'er say to you last night?" Luo Waizui answered vaguely, "The same old things." Tian Changzi said, "Did you promise to send her back to Shiqiao by month's end?" Luo Waizui, washing his face, said, "Naturally, I promised." Zhang Zhankui asked, "Then what about our business?" Luo Waizui looked up. "Your business? What business?" Zhang Zhankui grinned. "Brother Luo, that's strange! Didn't we agree a few days ago that after Liu San'er left, we would..." Luo Waizui quickly signaled with his eyes and shook his head. "Don't speak recklessly. Someone might hear in the house!" He finished washing hastily and hurried Zhang Zhankui and the others out for tea.
Returning to the room, he found Liu Sanjin already awake, sitting on the bed hugging the quilt, lost in thought. He went over, sat on the edge of the bed, and took her hand. "San'er, I thought about it half the night. You're right. I do need someone. Sister-in-law Cai is indeed a fine woman. But we mustn't rush this. We have to take it slow." Liu Sanjin nodded. "I know. As long as you have her in your heart, and she has you in hers, it will happen sooner or later. After I leave, visit Xingshun Shop more often. Sister-in-law Cai is clever. She'll understand."
From then on, Luo Waizui indeed frequented Xingshun Shop more often. Sister-in-law Cai was initially somewhat reserved, but seeing Luo Waizui's forthright manner and measured speech, she gradually relaxed. Liu Sanjin acted as go-between. Sometimes, in Sister-in-law Cai's presence, she would deliberately extol Luo Waizui's virtues. Sister-in-law Cai would merely lower her head and smile, neither affirming nor denying.
Liu Sanjin packed her belongings, preparing to depart. Luo Waizui kept his promise, giving her a silver ingot and instructing Zhang Zhankui to escort her back to Shiqiao. On the day of her departure, Liu Sanjin特意 went to Xingshun Shop to bid farewell to Sister-in-law Cai. The two spoke at length in the inner storeroom. Liu Sanjin took Sister-in-law Cai's hand. "Sister-in-law, I'm leaving today. We may not meet again easily. I have a word to say. Please don't think me presumptuous. Brother Luo, rough as he seems on the outside, is truly tender-hearted. He's all alone, a pitiful man. You are blessed, Sister-in-law, and Shopkeeper Cai is honest. If you could look after him a little, it would be a virtuous deed." Sister-in-law Cai, blushing, said, "Third Sister, what are you saying! He's family. Looking after him is only right." Liu Sanjin smiled. "With your word, I can set my mind at ease." With that, she took her leave.
After Liu Sanjin's departure, Luo Waizui indeed became a regular at Xingshun Shop. Sometimes he helped Sister-in-law Cai with the business, sometimes he played with Jin Wazi. Cai Xingshun, a simple soul, was actually pleased by Luo Waizui's frequent visits, as he could handle social matters for him. Luo Waizui's conversations with Sister-in-law Cai grew gradually more familiar, yet he always maintained propriety, not daring to be presumptuous. Sister-in-law Cai's heart was already inclined, but held back by face, she would not show it.
One day, Luo Waizui was drinking at the shop. Cai Xingshun had business elsewhere, leaving only Sister-in-law Cai at the counter. Having drunk a few extra cups, Luo Waizui looked at Sister-in-law Cai and suddenly sighed. "Cousin-in-law, I'm afraid my life will just muddle on like this." Sister-in-law Cai said, "Elder Cousin, what talk is that! You're a capable man. Your time will come." Luo Waizui shook his head. "My time? Now I only wish for a home, for someone who cares if I'm cold or warm." Sister-in-law Cai lowered her head in silence. Emboldened by drink, Luo Waizui reached out and grasped her hand. Sister-in-law Cai started but did not pull away. Luo Waizui whispered, "Do you know, you've been in my heart for a long time?" Sister-in-law Cai, her face crimson, murmured, "Let go quickly. Someone might see!" Luo Waizui released her hand, smiling. "What's to fear? Xingshun isn't an outsider." Sister-in-law Cai said sternly, "He's a good man. We mustn't take advantage of him." Luo Waizui nodded. "You're right. But I truly couldn't help myself." From then on, they grew even closer in their hearts.
Eventually, Cai Xingshun caught on. One night, waking by chance, he heard Sister-in-law Cai murmur Luo Waizui's name in her sleep. He shook her awake and asked what was the matter. Sister-in-law Cai, knowing she could hide it no longer, admitted everything in tears. Cai Xingshun was dumbstruck for a long while before he finally sighed. "Let it be, let it be! I knew this day would come. Brother Luo is a man of ability. I'm not worthy of you. Do as you wish. Just don't drive me away. I'll still mind this shop." Sister-in-law Cai, not expecting such weakness, pitied him instead. But matters of the heart cannot be forced. From then on, Luo Waizui and Sister-in-law Cai were openly together. Cai Xingshun turned a blind eye. The people of Tianhui Town all knew, but fearing Luo Waizui's influence, no one dared gossip.