第一回 陌上闲游坠鞭惊素女 阶前小谑策杖戏娇嬛 (Chapter 1: Wandering the Path, a Dropped Whip Surprises a Fair Maiden; Bantering at the Steps, a Cane Teases a Lovely Maid)

It was said that the Summer Palace, located outside Beijing's Xizhimen Gate, was a magnificent legacy from the late Qing dynasty. Legend had it that the funds for constructing the gardens originally came from the naval budget. Using money earmarked for the navy to build a pleasure ground naturally lent it an air of grandeur. During the Qing era, it served solely as a retreat for the emperor and the empress dowager. By now, it had become merely another remnant of a fallen dynasty, a place of vanished splendor. Not only was it open to the public, but visitors strolling among its sunset-lit grasses and flowers could not help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the lost empire. Spring arrived late in the north. The elms and poplars budded slowly, and it was not until the end of March or the beginning of April that a hundred flowers would burst into full bloom. In those days, the hills around the Longevity Hill were mantled in emerald layers, while Kunming Lake shimmered with spring's green waves. The Summer Palace and its neighboring Western Hills together basked in their golden hour. The people of Beijing have always followed the 'Three Essentials' of eating well, drinking well, and enjoying oneself well. How could they possibly miss visiting such a place? Thus, during the third and fourth lunar months, whenever the weather was fine, the great roads leading from outside the Xizhimen Gate towards Fragrant Hills and the Eight Great Sites would become a veritable stream of carriages and horses, thronged with endless crowds of fashionably dressed ladies and gentlemen.

In the latter part of March that year, the weather was particularly fine and clear. Every day, a continuous stream of visitors passed through the Xizhimen Gate. Automobiles, horse-drawn carriages, rickshaws, and donkeys came and went, creating a scene of great bustle. However, some of the wealthy young masters naturally disdained carriages and rickshaws. They had grown tired of automobiles as well. As for donkeys, they considered them too scrawny. There was another reason for their distaste: the whip offered by the donkey driver was often filthy, making one reluctant to even touch it. There was a group of young dandies whose families kept fine horses. Occasionally, they would take pleasure in riding out of the city. On such a radiant spring day, dressed in light robes with their hats tilted jauntily, galloping with whips raised amidst flowers and willow trees, witnessing their steeds neighing amidst fragrant grasses-what sheer delight! Among these young dandies, one Master Jin stood out as particularly flamboyant. His given name was Hua, and his style name was Yanxi. He was only eighteen years old. Among his brothers, he was the fourth son. Counting all siblings together, he ranked seventh. Therefore, all his servants addressed him as Seventh Master. His father was the incumbent State Council Premier and also served as chairman of the board of a major bank. The family's money flowed in and out daily like water. Thus, apart from his studies, there was not a single matter that failed to go his way. That day, finding the weather splendid, he rose early, getting up shortly after nine. After having some pastries at home, he summoned four attendants-Li Fu, Zhang Shun, Jin Rong, and Jin Gui-had five horses saddled, and the party of five master and servants rode out in a cluster through the Xizhimen Gate, heading towards the Summer Palace. Yanxi removed his embroidered sapphire-blue satin riding jacket and tossed it to an attendant. He wore only a precious indigo-blue silk and camel-wool long gown underneath. He rolled up his sleeves slightly, revealing the pea-green spring-silk lined jacket inside. His right hand held the reins, while his left grasped a Xiang bamboo whip with a lake silk handle and snowflake pattern. His patent leather shoes stepped firmly into the stirrups. Giving his horse a slight squeeze with his legs and a flick of the whip, the jade-white steed beneath him broke into a gallop along the main Daozhi, its hooves flying as it raced westward. Jin Rong from behind spurred his horse to catch up, shouting, 'My young master, please don't run like that! If you fall, it's no joke.' As he spoke, the other three horses also caught up. The dust kicked up by the hooves swirled over their heads. Yanxi had galloped for a good five li. Feeling somewhat winded himself, he reined in his horse. The other four horses had already circled around and turned back, blocking his path. Yanxi pulled a snowflake-patterned silk handkerchief from beneath his camel-wool gown and wiped the sweat from his face, laughing, 'What's all this about?' Jin Rong said, 'The road is too crowded today, you really can't gallop. It's no good if you fall, and no good if you bump into someone else. Don't you agree?' Yanxi laughed. 'You're all fine ones to talk! Just the other day, you were learning to drive an automobile and almost hit a policeman.' Jin Rong grinned. 'Exactly! Your skill on horseback is about the same as my skill behind the wheel. Better be careful. We came out for a pleasant jaunt. If we cause trouble, even if we're not afraid, it would still spoil all the fun.' Yanxi said, 'Now that sounds reasonable.' Li Fu chimed in, 'In that case, we'll lead the way.' So saying, the four of them turned their horses around and rode ahead. Yanxi loosened the reins and followed slowly behind.

They were on a main road some twenty or thirty feet wide. Willow trees lined both sides, their long tendrils draping down onto people and horses alike. Yanxi, still warm from his gallop, felt a couple of gusts of east wind blow from beneath the willows, carrying a faint, fresh fragrance. The breeze on his face sent a wave of cool comfort through his body. Their horses were walking downwind. Amidst the fresh scent, he detected another wave of fragrance from upwind-a perfume reminiscent of orchids and musk. As Yanxi gazed upon the spring scenery along the path from his saddle, he kept savoring this aroma. He found it quite strange, thinking to himself that this didn't feel like the open countryside, but more like entering a lady's dressing room. Riding along slowly, he became lost in thought. The first wave of fragrance grew even stronger. Suddenly turning his head, he saw upwind a procession of four rubber-tired rickshaws, each carrying a young woman of seventeen or eighteen, catching up from behind. Yanxi suddenly understood. The source of this rich, powdered fragrance was them. In that brief moment, three of the four rickshaws had already passed his horse. The last one was riding precisely abreast of Yanxi's mount. Unconsciously, Yanxi's gaze drifted towards it. He saw that the young woman wore her hair in a double ruyi chignon, wound with a pale yellow velvet cord that made her tresses appear even more lustrous. She wore a set of indigo-blue skirt and jacket, trimmed all around with fine white braid. Around her neck was draped a lake-water-colored head veil, fluttering gracefully in the wind. Having grown up surrounded by luxury and feminine charms, Yanxi was accustomed to scenes of flirtation and dalliance. Yet such a simple, elegant adornment was exceedingly rare. Once he looked, he could not help but look again. Her snow-white face was tinged with a faint rosy blush. A few strands of dark bangs fell to her eyebrows, complementing a pair of lively eyes. One glance told him she was an intelligent, exquisite young lady. Yanxi looked and looked again, afraid she might notice. He urged his horse a few steps faster, then slowed it down a few steps, ensuring the rickshaw never got too far ahead or behind. The rickshaw moved briskly, his horse ambled slowly, keeping them side by side. So absorbed was he that Yanxi forgot where he was. The rickshaw ahead suddenly stopped to let an automobile pass. The following rickshaws halted as well. Seeing them stop, Yanxi's horse also came to a halt without him realizing. That lovely young lady tilted her head, seemingly admiring the scenery on this side. Suddenly, she lowered her head and smiled. Without time to fetch her handkerchief, she covered her mouth with her wind-fluttering veil. As she smiled, her dazzling eyes glanced once more in his direction. Throughout the journey, Yanxi had been watching her without her notice. Now that she was looking at him, he felt somewhat embarrassed. Suddenly looking down, he understood. The riding whip in his hand had, at some unknown moment, slipped from his grasp and fallen to the ground. Probably, her smile was for this very reason. He thought about dismounting to pick it up, but felt too awkward. Yet, he couldn't bear to leave it, as it was a cherished possession. He hesitated on his horse. Jin Rong and the other three, riding ahead, were completely unaware and continued on their way. Jin Rong looked back and, not seeing Yanxi, was startled. He reined in his horse, stood in the stirrups, and looked around. He spotted him, his horse reined in beneath the shade of a willow tree. Jin Rong gave his horse a flick with the whip and hurried back. 'Seventh Master, what are you doing?' he asked. Yanxi smiled slightly. 'My whip fell. Pick it up for me.' Jin Rong promptly dismounted, retrieved the whip, and handed it to Yanxi. As soon as Yanxi took it, it was as if he remembered something. Without waiting for Jin Rong to remount, he spurred his horse and galloped off ahead. Jin Rong chased after him, shouting, 'My Seventh Master, what are you doing? Have you gone mad?' After galloping about half a li, Yanxi's horse stopped, and he resumed a slow walk.

Jin Rong followed behind, scratching his head in bewilderment. He thought to himself, this is odd. Could he really have taken leave of his senses? Not daring to press Yanxi for an explanation, he followed along in confusion. After they had ridden a bit further, several rickshaws caught up from behind. In them sat a few fresh, delicate-looking young ladies. Jin Rong suddenly understood. He thought, my young master is up to his old tricks again! No wonder he kept hovering around those rickshaws. Let me see who has caught his eye. With this thought, he also glanced towards the rickshaws. Observing that Yanxi's gaze was fixed intently on the young lady in indigo blue, he knew. However, their party of five on horseback, persistently hovering around a few rickshaws like flies drawn to blood, presented a rather unseemly sight. Deliberately, he spurred his horse forward until he was riding abreast of Yanxi and gave him a meaningful look. In that instant, his horse moved ahead. Yanxi understood and caught up. Jin Rong kept his horse at a steady trot forward. Yanxi called from behind, 'Jin Rong, do you want me to curse you? What nonsense are you up to now?' Jin Rong looked back and, seeing they had put some distance between themselves and the rickshaws, laughed. 'Seventh Master, you still blame me for playing tricks?' Yanxi said, 'Why shouldn't I curse you for playing tricks?' Jin Rong replied, 'My young master, do I have to spell it out? Staring at someone up and down like that is really not proper behavior.' He chuckled again. 'If you really want to see her, you could probably see her any of the three hundred sixty-five days of the year. Why chase after her on the main road?' Yanxi laughed. 'Who am I looking at? You're talking nonsense. Watch out, or I'll whip you!' Jin Rong said, 'I meant well. If you say so, Seventh Master, I won't mention it again.' Sensing there was more to his words, Yanxi urged his horse forward until they were riding closely side-by-side. 'What do you mean by meaning well?' he asked with a smile. Jin Rong said, 'If you're going to whip me, what more can I say? Why look for a beating for no reason?' Hearing this, Jin Gui and the other two burst out laughing on their horses. Yanxi said, 'You were just teasing me, weren't you? I know it.' Jin Rong replied, 'How would I dare tease you? I see that person on the street almost every day. I even know where she lives.' Yanxi laughed. 'That proves you're talking nonsense. You don't know her, she doesn't know you. How could you possibly pay attention to her comings and goings for no reason at all?' Jin Rong grinned. 'Let me ask you, Master. When you were looking at her, was it for a reason or for no reason? A pretty face is a joy for everyone to see. When a young lady fresh as a flower walks down the street, even a dog would wag its tail, let alone a man like me.' Yanxi chuckled. 'Stop talking rubbish. Do you really know or not?' Jin Rong said, 'Don't be impatient, Master. Listen. Recently, haven't you taken a fancy to those crab-shell yellow pastries? I'm always afraid others won't buy them to your liking, so I always go myself. Every morning, a trip to Xidan Pailou has become my special duty, thanks to your pickiness.' Yanxi said, 'Get on with it. No more digressions.' Jin Rong continued, 'Well, every day when I go to buy the pastries, I always run into her coming back from school. The timing is almost always the same. One day she returned earlier, and I saw her enter a house in a certain place. I suspect that's her home.' Yanxi said, 'Just because she went in doesn't mean it's her home. Couldn't it be a relative or friend's house?' Jin Rong replied, 'I thought so too. But I've seen it happen twice more since then.' Yanxi asked, 'Where exactly?' Jin Rong smiled. 'Not far from our house, anyway.' Yanxi said, 'Everywhere in Beijing is not far from our house. That's too vague.' Jin Rong insisted, 'I swear I'm not teasing you. On our way back, I'll take you past her door. I promise you'll be pleased. Telling you now would spoil the fun.' Yanxi said, 'Alright then. But if you don't take me then, I'll settle accounts with you!' Jin Rong laughed. 'I have a condition too. You mustn't stare at her on the main road anymore. If you do, I won't say another word.' Seeing he seemed serious, Yanxi agreed with a smile.

Master and servants chatted along the way, without realizing they had passed Haidian. Zhang Shun asked, 'Seventh Master, we went to the Summer Palace just the day before yesterday. Are we going again today?' Yanxi hesitated on his horse, not answering immediately. Li Fu laughed. 'You really don't know how to read the room. Today, we simply must go in for a stroll.' Zhang Shun chuckled. 'In that case, we'll all wait outside and let the Seventh Master wander inside slowly by himself.' Yanxi scolded with a laugh, 'You bunch of scoundrels, making fun of me.' Jin Gui said, 'Seventh Master, please don't curse us all together. I didn't dare say anything.' The party of five arrived at the Summer Palace in high spirits, tied their horses under some trees, bought tickets, and entered. Yanxi thought to himself that those female students must have come to visit the Summer Palace. So he had purposely come in first to wait for them here. However, after waiting for what seemed like ages, there was no sign of them. He feared they had gone straight to Fragrant Hills instead. Dispirited, he led his four servants back home.

Just as they reached the main gate, they saw an automobile parked there. His elder sister-in-law Wu Peifang, his third sister-in-law Wang Yufen, and his third aunt Aunt Cui were all getting out of the car. As soon as Aunt Cui saw Yanxi dismounting, she laughed and said, 'Nothing better to do, so you went riding outside the city again? Look, your face is all sunburned and ruddy. What's the point? When your fair-skinned younger sister sees you later, she'll scold you for ages.' Yanxi handed his whip to Jin Rong and walked in with them. 'Where have you all been together?' he asked. Peifang smiled. 'Aunt Cui won some money playing poker last night, so we made her treat us.' Yanxi asked, 'To a restaurant?' Peifang said, 'No! We booked two boxes at the Chunming Theater and watched two operas.' Yanxi remarked, 'Only three of you, yet you booked two boxes?' Aunt Cui said, 'They were throwing my winnings around like tiles. I said one box would be enough, but they said many people were going. Later, after booking the boxes, we looked everywhere but couldn't find anyone else to join.' Yanxi stamped his foot, about to say something, when Wang Yufen, walking in front of him, let out an 'Oh!' She turned back, her face flushed with annoyance, then couldn't help laughing. 'Old Seventh, look! You've stepped on my new serge cloak, just worn today!' she said, holding up the front of her rose-purple cloak with both hands and twisting her head to look at her heel. Yanxi looked and saw a clear footprint right on the hem trimmed with a row of rhinestones and black silk braid. Feeling terribly sorry, Yanxi immediately crouched down to brush off the dust for his third sister-in-law. Wang Yufen twisted away, dodging forward with a laugh. 'I wouldn't dare trouble you!' Everyone laughed as they walked together into the main quarters. The old maidservants from each of their rooms had already come forward to take their cloaks and bags.

Just as Yanxi was about to retire to his own study, Aunt Cui grabbed his sleeve. 'I have something to discuss with you,' she said. Yanxi asked, 'What is it?' Aunt Cui said, 'I heard you got a box ticket for the charity performance at the Grand Stage. Will you transfer it to me?' Yanxi said, 'I thought it was something important. So it's just this? No need to 'transfer.' I'll give it to you.' Aunt Cui said, 'Keep it with you for now. I'll come fetch it myself. If it changes hands, I might miss out again.'

Yanxi agreed and went out on his own. Upon returning to his study, he found Jin Rong tidying his desk. Seeing no one else was in the room, Jin Rong smiled and said, 'Seventh Master, if you're not going to read, that's fine. But leaving books scattered everywhere is not good. If someone were to see, it would be awkward for everyone.' Yanxi said, 'What does it matter? What's lying around are just a few trivial novels. Have those tabloids been delivered? I haven't seen them for two days.' Jin Rong replied, 'Of course they've been delivered. I've collected them all. You can read them later before bed.' Yanxi smiled and said, 'You said you knew where that girl lives. You can tell me now.' Jin Rong said, 'I dare not.' Yanxi asked, 'Why not?' Jin Rong grinned. 'If Miss Bai finds out later, I won't be able to bear the consequences.' Yanxi said, 'How would they know what we do? Just tell me. I assure you, nothing will happen.' Jin Rong smiled awkwardly, hesitated, and said, 'I'm sorry. What I said on the road was all made up.' With that, he bowed deeply to Yanxi. Extremely displeased, Yanxi scowled. 'Why did you deceive me?' Jin Rong explained, 'You didn't notice, but when you were staring at their rickshaw on the road, they were already getting angry. I was afraid if we kept following, there'd be trouble.' Yanxi said, 'I don't care. You must find her home for me. If you can't, don't come see me again.' Having said that, he picked up a magazine from the table and started reading, ignoring Jin Rong. Seeing Yanxi was truly angry, Jin Rong dared not say more. After finishing his tasks, he withdrew. Consulting with several other attendants, he said, 'Isn't this a difficult task? With Beijing so vast, where am I supposed to find this one person?' They all chimed in, 'Who told you to lie so convincingly, as if it were true?' Jin Rong also felt he couldn't fulfill the assignment and was so frightened he avoided Yanxi for two or three days. Fortunately, Yanxi had many places to amuse himself. After two or three days, the matter faded from his mind. When Jin Rong saw he had forgotten, a great weight lifted from his heart.