Chapter 8, Su Hui

"What episode?" Zhang E's head was already a bit dizzy. "Then tell me, what episode is it?"

Zhang Yuan replied: "After I developed an eye ailment, I pondered in the twilight and awakened my innate wisdom; many books are those I have read in my past life, and that is how it is."

Yes, I have seen it

The beautiful maid felt relieved upon hearing Zhang Yuan say that she should not place a bet, yet she also felt a bit resentful, thinking that Zhang Yuan looked down on her. She thought to herself: "You, the poor wretch Zhang, I wouldn't come even if you invited me, humph"

The little girl, Tuting, timidly said at the door: "Young Master, Doctor Lu has arrived"

Zhang Yuan stood up, slapped the desk, and exclaimed: "Zhang Yanke, since you claim you are not a rogue, how can you still be untrustworthy!"

Zhang Yuan recited: "Li Ping'er whispers in the Jade Pavilion, Pan Jinlian drunkenly causes a ruckus under the grape trellis." The depiction in this chapter of "Jin Ping Mei" is exceedingly explicit, leaving a deep impression on Zhang Yuan

Zhang E ignored her and walked directly in front of Zhang Yuan, saying: "Jiezi, please tell me, where did you read this 'Jin Ping Mei'?" As she spoke, she shook the hand-copied manuscript of Yuan Zhonglang in her hand, making a rustling sound; if she didn't clarify this matter, he would go mad.

"Hmm, the Young Master Yan Ke will definitely not lose, definitely not lose." This beautiful maid thought to herself earnestly

Zhang Yuandao: "Do not ask so many questions, I only ask you, did I win this bet?"

The maid held a fan in both hands, diligently fanning Zhang E. Although Zhang E was temperamental and sometimes prone to anger, even striking others, being a servant in the West Zhang family brought a certain prestige. If one were to serve in the East Zhang family, however, it would be a source of shame, and one would have to endure hardship. The maids in the East Zhang family are required to wash clothes and cook, as evidenced by that Yiting, whose hands have become chapped from washing.

When called, he comes immediately, and when dismissed, he leaves just as swiftly. Zhang E's face was flushed with embarrassment, and without saying a word, she turned and walked away

Lu Yungu is not ordinary; besides practicing medicine, he has a profound understanding of tea art, plays the flute beautifully, and cultivates many rare and valuable varieties of orchids. He is particularly averse to others smoking, drinking excessively, and spitting in public. To avoid witnessing such behavior, he rarely makes house calls, treating patients only at home. His visits to treat Zhang Yuan's eye ailment are exceptions. The first time, he could not refuse the heartfelt pleas of Zhang's mother, Lu. However, he came voluntarily on the subsequent two occasions because he found the young Zhang Yuan's conversations to be extremely interesting and not trivial.

The literary atmosphere in Shaoxing was exceptionally vibrant, and most young men from reputable families would enter local schools to study. By around the age of twenty, if they found no hope of passing the imperial examination to become a xiucai, they would turn to other professions, whether in business or as itinerant scholars. Lu Yungu was no exception; after failing in his studies, he turned to self-study in medicine. He had a natural talent for the medical field, learning without a teacher, not adhering to ancient practices, and daring to use new prescriptions, which often yielded remarkable results. He was particularly skilled in treating pediatric diseases, and within just a few years of practicing medicine, he gained fame across the eight counties of Shaoxing.

Wuling, who had been waiting outside the study, hurried in and stood beside the young master, fearing that Zhang E would go on a rampage and start hitting people

The little girl by the door, Tu Ting, quickly stepped aside, or she would have been bumped into by Zhang E.

Zhang E was sweating profusely, shaking the fan with a "whoosh" sound, and suddenly tossed the fan into the arms of the beautiful maid dressed as a book boy: "Fan me to cool down."

At that moment, the maid dressed by the book boy struggled to get up, weeping as she tidied her hair and dress. Then she bowed to Zhang Yuan and said, "Young Master, this maid is leaving." Just as she wiped her tears and was about to step out, she saw Zhang E returning in great strides. Thinking that Zhang E was going to hit her again, her face turned pale with fear, and she instinctively tried to hide behind Zhang Yuan.

You say, you say. Zhang Eping held her breath, not knowing what was happening; her originally unwavering confidence wavered at this moment.

In the sweltering heat of summer, it is already stifling in the morning. Not far away, the high willows by the Tuo Lao River are filled with the incessant sound of cicadas. At times, the cicadas will suddenly fall silent in unison, creating a stillness that is quite uncomfortable for the ears.

You! Zhang Ebo was furious, standing up abruptly, breathing heavily in anger

Zhang E let out a sound of "uh," thinking to himself that this was truly astonishing. Yet, he could not help but believe it; the person seemed to have transformed entirely, with a manner of speaking that carried an air of authority without anger, making him hesitant to treat the situation lightly

Zhang Yuanduan sat still, reached for the folding fan, and gently began to wave it.

Then Zhang Yuan slowly uttered three words: "Jin Ping Mei"

Lu Yungu recognized Zhang E, who was a notorious dandy from Shanyin County, well-known for his reputation. Lu Yungu harbored a deep-seated disdain for Zhang E. The reason lay in an incident earlier this year at the Longshan Flower Fair, where a pot of precious Mei Ban Chun Lan was being sold. Lu Yungu had intended to purchase it but was outpaced by Zhang E. Not only did Zhang E seize the opportunity, but he also engaged in a display of arrogance, crushing the Mei Ban Chun Lan, which he had bought for five taels of silver, underfoot. Lu Yungu, who had a passion for orchids, could not contain his anger and approached to reason with him. Zhang E dismissed him with a curt "What business is it of yours?" and walked away.

Seeing Zhang E's face flushed and sweat beading on his forehead, the beautiful maid approached with a handkerchief soaked in rouge, and in a charming voice said: "Young master, let me wipe your sweat. There is no need for you to get anxious or angry. Young Master Jizi is just joking with you; this bet does not count"

Zhang E's breath first paused, then suddenly became heavy and rough. Without speaking, she merely gasped for air, and then desperately snatched the folding fan from the maid's hand to fan herself. After a while, in a hoarse voice, she said: "You, how do you know about this book? This is absolutely impossible, absolutely impossible!"

Little Xinu ran out of Wuling to greet Lu Yungu. Zhang E did not leave immediately; he wanted to see how Lu Yungu treated Zhang Yuan's eye ailment

Lu Yungu followed Xiao Xinu Wuling to the main hall of Zhang's residence and took a seat. He then saw Zhang Yuan, wearing an eye patch, approaching with his hand resting on a little girl's head, and surprisingly, beside Zhang Yuan was Zhang E.

"Alright," Zhang Yuandao said, "Let me tell you what book you just recited"

... ...

Where did you see it? Zhang E is truly incredulous; how could Zhang Yuan know about "Jin Ping Mei"? He had just stolen a glance at it from his grandfather's bedside two days ago.

Zhang Yuan said slowly and unhurriedly: "Not only do I know the title of this book, but I also know the heading of the passage you just recited."

Zhang E silently fanned herself vigorously

"Jiezi, have you read 'Jin Ping Mei'?"

Zhang Yuan spoke up: "I have correctly named the book. I do not want beautiful maidens or silver; I only require that the three brothers obey my words from now on, and that they come when called and leave when dismissed. In my presence, none of your young masters' tempers should show even a trace; I will reprimand you for that."

Zhang E gasped in anger for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter, saying: "Alright, as you wish, entirely as you wish, haha."

Zhang Eqiang, wild as a mustang, suppressed the turmoil within him, his voice rough and hoarse: "I will not go back on my word, Jiezi, tell me, what do you want me to do?"

The little girl at the rabbit pavilion was also peeking out from the door, her face filled with fright

Zhang E was furious and confronted the books, saying: "I beat my maid, what business is it of yours?" Suddenly realizing, he understood that he had already lost the bet; he had to obey Zhang Yuan's orders and must not lose his temper.

Zhang Yuan does not sweat much; a calm mind naturally brings coolness. He is contemplating what to win from Zhang E.

The sound of pages turning softly filled the air as Zhang E turned to this page. In truth, Zhang E knew that Zhang Yuan was not wrong about the chapter he mentioned, yet he could not help but turn to this page to take a look. He was truly bewildered.

Zhang E was filled with anger with no outlet, and this maid was also trying to amuse her. They exchanged blows, and the beautiful maid rolled on the ground, crying out in distress.

Zhang Yuandao: "There is no rush, you may return first. Just remember what you have said."

With a crisp sound of "pa," Zhang E slapped the beautiful maid to the ground and shouted, "When have I, Zhang Yanke, ever gone back on my word? Some say I am a wastrel, a spendthrift, but I am not a rogue. You, lowly maid, dare to insult me; today, I will not let you go unpunished.

Zhang Yuandao: "If someone speaks without integrity, what should be done if they lose a bet but want to go back on their word?"

Zhang Yuan hurriedly said: "Please go quickly, Xiao Wu should go first"

"Hello, Jizi, speak up, what do you want from me? How about I add thirty taels of silver in addition to this beautiful maid? What do you think?" Zhang E urged.

Zhang E angrily said: "I, Zhang E, am not such a despicable and lowly person. Once I have made a promise, there is no reason for me to go back on my word. I will only see how you intend to win against me"