Chapter 543: Subduing the Demon

"What I dreamed last night — the pool and pavilion, vivid as life. I only wished the old dream would return, but instead a thread of new sorrow came. Tossing and turning in thought, I lay sleepless the whole night. I shall take advantage of this idle moment, slip away from Chunxiang, and quietly seek it in the garden."

The Buxi Garden cut through the water, sailing toward West Cold. On the terrace, the zither sang softly; across the lake, mist and rain blurred together. If not for that Xie Sanbin sitting opposite, Pang Yu thought this would have been a very fine journey indeed.

The one playing the zither was the woman Xie Sanbin had brought along. According to what Xie Sanbin had just said, she was a Dan Role from the Zhang Family Troupe. This troupe seemed to be quite famous around Hangzhou — everyone else appeared to know of it. Pang Yu naturally would not ask, lest he seem too provincial.

This woman was in league with Xie Sanbin. After angering Liu Yin, Xie Sanbin, under the pretext of adding to the merriment, had the woman play the Seven-String Zither. Pang Yu could not understand it, but he still found the melody pleasing.

Although Wang Ranming knew Xie Sanbin had brought her to provoke Liu Yin, it was still better than the utter chaos of moments before. After the zither piece ended, he had the woman sing a passage from The Dream in the Peony Pavilion.

Pang Yu had been to Nanjing many times, and The Peony Pavilion script was common at social occasions. He had heard several styles of singing and could tell this woman was using the Haiyan Tune, which differed greatly from the Yiyang Tune and Kunshan Tune. This was Hangzhou, so using the Haiyan Tune naturally had the widest audience, but for Pang Yu, the lyrics in the Haiyan Tune were completely unintelligible.

"Most stirring is the spring this year — what need for painted walls rising high and low? For a maiden's spring heart hangs suspended everywhere. The sleeping rose catches the hem of her skirt, just as a flower's heart, like a person's, is drawn toward lovely things..."

The woman's every gesture and motion matched the lyrics; she had clearly received professional training. Pang Yu believed she truly came from a troupe. Moreover, her figure was alluring — compared to Liu Yin, she was indeed more seductive, drawing the eyes of everyone on the terrace to follow her every move. Her singing was also very pleasant. This round of playing and singing slightly adjusted the atmosphere on the terrace.

At that moment, Ruan Dacheng leaned in and said quietly, "This woman pursues vocal technique to excess. The Haiyan Tune she uses is airy but insubstantial. This line, 'Most stirring is the spring this year,' must be sung with the feeling of a maiden yearning for love. The most crucial thing in opera is to grasp the meaning of the lyrics, so that the song conveys the intent. It is never merely about sounding pleasant. Deliberately emphasizing vocal technique actually loses the true flavor of the drama. Compared to Zhu Yinxian in Ruan's own troupe, this woman is not even in the same league."

Pang Yu nodded repeatedly like an expert, expressing Approval of Ruan Dacheng's words — though in truth, he did not even know which exact passage the woman was singing.

Ruan Dacheng continued, "Though this woman cannot compare to the Dan Role in my Ruan Family Troupe, she is still a top-tier choice among ordinary troupes. Xie Sanbin brought her specifically to humiliate Liu Yin. I hear Liu Yin is not skilled at singing opera but excels at the Seven-String Zither, so this woman played the zither first and stole Liu Yin's thunder."

Pang Yu turned his head to look. Liu Yin's complexion had gone from flushed to pale. In such a mood, Pang Yu did not think Liu Yin wanted to display any talent at all.

He turned to Ruan Dacheng and said, "Just now, that woman mentioned something about Face and Sentiment, and some old matter — what was that about?"

Ruan Dacheng leaned in again and said, "That is also an embarrassing story about Zhou Daodeng. The Emperor asked him what 'Face and Sentiment' meant."

Pang Yu said, surprised, "That's hard to answer?"

"His Majesty... he likes to corner people. Zhou Daodeng is a crafty old fox. He knew the Emperor was certainly not just asking about Face and Sentiment so simply — a whole string of difficult questions was waiting behind it. Once he explained Face and Sentiment in detail, he would inevitably leave an opening. The Emperor would then ask: since that is what Face and Sentiment means, who has used Face and Sentiment to entreat you? Did you handle it? If not, were you being heartless toward that person? And for those you did handle, how do you think they should be dealt with? These are all very hard to answer."

Pang Yu recalled the question-and-answer session with Zhang Guowei back then, where pitfalls lurked everywhere, and even a simple exchange required endless mental gymnastics. He could not help but laugh. "Asked that way, it's truly hard to handle. So how did Chancellor Zhou answer?"

"Exactly as that Dan Role said: 'The so-called Face and Sentiment is simply the sentiment of face.'"

Pang Yu held it in with great effort and just managed not to laugh out loud. He had never imagined a grand secretary could really fob off the Emperor like that — no wonder the story had become famous throughout the court and beyond.

Wang Ranming across from him turned to look. Pang Yu hurriedly raised his cup, pretending to choke on the wine, and added a few coughs. Wang Ranming asked after him with a couple of concerned words, and the moment was covered.

Ruan Dacheng tilted his head to glance at Liu Yin, then whispered into Pang Yu's ear, "The Emperor kicked a pile of cotton — all the follow-up moves he had prepared were useless. Zhou Daodeng is a crafty old fox; His Majesty could do nothing about him. But these two exchanges were copied and sent to the Six Offices of Scrutiny, making them known throughout the court. Ordinary Capital Officials had no idea of all his twists and turns of reasoning; they all thought he had an undeserved reputation and no real learning, and often used these incidents to mock him. This Xie Sanbin has ill intentions — he keeps using Zhou Daodeng to pick at this woman's old wounds. Secondly, Liu Yin is not known for her beauty, but for being accomplished in both talent and art. Xie Sanbin is mocking her as having a hollow reputation."

"Is this how Xie Sanbin pursues women — angering them until they marry him?"

Ruan Dacheng gave two dry chuckles. "They say he has an interest in Miss Liu, but with such character, who would fancy him? Miss Liu naturally declined politely. Xie Sanbin then went everywhere spreading rumors and slander. Wherever this young lady goes, he follows, trying to push her into a corner so she has no choice but to yield to him."

Pang Yu thought about it — it was a method. Although Jiangnan in the late Ming was open-minded, it was still not modern society. The living space for women was not large. Xie Sanbin was squeezing Liu Yin's room to survive, pushing her until she had no way out, and the possibility that she would eventually be forced to marry him was not nonexistent.

At that moment, the singing ended. Wang Ranming rose and praised, "The Seven-String Zither and the singing — both peerless. The ancients spoke of lingering notes winding around the rafters. Realization tells me this must be what they meant."

Xie Sanbin followed, "Such music belongs only in heaven. Miss Du's talent and art are matchless, and her beauty is like a celestial maiden descended to earth. To call her an immortal would be fitting."

Miss Du gave a curtsy to the two of them. "I dare not accept such undue praise from you gentlemen. This humble one knows she is merely of average appearance. Whether zither or song, it is only to amuse and accompany your wine. Your esteem is a mark of the gentlemen's magnanimity. How could this humble one dare to flaunt such things in the wider world, much less put on airs and affectations?"

As Miss Du spoke, she cast a glance at Liu Yin. She did not mention Liu Yin in a single word, yet every sentence was aimed at her. Pang Yu suspected Xie Sanbin had rehearsed this before coming, or had been complaining for a long time — otherwise, how would this woman know such an old embarrassing story about Zhou Daodeng?

Xie Sanbin laughed heartily. "Miss Du is not only outstanding in talent and art, but her insight is also extraordinary. That Zhang Family Troupe before — it was precisely because they had Miss Du as the Dan Role that they could be called the finest troupe under heaven, beyond all compare."

Hearing "the finest troupe under heaven," Ruan Dacheng let out a low snort. Pang Yu was inwardly amused — it seemed that whenever opera was mentioned, Ruan Dacheng's Mental Spirit returned in full.

Miss Du pursed her lips in a smile, then turned to Wang Ranming and said, "I have long heard of Mr. Wang's Buxi Garden by name. To be fortunate enough to see it today — truly, lake, mountain, boat, and people complement one another perfectly. All you gentlemen are masters, and with such a splendid scene before us, this humble one boldly makes a Suggestion: let every gentleman present add to the merriment. Poetry, verse, song, drinking games — anything will do. And if anyone is skilled at the Seven-String Zither..."

Miss Du's gaze, like silk, swept past the company and settled on Liu Yin. "... they might as well display their skill. Perhaps they might even surpass this humble one."

Pang Yu was no longer the youth who had first arrived at Mei Lou. He was not too worried about drinking games or the like. He tilted his head and stole a look at Liu Yin. The woman's face was as still as deep water. Sensing Pang Yu's gaze, Liu Yin turned to look at him. Her eyes were quite calm, without any silent urging for Pang Yu to drive Xie Sanbin away.

Pang Yu gave her an encouraging smile, then looked at Xie Sanbin again. The man wore an expression of smug satisfaction. Judging solely from today's banquet, he was certainly petty and had terrible interpersonal skills, yet he was also a stubborn, thick-skinned rascal who could not be driven away by ordinary means. Earlier, when Pang Yu had picked faults, Xie Sanbin had flown into a rage, but he had shown no sign whatsoever of leaving.

After thinking for a moment, Pang Yu turned and asked Ruan Dacheng, "What office did you say Xie Sanbin holds?"

"Grand Servant of the Imperial Stud — he raises horses. Far below us in the Censorate."

Pang Yu thought it over and said, "Ruan Xiansheng, since we all have to add to the merriment anyway, let's stage a new play and anger him into leaving."

At the words "new play," Ruan Dacheng's spirits immediately lifted. Xie Sanbin, from the moment he boarded the boat, had not greeted him once, had not even asked his name. Earlier, he had repeatedly brought up the Eunuch Faction and declared the Zhang Family Troupe the finest under heaven — not a single word was to Ruan Dacheng's liking. Without even realizing it, Xie Sanbin had already offended Director Ruan to the deepest degree. So staging a new play and angering Xie Sanbin into leaving were both things that greatly interested Ruan Dacheng.

"Pang Xiaoyou's new play is certain to be extraordinary. What is it called?"

"It's from Journey to the West — Monkey Subdues the Demon at Gao Village."

A look of disappointment surfaced on Ruan Dacheng's face, followed by a puzzled Questioning. "A script from Journey to the West is rare. Will you use the opera style of Female Prince Consort?"

"No, we'll use Two-Person Storytelling."

Ruan Dacheng asked curiously, "Two-Person Storytelling?"

"One of us plays Zhu Bajie, the other plays Sun Wukong..." Pang Yu studied Ruan Dacheng. The big-bearded man had clearly put on weight over the past few years; his face had grown round and plump. In terms of appearance, he was certainly more suited for the Pig Demon, but Pang Yu guessed Ruan Dacheng would be unwilling. He probed, "Ruan Xiansheng, would you like to play the Pilgrim?"

Pang Yu felt he had already conceded the better-looking role of Sun Wukong, but to his surprise, Ruan Dacheng looked thoroughly troubled. He considered for a long while, then said, "Pang Xiaoyou, look — I am old, my heart is broad and my body stout. Playing that hairy-faced thunder god is rather unsuitable. Might I trouble Pang Xiaoyou to play the Pilgrim instead?"

Pang Yu was stunned. In his mind, Wukong was the handsome Monkey King in the image of Liu Xiao Ling Tong. He had never expected Ruan Dacheng to sum him up as a "hairy-faced thunder god" and actually turn down the lead role, insisting on playing the supporting Pig Demon instead. Then again, Zhu Bajie was, after all, the legitimate Marshal Tianpeng. Ruan Dacheng was obsessed with official rank — could it be he looked down on a wild-born monkey?

He could not figure out the real reason. After collecting himself, Pang Yu glanced at the utterly oblivious Xie Sanbin across from them and said quietly to Ruan Dacheng, "Let's keep our script short. When the time comes, Ruan Xiansheng, you must Scold loudly and drive this rascal away."

Ruan Dacheng narrowed his eyes and glared at Xie Sanbin opposite. "Pang Xiaoyou, tell me how I should Scold him."

"Fine times and happy occasions are shared by all; though called a pleasure, the heart holds no selfishness. Behold, the undying endures a thousand years; the lake's light, a stretch of lasting longing."

Wang Ranming, stroking his beard, had just finished reciting when Xie Sanbin burst into exaggerated, loud praise. But he seemed to be merely going through the motions, for he soon dropped Wang Ranming and did not invite his own patron, Qian Qianyi, to go next. Instead, he turned directly toward Liu Yin's side. "Mr. Wang has shown great talent. The next, then, shall be Brother Liu."

"Might the two of us go first and add to the merriment?"

Wang Ranming looked at Pang Yu in surprise. Today, this General Pang was the guest of honor. He had been worried all along that Xie Sanbin would spoil Pang Yu's enjoyment. Now that Pang Yu was volunteering to perform, he naturally agreed at once.

Xie Sanbin had no choice but to sit back down. Once everyone was seated, the two men walked to the center of the terrace. Pang Yu took the opportunity to borrow a folding fan from Wang Ranming and held it in his hand.

After taking his stance, he flicked the fan open. "It is said that Tripitaka, leading the Pilgrim, journeyed west to fetch the scriptures. One day, master and disciple arrived at a certain place."

Pang Yu turned to look at his partner, but Ruan Dacheng did not pick up the line. Although he was an elite in the entertainment world, this was, after all, his first encounter with Two-Person Storytelling. Only when he saw Pang Yu looking at him did he continue, "What place might that be?"

"This place is called Gaolaozhuang. They had just taken their vegetarian meal and settled down to rest when Old Gao told Tripitaka that there was a hideous, grotesque Pig Demon son-in-law in the house who could not be driven away. When he came, he arrived on clouds and departed in mist, with stones flying and sand swirling. He had locked the young daughter, Spit Lan, in the rear chambers. For half a year, they had not seen her face, and knew not whether she was dead or alive."

Pang Yu paused again. Seeing this, Ruan Dacheng hurriedly said, "What is to be done about this?"

"The Pilgrim, seeing injustice on the road, wished to drive this monster away. He broke open the rear chamber door himself, only to see Miss Gao — her cloud-like hair in tangled disarray, uncombed; her jade face unwashed of dust and grime. A heart of orchid remained as before, but her full loveliness was utterly wilted."

Pang Yu finished and stopped, his gaze sweeping across the gathering. Everyone seemed frozen in a daze. Pang Yu turned and happened to see Liu Yin also staring blankly. Over here, Wang Ranming's Mouth hung open the widest — he utterly could not believe this was the same General Pang who, not long ago during their negotiations, had been bristling with deadly intent.

Pang Yu's gaze settled on Xie Sanbin. He pulled out the fan at his waist and smacked it open. "The Pilgrim said in anger, So this pig demon had his eye on the girl's lovely face and refined grace, but he himself was an ugly brute of a monster, and the girl would have none of him — so he resorted to these vile tricks, hoping to force the girl to marry him. As if such a fine scheme could ever work!"

Ruan Dacheng, an expert in the entertainment world after all, had by now grasped the essentials of two-person storytelling. He gave a heavy snort. "This pig demon has no shame!"

The moment these words were spoken, Xie Sanbin's expression flickered. He had not expected the plot to twist this way at all. The others naturally understood as well. Wang Ranming's gaze drifted toward Xie Sanbin, and so did that of Qian Qianyi, seated at the place of highest honor.

Pang Yu folded his fan. "The Pilgrim told the old man to take the girl and wait in the front house, while he himself waited in the rear house for the monster. Before long, a gust of wind came indeed — truly a gale that sent stones flying and sand swirling. A black cloud descended from the sky, and out of it dropped a demon, hideous beyond doubt: black face, stubby bristles, long snout, huge ears, wearing a straight-hemmed robe of shuttle-woven cloth that was neither blue nor green, a flower-print cloth tied around his waist, and a pair of new black cloth shoes on his feet."

Xie Sanbin had just changed into black cloth shoes when he boarded the boat earlier. Hearing this, he unconsciously tugged at the hem of his robe, trying to cover the black shoe uppers.

Pang Yu took a step back and pointed at Ruan Dacheng. "The Pilgrim let out a great shout: Where did this pig demon come from!"

Ruan Dacheng also stepped back, assuming the pig demon's manner. "What does a hairy-faced monk like you know? Pig demon? Let me show you — I, Old Pig, am clearly a celestial immortal descended to the mortal world."

At these words, everyone present caught the flavor, for earlier the girl Du had been called a celestial immortal, and now Ruan Dacheng was calling the pig demon a celestial immortal — plainly aimed at that girl Du.

Wang Ranming clearly had not expected this either. Earlier, when he heard Pang Yu's veiled barbs, he had only thought Xie Sanbin had spoiled Pang Yu's mood. But ordinarily, no one would offend a Country Squire for the sake of a merchant's daughter. Yet now, Pang Yu and his companion seemed to be doing exactly that — helping Liu Yin.

Xie Sanbin's expression gradually darkened. Liu Yin, her face a mix of bewilderment and novelty, stared blankly at Pang Yu.

Pang Yu suddenly slapped the folded fan into his palm, then pointed at Ruan Dacheng. "How dare a pig like you call yourself a celestial immortal."

"I, Zhu Ganglie, was originally the Heavenly Canopy Water Realm in the heavens above — naturally a celestial immortal descended to the mortal world."

Qian Qianyi burst out laughing, then hurriedly coughed twice, trying to cover it up. The expressions on Xie Sanbin and his companion's faces grew even more wretched.

By now everyone knew that Pang Yu and his companion were indeed targeting Xie Sanbin. Even the serving maids on the terrace understood, and low giggles broke out. Xie Sanbin's face was ashen, and the glare he fixed on Pang Yu seemed ready to spit fire.

Ruan Dacheng continued, "Old Pig is not only a celestial immortal, but a celestial immortal official as well."

Pang Yu gave a cold laugh. "This Heavenly Canopy Water Realm of yours is no great official. I, the Pilgrim, am a far greater celestial official descended to the mortal world."

Ruan Dacheng said angrily, "What official could a kowtowing, hairy-faced thunder god like you possibly be?"

"Open your pig eyes and look carefully — I, the Pilgrim, am an official as great as Heaven itself, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven!"

As soon as Pang Yu finished, Ruan Dacheng suddenly burst into three great peals of laughter.

When everyone's eyes were on him, Ruan Dacheng pressed two fingers together and pointed at Pang Yu through empty air. "I wondered where this pointy-mouthed, monkey-cheeked, hairy-faced thunder god came from, actually taking himself for an official. Old Pig just remembered — so it turns out…"

Ruan Dacheng slowly turned around, his fingers following to point through empty air toward Xie Sanbin's direction, his eyes flashing like lightning. "…you're that horse-raising Keeper of the Imperial Stables!"

Liu Rushi let out a laugh. Wang Ranming coughed repeatedly. Qian Qianyi's mouth hung wide open, at a complete loss. The serving maids and servants on the terrace were all covering their mouths. The girl Du was biting her lip. Xie Sanbin's face cycled between red and white.

"This is outrageous!"

Xie Sanbin could endure it no longer. He slammed the table with a crash, sending wine splashing everywhere. He shot to his feet, his face full of fury, and pointed at the two of them, the beard on his chin quivering with rage.