“My Elder-Brother, for more than a year you have Fluttered-in-the-Rain, obsessed by your brothel.  You have not been able to give your mind to the difficulties which will assail you when you no longer know where to sleep or to eat.  Your father’s anger is only due to your having become infatuated with Flowers, besotted by Willows, until you poured out gold as if it were simple sand.  He tells himself that you will quickly consume the abundant wealth of your family, and not be assured of having children.  By returning empty-handed you will justify his anger.  If, O my Elder-Brother, you could cut the knot which binds you to your love, I would willingly make you a gift of a thousand ounces.  With a thousand ounces of silver to show your father, you could say that, during your stay at the capital, you had rarely left your study chamber and that you had never Skimmed the Waves.  He will have confidence in you, and the harmony of the house will be restored.  Thus, without idle words, you change your sorrow to joy.  Give the matter three thoughts.  I do not covet the Beauty!  I speak with no idea but of loyally helping a friend.”

La Chia was a man of naturally weak character; moreover, he was afraid of his father.  Sun’s fine words troubled his heart.  He rose, made a deep bow, and said: 

“O Brother!  Your noble counsel has cleared away the foolish and tangled obstruction of my understanding.  But my little favorite has accompanied me for some thousands of li, and it would not be just for me to leave her in this way.  I will return to deliberate with her, and to discover whether her mind is favorable to your project.  I shall inform you shortly.”

“In our conversation,” answered Sun, “we have abandoned the paths of strict politeness.

“That was because my loyal heart could not endure to see the separation of a father and son, and wished to help you to return to your family.”

They both drank another cup of wine.  The wind had dropped, and the snow had ceased to fall.  The color of the sky proclaimed the evening.  Sun caused his servant to pay for the drinks, and, taking Li Chia by the hand, accompanied him as far as the junk.  It is very true that: 

  You meet a stranger and say three words
  And tear off a piece of your heart.

In the morning Shih-niang, on being left alone in her cabin, had prepared a little feast for her friend, wishing to spend the day with him in happiness; but the sun had set before Chia came back.  She had lanterns lit to guide him and, when he at last appeared and entered the cabin, raised her eyes to his face and found the color of displeasure.  She poured out a cup of hot wine and offered it to him; but he shook his head without a word, and refused to drink.  Then he went and threw himself on the bed.  Sad at heart, Shih-niang put the cups and dishes in order.  She then undid her husband’s clothes and, leaning on the pillow, gently asked him: