Vernacular Jin Ping Mei.

Summary

The poem reflects on the passage of time and lost connections, as old friendships fade and memories linger. Han Dao Guo and Lai Bao Er, after receiving a sum from Xi Men Qing, indulge in the pleasures of Yangzhou while awaiting their business dealings. Their revelry leads to a drunken confrontation with Hu Xiu, showcasing the consequences of excess. Amidst their adventures, news of a master’s death prompts Han Dao Guo to consider his future, leading to a plan to sell cloth for profit. As they navigate their relationships and business, the specter of loss looms large, challenging their decisions and allegiances.

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