Vernacular Jin Ping Mei.

Summary

The poem reflects on a world in turmoil, depicting survivors amidst the remnants of a fallen family and a warrior's return through desolate streets. The narrative follows Chun Hong, a maidservant, as she seeks a matchmaker to sell her mistress's maid, Autumn Chrysanthemum. She faces a bleak future after her master’s death, contemplating a return to her hometown. Comte Ying offers her hope, recommending she work for the wealthy Zhang Er household. Meanwhile, Wu Yue Niang navigates her widowhood and the family business. The story intertwines characters like Pan Jinlian, whose tumultuous past complicates potential marriages, revealing the struggles and aspirations of women in a patriarchal society.

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