The Tale of Jin Pingmei.

Summary

The passage depicts a complex social scene involving multiple characters in a traditional Chinese setting. It describes a gathering where music and poetry are performed, followed by a dramatic incident involving a maidservant named Xia Hua Er who is accused of stealing a gold piece. Ximen Qing, the dominant male figure, harshly punishes the servant with beatings, and ultimately decides to sell her. The narrative explores themes of power dynamics, social hierarchy, and the treatment of servants in a patriarchal society, revealing intricate interpersonal relationships and emotional tensions.

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