The serving-woman turned on him and said:
“You are annoying my lady, you certainly lack all marks of the superior man,” and with that she threw a handful of incense ashes in his eyes, and taking her lady by the hand, they ran to the chair and told the chairmen to go home at once as fast as possible.
Nien Chi was very angry, his eyes pained him furiously, and as soon as he could open them with any comfort he called to his friend:
“Mount at once and give chase.”
Some of his companions did not want to, but he insisted and, owing to this delay and the ashes in his eyes, they did not overtake the chair till just as it entered the gate of the ladies’ home.
The gatekeeper closed the gate and did not [[128]]notice the horsemen just entering their street. Nien Chi inquired of a “street keeper” who lived in the place, and great was his delight when he heard that it was the family hated by his master. He sought the latter on returning home, told of his morning’s experience, of the beauty of the lady, and his desire to secure her if possible.
Yen Sung was greatly pleased, and soon a way was opened to degrade the official who had saved his enemy’s family. He said to his steward, “This is well; you shall have her for wife, and I will help you and thus reward your many efforts in my behalf.” Together these two black-hearted men plotted against the life and happiness of the one little woman, who did not tell her student-husband of the experiences of the day, as she did not like to trouble him when his heart was so sad.
A few days later a servant of Nien Chi’s came with a letter and some very beautiful presents. The servant said “his master had heard much of the wisdom of young Mr. Kao; he was most desirous of calling on him, making his acquaintance, and would he please accept the small, insignificant gifts as an expression of friendship.” Mr. Kao inquired who his master was, and when he learned it was the steward of the great Yen Sung, who was almost as powerful [[129]]as the Emperor, and at whose word a man was made an official or deposed, he was greatly troubled, but he did not dare refuse. A day was set when Nien Chi was to call, and he came in great pomp and glory, and was invited to the guest house, where Mr. Kao received him.
Together they talked on the surface of many questions, Nien Chi, in a most subtle manner, praising the wisdom and great insight of his host. Much wine was consumed, especially by Mr. Kao.
The latter part of the call Nien Chi said, “Shall we not seal our friendship by the rite of blood brother? You are older than I, so according to our custom it would be proper for you to introduce me to your wife, my sister, if indeed you will stoop to accept so stupid a man as a brother.”