Shang Sheng, a native of Taishan, lived alone in his study.
It was early autumn, the dead of night was silent, the Milky Way hung high, and the bright moon was in the sky.
Shang Sheng wandered beneath the eaves of the flowers, lost in thought.
Suddenly, a woman vaulted over the wall and entered, laughing, "What deep contemplation are you lost in, scholar?" Shang Sheng opened his eyes and looked; the woman was as beautiful as a celestial being.
Overjoyed, the two embraced and went to bed, consummating their passion.
The woman introduced herself as Hu, named San Jie (Third Sister).
When asked of her origins, she merely smiled and remained silent.
They agreed to meet frequently from then on.
From that time on, the woman visited every night.
One evening, they sat knee-to-knee under the lamp.
Shang Sheng stared intently at the woman.
Hu San Jie laughed, "My lord stares at your humble servant with such intensity; what is it you truly desire?" Shang Sheng replied, "Third Sister, you are as lovely as crimson leaves and jade peaches; truly, I could gaze upon you endlessly." The woman laughed, "I am but a humble flower of the field, yet my lord favors me so.
If you were to see my Fourth Sister, I wonder how completely you would lose your senses!" Shang Sheng pleaded, "Please, Elder Sister, help me; I must see the Fourth Miss, no matter the cost." San Jie agreed.
The very next night, Hu San Jie indeed returned with her younger sister.
Hu Si Jie (Fourth Sister) was only fifteen, possessing the blush of dew on lotus petals and the moist mist of apricot blossoms, her enchanting smile radiating breathtaking beauty.
Shang Sheng was ecstatic and invited the two sisters to sit.
San Jie conversed pleasantly, but Si Jie kept her head bowed low, silent, occasionally tugging at the hem of her robe.
After a while, San Jie rose to leave, and Si Jie moved to accompany her.
Shang Sheng grew desperate, clutching her clothing tightly, looking at San Jie and imploring, "Good Elder Sister, say something!" San Jie smiled, "This