Upon entering the room, the furnishings were exquisite to the eye. Every lamp, every candle, every bed and couch showed meticulous craftsmanship. The bookshelf against the wall was replete with treasures, the classics and varied schools of thought all present; near the window, orchids bloomed, the air heavy with the mingling scents of scholarly dust and flower, creating an almost dreamlike ambiance.

Wang Mian was utterly astonished by the sight, musing to himself, "My wife possesses such uncommon grace and outstanding talent; she quite overshadows me." A wave of self-abasement washed over him instantly.

Fang Yun broke into a smile and called out, "Ming Dang, the new son-in-law is here, why don't you come attend to him?" A young woman answered the summons, curtsied deeply, and replied crisply, "Miss, what are your orders?" It was none other than that lotus-picking girl, Wang Mian’s savior.

The man and woman reunited, both overcome with delight. Wang Mian thought to himself, "So my benefactor’s name is 'Ming Dang.' When I asked her before, she flatly refused to tell me; now I finally know."

Ming Dang thought to herself, "The new son-in-law is quite handsome, though his eyes are rather roguish, constantly staring down at a lady’s bosom. How presumptuous! But... I rather like it."

※※※

From then on, Wang Mian resided on the island, passing his idle time composing poems and couplets, lost in self-admiration. However, his skill was limited, making his efforts frankly hard to commend. Fang Yun, direct of heart and tongue, advised him, "I have a piece of golden advice; I wonder if my husband would care to hear it?"

Wang Mian replied, "Speak freely."

Fang Yun declared, "From now on, cease composing poetry; it will be an act of concealing your shortcomings." Hearing this, Wang Mian felt shame and, in a fit of resolve, decided to abandon literature and seal his brush, bidding farewell to the literary world.

As time went on, Wang Mian and Ming Dang exchanged meaningful glances, feelings stirring between them. He privately said to Fang Yun, "Ming Dang saved my life. Although she is a mere serving girl, in the future, could you, on my account, treat her kindly?"

Fang Yun laughed, "Ming Dang and I grew up together; we are as close as sisters. Am I not good enough to her already?" From that point forward, the husband and wife often invited Ming Dang to join them in their private chambers for recreation, the enjoyment of three bringing a unique flavor to their time together.

Wang Mian frequently took advantage of times when Fang Yun was 'unaware' to engage in dalliances with Ming Dang—a touch of hands, an embrace, whispers in the ear, secret communications—while Fang Yun observed, pretending ignorance. Occasionally, when Wang Mian played too boldly, she would scold him a few times.

One evening, the couple was drinking together, and Wang Mian said, "It’s dull drinking alone; I'll fetch Ming Dang to join us."

Fang Yun retorted, "Absolutely not. Ming Dang is not like ordinary women. A rose may be beautiful, but it has thorns; if you get too close to her, beware of being pricked."

Wang Mian laughed, "Even if I get pricked, I would be willing. Ming Dang is so beautiful; I would gladly be stabbed to death by her. As the books say: 'Better to enjoy happiness with others than alone.' My wife, you are a first-rate, magnanimous soul; broaden your heart, stop being so jealous."

Fang Yun laughed again, "Who’s jealous? I’m thinking of your own good. You’ve only heard 'better to enjoy happiness with others than alone,' have you never heard 'lust is a knife above one's head'? Having a delicate wife like me at home, and yet you are still greedy enough to want to chase after other flowers and wild grasses?"

One day, Fang Yun had to go out on an errand. Wang Mian seized the opportunity, sneaking to Ming Dang’s dwelling. Man and woman alone, they soared to the heights of passion and enjoyed their utmost affection. That night, Wang Mian suddenly felt a slight pain in his lower abdomen, followed by swelling and redness in his groin area, and his yang.ju shriveled. Fear gripping him, he quickly informed Fang Yun of the matter.

Fang Yun understood immediately and smiled, "It seems someone went to repay a debt of gratitude to Ming Dang."

Wang Mian pleaded with a crestfallen face, "Wife, I was wrong. I beg for your mercy; save your husband."

Fang Yun laughed, "You brought this upon yourself, and you must bear it. I am powerless in this matter. Since that place neither hurts nor itches, just let it be."

This condition persisted for several days, and Wang Mian's ailment showed no sign of improvement; he was melancholic and despondent day after day. After several pleas for help from Fang Yun were met with indifference, he realized his wife's anger had not yet subsided. In desperation, he resorted to shameless tactics, clutching his wife’s thigh and refusing to let go. Building up emotion in his gut, a few drops of 'manly tears' slid down his cheeks as he wept, "Wife, you truly must save me this time. When I woke this morning, that thing had shrunk another inch. If this continues, I will become a eunuch! The greatest agony in this world is 'a man impotent, a woman barren.' If I cannot rise, how can you conceive? For the continuation of the Wang family line, please show great mercy." Before he finished speaking, he sighed deeply, appearing as if the end of the world was nigh.

Fang Yun was torn between laughter and tears, shaking her head, "I’m afraid of you! Pull down your trousers."

Wang Mian froze, stammering, "Pull... pull down my trousers?"

Fang Yun shot him a look, "If you don't pull down your trousers, how can I examine your condition?" As she spoke, she untied Wang Mian’s belt, revealing the skin of his lower body, reached into his crotch, and chanted an incantation, "Little bird, little bird, time is late, come out and eat grass."

Wang Mian found her words amusing and offered a gentle reminder, "Wife, that... the little bird doesn't eat grass." Before the words had completely left his mouth, the golden spear poked its head out, its masculine vigor fully restored.