Gu Jiayuan's eyes widened. So he thought it was cheap! What an idiot I am. Why didn't I ask for five thousand taels? But it was already too late for regrets. The plump Liu Zhiyang regretted it even more. Seeing his companion effortlessly pocket five hundred taels, he thought of the jade thumb ring he had sold for fifty and realized he had let it go far too cheaply.
Everyone took Hu Xiaotian for a sucker. These days, finding a sucker was almost like stumbling upon treasure. They all hurried to sell him something they were wearing, eagerly displaying their personal ornaments. Li Mingju could hardly bear to watch. Seeing these companions, who all prided themselves on their learning and manners, swindling a merchant from out of town stirred his indignation. He said evenly, "Mr. Hu, we're having a small gathering and have a few things we'd like to discuss in private. Please don't disturb us. Whatever business you have can wait until another time."
Hu Xiaotian said, "I'm terribly sorry to have interrupted your meal, gentlemen. Why don't you put this meal on my bill? I'll take my leave. I'm staying in Heaven Room One at the Welcome Immortal. If any of you have time, please come by, spend a while, and make a friend." He cupped his hands in farewell and returned to his own seat.
No sooner had Hu Xiaotian left than Liu Zhiyang and Gu Jiayuan began complaining to Li Mingju. Liu Zhiyang said quietly, "Brother Mingju, why did you drive him away? We finally ran into a fool. What's wrong with making a little spending money?"
Gu Jiayuan said, "Exactly, exactly. Naturally, we'd give you a share of whatever we made."
Li Mingju was clearly somewhat angry. He said sternly, "We are scholars of the