Notes on "Flower Appreciation in the Phoenix City" ["Xiangxi Yuying, Fengcheng pinhuaji"] by Reclusive Fisherman of Fragrant Rivulets: witty annotations by Erotic Versifier and Cultivator of Orchids

Abstract

In the Autumn of the 'xinwei' year [1871], in the ninth month, I and a number of other gentlemen were summoned to the capital. After attending to our official duties we still had large amounts of spare time. In the capital the opera had long been the rage, and affairs were numerous. Cultivator of Orchids would tell me about it all in the most vivid fashion. It was certainly not the first time I had heard of such things, but I was unconvinced by stories of romance between beautiful men, and frankly doubted the existence of real "fairy immortals". All the talk about "the cut sleeve and the left over peach" meant little to me, but I felt I too should at least go along and see for myself. I went with Gold Sifter to attend a performance by the Three Celebrations troupe, and after surveying the entire troupe there was not a single one who was outstanding. Only theactor who played the husband in 'Qiu Hu Flirts with His Own Wife' showed any hint of real style, sporting a hat of sable and a brightly coloured gown, but he was not really to my liking. Returning home I gave my account to Cultivator of Orchids, pointing out how ridiculous all his claims had been. Cultivator simply smiled and made no comment.