Ford/Mercury specific engine codes display P followed by four digits. If you're looking at a generic code, P0131 means a problem was detected with the oxygen sensor on bank 1 (the side of the engine with the #1 cylinder) where the sensor's voltage remained low for more than 2 minutes. The sensor may need to be replaced, or you may have a short or open in the 02 signal circuit that needs to be repaired.
The line "There is no confusion like the confusion of a simple mind" is not found in "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It is possible that it is from another source or a paraphrase of a similar concept.
Probably oxygen sensors, catalytic converter, or gas cap needs tightened.