Explore Chapter 28 of 'Spring Ming Outer History' with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
After returning from He Jianchen's home, Yang Xingyuan was seized by a vague restlessness and a sense of having nothing to occupy him. Glancing at the small alarm clock on the table, he saw it was already past midnight. Sitting idly until dawn was no solution, and seeking a hotel at this hour might pose complications. Better to take a stroll through the pleasure quarters to while away two or three hours, he thought, and then decide what to do. So, taking his hat, he walked out of the Guild Hall alone.
Who would have thought that just outside the Guild Hall gate, he would run into his neighbor, Mr. Chen Xueping. Dressed in a smart Western suit, he approached with a beaming smile. Yang Xingyuan gave him a nod, and Chen promptly doffed his hat and bowed. "Out so late at night, Mr. Yang?" he said with a laugh. "Not going anywhere in particular," Yang Xingyuan replied. "Just taking a walk in the lanes." "Of course, of course!" Chen Xueping laughed. "I was just heading to the Pine and Bamboo House, a known establishment myself. We can walk together for a bit." Yang Xingyuan had no desire to keep company with such a man, but having run into him, he felt compelled to be civil and temporize. "Do you often visit the Pine and Bamboo House, Mr. Yang?" Chen Xueping asked. "Only once or twice, on occasion," Yang Xingyuan answered. "Then you must be on very good terms with Li Yun!" Yang Xingyuan was taken aback. "Where did you hear that?" "I often hear from friends that you and Li Yun are close," Chen Xueping said. "They even say you are her patron." "Nothing of the sort," Yang Xingyuan protested. "I merely visit her now and then because she seems a poor, ignorant child, rather pitiable. Where do such rumors come from?" "I only hear what people say," Chen Xueping replied airily. "But really, what does it matter if it's true or not? Visiting such establishments is no great sin."
As they talked, the two men reached the main street. Yang Xingyuan realized that further conversation would only fuel more gossip, so he deliberately slowed his pace, hoping Chen would walk ahead. But seeing Yang slow down, Chen also slackened his step, keeping stubbornly abreast. This is impossible, Yang Xingyuan thought. He simply stopped walking and stood by the roadside, intending to let Chen pass before proceeding. Noticing his halt, Chen Xueping also stopped. Just as Yang was about to bid him farewell, Chen grasped his hand. "If you're free tomorrow," he said, "let's gather some friends for a game of poker, shall we?" "You must excuse me," Yang Xingyuan replied. "I'm quite a novice at that." "You're too modest!" Chen exclaimed. "Don't you play very well? I saw you win a triple hand at Liu Zishan's house the other day." Yang Xingyuan laughed. "That never happened. You must be mistaken." "No, no!" Chen insisted. "You were playing with a very pretty young lady. Who was she?" "Now you're talking nonsense," Yang said. "That day, Liu Zishan had eight guests, all gentlemen. There was no young lady present." Chen Xueping narrowed his eyes and smiled. "Yes, yes! Now I remember. It wasn't poker, it was a game of Tianjiu. Am I right?" "Even stranger," Yang Xingyuan said. "I've never played Tianjiu in my life. I can't even recognize the cards."
Chen Xueping lowered his head in thought. "Oh! I see," he said. "It wasn't at Liu Zishan's house that day, but at Wang Yu's." "That's even more incorrect," Yang Xingyuan countered. "Wang Yu is a young lady I have never met." "How can you say you don't know her?" Chen pressed. "I'm quite aware of it. The two of you are fond of each other." "Your words grow more and more absurd," Yang said. "Where did you hear these rumors?" "They're not rumors!" Chen declared. "I heard Miss Wang say it herself. She said she loves you dearly." "If she loves me," Yang Xingyuan retorted, "why is it that I don't even know her?" "Well, it's that sort of situation," Chen said vaguely. "Even though you two haven't had a formal talk, wouldn't a soldier be reluctant to speak first?" Seeing that Chen's words made no sense at all, Yang Xingyuan had no wish to argue further. "It's late," he said. "I should be getting back. We'll talk tomorrow." Chen Xueping grabbed his arm. "I still have a few important things to tell you. I've booked a room at the Huayang Hotel. Let's go there and talk." "Can't it wait until tomorrow?" Yang asked. "Why must it be today?" "It must be today," Chen insisted. "Please, you must come with me."
Driven into a corner, Yang Xingyuan had no choice but to accompany him to the Huayang Hotel. The hotel attendant, recognizing Chen as a parliamentarian, promptly arranged a room for them. After inviting Yang to sit, Chen chatted idly for a while before saying with a smile, "Mr. Yang, I have a favor to ask of you today." "What is it?" Yang inquired. "It's a bit of a long story," Chen began. "I urgently need to raise a sum of money to maneuver for a position through connections in the Congress. But I'm still five or six hundred dollars short. I was hoping you could help me arrange something." Yang Xingyuan laughed. "I'm just a poor journalist. I don't have that kind of money to lend." "I'm not asking to borrow from you directly," Chen explained. "Since you have dealings with banking circles, I was hoping you could introduce me to one or two contacts, so I can make some arrangements." "I may know a couple of people in banking," Yang said, "but we're merely acquaintances. Besides, to borrow money, you need collateral. Do you have anything to offer as security?" Chen Xueping smiled. "I do have collateral. I have a concubine who owns some jewelry worth over a thousand dollars. I could pawn the jewelry and ask you to help me secure a loan of six or seven hundred against it." "I'm afraid I can't handle this," Yang replied. "For one, my influence is limited, and for another, I simply don't have the time." "But I need this money tonight," Chen pleaded. "No matter what, you must help me." "You're putting me in a difficult position," Yang said. "At this late hour, where do you expect me to go to arrange such a thing?" "I know it's too late for tonight," Chen conceded. "But I've already booked this room. Please stay here overnight. When you wake up tomorrow morning, come with me to take care of it. Surely you can agree to that?"
Yang Xingyuan thought to himself that this was utterly ridiculous. How could he possibly have time for such affairs? Moreover, pawning a concubine's jewelry-who knew what that was really about? "Why go to all this trouble?" he said. "I'm not the one in urgent need of money." "But I genuinely am," Chen insisted. "I have no other choice." "If you're in such need," Yang offered, "I could lend you a few dozen dollars myself. That shouldn't be a problem. Why involve me as an intermediary to borrow for you?" "Since you're so kind," Chen said quickly, "that would be even better. Please lend me five hundred dollars. I can repay you in a couple of days." Hearing this, Yang Xingyuan felt both anger and amusement. "How could I possibly have five hundred dollars to lend? You're practically insulting me." "I truly need five hundred dollars," Chen said desperately. "If you don't lend it to me, I won't survive the day." With that, he took off his hat, placed it on the table, stretched out his legs, and collapsed into an armchair. Seeing his behavior as pure extortion, Yang said, "It's not that I'm unwilling. I truly don't have the means." "I don't believe that," Chen retorted. "Sometimes you spend over a hundred in a single night in the pleasure quarters. Surely you can spare a few hundred?" "Since you know my money is spent in the pleasure quarters," Yang countered, "you must realize I have no savings. How could I possibly produce several hundred dollars now?" Chen Xueping fell silent, squinting and smoking incessantly. Suddenly, he stood up, grabbed a teapot from the table, and declared, "If you don't lend me the money, we'll perish together today!" He raised the teapot as if to hurl it.
Terrified, Yang Xingyuan quickly stood up. "There's no need for such extremes! Let's talk this over calmly." "I am driven to this," Chen said. "If you will lend me the money, I am even willing to kneel before you." And with that, he actually knelt down. Yang Xingyuan helped him to his feet. "I will give you the money tomorrow evening," he said. "But you must write an IOU." "Of course, of course!" Chen agreed eagerly. "Anything, as long as you lend me the money." "There's one more condition," Yang stated. "This money is borrowed from another source. The interest is three percent per month, and the term is one month." "The interest is rather steep," Chen complained. "It's not my money. I have no say in the matter," Yang said firmly. "Take it or leave it." "I'll take it, I'll take it!" Chen said hastily. "Let's proceed." Yang Xingyuan then took out his diary, tore off a page from the back, and handed it to Chen Xueping, instructing him to write the note. Chen picked up a pen and scribbled the IOU in a few short sentences. Yang took it and read it.
"I, the undersigned Chen Xueping, hereby borrow five hundred dollars in common currency from Mr. Yang Xingyuan. It is agreed that interest shall accrue monthly at three percent per dollar, with both principal and interest to be repaid in full within one month, without objection. For fear of future disputes, this IOU is issued as proof."
After reading it, Yang Xingyuan folded the note and put it away. "And the money?" Chen Xueping asked. "I only have three hundred dollars in notes on me," Yang replied. "You may have that now. The remaining two hundred, I will bring you tomorrow." "Very well, very well!" Chen said. "Let's do it that way." Yang Xingyuan handed over the three hundred dollars and made to leave. "Why leave?" Chen said. "I've already booked the room. Stay here." "I don't stay in hotels," Yang said curtly. Seeing him determined to go, Chen Xueping knelt down again. "If you leave today, you are refusing to save me," he pleaded. "I have a gambling debt to settle tonight, and I'm still over a hundred dollars short. If you're not here, where will I get the money? They will surely call me a swindler. How could I face anyone after that?" Tears began to fall. Yang Xingyuan thought that driving a man to such desperation could lead to tragedy. "Get up," he said. "I won't leave." Only upon hearing this did Chen Xueping rise. "How much do you actually need tonight?" Yang asked. "One hundred and fifty dollars would suffice," Chen replied. "Get up," Yang said. "Let's go to the room to discuss this."
He led Chen to the room where he was staying, closed the door, and said to him, "I have a total of four hundred dollars in notes. After giving you three hundred, I have only one hundred left. I can lend you another fifty to make up the one hundred and fifty. But on one condition: once I give you this money, you must not trouble me again tonight." "Naturally," Chen Xueping agreed. "As long as you lend me the money, I have nothing more to say." Satisfied, Yang Xingyuan gave him another fifty dollars. With the money in hand, Chen Xueping immediately slipped out of the room.
What was the point of all this? Yang Xingyuan wondered angrily. In the dead of night, he had come to lend this man money, without even knowing if it was truly for the concubine's jewelry. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He lay down on the bed and fell asleep. The next morning, before he was even up, Chen Xueping came pushing at his door. Yang had no choice but to rise. Chen clasped his hands in greeting. "Last night was truly preposterous of me," he said. "Here are two hundred dollars to repay you for now. I will definitely return the remaining three hundred tomorrow." Yang Xingyuan was surprised. "If you didn't need the money so urgently after all, why were you in such a state last night?" "I am truly embarrassed," Chen said. He stuffed two hundred dollars in notes into Yang's hand, turned, and left.
Yang Xingyuan was about to pocket the notes when the telephone rang repeatedly, each call a demand for repayment of debts. Only then did he remember: the four hundred dollars he had were now three hundred and fifty lent to Chen Xueping, leaving him with only fifty. Yesterday, he had promised to take Li Yun to Beihai today and to give her ten dollars for shopping. With only fifty left, how could he settle his debts? After some thought, he decided his only recourse was to seek out He Jianchen again. He washed his face hurriedly and went to He's home.
He Jianchen was having breakfast when Yang arrived. "How did you end up with Chen Xueping last night?" he asked. "Don't remind me," Yang said with a sigh, and proceeded to recount the entire affair from beginning to end. He Jianchen laughed. "You brought that trouble on yourself. Why bother with a man like that?" "It wasn't by choice," Yang protested. "He left me no alternative." "With people like that," He advised, "even if you see them on the verge of death next time, don't get involved. But tell me, are you worried about the three hundred and fifty dollars?" "Not entirely because of that," Yang admitted. "But being completely penniless is always inconvenient." "Take a hundred dollars from me to tide you over," He offered. "A hundred would be enough," Yang said. "If a hundred is enough, why should I give you a hundred and fifty?" He said sensibly. "Wait here. I'll fetch it from inside."
A moment later, He Jianchen returned with a hundred dollars in notes and handed them to Yang Xingyuan. Yang took the money and made to leave. "What's the hurry?" He said. "I have something else to tell you. Last night, I received a letter from home, from a nephew of mine who has come up from the south. In his letter, he mentioned that you and he were schoolmates." "What is your nephew's name?" Yang asked. "He You." "That's right," Yang said, remembering. "We were classmates in primary school. I haven't seen him in six or seven years. When did he arrive in the capital?" "About a week ago," He Jianchen replied. "Since it's his first time in Beijing, he knows neither the place nor the people. Staying in the guild hall is lonely, and he has nothing to do. He's very keen to find some occupation. I don't have a suitable position to recommend. Could you possibly think of something at your place?" "I'm at the Shadow News Agency," Yang said. "It may look respectable from the outside, but it's actually a cold, harsh place. Moreover, since your nephew has no newspaper experience, it might not be suitable for him." "I said the same," He agreed. "But letting him idle away at the guild hall is no solution either." "Which guild hall is he staying at?" Yang asked. "I'll visit him when I have time." "The Luling Guildhall," He said. "Good. I'll go see him in a couple of days."
They chatted a while longer before Yang Xingyuan rose to leave. He Jianchen saw him to the main gate, where恰好 a motorcar came speeding up and screeched to a halt. A young man in his twenties, dressed in a stylish Western suit, stepped out and bowed to He Jianchen with a smile. "What a coincidence!" He Jianchen laughed. "I was just thinking of looking for you, and here you are." He then turned to Yang Xingyuan. "This is my nephew, He You."
He You bowed again to Yang Xingyuan, who returned the courtesy. "This is Mr. Yang," He Jianchen said, "the primary school classmate you've often mentioned." "Oh! So it's Mr. Yang Xingyuan," He You exclaimed. "It's been far too long." "I heard from your uncle that you had arrived in the capital," Yang said. "I was planning to pay you a visit." "I wouldn't dare trouble you," He You replied politely. "I shall call on you at your residence another day." "Please, no formalities," Yang said. "I live at the Anhui Guild Hall. You are welcome to come and chat anytime you are free." "I will certainly do so," He You promised.
The three men went inside to He Jianchen's study. Yang Xingyuan and He You talked of their primary school days and found much common ground. After a while, He Jianchen went out on some business, and the conversation between Yang and He grew even more animated. Seeing it was almost noon, Yang Xingyuan invited He You to lunch at the Qingyun Pavilion, and He readily agreed. "Why don't you come with me now?" Yang suggested. "Very well," He You said. So the two set off together for the Qingyun Pavilion.
As they ate, Yang Xingyuan and He You glanced frequently at the street outside, where a steady stream of people passed by. "The fine weather has brought out the crowds today," He You remarked. "I have another appointment, at Beihai," Yang said. "Then I shall not detain you further," He You said courteously. "It's quite all right," Yang assured him. "We can go together after the meal." "I have some minor matters to attend to," He You demurred. "I'm afraid I cannot accompany you." "There's no need for such politeness," Yang said. "It's not merely politeness," He You insisted. "I truly have things to do." Seeing his reluctance, Yang Xingyuan did not press the matter.
After the meal, He You settled the bill and took his leave. Yang Xingyuan hired a rickshaw and went straight to Beihai. It was a Sunday, and the park was indeed crowded. Yang searched the agreed meeting place around the Yilan Hall but did not see Li Yun. He walked over to the Haopu Area, but she wasn't there either. Had she stood him up? Just as he was wondering, someone tapped him gently on the shoulder from behind. He turned to see Li Yun herself. She wore a light-gray woolen dress with a white silk scarf around her neck, looking more delicate and lovely than ever. "Why are you so late?" he asked. "I've been waiting for ages." "I came quite early," she explained. "I saw you talking with someone over on the veranda, so I didn't come over." "That was an old schoolmate of mine," Yang said. "You seemed to be having a very lively conversation," Li Yun observed. "We hadn't seen each other for a long time," Yang replied. "So we had much to talk about."
They sat down on a stone bench by the water's edge. "You seem unusually quiet and refined today," Yang Xingyuan remarked. "I'm not like the others," Li Yun said, "who carry on all day in such a wild manner." "That suits my own temperament," Yang said. "Which is why I enjoy talking with you," she replied softly, lowering her head to pick up a small pebble and toss it into the water. "Shall we go boating?" Yang suggested. "The boats at Beihai don't start until the afternoon," she said. "It's still too early." "Then let's go sit at the Five Dragon Pavilion." "All right."
So they walked slowly along the shore towards the Five Dragon Pavilion. Passing in front of the Huafang Studio, they saw clusters of people inside. "It seems quite lively here," Li Yun said. "Let's go in and look." "It's just a book-teahouse," Yang said. "Nothing very interesting." "What harm is there in looking?" she said, and walked in. Yang Xingyuan had no choice but to follow.
Inside, all the seated patrons were gazing in one direction. Li Yun squeezed forward for a look and saw it was a drum-song performance. The singer was a girl of seventeen or eighteen with a certain charm. She was singing "Hearing Bells at Jiange," her enunciation clear and her melody quite captivating. Li Yun was enthralled and stood rooted to the spot. Yang Xingyuan gently tugged her sleeve. "Let's go," he whispered. "What's wrong with listening?" she protested. "There are too many people. It's too crowded," he said. Reluctantly, Li Yun followed him out.
They walked to the Five Dragon Pavilion and chose a quiet spot to sit. The sun was already setting in the west, casting a shimmering golden light on the water. In the distance, the towers and pavilions of Qiong Island were half-hidden among green trees, a scene of serene elegance. "This place is truly wonderful," Yang Xingyuan said. "If I ever have the money, building a house here to live in would be ideal." "Could you really build a house here?" Li Yun asked. "I'm just talking," he said with a laugh. "How could I possibly afford it?" "For masters like you, building a few houses is nothing," she said. "I am no master," Yang protested. "I'm just a poor journalist." "You're deceiving me again," she teased. "The other day I heard you on the telephone, talking with ministers and premiers. If you're not a master, what are you?" Yang Xingyuan laughed. "Knowing a few ministers makes one a master? Then Beijing must be full of masters." "Well, you're certainly much better off than we are," she said.
Yang Xingyuan was about to reply when a candied hawthorn seller approached, carrying a straw target stuck with many of the bright red treats. Yang bought two skewers and handed one to Li Yun. She took it, bit off one berry, and chewed it slowly. "Is it good?" he asked. "Yes," she said. Yang smiled. "I find the way you eat things quite appealing." "How so?" "No matter what you eat, you always chew slowly and deliberately, as if savoring every bite." "There's nothing special about that," she said. "It's just our habit." "It's a good habit," Yang remarked. "Look at the way some people wolf down their food. It's not only unappealing but also bad for the health."
Pleased by his words, Li Yun smiled at him. They talked for a long time until the sun had set before starting back. As they parted, Yang Xingyuan gave her another ten dollars. "You gave me money just the other day, and I haven't used it yet," she said. "Why give me more?" "Keep it for your needs," he said. "Thank you," she said softly.
From that day on, the bond between Yang Xingyuan and Li Yun deepened. Yet, Yang never managed to learn the truth of Li Yun's background. Whenever the topic arose, she would evade it. The more she did so, the more he pitied her. This woman is certainly not of lowly birth, he thought. How did she ever fall into this infernal existence? He resolved to rescue her. But as a poor scholar himself, how could he possibly raise the money to buy her freedom? Even if he had the funds, he had no idea what price her madam would demand. So, though his heart ached for her, he dared not broach the subject.
A few days later, Yang Xingyuan visited the Pine and Bamboo House again. He found Li Yun looking rather unhappy. "What's troubling you?" he asked. "I had a quarrel with them today," she said. "Over what?" "They wanted me to answer a summons to a patron's house, some Premier Liu's residence. I refused." "Why wouldn't you go?" "I didn't want to. Households like that have so many rules. People like us only get bullied there." "That's probably true," Yang conceded. "Because I refused, they scolded me, saying I was putting on airs. How am I putting on airs? I simply didn't want to go." "Pay them no mind," Yang advised. "I try not to," she sighed. "But they keep nagging me about it. It's so annoying."
The next day, Yang Xingyuan indeed hired a motorcar, picked up Li Yun at the entrance to the Pine and Bamboo House, and headed straight west, out of the city. "Where exactly are we going?" Li Yun asked. "To the Western Hills," he replied. "Goodness! That's so far." "It's not far at all," he said. "We'll be there in no time."
As they talked, the car passed through the Xizhimen Gate and sped along the main road to the Western Hills. It was a clear, crisp autumn day. The willow trees lining the road had turned yellow. In the villages, jujube trees were heavy with fruit, half red and half green, a pretty sight. This was Li Yun's first trip beyond the city walls, and the scenery delighted her. She kept asking questions about everything she saw.
Soon, the car reached the foot of the hills. Yang Xingyuan told the driver to stop, and he and Li Yun got out to climb on foot. The fine weather had attracted many hikers. By the time they were halfway up, Li Yun was already panting slightly. "Let's take it slowly," Yang said, and taking her hand, he helped her up the path step by step.
At the summit, Li Yun's face was flushed with exertion. Yang found a flat rock for her to sit on and sat down beside her. From this height, the entire panorama of Beijing lay spread out below. The yellow glazed tiles, the patches of green trees, the crisscrossing city walls-it was a magnificent view. "This place is wonderful," Li Yun breathed. "Since you like it," Yang said, "we can come often." "It couldn't be that easy," she said. "Why not?" he asked. "If you wish to come, I can bring you." "Aren't you afraid of what people might say?" "What is there to say?" he replied. "We are doing nothing wrong."
His words comforted her. After sitting for a while, Yang said, "Let's go and see the temple." So the two walked over to the Biyun Temple.
The Biyun Temple was a famous, large monastery in the Western Hills, with many halls and numerous visitors. Yang Xingyuan took Li Yun on a tour of the grounds. In the Hall of Arhats, they saw five hundred statues, each sculpted with a different expression of joy, anger, sorrow, or mirth. Li Yun gazed at them, mesmerized. "Why do these Bodhisattvas all have such strange faces?" she asked. "It's the sculptor's artistry," Yang explained. "He meant to portray different characters." "They look as if they all have cares on their minds," Li Yun observed. Yang Xingyuan laughed. "You have a way with words."
Leaving the Hall of Arhats, they went to the Spring Water Court. A stream of clear water gurgled from a crevice in the rocks. Beside the spring grew an old pine tree that leaned over crookedly, as if drinking from the water. "This spring water must be very sweet," Li Yun said. "This is a famous spring," Yang told her. "It's called the Zhuoxi Spring. They say that long ago, a high monk lived here. He struck the ground with his tin staff, and this spring gushed forth." "Could that really be true?" she asked. "It's just a legend," he said with a smile.
They wandered a while longer until, seeing the day was growing late, they descended the hill, got back into the car, and returned to the city.
That day, Li Yun was in high spirits, chatting and laughing all the way back in the car. Yang Xingyuan was glad to see her so happy.
Who could have foreseen that just as their car passed back through the Xizhimen Gate, another motorcar approached from the opposite direction. Inside sat a man in his fifties, wearing a blue satin robe and a black satin mandarin jacket, a cigar clenched between his teeth. The moment he caught sight of Li Yun, he ordered his driver to stop. He got out and walked over to her. "Where have you been?" he demanded. At the sight of him, Li Yun's face went pale, and she was struck speechless.
Yang Xingyuan understood at once that this must be the so-called Premier Liu that Li Yun's madam had mentioned. What rotten luck to run into him today, he thought. The man addressed Li Yun again. "I told you to come to my house. Why didn't you? Instead, you're out here gallivanting." "I... I wasn't feeling well today," Li Yun stammered. "I came out for some air." "For some air? With whom?" the man said, running his eyes over Yang Xingyuan from head to toe. "And who is this?"
"He's... my brother," Li Yun said weakly. The man gave a cold laugh. "Brother? What brother do you have? Don't lie to me. The way you two act, you're no siblings." Offended by the man's rudeness, Yang stepped forward. "May I ask your name, sir?" "What business is it of yours?" the man retorted. "What's yours?" "My surname is Yang." "Yours is Yang. What's hers?" "Hers is naturally Yang as well," Yang said evenly. The man burst into raucous laughter. "Nonsense! Her surname is Lin, as anyone with eyes can see! And you claim it's Yang. I can see you two are up to no good, sneaking around like this."
Yang Xingyuan turned pale with anger. "You will watch your tongue, sir. We are perfectly aboveboard, traveling together. What sneaking around?" "Traveling together isn't sneaking around? A fine 'aboveboard' that is!" the man sneered. He turned back to Li Yun. "You will come back with me at once. I have words for you." "I am not going back today," Li Yun said, finding her voice. "Not going back? Are you rebelling?" He reached out to grab her arm.
Yang Xingyuan moved to block him. "Since she does not wish to return, why force her?" "And who are you to meddle?" the man snarled. "One who draws his sword when he sees injustice on the road," Yang replied defiantly. "Fine! You've got nerve. What's your name? Where do you live?" "I am Yang Xingyuan, living at the Anhui Guild Hall. You may call on me anytime." "Good! I will come to see you tomorrow," the man said. He glared at Li Yun. "Are you coming or not?" "I am not." "If you don't come back now, then never come back at all!" He stormed back to his car, got in, and roared away.
As soon as he was gone, Li Yun burst into tears. "Don't cry," Yang Xingyuan urged. "Why pay any attention to such a man?" "He... he is Premier Liu's brother," she sobbed. "He has wealth and power. How can people like us provoke him?" "So he's the premier's brother. What of it? Does that mean he is above reason?" "He doesn't care for reason! He's vicious. Our madam trembles before him like a mouse before a cat." "Don't be afraid," Yang said firmly. "I will handle everything." "You're a scholar," she said worriedly. "How can you be a match for them?" "Leave it to me. I have my ways."
The next day, Yang was at home reading the newspaper when a servant announced that a Mr. Liu had come to call. Knowing who it must be, Yang asked him to be shown in. A moment later, the man entered-the very same person from the day before. Today, he wore a woolen Western suit, leather shoes, and a pair of dark crystal glasses, looking every bit the imposing figure.
Yang invited him to sit. "To what do I owe this visit, sir?" he asked. "My name is Liu, Liu Dezhu," the man said. "We met yesterday." "Yes. What is your business, Mr. Liu?" "It concerns Li Yun," Liu Dezhu said bluntly. "I see you are an educated man, so I have come to discuss this reasonably. Li Yun is mine. I do not wish her to associate with others. I ask that you cease seeing her." "That is a strange request," Yang replied. "Li Yun is a resident of the Pine and Bamboo House. Any patron may call on her. How can you say she is yours?" "Don't you know?" Liu said. "I have already settled matters with her madam. I intend to acquire her as my concubine shortly. Therefore, I do not want her entertaining other guests."
Yang's heart lurched, but he kept his composure. "Is that so?" he said coolly. "But Li Yun and I are merely ordinary friends. There is nothing between us. You are overthinking this, Mr. Liu." "I care not whether there is anything between you," Liu stated. "All I ask is your promise to cease seeing her. I would be grateful." "And if I do not promise?" Yang asked. "Then I am sorry," Liu said, his tone hardening. "I shall have to resort to other means."
"What means might those be?" "That is not for you to know. Just be sensible." Yang Xingyuan gave a cold laugh. "Mr. Liu, do not think you can intimidate me with your influence. I, Yang Xingyuan, may be a poor scholar, but I am not one to shy away from trouble." "Fine! You have backbone. We shall see," Liu Dezhu said. He stood up and strode out of the room.
Returning to his room, Yang Xingyuan was deeply troubled. What was to be done? If he ignored Liu, the man would surely persecute Li Yun. If he confronted him and demanded he leave her alone, Liu would certainly refuse. After pondering for a while, an idea struck him. Why not seek He Jianchen's advice?
He went straight to He Jianchen's home. He was working on a draft when Yang arrived. "What brings you here today?" he asked. "I have a difficult matter to discuss," Yang said, and recounted the incident with Liu Dezhu. "This Liu Dezhu is Premier Liu's brother," He Jianchen said gravely. "His nickname is Liu the Fourth King of Hell. He's a notorious bully. How did you get tangled up with him?" "I didn't seek him out. He sought me." "This is a bad business," He said. "He is determined to have Li Yun. You cannot stop him." "Should we just let him take her, then?" Yang protested. "You are not anyone to Li Yun. How can you intervene?" "I may be no one to her," Yang said, "but I pity her deeply. I cannot bear to see her fall into the hands of such a man." "I understand your feelings," He said. "But what can you possibly do?"
"I was hoping you could find out how much he intends to pay for her," Yang said. "If the sum is not too large, perhaps I could find a way to buy her freedom." "Where would you get that kind of money?" He asked incredulously. "I could borrow it." "And how would you repay it later?" "I will cross that bridge when I come to it." "This is sheer folly," He Jianchen said. "If Liu the Fourth King of Hell has set his sights on her, do you think he will let you redeem her? Besides, I hear Li Yun's madam is a shrewd one. If she learns you want to buy Li Yun's freedom, she will surely extort a fortune from you." "So we should just give up?" Yang said desperately. "I advise you to abandon this notion," He said firmly. "These are matters beyond our control."
Seeing that He Jianchen was unwilling to get involved, Yang Xingyuan did not press further. After sitting a while longer, he took his leave.
His mind made up, he went to the Pine and Bamboo House once more. He found Li Yun with eyes red from crying. She seized his hand the moment she saw him. "What took you so long? I've been worried sick." "What is there to worry about?" he asked. "Fourth Master Liu sent people again just now, demanding I go to him," she said tearfully. "I refused, and they scolded me. The madam is pressuring me too. I would rather die than go." "Then don't go. I will speak to him." "No, don't!" she begged. "He is vicious. You'll come to harm." "I am not afraid of him." He turned to leave, but Li Yun clung to his arm. "Please, I beg you, don't go." Her pleading softened his resolve, and he stopped. "Very well, I won't go. But we cannot go on like this." "I've thought it over," she said quietly. "I will run away." "Run away? To where?" "To Tianjin." "Do you have relatives in Tianjin?" "No." "Without relatives, how will you live?" "I can find work." "What sort of work can you do?" "I can work in a factory, or be a maid." "That is very hard labor." "I am not afraid of hardship," she said with quiet determination. "As long as I am free, even bitterness will taste sweet."
Moved by her resolve, Yang Xingyuan said, "If you are truly determined, I will help you." "How?" she asked. "I will raise the travel expenses and see you safely to Tianjin." "Really?" she whispered. "Of course." "Then... how can I ever thank you?" "I need no thanks," he said gently. "Just promise me you will live a good life from now on. That will be thanks enough." Tears streamed down her cheeks. "You are truly my savior."
"Don't say such things," he said. "Let us discuss how to proceed." "I want to leave tomorrow," she said. "Tomorrow? So soon?" "The sooner the better. If we delay and they find out, we'll never get away." "Very well," he agreed. "I will come for you early tomorrow morning." "How will you fetch me?" "I will hire a car and wait at the entrance to the lane. You can tell them you are going to the market to buy something and slip out." "Yes," she said. "Let's do it that way."
At the mouth of the lane, he told the driver to wait and walked to the door of the house. The doorman, who was sweeping, smiled at the sight of him. "You're early, Master Yang." "I've come to take Seventh Miss shopping," Yang said casually, and walked inside.
At the station, Yang bought a ticket and saw Li Yun onto the train. She sat by the window, her eyes brimming with tears. "Write to me when you reach Tianjin," he said. "I will come to see you in a few days." "No, don't come," she said quickly. "Wait until I have found my feet in Tianjin. Then you may visit." "Very well," he agreed.