Explore Chapter 29 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.
Since parting from Li Yun that day, Yang Xingyuan had been perpetually melancholy. This afternoon, he took a solitary stroll in Central Park. He saw the glistening pond water and scattered fading flowers. Spring was drawing to a close, and he couldn't help but feel a vague sense of loss.
He strolled slowly along the pond, gazing at his reflection in the water. His own image looked lonely, mingled with the shadows of fading flowers, which only heightened the desolation. Remembering Li Yun's sickly countenance and wondering how long she could hold on, his heart was filled with bitterness.
Seeing his somber expression, He Jianchen inquired about the fate. Yang Xingyuan briefly recounted Li Yun's serious illness and sighed, "Life is but a sojourn, and for a wanderer like her, each day is uncertain." He Jianchen consoled him, "The world is ever-changing. You shouldn't grieve too much. Miss Li Yun is blessed by fortune and may turn peril into safety."
Yang Xingyuan shook his head and said, "Looking at her condition, I fear it's difficult. I don't consider myself a sentimental soul, but seeing these flowers bloom and fade, I can't help but be moved." Knowing his feelings, He Jianchen said no more and changed the subject, talking about recent interesting news in the capital.
Entering the room, he saw that the pot of pear blossom by the window had long withered, leaving only a few dry leaves. Recalling the fading flowers he saw during the day and thinking of Li Yun, he couldn't help but recite, "By the water facing fading flowers, endless melancholy; leaning on pines near slender bamboos, deep feelings entrusted."