Explore Chapter 40 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 with Li Yun, Yang Xingyuan had always felt unhappy. One day, while idly sitting in his study, he suddenly heard someone knocking at the door. It was He Jianchen visiting. Seeing him sullen, He Jianchen smiled and said, "Xingyuan, why have you been so downcast lately? Is it because of Li Yun?" Yang Xingyuan sighed and said, "Exactly. Though I pity her circumstances, I am powerless to help. Whenever I think of it, my heart aches."
He Jianchen said, "Since you care so much, why not visit her again?" Yang Xingyuan shook his head and said, "Visiting would be of no use. It would only add to the sorrow." Just then, Wu Bibo also walked in and said, "Today on the street, I met Li Yun. She looked pale and haggard, as if she were ill." Upon hearing this, Yang Xingyuan immediately grew anxious and decided to go visit Pine and Bamboo House.
Upon arriving at Pine and Bamboo House, he indeed found Li Yun lying ill in bed. Seeing her emaciated face, Yang Xingyuan felt a pang of sorrow. He held her hand and said, "How did you become so ill?" Li Yun smiled bitterly and said, "It's just an old ailment flaring up. A few days of rest will suffice." Yang Xingyuan said, "You should take good care of yourself. I'll go fetch a doctor right away." Li Yun could not refuse and had to agree.
After the doctor examined her and prescribed medicine, Yang Xingyuan personally went to get the medicine and instructed the maid to attend to her carefully. Returning home, his thoughts were in turmoil. He picked up a brush and composed a ci poem titled "Plum Song." After writing it, he chanted it softly, feeling even more desolate. He Jianchen and Wu Bibo visited and, seeing him chanting the poem, laughed and said, "You are truly a sentimental soul." Yang Xingyuan said, "I only pity her loneliness and hardship. I have no other intentions."
Wu Bibo said, "Since you pity her, why not help her To buy one's freedom?" Yang Xingyuan sighed and said, "How could I not want to? But her Madam demands a high price, and I am unable to afford it." He Jianchen said, "This matter can be discussed over time. You should ease your mind."
After a few days, Yang Xingyuan visited again and saw that Li Yun's condition had slightly improved, which eased his mind a little. Li Yun said, "Master Yang, you have shown me such kindness. I truly don't know how to repay you." Yang Xingyuan said, "You only need to recover well from your illness. That is repayment enough." Upon hearing this, Li Yun's eyes filled with tears. She whispered, "I come from a humble background and dare not have high hopes. I only wish to repay this kindness in my next life." Yang Xingyuan heard this and felt even more sorrowful.
Suddenly, they heard a commotion outside. It was the Madam scolding a young maid. Li Yun's face changed color. She said to Yang Xingyuan, "Master Yang, please leave now. It's not convenient for you to stay here long." Yang Xingyuan knew she was in a difficult position and had to bid farewell.
Walking on the road, Yang Xingyuan recalled Li Yun's words. Seeing other women on the street suffering for their livelihood, he could not help but sigh, "Women in this world endure so much hardship. It is truly unbearable to witness."
Returning to the Guild Hall, he recorded what he had seen and felt today in his diary. His heart could not calm down for a long time. That night, he dreamed that Li Yun was gravely ill. He woke up in a cold sweat and could no longer sleep. He had to face the lonely lamp alone until dawn.