Explore Chapter 51 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.
Li Dongqing took a rickshaw from Chunming Villa back into town. As the wheels rolled over the streets, her mind wandered. Mrs. He, she thought, had proven a true confidante after all. She had shared with her matters that others would keep to themselves. Yet why had she remained utterly silent on the subject of He Jianchen? Ah, she realized-this was likely a topic Mrs. He found awkward to broach. Naturally, their circumstances were different from her own. No need to dwell on it; in time, an opportunity would arise, and she would learn the truth. Since Mrs. He had urged her to visit often, she would do just that and see how matters truly stood. Henceforth, whenever Li Dongqing called at the He residence, Mrs. He would invariably invite her into her own chamber. They would converse at length or briefly, but always share a moment. Occasionally, Li Dongqing would encounter He Jianchen, and their exchanges were limited to faint, formal greetings. He Jianchen responded in kind, never treating her with the formality reserved for a guest. This put Li Dongqing even more at ease, leading her to believe that not every man under heaven was heartless.
Slowly, the end of April approached. Mrs. He, as Li Dongqing had repeatedly promised yet failed to begin teaching her landscape painting, brought up the old pledge one day while He Jianchen was out. "Mr. Li! What of your promise to teach me landscape painting? Surely it is time." Li Dongqing smiled. "The moment I gave my word, I intended to teach you, but then I reconsidered. I am no master painter, and my methods differ from conventional instruction. Even if I painted for you, you might not grasp the principles. How then could I properly teach you? Upon reflection, I thought it best to paint a piece for you first. Once complete, I could slowly explain the reasoning behind each stroke. With that explanation, you would understand, and with understanding, you could take up the brush yourself." Mrs. He was delighted. "Excellent! Let it be so. But my room is small; there's no space for painting supplies." "That is easily solved," Li Dongqing said. "I have all the necessary items at home. I shall bring them." "How can I impose such trouble on you?" "It is no trouble at all," Li Dongqing replied. "I delight in painting and grow restless if a day passes without it. For you to ask is a welcome opportunity, not an imposition." "In that case," said Mrs. He, "might I boldly ask you to stay with us for a while?" "I could," said Li Dongqing, "but requesting too long a leave from the school seems improper." "A person of your caliber, Mr. Li, need not fear the school's inflexibility. Besides, the subjects you teach are not easily covered by another." "Even so, requesting excessive leave might be difficult to justify to the dean." "If you agree to stay," Mrs. He suggested, "I can speak to Jianchen and have him intercede with the dean on your behalf. What do you think?" "I am willing to stay," said Li Dongqing, "but I do not know if Brother Jianchen enjoys any particular rapport with the dean." "Not merely rapport-they are on excellent terms. The dean would not refuse a request from Jianchen. Moreover, given your rare talent, he would be glad to assist." "If that is so, I have decided to stay a few days. I shall return home first and move my things today." "Why trouble yourself to return? I can send someone to fetch them." "I have many small items to sort and pack. It is better if I go myself to avoid confusion." "Well then, I shall await you. Please return swiftly." Li Dongqing smiled. "A promise given is a promise kept. I shall not fail you." With that, Mrs. He saw her off.
Returning home, Li Dongqing told Shi Kelian of the plan. Shi Kelian laughed. "You are truly going? You are such a secular ascetic." "How so?" Li Dongqing smiled. "Wherever you go," said Shi Kelian, "you must bring your books, paper, and brushes. Now you are even taking your painting kit. You resemble a student departing for school, lacking only a diploma. Is that not the very definition of a secular ascetic?" Li Dongqing chuckled. "You should not say such things. I shall invite you out on an excursion soon, so you are not left lonely here." "Do not mistake me," Shi Kelian said. "I do not seek to hinder you. I merely feel these are not days for us to seek pleasure." Li Dongqing fell silent for a long moment, then sighed. "Alas! In truth, I am merely drifting." "I did not mean you specifically," Shi Kelian clarified. "I speak only in general terms." Li Dongqing said no more and went to pack. Yet she thought to herself, Mrs. He's invitation was extended with such earnest warmth; to reject it coldly would be most ungracious. Best to go. Once her belongings were packed, she hired a rickshaw and proceeded directly to the He residence.
Mrs. He, expecting Li Dongqing's arrival, had prepared a room beforehand. Upon Li Dongqing's arrival, she was led there directly. Li Dongqing saw a small side chamber, its walls freshly papered to a glossy white, furnished with simple wooden pieces. Outside the window lay a small courtyard filled with blooming flowers, their fragrance wafting gently into the room, lending it an air of pristine tranquility. Mrs. He smiled. "The room is small, but it is quiet." "It is perfect," said Li Dongqing. "Coming from the countryside, I feared a noisy city dwelling would leave me restless." Mrs. He offered a few modest words in response and promptly called a maid to settle Li Dongqing's belongings. Li Dongqing then accompanied Mrs. He to the main sitting room. "Mr. Li, please rest here a while. I have a small matter to attend to and shall return shortly," said Mrs. He. "Please, attend to your affairs. I am perfectly content here," Li Dongqing replied. Mrs. He instructed the maid to attend to her guest properly and then departed.
Sitting alone in Mrs. He's room, Li Dongqing observed the furnishings. They were arranged with tasteful elegance, yet many delicate ornaments seemed to carry a hint of Japanese aesthetic. Li Dongqing mused inwardly, "Each to their own taste. Mrs. He is young and artistically inclined, so such decor is hardly surprising. But He Jianchen is a staunch, orthodox Confucian scholar. What must he think upon entering this room? Could he truly tolerate it without objection?" At this thought, she suddenly chided herself with a silent laugh. Why should she speculate idly about the private affairs of a married couple?
After a short while, Mrs. He returned. She smiled and asked first, "Mr. Li, what do you think of my room's arrangement?" Li Dongqing returned the smile. "I am no connoisseur of art and dare not offer criticism." "Please, do not be modest. I heard you also appreciate fine things." "Appreciation is one thing," Li Dongqing said, "but it hardly qualifies as expertise. Still, I find the furnishings here quite opulent." "It was all Jianchen's idea," Mrs. He revealed. "Do not be fooled by his stern demeanor; he pays close attention to such matters." Li Dongqing, finding little to add, merely smiled faintly. Mrs. He continued, "He has never forbidden me any particular style of dress or any piece of jewelry. Yet he is quite attentive in other regards. He says a woman's love for adornment is her natural inclination; as long as it is not excessive, it should not be suppressed. To forbid it overly would mar her innate beauty. Is that not a peculiar view?" "It reveals his understanding of life's philosophy," Li Dongqing remarked. "One should not live under excessive constraint." "Mr. Li, converse with him a few more times, and you will find him most understanding." Hearing this, Li Dongqing could not help but blush. Mrs. He immediately sensed her own indiscretion and added hastily, "He is not home today. Were he here, he would surely keep you company." "There is no need for such formality," said Li Dongqing. "I shall visit often; opportunities for conversation will abound." "Jianchen went to Tianjin today on the four o'clock afternoon train. He likely will not return until tomorrow morning." "Then his return will involve a delay of a day or two?" "That is hard to say. He might even return on the evening train." Having said this, they seemed to have exhausted substantial topics and fell into casual, trivial conversation.
They talked until dinnertime. Mrs. He urged Li Dongqing to dine with her. "This being my first visit, dining together seems rather informal," Li Dongqing demurred. "You are no stranger, Mr. Li. If we stand on ceremony, I would not have dared invite you," Mrs. He replied. Seeing her insistence, Li Dongqing acquiesced. Wishing to show intimacy, Mrs. He had the meal served in her own room and arranged for Li Dongqing to stay there for the night. Fortunately, Li Dongqing was of an unpretentious nature and felt entirely at home in the He household, utterly at ease. After dinner, Mrs. He produced a set of dominoes, and by lamplight, they played a game of 'Passing the Five Gates' through a dozen or so rounds. Li Dongqing glanced at her wristwatch; it was already ten o'clock. She said to Mrs. He, "I should retire." "It is still early. Why the hurry?" "It is not haste," Li Dongqing explained. "I am accustomed to retiring at ten." "Then as you wish," said Mrs. He. And so Li Dongqing went to bed.
The next morning, Li Dongqing rose very early. She checked her watch; it was only seven. A sudden thought struck her: was today not Sunday? In her sleepy haze, she had forgotten entirely. He Jianchen had left for Tianjin yesterday afternoon and might return this very morning. Her presence here could prove awkward. Best to leave now. Having dressed, she opened her door to depart, only to find Mrs. He had risen even earlier and was already seated in the courtyard on a rattan chair, reading.
Seeing Li Dongqing emerge, she smiled. "Mr. Li, why are you up so early?" "It is my habit. I rise at this hour every day," Li Dongqing replied. "Jianchen mentioned yesterday that if you would consent to stay longer, he would have much to learn from you. I believe he will return this morning. Why must you leave?" "That is precisely why I rose early," said Li Dongqing. "Though I have met Brother Jianchen on two occasions, the crowd prevented proper conversation. I would welcome a chat." "He is certain to return this morning. Please wait a while." "That is unnecessary. I would not wish to disturb him if he has business. I shall leave now and return this afternoon." "I shall inform him upon his return. If you fear being a disturbance, I will not insist. But if it is his schedule that concerns you, set your mind at ease-he has no pressing matters this morning. Besides, your presence would allow you to guide my painting." Li Dongqing smiled. "You always speak of my guidance. How can I presume?" "Did you not promise we might collaborate on a few paintings? Have you forgotten?" "I shall paint, but it can hardly be called collaboration. My ideas may be flawed." "Regardless, you cannot leave this morning. I must keep you here until Jianchen returns so I may ask you in person, lest you forget upon leaving." Seeing her earnest entreaty, Li Dongqing had no choice but to sit back down. Mrs. He kept her company with further conversation. Li Dongqing smiled again. "Did you not mention yesterday you wished to buy something at the market? This is the perfect time. Let us go together." "As your hostess, I have been a poor one. To have you accompany me shopping is too great an honor." Li Dongqing laughed. "No need for such formality. I also need to purchase a few sundries at the market." "In that case, let us go." And so the two took a rickshaw together to the market.