Explore Chapter 52 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.
To begin, since parting from Li Yun that day, Yang Xingyuan had felt a constant gloom. On this day, as he sat idly in his study, a servant suddenly brought in a letter. The handwriting on the envelope was delicate and graceful, which he recognized as Li Yun's. Opening it, he found a sheet of flower-patterned stationery with a few lines of small script, which read: "Since parting from your visage, my tears have often soaked my pillow. My fate is as thin as paper, my life adrift; I fear I cannot long remain by your side. Yet this foolish heart of mine, only heaven can bear witness. If you do not disdain me, I wish to bind our fate for the next life. This life is done. With blood and tears I make this vow, to hold this resolve forever."
After reading it, Yang Xingyuan could not help but feel a pang in his heart. Tears nearly fell. He thought to himself, "Such a person as Li Yun, yet met with such circumstances. Truly pitiable and admirable. Since she treats me with sincere heart, how can I let her down?" He then picked up a brush, wanting to write a reply, but did not know where to start. After pondering for a long while, he could only write a few comforting words. He arranged to meet her tomorrow at Central Park for a detailed talk.
The next day, Yang Xingyuan arrived early at the park to wait. Before long, he saw Li Yun walking slowly towards him. She wore a light blue cloth gown, her face without makeup, making her appear even more gaunt and pitiable. When they met, they were silent. Together they went to sit on a bench in the cypress grove.
Li Yun took out a small brocade box from her bosom and handed it to Yang Xingyuan. She said, "Inside this is a lock of my hair, some fingernails, and a handkerchief I embroidered myself. Please keep it as a memento. If I die in the future, when you see these things, it will be as if you see me." With that, tears rolled down like broken strings of pearls.
Yang Xingyuan took the brocade box, feeling immense sorrow in his heart. Forcing back tears, he said, "Do not speak such sad words. Your illness, with gradual recuperation, will surely get better. I will come to see you often from now on. So ease your mind a little."
Li Yun shook her head. "My illness, I know it myself. It cannot be cured. I am not afraid of death. I am only reluctant to part from you. Last night I thought all night. If there is an afterlife, I will surely be reborn as a pure and innocent woman, to marry you again. In this life, I cannot have my wish fulfilled."
As she spoke, she took out a piece of white silk from her sleeve. It was dotted with bloodstains. It was four lines she had written by biting her finger. "Wish to bind our fate for the next life. With blood and tears I show my true heart. In this life I will keep this vow. Heaven and earth bear witness."
Yang Xingyuan looked at it and could no longer hold back. Holding her hand, he said, "Why must you suffer so! I, Yang Xingyuan, having received such true affection from you, would die without regret. Rest assured, I will not let you down."
The two talked in the park for half a day. Dusk approached, and they reluctantly parted. Yang Xingyuan returned home, carefully storing away the gifts from Li Yun. His heart was filled with endless emotion.
From then on, Yang Xingyuan visited Li Yun even more frequently at Pine and Bamboo House. Unfortunately, Li Yun's illness grew worse day by day. Even doctors said there was no cure. Yang Xingyuan could only go daily to sit with her for a while, speaking comforting words. Every time Li Yun saw Yang Xingyuan come, she would muster her spirits, talking and laughing. But after he left, she would secretly shed tears.
Thus another half month passed. Li Yun was already skin and bones, on the brink of death. On this day, as soon as Yang Xingyuan arrived at the Brothel, he saw Amao running out in a panic. She said, "Master Yang, come quickly. Seventh Miss is not well."
Yang Xingyuan was greatly alarmed and hurried into the room. He saw Li Yun lying on the bed, her eyes slightly open. Seeing Yang Xingyuan, a faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth. She whispered, "You have come. I am so happy."
Yang Xingyuan wept aloud. Amao and others also shed tears nearby. Immediately arranging the funeral affairs, Yang Xingyuan took out money to buy a fine coffin for Li Yun. He buried her in the charity burial ground and erected a stone tablet before the grave. It was engraved with "Tomb of Li Yun, the Learned Lady."
From then on, Yang Xingyuan found life uninteresting. Each day he was just gloomy and unhappy. Thus it was. A letter seals a golden orchid vow, fate set for the next life. Four verses left with blood and tears, a pledge to guard this life.