第五十四回 纳礼典轻裘为花请命 论交关盛馔按日传餐 (Chapter 54: Presenting Light Furs to Plead for a Beauty; Conversing over Lavish Feasts in Daily Gatherings)

That day, when Yang Xingyuan heard that Wu Bibo had something to say, he asked, "What is it? Tell me." Wu Bibo said, "It's a long story. I'll tell you slowly. Yesterday, I borrowed a copy of Record of the Boxer Rebellion from a classmate. In the evening, with nothing to do, I was reviewing my lessons alone in the dormitory. Suddenly, someone came to my room. I looked and saw it was Jiang Zuhang, a classmate. His face was full of panic as he said, 'It's terrible. We Chinese have no dignity left.' I was startled and asked him what was wrong. He took out a letter from his pocket and showed it to me. I took the letter and saw it was a postcard. On it was written: 'To Elder Schoolmate Zuhang: There is an urgent matter. I beg you to come quickly to my residence for a discussion. Your younger brother, Zhang Li, kowtows.' I read it and didn't understand. I asked Jiang Zuhang, 'Who is this Zhang?' Jiang Zuhang said, 'He is the principal of First Middle School here.' I said, 'What does he want with you that you're so alarmed?' Jiang Zuhang said, 'Look at the back of the postcard.' I turned it over and saw several lines written crookedly: 'Dear brother, the students of various schools are planning a major move against me. It will be announced soon. I hope you can come quickly to discuss countermeasures to avoid being caught off guard. This is extremely urgent. Do not delay. Your younger brother, Zhang Li, bows again.' I read it and still didn't understand. I said, 'This is just a letter asking for advice. Why are you so alarmed?' Jiang Zuhang said, 'It's not for that. Now, I don't know what move the students in Beijing are planning. But I already know something strange. The day before yesterday, I was eating at a restaurant near Xidan Pailou. I heard people talking in the private room next door. One person said, "In this matter, we must help Mr. Zhang no matter what." Another said, "Mr. Zhang has treated us well. But we should help him based on the situation. If Mr. Zhang really has flaws worth opposing, we should help the opposition." The first person said, "You're wrong. Don't you know Mr. Zhang's relationship with us? Our livelihoods are in his hands. If he falls, where will we eat?" When I heard this, I knew they were Zhang Li's allies having a meeting. I wanted to listen further. But the waiter came in with food, and their voices softened. After eating, I went outside. I saw four people coming out of the private room. One of them I recognized as Zhang Li's relative. He is the dean of studies at First Middle School. I thought, since Zhang Li is mobilizing his relatives and friends to protect him, this uproar must be serious. Today, receiving this letter from Zhang Li further proves it. I got this news and hurried to find you. I thought you know many people. You could investigate the truth.' I listened to Jiang Zuhang's words and said to him, 'What you say makes sense. But why are the students opposing Zhang Li? Do you know?' Jiang Zuhang said, 'I'm also puzzled by this. As far as I know, Zhang Li has knowledge and works diligently. But he has a bad temper. He is somewhat harsh with students. But school administrators need to be strict to control students. I think the students oppose him because of his stern countenance and difficulty in communication. If he has major faults, I really don't know.' I thought for a moment and said to him, 'Alright. Tomorrow, I'll go to the school and inquire for you.' Jiang Zuhang said, 'That would be great. But I'm very anxious. Can you inquire for me today?' I said, 'I can. I'll go to some fellow townsmen. Maybe I can get some news.' Jiang Zuhang said, 'Good. Then I'll come to your place tonight for news.' After saying this, he left. I went to several fellow townsmen to inquire. But none of them knew. Later, one fellow townsman said to me, 'If you want to inquire about Zhang Li's matter, why not go to our Director Jiang? He and Zhang Li are sworn brothers. He knows all of Zhang Li's secrets.' I thought, right. Our Director Jiang used to be a teacher at First Middle School. He must know. I went directly to Director Jiang's home. Coincidentally, Director Jiang was alone at home writing a letter. When he saw me, he put down his pen and smiled. He said, 'It's rare for you to come. Please sit.' I sat down and asked, 'Have you heard that First Middle School is about to have an uproar?' Director Jiang said, 'I was just writing about this. You came at the right time. I'll tell you. This Zhang Li is really not human. The things he has done are beyond imagination.' Director Jiang slapped the table and said, 'He seduces female students, no question. He even commits beastly acts. He deceives and violates his friend's wife.' I was shocked and asked for the reason. Director Jiang said, 'I have a friend named Li. He is a wealthy young master. He married a wife from a good family. She is very beautiful. Zhang Li taught at their home and had an affair with her. Later, when Mr. Li found out, he divorced his wife. She then formally married Zhang Li.' I said, 'Is this true?' Director Jiang said, 'Absolutely true. Mr. Li personally told me. He also said that to preserve his own face, he didn't want to publicize it. So he endured it. But now Zhang Li's misdeeds are gradually being exposed. So the students of First Middle School started this turmoil. This uproar will erupt in a day or two.' After hearing Director Jiang's words, I understood why Zhang Li was panicked. I sat and talked for a while. Then I bid farewell to Director Jiang and returned. Coincidentally, Jiang Zuhang was waiting in my room. I told Jiang Zuhang everything Director Jiang said. Jiang Zuhang's face changed upon hearing it. He said, 'So Zhang Li is such a person. I've decided not to help him.' I said, 'Whether you help him or not is up to you. But I think you don't need to exert effort for him. Since he has these misdeeds, they will be exposed sooner or later.' Jiang Zuhang sighed and said, 'How could I know he was such a bad person? I thought he was good and was helping him.' Jiang Zuhang talked for a while, then left. This morning, reading the newspaper, indeed, all students of First Middle School went on strike to expel Principal Zhang Li. Although the newspaper didn't report in detail, I think it's nothing beyond what Director Jiang said. Do you think this matter shows that we Chinese have no dignity?' Yang Xingyuan sighed and said, 'With such scum in the education circle, no wonder education isn't thriving.' The two talked for a while, then each went to attend to their duties.

That day, Yang Xingyuan was at the Shadow News Agency. He Jianchen said to him, "There's a dinner party today. I invite you to join." Yang Xingyuan said, "Who is hosting?" He Jianchen said, "It's that Jiang Dahua we met last time at Jiuhua Restaurant. He recently got a consultant position at the Camphor Bureau and is hosting a big feast. We've already accepted. You see, although we don't like associating with such people, eating a meal with them isn't a loss of integrity. So I've agreed." Yang Xingyuan said, "I've never been keen on socializing with such folks. I won't go." He Jianchen laughed and said, "You're always so rigid, with no flexibility at all. Besides, he also invited Ling Songlu. Though annoying, he's still a friend. If you don't go, he'll think we're putting on airs." Yang Xingyuan hesitated and said, "I really don't want to go. You can represent both of us." He Jianchen said, "One person representing two? That's not reasonable. Moreover, he knows you're in Beijing. If you don't go, he'll think we're deliberately distancing ourselves. I think you should go. Anyway, there's nothing much at the newspaper office tonight." Yang Xingyuan saw he was insistent and had to agree.

At seven o'clock in the evening, He Jianchen and Yang Xingyuan went to Jiuhua Restaurant. They entered the private room and saw Jiang Dahua and Ling Songlu, along with two or three others, sitting there. Jiang Dahua immediately stood up to greet them upon seeing Yang and He. He introduced the others: one was Qian Shaopu, the other Wei Jiechang, both from political circles. Everyone sat down. Jiang Dahua said to Yang Xingyuan, "Mr. Yang, though this is only our second meeting, I knew at first sight that you are a refined and extraordinary person. That's why I specially invited you today for a chat." Yang Xingyuan said, "You flatter me. I'm just an ordinary person, but I'm honored by your regard." Jiang Dahua asked, "Which newspaper office are you with now?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Shadow News Agency." Jiang Dahua said, "I read Shadow News Agency every day. It's really well-run. But I notice the criticism of the authorities is always a bit harsh. Why is that?" Yang Xingyuan said, "As journalists, we record what we hear and speak our minds. It's just representing public opinion." Jiang Dahua smiled and said, "That's true. But one should speak according to the situation. For example, we in authority may not do everything perfectly. But there are always one or two commendable things. Why not say more good words?" Yang Xingyuan was about to reply when Ling Songlu cut in, "Newspapers today can't represent public opinion. They just seek fame by criticizing others. They criticize without caring if it's right or wrong. As long as the person criticized has some power, they criticize even more vigorously. They think this boosts their paper's reputation. But anyone with clear eyes can see they have ulterior motives. They use criticism as a stepping stone." Ling Songlu said this while looking at Yang Xingyuan, as if speaking to him. Yang Xingyuan knew he was mocking him but pretended not to notice. He just smiled and ignored him. He Jianchen feared they might argue and ruin the mood. So he changed the subject, "Today, let's only talk about lighter topics, not state affairs. Mr. Jiang, did you come north to take up the position at the Camphor Bureau?" Jiang Dahua said, "Yes. Thanks to the government's cultivation, I've been given the title of consultant. But I'm completely inexperienced with camphor. I'm afraid I won't do well." Ling Songlu said, "You're too modest, Mr. Jiang. Everyone knows you're a wealthy merchant from the South Seas. The government relies on you precisely because you're the right person for the job. You needn't decline." Jiang Dahua said, "Though I'm a merchant, I can't ignore national affairs. Now that government finances are so difficult, we citizens should also think of ways to help. So I came to Beijing this time hoping to contribute." He then lowered his voice and said, "To be frank, I have some connection with Minister Liu of the Ministry of Finance. He told me yesterday that the government is about to secure a large loan. The amount is fifty million, with national tobacco and alcohol taxes as collateral. I think if this loan succeeds, government finances will be more flexible." Ling Songlu immediately chimed in, "If Mr. Jiang can help facilitate this loan, that would be a great service to the government. The government will surely rely on you more." Jiang Dahua said, "I'm just fulfilling my duty as a citizen. I dare not claim credit." The two of them bantered back and forth, making quite a scene. Yang Xingyuan listened but grew impatient. He thought these people only talked about officialdom and money, utterly vulgar. But since he had come, he couldn't leave immediately. He had to endure sitting there.

Soon, wine and dishes were served. Jiang Dahua invited everyone to the table. He insisted that Yang Xingyuan take the seat of honor. Yang Xingyuan refused repeatedly. After much deference, Jiang Dahua took the seat himself. Everyone drank and talked, mostly exchanging pleasantries from official circles. Yang Xingyuan found it dull and focused on eating, not joining the conversation. Later, Jiang Dahua brought up the customs of Shanghai, saying how courtesans there were skilled at socializing and extorting money. Ling Songlu said, "Shanghai courtesans are indeed good at socializing. But Beijing courtesans have their own strengths." Jiang Dahua asked, "What are the strengths of Beijing courtesans?" Ling Songlu said, "Their strength lies in putting on airs. The richer you are, the less they regard you. If you have no money, they ignore you even more." Jiang Dahua said, "How is that a strength?" Ling Songlu said, "You don't understand, Mr. Jiang. The more a courtesan puts on airs, the more people like her. Because it shows the patron's prestige. If you go to a Brothel and the courtesan immediately becomes intimate with you, what's the fun in that? So there's a saying in Beijing: 'The girl loves charm, the madam loves cash.' If a courtesan isn't truly fond of the patron, she won't put on airs." Jiang Dahua laughed and said, "So that's how it is. No wonder Beijing gentlemen enjoy visiting the hutong. There's so much to it." Ling Songlu said, "There's much more to it. I can't explain it all at once. Another day, I'll take you to see for yourself." Jiang Dahua said, "Excellent. I must ask Mr. Ling to guide me another day." They chatted happily, but Yang Xingyuan grew impatient. He said to He Jianchen, "We have some matters at the newspaper office tonight. We should leave first." He Jianchen understood and said, "Alright, let's go." The two stood up to leave. Jiang Dahua tried to persuade them to stay. Yang Xingyuan said, "We really have matters. We'll join you another day." Jiang Dahua saw they were determined and let them go.

Yang Xingyuan and He Jianchen walked out of Jiuhua Restaurant. He Jianchen smiled and said, "You really gave them a lot of face today." Yang Xingyuan said, "I couldn't bear sitting there. Seeing such people makes me uncomfortable." He Jianchen said, "It's unavoidable. In social settings, all kinds of people exist. We can't possibly get along with everyone." As they talked, they reached the main street. He Jianchen said, "It's still early. Where should we go?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I think I'll go back and rest." He Jianchen said, "There's nothing to do back home. Why not visit Li Yun in the hutong?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I won't go. These days, I've been upset over Chen Ruokuang's matter. I have no mood for visiting the hutong." He Jianchen said, "Though Chen Ruokuang is our friend, he didn't take care of himself and contracted that illness. There's nothing we can do. Why let that stop you from relaxing?" Yang Xingyuan said, "It's not that I refuse to relax. But going to such places reminds me of Chen Ruokuang, and it saddens me." He Jianchen said, "That's true. Then let's not go. But going back so early is dull. How about going to Central Park for a walk and some tea?" Yang Xingyuan said, "That's fine." So they took a rickshaw to Central Park.

It was late spring. Peonies and herbaceous peonies in the garden were in full bloom. Under the cypress grove, many visitors came and went, creating a lively scene. The two of them chose a seat at Laijinyu Pavilion and sat down. They brewed a pot of tea and drank slowly. Yang Xingyuan said, "Life really has little meaning. Look at Chen Ruokuang. He was once so lively. Once he fell ill, he was ruined and died so tragically." He Jianchen said, "He has himself to blame for being too reckless. Though we also occasionally visit the hutong, we always have some restraint, not like him." Yang Xingyuan said, "I think there are few good women in the hutong. Why waste money there?" He Jianchen smiled and said, "You're wrong there. Though most women in the hutong are insincere, there might be one with true feelings. For example, Li Yun. I think she treats you quite well." Yang Xingyuan said, "That's just a courtesan's way of entertaining patrons. There's no real feeling." He Jianchen said, "Not necessarily. I find Li Yun innocent and artless, not the type to pretend. Besides, she treats you differently from other patrons. Can that be fake?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Even if she has some true feelings for me, what can I do? I'm just a poor scholar. I have no means to rescue her from that living hell." He Jianchen said, "That's true. We can barely take care of ourselves, let alone rescue others. But since we know them, there's some fate involved. Helping them where we can is a good deed." Yang Xingyuan said, "Well said. Though I have no grand hopes for Li Yun, I always pity her and wish to help. But my own means are limited. There's nothing I can do." They talked for a while. Seeing it was getting dark, they left Central Park and went home separately.