Explore Chapter 63 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.
One day, while reading at home, Yang Xingyuan was suddenly visited by an old friend, Wu Bibo. Upon entering, Wu Bibo said with a laugh, "Brother Xingyuan, I haven't seen you for days. How come you're so idle?" Yang Xingyuan offered him a seat and served tea, sighing, "It's just trivial matters keeping me busy, nothing worth mentioning. Brother Bibo, your visit today must have some advice to offer." Wu Bibo replied, "I dare not offer advice. It's just that I recently heard something related to you, and I came specifically to tell you." Yang Xingyuan asked what it was, and Wu Bibo explained in detail. It was about a newly made friend, with whom he shared a natural affinity in temperament and a mutual regard that transcended mere physical form. After hearing this, Yang Xingyuan pondered for a moment and said, "In the way of making friends, what matters most is understanding each other's hearts. If it's truly as you say, this person might be worth befriending." Wu Bibo nodded in agreement. The two chatted for a long time until sunset before parting.
The next day, Yang Xingyuan went to visit this new friend as agreed. Upon meeting, he indeed felt an immediate rapport. They discussed poetry and literature, exchanged knowledge, and even felt as though they had met too late.
From then on, Yang Xingyuan often associated with this friend. Sometimes they sipped tea and discussed principles; other times they strolled in the green and admired flowers. This indeed alleviated much of his inner distress. Thus the verse proved true: Like fragrant herb and foul weed, friends are distinguished and bonds formed with ease; as water blends with milk, kindred spirits cherish each other in their ways.