Explore Chapter 65 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.
Now, Yang Xingyuan was discussing with Shu Jiucheng the matter of someone asking to meet him outside the Yongding Gate. To Shu Jiucheng, this did not sound like good news at all, and so he inquired who was looking for him. Yang Xingyuan said, "You might know him as well. His name is Ying Zicheng. He's an old schoolmate of mine." Shu Jiucheng replied, "I know him. I often run into him in the Eight Great Lanes. I heard he's an official at the Ministry of Revenue. How is he your schoolmate?" Yang Xingyuan explained, "It's true, he's a clerk at the Ministry of Revenue. Not a schoolmate, but a colleague. We studied together at the Government School. Back in our Government School days, our friendship was nothing special. After graduation, we each went our own ways and did not meet for a long time. It's only recently, here in Peking, that we've been running into each other frequently, and we've become good friends." Shu Jiucheng asked, "What does he want to meet you outside the Yongding Gate for?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I found it strange too. He has never asked to meet me outside the city walls before. Moreover, he specified outside the Yongding Gate. In that area, only the Taoran Pavilion holds some interest; the rest is rather desolate. Could he really have purposely asked me to go to such a place for a talk?" Shu Jiucheng remarked, "This is indeed suspicious. Do you plan to go?" Yang Xingyuan replied, "If I don't go, and he tells people I broke the appointment, that's one thing. But what if he truly has something urgent to discuss with me? Wouldn't I be missing out? So I will go, but I'll see what the situation is." Shu Jiucheng said, "Since you're determined to go, I can't stop you. But you must be careful. Don't fall into someone's trap. This Ying Zicheng, though also a friend of ours, is rather slippery and doesn't seem a wholly upright sort." Yang Xingyuan laughed. "You're being too harsh. Even if he's not wholly upright, would he really harm me? Besides, what good would harming a poor scholar like me do him? I really don't think he'd do such a thing." Shu Jiucheng insisted, "One never knows. In short, wherever you go, you must be cautious." After hearing Shu Jiucheng's advice, Yang Xingyuan felt a nagging unease, as if Ying Zicheng's invitation harbored some fateful turn. He also thought of the appointed time-ten o'clock tomorrow morning by the main road outside the Yongding Gate. This was strange again; this wasn't some secret elopement, so why meet by the main road? The more he thought, the more suspicious he became. Yet he resolved to go tomorrow to see what Ying Zicheng had to say. Nothing else happened that night.
The next day, Yang Xingyuan rose early. He wore only a grey cloth lined robe and a blue cloth mandarin jacket. On his head was an old felt hat. With his hands clasped behind his back, he slowly walked out of the Yongding Gate. The soldiers guarding the gate observed his demeanor; he didn't look like a country fellow, nor like a typical city dweller of Peking. They gave him a glance, which Yang Xingyuan ignored as he walked on. Once outside the city, he stood for a moment by the main road. Seeing that Ying Zicheng had not yet arrived, he sat down on a roadside bench. After waiting for half an hour with still no sign, he thought to himself, "Could he have broken his promise? Or is he deliberately playing a joke on me? But this sort of thing hardly seems like a joke. Perhaps some incident occurred at the last minute preventing him from coming. Who knows?" Just as he was thinking this, he saw in the distance a rickety donkey cart clip-clopping its way over. A man sat on the cart wearing a greasy, worn-out felt hat. The cart pulled right up to Yang Xingyuan and stopped. The man jumped down, took off his hat, and laughed heartily. Yang Xingyuan saw it was Ying Zicheng. He wore a grey cloth robe over a faded blue cloth waistcoat and held a whip, looking every bit like a carter. Yang Xingyuan said, "I've been here for ages. Why are you only arriving now?" Ying Zicheng replied, "It's very hard to find a cart around here. I waited a long time before I could get this donkey cart." Yang Xingyuan asked, "What did you want to talk to me about that required coming here? We could have talked in the city." Ying Zicheng smiled. "Don't rush. Let's find a place to talk in detail." As he spoke, he handed the whip in his hand to the donkey cart driver, paid a few dozen coppers for the fare, and sent the cart away. Then he said to Yang Xingyuan, "Not far from here is a relative's house. How about we go there to sit for a while?" Yang Xingyuan said, "As you wish." Ying Zicheng then led Yang Xingyuan along the main road for about a li. Beside the main road was a small path, and Ying Zicheng turned onto it. Yang Xingyuan thought, "This is even stranger. Could there be some secret place in here?" Following Ying Zicheng around a few bends, a small temple emerged from within a grove of trees. A wooden plaque hung at the temple gate, inscribed with the three characters "Dabei Nunnery." Yang Xingyuan thought this place seemed not far from the Taoran Pavilion. Although he had passed by before on the main road, he had never come up this small path. Today he would get to know the place. Ying Zicheng stepped forward and gently knocked twice on the iron ring on the temple gate. Someone answered from inside. Soon the door opened, and out came a woman in her thirties dressed in blue clothes, resembling a lay Buddhist disciple. She nodded to Ying Zicheng and sized up Yang Xingyuan. Ying Zicheng said, "This is the Mr. Yang I told you about." The woman then placed her palms together in greeting to Yang Xingyuan and said, "Master Yang, please come in and sit." Yang Xingyuan had no choice but to return the courtesy and followed Ying Zicheng inside. The temple had a courtyard enclosed by buildings on four sides, with the side rooms on the east and west all closed. In the main Buddha hall facing south was a statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva. It was kept quite clean. The two men entered a small door beside the main hall, which led to a small courtyard with two rooms. The woman ushered them into a room to sit and then left on her own. Yang Xingyuan saw that the outer room had a table and two or three chairs. The inner room had a door curtain, hiding its contents-probably a bedroom.
Yang Xingyuan asked, "Zicheng, why have you brought me to this place? Is she a relative of yours?" Ying Zicheng replied, "You could say she's a relative. She's a widow with no one to rely on, so she practices lay asceticism here. I sometimes come to look after her." Yang Xingyuan said, "This place is indeed secluded, a good spot for spiritual cultivation." Ying Zicheng explained, "I asked you here because it's far from the city. No one comes around, so it's very convenient for talking." Yang Xingyuan asked, "Is there something the matter?" Ying Zicheng said, "Naturally there is. Let me ask you, are you and that Li Yun from the Pine and Bamboo House on very good terms?" Hearing this, Yang Xingyuan's heart skipped a beat. He forced himself to stay calm and said with a smile, "We're just friends. I wouldn't call it deep feelings." Ying Zicheng retorted, "Now you're not being honest. The people in their establishment all say you're quite taken with her. Moreover, she herself has told others that Master Yang treats her well. Can all that be false?" Yang Xingyuan said, "How can you believe what people in brothels say? As for me, going to the Pine and Bamboo House is just occasional diversion. Where would I get the spare money to favor someone? Why are you suddenly bringing this up? What do you mean?" Ying Zicheng said, "What do I mean? I want you to treat me to a feast." Yang Xingyuan replied, "That's easy enough, but you must explain why." Ying Zicheng said, "The reason? Of course I'll tell you. I heard that Li Yun's madam has returned from Shanghai. Since coming back, she's been keeping a very tight rein on Li Yun, not letting her get close to clients. Li Yun has no spending money and is very dissatisfied with her madam. The other day, she cried to me, saying she's willing to follow you no matter what. I thought, since she has this intention, why don't you spend some money and take her as your own? Besides, your wife is down south. You have no family in Peking. Having an extra person like her in the house could also be a help to you." Yang Xingyuan fell silent for a long moment after hearing this. Ying Zicheng pressed, "Well? Are you reluctant to part with the money? If you are, then there's nothing more to say." Yang Xingyuan said, "It's not that I'm reluctant. I've heard that although Li Yun is a virgin courtesan, her madam is the fiercest kind. She used to treat Li Yun as a money tree. Later, because her debts piled up, she had no choice but to run off to Shanghai to try and raise some money. Coming back this time, she must have failed to get any money and will rely even more on Li Yun for profit. If I try to take Li Yun now, her madam, being in desperate need of money, might very well try to squeeze a large sum out of me. How could I afford that?" Ying Zicheng said, "What you say is true. But I see that Li Yun is genuinely sincere toward you. Even if the madam is tough, if you're willing to spend the money, you can surely succeed. As for the money, if you can't gather it all at once, I could even help you out a bit." Yang Xingyuan said, "I appreciate your kindness. But I've never thought about such a thing. It's brought up so suddenly. I really have no such intention." Ying Zicheng said, "If you have no such intention, then let's forget it. But I asked you here today for another matter as well." He smiled as he said this.
Yang Xingyuan asked, "What other matter?" Ying Zicheng said, "This matter, when said aloud, is even more laughable. Li Yun told me yesterday that she has a sworn sister, also from Suzhou, who has fallen on hard times in Peking and is in a difficult situation. She wanted to come find you and ask you to help her find a way out." Yang Xingyuan said, "This is getting more and more bizarre. Li Yun and I are merely acquaintances. Why would she tell me such things? Even if there were such a matter, Li Yun herself should approach me. How could she have the girl come find me directly? This doesn't sound credible. You must have gotten it wrong." Ying Zicheng insisted, "I haven't gotten it wrong. It was indeed Li Yun who told me. She also said this sworn sister of hers is literate and good at needlework. If you wanted to marry Li Yun, you could take her too as a helper." Yang Xingyuan laughed. "That's even more nonsense. How could I be so fortunate as to take not one, but two?" Ying Zicheng said with a serious face, "I'm not joking with you. This is the truth. Li Yun says her sworn sister's surname is Jiang, her name is Shuying, and she's only seventeen this year. She's quite intelligent and rather presentable. If you could save her, she would never forget you for the rest of her life." Yang Xingyuan said, "I simply don't believe what you're saying. If you have some other intention, you might as well speak plainly." Stumped by Yang Xingyuan's words, Ying Zicheng was silent for a long moment before smiling and saying, "To be honest, this Jiang Shuying is somewhat connected to me. My own circumstances aren't good now, and I can't take care of her. I thought you were a charitable man, so I wanted to ask for your help." Yang Xingyuan said, "If she's connected to you, you should be the one to save her. Why push her onto me?" Ying Zicheng replied, "I can't even take care of myself. How could I save her? If I could, I wouldn't be asking you." Yang Xingyuan asked, "What is her relation to you?" Ying Zicheng said, "It's hard to define the relation. Anyway, she's a lonely, helpless person. I received favors from her father in the past, so I feel obliged to look after her. Now that I lack the means, I have no choice but to ask for your help." Yang Xingyuan said, "Your words are evasive. I find them even less believable. I suspect this Jiang Shuying is not just slightly connected to you. I'm afraid the connection is quite deep, isn't it? Asking me to do a good deed is not impossible, but I don't want people to take me for a simpleton." Ying Zicheng said, "You put it too strongly. Because we are good friends, I told you the truth. Since you don't believe me, I won't say any more. Let's consider today's visit here as concluded. I'm only sorry that inviting you to this place has made you suspicious." Yang Xingyuan said, "That's alright. I was just asking casually. It's getting late. I should head back to the city." Ying Zicheng said, "I'm going back too. Let's go together." As he spoke, he called the woman out and said to her, "We're going back now. I'll come see you another day." The woman said, "Please go ahead with your business, sir." Yang Xingyuan observed the woman's demeanor. She very much resembled someone from a brothel. He thought to himself this was definitely not a respectable place. Ying Zicheng must have had some purpose in bringing him here. But since he wasn't saying it, it wasn't proper to press further. At the time, he walked out of the temple gate with Ying Zicheng and followed the original path back to the main road.
Yang Xingyuan said, "It's several li back to the city. Without a cart, how shall we go?" Ying Zicheng said, "There are carts on the main road ahead going into the city. We can hire one for a few coppers." When the two reached the main road, there were indeed two donkey carts waiting for business. Ying Zicheng hired one, Yang Xingyuan hired another, and they rode into the city. Yang Xingyuan's cart went first, Ying Zicheng's followed behind. After entering the Yongding Gate, Yang Xingyuan's cart went straight to the Guild Hall. Yang Xingyuan thought to himself, today Ying Zicheng asked me out of the city and said a lot of irrelevant things. What was his real intention? If he was acting as a go-between for Li Yun, he's not anyone to Li Yun. Why be so enthusiastic? If he was trying to find an outlet for Jiang Shuying, what exactly is his relation to Jiang Shuying? He turned it over and over in his mind but couldn't find a reason. In the evening, He Jianchen came to the Guild Hall. Yang Xingyuan told him about the matter. He Jianchen said, "I know this Ying Zicheng too. He often strolls around the hutongs and is quite extravagant with money. He knows many girls from the hutongs. His sudden offer to act as a matchmaker for Li Yun must have some other reason. Since you have no real interest in Li Yun, I think you needn't get entangled with him." Yang Xingyuan said, "I never had any intention. But I found the whole affair strange, so I asked you. Hearing you say this makes it clearer. I'll just ignore him from now on." He Jianchen said, "That Jiang Shuying he mentioned to you today-I seem to have heard people talk about a Miss Jiang practicing lay asceticism at some Dabei Nunnery. I wonder if it's her?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I actually went to that Dabei Nunnery today. It's outside the Yongding Gate, not far from the Taoran Pavilion. That woman, only in her thirties, had a certain charm. She didn't look like a proper person to me." He Jianchen said, "That's another story. In Peking, these small temples often have young women practicing cultivation. On the surface they study Buddhism, but in secret they engage in improper activities. Since this Jiang Shuying lives at the Dabei Nunnery, she's probably not a good person either. Ying Zicheng bringing her up to you was certainly not with good intentions. You mustn't fall into his trap." Yang Xingyuan said, "I never had any such intention, don't worry. But as for Li Yun, although I have no real connection to her, her feelings are rather pitiable. I should still think of a way to help her." He Jianchen said, "If you want to help her, that's easy enough. But you must know that these madams have the cruelest hearts. No matter how you help, she'll always think it's your duty, and she'll still try to squeeze money out of you. So unless absolutely necessary, it's best not to get involved in such matters." Yang Xingyuan said, "You're quite right. Let's not talk about it for now. We can discuss it later."
A couple of days later, Yang Xingyuan received a letter from Li Yun. It said her mother had returned, was keeping a very tight rein on her, forbidding her to go out and even more so to socialize with clients. She now had no freedom at all and was feeling very miserable. She hoped Yang Xingyuan would think of a way to save her. After reading the letter, Yang Xingyuan was deeply moved. He thought to himself, although Li Yun was a courtesan, she was rather naive. If he let her suffer like this, he wouldn't feel right about it. But to save her, the only way was to help her redeem her freedom, which was no easy matter. Moreover, Li Yun's madam was notoriously sharp-tongued and tough. Even talking to her would be futile. He turned it over in his mind but couldn't think of a good plan. He had no choice but to write a reply to comfort her, saying he would think of a way slowly. After finishing the letter and just about to have the attendant deliver it, Wu Bibo suddenly arrived. Yang Xingyuan told him about Li Yun's situation. Wu Bibo said, "If you want to save Li Yun, I know a possible channel." Yang Xingyuan asked, "What channel?" Wu Bibo said, "I have a distant relative who works at the Police Department, specifically handling matters related to brothels. If we ask him to intervene, it might have some effect." Yang Xingyuan said, "That's worth a try. But people in such powerful positions often have big airs. Without significant connections, I'm afraid it won't work." Wu Bibo said, "Although my relative holds a post, he values friendship highly. If I ask him, he'll definitely help. Besides, to the police, this sort of thing is extremely commonplace. It's nothing to them." Yang Xingyuan said, "In that case, I'll trouble you to make a trip. But I was thinking, Li Yun and I don't have any deep relationship. If I suddenly try to help her redeem her freedom, others will surely find it strange." Wu Bibo said, "What does that matter? Just say you pitied her and wanted to save her. No one laughs at charitable acts." Yang Xingyuan said, "Alright, you can say that. But don't mention I'm involved. Just say it's your idea." Wu Bibo laughed. "You're good at avoiding suspicion. Actually, it's nothing, but I'll do as you say." At the time, Wu Bibo asked for and noted down Li Yun's full name, address, and her madam's name, preparing to handle the matter. Yang Xingyuan repeatedly urged him not to reveal it was his idea. Wu Bibo agreed and then took his leave.
After Wu Bibo left, Yang Xingyuan hesitated again. He thought, helping Li Yun redeem her freedom was a good deed. But after redeeming her, how should she be settled? Could he really take her as his own? Although he had no family, such a thing was ultimately not acceptable. Besides, he didn't have the means to support two people. If he didn't take her, once she left the living hell, where would she go? She was a person with no one to rely on. Wouldn't that be jumping from the dragon's pool into the tiger's den? Thinking this, he felt the plan was not quite proper. But the letter had already been sent, and Wu Bibo had set things in motion. It was too late to turn back. He could only let things take their course. Two days later, Wu Bibo came over in high spirits and said to Yang Xingyuan, "It's settled." Yang Xingyuan asked, "How so?" Wu Bibo said, "My relative went to talk to Li Yun's madam. At first she refused, but after my relative promised her some benefit, she agreed. The price is five hundred dollars. All the formalities will be handled by my relative. We just need to provide the money." Yang Xingyuan said, "I do have five hundred dollars. But after Li Yun comes out, how should she be settled?" Wu Bibo said, "Since you're redeeming her, of course she's yours. What other arrangement is needed?" Yang Xingyuan said, "That's not what I mean. I'm redeeming her out of kindness, not to take her as my own. So I must consider her future." Wu Bibo said, "Now you're being foolish. If you can't afford to take her, why redeem her? Once redeemed, if you don't take her, will you let her become a courtesan again?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I originally wanted to do a good deed. Now I'm caught in a dilemma." Wu Bibo said, "What dilemma? Taking her would also be a good deed. For someone like her, if you took her, she'd be grateful to you for life. Wouldn't that be good?" Yang Xingyuan said, "What you say isn't wrong. But thinking it over carefully, it's still not doable." Wu Bibo said, "Since that's what you think, I won't interfere. My relative is still waiting for a reply. What's your decision?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Please tell your relative to hold off for now. Let me consider it further." Wu Bibo said, "This isn't like buying goods that you can deliberate over. Either do it or don't." Yang Xingyuan said, "It's not that I don't want to. I'm trying to think of a proper plan." Wu Bibo said, "What proper plan? Unless you take her." Yang Xingyuan said, "Even if I take her, I need to make arrangements. It's not like I can take her today, is it?" Seeing Yang Xingyuan so indecisive, Wu Bibo had no choice but to say, "Well, let's talk again in a day or two then."
After Wu Bibo left, Yang Xingyuan thought to himself, "Although Li Yun and I have no real connection, if I disregard her sincere feelings, I really wouldn't feel right about it. But for me to take her is practically impossible. This is truly difficult." He also thought, "Although she's a courtesan, she's quite naive and pitiable. If I don't save her, her life will be ruined. Even if I can't take her, I could find a suitable person for her to marry. Wouldn't that be good? But where to find such a person?" He thought and thought, and suddenly remembered Shu Jiucheng. Shu Jiucheng lost his wife last year and hadn't remarried. Moreover, he was a very honest man with few family members. If Li Yun were to marry him, it would be a good thing. But although Shu Jiucheng was honest, he was also a man of strict traditional morals. Would he be willing to take a courtesan as his wife? That was another question. Regardless, he would go and sound him out first. He then went to Shu Jiucheng's house. Shu Jiucheng was at home reading and welcomed Yang Xingyuan warmly. Yang Xingyuan first chatted about casual matters, then brought up the topic of Li Yun. Yang Xingyuan said, "I heard yesterday that Li Yun from the Pine and Bamboo House wants to redeem her freedom and leave the brothel for marriage. I wonder which client is taking her?" Shu Jiucheng said, "I haven't heard about it. Why? Are you inquiring about her? Do you want to take her yourself?" Yang Xingyuan said, "How could I qualify for that? But I heard she very much wants to leave the brothel for marriage and is willing to marry a scholar. I thought of you, my friend, who lost his wife and hasn't remarried. So I came to ask." Shu Jiucheng said, "That's strange. Why would you think of me? I don't even know Li Yun." Yang Xingyuan said, "I was just thinking out loud. I heard Li Yun is quite a good person and sensible. So I thought of acting as a matchmaker. If you are interested, I can introduce you." Shu Jiucheng said, "Thank you for your kindness. But I don't approve of taking concubines. As for taking a courtesan, that's even more demeaning. I absolutely will not do it." Hearing him say this, Yang Xingyuan felt it inappropriate to press further. He just smiled and changed the subject to other matters. After sitting for a while, Yang Xingyuan took his leave.
On the way back, he thought, "Shu Jiucheng's words make sense. My plan was not very proper to begin with. But other than this, how else could Li Yun be settled?" Returning to the Guild Hall, the attendant handed him a letter from Li Yun. Yang Xingyuan opened it and read.
I wrote you a letter the day before yesterday. I wonder if you received it? I am truly suffering now. My mother presses me every day to focus on business and forbids me from socializing with clients. If I talk back even slightly, she hits and scolds me. Master Yang, if you pity me, please quickly think of a way to save me. I cannot stay here another day.
After reading the letter, Yang Xingyuan felt very upset. He thought, if he didn't save her while she suffered so, his conscience would never be at peace. To save her, he really couldn't think of a good way. After much thought, he hardened his heart and said to himself, "I'll take her then. Although I'm poor, if she's willing to endure hardship with me, the two of us can work hard together. We probably won't starve to death. As for people's ridicule and criticism, I'll just have to bear it." Having made up his mind, he felt much calmer. He planned to write a letter to Li Yun explaining his intentions. But then he suddenly thought, although Li Yun was willing to follow him, would her madam agree to let her go? He heard her madam was very fierce. If she refused, wouldn't all this effort be wasted? Moreover, such matters required a middleman to proceed properly. Since Wu Bibo had a relative at the Police Department, it was still best to entrust him with the matter. He then went out to find Wu Bibo.
Wu Bibo was at home chatting idly with Lu Wuya when they saw Yang Xingyuan arrive, both finding it rather strange. Lu Wuya said, "We were just talking about you, and here you are." Yang Xingyuan asked, "Talking about me how?" Lu Wuya said, "About you and Li Yun." Yang Xingyuan said, "Even you all know about this?" Wu Bibo said, "What secrets are there in the hutongs? Your affair has already spread far and wide." Yang Xingyuan said, "Actually, there's nothing to it. I just pitied her and wanted to help." Wu Bibo said, "Since you want to help her, see it through to the end. My relative is still waiting for word." Yang Xingyuan said, "That's precisely why I'm here. I'd like to ask your relative to speak to Li Yun's madam. Tell her I'm willing to take Li Yun. The price is the five hundred dollars she mentioned. I dare not offer less. But she must allow me to visit Li Yun often. After Li Yun and I have discussed things ourselves, we'll complete the formalities." Wu Bibo said, "Your words are contradictory. If you're taking her, she'll leave with you. What's this about visiting her often?" Yang Xingyuan said, "That's not what I mean. I mean before taking her, she should allow me to visit often so I can talk with her." Wu Bibo said, "That's permissible, of course. But since you're taking her, why not just take her outright? Why all this beating around the bush?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I have my reasons. You needn't ask." Wu Bibo said, "Alright, I'll convey your message. But I can't guarantee success." Yang Xingyuan said, "I'd be very grateful if you'd just ask. Whether it succeeds depends on her fate then."
After chatting a while longer, Yang Xingyuan took his leave and went home. He thought to himself, "This matter finally has a plan. But I don't know Li Yun's thoughts. I'll wait for Wu Bibo's reply tomorrow, then write to ask her." Nothing else happened that night. At noon the next day, Wu Bibo arrived cheerfully and said to Yang Xingyuan, "Congratulations, congratulations! My relative went and spoke your piece. Li Yun's madam agreed immediately. She even said Master Yang is a good man. Li Yun will surely be fine with him. As long as Master Yang is willing to pay five hundred dollars, she can be taken anytime." Yang Xingyuan asked, "Can her word be trusted?" Wu Bibo said, "My relative has considerable face at the Police Department. Would she dare deceive him? Moreover, for such matters, she's eager for it to succeed quickly to get the money. She definitely won't make trouble." Yang Xingyuan said, "In that case, I'll prepare the money. But please ask again: which day should she be taken?" Wu Bibo said, "Any day is fine. Once you have the money ready, notify me. I'll have my relative take you to get her." Yang Xingyuan said, "Alright, I'll prepare the money tomorrow." Wu Bibo added, "You should also give my relative a little tip for his trouble. Ten or twenty dollars should be enough." Yang Xingyuan said, "Naturally." Seeing everything was settled, Wu Bibo left.
Yang Xingyuan felt both startled and delighted. Startled that the matter had actually succeeded; delighted that Li Yun could escape the living hell. But thinking it over carefully, there were still many difficulties. First, where would Li Yun live after he brought her out? Second, although he had some savings, how would they sustain their life after he took her? Third, although he had few family members, wouldn't relatives and friends laugh and criticize him for taking a courtesan? Fourth, if Li Yun followed him, could she truly endure hardship? All these questions had to be considered. But things had come to this point, and there was no time to worry about so much. He could only take one step at a time. He then took out five hundred dollars from his trunk, plus another twenty dollars as a tip for Wu Bibo's relative. Having prepared everything, he waited for Wu Bibo to come.
Who would have thought that after waiting two days, Wu Bibo didn't come. Yang Xingyuan grew anxious but dared not go find him, afraid he'd laugh at his impatience. On the third day, Wu Bibo came, frowning, and said to Yang Xingyuan, "Things have changed." Yang Xingyuan asked, "How so?" Wu Bibo said, "My relative came to tell me yesterday that Li Yun's madam suddenly refused. She said Li Yun is her only daughter, and she depends on her for support in old age. She can't let her leave the brothel for marriage." Yang Xingyuan said, "What nonsense! She agreed before. Why go back on her word?" Wu Bibo said, "Apparently, there's a client named Qian who's willing to pay eight hundred dollars to take Li Yun. So she won't give her to you." Yang Xingyuan said, "How can that be? She's clearly making it up to squeeze more money out of me." Wu Bibo said, "I thought so too. But my relative inquired, and there really is a Mr. Qian who pesters Li Yun daily at the Pine and Bamboo House. He talks big, as if he must have Li Yun." Yang Xingyuan asked, "Who is this Mr. Qian?" Wu Bibo said, "I heard he's some section chief at the Railway Bureau with quite a bit of money." Hearing this, Yang Xingyuan was speechless for a long while. Wu Bibo said, "I'm afraid this matter won't succeed easily now. I advise you to give up on this idea." Yang Xingyuan said, "I never really had the intention. I just pitied Li Yun and wanted to save her. Since it's like this, then let it be." Wu Bibo said, "It's good you can think that way. I have other matters to attend to, so I must go now." With that, he took his leave.
After Wu Bibo left, Yang Xingyuan felt very unsettled. He thought, a weak girl like Li Yun encounters such a cruel madam who treats her like merchandise, selling her to the highest bidder. Although he wanted to save her, lacking the means, he could only watch her suffer. Thinking this, he couldn't help but sigh. He also thought, "That Mr. Qian is willing to pay eight hundred dollars for Li Yun, which shows he must care for her deeply. Perhaps Li Yun would be better off with him than with me. Why must I insist on taking her? But I wonder if Li Yun is willing?" Then he recalled Li Yun's previous letter, how pitifully she wrote. If she were willing to go with Mr. Qian, why write to him? Thinking this, he felt Li Yun truly wanted to be with him, which made him feel even more distressed.
That evening, Yang Xingyuan was in low spirits. He ate a casual dinner and sat in the courtyard watching the moon. It was the middle of the month, and the moon was bright, casting clear light all over the courtyard. Yang Xingyuan remembered that the first time he met Li Yun was on just such a moonlit night. Unconsciously, his thoughts returned to Li Yun. He thought, tomorrow he should go to the Pine and Bamboo House to see Li Yun and find out what was really happening. If she had really gone with Mr. Qian, then he would give up on the idea.
The next day, Yang Xingyuan indeed went to the Pine and Bamboo House. As soon as he entered, he ran into Amao. Seeing Yang Xingyuan, Amao looked uneasy, called out "Master Yang," and went inside. Yang Xingyuan walked into Li Yun's room and saw her sitting there alone, head bowed, wiping tears. Yang Xingyuan asked, "Why are you crying?" Li Yun looked up, saw Yang Xingyuan, and cried even harder. Yang Xingyuan said, "Whatever your grievance is, you can tell me." Li Yun cried, "Master Yang, please save me. My mother wants to sell me to a Mr. Qian. I don't want to, so she hits and scolds me. If I go with Mr. Qian, my life is over." Yang Xingyuan said, "Didn't Mr. Qian offer eight hundred dollars? Why won't your mother agree?" Li Yun said, "Where did Mr. Qian offer eight hundred dollars? My mother made that up. Because you wanted to take me, she said that deliberately to squeeze more money from you." Yang Xingyuan said, "So that's it. But I never said I wouldn't take you. Why did your mother change her mind?" Li Yun said, "She says you're a scholar with no money, unreliable. Mr. Qian is a master with money and influence, so she wants to sell me to him." Yang Xingyuan asked, "Are you willing to go with Mr. Qian?" Li Yun said, "I'm not willing. I'd rather be with you. Even if it means hardship, I'm willing." Hearing this, Yang Xingyuan was deeply moved. He said, "Since you have this intention, I will definitely think of a way to save you. But your mother wants eight hundred dollars. I can't come up with that much right now. What should we do?" Li Yun said, "Don't give her eight hundred. Just give her five hundred. If she refuses, I'll kill myself and show her." Yang Xingyuan said, "Don't talk foolishly. I'll find a way. Wait for my word."
He then comforted Li Yun a few more words before leaving. On the way back, he thought, "Li Yun is truly sincere. I cannot fail to save her. But although I can come up with five hundred dollars, after giving it to her, I'll be penniless. How will we live afterwards? And where will Li Yun live after coming out with me? All these things must be arranged beforehand. I can't act rashly." He thought and thought but couldn't find a good solution. Suddenly he remembered He Jianchen. He Jianchen was extremely willing to help friends. Why not go discuss it with him? He then took a cart to the Shadow News Agency. He Jianchen was there editing manuscripts and, seeing Yang Xingyuan arrive, said, "You've come at the right time. I was just about to look for you." Yang Xingyuan asked, "What's the matter?" He Jianchen said, "I heard you want to take Li Yun. Is that true?" Yang Xingyuan asked, "How do you know?" He Jianchen said, "It's all over the place. How could I not know? I advise you not to do such a foolish thing. You may pity her, but you must understand that such madams are bottomless pits. If you take her, you'll have endless trouble later." Yang Xingyuan said, "I think so too. But Li Yun is suffering now. If I don't save her, I really won't feel right about it." He Jianchen said, "Wanting to save her is not wrong. But you don't have to take her. You could help her redeem her freedom and then find someone else for her to marry. Wouldn't that be good?" Yang Xingyuan said, "That's what I originally thought. But where to find such a person?" He Jianchen said, "I have a friend who lost his wife last year and wants to remarry. I'll ask him. If he's willing, it would be a good match." Yang Xingyuan asked, "Who is this friend?" He Jianchen said, "You know him too. It's Shu Jiucheng." Yang Xingyuan said, "Shu Jiucheng? I already sounded him out. He's unwilling." He Jianchen asked, "How did you sound him out?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I went to his house the other day and brought it up. He refused flat out." He Jianchen said, "Then forget it. Let's think of another way." Yang Xingyuan said, "I've thought it over and over. The only way is for me to take her myself. But there are many difficulties. I wanted to discuss them with you." He then explained the financial difficulties and housing problem. He Jianchen said, "Such difficulties are to be expected. If you take her, you must be prepared to suffer. But in my opinion, it's best you don't take her. Since you want to save her, you could explain to her that you'll temporarily be a pair of nominal husband and wife. Once she has an outlet, you can leave her. That way, you won't be burdened by her, and she'll be saved." Yang Xingyuan said, "That method doesn't seem quite proper." He Jianchen said, "What's improper about it? It's not like you'll really be husband and wife." Yang Xingyuan said, "Even if we aren't truly husband and wife, how would outsiders know? Besides, such things can't be hidden forever. Once people find out, won't it be a joke?" He Jianchen said, "You're such a pedant. Things like this are common in the hutongs. What's so funny? As long as your conscience is clear, that's enough." Yang Xingyuan said, "Let me think about it." He Jianchen said, "Think it over slowly. I have work to do, so I won't chat more." Seeing He Jianchen was busy, Yang Xingyuan took his leave.
He thought to himself, "What He Jianchen said isn't without reason. But I still feel this method isn't very honorable. And I don't know if Li Yun would be willing. If she isn't, wouldn't all my effort be wasted?" He also thought, "Li Yun is a naive person. If she knew we were only nominal husband and wife, she'd surely be unhappy. Moreover, I'd be embarrassed to say such a thing to her." Turning it over, it still didn't feel right. Suddenly he remembered Li Yun's words: "I'd rather be with you. Even if it means hardship, I'm willing." Since she had such resolve, he couldn't fail to take her. As for financial difficulties, he could write more articles and earn more manuscript fees. That might sustain them. The housing problem: he could rent a small place for them to live. Fortunately, he could keep his room at the Guild Hall as a place for reading and writing. Thinking this, he felt hopeful about the future and his spirits lifted.
He then decided that no matter what, he must take Li Yun. He planned to write a letter to Li Yun explaining his intentions but feared it might fall into the madam's hands and backfire. Therefore, he thought it better to have Amao relay the message. But Amao was the madam's staunch ally. Would she relay it for him? Thinking it over, the only way was to have the attendant arrange for Li Yun to come out so he could explain face to face. But Li Yun's madam kept such a tight rein. How could she come out? Thinking this, he felt beset by difficulties and grew restless again.