Explore Chapter 66 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.
Upon hearing Yang Xingyuan's words, He Jianchen laughed and said, "From what you say, you seem to have seen through it all. But seeing through is one thing; clinging is another. If you don't speak of it, does that mean your heart is free of worries?" Yang Xingyuan replied, "To be honest, in the past, being a solitary man with time on my hands, I couldn't help but engage in romantic dalliances to pass the time. But now I am a man with ties; it's not like the old days." He Jianchen asked, "Why is that? Have you gained some deeper understanding?" Yang Xingyuan said, "No. Before, I was adrift; now I have a household to consider." He Jianchen exclaimed, "What? Are you planning to marry someone?" Yang Xingyuan countered, "You think I'm not marriage material?" He Jianchen said, "Ah! What about that Miss Shi you mentioned last time? How have things progressed?" Yang Xingyuan sighed, "Ah, that's a story that's hard to tell in a few words. This Miss Shi is the aunt of my friend Shi Kelian, who only recently arrived from the south. You know Miss Shi Kelian; she often visits me, so her aunt and I became acquainted." He Jianchen queried, "Surely you don't mean Miss Shi herself? Shi Kelian's father passed away years ago, didn't he?" Yang Xingyuan confirmed, "Exactly. This Miss Shi is Shi Kelian's aunt, a woman already past thirty." He Jianchen asked, "In that case, how can you discuss marriage with her?" Yang Xingyuan explained, "I thought the same. But this Miss Shi has shown me extraordinary favor. Considering she is an old maid, still has some savings from past years, and is quite accomplished, I began to feel a flicker of interest."
He Jianchen remarked, "From the sound of it, you're already at the stage of discussing marriage!" Yang Xingyuan said, "Discuss what? She has hinted several times, but I haven't dared to respond. Two days ago, she invited me to dinner again. After the meal, during casual chat, she spoke many sorrowful words, essentially asking me to offer her some comfort." He Jianchen chuckled, "So how did you comfort her?" Yang Xingyuan said, "What do you think I could do? I could only respond with vague, non-committal replies." He Jianchen said, "This is indeed a dilemma. Since Miss Shi has set her heart on you, and you cannot accept it, how will you handle things going forward?" Yang Xingyuan said, "That's precisely my difficulty. So these past few days, I've been keeping well out of her way to avoid any awkwardness."
Just as they were conversing happily, a servant entered with a letter. Yang Xingyuan took it. The envelope was inscribed: "For the Esteemed Master Yang. From Shi." Yang Xingyuan said, "You see? Speak of the devil and he appears." He Jianchen urged, "A letter from Miss Shi? Open it quickly and see what she says." Yang Xingyuan opened it. Inside was a sheet of fine letter paper bearing exceptionally elegant handwriting. It read:
I met Kelian yesterday and learned of your recent situation, which brings me immense joy. The other day, I called at your residence but you were out, so I returned disappointed. Lately, the weather has been bitterly cold. The red leaves of the Western Hills must have nearly all fallen. Yet the mountains are now covered in snow, offering a spectacle of rare beauty. If you have a moment to spare, I would like to invite you for a day's excursion. I wonder if you could find the time? Should you agree, please reply at your earliest convenience, and we can then set a date.
Yang Xingyuan handed the letter to He Jianchen and said with a laugh, "Well? She invites me again." He Jianchen observed, "This Miss Shi is a person of refined taste. But her letter does not mention marriage; it merely invites you to enjoy the scenery." Yang Xingyuan said, "Though the invitation is for sightseeing, her true intentions lie elsewhere. That's why I must be cautious."
He Jianchen asked, "Cautious of what? Since you dare not accept her affection, you should simply refuse her outright. Why be so evasive? It shows a lack of forthrightness." Yang Xingyuan said, "How can I bring myself to refuse her? She is an old maid, and her dignity is at stake. What if she cannot bear the blow and something untoward happens? Would that not be my fault?" He Jianchen acknowledged, "That is a valid concern. But dragging this on is no solution. In my opinion, you should be open and honest. Have a talk with her and make things clear. She might then understand."
Yang Xingyuan said, "Easier said than done! I have wanted to talk to her several times, but the words stuck in my throat. My only recourse now is to avoid meeting her, hoping she will retreat knowing the difficulty." He Jianchen countered, "That is likely no solution. I think you should write her a letter, tactfully explaining your predicament and asking for her forgiveness." Yang Xingyuan asked, "Writing a letter is possible, but how should I phrase it?"
He Jianchen said, "What is so difficult? Simply say that you are deeply grateful for her affection, but that your talents are meager and you lack stable means, and thus you dare not delay her life. This way, you spare her dignity while making your own position clear." Yang Xingyuan considered, "That approach might be worth trying. I shall write a letter tonight. Please help me refine the wording."
He Jianchen said, "That will not be necessary. You can manage it yourself. I have matters to attend to and must take my leave now." With that, he stood up to depart.
Yang Xingyuan saw He Jianchen out, returned to his study, and read Shi Kelian's letter once more. He thought to himself, "This Miss Shi is truly sincere toward me. It would be too cruel to let her down. Yet I truly cannot accept her affection. What then should I do?" After much deliberation, he decided to follow He Jianchen's advice and write a letter to politely decline.
Upon receiving your gracious letter, I am deeply moved by your kindness. I have long wished to visit the snow scenes of the Western Hills. However, I have been overwhelmed with both public duties and private affairs of late and truly have no leisure to spare. Moreover, I have caught a slight chill and dare not brave the cold. I beg your forgiveness for declining. As for your affectionate regard, I am heartily grateful. Yet my talents are shallow and I possess no lasting estate. How could I presume to burden another when I can scarcely manage my own affairs? I earnestly hope you will understand my difficulties and not dwell on this matter. When fate permits in the future, we may meet again.
After sending the letter, Yang Xingyuan felt as if a weight had been lifted from his heart and became much more at ease. Yet two days later, he received another letter from Shi Kelian. It did not say much, merely inviting him for tea at Central Park the following afternoon. Reading it, Yang Xingyuan hesitated again. He thought, "Should I go or not? If I do not go, she will surely suspect I am deliberately avoiding her. If I go, I fear she might bring up the matter of marriage when we meet." After pondering for a long while, he ultimately found he could not refuse out of courtesy and decided to go the next day.
The next afternoon, Yang Xingyuan went to Central Park as agreed. Arriving at the Laijinyu Pavilion, he saw Shi Kelian was already there. That day, she wore a black satin cheongsam with a gray squirrel fur coat over it. Her face was lightly powdered, making her appear even more dignified and elegant. Seeing Yang Xingyuan arrive, she quickly stood up to greet him.
They sat down, and a waiter brought tea. Shi Kelian said, "Have you been very busy these days, Mr. Yang?" Yang Xingyuan replied, "Fairly so. And you, Miss Shi? How have you been lately?" Shi Kelian said, "I remain much the same, neither exceptionally well nor poorly." Pausing briefly, she added, "Mr. Yang, I received the letter you sent the day before yesterday." Yang Xingyuan said, "Oh! I have been preoccupied with various matters lately and have not had time to keep you company. I do apologize."
Shi Kelian smiled slightly and said, "You are too polite, Mr. Yang. In truth, I know you are very busy and should not disturb you. But I have something I wished to discuss with you, which is why I took the liberty of inviting you here." Yang Xingyuan said, "Please speak freely, Miss Shi."
Shi Kelian said, "I understand the words in your letter, Mr. Yang. I can also sympathize with your difficulties. However, I think you are being overly modest. I am aware of your talent and learning. As for the matter of property, that is no issue at all. Although I am a woman, I still understand the principle that one's purpose should remain unmoved by poverty or humble circumstances. If you believe I am someone who covets wealth and status, you have misjudged me."
Hearing this, Yang Xingyuan was deeply moved and hurriedly said, "Miss Shi, please do not misunderstand. I certainly did not mean that. I truly feel my virtue is thin and my ability lacking; I dare not delay your future."
Shi Kelian said, "Mr. Yang, let us not stand on ceremony. To be frank, I hold you in high esteem. If you do not disdain my company, I would like to be your friend, so we may learn from each other. As for marriage, since you have reservations, we can set it aside for the time being. What do you think?"
Yang Xingyuan had not expected Shi Kelian to be so magnanimous. He felt somewhat ashamed and said, "That you think so highly of me, Miss Shi, is more than I could ask for. I only fear my learning is insufficient to be a worthy friend to you."
Shi Kelian laughed and said, "You are being modest again, Mr. Yang. Let us settle on this, then. I shall look forward to your guidance often in the future." With that, she lifted her teacup and took a sip.
Returning home, Yang Xingyuan reflected on his conversation with Shi Kelian that day. He felt she was truly a rare woman. Since she had expressed a desire only for friendship, that was perfectly fine. They could meet often in the future without giving rise to complications.
A few days later, He Jianchen came to see him again. Yang Xingyuan told him about his conversation with Shi Kelian. He Jianchen laughed and said, "This Miss Shi is a clever person. She knows marriage cannot be forced, so she retreats a step, asking only for friendship. This way, you naturally cannot refuse her."
Time passed swiftly, and soon it was the depths of winter. One day, Yang Xingyuan received a letter from Wu Bibo, inviting him to the Western Hills to view the snow scenes. As his spirits had improved of late, Yang Xingyuan agreed. On the appointed day, he rose early, hired a donkey cart, left through the Xizhimen Gate, and headed for the Western Hills.
Upon reaching the Western Hills, he saw the mountains and valleys all cloaked in gleaming white snow. The sun shone upon the snow, casting a brilliant radiance-truly a splendid sight. Wu Bibo was already waiting there. They met with great pleasure. Wu Bibo said, "The weather is fine today. Shall we go wander around Biyun Temple?" Yang Xingyuan agreed, "Very well."
The two then walked slowly up the mountain path. Along the way, they saw withered trees and bare branches all transformed into jade-like boughs and frosted limbs, possessing a unique charm. There were few travelers on the mountain, only some woodcutters carrying loads of firewood on their shoulders, descending step by step.
The two paid their respects in the main hall for a while, then went to the Arhat Hall to see the statues. Wu Bibo said, "The snow scenes here at Biyun Temple are indeed remarkable. Let's go to that pavilion at the back. I hear one can see the entire mountain view from there." Yang Xingyuan said, "Agreed."
They turned to the rear of the temple and climbed a small slope. Sure enough, there stood a pavilion. A plaque hung upon it, inscribed with the three characters "Wangxue Pavilion." Entering the pavilion, they leaned against the railing and gazed into the distance. Rolling mountains lay before their eyes. The vast expanse of white snow had transformed the whole world into a realm of jade and powdered silver.
As they were chatting, they suddenly heard someone below the pavilion recite, "Amitabha Buddha." Yang Xingyuan looked down and saw an old monk, draped in a tattered kasaya, holding a string of prayer beads, slowly walking up towards the pavilion.
The old monk began, "This happened some twenty years ago. At that time, I was a novice monk, following my master in cultivation here at Biyun Temple. One winter, with snow just like this, a young scholar came to the temple seeking lodging. Seeing such fine snow scenes, he wished to compose a poem. But he thought for a long time and only managed two lines; he could not continue further."
Wu Bibo chuckled and said, "Are not those two lines from the Tang dynasty poet Liu Zongyuan's 'River Snow'?"
Hearing this, Yang Xingyuan and Wu Bibo could not help but laugh. Wu Bibo said, "You must be joking, venerable master. Everyone knows Liu Zongyuan's poem is complete. How can you say your master added to it?"
The old monk said solemnly, "One who has left the family does not speak falsehoods. This truly happened. It is simply unknown to the world."
Seeing him speak so earnestly, Yang Xingyuan became half-convinced. He said, "Since you speak thus, venerable master, it must be true. But who was your master?"
The old monk replied, "My master was the abbot of this Biyun Temple. He passed away many years ago. In his lifetime, he often mentioned this, saying the latter half of Liu Zongyuan's poem was completed by him. He also said that composing poetry requires genuine feeling. Without it, even the most ornate language is meaningless."
Yang Xingyuan nodded and said, "That is very true. Poetry should spring from genuine emotion. Forced lamentation without cause does not make good verse."
Hearing this, the old monk clasped his hands and exclaimed, "A fine poem! A fine poem indeed! Your verse, Benefactor, possesses great Zen spirit. Especially the last line, 'Faces the plum, speaking of koans gone by,' it perfectly captures the contemplative solitude of an old monk."
The old monk insisted, "Do not be modest, Benefactor. Though I cannot compose poetry myself, I can still distinguish good from bad. Your poem is truly good."
"Treading snow to seek the ancient temple's quietude; From the depth of cold woods, Buddhist chants flow.
Speak not, old monk, of dynasties long past; But watch the plum blossoms smile at our graying heads."
The old monk again clasped his hands and praised, "This benefactor's poem is also excellent. 'But watch the plum blossoms smile at our graying heads' is a most meaningful line."
The old monk said, "Not at all, not at all. Both benefactors are men of talent. To meet you today is truly a fortunate encounter for this humble monk."
So saying, he took two small paper packages from his robe and handed them to Yang Xingyuan and Wu Bibo. "These are plum blossom incense cakes I made myself," he said. "I offer them to you two benefactors as a token of my respect."
Shi Kelian smiled and said, "Mr. Yang, where have you been today? I came looking for you twice, but you were not at home."
Yang Xingyuan replied, "I went with Wu Bibo to the Western Hills today to see the snow scenes. Did you need something, Miss Shi?"
Shi Kelian said, "Nothing urgent. I heard the snow scenes at the Western Hills are exquisite and wanted to see them. So I came to ask if you might have a free day to accompany me there?"