Explore Chapter 11 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.
After parting ways with Hua Boping at Huixian Hall, Yang Xingyuan returned home to find a letter delivered by the household attendant. The envelope was addressed 'For the Personal Attention of Mr. Yang Xingyuan,' with the sender marked simply as 'Self-Sealed.' Opening it, he saw a sheet of pink foreign-style stationery bearing a message written in pen:
Since the change of dynasty, the political situation has daily deteriorated. Wolves and jackals hold sway, villains run rampant, and the corruption of governance has reached its zenith. Thus, the achievements of the revolution have turned to mere bubbles. Carried by this trend, morality has been lost, rites and teachings have collapsed, scholarly habits grow daily more decadent, and human hearts become daily more depraved. This has led shameless characters to pursue perverse acts, stopping at nothing in their methods. This is truly a time of crisis for survival.
As a man of foresight endowed with the talent to save the age, you have brought forth your learning in articles published in newspapers, causing all manner of monsters and demons to be revealed in their true forms. This is certainly a great satisfaction to the public, yet it is also the source of making enemies and incurring resentment. Recently, rumors along the road say there are those plotting against you, employing every conceivable scheme and covert trick. Although you are open and aboveboard, the wiles of petty men are hard to guard against. I earnestly hope you will slightly temper your edge in your discourse and exercise even greater caution in handling affairs and interacting with others. For while an open spear is easy to dodge, a hidden arrow is hard to avoid. Your person carries the hopes of society; it is truly unwise to risk your useful self lightly on the points of spears and arrows.
Even a madman's words may be selected by the sage. Presuming upon our friendship, I dare offer this humble advice, praying you will deign to consider it.
Yang Xingyuan read it through once and wondered, "Who is this again? Why have I never met this person?" Looking at the handwriting on the letter, it appeared to be written by someone just learning to write. The characters for "change of dynasty" seemed to have been altered-originally "reform," the first character had been crossed out and "dynasty" added, with a small note beside it: "I don't understand this character." Also, the "jackal" in "wolves and jackals hold sway" looked like it had first been written as "leopard," with a few strokes added later to change it into "jackal." Other characters like "ghost," "scheme," "edge," and "arrowhead" also seemed to have been corrected. Yang Xingyuan thought for a moment and suddenly understood. This must have been written by a student of that elementary school teacher Wu Bibo. The three characters "Li Shoubai" were probably also fabricated. He thought, "With such writing, he still wants to discuss current affairs with me? Truly laughable. But it's full of childish innocence, which is rather endearing." With that thought, he let the matter go.
The next day, He Jianchen was busy with the reorganization at the newspaper office and had many matters to attend to, so he had no time to go out for leisure. Yang Xingyuan, alone at home, grew a little restless from sitting. His thoughts turned to taking a walk to Hanjia Tan, but remembering He Jianchen's advice from the day before, he hardened his heart and dismissed the idea. He idly pulled a book from the table-it was the Doubtful Rain Collection. Casually flipping through a few pages and reading several boudoir-style poems, he found it even more tedious. Tossing the book aside, he lay back in the rattan chair and closed his eyes to rest. Suddenly, from the neighboring courtyard came the squeaking and squawking of a huqin, followed by someone singing: "Yang Yanhui, sitting in the palace courtyard, lost in thought and sighing..." The enunciation was precise, the tone pure-a fine male role. Yang Xingyuan found himself captivated. He walked out into his own courtyard to see who was singing. Approaching the corner gate, he looked through the glass window and saw an old man in the next courtyard. His hair was tied in a bun, he sported a mustache, and wore a gray cloth gown over a black satin pipa-fronted vest. He sat on the stone steps, cradling a huqin, playing and singing by himself. Yang Xingyuan thought, "Isn't that Li Yun's master? What's he doing here?" Just as he was about to speak, the old man noticed him. He stopped singing, stood up, and clasped his hands in greeting, saying, "Master Yang, how are you?" Yang Xingyuan also clasped his hands and said, "Oh, it's Proprietor Zhang. What brings you here?"
Proprietor Zhang said, "I've moved here recently, just behind this place. It's quiet here, and the house is clean, much better than our old lanes." Yang Xingyuan asked, "I heard you went to Tianjin. When did you return?" Proprietor Zhang replied, "I've been back a week. In Tianjin, I didn't secure any brothel engagements. I sang at a few private parties but wasted some travel expenses for nothing. I've returned to my old trade, teaching a few apprentices. These days, it's really hopeless. Our theatrical profession is declining day by day." He sighed. Yang Xingyuan asked, "How is Li Yun now?" Proprietor Zhang said, "Don't mention it. That child is too stubborn. I can't control her, and her mother shields her faults. Now it's like fishing for three days and drying the net for two-she's not seriously learning opera anymore. I'm afraid she'll lose her skills, so I often come here to practice my voice. Master Yang, if you have time, please come over. I've taken on a new apprentice named Little Coral. Her voice isn't bad. Perhaps you could give her some pointers." Yang Xingyuan said, "Another day. I have some business today." Proprietor Zhang said, "Well then, you attend to your affairs. I won't disturb you further." With that, he sat down again and began playing the huqin.
Yang Xingyuan listened as he played the introductory passage and sang again: "When I think of those events of bygone days, how tragic..." It was still "Silang Visits His Mother." After listening to a few lines, Yang Xingyuan returned to his room. He thought, "This old man knows how to enjoy peace. Moving here is much quieter than living in the lanes. I wonder how Li Yun is doing. Why not go see her?" At this thought, he could no longer sit still. He changed his clothes and went out. The attendant asked, "Master Yang, where are you going?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I'm going to Hanjia Tan for a bit."
Before long, he arrived at the Pine and Bamboo House. As soon as he entered, he encountered Amao. Seeing him, Amao said with a beaming smile, "Master Yang, how come you haven't been here for so long? Seventh Miss thinks of you every day." Yang Xingyuan asked, "Is she home?" Amao said, "She's home, she's home. Please come in and sit." Then she called out loudly, "Seventh Miss, Master Yang is here!"
A reply was heard from inside. The door curtain lifted, and Li Yun walked out. She wore a pale blue short jacket and a black silk skirt. Her face was lightly powdered, making her appear even more elegant and charming. Upon seeing Yang Xingyuan, she nodded slightly and said with a smile, "Master Yang, how are you?" Yang Xingyuan also smiled and said, "How are you?" With that, the two entered the room together and sat down.
Amao brought tea. Li Yun personally poured a cup and handed it to Yang Xingyuan. Observing her demeanor, Yang Xingyuan noticed she seemed somewhat weary and asked, "Have you been unwell these past couple of days?" Li Yun said, "It's nothing. I just feel terribly stifled at heart." Yang Xingyuan asked, "What's troubling you?" Li Yun sighed and said, "It's a long story. My mother went to Shanghai over a month ago and hasn't returned. A certain Mr. Wang from Tianjin sent someone to invite me to perform opera, but my master refused and has quarreled with me several times over it. I have no business here either, idle from morning till night. How can I not feel stifled?" Yang Xingyuan asked, "Why did your mother go to Shanghai?" Li Yun said, "I heard it's about some property matter. I'm not really clear."
Yang Xingyuan said, "Do you know your master has moved?" Li Yun said, "Yes, I know. He moved to Yongguang Temple West Street. He's also taken on a new apprentice." Yang Xingyuan said, "I heard him sing. His voice isn't bad." Li Yun said, "His voice isn't bad, but he's too young-only twelve years old and doesn't understand anything."
They chatted for a while. Yang Xingyuan felt that although Li Yun forced a cheerful smile, a trace of melancholy lingered between her brows. He was just about to offer some words of comfort when suddenly someone outside called, "Seventh Miss, telephone!" Li Yun rose to answer the call. Left alone in the room, Yang Xingyuan looked around. On the table lay a copy of Dream of the Red Chamber and a small teapot, steam still curling from its spout. On the wall hung a fashionable beauty calendar and a four-inch photograph of Li Yun herself. Beside the photograph was pasted a slip of paper with four lines of a poem written in pencil, the characters crooked and slanted:
Yang Xingyuan read it and thought, "This must be Li Yun's writing. Judging by this poem, she possesses a spark of innate wisdom, though it is overly sentimental." Just then, Li Yun returned. Yang Xingyuan asked, "Who was on the phone?" Li Yun said, "Someone named Chen. He said he wanted to come here to play mahjong and asked if I had a game. I said no, so he hung up."
Yang Xingyuan asked, "Have there been many mahjong games these past days?" Li Yun said, "What games? The gentlemen who used to come frequently haven't been seen for some time. I heard Second Master Liu has gone back south, and Minister Wang has gone to Tianjin. This place of ours is as desolate as an ancient temple." As she spoke, she sighed again.
Yang Xingyuan said, "Don't fret. Business always has its ups and downs. You're still young. There's much to hope for in the future." Li Yun said, "Hope for what? People like us just live from day to day. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?" As she spoke, her eyes reddened, and she lowered her head.
Seeing her like this, Yang Xingyuan also felt a pang of sorrow. He said, "I saw your master yesterday at Huixian Hall, having a meal." Li Yun asked, "Who was he with?" Yang Xingyuan said, "With someone named Hua, who seems to be an official. Your master was very ingratiating, pouring honeyed words into his ear with toast after toast." Li Yun gave a cold laugh and said, "Him? As long as some official gives him a post, he'd even be willing to call him father. Just you wait. In a couple of days, he'll surely ask that Mr. Hua for a favor."
Yang Xingyuan asked, "How does your master treat you?" Li Yun said, "Don't ask. He'd be overjoyed if I earned him a hundred dollars a day. That would satisfy him. If my health is poor and I rest for a couple of days, he glares at me. Do you think I can have a good life?" Yang Xingyuan said, "You should take care of your own health. There's no need to get angry with such people."
Li Yun said, "Haven't I thought the same? But it's not up to me! Look at me these past days-I can't eat anything, I can't sleep at night, my heart feels like it's on fire. My mother isn't here either, so I don't even have anyone to talk to." As she spoke, her voice grew choked.
Yang Xingyuan quickly comforted her, saying, "Don't be upset. I'll ask a doctor to see you tomorrow." Li Yun said, "No need. Seeing a doctor would be in vain. I know this illness of mine-it's a sickness of the heart." Yang Xingyuan asked, "What sickness of the heart?" Li Yun said, "If I tell you, please don't laugh at me. I always feel that people like us are like duckweed on the water, with no roots at all. Today we're here, tomorrow we're there, drifting about. Where will we ever find a place to rest?"
Hearing this, Yang Xingyuan's heart was stirred. He thought, "I didn't expect such thoughts from one so young. It shows that not all those in the pleasure quarters are lacking in understanding." He said, "Your words are quite meaningful. However, in this life, one must always look forward, not dwell on the past. You are still young. As long as you make up your mind, there will surely come a day when you rise above your circumstances."
Li Yun said, "What plans can I make for myself? I'm just at the mercy of others. My mother often says: those who eat from this bowl of ours are like swallows under the eaves. When a violent storm comes, they don't know where they'll be blown to. Master Yang, do you think what my mother says is right?"
Yang Xingyuan said, "Your mother's words are spoken from experience. But success depends on effort. As long as your heart is pure and your conduct upright, there will be a good outcome in the end."
Just as Li Yun was about to speak, Amao entered carrying a bowl of lotus seed porridge. She said, "Seventh Miss, have some refreshments." Li Yun said, "I don't feel like eating." Amao said, "Please have a little. This is stewed with rock sugar to cool your heat." Saying this, she placed the bowl on the table.
Amao stood to one side and said, "Master Yang, you don't know, our Seventh Miss has had the worst appetite these past few days; she doesn't want to eat anything. Today I had to persuade her for a long time before she agreed to have this bowl of porridge." Yang Xingyuan said, "If her appetite is poor, it would be best to see a doctor." Amao said, "Exactly! I've urged her several times, but she always refuses. Master Yang, please persuade her."
Yang Xingyuan said, "You mentioned earlier you had a favor to ask. What was it?" Hearing this, Li Yun's face suddenly flushed. She lowered her head, fiddling with the corner of her clothes, and remained silent for a long moment. Yang Xingyuan asked, "Why don't you say it?" Li Yun raised her head, glanced at Yang Xingyuan, then lowered it again and said in a low voice, "I'm afraid you won't agree."
Yang Xingyuan said, "As long as it's something I can do, I won't refuse." Li Yun said, "Actually, it's not a big thing. I... I would like to study a little with you, learn to read and write. Would you be willing to teach me?"
Hearing this, Yang Xingyuan was taken by surprise. He smiled and said, "That's a good thing. Why wouldn't I agree? But my learning is limited; I fear I might not teach well." Li Yun said, "Please don't be modest. I know you are very learned. I don't want to learn anything complicated-just enough to read the newspaper and write letters is all."
Li Yun asked, "When shall we start?" Yang Xingyuan said, "How about starting tomorrow?" Li Yun said, "Good. I'll wait for you tomorrow."
Li Yun stood at the doorway, watching until he had left the courtyard, then turned and went back to her room. Amao came in to tidy up and said with a smile, "Seventh Miss, why are you so happy today?" Li Yun said, "Where do you see me happy?" Amao said, "Don't hide it from me. I heard everything. Master Yang agreed to teach you to read, didn't he?" Li Yun said, "So what if you heard?" Amao said, "It's a good thing! Master Yang is truly a good man. Seventh Miss, you must study hard and not let down Master Yang's kind heart."
Amao finished tidying the room and brewed another pot of tea for Li Yun. She said, "Seventh Miss, you should rest early. Master Yang is coming again tomorrow." Li Yun said, "I know. You may go."
After Amao left, Li Yun sat alone under the lamplight. Thinking of Yang Xingyuan's promise to teach her to read, she felt an unspeakable joy. Then, thinking of her own circumstances, she couldn't help but feel sad again. Just as her thoughts wandered wildly, she suddenly heard voices outside, followed by footsteps coming directly toward her room. Thinking it was a guest, Li Yun hurriedly stood up. The door curtain lifted, and in walked a person-none other than her maid's younger brother, named A-si.
Li Yun asked, "Why have you come at this hour?" A-si said, "My sister sent me. She said there's a letter from Shanghai and told me to let you know." Li Yun asked, "What does the letter say?" A-si said, "I'm not too clear myself. Anyway, nothing urgent. My sister said it will still be a few more days before she can return and told you to take care of your health."
Li Yun said, "I see. Is there anything else?" A-si said, "Nothing much. Seventh Miss, do you have any spare change? Could you lend me a few dollars? I'll pay you back in a couple of days."
Knowing he had come to borrow money again, Li Yun said, "I haven't had any money these past days either. Wait until Mother returns." A-si said, "Could you lend me just a little? I need it tomorrow." With no other choice, Li Yun had to open a drawer, take out two dollars, and give them to him. A-si took the money, thanked her, and left.
Li Yun sighed and thought, "These people, they all come to gnaw my bones and suck my blood. When will I ever be able to escape this living hell?" Thinking this, tears fell once more.
That night, Li Yun tossed and turned, unable to sleep. It was nearly dawn before she drifted into a fitful slumber. When she awoke, it was already midday. She hurriedly got up, finished washing and dressing, changed into clean clothes, and waited specially for Yang Xingyuan to arrive.
Yang Xingyuan said, "Today, I'll first teach you to recognize a few characters. Is that good?" Li Yun said, "Good." Yang Xingyuan then took out a copy of The Commoner's Thousand-Character Primer from his pocket. Opening it to the first lesson, he pointed to the character for "person" and said, "This character is read 'ren,' meaning person, as in man or woman." Then pointing to the character for "hand," he said, "This is read 'shou,' meaning hand, as in hands and feet."
Li Yun repeated them twice. Yang Xingyuan taught her a few more characters, all of which she remembered quickly. Yang Xingyuan smiled and said, "You are very clever. You learn as soon as you're taught." Li Yun said, "It's because you teach well."
After teaching for half an hour, Yang Xingyuan said, "Let's stop here for today. Too much might be hard to remember." Li Yun said, "I'm not tired. Teach me a few more." Yang Xingyuan said, "Greed for too much chews without savoring. It's better to take it slowly."
Li Yun asked, "Then, will you come tomorrow?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I will. I'll come at this time every day." Li Yun said, "Why don't you stay for dinner before leaving?" Yang Xingyuan said, "There's no need. I have business at the newspaper office."
From then on, Yang Xingyuan came to the Pine and Bamboo House every afternoon without fail to teach Li Yun to read. Li Yun also studied diligently. In less than half a month, she had learned several hundred characters and could even write simple letters.
One day, while Yang Xingyuan was teaching Li Yun to write, Amao entered and said, "Seventh Miss, a guest has come." Li Yun asked, "Who is it?" Amao said, "It's Second Master Wang, and another gentleman I don't know."
Li Yun said to Yang Xingyuan, "Master Yang, please sit for a moment. I'll go see and be right back." Yang Xingyuan said, "Go ahead. I'll wait here for you."
From then on, the affection between Li Yun and Yang Xingyuan grew deeper day by day. Besides teaching her to read, Yang Xingyuan often discussed principles of life with her. Li Yun seemed like a changed person. The melancholy air she once had gradually disappeared, and her face took on a new radiance.
Yet, as good fortune is often marred by mishap, one day, just as Yang Xingyuan reached the entrance of the Pine and Bamboo House, he saw Amao come running out in a fluster. She said, "Master Yang, you've come at last! Our Seventh Miss is ill." Startled, Yang Xingyuan quickly asked, "What illness?" Amao said, "I don't know. Since the day before yesterday, she's had a fever and hasn't wanted to eat. Today it's even worse."
Yang Xingyuan asked, "How did you fall ill? Have you had a doctor see you?" Li Yun said, "No. It's nothing serious. I'll be better in a couple of days."
Just then, the doctor arrived. After feeling her pulse and examining her tongue coating, he said, "This is a severe cold. Nothing serious. Take two doses of medicine to induce sweating, and you'll recover." With that, he wrote out a prescription.
Yang Xingyuan comforted Li Yun with a few more words, saying, "Rest well and get better. I'll come see you again tomorrow." Li Yun said, "You must come tomorrow." Yang Xingyuan said, "I will."
One day, Li Yun suddenly said to Yang Xingyuan, "Master Yang, my mother has written. She says she will return to Beijing early next month." Yang Xingyuan said, "That's good. You'll have someone to look after you." Li Yun said, "But I'm a little afraid." Yang Xingyuan asked, "Afraid of what?" Li Yun said, "I'm afraid when she returns, she won't let me study with you anymore."
Yet Li Yun's worries were not without cause. Her maid, surnamed Zhu, was a formidable character, a notorious figure in these lanes, lending money at exorbitant rates and engaging in the vile trade of human trafficking. Seeing Li Yun was pretty, she treated her as a cash cow, eager to squeeze every last drop from her. At first, she didn't know about Li Yun studying with Yang Xingyuan. Later, hearing of it from Amao, she became quite unwilling. If Li Yun studied and gained knowledge, she might become harder to control. So while in Shanghai, she had asked someone to inquire into Yang Xingyuan's background. Learning he was a poor journalist only strengthened her opposition.