Explore Chapter 4 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.
To begin with, Yang Xingyuan, Wu Bibo, and Shi Chengran held a discussion at the apartment before parting ways. Yang Xingyuan returned to the Guild Hall late at night, his mind troubled by the day's entanglement with Li Yun. The next morning, as he was about to leave for the newspaper office, he received a call from He Jianchen, inviting him for tea at Qingyun Pavilion. Yang Xingyuan went as arranged and found He Jianchen already there; the two fell into idle conversation.
He Jianchen said, "How did it go with Li Yun yesterday?" Yang Xingyuan shook his head and replied, "It was merely a perfunctory affair. Such a place is no setting for lasting attachment." He Jianchen laughed, "You do have some insight. Yet that girl Li Yun seems quite taken with you." Yang Xingyuan sighed, "Her affection is genuine, but given her circumstances, I lack the means to buy her freedom, and it only adds to my distress."
As they were speaking, someone hurried upstairs-it was Ling Songlu. Upon seeing Yang Xingyuan, Ling Songlu clasped his hands and said, "Mr. Yang is here! Perfect timing, as I have a favor to ask." Yang Xingyuan invited him to sit and inquired what it was. Ling Songlu said, "A friend of mine works in the ministry and needs to draft a formal document, but he struggles with poor prose. Knowing you are a master of writing, he entrusted me to request your help. The remuneration will be generous."
Yang Xingyuan said, "You are too kind, Mr. Ling. However, I have been busy lately and fear I may not be up to the task." Ling Songlu pleaded earnestly, and He Jianchen added his encouragement. Yang Xingyuan had no choice but to agree. Delighted, Ling Songlu arranged to deliver the materials the next day.
After Ling Songlu left, He Jianchen said, "Though this man is somewhat frivolous, he has wide connections. Helping him once might prove beneficial." Yang Xingyuan replied, "I seek no benefit; it was simply hard to refuse."
Upon arriving at Pine and Bamboo House, Li Yun came out to greet him, her face shadowed with worry. Yang Xingyuan asked, "What is wrong?" Li Yun whispered, "These past few days, Mama has been pressing me harshly, saying my business is poor and threatening beatings or scoldings. I cannot bear it." As she spoke, her eyes reddened.
Yang Xingyuan comforted her, "Be patient for now. I may find a way." Li Yun said, "What way? Unless you rescue me from here." Yang Xingyuan fell silent, knowing how difficult it was.
Only then did Li Yun wipe away her tears and smile. "I will trust you then. But recently, Mama has forced me to receive clients. I have been feigning illness to avoid it, but I fear I cannot hold out much longer." Yang Xingyuan felt a pang of sorrow and held her hand, saying, "I will certainly make plans soon."
Yang Xingyuan walked the streets, the cool breeze brushing his face. Recalling Li Yun's demeanor, he felt both pity and helplessness. Back at the Guild Hall, the attendant handed him a letter containing materials from Ling Songlu. Opening it, Yang Xingyuan saw it was a draft official document needing polishing. Though disinclined, he had promised, so he burned the midnight oil as a ghostwriter.
Not until the third watch did he finish revising the text. In the letter, Ling Songlu added a note: seeing Yang Xingyuan and Li Yun getting along well at Qingyun Pavilion that day, he wished to facilitate their happiness and sent some money to assist. After reading it, Yang Xingyuan gave a bitter laugh, knowing Ling Songlu had misunderstood, yet he appreciated the gesture.
The next day, Yang Xingyuan returned the document to Ling Songlu, who thanked him profusely and presented the remuneration. Yang Xingyuan declined but eventually accepted reluctantly. Ling Songlu added, "If you ever need funds, Mr. Yang, do not hesitate to ask." Yang Xingyuan responded vaguely.
In the following days, Yang Xingyuan was busy with newspaper duties and did not visit Li Yun. But Li Yun called daily, her words growing increasingly plaintive. Yang Xingyuan's heart softened, and he visited again. Upon seeing him, Li Yun was overjoyed and attended to him eagerly.
One day, as they talked in the room, they heard commotion outside. Li Yun went to look and returned pale-faced. "Mama has brought guests and insists I join them for drinks." Yang Xingyuan said angrily, "Outrageous!" and made to go out and argue.
Li Yun held him back and said, "Do not provoke trouble. They are powerful men; you cannot contend with them. I will go and humor them for a while." Yang Xingyuan had no choice but to restrain himself, seething with indignation.
After Li Yun left, Yang Xingyuan sat alone in the room, listening to the sounds of drinking games and Li Yun's forced laughter as she urged drinks-it felt as if a knife were cutting his heart. When the wine ran dry and the guests dispersed, Li Yun returned, her face streaked with tears.
Yang Xingyuan sighed, "I will surely save you from this sea of bitterness." Li Yun leaned on his shoulder and wept, "I know your heart, but I fear with time dragging on, I cannot endure." Yang Xingyuan said, "Set your mind at ease. I already have a plan."
In truth, Yang Xingyuan had no good strategy; he was only offering empty comfort. But Li Yun believed him and gradually showed signs of joy. They exchanged intimate words and arranged to meet again at dusk.
When Yang Xingyuan took his leave, the sky was faintly light. He walked in the morning mist, recalling Li Yun's shy demeanor and their heartfelt words, unable to suppress his melancholy. He knew the matter was difficult, but having made a promise, he had to strive for it.
Back at the newspaper office, He Jianchen saw his weary countenance and asked what had happened. Yang Xingyuan gave a brief account. He Jianchen said, "You are deeply entangled; you should make a decision soon." Yang Xingyuan nodded assent, yet confusion still clouded his mind.
Thus: the diligent ghostwriter, longing for a silver-haired vow; the bashful confidante's words, secretly setting a dusk tryst. When will this scene and these sentiments find resolution? To be continued in the next chapter.