Explore Chapter 19 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.
Ever since that day when he parted from Li Yun, Yang Xingyuan had been in low spirits. Reflecting on Li Yun's unfortunate circumstances, he felt great pity for her. Yet, considering his own plight, he saw no way to rescue her from her troubles, which only deepened his melancholy.
One day, while working at the newspaper office, Yang Xingyuan suddenly received a letter from Li Yun. In the letter, she wrote that the Madam had forced her to marry a merchant as a concubine, and she would soon depart from Beijing. She requested that Yang Xingyuan meet her at a designated spot to bid farewell.
Upon seeing Yang Xingyuan, Li Yun's tears fell before she could utter a word. She took a brocade box from her bosom and handed it to him, saying, "This is the pearl you once gave me. Now that I am leaving, I have no need for it. Please take it back."
Yang Xingyuan refused to take it, saying, "This is a gift from me. Keep it as a keepsake." Li Yun replied, "My future is fraught with uncertainty. Keeping it would only deepen my sorrow. Please take it back so I can let go of my feelings." Helpless, Yang Xingyuan had no choice but to accept it.
They sat in silence, tears flowing freely. After a long while, Li Yun said, "I should go now. Take care of yourself." Yang Xingyuan responded, "You take care too." Li Yun rose and departed, glancing back repeatedly as she walked away.
Yang Xingyuan watched her figure vanish into the crowd, his heart filled with profound sorrow. Upon returning to his lodgings, he took out Li Yun's letter and read it repeatedly. In the end, with great pain, he tore the letter into pieces and cast them into the stove. He felt that the sweet dream he shared with Li Yun was slowly dissipating.
In the following days, Yang Xingyuan remained dispirited. He Jianchen, noticing his distress, frequently came to console him. Yang Xingyuan knew he must not wallow in sorrow, so he pulled himself together and carried on with his work. Yet, in the stillness of the night, thoughts of Li Yun would inevitably bring a fresh wave of sadness.