Explore Chapter 17 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.
It is said that Yang Xingyuan, since parting with Li Yun at the Pine and Bamboo House that day, had been truly concerned in his heart. That afternoon, as he was sitting gloomily in the Guild Hall, he suddenly saw Wu Bibo burst in, laughing and saying, "What a Yang Xingyuan, now you've become quite the romantic." Yang Xingyuan hurriedly offered him a seat, saying, "Don't tease me. I've been troubled these past few days." Wu Bibo asked, "What troubles you? Is it because of Li Yun?" Yang Xingyuan sighed, "Exactly. She has been pressured by the Madam recently, and I am powerless to help. What should I do?" Wu Bibo said, "This matter requires careful consideration. There's no use in rushing." They talked for half a day before Wu Bibo left.
Yang Xingyuan pondered alone, recalling Li Yun's pitiful and delicate appearance, and could not help but feel heartache. When evening came, he went to the Pine and Bamboo House to look for Li Yun. However, Li Yun had been summoned by a guest for a Summons for a courtesan and was not in attendance. Yang Xingyuan had no choice but to return dejectedly.
The next day, Yang Xingyuan went again and happened to meet Li Yun returning. Li Yun saw him, tears in her eyes, and said, "Master Yang, why did you only come now?" Yang Xingyuan replied, "I came yesterday, but you weren't here." Li Yun said, "I was dragged away by that man named Wang and nearly didn't make it back." As she spoke, she began to pour out her grievances. It turned out that this Master Wang was a military man with a rough temper, and Li Yun had suffered much humiliation. Yang Xingyuan listened, his heart filled with pity, but he had no way to help. Just as they were talking, the Madam came in and said to Li Yun, "Hurry and get dressed. The young master of Minister Liu is coming to play cards, and you must go accompany him." Li Yun dared not disobey and had to go. Yang Xingyuan sat still for a while, knowing he could not stay long in this place, so he stood up to take his leave.
Returning to the Guild Hall, Yang Xingyuan grew more and more depressed as he thought. He then took up his brush and wrote a few poems to vent his sorrow. After writing, he threw down the brush with a long sigh and said to himself, "I, Yang Xingyuan, am but a poor scholar. I can hardly protect myself, so how can I save others? Although Li Yun is good, she is ultimately a woman of the demimonde. I fear our fate is too shallow." Thinking this, he could not help but shed tears.