Explore Chapter 13 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.
Now, after Yang Xingyuan returned home from Amusement Park, nothing happened that night. The next day, he rose at lunchtime. He hastily ate something and planned to visit He Jianchen. Suddenly, he heard someone in the yard shout, "What a splendid title!" Yang Xingyuan looked out the window and saw a postman delivering a registered letter. Yang Xingyuan took the letter and saw on the envelope 'From Shi'. After a moment's thought, he knew it was from Shi Chengran in Shanghai. He opened it. The letter said nothing else but that Shi knew he was bored and advised him to find some proper diversion every day. At the end, it mentioned that in Shanghai, there was something that could be told to Yang Xingyuan. It asked if he was willing to know. If so, he was invited to go to He Jianchen's house that evening for a detailed discussion. Yang Xingyuan thought, Shi Chengran is someone who likes to joke. There might not be any real news. It was probably just an excuse to invite him for a chat. But this statement seemed like there really was something. He couldn't help but inquire. Thus, he took a rickshaw and went to He Jianchen's house.
He Jianchen was at home organizing his bookshelf. Turning around and seeing Yang Xingyuan enter, he immediately clapped his hands and said, "I've been waiting for you. That old Shi really knows how to fool people. I was waiting for you to come so we can get to the bottom of this." Yang Xingyuan said, "What did he say in his letter?" He Jianchen said, "Yesterday he sent a letter from Shanghai. It said that in Shanghai, there is a female Swindler who specializes in setting traps for men. I thought you in Beijing might also be in danger, so I wrote to inform you. Moreover, he told me that this female Swindler has now come to Beijing. That's why I urgently wanted to see you, to ask if you've seen this person." Yang Xingyuan said, "How would I have seen her? Besides, in Beijing, I don't know any women." He Jianchen said, "You naturally don't know her, but perhaps she knows you. Old Shi said this woman loves reading your poems. Your fame has long reached her ears." Yang Xingyuan laughed and said, "That's even more nonsense. I'm not some ancient figure. How would a southern woman know my name?" He Jianchen said, "I said the same, but old Shi was very certain. It's hard not to believe him. He said this woman's surname is Hu, her given name is Xiaomei, and she is a notorious wanton woman in Shanghai. Because she saw your poems, she greatly admires your talent. This time she came to Beijing, partly to sightsee and partly out of admiration for your fame. I think since this woman is a female Swindler, she must be very beautiful. If you encounter her, be careful. Don't fall into her trap."
Yang Xingyuan said, "I never go to any amusement parks. She's also new to Beijing. Being unfamiliar with the place, she's unlikely to run into me. Even if she does, if I don't speak to her, there's nothing she can do." He Jianchen said, "Still, one must be cautious. Old Shi said her methods are very clever. Don't think ignoring her will be enough." Yang Xingyuan said, "Let's not talk about this for now. Tell me, when you went to Amusement Park last night, did you see anything interesting?" He Jianchen said, "Don't mention it. Last night, I nearly made a big fool of myself. As soon as Bibo and I arrived at Amusement Park, we ran into a group of acquaintances. They insisted on pulling us into a poker game. I couldn't refuse, so I joined. By midnight, I had lost over twenty dollars. I had no money left on me, so I took off my mandarin jacket and pawned it for ten dollars to settle the gambling debt. Isn't that a mess?" Yang Xingyuan laughed and said, "Pawning your jacket for poker-that truly counts as concluding with a pawned garment." He Jianchen said, "Exactly! Later, I thought, even though poker costs money, it's still proper entertainment. Unlike those who spend hundreds on flattering opera stars. That's a real waste."
While they were talking, someone outside suddenly called, "Is Mr. He at home?" He Jianchen went out to greet them. He saw a man in his thirties wearing a gray cloth gown and a felt hat, carrying a cane. The man entered and clasped his hands toward He Jianchen, saying, "Brother Jianchen, long time no see." He Jianchen looked and recognized him as Fang Jingren, a former colleague from the news industry. He also clasped his hands and said, "Brother Jingren, when did you arrive in the capital? Please come in and sit." Fang Jingren walked in and, seeing Yang Xingyuan, asked who this was. He Jianchen said, "This is my fellow townsman Yang Xingyuan." Fang Jingren said, "Is this the Yang Xingyuan who often publishes poems in the newspapers?" He Jianchen said, "Yes, that's him." Fang Jingren then bowed to Yang Xingyuan and said, "I've long admired you. I often see your great works-truly fresh and elegant. I'm full of admiration." Yang Xingyuan said, "You flatter me. I still seek your guidance." Fang Jingren sat down. He Jianchen asked where he was staying now. Fang Jingren said, "I'm staying at a friend's house in the west city. I came to the capital to seek a small job, and now there's some progress." He Jianchen said, "Congratulations." Fang Jingren said, "There's nothing to congratulate. It's just to make a living. I heard you're now working at Shadow News. That's a good place. If there's an opportunity, I hope you can give me a hand." He Jianchen said, "You still need help? I heard you're quite active in Shanghai." Fang Jingren said, "Not really. Just muddling along."
The three chatted for a while. Fang Jingren noticed a huqin hanging on the wall and said, "Brother Jianchen, do you still enjoy this?" He Jianchen said, "This is for my wife's occasional amusement. I don't know how to play it." Fang Jingren said, "I love the huqin. Since you have such a fine instrument, why not invite your wife out to play a tune for us?" He Jianchen smiled and said, "My wife doesn't perform publicly. Besides, her playing isn't very good." Fang Jingren insisted repeatedly. He Jianchen had no choice but to go inside and discuss with his wife. His wife said, "I haven't played the huqin for a long time. I'm afraid I can't manage it." He Jianchen said, "He insists on hearing you. Just play any piece casually." Mrs. He had no choice. She brought out the huqin, nodded slightly to Fang Jingren and Yang Xingyuan, and sat aside to tune the strings. Fang Jingren said, "What tune will you play, madam?" Mrs. He said, "I'll play 'The Night Is Deep'." Fang Jingren said, "Excellent. That's one of the best tunes in Beijing opera." So Mrs. He began to play. At first, it was ordinary. But when she reached the intense part, the huqin's sound buzzed and hummed. It was like a sudden storm or clashing swords, truly delightful. Fang Jingren listened intently and sang along to the melody, performing a segment from 'The Conqueror Bids Farewell to His Concubine'. After he finished, Mrs. He put down the huqin. Fang Jingren clapped and said, "Marvelous, simply marvelous! Madam, you have exceptional skill." Mrs. He said, "You're too kind." With that, she went back inside.
Fang Jingren said to He Jianchen, "I never expected your wife to have such talent. It's truly rare. Many women nowadays can play the huqin, but few can play this well." He Jianchen said, "She just learned it casually in her spare time. It's nothing special." Fang Jingren said, "Brother Jianchen, having such a multi-talented wife is a great blessing." He Jianchen smiled and said, "You still love to joke like this." Fang Jingren sat a while longer, then took his leave.
Yang Xingyuan asked He Jianchen, "This Fang Jingren, it seems he was once your colleague." He Jianchen said, "He used to be an editor at the 'Eastern Sea Daily'. We worked together. He's very clever, but too slick. That's why he's been in the news industry for years without any real achievement. Later, he went to Shanghai. I heard in Shanghai, he specializes in blackmail schemes and has quite a reputation." Yang Xingyuan said, "From his manner just now, I suspect he came to ask you for help." He Jianchen said, "Perhaps. But since he's here, I have to be polite."
After chatting a bit more, Yang Xingyuan headed home. Just as he reached the gate, he saw a young woman in her twenties wearing a light blue qipao, her hair styled in a fashionable wave. She was beautifully dressed and walked out of the courtyard with her head down, hurrying away. Yang Xingyuan glanced at her. She seemed familiar, but he couldn't recall where he'd seen her. The young woman looked at Yang Xingyuan, appearing somewhat embarrassed, then quickened her pace and left. Yang Xingyuan entered the courtyard. The janitor said to him, "Mr. Yang, a female guest came looking for you just now." Yang Xingyuan said, "A female guest? Who?" The janitor said, "She didn't give her name. She only said that when you returned, I should tell you she's from Shanghai and her surname is Hu." Yang Xingyuan thought, could it be the Hu Xiaomei that Shi Chengran mentioned? But how did she find me? He was very puzzled and asked the janitor, "Did she say anything else?" The janitor said, "She said she'll visit again tonight." Yang Xingyuan said, "I see."
That evening, after dinner, Yang Xingyuan read a book in his room. At nine o'clock, he indeed heard someone outside ask, "Is Mr. Yang at home?" Yang Xingyuan recognized it as a woman's voice and knew it was the one surnamed Hu. He went out to greet her. He saw the same young woman from earlier standing in the courtyard. Seeing Yang Xingyuan come out, she smiled and said, "Are you Mr. Yang?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Yes, may I ask your name?" The young woman said, "My surname is Hu, given name Xiaomei. I'm from Shanghai. I've long admired your fame, so I came specially to visit." Yang Xingyuan said, "You honor me. Please come in and sit."
Hu Xiaomei entered the room. Yang Xingyuan invited her to sit and poured her a cup of tea. Hu Xiaomei said, "I often see your poems in Shanghai newspapers. They're truly well-written. Although I don't understand poetry well, reading them always gives me a fresh, delightful feeling. That's why I wanted to meet you." Yang Xingyuan said, "You're too kind, Miss Hu. My works are just casual scribbles, not worth a laugh." Hu Xiaomei said, "Don't be modest, Mr. Yang. I came to Beijing partly for sightseeing and partly to meet the literary artists here. You're a famous poet in Beijing, so naturally I wanted to seek your advice first." Yang Xingyuan said, "Do you enjoy literature, Miss Hu?" Hu Xiaomei said, "I do enjoy it, but I haven't studied it deeply. I usually like reading novels, especially Mr. Zhang Henshui's works. I love them most." Yang Xingyuan said, "Zhang Henshui's novels are indeed well-written." Hu Xiaomei said, "Do you know Mr. Zhang Henshui, Mr. Yang?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Yes, we're friends." Hu Xiaomei said, "That's wonderful. I hope you can introduce me to him sometime." Yang Xingyuan said, "Certainly."
Hu Xiaomei sat a while longer, then stood to leave. Yang Xingyuan escorted her to the courtyard gate. Hu Xiaomei said, "If you have time, Mr. Yang, you can come visit me at the hotel. I'm staying in Room 23 at Zhongxi Hotel." Yang Xingyuan said, "Good. I'll certainly come by another day." After Hu Xiaomei left, Yang Xingyuan thought, This woman is quite poised. But why did she specifically seek me out? Could she really be a female Swindler, as Shi Chengran said? Yet her speech and demeanor seem proper, not like a bad person. In any case, I'll just be careful with her from now on.
Two days later, Yang Xingyuan was reading the newspaper at home when Hu Xiaomei called. She invited him to Zhongxi Hotel for a meal. Yang Xingyuan couldn't refuse, so he went. At the hotel, Hu Xiaomei was very attentive. She ordered many dishes and chatted with Yang Xingyuan as they ate. Hu Xiaomei said, "Mr. Yang, I invited you here today because I need your help with something." Yang Xingyuan said, "What is it?" Hu Xiaomei said, "I want to organize a literary society in Beijing, inviting poets and novelists here to gather and talk regularly. I wonder if you approve?" Yang Xingyuan said, "That's a fine idea. I certainly approve." Hu Xiaomei said, "Since you approve, would you be willing to serve as a founder?" Yang Xingyuan said, "A founder isn't necessary, but I can introduce some friends to join." Hu Xiaomei said, "That's even better. I plan to host a tea gathering here tomorrow evening. Could you invite a few friends for me?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I can invite some friends, but I'm not sure if they'll have time." Hu Xiaomei said, "As long as you're willing to help, I think they'll surely come." Yang Xingyuan said, "All right. I'll talk to them when I get back."
Yang Xingyuan returned home and called He Jianchen, Wu Bipo, and others to tell them about this. He Jianchen said, "Who exactly is this Hu Xiaomei? Why does she want to organize a literary society?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I'm not sure either. But since she's invited us, we might as well go see." He Jianchen said, "Fine. Let's go check it out tomorrow evening."
The next evening, Yang Xingyuan, He Jianchen, Wu Bipo, and others arrived at Zhongxi Hotel. Hu Xiaomei had prepared tea and snacks, which were quite lavish. Besides Yang Xingyuan and his friends, the guests included several editors and contributors from Beijing's tabloids. Hu Xiaomei entertained everyone warmly. The conversation was lively. Hu Xiaomei said, "I invited you gentlemen today with no other intention than to get to know you. When I was in Shanghai, I often heard of your great reputations and admired you deeply. That's why I came specially to Beijing to befriend you. I hope you'll guide me more in the future." Everyone exchanged polite remarks. Hu Xiaomei then took out a small notebook and asked everyone to sign it as a memento. After the signing, Hu Xiaomei invited everyone out for dinner. After the meal, she took them to Amusement Park to watch a play. Seeing Hu Xiaomei so generous, everyone was happy to socialize with her.
From then on, Hu Xiaomei often invited Yang Xingyuan and others to meals and plays. At first, Yang Xingyuan remained wary. But later, seeing she made no improper demands, he relaxed. Hu Xiaomei also often asked Yang Xingyuan to revise her poems. Seeing her humble in seeking advice, Yang Xingyuan earnestly helped with the revisions. Hu Xiaomei was very grateful and grew especially close to Yang Xingyuan.
One day, Hu Xiaomei said to Yang Xingyuan, "Mr. Yang, I have something to ask of you. I wonder if you'd be willing to help?" Yang Xingyuan said, "What is it?" Hu Xiaomei said, "I want to publish a poetry collection, but I feel my poems aren't good enough. I'd like you to edit them for me and write a preface. Is that possible?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I can write the preface, but editing the poems might be beyond my ability." Hu Xiaomei said, "Don't be too modest, Mr. Yang. Your poems are so excellent. Editing mine would be more than sufficient." Yang Xingyuan couldn't refuse and agreed.
Hu Xiaomei handed Yang Xingyuan a manuscript of poems. Yang Xingyuan took it home and flipped through it. He saw it contained poems about romance and nature. Though not highly polished, their sentiments were fresh. Yang Xingyuan edited several dozen poems and wrote a preface. Two days later, Hu Xiaomei came to retrieve the manuscript. After reading it, she was delighted and said to Yang Xingyuan, "Mr. Yang, you truly understand me. I will surely repay you generously in the future." Yang Xingyuan said, "It's nothing, Miss Hu. No need for such courtesy." Hu Xiaomei said, "Mr. Yang, I have something to say. I don't know if I should mention it?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Please go ahead." Hu Xiaomei said, "I feel you're a very talented person, but you seem rather unfulfilled. Is that so?" Yang Xingyuan smiled and said, "I'm not particularly talented. Being unfulfilled is only natural." Hu Xiaomei said, "Don't say that, Mr. Yang. With your talent, if you went to Shanghai, you could surely achieve great success. If you're willing to go, I can introduce you to some friends. I guarantee it'd be better than staying in Beijing." Yang Xingyuan said, "Thank you for your kindness, Miss Hu. But I'm used to living in Beijing and don't want to move." Hu Xiaomei said, "That's fine too. But if you ever think of going to Shanghai, I can help."
A few days later, Hu Xiaomei suddenly came to bid farewell to Yang Xingyuan. She said she had received a telegram from Shanghai about urgent business and must return immediately. Yang Xingyuan said, "When will you come back, Miss Hu?" Hu Xiaomei said, "It's uncertain. Perhaps soon, perhaps not for a while. If I return, I'll surely visit you again." On the day she left, Yang Xingyuan went to the station to see her off. Hu Xiaomei held Yang Xingyuan's hand and said, "Mr. Yang, we'll meet again." With that, she boarded the train.
After Hu Xiaomei left, Yang Xingyuan continued his daily routine. One day, while working at the newspaper office, he suddenly received a letter. Opening it, he saw it was from Hu Xiaomei in Shanghai. The letter said that after returning to Shanghai, she had been very busy, hence no earlier correspondence. She inquired after Yang Xingyuan's well-being and mentioned that her poetry collection had been published. She sent him ten copies to distribute among friends. Yang Xingyuan read the letter but didn't think much of it. Two days later, he indeed received a package containing ten poetry books. Yang Xingyuan flipped through one and saw it included the preface he had written. The poems were printed as he had edited them. Yang Xingyuan gave a few copies to He Jianchen, Wu Bipo, and others. He Jianchen said, "This Miss Hu is quite capable, actually getting her poetry collection published." Yang Xingyuan said, "She is rather clever."
Over half a month later, Yang Xingyuan suddenly received an express letter from Hu Xiaomei. It said she had an urgent matter requiring a thousand dollars. She asked Yang Xingyuan to help arrange it and added that if he was willing to assist, she would repay him generously in the future. Yang Xingyuan read the letter and thought, Where would I get a thousand dollars? Even if I had it, we're merely casual acquaintances. How could I lend such a large sum? But if I don't help, it seems unkind. While he was troubled, he suddenly thought of He Jianchen and went to discuss with him. He Jianchen said, "You mustn't agree to this. I think this Hu Xiaomei is definitely not a decent person. Her asking for money is clearly blackmail. If you lend it to her, it'll be like throwing meat to a dog-gone forever." Yang Xingyuan said, "I think so too. But not helping feels somewhat wrong." He Jianchen said, "What's wrong about it? What relation do you have with her? Don't be foolish." Hearing He Jianchen's words, Yang Xingyuan decided not to lend the money.
He wrote a letter to Hu Xiaomei, saying his ability was insufficient and he truly couldn't help, asking for her understanding. After the letter was sent, Hu Xiaomei never wrote again. Yang Xingyuan thought the matter was over.
Who would have thought that a few days later, Yang Xingyuan suddenly received a court summons. It said Hu Xiaomei was suing him for seduction and demanding compensation for damages. Yang Xingyuan read the summons and trembled with anger. He hurried to find He Jianchen. He Jianchen said, "See? I told you that woman was no good. Now trouble has indeed arisen. Don't panic. We'll hire a lawyer and fight the case." Yang Xingyuan said, "Hiring a lawyer costs money. Where would I get it?" He Jianchen said, "We'll all chip in some. We can't let you suffer alone."
So He Jianchen hired a lawyer for Yang Xingyuan. On the day of the hearing, Yang Xingyuan and the lawyer went to court. They saw Hu Xiaomei dressed very seductively, standing there. The judge first questioned Hu Xiaomei. She said how Yang Xingyuan had seduced her, promised to marry her, and later abandoned her. She demanded the court order Yang Xingyuan to compensate her five thousand dollars. Yang Xingyuan's lawyer defended him, stating that Hu Xiaomei's accusation was entirely false. Yang Xingyuan and she were merely ordinary friends with no improper relationship. He also presented the letter where Hu Xiaomei asked Yang Xingyuan for money, proving she was bringing a false charge due to the failed loan request. The judge read the letter and asked Hu Xiaomei if this was true. Hu Xiaomei said Yang Xingyuan had given it voluntarily, not as a loan. Both sides argued for a long time. The judge then announced an adjournment for further hearing.
Yang Xingyuan returned home, both angry and anxious, and fell ill. He Jianchen and others visited him daily to comfort him. A few days later, the court reconvened. This time, Yang Xingyuan's lawyer presented much evidence proving Hu Xiaomei was a female Swindler who specialized in blackmailing men. The judge ruled that Hu Xiaomei had brought a false charge and ordered her detained. Though Yang Xingyuan won the case, after this blow, he felt deeply disheartened, and his illness worsened.