Explore Chapter 12 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, Yang Xingyuan and Hua Boping, after talking for a while under the eaves, returned to their seats. Hua Boping was just about to speak again and ask Yang Xingyuan to judge a matter when a delicate voice called out from behind the screen, "Little Chen, come here." Little Chen was in the courtyard, leaning against the door, singing the tail end of "The Spring in the Jade Hall" with Bai Lianhua. Bai Lianhua said, "Stop fooling around. Let's go to the feast. Master Yu behind the screen is probably about to leave." As she spoke, Bai Lianhua entered the room first, with Little Chen following behind. Yu Yongxi saw her come in, tilted his head, looked at her, and said with a laugh, "Did you lose?" Bai Lianhua replied, "Yes, I lost. She had a full hand, and just as I started to win, she won instead. Look at this hand of mine. What could I do but lose?" Yu Yongxi said, "I knew you wouldn't lose. Because you didn't win, someone else could." Bai Lianhua retorted, "If you say that again, I won't forgive you." Yu Yongxi laughed, "I won't, I won't. Sit down." Saying this, he moved a square stool beside him, and Bai Lianhua plopped down onto it. Taking advantage of Bai Lianhua talking to him, Yu Yongxi reached out under the table and gave Bai Lianhua's thigh a touch. Bai Lianhua twisted her body and shot a sidelong, meaningful glance at Yu Yongxi. Yu Yongxi laughed, and Bai Lianhua laughed too. At that moment, they were audacious, truly letting lust override caution, paying no heed to the people in the room. Yang Xingyuan thought to himself, "This is just like actors. Offstage, they are perfectly proper, but backstage, they will do anything." With this thought, he could not help but stare, while Hua Boping, on the side, could bear it no longer. He slapped the table and shouted, "This is outrageous!"
The slap on the table and the loud noise startled Yang Xingyuan. Hua Boping pointed at Yu Yongxi and demanded, "What kind of person are you, to show such disrespect!" Hearing this, Yu Yongxi flew into a rage. He stood up, clenched his fists, and made as if to strike. Hua Boping, who feared no trouble, also stood up, ready to confront him. Seeing the situation turning bad, Bai Lianhua immediately stood up and placed herself between them, saying with a laugh, "Don't make a scene. Neither of you is to move." Yu Yongxi said, "He insulted me. How can I tolerate it?" Bai Lianhua laughed, "Be patient. Master Hua is drunk." Yu Yongxi insisted, "No, unless he apologizes to me." Yang Xingyuan, afraid the matter would escalate, also stood up and said, "This was indeed Master Hua's fault. Master Yu, do not be angry. Let me ask Master Hua to make amends to you." Then, he said to Hua Boping, "Boping, you acted a bit rashly. Master Yu is Bai Lianhua's friend, and you are also Bai Lianhua's friend. Although Master Yu's way of greeting Bai Lianhua was somewhat overly familiar, but since we are all friends, why make a fuss? Your outburst makes it seem like you are competing with Master Yu for favor. If word gets out, it will not sound good." Hearing Yang Xingyuan say this, Hua Boping also felt he had been too impulsive. But to apologize to Yu Yongxi-that softness was something he could not muster. At that moment, his face flushed crimson, and he could not utter a word. Seizing the opportunity, Bai Lianhua said to Yu Yongxi, "Master Yu, do not be angry either. Master Hua had a few extra drinks and is a bit drunk. Let me apologize on his behalf. How about that?" Saying this, she made a slight, graceful bow to Yu Yongxi. Seeing Bai Lianhua like this and Hua Boping standing aside, looking utterly embarrassed, Yu Yongxi had no choice but to take the opportunity to step down. He said, "Since Mistress Bai says so, even if I was insulted, I will not take it to heart." With that, he sat back down.
Yang Xingyuan, fearing Hua Boping might say more, took his hand and said, "Boping, let's take a walk in the courtyard." Hua Boping was eager for this and went out with Yang Xingyuan. In the courtyard, a cool breeze blew, and Hua Boping shivered, sobering up a bit. He said to Yang Xingyuan, "I was really drunk just now. Think about it. Both Yu Yongxi and I are Bai Lianhua's friends. It is as if Bai Lianhua were our exclusive property. But what exclusivity can there be with a courtesan? It is all just fun and games. Yet my outburst made it seem like I was competing with him out of jealousy. Is that not a joke?" Yang Xingyuan laughed, "It is not so much a joke. But by doing this, you put Bai Lianhua in a difficult position. Did you not see her apologizing to me on your behalf and making amends to Yu Yongxi?" Hua Boping said, "Indeed, I feel a bit sorry for her. Old Yang, how should I make it up?" Yang Xingyuan replied, "There is no need to make it up. Just keep such things to yourself in the future." Hua Boping said, "I see you and Li Yun get along well. Perhaps there is hope of her being able to 'leave the brothel for marriage' someday." Yang Xingyuan said, "You are really mocking me. She and I are just friends. How could there be such intentions? Besides, even if I had such thoughts, I lack the means." Hua Boping said, "It is a pity for your kindness toward her. I think she treats you quite well." Yang Xingyuan said, "I do not agree. Even if she is nice to me, it is just the usual courtesy a courtesan shows to a client. How can it be taken seriously?" Hua Boping said, "That may not be true. From my observations, she treats you differently from others." Yang Xingyuan said, "If what you say is true, should I marry her? You must know, for someone in the pleasure quarter, taking that step to leave the brothel for marriage is the hardest thing. It requires money, and even with money, her heart may not be with you. Why should I seek such trouble?"
Just as Hua Boping was about to continue, a servant approached Yang Xingyuan and said, "Master Wu is here." Yang Xingyuan asked, "Which Master Wu?" The servant replied, "It is Master Wu Bibo, who used to visit often." Yang Xingyuan said, "Oh! He is here. Please invite him over." Shortly after, Wu Bibo entered. Hua Boping asked, "I heard you went to Tianjin. When did you return?" Wu Bibo said, "I have been back for a week. Some small matters delayed me, so I have not visited you." Yang Xingyuan said, "Have you had dinner? We are having a feast here with courtesans. Would you like to join?" Wu Bibo laughed, "That would be most welcome." Yang Xingyuan said, "Wait a moment. I will go in and say something." He then went behind the screen and said to Yu Yongxi, "A friend of mine has arrived. I would like to invite him to the feast. Is that all right?" Yu Yongxi said, "Of course. Please bring him in." Yang Xingyuan then brought Wu Bibo in and introduced him to Yu Yongxi and Hua Boping. Seeing Wu Bibo's attire, Yu Yongxi noticed he was not only stylish but also a socialite, and he engaged him in earnest conversation. Wu Bibo was naturally talkative, and with him at the table, the atmosphere became much livelier.
As everyone talked and drank, Wu Bibo first observed that Bai Lianhua treated Yang Xingyuan differently from others. He thought to himself, "This seems like a match of fate, but one is a client and the other a courtesan." He then said to Yang Xingyuan with a laugh, "I heard you have had some encounters lately. Probably with this Mistress Bai?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Do not talk nonsense. Mistress Bai and I are just ordinary friends." Wu Bibo said, "Come on, even an honest man like you is telling lies. Earlier, outside, I heard you and Master Hua talking for a long time about 'leaving the brothel for marriage' or not, arguing endlessly. How can that be ordinary friends?" Yang Xingyuan laughed, "There is such a matter, but the facts are not like that." Wu Bibo asked, "How so?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I was planning for Master Hua. He seems quite intent on marrying Bai Lianhua." Wu Bibo said, "Really?" He then turned to Hua Boping and asked, "Boping, do you have such intentions?" Hua Boping laughed, "That fellow Yang Xingyuan is the most notorious rumor-monger. Nothing of the sort, nothing at all."
Yu Yongxi, watching from the side, had already guessed most of it. He said with a laugh, "You friends are all like this. You have things on your mind but never say them out loud. But I wonder what Mistress Bai thinks?" He then looked at Bai Lianhua and smiled. Bai Lianhua said, "Master Yu, do not make fun of me. Who am I to dare entertain such thoughts?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Mistress Bai, I must disagree with you. Leaving the brothel for marriage is a good thing. Besides, you are young, like a flower in bloom. Why not plan to find a place to settle down?" Hearing this, Bai Lianhua lowered her head for a moment, then sighed and said, "Master Yang, you do not know our difficulties. People like us are like duckweed on water, with no roots to cling to. Even with good clients, it is just a burst of excitement for ten days or half a month, then we go our separate ways. What meaning is there in that?" Yang Xingyuan heard this and said to Hua Boping, "Boping, did you hear that? She is not unwilling to take that step, but truly has no way out."
Hua Boping, having drunk a few more cups, grew bolder and said to Bai Lianhua, "Mistress Bai, I would like to help you buy your freedom. Are you willing?" Bai Lianhua said, "Master Hua, do not joke." Hua Boping said seriously, "I am not joking. First, I have no wife. Second, my family has enough to live on. If you follow me, you may not live in luxury, but at least you will not have to endure the daily routine of seeing off old clients and welcoming new ones." Bai Lianhua said, "Master Hua, you are too kind. Someone like me does not deserve such good fortune." Yu Yongxi laughed, "Mistress Bai, this is your chance. Master Hua is a sincere man. Since he has such good intentions, you should agree." Bai Lianhua cast a sidelong glance at Hua Boping, then lowered her head and said, "I am afraid Master Hua is just momentarily excited. When I take it seriously, he might regret it." Hua Boping said, "What nonsense is that? Since I have said it, I am not fooling around." He then took off a diamond ring from his hand and handed it to Bai Lianhua, saying, "Consider this a deposit." Bai Lianhua laughed, "So it is settled just like that?" Hua Boping said, "Of course it is settled." Bai Lianhua asked, "Do we need a matchmaker?"
Seeing their behavior, Yang Xingyuan knew it was no joke. He stood up, bowed to Hua Boping, and said with a laugh, "Congratulations." He then bowed to Bai Lianhua and said, "Congratulations." Bai Lianhua laughed, "Master Yang, do you think this is proper?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Very proper. But I must ask, are you free, or are you pledged to the Brothel?" Bai Lianhua said, "On that point, you can rest assured. I was pledged for three hundred dollars to work in the Brothel. That debt is already paid off. But the Brothel made me agree to continue working for two more years and not leave arbitrarily." Hua Boping asked, "You still have to work for two years?" Bai Lianhua said, "That is the agreed term, but as long as the pledge is paid off, I can leave." Hua Boping asked, "How much more is needed?" Bai Lianhua said, "It is a limited sum. Just give me the deposit the Brothel holds. The amount is five hundred dollars." Hua Boping said, "Five hundred dollars is nothing. I will bring it to you tomorrow." Bai Lianhua said, "Then thank you, Master Hua."
Yu Yongxi, watching from the side, saw them resolve a major matter like marriage so lightly and felt it was improper. He thought Hua Boping was inexperienced and easily deceived. He said to Hua Boping with a laugh, "Boping, this matter seems too cheap, does it not? For someone of Mistress Bai's caliber, only five hundred dollars to gain her freedom?" Hua Boping said, "Of course it is not that simple, but I should help anyway." Seeing Hua Boping say this, Yu Yongxi did not press further. Everyone drank some more wine, and Wu Bibo was the first to take his leave, followed by Yu Yongxi. Hua Boping said, "Why leave so soon? We can sit a while longer." Yu Yongxi said, "I have important business tomorrow and need to rise early. I cannot delay any longer." He then put on his jacket and left directly.
After Yu Yongxi left, Hua Boping said to Bai Lianhua, "I will bring the money tomorrow afternoon. Be prepared." Bai Lianhua said, "No need to hurry. A couple of days will not matter." Hua Boping said, "Better early than late, to avoid complications." Bai Lianhua just smiled and said nothing more. Hua Boping, Yang Xingyuan, and Wu Bibo then left the Pine and Bamboo House and went home separately.
The next day, Hua Boping indeed brought a five-hundred-dollar check to the Pine and Bamboo House to see Bai Lianhua and handed her the check. Bai Lianhua took the check and went inside. After a while, she came out smiling and said to Hua Boping, "Master Hua, I am now completely free. But the Brothel requires me to find a replacement before I can leave. I have already told the madams, and they are helping me look for someone. It should be settled within a day or two." Hua Boping said, "That is good. But we still need to meet these two days." Bai Lianhua said, "Of course. I will meet you wherever you specify." Hua Boping thought for a moment and said, "The Qingyun Café. It is quiet there, and we can have some snacks." Bai Lianhua agreed. Hua Boping sat for a while longer, then left.
Two days later, Hua Boping indeed met Bai Lianhua at the Qingyun Café. Bai Lianhua said to him, "I have completely left the Pine and Bamboo House. For now, I am staying with a sister, waiting for you to find a house for me so I can move in." Hua Boping said, "I have already found a house. It is a small courtyard with four buildings. Though not large, it is very clean." Bai Lianhua asked, "Where is it?" Hua Boping said, "Just behind this café, in a hutong alleyway." Bai Lianhua said, "That is perfect. When can I see it?" Hua Boping said, "Anytime you like." Bai Lianhua said, "Then let us go now." Hua Boping paid the coffee bill, and they went to the courtyard. Bai Lianhua saw a small black-painted gate outside, with whitewashed walls inside surrounding a courtyard planted with a pear tree and a lilac. The main house had three rooms, one central and two side rooms, all tidied up neatly. Bai Lianhua was very satisfied and said to Hua Boping, "Let us take this one. How much is the rent?" Hua Boping said, "Do not worry about the rent. I will pay it." Bai Lianhua said, "How can I let you do that? I should pay it myself." Hua Boping said, "We are about to become family. Why distinguish between yours and mine?" Bai Lianhua smiled and did not argue further.
From that day on, Bai Lianhua moved into the courtyard, and Hua Boping met her there daily. Yang Xingyuan learned of this and asked Hua Boping, "How is your affair progressing?" Hua Boping said, "It is settled. She is now living at Xiangluying Batiao, in a small house I rented for her." Yang Xingyuan laughed, "Then I must change my address. I cannot call her Mistress Bai anymore, but Sister-in-law." Hua Boping also laughed, "It is still early. We have not married yet." Yang Xingyuan said, "Since you love each other so, why not marry?" Hua Boping said, "I want to wait a month or two until my family sends money, then handle it. For now, we will live casually like this." Yang Xingyuan said, "That is not right. If you want her as a proper wife, you should have a proper wedding. This ambiguous situation might lead to gossip later." Hua Boping said, "It does not matter. As long as we have good feelings." Seeing him like this, Yang Xingyuan knew he was bewitched by Bai Lianhua and could not be persuaded, so he let it be.
Time flew, and in the blink of an eye, over a month passed. Hua Boping and Bai Lianhua still lived in this unclear manner. Yang Xingyuan watched with concern for Hua Boping. One day, he specially went to Xiangluying Batiao to see Hua Boping, but found only Bai Lianhua sitting alone in the room, looking gloomy. Yang Xingyuan asked, "Sister-in-law, where is Boping?" Bai Lianhua said, "He went back south." Yang Xingyuan said, "Back south? I did not hear him mention it." Bai Lianhua said, "He received a telegram from home saying his father was ill, so he rushed back." Yang Xingyuan asked, "How long has he been gone?" Bai Lianhua said, "Five or six days." Yang Xingyuan asked, "Has he written?" Bai Lianhua said, "No." Seeing Bai Lianhua's unnatural expression while speaking, Yang Xingyuan grew suspicious. But he could not press further and sat for a while before leaving.
Two days later, Hua Boping suddenly came to the Guild Hall to see Yang Xingyuan. Yang Xingyuan asked at once, "When did you return to the capital?" Hua Boping said, "I never left." Yang Xingyuan said, "That is strange. The day before yesterday, I went to your place at Xiangluying Batiao, and Mistress Bai said you went back south." Hearing this, Hua Boping's face flushed red and turned pale. He said, "I will tell you the truth. We had a falling out." Yang Xingyuan asked, "A falling out? Why?" Hua Boping said, "She is too insatiable. I gave her five hundred dollars to buy her freedom, rented a house for her, bought furniture-over a thousand dollars in total. Still, she was not satisfied, constantly asking for money and things. I got impatient and scolded her a bit, and she made a big scene. I was so angry that from that day on, I stopped going to her place. She probably spread the rumor that I went south because I did not show up." Yang Xingyuan said, "I wanted to advise you, but since you have fallen out, it is useless to say more. But that over a thousand dollars was somewhat wasted." Hua Boping said, "Wasted? Think of it as money spent on a few more visits to the pleasure quarters." Yang Xingyuan said, "You are quite philosophical." Hua Boping said, "What else can I do? Sue her?" He sighed and said, "Now I understand. A courtesan is always a courtesan. Expecting her to be a proper wife is impossible." Yang Xingyuan said, "If you think that way, let it be. It is best to avoid such associations in the future." Hua Boping said, "After this, I am disheartened. I will never step into the hutong again."
Two more days later, Yang Xingyuan received a call from He Jianchen, inviting him to dine at Jiuhua Restaurant. Yang Xingyuan took a rickshaw to Jiuhua Restaurant, where He Jianchen and Wu Bibo were already waiting. The three sat down, drinking and talking. He Jianchen said, "Xingyuan, have you heard about Hua Boping's affair?" Yang Xingyuan asked, "What affair?" He Jianchen said, "He fell out with Bai Lianhua." Yang Xingyuan said, "I already know." He Jianchen said, "Do you know why she fell out with Hua Boping?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Was it not because she was too insatiable, constantly asking Hua Boping for money?" He Jianchen said, "That is one reason. There is another." Yang Xingyuan asked, "What other reason?" He Jianchen said, "I heard Bai Lianhua has another lover, a swindler from Shanghai. She quarreled with Hua Boping on purpose to drive him away so she could reunite with that man." Yang Xingyuan said, "Is that true?" He Jianchen said, "Of course. After Hua Boping left, that Shanghai man stayed at her place daily. I hear they plan to go to Shanghai together in a couple of days." Yang Xingyuan said, "Then Hua Boping's over a thousand dollars really went down the drain." Wu Bibo said, "If it went down the drain, at least there would be a splash. His vanished without a sound." Yang Xingyuan said, "I must complain again. Men like us should not have trouble finding wives. Why must we seek these heartless creatures in the hutong?" He Jianchen laughed, "That is not entirely right. The creatures in the hutong may be heartless, but are the yellow-faced wives at home any more affectionate?" Yang Xingyuan laughed, "You are tarring everyone with the same brush. By your logic, there are no good women in the world?" He Jianchen said, "I dare not say there are none, but they are few and far between."
As the three were talking happily, suddenly from the next room came a commotion-cups smashing, tables slapping, and incessant cursing. Yang Xingyuan said, "Who is that? Making such a scene." He Jianchen said, "I will take a look." He went to the door of that room, peeked through the curtain, and returned smiling. "Talk of the devil, and he shall appear." Yang Xingyuan asked, "Is it Hua Boping?" He Jianchen said, "No, it is Yu Yongxi." Yang Xingyuan asked, "Yu Yongxi? Why is he making a scene here?" He Jianchen said, "He is hosting guests here-Master Liu from the Ministry of Finance, and a lady friend of his named Hua Jun. For some reason, Hua Jun and Master Liu were flirting at the table, and he could not stand it, so he made a fuss." Wu Bibo said, "Shall we go see?" He Jianchen said, "Why meddle in others' affairs?" Yang Xingyuan said, "It will not hurt to look." He then went to the door of that room. He saw Yu Yongxi standing by the table, red-faced and thick-necked, gesticulating and cursing nonstop. A young woman in a red cheongsam was slouched in a chair, holding a handkerchief to her face and crying. A fat man in his forties, wearing serge clothes, sat smiling on the side, constantly urging, "Master Yu, why get so angry? A courtesan is always like this. If you take her seriously, you will only harm yourself."
Hearing this, Yu Yongxi grew even more furious. He said to the fat man, "Master Liu, you do not know how much money I have spent on this Hua Jun! At least two or three thousand. And she is still so ungrateful, flirting with you right in front of me. This is outrageous!" Master Liu laughed, "Master Yu, you are making a mountain out of a molehill. She and I were just talking. How is that flirting? Is she your property that she cannot even speak to others?" Yu Yongxi said, "Talking is fine, but there should be limits. Your attitude was clearly meant to provoke me." Hearing this, Hua Jun stood up, pointed at Yu Yongxi, and said, "Yu Yongxi, explain clearly. How was I improper? What is our relationship? You are not my husband. You have no right to control me! I will talk to whoever I please, and you cannot stop me!" Yu Yongxi, trembling with rage, said, "Well said! You utter such words. You are nothing but a heartless whore!" Hua Jun retorted, "Whore I am, then. You shameless man, spending a few stinking coins and thinking you can own me? Dream on!"
Hearing this, Yu Yongxi could not restrain himself and stepped forward to strike Hua Jun. Master Liu blocked him and said, "Master Yu, that will not do. If you lay a hand on her, things will escalate." Yu Yongxi said, "I must hit her!" Master Liu said, "If you hit her, I will call the police." Yu Yongxi said, "Call them then. Do you think I fear the police?" Seeing him so unreasonable, Master Liu shouted outside, "Waiter, call the police!" The waiter agreed and was about to go. Yang Xingyuan, seeing the situation worsening, entered and said to Yu Yongxi, "Master Yu, why go this far? If it escalates, no one will save face." Seeing it was Yang Xingyuan, Yu Yongxi said, "Master Yang, judge for yourself. I spent two or three thousand dollars, and she still treats me like this. Does she not deserve to be scolded?" Yang Xingyuan laughed, "Master Yu, no offense, but since you know what she is like, why take her seriously? You have scolded her and vented your anger. Let it go. Do you really want to take it to the Police Department?" Master Liu also said, "Right, Master Yu, calm down. If it escalates, you will not have face either." Seeing everyone urging him, Yu Yongxi had to seize the chance to back down. He pointed at Hua Jun and said, "From now on, we are through. Do not ever come looking for me again." Hua Jun said, "Fine by me. Who needs you?" Hearing this, Yu Yongxi was about to speak again in anger, but Yang Xingyuan quickly pulled him out.
Yang Xingyuan pulled Yu Yongxi into his own room and said to him, "Master Yu, you are a smart man. How could you act so foolishly today? A courtesan is always welcoming new and seeing off old clients. If you take her seriously, are you not asking for trouble?" Yu Yongxi sighed and said, "Do I not know that? I just lost my temper in the moment. Now I understand why Hua Boping fell out with Bai Lianhua. Probably, like me, he suffered such frustration." Yang Xingyuan said, "Good that you understand. Better avoid them in the future." Yu Yongxi said, "Once bitten, twice shy. From now on, I will never step into a brothel again." Yang Xingyuan laughed, "I hope so." Yu Yongxi sat for a while, his anger subsiding, then stood up and said, "I should go." Yang Xingyuan said, "Why leave? Stay for dinner." Yu Yongxi said, "No, I am full of anger." With that, he left on his own.
After Yu Yongxi left, He Jianchen said to Yang Xingyuan, "You played peacemaker again today." Yang Xingyuan said, "Such peacemaking is pointless. But I saw them making too much of a scene and had to intervene." Wu Bibo said, "It seems to me, Yu Yongxi and Hua Boping are alike. They know courtesans are unreliable, yet they entangle themselves. Only after suffering losses do they regret, but it is too late." Yang Xingyuan said, "That is called the blindness of those too close to see clearly. We see everything from the sidelines, but they, caught in the thick of it, cannot see at all." The three talked a bit more, then each went home.