Explore Chapter 25 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.
After parting with Li Yun, Yang Xingyuan felt a deep melancholy in his heart. He decided to venture out of the city to soothe his spirits. Wandering aimlessly, he found himself before a dilapidated house. There, he saw a sparse niche, broken and decayed, veiled in cobwebs and dust. Upon asking the locals, he discovered that this place was once said to harbor the traces of a famous individual. Yet now, it only bears the hollow name of a renowned landmark.
Sighing with emotion, he continued onward and arrived at a desolate city and an ancient temple. The tolling of bells was hushed, and only a few shadows of people were seen. Suddenly, a woman stepped out from the hall. Her beauty was serene and refined, reminiscent of a celestial being from another realm. Yang Xingyuan engaged her in conversation. He discovered that she had also come to explore ancient sites. Thus, the two delved into discussions of poetry and prose.
The woman's discourse was of uncommon elegance. Yang Xingyuan felt a growing respect and admiration for her. Yet, as evening approached, they had to bid each other a reluctant farewell. On his journey home, Yang Xingyuan recalled the day's extraordinary meeting. It felt as illusory as a dream, leaving him with an inexplicable sense of melancholy.