Explore Chapter 21 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.
Since his return from the Pine and Bamboo House that day, Yang Xingyuan had been in low spirits. A few days passed, the weather grew warmer, and he thought of seeking some distraction in the park. That afternoon, he strolled alone to Central Park. Spring’s colors were at their peak. The flowering almonds were in full bloom; peach and plum blossoms vied in splendor. A rich fragrance filled the entire garden. Yang Xingyuan walked slowly along the broad path under the cypress grove. Seeing the visitors coming and going, all in pairs, he could not help but feel the contrast to his own solitude, which made his loneliness all the more acute.
Wandering aimlessly, he arrived at the Laijinyu Pavilion. Selecting a quiet seat, he sat down. A waiter brought a pot of tea. Yang Xingyuan poured himself a cup and sipped slowly. Noticing newspapers on the table, he picked one up casually. It was the Qunqiang Bao, filled with theater reviews and courtesan news, all nothing but flattery for the popular performers. After reading a few passages and finding them utterly vapid, he tossed it aside.
Just then, he heard boisterous conversation from the adjacent table. One man said, "Old Liu, did you go to the Fuqing Hall again last night to fawn over Xiao Shanhu? I hear her business has been excellent these past days; all her patrons are wealthy gentlemen." Another replied, "Isn't that the truth? Xiao Shanhu is now at the height of her fame. Even overseas Chinese from the South Seas come specially to see her. Her chamber is literally packed to the rafters."
Hearing them speak of hutong affairs, Yang Xingyuan's interest was piqued, and he listened intently. Another voice chimed in, "Xiao Shanhu truly has a temper. She pays little heed to ordinary patrons. Only those who arrive by automobile with attendants in tow does she bother to entertain. Where would she cast an eye on poor wanderers like us?"
The first speaker added, "One can hardly blame her. In her trade, who wouldn't want to curry favor with a few rich patrons to bolster her standing? But with airs as grand as Xiao Shanhu's now, I fear she may come to regret it."
Listening to this, Yang Xingyuan nodded to himself. He thought, "Li Yun is of the same temperament. Though she treats me well, she is, after all, a creature of that frivolous world and cannot avoid such habits." This thought led him to feel a pang of worry for Li Yun.
After sitting awhile, he felt a slight chill and rose to leave the Laijinyu Pavilion. Walking along the covered corridor toward the back of the park, he saw a grove of lilacs in glorious bloom. Waves of their pure, elegant scent wafted toward him. Yang Xingyuan lingered beneath the flowers for a long while. He recalled the ancient line, 'Lilacs knot in vain, like sorrow in the rain,' and his own melancholy thoughts were stirred anew.
He Jianchen replied, "I had arranged to meet a friend here for a chat, but he was detained by urgent business. I was about to leave when I saw you sighing over the blossoms. If you have some trouble on your mind, why not share it with me?"
Yang Xingyuan said, "I have no trouble at all; I'm merely idling." He Jianchen laughed. "You may fool others, but not me. Ever since you met Li Yun, you've been in this distracted, love-stricken state. I advise you to gather your wits before things go beyond your control."
Yang Xingyuan sighed. "Do you think I am not aware? But when the heart is truly smitten, one is no longer master of oneself." He Jianchen retorted, "You are a man of sense. How can you utter such foolishness? Women of her profession harbor no true affection. Their eyes are fixed solely on a man's purse."
Yang Xingyuan remained silent. He Jianchen continued, "I came today precisely to tell you something. I heard Li Yun's Madam is due back from Shanghai within a day or two. Once she returns, Li Yun will likely lose her freedom. If your feelings for her are genuine, you must think of a plan at once. If you are merely toying with her, I urge you to cut the knot cleanly and break it off now."
This news troubled Yang Xingyuan further. He said, "Let me first see how her Madam behaves. If the pressure becomes severe, I shall naturally find a way for her." He Jianchen shook his head. "You have no idea of the ruthlessness involved. These madams wield vicious means. However capable you are, you cannot escape her grasp. I have seen it all too often. Take my advice; you will not regret it."
They talked a while longer. Seeing the sky darken, they left the park together and went their separate ways. Upon returning to the Guild Hall, the attendant presented Yang Xingyuan with a letter. Opening it, he found it was from Li Yun, containing only a few brief lines saying she had an urgent matter to discuss and begging him to visit her the following day without fail.
Reading this, Yang Xingyuan felt uneasy, unsure of what it portended. He tossed and turned all night, unable to find proper sleep. Early the next morning, he hurried to the Pine and Bamboo House. Li Yun was in her room combing her hair. Seeing Yang Xingyuan arrive, she quickly told her maid to prepare tea.
Yang Xingyuan said, "Your letter mentioned an urgent matter. What is it?" Li Yun threw a meaningful glance at the maid, who, understanding, withdrew. Li Yun then lowered her voice and said, "My Mama returned yesterday. Hearing that I have been very close with you, she flew into a great rage. She said I should not be secretly befriending patrons and wants to take me to Shanghai."
Yang Xingyuan exclaimed in alarm, "How can that be? You have established yourself here in Beijing with such difficulty. To go to Shanghai, a strange place where you know no one, would be like a lamb entering a tiger's den!" Li Yun's eyes reddened. "I think so too. But I dare not disobey Mama. Today she intends to have me meet some minister or other to discuss a marriage match. I am frantic with worry, so I asked you here to help me think."
Hearing this, Yang Xingyuan trembled with anger. "This is clearly forcing you into marriage. Do not be afraid. I have a way to deal with her." Li Yun said, "What way could you have? Mama is utterly ruthless. If you oppose her directly, she will only press me harder."
Yang Xingyuan thought for a moment. "I have a friend who works in the Police Department. I will ask him to find a way to secure protection for you, so your Madam cannot force you." Li Yun shook her head. "That is no lasting solution. If Mama becomes truly angry and spirits me away in secret, where would you ever find me?"
Yang Xingyuan grew more anxious, pacing back and forth in the room. Suddenly he said, "What if you simply run away with me? Let us leave Beijing and go somewhere else." Li Yun smiled bitterly. "You are a scholar. Where would you get the funds? If I went with you, would I not become a burden? Moreover, Mama has eyes and ears everywhere. Where in the world could we flee?"
Yang Xingyuan had no choice but to rise and greet her. The Madam said, "Master Yang, our Li Yun is young and naive. We are obliged to you for looking after her. However, in our line of work, we have our own rules. Li Yun belongs to me. She must do as I bid. From this day forth, I must ask you not to seek her out again."
The Madam laughed heartily. "The law? What does the law have to do with the likes of us? Master Yang, you are a sensible man. Do not meddle in matters that do not concern you. If you truly care for Li Yun, then do her a kindness. Let her marry a wealthy gentleman and secure a comfortable life for her remaining years. If you persist in clinging to her, I shall not be so accommodating."
Yang Xingyuan left the Pine and Bamboo House, his heart a turmoil of anger, resentment, and pity for Li Yun. He returned to the Guild Hall in deep dejection. After several days, he suddenly received another letter from Li Yun. It read: "Mama's pressure is unrelenting. I see no way out and must resign myself to fate. Please do not come again, lest it cause more trouble. I shall forever remember your goodness to me."
Reading this letter, Yang Xingyuan knew Li Yun had capitulated. His heart felt as if sliced by a knife. He longed to see her again but feared the Madam's interference would only bring greater harm to Li Yun. After turning the matter over in his mind, he could only heave a sigh and resolved never to visit the Pine and Bamboo House again.
Who could have foreseen that a few days later, He Jianchen would suddenly come to see him. "Xingyuan," he said, "are you aware that Li Yun has fallen ill?" Yang Xingyuan started in alarm. "How would I know? What is her illness?" He Jianchen replied, "I hear it is a sickness born of anger and grief, damaging her liver. It is quite serious. Her Madam is not providing proper care, but rather forcing her to receive patrons. Li Yun refuses, and her condition worsens daily."
Yang Xingyuan trembled with rage, but fearing a confrontation would only distress Li Yun further, he swallowed his anger and left. Returning to the Guild Hall, his resentment grew. He wrote a letter to He Jianchen, entrusting him to find a physician to attend to Li Yun.
He Jianchen took the letter and promptly fetched a doctor he knew well. Together they went to the Pine and Bamboo House. The Madam, seeing it was a physician, could not very well refuse them entry. The doctor examined Li Yun's pulse and wrote a prescription. "This illness stems from melancholy and anger, which have damaged the liver and caused its fire to rise," he said. "She requires careful convalescence and must avoid all further agitation."
After half a month, Li Yun gradually began to recover. Yang Xingyuan was overjoyed and longed to see her, but still feared the Madam's obstruction. As he was wrestling with this dilemma, Li Yun sent someone to him bearing a single spray of plum blossom. The messenger said it was a gift for Master Yang, to thank him for his kindness.
Receiving the plum blossom, Yang Xingyuan knew Li Yun's health was mended, and a great weight lifted from his heart. He placed the fragrant branch in a vase and gazed at it time and again, inevitably reminded of Li Yun's tender regard. Thus it was: To the flower chamber came guests like visiting immortals from every shore; a single spray of fragrant plum blossom was given to dispel both illness and care.