Explore Chapter 26 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 so happened that Yang Xingyuan, having left the Police Department, felt little inclination to return home. Alone, he made his way to Yongxing Temple to seek out Wu Bibo. This Yongxing Temple was managed by a fellow townsman of Wu Bibo's, a monk whose religious name was Weichen. Monk Weichen, only in his twenties, had been introduced to Yang Xingyuan by Wu Bibo, and they got along famously. Whenever he had leisure, Yang Xingyuan often visited the temple to sit and chat.
On that day, as Yang Xingyuan hurried to Yongxing Temple and passed through the main gate, he saw three or four sedan chairs resting in the main hall. He thought to himself, 'So the temple has guests. I'd better not rush in. Let me see who it is first.' He concealed himself by the eastern side door of the hall and peered into the courtyard. He saw several attendants shouting and directing the sedan bearers, seemingly urging them to withdraw. Then he noticed a man in a gown of blue spun silk, wearing a Panama straw hat and large dark-tinted glasses perched on his nose. In one hand he held a walking stick, in the other he led a dog. The creature was only about a foot long, its body entirely covered in black fur. Its small ears showed traces of white, and it had a pointed snout with two black eyes that darted about incessantly. Spotting Yang Xingyuan, it began to bark. Yang Xingyuan recognized the man as Hong Junsheng and called out, 'Brother Junsheng, it's been an age!' Hearing his name, Hong Junsheng looked up. Seeing Yang Xingyuan, he promptly removed his glasses and nodded a greeting. Yang Xingyuan said, 'I came looking for Bibo. Is he here by any chance?' Hong Junsheng replied, 'I'm here for him too. He just stepped out but will be back shortly. Let's wait for him here.' With that, he invited Yang Xingyuan into the abbot's quarters to sit.
Yang Xingyuan entered the abbot's room and saw a Xiangfei daybed placed squarely in the center. Reclining upon it was none other than Wu Bibo. Seeing Yang Xingyuan enter, he sat up and said with a laugh, 'What brings you here as well?' Yang Xingyuan said, 'I was feeling terribly bored and thought to come talk with you. I didn't expect to find you asleep.' Wu Bibo replied, 'I was playing cards with them all night and only got to sleep this morning. I was just woken up by the commotion and was about to go out for a stroll when you arrived.' Hong Junsheng said, 'Both of you gentlemen are busy men; it's rare you have time to come here. The weather is splendid today. Why don't we go sit in the garden at the back?' Yang Xingyuan said, 'An excellent idea.'
And so the three of them left the abbot's quarters and made their way to the rear, where they found a small garden. Though not particularly spacious, it was planted with many flowers and trees. Leaning against the eastern wall was a thatched pavilion, outside of which ran a short bamboo fence completely covered with morning glories blooming in purple, red, and white-a most pleasing sight. Inside the pavilion stood a stone table with several stone stools. The three men seated themselves upon the stools.
Hong Junsheng remarked, 'To find such an elegant and secluded spot within this temple is truly rare.' Wu Bibo said, 'The temple was renovated with Weichen's own funds. He loves the tranquility here, so he moved the abbot's quarters here as well. Apart from chanting scriptures and worshipping Buddha, his pleasures are tending flowers and keeping birds. He certainly knows how to enjoy life.' Yang Xingyuan asked, 'Monk Weichen is very young. How did he attain such spiritual accomplishment?' Wu Bibo laughed. 'What spiritual accomplishment? It's simply that his family is wealthy. After his father passed away, he inherited a considerable fortune. Being mistreated at home, he ran off to Beijing and took monastic vows at this temple. The old abbot here was his uncle, so he passed the temple on to him. With money at his disposal, he had the place thoroughly repaired, purchased many scriptures and Buddha statues, and adorned it most solemnly. That's why people speak of him as a venerable monk.'
Yang Xingyuan couldn't help but find this amusing. He then asked Hong Junsheng, 'Brother Junsheng, where have you been prospering lately? It's been so long since we last met.' Hong Junsheng said, 'I've been working at a foreign firm in Tianjin. I came to Beijing on business and only arrived yesterday. Hearing that Bibo was here, I made a special trip to find him. Little did I expect to run into you, old friend. What a fortunate coincidence.' Yang Xingyuan asked, 'Where are you staying?' Hong Junsheng replied, 'I'm at the Liuguo Hotel.' Wu Bibo said, 'Since you're staying at a hotel, why do you keep this dog with you?' Hong Junsheng smiled. 'This dog was a gift from a friend. Its name is Blackie, and it's exceedingly clever. It insists on following me wherever I go, so I have no choice but to bring it along.'
As he spoke, the black dog ran to Hong Junsheng's side and sniffed at his feet. Hong Junsheng stroked its head and said, 'Blackie, don't fuss. Be still.' The dog obediently lay down at his feet, motionless. Yang Xingyuan observed, 'This dog is truly well-behaved.' Hong Junsheng said, 'It not only obeys but can perform many tricks as well.' Turning to the dog, he said, 'Blackie, stand up.' The dog stood on its hind legs, put its front paws together, and bowed several times. Hong Junsheng then said, 'Lie down and roll over.' The dog lay on the ground and rolled over. Everyone laughed.
Wu Bibo said, 'This dog is indeed amusing. How did you train it?' Hong Junsheng replied, 'I had no time to train it. All this was taught by my friend. My friend is a German who is passionately fond of dogs. He keeps over a dozen at home, all of various pedigrees. This dog was his favorite. As he was returning to his homeland, he gave it to me as a keepsake.' Yang Xingyuan asked, 'What is your German friend's name?' Hong Junsheng said, 'He's called Henry. He works as a doctor at a hospital in Tianjin.'
The three were chatting merrily when Monk Weichen walked in. Smiling, he said, 'You three are having such a lively conversation here. Let me join in the fun.' Wu Bibo said, 'You've come at the perfect time. We were just thinking of you.' Weichen asked, 'What for? Don't tell me you want me to treat you to a vegetarian meal?' Hong Junsheng said, 'A meal isn't necessary. We were hoping you might expound the scriptures for us.' Weichen laughed. 'Expounding scriptures is beyond me; I only know how to chant them.' Yang Xingyuan said, 'Don't be modest. We've heard you possess deep knowledge of Buddhism and wished to seek your guidance.' Weichen said, 'I wouldn't presume to claim deep knowledge, but I do enjoy reading Buddhist sutras. I find some of the principles within them quite meaningful.'
He then inquired, 'Mr. Yang, have you produced any significant works recently?' Yang Xingyuan said, 'I'm occupied all day with matters at the newspaper office. How would I find time to write?' Weichen said, 'The day before yesterday, I saw a story of yours in the paper titled 'Cuihuan.' It was exquisitely written. I was deeply moved upon reading it.' Yang Xingyuan said, 'That was merely a trifle penned in a moment of diversion, not worth mentioning.' Weichen said, 'You are too modest. I am a complete outsider when it comes to literature, but I enjoy reading novels, especially romantic tales. I believe well-written ones can truly touch the heart.'
Wu Bibo said, 'You are a monk. How can you enjoy reading romantic novels?' Weichen smiled. 'Monks are human too. Who can be exempt from common human sentiments? However, when I read novels, I study the human relationships and worldly wisdom depicted within them. I am not like worldly people who focus solely on those amorous adventures.' Hong Junsheng said, 'Well said. While novels are indeed for entertainment, they also contain profound truths.'
Weichen agreed, 'Exactly. When I was still at home, I loved reading Dream of the Red Chamber most of all. I've lost count of how many times I've read it. I feel that book truly captures the full spectrum of human joy and sorrow, parting and reunion. After taking the monastic vows, I still read it often. Each time, I gain new insights.' Yang Xingyuan said, 'Dream of the Red Chamber is a remarkable book. Its virtues are too numerous to recount in a brief moment.'
As they reached the temple gate, they saw a flower seller from the countryside, his carrying pole laden with fresh blooms, calling out his wares. Yang Xingyuan looked at the flowers-there were peonies, tree peonies, and roses, all blooming with exceptional brilliance. He bought a few peonies and held them in his hand. Wu Bibo asked, 'What did you buy flowers for?' Yang Xingyuan replied, 'To take home and arrange in a vase.'
As the two walked along, Yang Xingyuan remarked, 'Hong Junsheng is rather an interesting character. His carefree, unconstrained manner is quite enviable.' Wu Bibo said, 'His family is well-off, which allows him such leisure and freedom. Still, he strikes me as somewhat cynical.' Yang Xingyuan observed, 'In times like these, there are no few people like him.'
Speaking thus, they arrived at the entrance to Yang Xingyuan's Guild Hall. Wu Bibo said, 'I won't come in. I'll seek you out another day.' Yang Xingyuan said, 'Very well. Whenever you have time, let's arrange to meet somewhere for another talk.' Wu Bibo assented and went on his way.
Yang Xingyuan returned to his room, placed the flowers in a vase on his desk, and gazed at them vacantly for some time. Unbidden, a host of thoughts rose in his mind. He reflected, 'I have been in Beijing for several years now, toiling away day after day, uncertain of the purpose behind it all. Looking at others, some find success, others live free of care. Only I remain so solitary, without a single intimate friend. Though I have a few acquaintances, they are all superficial connections with whom I cannot share my innermost feelings.' At this thought, he could not help but feel a tinge of melancholy.
After sitting for a spell, he took out paper and brush, intending to write a letter to his mother back home. He had only penned a few lines when suddenly a servant entered and announced, 'Mr. Yang, there is a woman outside asking to see you.' Yang Xingyuan asked, 'What kind of woman?' The servant replied, 'A woman in her twenties, dressed very smartly. She says she is from Shanghai.' Yang Xingyuan thought to himself, 'Since I came to Beijing from Shanghai, I have rarely corresponded with friends from there. What woman could be looking for me? Could it possibly be...'
As he was wondering, the woman walked in. At the sight of her, Yang Xingyuan started in surprise, for it was none other than a female friend he had known in Shanghai, named Hu Xiaomei. She wore a suit of light grey serge, with a soft-brimmed straw hat on her head. Her face was lightly powdered, making her appear even more delicately charming. Seeing Yang Xingyuan, she smiled and said, 'Xingyuan, do you still remember me?'
Yang Xingyuan quickly stood up and said, 'Xiaomei, however did you come to be in Beijing? This is truly unexpected.' Hu Xiaomei said, 'I've been in Beijing for several days already. It took a great deal of effort to find your address. I only managed to locate you today.' Yang Xingyuan said, 'Please, have a seat. How have you been in Shanghai? What brings you to Beijing so suddenly?' Hu Xiaomei sat down, sighed, and said, 'It's a long story. I'll tell you slowly.'
Yang Xingyuan then called the servant to bring tea. Hu Xiaomei said, 'Don't trouble yourself. First, tell me, how have you been living here? You look much thinner than before.' Yang Xingyuan said, 'I'm much the same, busy all day with the newspaper office, but it hardly feels meaningful.' Hu Xiaomei said, 'When you were in Shanghai, you used to love writing poetry, didn't you? Do you still write?' Yang Xingyuan replied, 'Occasionally, but not with the same fervor as before.'
Hu Xiaomei said, 'I still remember a poem you wrote back then. It contained these two lines: "Through ten Cold Food Festivals across the nine skies I've strayed, / The same spring breeze now greys the hair on either side." I was deeply moved when I read it and have kept it in my heart ever since.' Yang Xingyuan said, 'That was mere youthful scribbling, not worth recalling.'
Hu Xiaomei said, 'Don't be so modest. I have always greatly admired your poetry. I came to Beijing for two reasons. First, to see the northern scenery. Second, to meet old friends. In Shanghai, I often hear people speak of you. They say you have gained quite a reputation here in Beijing, so I made a special trip to find you.'
Yang Xingyuan said, 'You flatter me too much. Where are you staying?' Hu Xiaomei replied, 'I'm at the Central Hotel.' Yang Xingyuan asked, 'Did you come alone?' Hu Xiaomei said, 'I came with a cousin of mine. She has some business in Beijing, so I tagged along for the trip.'
After talking for a while, Yang Xingyuan pressed Hu Xiaomei to stay for dinner. She did not refuse, saying, 'It's been years since I've had a meal at your place. I shall savor it today.' Yang Xingyuan instructed the servant to order several dishes from a restaurant and bought a bottle of grape wine. The two of them drank together.
During the meal, Hu Xiaomei told Yang Xingyuan of her recent circumstances. It turned out that after parting from Yang Xingyuan, she had married a merchant. At first, their relationship was good, but later the merchant's business failed and his temperament changed drastically. He often drank and gambled, returning home only to beat and curse her. Unable to endure such abuse, she divorced him. After the divorce, she lived alone in Shanghai, eking out a meager living by teaching-a life of considerable hardship. This time, her cousin had come to Beijing to prepare her trousseau and had invited Hu Xiaomei along to get a change of scenery.
Yang Xingyuan said, 'Since you are here, stay in Beijing for a few more days. I can accompany you to see the sights.' Hu Xiaomei said, 'That would be wonderful. I was just worrying about not having a guide.'
They talked and laughed, and after finishing the meal, Hu Xiaomei prepared to leave. Yang Xingyuan said, 'Let me see you off.' Hu Xiaomei said, 'That's not necessary. I'll hire a rickshaw myself.' Yang Xingyuan said, 'Well then, if you are free tomorrow afternoon, please come here. We can go out together.' Hu Xiaomei said, 'I am free tomorrow afternoon. I will certainly come.' With that, she took her leave.
Yang Xingyuan saw her to the gate, watched her get into the rickshaw, and then turned back. He thought to himself, 'Hu Xiaomei and I were very close back in Shanghai. Later, because her family opposed it, we never came together. Who would have thought she would end up in such a state? It is truly pitiable.' At this thought, a wave of sadness washed over him once more.
That night, Yang Xingyuan tossed and turned, unable to sleep. The following afternoon, Hu Xiaomei arrived as promised. Yang Xingyuan went out with her. First, they strolled for a while in Central Park, then went to Dong'an Market for dinner. Hu Xiaomei was in high spirits. She said, 'Beijing is really quite nice, much quieter than Shanghai.' Yang Xingyuan said, 'If you like it here, stay a while longer.' Hu Xiaomei said, 'I was thinking the same, but my cousin is returning to Shanghai in a few days. Staying here alone wouldn't be much fun.' Yang Xingyuan said, 'What does that matter? You can stay with me. My place is humble, but it is barely habitable.' Hu Xiaomei said, 'How could I possibly impose on you like that?' Yang Xingyuan said, 'We are old friends. Why stand on ceremony?'
Hu Xiaomei listened and lowered her head in silence. Yang Xingyuan said, 'Think it over. If you are willing, I'll have the servant prepare a room for you.' Hu Xiaomei said, 'Let me go back and discuss it with my cousin first.'
From then on, Hu Xiaomei spent every day with Yang Xingyuan, either visiting parks or watching plays. The two grew increasingly intimate. Yang Xingyuan, who had been a solitary soul, now suddenly had such a companion and naturally felt supremely happy, casting all his former gloom and despondency to the four winds.
One day, Hu Xiaomei said to Yang Xingyuan, 'My cousin is returning to Shanghai tomorrow. I have already spoken with her and will stay with you temporarily until I find work in Beijing, after which I'll move out.' Yang Xingyuan said, 'That's excellent. Move in today.' Hu Xiaomei said, 'I still have some luggage at the hotel. I'll go fetch it.' Yang Xingyuan said, 'I'll go with you.'
And so the two went together to the Central Hotel, retrieved Hu Xiaomei's luggage, and settled it in Yang Xingyuan's study. From that day forward, Hu Xiaomei took up residence in Yang Xingyuan's home. Yang Xingyuan went to the newspaper office daily to work, while Hu Xiaomei managed the household chores for him-cooking and washing clothes-with great diligence. When Yang Xingyuan returned, a hot meal awaited him, and the house was kept neat and orderly, no longer in the disarray of former days.
Yang Xingyuan felt profoundly grateful. He said to Hu Xiaomei, 'You toil so hard. How can I ever feel at ease about it?' Hu Xiaomei smiled. 'It's nothing. When I was in Shanghai, I cooked and washed for myself anyway. Now, doing it for you is simply a matter of course.' Yang Xingyuan said, 'You are so good to me. I truly do not know how to repay you.' Hu Xiaomei said, 'Talking like that sounds distant. Since we are good friends, helping each other is only natural.'
One evening, Yang Xingyuan and Hu Xiaomei sat in the courtyard enjoying the cool air. The moon shone as bright as day. The courtyard was utterly still, save for the chirping of insects. Yang Xingyuan took Hu Xiaomei's hand and said, 'Xiaomei, there is something I have long wanted to say to you, but I have not dared speak it.' Hu Xiaomei said, 'Whatever it is, please say it.' Yang Xingyuan said, 'We have known each other all these years and understand each other's temperaments very clearly. I have a request now. I wonder if you would consent?' Hu Xiaomei said, 'Go on.' Yang Xingyuan said, 'I wish... I wish to be with you always. I wonder if you are willing?'
Just as they were sharing this intimate moment, a servant suddenly entered and announced, 'Mr. Yang, there is a man outside with a letter. He insists on delivering it to you personally.' Yang Xingyuan said, 'Show him in.'
Presently, the servant ushered in a man who handed over a letter. Yang Xingyuan opened and read it, his countenance instantly changing drastically. Hu Xiaomei quickly asked, 'What letter is it?' Yang Xingyuan said, 'It's from the newspaper office. They say there is an urgent matter and I must go at once.' Hu Xiaomei said, 'At this late hour? What urgent matter could there be?' Yang Xingyuan said, 'Newspaper affairs are unpredictable. I'll be back soon. Wait for me.' With that, he hurried out.
Hu Xiaomei sat alone in the courtyard, feeling quite perplexed. She thought, 'What urgent matter requires such haste?' She waited a long time, but Yang Xingyuan still did not return. Finally, she went back inside to sleep.
It was not until the next morning that Yang Xingyuan returned, his face pale and grim. Hu Xiaomei asked, 'Where did you go yesterday? Why are you only back now?' Yang Xingyuan sighed and said, 'Xiaomei, I have wronged you.' Startled, Hu Xiaomei asked, 'What is it?' Yang Xingyuan said, 'Yesterday I received a letter from the newspaper office saying an article I wrote has offended someone. That person intends to sue me. The newspaper office called me in to discuss how to handle it. I talked with them all night, but no solution was reached.' Hu Xiaomei said, 'What is to be done?' Yang Xingyuan said, 'For now, nothing immediate. But there may be trouble later.'
Hu Xiaomei said, 'Don't be anxious. A way will surely be found.' Yang Xingyuan said, 'My mind is in utter turmoil now. I need some peace and quiet.' Hu Xiaomei said, 'Very well. Go and rest.'
Yang Xingyuan went into the study, shut the door, and sat there alone in a daze. Seeing him like this, Hu Xiaomei grew very worried but dared not disturb him.
It was afternoon when Yang Xingyuan finally emerged. He said to Hu Xiaomei, 'Xiaomei, there is something I must discuss with you.' Hu Xiaomei asked, 'What is it?' Yang Xingyuan said, 'I think you should leave Beijing temporarily and stay elsewhere for a few days. Once matters here have settled, you can return.' Hu Xiaomei asked, 'Why?' Yang Xingyuan explained, 'Because the person I offended is very influential. If he learns of our relationship, it might put you in harm's way.' Hu Xiaomei said, 'I am not afraid. I want to stay with you.' Yang Xingyuan said, 'Please listen to me. I would never do anything to hurt you. I have already rented a place for you in Tianjin. You must go tomorrow.'
Hearing him speak thus, Hu Xiaomei understood the situation was serious and agreed. Yang Xingyuan packed her luggage for her and gave her some money. He said, 'When you reach Tianjin, stay at my friend's house. I will write to you often.'
The next day, Yang Xingyuan saw Hu Xiaomei to the station. He watched her board the train, then reluctantly turned for home.
Returning to his house, he felt it hollow and empty, his heart aching with sorrow. Recalling the happiness of the past few days with Hu Xiaomei, now vanished in an instant, tears welled up in his eyes unbidden.
Just as he was grieving, a servant suddenly entered and announced, 'Mr. Yang, a visitor has come.' Yang Xingyuan dried his tears and went out to see. It was Wu Bibo. As soon as he saw Yang Xingyuan, Wu Bibo said, 'Xingyuan, I have heard about your situation. Don't worry. I've come to help you find a solution.' Yang Xingyuan asked, 'What can you do?' Wu Bibo said, 'I know a lawyer who is extremely capable. I will go find him to take up your defense.' Yang Xingyuan said, 'That would be wonderful. I don't know how to thank you.' Wu Bibo said, 'We are old friends. Why speak of thanks?'
A few days later, a summons from the court arrived. Yang Xingyuan appeared in court with his lawyer. Fortunately, the lawyer was eloquent and adept, successfully refuting the plaintiff's accusations. The court ruled Yang Xingyuan not guilty.
Yang Xingyuan said, 'Xiaomei, it is all over now. We can live in peace.' Hu Xiaomei said, 'I pray that from now on, there will be no more storms.'
From that time forth, Yang Xingyuan and Hu Xiaomei lived together in Beijing. Though their life was simple and marked by hardship, their affection for each other was profound, and they lived in considerable contentment.