Explore Chapter 23 of 'Cat Country' with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
I visited several more schools, and the situation was much the same. The students did not study, only stirred up trouble. The teachers cared only for themselves, no one concerned themselves with education. I became increasingly convinced that this civilization was beyond saving.
One day, I met an old man, who told me some of Cat Country's history. He said the land had once known glory, but after the arrival of the intoxicating leaves, everything changed. People grew lazy and selfish, and the nation slid into decline.
I asked him why no one tried to change things. He smiled bitterly and said that those who had tried were all dead. Now, no one dared speak the truth or offer resistance. Everyone thought only of consuming the intoxicating leaves and indulging in fleeting pleasure.
I left the old man, my heart growing heavier still. When I returned to my quarters, Young Scorpion was waiting for me. He asked what I had seen, and I told him the truth. Young Scorpion said this was the fate of Cat Country, irrevocable and final.
Young Scorpion and I talked for a long time about education, politics, and society. His profound pessimism filled me with despair. Yet I could not help but think that perhaps a sliver of hope remained somewhere-I simply did not know where to find it.