Explore Chapter 19 of "八十一梦 五子登科" with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
It is said that Jin Zi'an, after obtaining that unexpected fortune, felt both joy and anxiety. Joyful because he now had ample funds to spend freely; anxious because he feared inquiries, as the money was ill-gotten. One day, sitting alone in his study, he casually opened an old book, the very "Book of Songs" he used to read in his youth. Seeing the chapter "Guan Guan the Ospreys," he could not help recalling his childhood companion. At that time, his family was still well-off, and he grew up with the girl next door, innocent and inseparable. Later, his family declined, and she married another man. This was indeed the fate of a fleeting union, the former fate no more.
Putting down the book, he looked up and saw a painting on the wall-a landscape he had painted in the past, with misty rain veiling several thatched cottages, a small bridge over a babbling brook. On the painting was inscribed a poem, containing the lines "Life hidden in paintings, moonlit evenings and blooming mornings." Touched by the contrast between past and present, he was overwhelmed with emotion. While lost in thought, he suddenly heard a knock at the door. It turned out to be his friend Li Youyuan, who had come to visit.
As soon as Li Youyuan entered, he laughed and said, "Old Jin, what are you daydreaming about again? Let me tell you something: there is an auction tomorrow, with many antique curios and calligraphy works. Would you like to go?" Jin Zi'an shook his head and replied, "I've lost interest in such things now." Li Youyuan asked, "You used to love them so much. What has changed?" Jin Zi'an sighed, "Times and circumstances have changed, and so has my state of mind. In the past, I appreciated them for their beauty; now I feel they are all things external to the body-you bring nothing into this world, and you take nothing away."
Li Youyuan laughed, "You certainly take things philosophically. But given your current status, you should acquire some refined items to match your position." Jin Zi'an smiled bitterly and remained silent. After chatting a while longer, Li Youyuan took his leave.
Alone in the study once more, Jin Zi'an gazed at the painting for a long time. He reflected on his experiences over the years-they all seemed like a dream. The aspirations of his student days had all dissolved into bubbles. He decided not to dwell on those futile thoughts, rose, and went out to attend a dinner engagement. Truly: The past cannot bear to be revisited; let us now enjoy what remains of joy.