Explore Chapter 13 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.
That day, as Wuzi was chatting with a guest in the living room, he was suddenly informed that Mrs. Yang had come to call. He quickly rose to greet her. Behind Mrs. Yang followed a young woman, fashionably dressed and lovely of face. Wuzi looked closely and recognized her as the lady he had seen at the theater a few days before. Mrs. Yang smiled and said, "This is my niece, just arrived from Shanghai. I've long admired you, sir, so we came to pay a visit." Wuzi repeatedly disclaimed the honor and invited the two to sit down.
After tea, Mrs. Yang took a small box from her handbag and opened it, revealing a delicate bottle of fragrant balm. Mrs. Yang said, "This is the latest French perfume. I brought it especially for you, as a token of my regard." Wuzi took it, uncorked the bottle, and a rich fragrance assailed his nostrils. He smiled and said, "Such a generous gift-I really don't deserve it." Mrs. Yang laughed, "Please don't be so polite. I hope you will look after us in the future."
As they were speaking, the young woman suddenly asked, "Sir, I have a question. I'm not sure if I should ask." Wuzi replied, "Please go ahead." The woman blushed slightly and said in a low voice, "Are you already engaged?" Wuzi was startled and did not answer immediately. Mrs. Yang laughed from the side, "My niece is young and ignorant-how could she ask such a question?" But the woman pressed on, "If you are not engaged, I have a match to propose. What do you think?"
Wuzi's heart stirred, but he kept his composure and smiled, "Miss, I appreciate your kind intention. However, at present, I am busy with state affairs and have not yet considered marriage." Upon hearing this, the woman showed disappointment on her face. Mrs. Yang quickly smoothed things over, "Marriage is a major matter, so naturally we should discuss it slowly. If you are interested, sir, we can take our time to talk it over."
After talking a while longer, Mrs. Yang rose to take leave. Wuzi saw them out, and outside there was a row of parked cars, an imposing array. Mrs. Yang smiled and said, "These cars I have specially arranged to send you to tonight's banquet." Wuzi, secretly amazed, saw seven or eight new cars. Mrs. Yang said, "Please get in, sir. We've already reserved seats at the hotel." Unable to decline, Wuzi got into the car. As the car started, the scenery along the way was magnificent, but Wuzi's mind was full of thoughts.
Arriving at the hotel, they saw the entrance decorated with lanterns and festoons, and guests thronged like clouds. Mrs. Yang led Wuzi into the hall, where celebrities from various circles came forward to greet him. Wuzi exchanged pleasantries with each, but his mind was still on the young woman's question. That night, though he chatted and laughed animatedly at the banquet, his heart was never at ease. Truly: Before the balm was tasted, his heart was already drunk; As the motorcade set out, his mind was already lost. What happened next? Listen to the next chapter for the explanation.