Explore Chapter 30 of 'Moment in Peking' with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
Not long after Mulan's marriage, Yao Si'an returned from Hangzhou to Beijing. Learning that his daughter was leading a very happy life in the Zeng household, he felt a great sense of relief. Yet, as a man steeped in Taoist wisdom, he was more concerned with whether Mulan could grasp the true essence of life rather than simply reveling in worldly bliss.
One afternoon, Yao Si'an sent for Mulan to return to her parents' home. The moment she entered the house, she found her father browsing through a copy of "Zhuangzi" in his study. She said softly, "Father," and Yao Si'an looked up, smiled, and gestured for her to sit.
Sitting across from him, Mulan felt a wave of warmth surge through her heart. She noticed his hair had gained a few more white strands, yet his eyes remained clear and bright. Yao Si'an put down the book and said slowly, "Mulan, you are now a daughter-in-law of the Zeng family, but always remember: wherever you are, keep your mind tranquil. Life is like flowing water: sometimes swift, sometimes gentle, but in the end it always flows into the sea."
Mulan nodded in agreement. She told her father about the little details of her married life, mentioning Sunya's thoughtfulness, Mrs. Zeng's kindness, and various amusing anecdotes at home. Yao Si'an listened with a faint smile, without interrupting.
After a while, Yao Si'an took an ancient piece of jade from the bookshelf and handed it to Mulan. The jade was warm and smooth, carved with a phoenix spreading its wings. He said, "This jade I acquired in my youth, and now I give it to you. Jade possesses five virtues: benevolence, righteousness, wisdom, courage, and purity. You should be like jade-warm and gentle, yet steadfast in character."
Taking the jade, Mulan was deeply moved. She had always known she was the apple of her father's eye, but he had never given her a gift with such solemnity. Pressing the jade to her chest, she felt as if she could sense her father's deep love.
As they parted, Yao Si'an saw Mulan to the door. He advised, "Let things follow their natural course; do not force them. Life is short, but seek peace of mind." With tears in her eyes, Mulan nodded and boarded the sedan chair to leave. Once back at the Zeng residence, she carefully treasured the jade. Whenever worries weighed on her, she would take it out and hold it in her hands, deriving from it a sense of tranquility.