Explore Chapter 14 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.
After the Boxer Rebellion, Beijing gradually returned to calm. Mr. Yao Si'an returned to the capital from the south. He found that his residence had been spared, but some precious antiques were lost. Still, he managed to acquire a few Zhou dynasty bronzes from scattered items, which brought him considerable comfort.
Mr. Zeng Wenpu, on the other hand, paid even more attention to his children's education. He hired a new tutor and strictly supervised the studies of Pingya, Jingya, and Sunya. Although Manniang was not in Beijing, her marriage had been arranged, and Pingya secretly rejoiced.
After Mulan returned to Beijing, she continued to learn antique appreciation from her father. Her experience in Tai'an had matured her, and she began to ponder the meaning of life and marriage.
One day, Sunya slipped over to the Yao residence, hoping to play with Mulan. Mulan was copying calligraphy in her study. When she saw Sunya arrive, she put down her brush and chatted with him. Sunya said he wanted to go to the Western Hills to see the red leaves and asked if Mulan would like to join him. Mulan hesitated, then said she needed to ask her parents before deciding.