Explore Chapter 24 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.
The affair between Tiren and Yinping had become an open secret in the Yao household. Though Madam Yao understood the situation, she found it difficult to probe further, only hoping that Tiren would come to his senses sooner or later and rein in his heart. Yinping, however, was a scheming girl. Aware of her lowly status, she knew she must capture Tiren's heart to secure her place in the Yao family. She attended to Tiren with utmost care, always yielding to his wishes, and naturally he grew increasingly dependent on her.
Madam Yao was perpetually downcast over Tiren's actions. Once a shrewd and capable woman, she now felt overwhelmed. She had privately consulted Yao Si'an about sending Yinping away, but Yao Si'an thought there was no need for haste, remarking that young people were bound to have their wild moments and would settle down once the phase passed. Seeing her husband's indifference, Madam Yao had no choice but to let the matter rest.
The encounters between Tiren and Yinping grew more frequent, and Yinping's belly gradually swelled. Madam Yao could no longer sit idly by. She decided to handle the matter personally. Summoning Yinping, she gave her a sum of money and told her to return to her hometown in the south. Yinping tearfully begged Madam Yao to let her stay, but Madam Yao was resolute and would not be swayed. Left with no choice, Yinping packed her belongings and left the Yao household.
When Tiren learned that Yinping had been sent away, he stamped his feet in fury. He rushed to confront his mother but was met with a stern rebuke. Fuming but helpless, Tiren secretly traced Yinping's whereabouts and provided her with clandestine support. Yinping rented a small house outside the city and lived alone, all the while hoping that Tiren would come to take her back.
After dealing with the matter of Yinping, Madam Yao felt no relief. Knowing Tiren's temperament, she feared he would stir up more trouble. Indeed, before long, Tiren fell in with a group of disreputable friends, spending his days in revelry. Madam Yao fell ill from grief and worry, and her health never fully recovered.
Meanwhile, Mulan and Mochou stayed quietly at home, reading, writing, and helping with household chores. Though Mulan was concerned about her brother, she trusted that her parents knew what was best and refrained from meddling. She only hoped for peace and tranquility in the family, free from any further turmoil.
One day, Yao Si'an summoned Tiren to his study and spoke earnestly with him. "You are no longer a child," said Yao Si'an. "You should know what is right and what is wrong. Our family may not be illustrious, but we are a scholarly household, and you must not bring shame upon our ancestors." Tiren hung his head and said nothing. With a sigh, Yao Si'an let him go.
Emerging from his father's study, Tiren remained defiant. He considered his father too rigid and out of touch with the feelings of the young. He continued to go his own way, spending each day carousing with his friends. Watching her son like this, Madam Yao was torn between anguish and despair, yet she could do nothing.