Explore Chapter 21 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 wedding of Mulan and Sunya took place in the spring of the thirtieth year of the Guangxu reign. The weather was clear and sunny. The Zeng family held a grand banquet, and the house was filled with guests. Mulan wore a bright red embroidered wedding gown with a red veil covering her head. Supported by the bridal attendant, she performed the ritual bows to Heaven and Earth. Sunya donned a new robe with a large red flower pinned on his chest, his face beaming with joy. After the ceremony, they were led to the bridal chamber. Mulan sat on the edge of the bed, her heart pounding. Sunya lifted her veil with a steelyard hook and saw Mulan's lovely face. Both blushed deeply.
On the third day after the wedding, Sunya told Mulan that he was going to Shanghai to study. It was his father's wish as well as his own. Though reluctant, Mulan knew her husband had ambition, so she nodded. She packed his luggage and hastily made a pair of new shoes overnight, tucking them into his trunk.
On the day Sunya left, Mulan saw him off at Qianmen Railway Station. As the train departed, Mulan waved goodbye, tears streaming down her face. She stood on the platform, watching the train disappear into the distance, feeling a deep emptiness in her heart.
After returning home, Mulan began to learn household management. Seeing her clever and capable, Mrs. Zeng entrusted her with part of the account books. Mulan carefully checked and clearly recorded every income and expense. She also often went to the backyard to visit Manniang, where they did needlework together and shared their innermost thoughts.
At this time, Tiren became even more dissolute in the capital, often hanging out with disreputable friends and even taking up opium. Yao Si'an turned livid with rage but could do nothing to control him. Madam Yao, however, doted on her son, saying he was still young and would improve as he grew older. When Mulan heard about this, she was deeply worried and tried several times to advise her brother, but Tiren would not listen at all.
One day, after another quarrel with his father, Tiren stormed out, slamming the door. Sitting in his study, Yao Si'an let out a long sigh and said to Mulan, "Your brother is finished. You must take more responsibility for the family." Mulan nodded in agreement, but her heart was heavy with sorrow.