Explore Chapter 41 of 'Spring Ming Outer History' with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
Yang Xingyuan had always been close with He Jianchen, sharing everything without reserve. But since that day, the thought of Li Yun lingered in his heart, making him feel somewhat embarrassed. He Jianchen had already seen through it, but only smiled without saying a word. That afternoon, Yang Xingyuan planned to stroll around Liulichang and buy some writing materials. Just as he stepped out the gate, he ran into He Jianchen again. Taking Yang Xingyuan's hand, he said, "Perfect timing! I was just about to ask you to go for a stroll. Where are you headed?" Yang Xingyuan replied, "I was thinking of going to Liulichang to buy some things." He Jianchen said, "That's great! Let's go together. I was planning to go to the market to buy some odds and ends." Each hired a rickshaw, and they headed straight for outside the Front Gate.
Upon reaching Liulichang, Yang Xingyuan bought some poetry paper, an old inkstick, and a copy of "The Collected Works of Tao Yuanming." Then he went to the Commercial Press and purchased a few magazines. He Jianchen asked, "Are you done? Let's go to the market." Yang Xingyuan said, "Alright." After leaving the Commercial Press, each carrying a small paper package, they strolled southward and unwittingly arrived at the ball court. Inside, many people were playing ball. The ball thudded against the wall with a rhythmic sound. People came and went like shuttles, creating a bustling scene. Yang Xingyuan remarked, "It's been a while since I came here, and now it's even livelier." He Jianchen said, "This is nothing. Wait until Saturday and Sunday, then you'll see real excitement." The two walked around for a couple of laps and managed to buy a few items. He Jianchen suggested, "The weather is nice today, and it's still early. How about we go to Little Heaven to eat at a small restaurant?" Yang Xingyuan agreed, "Sure." They left the ball court and headed to Little Heaven.
By then, quite a few diners had already arrived. The two found a private room and sat down, ordering several dishes before chatting over drinks. Yang Xingyuan said, "Earlier at the ball court, we saw many female students in short skirts and long gowns, without coats, as if they weren't cold at all. They really have such endurance. Look at us in such thick clothes, yet the wind still seeps in." He Jianchen replied, "You're just unaccustomed to such sights. In winter, they wear fur coats too. But they wear foreign-style clothes, you just don't know about it." Yang Xingyuan said, "In this cold weather, they go bare-legged without stockings. It makes me shiver just looking at them." He Jianchen retorted, "And you call yourself a civilized person? How can you be so stubborn?" Yang Xingyuan laughed. "It's not stubbornness. I think in winter, one should wear winter clothes, and in summer, summer clothes. If someone walked around in a fur robe in June, wouldn't people think them mad? Similarly, wearing summer clothes in winter is certainly not right." He Jianchen conceded, "That makes sense."
As they debated, someone from outside suddenly interjected, "Who says it's not right?" Yang and He turned to see a man emerging from the next room. He was about forty years old, with a short mustache on his lip. He wore a blue cotton overcoat over a black cotton-padded robe, the cuffs stained with grease. On his head was a black velvet skullcap, its edges rolled up to reveal a bit of white mourning cord. He looked every bit a scholarly old gentleman. In one hand, he held a newspaper, in the other, he supported a pair of large glasses, having been reading. Hearing their discussion, he had spoken up. He Jianchen stood up to greet him. "It's Mr. Wu! What a pleasant surprise! Please join us." Mr. Wu took off his glasses, folded the newspaper, and walked over. He Jianchen introduced him to Yang Xingyuan. "This is Mr. Wu, a fellow townsman of mine, now working at the ministry." Yang Xingyuan also stood up to offer a seat.
Mr. Wu sat down, glanced at them, and smiled. "I overheard your esteemed discussion just now. If I may speak frankly, people's hearts are no longer as they were in the past, all corrupted by this 'Western influence.' A perfectly good China insists on imitating foreigners. I don't know about other things, but women's clothing is truly imitated to a ridiculous extent. In the old days, Manchu ladies walked the streets with straight postures, dignified and proper. But now these female students, you see them walk with deliberate sways, putting on all sorts of ugly airs, and some even praise them for so-called 'curves.' Why must a good Chinese person learn from foreigners? Are foreigners always superior? Look! Foreigners don't eat rice but steak, don't drink tea but coffee. If they think China is inferior, why do they come here and learn to drink tea and eat rice? So I say, Chinese people haven't learned the good from foreigners but have lost the original virtues of China. Take clothing, for example. Isn't every aspect of Chinese clothing convenient and comfortable? Now, imitating foreigners, it becomes clumsy and heavy, neither warm in winter nor cool in summer. In winter, they go bare-legged, knees freezing red, yet they call it beauty. I'm forty-five years old and have never seen such 'beauties.'"
Yang and He both laughed. Yang Xingyuan said, "Mr. Wu speaks bluntly, but some always think foreign things are better than Chinese." Mr. Wu exclaimed, "What nonsense! That's the most shameless thing Chinese people say. Look, isn't everything in China better than abroad? Take products, for instance. China has silk, does the West? China has porcelain, does the West? China has tea, does the West?" He Jianchen chuckled. "Mr. Wu is getting more worked up." Yang Xingyuan said, "I agree with Mr. Wu's points. But worldly affairs have their rightful and wrongful aspects; we can't dismiss everything outright. China naturally has many merits, but we must also acknowledge foreign strengths. For example, Chinese literature is undoubtedly the best, but the New Literature Movement..." Mr. Wu put on his glasses, looked at Yang Xingyuan, and took out a leather wallet from his pocket. From it, he retrieved a small paper package, opened it to reveal dozens of beard hairs. He picked one, bit it gently, then said, "Are you one of those New Literature masters? Your so-called new poetry and vernacular writing give me a headache. Good Chinese characters are twisted into strange forms, with no regard for grammar or tonal patterns. What nonsense is this? Poetry is verse and must rhyme; that's an immutable truth. Now, new poetry abolishes rhyme-can that even be called poetry? To speak bluntly, it's worse than farting. At least farting has sound and odor. This new poetry isn't even as good as that!"
Yang Xingyuan, having been rebuffed, found it hard to respond. He Jianchen smiled. "Mr. Wu has vented quite a bit today. Let's have a few more drinks to calm down." He then called the waiter to add more wine and dishes. Mr. Wu said, "Wine is fine, but no more dishes. It's not that I'm stingy, but I have an appointment and fear delaying it if I stay too long." He Jianchen said, "In that case, we won't insist." Mr. Wu stood up, stroked his beard, put on his glasses, took the newspaper in hand, nodded, and said, "Goodbye." Then he left. Yang Xingyuan laughed. "This old gentleman is quite interesting. What he says isn't without reason, just a bit too rigid." He Jianchen replied, "He's fond of grumbling, that's all. Let's not mind him and continue drinking."
After a few more drinks and casual talk, they finished the meal, paid the bill, and each went home. Yang Xingyuan returned to Guild Hall, opened the newly bought "Collected Works of Tao Yuanming," and flipped to "Returning Home." He couldn't help but read it through. He thought, "The ancients said, 'When poor, cultivate oneself; when successful, benefit the world.' I, Yang Xingyuan, have no hope of success, so should I just give up? Tao Yuanming refused to bow for five pecks of rice and resigned to live in seclusion. But I, for a salary of over a hundred yuan, act as a yes-man for others-it's hardly worth it. Yet if I quit this job, where would I find food? Facing family poverty and aging parents, can I just stand by idly?" Thinking this, he connected Tao Yuanming's situation with his own, feeling a mix of emotions. He picked up a pen and wrote some reflections in his diary. After finishing, he added, "I hear Tao Yuanming suffered hunger and cold after resigning. My meager salary, though insufficient to support my family, is still better than his. Yet now I grow restless, always wanting more-truly insatiable. Besides, I'm not here to get rich but to find temporary shelter. Through this, I can make a few friends and read more books-not a bad plan. From now on, I should remember the ancients' principle of finding contentment in poverty and not entertain undue ambitions. As for those who don't understand me, let them be." After reading it to himself, he felt somewhat relieved, then tidied up and went to sleep.
The next day, feeling more spirited, he went to the newspaper office. As the editing finished early that day, it was only past six o'clock. He Jianchen said, "I heard that at First Stage tonight, there's a newly arrived actress named Bai Yumei with excellent performances. Shall we go see her?" Yang Xingyuan replied, "I usually don't watch female performer shows. In Beijing, none are worth watching." He Jianchen insisted, "This Bai Yumei is said to be different from the rest. Go see her, and I guarantee you'll be satisfied." Unable to resist He Jianchen, Yang Xingyuan agreed. They left the newspaper office and headed to First Stage.
After buying tickets and entering, they saw the auditorium was already more than half full. They found seats and sat down. Soon, the performance began. The first few acts were ordinary, nothing special. By the fifth act, it was indeed Bai Yumei in "Jade Hall Spring." The curtain lifted, and the actress playing Su San walked on stage. Yang Xingyuan saw she was only about eighteen or nineteen, with a round face and fair skin. Her eyes were large and dark. Her appearance was decent but not extraordinary. But when she opened her mouth to sing a slow Xipi melody, her voice was clear and melodious, like a young oriole leaving the valley or a swallow returning to its nest. Yang Xingyuan had rarely heard such a fine voice and couldn't help but exclaim "Bravo!" After finishing the line, Bai Yumei turned and struck a pose. Her eyes glanced toward the audience, and Yang Xingyuan felt her gaze seemed directed at him, stirring his heart. As Bai Yumei sang with increasing fervor, the audience grew more enthusiastic. The final fast-paced lines flowed like pearls on a jade plate, nearly earning applause with each word. After she finished, thunderous applause erupted. Bai Yumei took two curtain calls before retreating backstage.
He Jianchen said to Yang Xingyuan, "Well? Didn't I mislead you?" Yang Xingyuan replied, "She is very good, but I don't understand how a female performer can have such skill. She must have been taught by a master." He Jianchen said, "You don't know, this Bai Yumei is from Jiangsu. Her mother was also in the theater. She learned opera from childhood and worked hard, hence her artistry. Not only does she sing well, but she's also skilled in calligraphy and painting-truly talented." Yang Xingyuan remarked, "In that case, she's more an artist than an ordinary performer." He Jianchen agreed, "Exactly! That's why she's so famous, with many admirers vying for her favor." Yang Xingyuan asked, "Does she, like ordinary performers, enjoy befriending wealthy patrons?" He Jianchen said, "I'm not sure. But I've heard she values her reputation and doesn't casually socialize. That sets her apart." Yang Xingyuan nodded. "That's commendable."
By then, the performance had ended. He Jianchen said, "Let's go." They left First Stage. He Jianchen suggested, "It's still early. Where shall we go to relax?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I should head back. I have an article to write." He Jianchen protested, "Not again! You're always hunched over your desk-isn't that tiring? The moonlight is lovely tonight. How about I accompany you for a walk in Central Park?" Yang Xingyuan looked up and saw a half-moon hanging in the azure sky. He thought, "Returning to Guild Hall would just mean facing a lonely lamp. Might as well go for a walk." So he said, "Alright." They took rickshaws to Central Park.
That evening, there weren't many visitors. Entering the park, they felt a gentle breeze and saw tree shadows scattered on the ground. The crescent moon hung from pine branches, enhancing the serene charm. Hands behind their backs, they strolled slowly outside the waterside pavilion under the cypress trees. Yang Xingyuan said, "This place is wonderful. It's a pity the city lacks mountains and forests, so we must make do with such spots." He Jianchen retorted, "You say that? Soon, this place will become a lovers' market. Look at those pairs of men and women sitting side by side, whispering sweet nothings. They're turning a perfectly good park into a noisy mess." Yang Xingyuan laughed. "You sound like Mr. Wu from earlier. Why worry about it? It's none of your concern." He Jianchen also smiled. "It's not that I worry, I just can't stand it."
As they spoke, they suddenly heard someone reciting poetry from under the cypress trees. He Jianchen said, "Listen, that's quite refined." Yang Xingyuan remarked, "The voice sounds familiar, like my friend Shu Jiucheng." They walked over and saw Shu Jiucheng sitting on a bench, swaying his head as he recited. Seeing Yang Xingyuan, he stood to greet them. Yang Xingyuan said, "I heard you reciting from afar. What elegant pastime!" Shu Jiucheng replied, "The moonlight here is so beautiful, I was reminded of Jiang Baishi's lyrics and couldn't help reciting them." Yang Xingyuan asked, "Which ones?" Shu Jiucheng said, "The two pieces 'Faint Fragrance' and 'Sparse Shadows.'" Yang Xingyuan commented, "Jiang Baishi's lyrics are fine but too obscure. Who are you reciting for?" Shu Jiucheng said, "Myself, isn't that allowed?" He Jianchen interjected, "You're both so pedantic. This isn't the place for reciting poetry. And if you must, why Jiang Baishi? You should recite Li Bai's 'Clear breeze and bright moon cost not a coin; the jade mountain falls by itself, none push it'-that's more spirited!" Shu Jiucheng laughed. "You're ruining the mood."
Yang Xingyuan said, "Enough joking. Let's find a place to sit." Shu Jiucheng suggested, "The tea seats over there are mostly empty. Let's go there." The three went to Laijinyu Pavilion, chose a table, and sat down. A waiter served tea, and they chatted over drinks. Shu Jiucheng said, "I recited Jiang Baishi's lyrics for a reason. This afternoon at Liulichang, I saw a painting of plum blossoms. The blossoms were depicted sparsely, with an elegant charm. A poem was inscribed above it-the poem was ordinary, but the calligraphy was exceptionally graceful. I thought it was by some famous scholar, but it wasn't. It was painted by Bai Yumei." Yang Xingyuan asked, "Which Bai Yumei?" Shu Jiucheng said, "The same Bai Yumei who performed at First Stage today." Yang Xingyuan exclaimed, "She has such skill? Are you sure it wasn't done by someone else for her?" Shu Jiucheng insisted, "I saw clearly-the name inscribed was Bai Yumei. And the calligraphy and painting were definitely not by a common hand; it must be her own work." Yang Xingyuan said, "That's astonishing. For a female performer to paint plum blossoms is rare enough, but to write such fine calligraphy is even more impressive. This Bai Yumei is a true talent." He Jianchen added, "Why be surprised? Bai Yumei is known for her calligraphy and painting. Much of her fame comes from that." Yang Xingyuan wondered, "With such talent, why does she still perform opera?" Shu Jiucheng said, "Now you're being narrow-minded. Performing is her profession; calligraphy and painting are her art. Profession and art are two separate things-no conflict there."
Yang Xingyuan said, "I'm not saying there's a conflict. I just think with her talents, she should find a way to express her art without relying on the stage for a living." He Jianchen laughed. "That's a scholar's view. If she didn't perform, where would her fame come from? Without fame, who would want her calligraphy and paintings? So her art depends on her profession." Yang Xingyuan conceded, "That makes sense." Shu Jiucheng said, "I don't care about art or profession. I find her a mystery. I'd like to learn more about what kind of person she really is." He Jianchen teased, "Why inquire? Do you want to become her admirer too?" Shu Jiucheng denied, "No, no, just out of curiosity." Yang Xingyuan said, "What's so curious? She's just a female performer." Shu Jiucheng replied, "Female performers aren't curious in themselves, but one with such learning is rare."
After chatting for a while, the moon rose to its zenith, and park visitors gradually dispersed. They left Central Park and each went home. Yang Xingyuan returned to Guild Hall around midnight. Pondering Shu Jiucheng's words, he thought, "Since Bai Yumei is skilled in calligraphy and painting, she's no ordinary performer. If I get the chance, I'd like to see what she's really like." With these thoughts, he soon fell asleep.
Two days later, while Yang Xingyuan was reading at home, the caretaker came in and said, "There's a female visitor outside to see you, Mr. Yang." Yang Xingyuan wondered, "I don't have female friends. Who could it be?" He said, "Please show her in." The caretaker went out and soon brought in a visitor. Yang Xingyuan saw it was none other than Li Yun. She wore a pea-green satin velvet cheongsam, carrying a handbag, and walked in with a smile. Yang Xingyuan asked, "What brings you here suddenly?" Li Yun replied, "Why can't I come? Aren't you welcome?" Yang Xingyuan said, "It's not that. I'm just surprised you know this place." Li Yun said, "I found out earlier that you're staying at Guild Hall, so I came specifically to visit today." Yang Xingyuan invited her to sit. Li Yun remarked, "Your room is tidy, just a bit lonely." Yang Xingyuan said, "It's a Guild Hall room, only temporary." Li Yun asked, "Don't you find it lonely living here alone?" Yang Xingyuan replied, "I'm used to it." Li Yun inquired, "You go to the newspaper office every day. When do you return?" Yang Xingyuan said, "It varies, usually around eight or nine in the evening." Li Yun said, "So you're rarely home during the day." Yang Xingyuan confirmed, "Yes. Why do you ask?" Li Yun said, "Just curious."
Yang Xingyuan sensed from her demeanor that she had come seeking him. He thought, "We're acquainted but not deeply involved. Why visit me suddenly?" Aloud, he asked, "Did you come for something today?" Li Yun retorted, "Can't I visit without a reason?" Stumped, Yang Xingyuan smiled without reply. Li Yun said, "I heard you enjoy watching Bai Yumei's performances. Is that true?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Who said that? I only saw her once, the day before yesterday." Li Yun asked, "What do you think of her?" Yang Xingyuan replied, "She sings well." Li Yun pressed, "Is she pretty?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Passable." Li Yun demanded, "Compared to me?" Taken aback, Yang Xingyuan laughed. "How can I compare?" Li Yun insisted, "Why not? She's a performer, and I'm... Don't I deserve comparison?" Yang Xingyuan explained, "That's not what I meant. You both have your own merits; one isn't better than the other." Li Yun said, "You're deceiving me. I know men always favor the new. She's a newcomer, so of course you praise her."
Hearing this, Yang Xingyuan knew she was jealous and found her somewhat naive. He smiled. "You wrong me. I have no ties to her; why would I praise her? Besides, I was invited to the show, not by choice. How do you know I like her performances?" Li Yun said, "Don't hide it. Your newspaper runs articles praising her every day." Yang Xingyuan argued, "Those articles are by others. What does that have to do with me?" Li Yun retorted, "Hmph! Everyone knows you're a gentleman at the newspaper office. Even if you didn't write them, you must know about it." Yang Xingyuan said, "That's even more unfounded. The newspaper office is collectively responsible. You can't blame me for everything just because I work there." Li Yun said, "I won't argue that. Just tell me, do you like her or me?" Yang Xingyuan laughed. "That's unreasonable. I've only met her once by fate, so liking doesn't come into it. As for you, we're friends, so of course I like you." Hearing this, Li Yun softened and smiled. "Really?" Yang Xingyuan assured, "Why would I lie?"
Li Yun opened her handbag, took out a photo, and handed it to Yang Xingyuan. "Look, who's this?" Yang Xingyuan took it and saw a half-portrait of a modern woman with short hair in a cheongsam, her features delicate. Yang Xingyuan said, "Who is it? I feel I've seen her somewhere." Li Yun urged, "Guess." Yang Xingyuan said, "I can't." Li Yun revealed, "It's Bai Yumei in casual wear." Yang Xingyuan exclaimed, "Oh! Her photo. Where did you get it?" Li Yun said, "I have my ways. What do you think of her?" Yang Xingyuan remarked, "From the photo, she looks quite modern." Li Yun offered, "Do you like her? I'll give it to you." Yang Xingyuan declined, "Why would I want her photo?" Li Yun challenged, "If you don't like her, why did you watch her show the other day?" Yang Xingyuan repeated, "I already said, I was invited, not by choice." Li Yun insisted, "I don't care, you still saw it. If you really like me, promise never to watch her performances again." Yang Xingyuan smiled. "Aren't you being unreasonable?" Li Yun said, "How am I unreasonable? Men are all heartless, forgetting the old for the new. If I don't set this straight, you'll abandon me later." Yang Xingyuan said, "You're exaggerating. We're just friends; how can we talk of abandonment?" Li Yun asked, "Friends? Is that all I am to you?" Yang Xingyuan replied, "What else?" Li Yun's eyes reddened. "So you've been deceiving me. If I'm just a friend, why did you say those things that day?" Yang Xingyuan asked, "What did I say?" Li Yun recalled, "You said you couldn't bear to part with me." Yang Xingyuan denied, "When did I say that?" Li Yun accused, "Don't pretend! That day at Pine and Bamboo House, you said it yourself. Have you forgotten?"
Yang Xingyuan thought carefully and vaguely remembered such an incident. One evening at Li Yun's place, she had been affectionate, and he, carried away, had spoken some sentimental words. But he had since forgotten, never expecting Li Yun to take it seriously. He thought, "This is troublesome. If she's serious, future entanglements will be messy." So he said sternly, "Li Yun, I might have had too much to drink that day and spoken drunkenly. Don't take it to heart. As friends, we should respect each other and avoid such topics. Besides, you're young and have a bright future ahead. Don't let this mislead you." Hearing this, Li Yun's expression changed. "I see. You look down on me, thinking I'm unworthy of love. Fine, I was blind to have misjudged you. From now on, I won't bother you again." She stood to leave. Yang Xingyuan quickly stopped her. "Don't be angry. I don't look down on you. I'm thinking of your good. Don't misunderstand." Li Yun said, "For my good? Then promise me." Yang Xingyuan asked, "Promise what?" Li Yun demanded, "Promise never to associate with Bai Yumei." Yang Xingyuan said, "We've never associated. Why say this?" Li Yun insisted, "I don't care. Just promise." Cornered, Yang Xingyuan yielded. "Alright, I promise." Li Yun brightened. "Really? No lies?" Yang Xingyuan assured, "Of course true." Li Yun urged, "Swear it." Yang Xingyuan said, "Is that necessary?" Li Yun insisted, "If you don't swear, you're lying." Reluctantly, Yang Xingyuan said, "If I lie, may I die a wretched death." Li Yun quickly covered his mouth. "Who asked for such a harsh oath! I believe you."
Yang Xingyuan, touched by her gesture, found her天真可爱. He held her hand. "Sit down, let's talk more." Li Yun sat close. Yang Xingyuan asked, "Did you come just for this today?" Li Yun said, "Not entirely. I heard you moved here and wanted to see your place." Yang Xingyuan said, "What's there to see?" Li Yun replied, "I wanted to see where you live." She stood and walked around the room, then into the courtyard. Yang Xingyuan followed. Li Yun saw the pear tree and asked, "Did this tree blossom this year?" Yang Xingyuan said, "It did." Li Yun lamented, "Pity I missed it." Yang Xingyuan said, "No pity. It'll bloom again next year." Li Yun asked, "Will you still be here next year?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Not necessarily." Li Yun said, "If you move, I won't see this pear tree." Yang Xingyuan asked, "Why do you care about it?" Li Yun explained, "My name has 'Li' (pear), so I like pear trees." Yang Xingyuan smiled. "That's interesting."
After standing in the courtyard awhile, Li Yun said, "I should go." Yang Xingyuan urged, "It's still early. Stay a bit longer." Li Yun declined, "No, I have things to do." Yang Xingyuan asked, "What things?" Li Yun said, "I need to buy some things." Yang Xingyuan offered, "Shall I accompany you?" Li Yun refused, "No, I'll go alone." She went inside, took her handbag, and headed out. Yang Xingyuan saw her to the gate, watched her hire a rickshaw and leave. Returning to his room, he thought, "Li Yun's behavior today clearly shows she has feelings for me. But I'm a poor scholar; how can I afford to frequent the hutong? Besides, though Li Yun is lovely, she's ultimately from the pleasure quarter. Can I truly love her? Yet she seems sincere, which puzzles me." After pondering, he suddenly laughed. "Why take it so seriously? If she wants to be friends, so be it. As for the future, take one step at a time-no need to overthink now." With this, he felt at ease.