Explore Chapter 42 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.
Now, Yang Xingyuan returned from Pine and Bamboo House, thinking about Li Yun and feeling somewhat troubled. Arriving at the newspaper office, He Jianchen laughed and said, "Why are you so late today?" Yang Xingyuan replied, "I ran into a friend who dragged me off and kept me for a while." With that, he sat down to edit manuscripts.
By this time, most people in the editorial office had already left, with only He Jianchen still there rushing to finish his article. Yang Xingyuan said, "Aren't you leaving yet?" He Jianchen replied, "I have a special feature to finish tonight. It must be done, and I'm afraid it won't be completed until two or three in the morning." Yang Xingyuan laughed and said, "Why push yourself so hard? Words have their price, but life is priceless." He Jianchen sighed, "True enough, but having taken up this profession, I have no choice. Look, every one of these manuscripts is the result of racking my brains."
Yang Xingyuan nodded and buried himself in his work. After a long while, he suddenly recalled the events of the day and said to He Jianchen, "Today in the hutong, I saw something amusing." He then recounted the incident of Cheng Wugui and Ninth Master Qin getting into a fight. He Jianchen laughed and said, "These so-called scholars are indeed not what they seem, always squabbling over such trivial matters." Yang Xingyuan said, "Exactly. I hear that Eighth Master Qin is currently in favor, so his brother acts so arrogantly."
The two chatted for a while, and their editing was nearly done. He Jianchen said, "Today I heard some news. They say Ling Songlu's case is about to be settled. His acquaintance Fang Jinghua has already smoothed things over. Probably a fine will settle the matter." Yang Xingyuan said, "Such cases can always be made big or small. With money, things naturally go smoothly."
Just then, the telephone rang. He Jianchen answered it and said to Yang Xingyuan, "It's for you." Yang Xingyuan took the receiver and heard Li Yun's voice asking why he hadn't visited in recent days. Yang Xingyuan hemmed and hawed a bit, promised to see her tomorrow, and then hung up.
He Jianchen laughed and said, "You certainly have your share of romantic luck, but be careful not to stir up trouble." Yang Xingyuan said, "I know my limits." With that, he glanced at his watch. It was already past midnight. He Jianchen had finished his article, so the two left the newspaper office together.
By now, the night was deep and quiet. Only a few street lamps cast a dim yellow light. A cold wind blew, and Yang Xingyuan shivered, quickly wrapping his coat tighter. He Jianchen said, "On such a night, still rushing about outside-for whom do we toil and for whom do we busy ourselves?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Each has their own circumstances. There's nothing to be said."
They reached a crossroads and each hired a rickshaw to go home. Sitting in the rickshaw, Yang Xingyuan thought of what he had seen and heard during the day. He felt that all the strange phenomena in society were driven by nothing but profit. So-called scholars were merely profit-seekers.
Upon arriving at Guild Hall, the attendant opened the door and let him in. Yang Xingyuan asked, "Any letters for me?" The attendant said, "None." Yang Xingyuan then returned to his room and saw several books piled on the table, along with unfinished poetry drafts. He sat down, intending to continue writing, but found not a shred of inspiration.
So he simply lay down on the bed, eyes open, pondering his thoughts. He thought of Li Yun's innocent charm, his own drifting life, and He Jianchen's words. He felt that life in this world was truly like a grand dream.