Explore Chapter 47 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 received the handkerchief and photo from Li Yun, and his heart couldn't help but stir. Yet, recalling He Jianchen's advice, he forcibly suppressed his feelings. That day, while editing manuscripts at the newspaper office, He Jianchen walked over. Seeing him lost in thought, He Jianchen smiled and said, "So? I haven't seen you go to Pine and Bamboo House these past few days. You must have listened to my words." Yang Xingyuan replied, "I also think such places aren't suitable for frequent visits. It's just that with Li Yun, we occasionally exchange letters." He Jianchen said, "It's best that you think this way. But from your expression, it seems you still have some attachment." Yang Xingyuan laughed, "After all, I can't hide it from you."
Just as they were speaking, a letter was delivered from outside. Yang Xingyuan recognized the envelope as from Li Yun. Opening it, he found only a slip of paper that read, "Can you come for a talk tonight? Yun." After reading it, Yang Xingyuan said to He Jianchen, "See, here it comes again." He Jianchen said, "I shouldn't meddle in this matter, but as close friends, I must remind you. Although Li Yun is good, she is ultimately from the pleasure quarter. If you take it seriously, trouble is inevitable in the future." Yang Xingyuan nodded, "I understand."
That evening, Yang Xingyuan couldn't resist going to Pine and Bamboo House. Li Yun was overjoyed to see him and said, "I thought you weren't coming." Yang Xingyuan said, "How could I not come?" After talking for a while, Li Yun suddenly shed tears. Yang Xingyuan hurriedly asked why. Li Yun said, "I've been very scared these past few days." Yang Xingyuan asked, "Afraid of what?" Li Yun said, "My mother is about to return from Shanghai. If she finds out about us, she will certainly not allow it. Here, I may seem free, but in truth, every move I make is watched." Yang Xingyuan comforted her, "Don't worry. There will always be a way."
Just as they were speaking, Amao came in and said, "There's a guest." Li Yun had no choice but to go out and entertain. Yang Xingyuan, alone in the room, saw several books on the table. Flipping through them casually, he found Dream of the Red Chamber, "Traces of Flowers and Moon," and the like, with some poetry manuscripts tucked inside. The handwriting was childish, clearly Li Yun's attempts at learning. Yang Xingyuan looked at them, couldn't help but smile, yet felt a pang of pity.
After waiting a while, Li Yun returned, her face showing displeasure. Yang Xingyuan asked her, and she said, "These guests are so annoying. They just rely on having some money and put on airs as if they're masters." Yang Xingyuan said, "If you don't like it, you don't have to entertain them." Li Yun sighed, "How can I help it?" They chatted a bit more, and seeing it was getting late, Yang Xingyuan stood up to leave. Li Yun saw him to the door and whispered, "Will you come again tomorrow?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I'll come if I have time." Li Yun said, "I'll wait for you." Yang Xingyuan nodded and left.
Returning to the Guild Hall, the attendant handed him a letter from Wu Bibo, inviting him to appreciate the snow at Taoran Pavilion the next day. Yang Xingyuan thought to himself, these past few days had been dull, so going out to relax would be good.
The next day, Yang Xingyuan went to Taoran Pavilion, where Wu Bibo had already arrived. The two sat in the pavilion, gazing at the snowscape. Wu Bibo said, "Such a fine scene, it's a pity there's no wine." Yang Xingyuan laughed, "You truly are a wine lover, thinking of wine wherever you go." Wu Bibo said, "Have you not heard, 'Evening approaches, the sky threatens snow; could we not drink a cup?'" After joking for a while, Wu Bibo suddenly turned serious and said, "I've heard you've been frequently visiting Pine and Bamboo House lately. Is that true?" Yang Xingyuan asked, "How do you know?" Wu Bibo said, "There are some rumors outside, saying you and Li Yun are getting very close. I'm telling you for your own good. Such places are fine for occasional amusement, but don't get too involved." Yang Xingyuan said, "Why do you all say that? I know my limits."
Wu Bibo said, "I hope so. I'm just afraid you'll fall into a love trap and can't extricate yourself. You must know, a courtesan's love is mostly business." Yang Xingyuan remained silent. Knowing he was unhappy, Wu Bibo changed the subject and talked about poetry. The two composed a few lines of poetry together, then commented on the current situation, not parting until evening.
Yang Xingyuan returned to the newspaper office, where He Jianchen told him that the newspaper was recently facing financial difficulties and might not be able to pay salaries. Yang Xingyuan said, "What should we do?" He Jianchen said, "We can only take one step at a time." Feeling vexed, after work, Yang Xingyuan didn't go home but wandered onto the street. Unconsciously, he found himself near Pine and Bamboo House. He hesitated for a moment but ultimately didn't go in, turning back to the Guild Hall.