Explore Chapter 49 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, since parting from Li Yun that day, Yang Xingyuan had never ceased to think of her. Yet he knew it was futile to force such matters. He could only bury himself in his desk each day, composing poems and essays to dispel his melancholy. One day, as he sat in his study perusing old manuscripts, he suddenly saw the pear blossom outside the window falling again, fluttering like snow. Unconsciously, it stirred old feelings, and he sighed to himself.
While lost in thought, a servant brought in a letter. Yang Xingyuan took it and looked. The handwriting on the envelope was elegant, yet unfamiliar. Upon opening it, he found it was from a gentlewoman he had met in the past. This lady, surnamed Li and named Dongqing, was originally from a family of scholars. Due to the decline of her family's fortunes, she had drifted to the capital, where she had once met Yang Xingyuan by fate. The letter was stained with tear marks, pouring out her heart. She said that since their parting, she had missed him day and night. Moreover, adrift in the world with no one to confide in, she could only write this letter to express her feelings.
After reading it, Yang Xingyuan was deeply moved. Recalling their past meeting, Dongqing had been gentle and refined, with remarkable conversation. She was indeed a talented woman. Now, seeing the sincere affection in her letter, every word a pearl, he could not help but feel pity. He immediately ground ink, spread paper, and wrote a reply. He also poured out his own heart through words. Naturally, the letter included some poetic exchanges to convey his sentiments.
From then on, they exchanged letters and gradually became confidants. Whenever Dongqing wrote a poem, she would first send it to Yang Xingyuan for critique. Yang Xingyuan also copied and sent the poems he wrote daily. Their literary bond grew ever deeper. Dongqing often said in her letters: "I am like floating duckweed, fortunate to have met you, sir. Though we cannot be together day and night, a fate forged through words is enough to comfort my life." Yang Xingyuan also replied: "A marital fate through words is superior to worldly husband and wife. As long as there is a spark of mutual understanding, why need we be together every moment?"
Thus over a month passed. One day, Dongqing suddenly came to visit in person. Yang Xingyuan welcomed her into his study and saw her face haggard, eyes brimming with tears. Asking the fate of it, he learned that her elderly mother was gravely ill. There were no funds for medicine, and her situation was extremely difficult. Dongqing said: "I did not wish to trouble you with mundane matters, but my mother is critically ill. So I have no choice but to seek your help, sir. If you are willing to assist, I am willing to repay you for life." With that, tears fell like rain.
Hearing this, Yang Xingyuan felt compassion in his heart. Being a chivalrous man, how could he stand idly by seeing Dongqing's filial piety? He said: "Miss, do not worry. I will do my best to raise the funds for medicine." Immediately, he took out his usual savings. He borrowed some money from friends, gathered the amount, and gave it to Dongqing. Dongqing was overwhelmed with gratitude. She bowed in thanks and left.
A few days later, Dongqing's mother gradually recovered. Dongqing wrote another letter of thanks, revealing even deeper affection. She said: "Your kindness, sir, I will never forget. I have no other thoughts now. I only wish to serve you to repay even a fraction." Yang Xingyuan read the letter and hesitated. Though he pitied Dongqing, his own livelihood was not abundant. Moreover, his old feelings for Li Yun were not severed. How could he entangle another marital fate?
While hesitating, he suddenly received a letter from Li Yun. It said that Madam had returned from Shanghai and was pressing her tightly. It would be difficult to meet again, her words full of sorrow. After reading it, Yang Xingyuan felt troubled. Suddenly, past and future affairs intertwined in his heart, making it hard to decide. He simply shut himself in. He pondered the matters of Dongqing and Li Yun in detail.
A few more days passed, and Dongqing came in person to thank him again. Seeing Yang Xingyuan looking despondent, she asked the fate of it. Yang Xingyuan did not hide it. He briefly mentioned the matter of Li Yun. After hearing it, Dongqing was silent for a long time before saying: "I know well that you, sir, value affection and righteousness. However, Miss Li Yun is in the world of pleasure, not free to act. She may not be a suitable match for you. Though I am poor and humble, my heart is sincere. I wish to share hardships with you, sir." With that, she shed tears again.
Seeing Dongqing's deep affection, Yang Xingyuan was moved. He recalled that he was growing older, drifting without stability. He should find a home. Dongqing was talented and beautiful, with a gentle temperament. She was indeed a good companion. As for Li Yun, though lingering feelings remained, it was like flowers in a mirror or the moon in water. It was difficult to grasp. After much thought, he finally made up his mind. He said to Dongqing: "How dare Xingyuan betray your deep affection, Miss? If you do not disdain me, I wish to grow old together with you."
Hearing this, Dongqing wiped her tears and smiled. She said: "Your words, sir, are my fortune. But the marriage must have my mother's consent. Let me return home to inform her, and then we can discuss further." Yang Xingyuan nodded in agreement. After Dongqing left, Yang Xingyuan set about preparing. He refurbished his study and borrowed some more money from friends for the wedding expenses.
Soon, Dongqing's mother consented to the marriage. The two families chose an auspicious day for the betrothal ceremony. Yang Xingyuan had forged a fate through words and finally gained a gentlewoman as companion. His joy needs no saying. Dongqing also felt her life had found support. Tears had won her a spouse, filling her with endless感慨. From then on, they often spent time together discussing poetry and literature. Their affection grew daily, creating a beautiful tale.
The news spread, and friends came to congratulate him. He Jianchen laughed and said: "Brother Xingyuan usually amuses himself with words. Who would have thought that today he would forge a marital fate through words? Truly commendable and congratulatory." Huang Bieshan also said: "A tender lady's affection, a scholar's sigh of relief-this is a match made in heaven." Yang Xingyuan thanked them one by one. His heart was full of contentment.
Now, Li Yun learned of Yang Xingyuan's engagement and felt bitter sorrow. But knowing that their fate had run its course, she could only weep secretly. Later, Yang Xingyuan sent someone with some silver to help her To buy one's freedom. Li Yun was immensely grateful. This is a later tale, let it be mentioned no further for now.
After marriage, Yang Xingyuan and Dongqing treated each other with respect like guests. Though their life was not affluent, it was full of joy. Dongqing was skilled at managing the household. Yang Xingyuan focused on writing, occasionally helping the newspaper office with articles to supplement their income. They often read together by lamplight and composed linked poems under the moonlight. Truly, it was a marital fate through words, blissful beyond compare.
One day, Yang Xingyuan was writing in his study when Dongqing brought him a bowl of hot tea. Softly, she said: "Sir, rest a while. Do not overexert yourself." Yang Xingyuan looked up with a smile. He took her hand and said: "With you by my side, even if I write thousands of words, I do not feel tired." Dongqing's face flushed with a rosy glow. She lowered her head, smiling. Outside the window, the pear blossom bloomed again, pure as snow. It seemed to bear witness to this marital fate.