Explore Chapter 58 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.
Since parting with Li Yun at Pine and Bamboo House that day, Yang Xingyuan had been in constant low spirits. The splendor of Beijing now felt like a burden to him. One day, as he was reading in the Guild Hall, he suddenly received a phone call from He Jianchen, inviting him for tea at Central Park. Yang Xingyuan was reluctant to go out, but He Jianchen urged him repeatedly. He had no choice but to change clothes and take a rickshaw there.
Seeing Yang Xingyuan arrive, He Jianchen quickly stood up to greet him. Pointing to the young man, he said, "This is Qin Yanli's younger brother, Ninth Master Qin." Yang Xingyuan and Ninth Master Qin exchanged bows and sat down. Ninth Master Qin said, "I have long admired your reputation, Mr. Yang. It is truly an honor to meet you today." Yang Xingyuan offered a few modest words. He Jianchen said, "Ninth Master is hosting guests in the park today, all wealthy individuals. I dragged Xingyuan along to join the fun." Yang Xingyuan said, "So Ninth Master has distinguished guests. I fear I may be intruding." Ninth Master Qin laughed and replied, "Not at all. Mr. Yang is a literary master. I was just hoping to seek your advice."
As they spoke, several people approached, all dressed in华丽 attire and carrying themselves with an air of importance. Ninth Master Qin quickly rose to greet them, introducing each one. Some were section chiefs from the Ministry of Finance, others were directors from the Police Department. Yang Xingyuan barely knew any of them and could only exchange pleasantries casually. These wealthy men chatted and laughed animatedly, discussing official extravagances. Yang Xingyuan found no opening to join in and had to listen quietly.
Soon, the waiter laid out a feast, and Ninth Master Qin invited everyone to take their seats. During the meal, the rich guests engaged in drinking games and made a great racket. Yang Xingyuan found it tedious and excused himself to take a stroll. He Jianchen followed him out and whispered with a laugh, "Why are you so reserved? These people are notorious suckers in Beijing, spending money like dirt. We might as well enjoy a free meal." Yang Xingyuan said, "As a man of modest means, I feel ill at ease in their company."
The two strolled along the corridor when suddenly they saw a woman approaching from the opposite direction. She wore a light blue qipao, with a slender figure and lovely features. It was Li Yun. Li Yun also spotted Yang Xingyuan and froze for a moment. Her face flushed slightly, and she lowered her head as she walked past. Yang Xingyuan wanted to greet her but feared it might embarrass her in front of so many people, so he let it be. He Jianchen noticed this and chuckled, "Daydreaming again? Li Yun is now the kept woman of a rich man. Surely you're not still thinking of her?" Yang Xingyuan sighed and said, "It's not that I think of her. It's just that seeing her like this fills me with pity."
Returning to the feast, the wealthy guests were half-drunk and提议 to go have fun in the hutong. Ninth Master Qin clapped in agreement. In a whirlwind, everyone left the park and split into cars, heading straight for Hanjia Tan. Arriving at the entrance of a Brothel, a pimp rushed out to greet them, calling out cheerfully, "Ninth Master is here!" Ninth Master Qin led the group inside, where the madam and attendants flocked around, bustling with attention.
Yang Xingyuan observed that this Brothel was far more lavish than Pine and Bamboo House. The courtyard was brightly lit with electric lamps and adorned with华丽 furnishings. Once they entered the room, courtesans emerged to entertain them. Ninth Master Qin, being a regular customer, called for Summons for a courtesan. In no time, the room was packed with women adorned in powder and rouge. Yang Xingyuan could not bear to stay and slipped out again, idly observing the courtyard.
Just then, from the opposite room, the curtain lifted and out stepped a beautiful woman. It was Li Yun. She saw Yang Xingyuan and walked over, saying softly, "Master Yang, what brings you here?" Yang Xingyuan replied, "I was dragged along by friends. How have you been lately?" Li Yun's eyes reddened as she said, "What does it matter? It's all the same." With that, she turned and went back inside.
As Yang Xingyuan stood there lost in thought, He Jianchen came out to find him. He laughed and said, "Daydreaming again? Come back inside. Ninth Master wants to start a drinking game." Yang Xingyuan had no choice but to return. The table was already laden with numerous wine bottles. Ninth Master Qin was holding forth loudly, boasting about how he had spent thousands of taels in a single night back in Shanghai. The wealthy guests all chimed in with admiration.
Yang Xingyuan thought to himself, "These people are truly living in a drunken dream. With the nation in such a state, they still indulge in pleasure and laughter." The more he thought, the more depressed he felt. He excused himself, claiming a headache, and asked to leave early. Ninth Master Qin did not press him to stay. He Jianchen saw him out and said, "Come to the newspaper office tomorrow. I have something to discuss with you." Yang Xingyuan agreed and returned to the Guild Hall alone.
The next day, Yang Xingyuan went to the Shadow News Agency. He Jianchen was already waiting for him. As soon as he saw him, he smiled and asked, "How lavish was Ninth Master's gathering yesterday?" Yang Xingyuan replied, "Lavish indeed, but to me, these people seem like harbingers of a nation's downfall." He Jianchen said, "Who could disagree? Let me tell you, Ninth Master had an ulterior motive for hosting that feast. His brother Qin Yanli is currently maneuvering for an official post and needs these people's help."
Yang Xingyuan said, "So that's how it is. I wondered why they would squander money so recklessly without any reason." Just then, a letter was delivered from outside, addressed to Yang Xingyuan. He opened it and found it was from Li Yun, containing only a few brief lines: "I am free tonight. Please come to Pine and Bamboo House for a talk." Reading it, Yang Xingyuan felt both joy and sorrow in his heart.
That evening, Yang Xingyuan indeed went to Pine and Bamboo House. Li Yun welcomed him in. He saw that she wore a troubled frown, as if burdened by endless worries. Yang Xingyuan asked, "What troubles you so?" Li Yun sighed and said, "Master Yang, you know me. I never wanted to be in this trade, and now I am even more weary of it. I wish to escape this Living hell, but I have no way out."
Yang Xingyuan said, "To To leave the brothel for marriage would be a good thing, but you need a reliable person to do so." Li Yun replied, "Where can I find a reliable person? Those rich men only toy with us. Who has true sincerity?" As she spoke, tears began to fall. Yang Xingyuan comforted her for a while and spoke of other matters until late at night before returning.
From then on, Yang Xingyuan often met with Li Yun, and their feelings for each other grew deeper. But Yang Xingyuan was a poor scholar. How could he have the means to help Li YunTo buy one's freedom? He could only watch helplessly as she suffered. Thus it was: a promising youth descends into rouge and powder; pitiful the old dance floor witnesses life's vicissitudes.