Explore Chapter 61 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.
It so happened that Yang Xingyuan was reading at home when he suddenly heard someone speaking in the courtyard outside, "Is Mr. Yang at home?" Yang Xingyuan recognized it as He Jianchen's voice and promptly responded, "Please come in." He Jianchen entered. Yang Xingyuan said, "Have you come to invite me to the theater or to a small restaurant?" He Jianchen said, "Neither the theater nor a small restaurant today. I'm here specifically to report a piece of joyful news." Yang Xingyuan asked, "What joyful news? Did you get a job or some extra income?" He Jianchen said, "Why do you always think of official positions and money? Is there no joyful news in the world besides those?" Yang Xingyuan said, "If so, then tell me what the news is."
He Jianchen said, "First, I've made clear inquiries. That Miss Li Yun is indeed a virgin courtesan at the Pine and Bamboo House, no mistake about it. Second, I want to take you to see someone." Yang Xingyuan said, "See who? Don't make it another riddle for me to guess." He Jianchen said, "Whoever you have in mind to see, I'll take you to see them." Yang Xingyuan said, "I have no one in mind. How would I know who you're taking me to see?" He Jianchen said, "Do you really not know? You look quite anxious. To be frank, I'm taking you to the Pine and Bamboo House today." Yang Xingyuan laughed and said, "You're being mischievous again. Last time I went with you on a whim, and you treat it as something extraordinary. Now you want to take me again." He Jianchen said, "Don't put on that act. Even if you won't admit it, I know what's on your mind. Come with me, and I guarantee you'll be more satisfied than last time." Yang Xingyuan said, "Your words make no sense. I don't understand at all."
He Jianchen said, "You say you don't understand, but your expression suggests otherwise. I won't say more now. When the time comes, you'll naturally understand." Yang Xingyuan said, "Since you speak with such certainty, I'll go with you and see what satisfaction there is. But I must declare that I'm accompanying you." He Jianchen said, "Fine, consider it as you accompanying me." With that, he dragged Yang Xingyuan away.
When the two arrived at Pine and Bamboo House, the attendant saw them and called out, "Master He is here." Before he finished speaking, Li Yun emerged from the room. Today she wore a sapphire-blue silk gown lined with camel hair, topped with a black satin vest. Her hair was sleekly braided, with a small red velvet ribbon tied at the end, making her delicate features appear even more pristine and untainted. She smiled at He Jianchen, then nodded gently to Yang Xingyuan. He Jianchen said to Li Yun, "Today I've specially brought Master Yang to show his support." Li Yun smiled and said, "Thank you." As she spoke, the maid lifted the curtain to let them in. Yang Xingyuan glanced around the room. Besides the table and chairs, several new furnishings had been added. On the opposite wall hung four new Hunan embroidery scrolls. Beside them stood a pot of wintersweet, its delicate fragrance filling the air. On the dressing table, a set of exquisite tea utensils was newly arranged. A small porcelain dish held a stack of tiny white towels. He smiled and said, "After just a few days apart, the room feels even more refreshing."
Li Yun sat down beside Yang Xingyuan and asked why he hadn't come these past few days. Yang Xingyuan said, "I've been busy with work and had no time." Li Yun said, "I suspect it wasn't busyness but forgetfulness." Yang Xingyuan laughed and said, "I don't understand what you mean." Li Yun said, "I guess you must have gone somewhere else." Yang Xingyuan said, "These days, aside from going to the newspaper office, I haven't been anywhere. If you don't believe me, ask Master He here." He Jianchen chuckled and said, "Asking me is useless. I don't understand what either of you is saying." Just then, Amao brought in a porcelain tray with two bowls of lotus seed congee with rock sugar. He Jianchen said, "I didn't hear you order snacks. How did they arrive so soon?" Li Yun said, "I prepared them earlier." As she spoke, Amao placed the two bowls on the table. Li Yun sat close to Yang Xingyuan, held the bowl, and scooped a spoonful. She took a sip herself, then offered it to Yang Xingyuan. Thinking she meant for him to take it, Yang Xingyuan reached out with his hand. Li Yun said, "It's a bit hot. Let me slowly feed it to you." Yang Xingyuan had no choice but to let her.
Seeing this from the side, He Jianchen stuck out his tongue at Li Yun. Li Yun smiled and said, "Don't make that face. There'll be some for you later." He Jianchen said, "I don't want any. I'm already full from watching." Li Yun said, "I don't understand what you mean." He Jianchen said, "What's hard to understand? Seeing your interaction, I'm already 'feasting my eyes on beauty.'" Upon hearing this, Li Yun said nothing, only smiling faintly. Soon, Yang Xingyuan finished his bowl of congee. Li Yun stood up and divided half of her own bowl for Yang Xingyuan. Yang Xingyuan said, "I've had enough." Li Yun said, "Do me a favor. I eat this every day and am a bit tired of it." Yang Xingyuan had to drink it as well.
By then, it was already past one in the morning without them noticing. He Jianchen had fallen asleep leaning on the sofa. Suddenly, someone called out from the courtyard, "Master He! Wake up, it's time to go back." He Jianchen startled awake, rubbing his eyes and asking, "Who is it?" The voice outside answered, "It's me. The carriage has been waiting for a while." He Jianchen recognized the coachman's voice and said to Yang Xingyuan, "Let's go back. We have things to do tomorrow." Yang Xingyuan also feared delaying matters, so he bid farewell with He Jianchen. Li Yun seemed touched by this and walked over to Yang Xingyuan, softly asking, "Will you come again tomorrow?" Afraid that refusing would cause more trouble, Yang Xingyuan said, "Yes." Li Yun took his hand, shook it twice, and said, "Come early." Yang Xingyuan nodded and walked out of the courtyard with He Jianchen.
The attendant had already turned off most of the electric lights. Only the entrance area had one dim lamp. Li Yun stopped at the courtyard gate. Yang Xingyuan held her hand again and said, "Goodbye," before stepping out the main gate. He Jianchen's carriage was parked right outside. He told the coachman, "First take Master Yang back to the Guild Hall, then take me home." The coachman agreed. Yang Xingyuan got in the carriage, followed by He Jianchen. Once seated, He Jianchen laughed and said, "My carriage today has become your delivery vehicle." Yang Xingyuan said, "What do you mean?" He Jianchen said, "You're carrying back a lot of affection. Isn't this a delivery vehicle?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Don't talk nonsense." He Jianchen said, "You really don't appreciate kindness. Seeing how well you and she get along, I did you a favor by letting you spend more time together. And you call it nonsense." Yang Xingyuan said, "To be honest, I dare not accept such kindness. How can a poor scholar like me afford such leisure and sentiment?" He Jianchen said, "Enough, stop being stubborn. I saw how satisfied you were with her earlier. Why pretend in front of me now?" Yang Xingyuan said, "That's entirely your bias. I only feel pity for her. How could there be any other intention?" He Jianchen said, "If you say so, fine. I won't invite you tomorrow. Let's see if you come alone." Yang Xingyuan said, "That proves nothing. Sometimes we visit for the sake of friendship." He Jianchen said, "The more you say, the more you reveal your guilty conscience."
As they debated, the carriage arrived at the Anhui Guild Hall without them realizing. Yang Xingyuan got out, and He Jianchen followed, escorting him inside. On the table lay a letter and a calling card. Yang Xingyuan saw that it was an invitation from Chen Huangnie, editor of Flower News, to join him for drinks. He smiled and said to He Jianchen, "What you said the other day was indeed correct. See, isn't this clear evidence?" He Jianchen said, "In that case, will you go?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Of course not. How do I have time to socialize with such people?" He Jianchen said, "You still have this aloof temperament. I'm afraid it will cost you. In the news world, there are many like him. If you offend him, he'll make trouble for you." Yang Xingyuan said, "I'm purely a guest journalist. What do I have to fear?" Seeing they were not on the same page, He Jianchen said no more. After sitting awhile, he left.
The next day, Yang Xingyuan indeed did not go to Pine and Bamboo House. Coincidentally, that evening, Chen Huangnie of Flower News came to Pine and Bamboo House for drinks. He had long heard of Li Yun's reputation but never seen her, so he seized this chance to meet her. As soon as he entered, the attendant called out, "Master Chen is here." Hearing this from inside, Li Yun thought Yang Xingyuan had arrived and hurried out. Seeing a stranger with a small mustache, she was greatly disappointed. Without a word, she turned to go back in. Chen Huangnie called out, "Li Yun, wait. I have something to say to you." Hearing her name, Li Yun had to stop. Chen Huangnie approached, smiling broadly, and said, "Don't you recognize me? I'm the editor of Flower News. I often praise you in the paper." Only then did Li Yun look at him properly and said, "Thank you, Master Chen." As she spoke, she still tried to enter the room. Chen Huangnie said, "Wait a moment. I have something for you." He took out a handkerchief-wrapped package from his pocket. Li Yun said, "Thank you, Master Chen. I don't want it." Chen Huangnie insisted, grabbing Li Yun's hand and demanding she accept it.
At that very moment, someone outside called out, "Master He and Master Yang are here." Li Yun immediately broke free and ran to the courtyard gate. Looking up, she saw it was indeed Yang Xingyuan. She called out, "Why are you so late? I've been waiting for you for ages." Yang Xingyuan said, "I had some business today, so I'm a bit late." As they walked into the room together, they saw Chen Huangnie still standing in the courtyard, his face flushed and pale, looking quite awkward. He greeted Yang Xingyuan, "Brother Xingyuan, long time no see." Yang Xingyuan had to exchange a few polite words. Chen Huangnie said, "Today I've invited a few friends for drinks inside. Would you care to join us?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Thank you, but I have another appointment and must leave soon." Rejected, Chen Huangnie felt very displeased. He gave a cold laugh and returned to his room.
Here, Li Yun led Yang Xingyuan into the room and complained, "I told you to come early. Why are you so late? That Chen Huangnie was making a scene earlier, and I was frantic." Yang Xingyuan asked, "What did he do?" Li Yun said, "He insisted on giving me something and wouldn't let go of my hand. Luckily you came, or who knows how far it would have gone." Yang Xingyuan laughed and said, "No wonder. He runs a flower tabloid and specializes in promoting people like you. You rely on his promotion in many ways, so you have to humor him." Li Yun said, "Who cares for his promotion? I wish his paper would close sooner." Yang Xingyuan smiled and said, "You have quite the ambition."
As they spoke, Amao brought in a Summons for a courtesan. Yang Xingyuan took it and read: "Urgently inviting Master Yang to Fuxing House for a chat. Signed, Chen Huangnie." Yang Xingyuan said, "Huh! Why is he inviting me to dinner?" Li Yun said, "Ignore him." Yang Xingyuan said, "He means well. How can I refuse?" Li Yun said, "What good intentions? He only invited you because he saw you came and I ignored him, so he wants to smooth things over." Yang Xingyuan said, "If that's the case, I should go even more. If I don't, he'll resent you further and might even slander you in the paper later." Li Yun said, "Let him slander. What do I fear?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Even if you're not afraid, it could harm your business. Since I came for you, I can't let you face difficulties." He stood up to leave. Li Yun grabbed his arm and said, "I won't let you go." Yang Xingyuan said, "I'll go and come back soon. What are you afraid of?" Li Yun asked, "Will you definitely come back?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Definitely." Only upon hearing this did Li Yun release his hand.
Yang Xingyuan left Pine and Bamboo House and took a carriage to Fuxing House. Upon entering, the waiter called out, "Master Chen's friend is here." Chen Huangnie emerged from the room, smiling, and said, "Brother Xingyuan is truly a man of his word. Please come in and sit." Yang Xingyuan entered and saw only Chen Huangnie in the room, with no other guests. He understood most of the situation and said, "Where are the guests you invited?" Chen Huangnie said, "The guest I invited is none other than you, sir." Yang Xingyuan said, "I dare not accept such honor." Chen Huangnie said, "Though we are newly acquainted, we have long been kindred spirits. Meeting today is a rare pleasure, so I specially invited you to catch up." He offered Yang Xingyuan the seat of honor, while he took the lower seat.
Soon, food and wine were served. Chen Huangnie poured a cup of wine and handed it to Yang Xingyuan, saying, "Today's gathering has three purposes. First, I have long admired your reputation and wish to get closer. Second, I run a Flower News and would like your guidance. Third, I acted somewhat recklessly today at Pine and Bamboo House and seek your forgiveness." Yang Xingyuan said, "I am unworthy of the first two. The third is even more laughable. What qualifications do I have to forgive you?" Chen Huangnie said, "Between straightforward men, no need for hidden words. I see that Li Yun and you share a close bond, so I boldly speak a few good words for her in your presence. People in the Brothel are unreliable. You should be cautious." Hearing the implication in his words, Yang Xingyuan said, "Li Yun and I are merely friends. There is no special affection." Chen Huangnie laughed and said, "Brother, you can't fool me. I've run flower tabloids for years. What don't I know about affairs of the heart? I've long observed how Li Yun acts around you. But let me advise you: casual dalliance is fine, but if you take it seriously, you might lose both person and wealth."
Yang Xingyuan, hearing him speak more and more inappropriately, said sternly, "Brother Huangnie, what are you saying? I only feel pity for Li Yun, so I visit her. How could there be any other meaning? It's fortunate you said this to me. If others heard, wouldn't it be a joke?" Seeing Yang Xingyuan angered, Chen Huangnie backtracked, "I meant well. Since we are friends, I dared speak frankly. If you don't acknowledge it, consider me indiscreet." He raised his wine cup and said, "Let me punish myself with a drink and apologize." Yang Xingyuan, seeing this, could say no more and replied, "I've always been straightforward and speak my mind. Don't take offense, Brother Huangnie." Chen Huangnie said, "Of course not."
After the meal, Chen Huangnie tried to drag Yang Xingyuan to stroll the hutong. Yang Xingyuan said, "I have matters to attend to and must leave first." Chen Huangnie said, "Where are you going? I'll see you off." Yang Xingyuan said, "No need. I still have to go to the newspaper office." Chen Huangnie said, "In that case, I won't detain you." He took out money to settle the bill, and they left Fuxing House together.
Yang Xingyuan parted from Chen Huangnie, feeling very displeased. He thought, "To receive such a lecture for no reason is truly unfair." But upon reflection, he realized there was some truth to the words. He had indeed grown too close to Li Yun, no wonder others suspected. From now on, it would be better to keep a distance. Having decided, he did not go to Pine and Bamboo House but returned directly to the Guild Hall.
Upon reaching the Guild Hall, the attendant handed him a letter. Yang Xingyuan saw it was from Wu Bibo. It read: "Dear Brother Xingyuan: Since our visit to Daoquan Temple, the scent of flowers still lingers on my sleeves. I hear you have recently taken a fancy to someone. How does it feel to taste the spring breeze? I plan to await you at my residence tomorrow at six in the evening for a chat. Please do not refuse me. Yours, Bibo." Yang Xingyuan thought, "This must be from He Jianchen telling him. But how can such matters be discussed with outsiders? I must explain when I go tomorrow."
The next afternoon, Yang Xingyuan went to Wu Bipo's boarding house. Wu Bipo smiled upon seeing him and said, "Congratulations!" Yang Xingyuan asked, "What for?" Wu Bipo said, "I heard you have a sweetheart. Isn't that cause for celebration?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Don't listen to their nonsense. There's no such thing." Wu Bipo said, "Why hide it from me? I'm not a moralist to interfere with your behavior. Besides, for people like us, mingling in romantic circles isn't a bad thing." Yang Xingyuan said, "You're getting carried away. Because I went to Pine and Bamboo House with He Jianchen that day, they've spread many rumors. It's ridiculous." Wu Bipo said, "I was there that day too. I saw with my own eyes how intimate you were with her. How can you call it rumors?" Yang Xingyuan said, "That was just a momentary whim. How can it be taken seriously?" Wu Bipo said, "Whether you take it seriously or not, you're quite familiar with her. I have a favor to ask. I wonder if you'd be willing to help?"
Yang Xingyuan said, "What is it? If I can do it, I'll certainly help." Wu Bipo said, "I have a friend who wants to take a Concubine and is looking for one in the hutong. I think Li Yun would be perfect. I'd like you to act as matchmaker." Yang Xingyuan's heart skipped a beat. He asked, "Who is this friend? How old is he?" Wu Bipo said, "I can't say who for now, but he's not an outsider. He's around thirty, quite handsome, and his family is wealthy. If Li Yun follows him, it would be a leap to heaven, far better than staying in the Brothel. I think Li Yun would agree, but I fear her Madam won't let her go. So I want you to first sound out Li Yun's thoughts." Yang Xingyuan said, "Your idea is nonsense. Though Li Yun is a courtesan, I see she has integrity and might not want to become someone's Concubine. Moreover, since we know her, we should protect her. How can we push her into a Living hell?" Wu Bipo laughed and said, "What are you saying? Taking her as a Concubine is a Living hell? Isn't the Brothel worse?" Yang Xingyuan said, "You don't understand the situation. In short, I cannot help with this."
Wu Bipo, seeing his firm refusal, let it go and said with a smile, "I was only joking. Why take it so seriously? Or have you taken a liking to her yourself and won't allow others to approach?" Yang Xingyuan said, "More nonsense. How could I have taken a liking to her?" Wu Bipo said, "If you haven't, then why won't you go to the hutong with me when I invite you?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I avoid it because I fear your troubles." Wu Bipo said, "If you won't go, fine. No need for such high-sounding words."
After some banter, Wu Bipo said, "We haven't eaten at a small restaurant in months. Let's go enjoy a hearty meal today, shall we?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Good." So the two went to a southern-style restaurant on Meishi Street.
They had just sat down when someone from the next room called out, "Bibo! Bipo!" Wu Bipo recognized it as his classmate Hua Boping's voice and responded, "Boping, are you here too?" He walked over to the next room. Yang Xingyuan followed. He saw three people in the room: besides Hua Boping, there were two others, both Wu Bipo's classmates, one named Zhang Shouzhi, the other Yuan Weidao.
All were acquaintances, so they sat together. Hua Boping said, "There are only two of you and three of us. Let's combine tables." Wu Bipo said, "Very well." They asked the waiter to merge the dishes onto one table. Everyone drank, chatted, and laughed, making it quite enjoyable.
Hua Boping said, "I hear Bipo has been frequenting the hutong lately. I wonder which good friend he's made?" Wu Bipo pointed at Yang Xingyuan and said, "I haven't made any good friends. But this Brother Yang Xingyuan has recently become very close with Li Yun of Pine and Bamboo House." Yang Xingyuan said, "You're talking nonsense again." Hua Boping said, "Li Yun? I hear she's very good, but I've never had the fate to meet her." Wu Bipo said, "It's easy to meet her. After the meal, let's all go to Pine and Bamboo House for a visit, shall we?" Hua Boping said, "Good." Zhang Shouzhi and Yuan Weidao also agreed in unison. Though Yang Xingyuan was unwilling, he couldn't refuse and said, "If you go, I won't accompany you." Hua Boping said, "That won't do. You're the host. If you don't go, where do we go?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Why must you drag me along to visit the hutong?" Hua Boping said, "We're not necessarily going to the hutong. But since you know Li Yun, we want to borrow your connection to meet her." Pressured, Yang Xingyuan had to agree.
After the meal, Hua Boping settled the bill. They all rushed like the wind to Pine and Bamboo House.
Upon entering, the attendant called out, "Master Yang is here." Li Yun quickly came out of the room. Seeing Yang Xingyuan, she said, "You've come. I've been waiting for you so long." Noticing three or four people behind him, she asked, "Are these gentlemen all your friends?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Yes." Li Yun invited everyone into the room to sit.
Hua Boping, Zhang Shouzhi, and Yuan Weidao were first-time visitors, so they had to exchange a few polite words. Soon, Amao brought tea, and Li Yun served each personally. Hua Boping took Li Yun's hand and asked all sorts of questions. Li Yun had to answer with a smile. After a few queries, Hua Boping said to Yang Xingyuan, "This Miss Li Yun truly lives up to her reputation. No wonder you often come here." Yang Xingyuan said, "More nonsense from you." Hua Boping said, "Why be shy? Appreciating beauty is human nature, especially among friends like us who don't stand on ceremony."
Li Yun, seeing them talk, pulled Yang Xingyuan aside and whispered, "Why did you bring so many people today?" Yang Xingyuan said, "They're all good friends. They insisted on coming, and I couldn't help it." Li Yun said, "That Hua fellow looks sneaky. I don't think he's a good person." Yang Xingyuan laughed and said, "Don't talk nonsense. He's a respectable university student. How is he not good?" Li Yun said, "I don't care if he's a student or not. He grins and leers at me, and I don't like it." Yang Xingyuan said, "They all like to joke. Don't take it seriously."
Just then, Hua Boping called out, "Xingyuan, what secret are you discussing so earnestly? Share it with us." Yang Xingyuan said, "Nothing." Hua Boping said, "Li Yun, come here. I have a question for you." Li Yun had to go over. Hua Boping asked, "I hear you and Master Yang are very close, right?" Li Yun said, "Master Yang is my good friend." Hua Boping said, "Then, since we're also good friends with Master Yang, you can treat us as good friends too." Li Yun said, "Yes." Hua Boping said, "Since we're all good friends, can you keep me company too?" Hearing this, Li Yun blushed and said, "Master Hua, what are you saying? I don't understand." Hua Boping laughed heartily and said, "If you don't understand, forget it."
Yang Xingyuan, seeing Hua Boping speak more and more inappropriately, said, "Boping, you're drunk." Hua Boping said, "I'm not drunk. I'm perfectly清醒." Zhang Shouzhi and Yuan Weidao both said, "It's getting late. Let's go." Hua Boping said, "What's the hurry? It's still early." Yang Xingyuan said, "If you won't leave, we will." Seeing they all wanted to go, Hua Boping had to stand up.
Li Yun was eager for them to leave quickly and said, "Gentlemen, please come again tomorrow." Hua Boping said, "I'll definitely come tomorrow." With that, they all walked out of the courtyard. Li Yun stopped at the courtyard gate and said to Yang Xingyuan, "You must come tomorrow." Yang Xingyuan nodded, then left the main gate with the others.
Hua Boping said, "Xingyuan, you're so lucky to have such a红粉知己. It's truly rare." Yang Xingyuan said, "Don't talk nonsense. She and I are just ordinary friends." Hua Boping said, "Who are you fooling? I saw it clearly. But let me advise you: people in the Brothel are unreliable. Don't take it too seriously, or you'll be disappointed later." Yang Xingyuan said, "I never took it seriously. How could I be disappointed?" Hua Boping said, "I hope so."
Yang Xingyuan returned to the Guild Hall, feeling quite unhappy. He thought, "That Hua Boping is truly无聊. I should avoid him from now on." He also reflected on Li Yun's behavior, which seemed to show affection for him. But he was a poor scholar. How could he develop any relationship with her? Even if she truly cared, he could only辜负 her kindness. Thinking this, he couldn't help but sigh. Indeed: