Explore Chapter 69 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 at home, chatting leisurely with He Jianchen, when it was suddenly announced that a guest had arrived. He went out to look and found that it was Zhang Boyuan. Zhang Boyuan was dressed in military uniform, looking imposing and majestic. Upon meeting, he smiled and said, "Brother Xingyuan, it has been a long time. Do you still remember an old friend?" Yang Xingyuan hurriedly invited him into the room, and they sat down as host and guest.
Zhang Boyuan said, "I have recently been serving in the army and, thanks to my superior's promotion, have been promoted to division commander. Nowadays, military policies are lenient, and officials rise as easily as picking up mustard seeds." Yang Xingyuan said, "Congratulations! But what does this 'leniency' mean?" Zhang Boyuan replied, "In warfare now, the emphasis is on winning hearts and minds. Therefore, prisoners are all treated leniently. As for officials, as long as they know how to maneuver, none fail to get promoted." Yang Xingyuan listened and fell silent.
Zhang Boyuan continued, "Brother, I have come here to tell you something else. In the capital recently, a remarkable woman has appeared, named Qingcheng, truly possessing a beauty that could overthrow cities and states. Many high-ranking officials are infatuated with her. Some even say her charm is related to the nation's fate." Yang Xingyuan laughed and said, "How can that be? How can a woman affect the nation's fate?" Zhang Boyuan said, "If you don't believe me, I'll take you to see her." Yang Xingyuan could not refuse and had to follow him.
Upon arriving at Qingcheng's residence, they saw the gateway was bustling with activity, with carriages and horses filling the entrance. After entering, Qingcheng came out to meet them. Indeed, her appearance was peerless. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, her eyes like autumn waters. In her demeanor, she naturally possessed a charming grace. Yang Xingyuan silently marveled. After exchanging a few words with Yang Xingyuan, Qingcheng realized he was a man of letters and thus asked for advice on poetry. Yang Xingyuan answered offhand, and Qingcheng was greatly impressed.
Zhang Boyuan, standing by, wanted to show off his authority. He said to Qingcheng, "If you follow me, I guarantee you a life of wealth and honor." Qingcheng, however, said, "General, I appreciate your kindness, but I already have a sweetheart and dare not comply." Zhang Boyuan was displeased, and Yang Xingyuan hurriedly mediated. Qingcheng added, "I was originally a woman from a respectable family but mistakenly fell into the world of pleasure. I only hope to escape soon and reunite with my beloved." With that, tears streamed down like rain.
Yang Xingyuan saw her sincere emotions and could not help but sympathize. Zhang Boyuan, seeing this, had no choice but to give up. The two took their leave and came out. Zhang Boyuan said, "This woman doesn't appreciate kindness. Let it be." Yang Xingyuan said, "She is also a pitiful person. Why force it?" Zhang Boyuan left in a huff.
Yang Xingyuan returned home and, recalling the events of the day, sighed endlessly. He Jianchen came to visit, and Yang Xingyuan told him about it. He Jianchen said, "In these times, it's always like this. Officers rely on their power, courtesans sell their smiles. Where is there any true sentiment?" The two lamented for a while, then each retired to rest.