Explore Chapter 70 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.
After returning from Pine and Bamboo House that day, Yang Xingyuan couldn't help but feel sentimental. He thought about life in this world-how no one can escape the lure of fame and fortune. Just as he was pondering this, he saw He Jianchen walk in. Smiling, he said, "Xingyuan, why have you come back so early today?" Yang Xingyuan replied, "I just took a stroll. Nothing special." He Jianchen said, "I have something to discuss with you. A friend is hosting a dinner at Jiuhua Restaurant today. Would you like to join?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I'm a bit tired today. I don't feel like going out." He Jianchen insisted, "This friend is no stranger-he's a colleague from the newspaper office. Why not just go and sit for a while?" Unable to refuse, Yang Xingyuan had no choice but to agree.
When they arrived at Jiuhua Restaurant, they saw several people already seated at the table, all familiar faces. Among them was a man named Wang, a clerk at the Ministry of Finance. He was portly and spoke with a booming voice. Upon seeing Yang Xingyuan, he laughed and said, "Mr. Yang, you've come today. Excellent, excellent! We were just lacking someone to discuss poetry with." Yang Xingyuan offered a few modest words and then took a seat. During the meal, they talked about recent news. Wang said, "These days, people's hearts are no longer as pure as in the past. I have a relative who owns quite a bit of farmland. But over a minor issue, he fell into a bitter dispute with his own brother, even taking it to court. It shows that money is the thing that most damages relationships."
He Jianchen said, "That's true. I heard a strange story the other day. There was a wealthy old man who was so stingy by nature that he wouldn't spend a single coin unnecessarily. His son, however, was a spendthrift, indulging in eating, drinking, whoring, and gambling-nothing was off limits. The father couldn't control him and had to turn a blind eye. Who would have thought that later the son would steal the family's land deeds to mortgage them? The old man was so furious that he fell ill and couldn't get up. Isn't this exactly 'the son inherits extravagance, the father clings to wealth'?"
Everyone laughed upon hearing this. Yang Xingyuan said, "Such things are common in the world, not at all surprising. But parents always hope their children will achieve something. If they turn out unworthy, it's all for nothing." Wang remarked, "Mr. Yang is right. My relative is troubled by just that."
After the banquet ended, Yang Xingyuan and He Jianchen returned to the newspaper office together. On the way, He Jianchen said, "Xingyuan, I see you haven't been looking well lately. Do you have something on your mind?" Yang Xingyuan sighed and said, "Not really. It's just that although Beijing is a big city, there's no place where I can truly settle down and make a life. Every day I'm busy rushing about, but I don't know what it's all for." He Jianchen said, "We're not high officials or nobles, just trying to earn a living. Why dwell on it?"
Back at the newspaper office, Yang Xingyuan dealt with some manuscripts and then returned alone to the Guild Hall. Entering the courtyard, he saw that the pear blossom had all fallen, leaving the ground blanketed in white, looking even more desolate under the moonlight. He couldn't help but think of Li Yun, wondering how she had been lately. But then it occurred to him that as a poor scholar, he had no right to entertain such extravagant hopes. He shook his head and went inside.
In the afternoon, with nothing urgent at the newspaper office, Yang Xingyuan went to visit Huang Bieshan. Huang Bieshan was reading in his room and quickly offered him a seat upon his arrival. Yang Xingyuan said, "How have you been lately, Bieshan?" Huang Bieshan replied, "Same as always. But Chen Ruokuang's illness has worsened. Yesterday, a letter from the hospital said he might not make it." Yang Xingyuan exclaimed in shock, "Wasn't he better the other day?" Huang Bieshan sighed, "With such illnesses, it's hard to say. I've already sent a telegram to his family, but I'm afraid it might be too late."
In the evening, He Jianchen came to see him, saying that a friend wanted to start a small newspaper and had invited him to be an editor. Yang Xingyuan said, "I'm already busy enough at the Shadow News Agency. How could I have the energy for another job?" He Jianchen said, "This is an opportunity. A little extra income wouldn't hurt." Yang Xingyuan shook his head. "Money can never be fully earned. I'd rather have some peace and quiet." Knowing his temperament, He Jianchen didn't press further.
A few days later, Yang Xingyuan received a letter from home saying his mother was unwell and urging him to return for a visit. Anxious, he asked for leave from the newspaper office, packed his luggage, and prepared to head south. He Jianchen and others came to see him off, all wishing him a speedy return. Yang Xingyuan said, "My mother is seriously ill, so my return date is uncertain. Please take care of matters at the newspaper office in my absence."
Before leaving, Yang Xingyuan went to Pine and Bamboo House to bid farewell. Li Yun was delighted to see him, but upon hearing he was leaving, she said sadly, "Master Yang, once you go, I don't know when you'll return." Yang Xingyuan said, "At least a month, at most two. I will definitely come back." Li Yun said, "I hope so." As she spoke, her eyes reddened. Yang Xingyuan couldn't bear it and comforted her with a few words, left some money, and hurried away.