第七十四回 描写情思填词嘲艳迹 牺牲色相劝学走风尘 (Chapter 74: Depicting Sentiments and Composing Lyrics to Mock Romantic Traces; Sacrificing Beauty to Encourage Learning in the Red Dust)

Since parting with Li Yun at Pine and Bamboo House that day, Yang Xingyuan had always felt a lingering concern in his heart. Each day after finishing his official duties, he would stay alone in his study, either reading books or composing lyrics, to distract himself from his emotions.

One day, he picked up his brush, intending to compose a lyric to the tune of "Partridge in the Sky" to express his recent melancholy. He had just written two lines when He Jianchen suddenly walked in. Seeing the lyric paper spread on the desk, He Jianchen smiled and said, "You're writing romantic lyrics again. Let me have a look."

Yang Xingyuan handed him the lyric paper. He Jianchen read aloud, "'A strand of affection is hard to tie off; old dreams scatter like clouds, not yet gathered. Ashamed of my fickleness, I am not Du Mu; who understands the pity for Yang Qiu in his wandering?' Hmm, the phrase 'Yang Qiu' is well used, comparing yourself. But what about the rest?"

Yang Xingyuan said, "I haven't thought of the rest yet. You've come just in time to help me refine it."

He Jianchen said, "I see you've been gloomy these days. Is it still because of Li Yun? I advise you to take it lightly. In the world of pleasure, it's all just playing a part. Why take it so seriously?"

Yang Xingyuan sighed, "I know it's just a play, but humans are not wood or stone. Who can be without emotion? Moreover, Li Yun is so innocent, it truly makes one pity her."

He Jianchen said, "Since you pity her, why not think of a long-term solution for her? I heard that her Madam is about to return from Shanghai. By then, there might be more entanglements."

While they were talking, they suddenly heard footsteps outside. Wu Bibo barged in, beaming with joy, and said with a smile, "Guess what strange thing I encountered today?"

Yang Xingyuan said, "Where have you been wandering again, so happy?"

Wu Bibo said, "Today, I went to the south of the city to visit a friend. By chance, I entered a Teahouse and heard a woman in the next room teaching a little girl to read. Her voice was very clear. Out of curiosity, I peeked through the curtain. It turned out the woman was only about twenty years old, quite beautiful, but she was teaching 'The Thousand Poets' Anthology'."

"I found it strange, so I called the waiter to ask. The waiter said this woman is named Hua Jun and is a girl here. Every afternoon, she always teaches two little girls to read and write, and it has been several months already."

He Jianchen said, "This is indeed novel. A prostitute encouraging learning is an unheard-of marvel through the ages."

Wu Bibo said, "There's something even stranger. I later inquired and found out that Hua Jun was originally from a good family. But because her family fell into decline, she was sold into Living hell. She has a younger brother studying in the countryside. She works hard to earn money and sends it back to support his education, hoping he will have a future. Yet she herself is willing to degrade, saying she sacrifices her beauty to fulfill her familial duty."

Upon hearing this, Yang Xingyuan couldn't help but be moved and said, "Is there really such a thing? Where is Hua Jun now?"

Wu Bibo said, "She's right in that Teahouse, but she rarely receives guests. She just quietly teaches. I didn't dare disturb her, only watched from afar for a while."

He Jianchen said, "This is touching, but I wonder if it's true or false. There are too many scams in society nowadays. Perhaps it's just another trick by the Madam to attract customers."

Wu Bibo said, "I saw that Hua Jun's expression was sincere, not like pretending. Moreover, the children she teaches are all from poor families. She charges nothing, purely out of goodwill."

Yang Xingyuan said, "Whether it's true or false, such aspiration is always commendable. Why don't we go visit her? If it's indeed true, we can promote her story or even help her escape from her misery."

He Jianchen laughed and said, "You've been moved to compassion again. Very well, tomorrow I'll go with you to take a look."

Wu Bibo said, "If you're going, go early. She's always teaching in the afternoon."

The next afternoon, Yang Xingyuan, He Jianchen, and Wu Bibo went together to that Teahouse in the south of the city. Sure enough, they heard clear reading sounds coming from a small room. The three quietly approached and saw Hua Jun sitting in the middle, with two little girls sitting on either side, holding books and following along word by word.

Hua Jun was wearing a somewhat old blue cloth cheongsam, without any makeup. Her delicate face bore a serious expression, truly unlike a woman of the red dust. After teaching for a while, she patiently explained the meanings of the words, her attitude very gentle.

Yang Xingyuan and the others couldn't bear to disturb them. They stood for a moment, then withdrew. Wu Bibo went to find the waiter, hoping to ask Hua Jun to come out for a meeting. But the waiter shook his head and said, "Miss Hua never receives guests during her teaching time. That's her rule."

The three had no choice but to give up. They returned to Yang Xingyuan's residence and discussed it, all full of praise. Yang Xingyuan said, "Seeing Hua Jun today reminds me of an ancient saying: 'Emerging from the mud yet unstained.' Although she is in the red dust, she has such aspiration. She is far superior to those fake scholars and genuine vulgar guests."

He Jianchen said, "Since you admire her so much, why not compose a lyric for her? It would make a fine story."

Yang Xingyuan gladly agreed and immediately composed a lyric to the tune of "Silk-Washing Stream". He wrote: "Fallen into the red dust, yet ambition unextinguished; under the green lamp, teaching reveals rare talent; unstained by mud, the jade lotus blooms. Wisdom born early, even heaven envies; love's folly,古今同哀, pathetic green sleeves accompany the study."

After writing it, he showed it to He Jianchen and Wu Bibo. Both said it was good. Yang Xingyuan said, "This lyric is just an expression of my momentary feelings. There's no need to show it to Hua Jun, to avoid causing complications."

Wu Bibo said, "You're always so cautious. Actually, promoting her story is also out of goodwill."

Yang Xingyuan said, "Not necessarily. Since she is willing to sacrifice, she must have her reasons. If we meddle recklessly, we might harm her instead. It's better to watch discreetly and, if there's an opportunity, find a way to help."

He Jianchen nodded and said, "That makes sense. But I heard the owner of this Teahouse is very formidable. Hua Jun owes him a lot of debt, so I'm afraid it won't be easy for her to escape."

The three sighed for a while, then each went their separate ways. Yang Xingyuan sat alone under the lamp, revising the lyric a few more words. He thought to himself: Life's encounters are truly unpredictable. A woman like Hua Jun falls into Living hell, while so many mediocre people in the world enjoy wealth and honor. Heaven's way is truly unfair.

Thinking of this, he also thought of Li Yun, wondering what her future outcome would be. Unconsciously, melancholy thoughts swarmed in, so he packed up his writing tools and went to bed to rest.