Explore Chapter 84 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 that day, Yang Xingyuan could not forget her. Li Yun also cherished Yang Xingyuan deeply. Though they had not spoken openly, they understood each other's hearts. One day, when Yang Xingyuan had leisure, he went to the Pine and Bamboo House to visit Li Yun. Upon seeing Yang Xingyuan arrive, Li Yun was overjoyed and hurriedly welcomed him into her room.
Yang Xingyuan said, "It has been many days since we last met. Are you well?" Li Yun smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern. I have been thinking of you day and night, wondering when we can be together often." Yang Xingyuan sighed and said, "I know your feelings, but the world is troubled, and we wanderers may find it hard to last long." Tears glistened in Li Yun's eyes as she said, "Though I dwell in the dusty world, I know true love is precious. If I could follow you, even in poverty, I would have no regrets." Hearing this, Yang Xingyuan was deeply moved, and they agreed to visit the Western Hills together to dispel their sorrows.
The Western Hills were bathed in the crisp air of autumn, with pleasing scenery. Yang Xingyuan took Li Yun up the mountain, where they saw red leaves covering the slopes and a gentle breeze caressing their faces. Hand in hand, they strolled, admired the views, and chatted, as if they were a blissful couple. Having long lived in bustle, Li Yun found this tranquility refreshing and exhilarating. Seeing Li Yun's joyful countenance, Yang Xingyuan also felt comforted.
Unexpectedly, as evening approached, a fierce gale suddenly arose, and the weather changed abruptly. Li Yun, clad in thin garments, felt cold and unwell. Yang Xingyuan hurriedly took Li Yun down the mountain to seek medical treatment. After examining her, the doctor said that Li Yun's condition was serious and would not be cured overnight. Yang Xingyuan stayed by her side, never leaving even a step. In her delirium, Li Yun still called out Yang Xingyuan's name.
The night was deep, with wind and rain raging. Yang Xingyuan sat alone under the lamp, thinking of past events, and tears fell unbidden. Li Yun's illness had become a chronic malady. Yang Xingyuan sought doctors everywhere, spending much, yet her condition grew worse daily. Knowing she would not recover, Li Yun said to Yang Xingyuan, "My fate is meager. I cannot long serve by your side. I wish to continue our former fate in the next life." Yang Xingyuan wept uncontrollably, tightly holding Li Yun's hand, vowing not to betray her.
Yet heaven's will is hard to defy. Li Yun eventually passed away like a fading fragrance. Yang Xingyuan was grief-stricken, arranged the funeral affairs, and became disheartened. From then on, Yang Xingyuan often cherished the memory of Li Yun. Whenever he went to the Western Hills, he would recall the fresh air and the beautiful couple of that day, but now, with the night and gale, only regret remained.