The Peach Blossom Fan by K'ung Shang-jen

Author:K'ung Shang-jen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: New York Review Books
Published: 2015-06-27T16:00:00+00:00

INTERLUDE (Supplementary Scene):

A QUIET CHAT

1644, SEVENTH MONTH

[Gongs, drums, and war-cries are audible behind the stage. An old man in white cap and hempen clothes enters, a bundle on his back.]

Old man:

When will the warring host stop galloping?

I am alone in this vast universe,

A white-haired traveller by the riverside,

My sleeves all drenched with tears of crimson blood.

[He pauses and wails aloud. A young man dressed as a mountaineer enters with baggage on his back.]

Young man:

Smoke hides the village in the fading sunlight,

And rainclouds loom over the cold dark river.

[A merchant also enters with baggage on his back.]

Merchant:

Every year I have travelled on this road,

But war has made it hazardous and strange.

Young Man: Greetings! As we are both going to Nanking, we had better keep company, for the hour is late.

Merchant: Yes, during bad times like these, with battles raging and soldiers running amok, the road has become dangerous. We had better stick together. Why does that old gentleman stand weeping and wailing apart?

Young Man [to old man]: Are you lost, sir, or is a member of your family missing?

Old Man: No, no. I have come all the way from Peking. While passing through Honan I fell in with the troops of Kao Chieh, a frightful rabble. It was very hard to slip past them. Though I have safely crossed the river, I am haunted by tragic memories. Seeing so many refugees on the road flying for their lives, I could not help weeping. [Wipes his tears.]

Young Man: So that is what upsets you. It is indeed lamentable.

Merchant: I long to hear about recent events in Peking. Let us find an inn for the night so that we may rest and discuss them.

Old Man: Right willingly. My legs are getting weak. I need an early rest.

Young Man: Yonder there’s an inn whose walls still seem to be standing. We might try that.

[They enter, deferring to each other.]

Old Man [looking up]: That’s a fine bean trellis.

Young Man: Let us set down our baggage and sit beneath this bean trellis for a comfortable chat.

Landlord [entering]: The inn is newly plastered, but I don’t get any younger. Do you want any supper, gentlemen?

All: No thanks!

Young Man: Please bring some wine with pickled beans and melon. [To others]: Let me be your host.

Old Man: I should not put you to such inconvenience.

Merchant: All men are brothers within the four seas. Let’s accept his hospitality, and take our turn later.

[Landlord brings wine and refreshments. The three sit drinking.]

Old Man: We have met by chance, and I should be glad to learn your honourable names and your errands in Nanking.

Young Man: My name is Lan Ying, and I’m a painter by profession. I’m going to Nanking to visit some friends.

Merchant: My name is Ts’ai Yi-so, and for generations my family have been booksellers in Nanking. Having collected some debts in this neighbourhood, I’m on my way back. May I know your honourable name? What made you leave Peking in so desperate a plight?

Old Man: I was an officer of the Imperial Guard in the old capital.

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