by Tang Xianzu
QING’ER:
Yes, I see.
LI YI (Walks):
Alas! The willow trees along the palace ditches have turned green in the couple of days I stayed indoors!
(To the tune of Jinchandao)
In the Copper Pond,
Green water ripples in the bright and clear spring days
While willow-twigs waver in the mist.
I still remember the beauty
In the general’s mansion,
Who filled my wine cup
And sang songs in a crispy voice
Which was affectionate and melodious.
Her shy look behind the gilded screen in the breeze
Tickled the sentiment in my heart.
When I ride to the alternate residence,
I hear melodious singing amid the flowers.
Alas! At the crossroads, there are two pathways. One is the Huayang Street and the other is the Shangguan Lane. Let me ask the way? Where is Guo Xiaohou’s residence, brother?
VOICE WITHIN:
It is the tall mansion in the Shangguan Lane.
LI YI:
Thank you! Now I’ll go ahead and make more inquiries. Indeed,
From behind the charming flower beds,
The beauties raise their voices and sing aloud.
I ask and get the answer from the guards,
Hou’s scarlet mansion towers in the cloud.
Scene Nine
Inviting the Matchmaker
(Enter Bao Siniang, followed by the maidservant)
BAO SINIANG (To the tune of Boxing):
While clouds float and cast shadows through the trees,
The foliage fragrance permeates the cool mist.
In face of the distant mountains,
I am not in a mood to make up.
Like a butterfly dangling from the spider web,
I have not made up my mind where to fix my affection.
For an unfortunate woman like me,
The song and dance before the flowers
Have become a memory in my mind.
(In the pattern of Nangezi)
“The joss-stick burns outside the bed-curtain;
The sandal smoke brushes at my make-up.
Riding on a saddled steed,
A childe came to drink by the bridgehead,
And I had to entertain him with a forced smile.
A fickle man was not to be relied on,
While a fragile woman was ill at ease.
When I woke in cold tears at cockcrow,
I found myself a frightened butterfly
Returning from the nightly flight.”
I am Bao Siniang. The wretched Hua Qing exchanged me for a horse, while the kindhearted childe settled me in his alternate residence. Since I taught the young Princess Xiaoyu to sing in the mansion of Prince Huo the other day, I’ve been feeling bored and have never gone beyond the railings carved with flowers. Have you heard of any news in the street, my maid?
MAIDSERVANT:
When I went to master’s main mansion this morning, I heard that Prince Huo was so depressed after the dinner-party that he went to the Huashan Mountain to pursue an immortal’s life. He presented Zheng Liuniang and Xiaoyu a red mansion for the young princess to look for a satisfactory son-in-law and bestowed the surname of Huo on Xiaoyu. Another concubine Du Qiuniang who said that she had no heirs was inclined to practice Taoism in the Nunnery of the Queen Mother of the West. All those in our master’s main residence sighed over this. That’s all I have heard.
BAO SINIANG (Startled):
Alas! The young princess is delicate and intelligent. Why doesn’t Prince Huo leave after she comes of age? How can he have the heart to do so? Du Qiuniang is my disciple. She is determined to live a secluded life, while I am still entangled in the worldly affairs. It is true that the master is below par with the disciple, who is like a lotus with its root in the mud and its flowers immaculately white.
MAIDSERVANT:
You live in the alternate residence by yourself, sitting in the fragrance of smoking scents, without being disturbed by our master. And you are free to teach singing. You are living a fairy’s life.
BAO SINIANG:
Oops! It is inappropriate for you to say so. Seclusion for Taoist cultivation is far better than the worldly life!
(To the tune of Bubujiao)
How can the worldly life be as peaceful as the secluded one?
A debauched dream-like life is hard to get rid of.
The noisy flute and zither music is loathsome to the ears
While health is damaged by excessive drinking at banquets.
Nothing is comparable to chanting scriptures in tranquility,
Which clears away the frivolous nature.
(Enter Li Yi)
LI YI (To the tune of Bushilu):
Having done her make-up in the bower,
The mistress is known for her outstanding charm.
My visit is like tapping at the pedicel,
Which startles the butterfly from its dream in the mist.
BAO SINIANG (Surprised):
Who is it at the door?
It must be a childe for a sudden whim.
LI YI:
I am Hua Qing’s old friend.
BAO SINIANG (Pleasantly surprised):
It sounds like Li Yi from Longxi. I’ll open the door at once.
As I had not heard your voice clearly,
I did not answer the door at once.
Excuse me for the delay!
Excuse me for the delay!
LI YI:
It may be inconvenient if Guo Xiaohou comes at this time. I’ll just stand at the door and have a word with you before I take leave.
BAO SINIANG (Choking with sobs):
Please come in and sit for a while!
(To the previous tune):
In the alternate residence,
LI YI:
I’ll just sit in the hall for a while.
Let’s have a chat in the main hall.
BAO SINIANG:
There’s a lot for us to chat about.
Please listen to me with patience
Because your presence reminds me of Hua Qing.
LI YI:
Siniang,
It is a blessing for you
To wait on the young nobleman
Instead of staying in the military camp.
BAO SINIANG:
Don’t taunt me like this
For you witnessed the whole business!
What a virtuous deed!
What a virtuous deed!
(Sits down)
Shilang, have you visited Hua Qing recently?
LI YI:
I have been staying in the hostel in a depressed mood without visiting anyone since I saw you last time. As your sweet songs have been lingering in my ears, I’ve come on purpose for some relaxation.
BAO SINIANG:
I am not in the mood to sing. Even if I sing, my song will not be pleasant, as I have been bearing constant resentment for Hua Qing. Now listen to me!
(To the tune of Haojiejie)
In my bower with orchids and screens,
I paste my decorations in front of the mirror.
The merry-going dandies would pay for the pleasure with me.
I would wag my sweet tongue
To produce melodious songs.
In high spirits,
Prompted by oxhide gelatin mixed with wine,
I would bring joy with slight perspiration.
But since I came to Hua Qing’ residence, I have lost interest in the merry-making.
(To the previous tune)
I would be inwardly startled when the lamps are to go out.
Shilang, you are late in seeking pleasure from me. How can I sing well in such a mood?
As to playing the zither at the end of spring,
I don’t feel like plucking the strings
Because of my deep remorse.
As I am about to fall ill,
How can I bear to entertain the guests
With my fragile figure?
LI YI:
I am sorry that you are not in the mood to sing. Would you please tell me some other female singers?
BAO SINIANG:
Shilang, it is improper for a noble person like you go to the sporting house for entertainment.
Why not marry a famous beautiful singing girl to keep you company?
LI YI (Laughs):
How difficult it is to find such a girl! I have three requirements on her: noble birth, extraordinary beauty, and deep compassion.
BAO SINIANG:
Alas! Speaking of compassion, there is a girl to whom I told your couplet of “Beyond the screen, winds sway the bamboo trees; / I wonder whether it’s my friend who comes at ease,” which I heard in Hua Qing’s residence. That girl adores your lines. Does she really have compassion for you?
LI YI (Surprised):
Such a girl must have a good countenance.
BAO SINIANG:
She is an absolute beauty.
LI YI:
Is she born in a noble family?
BAO SINIANG:
Yes.
LI YI:
Who is she?
BAO SINIANG:
She is the daughter of Prince Huo.
LI YI:
May I manage to seek her love?
BAO SINIANG:
It is possible in some ways.
LI YI:
Why do you think so?
BAO SINIANG:
Please listen to what I have to say!
(To the previous tune)
Beautiful red flowers and green leaves
Are set against the delicacy of the noble beauty.
Shilang, she pondered over your lines for quite a while.
Inertia caused by her spring sentiments
Accompanied a pensive mood.
Chanting your lines,
She sensed your affectionate tenderness
As well as romantic sentiments.
LI YI:
Would you act as my matchmaker?
BAO SINIANG:
Yes.
(To the previous tune)
Making a good match
Also needs predestination.
LI YI:
I’m afraid she has not come of age yet.
BAO SINIANG:
Romantic affairs should be enjoyed
With such a young talent.
Shilang, this girl is sixteen of age. Please offer betrothal gifts as soon as she agrees on the marriage!
LI YI:
I see.
BAO SINIANG:
For the beautiful girl,
An auspicious day will be chosen to offer betrothal gifts.
I’m sure the girl
Will shelter her face with her sleeves to conceal her affection.
LI YI:
Please see to the matter as soon as possible! I am leaving now.
BAO SINIANG:
As you are an old friend of Hua Qing’s, I must help you fulfil your wish. I’m only afraid that I haven’t treated you well enough today.
(Sobs with her eyes covered)
LI YI:
Do you have anything else to say?
BAO SINIANG (To the tune of Coda):
Please tell Hua Qing about my tears
And my negligence of making up since we parted.
Shilang, I have to put up with my unsettled life since I came from the pleasure quarters.
When you marry Princess Huo, you should not be as heartless as Hua Qing.
How can I get rid of my fickle name?
LI YI:
I long for youthful love of pretty maids,
BAO SINIANG:
While I won’t like to sing in joyous tone.
LI YI, BAO SINIANG:
Keep away from the pleasure-seeking grounds,
Lest your spouse is left at home alone.
Scene Ten
Tactful Inquiry
(Enter Zheng Liuniang)
ZHENG LIUNIANG (To the tune of Yichichi):
With shreds of clouds flying over the mansion,
I have long forsaken my dream for the immortal land.
When dewdrops hang on the jade hooks,
The curtain wavers in the spring breeze.
I pluck the strings and meditate
That even the immortal king has his concubines.
(In the pattern of Huanxisha)
“When spring brings a different scene
With withering plum blossoms and daffodils,
I languish by the smoking-oven.
Instead of going on spring outings like the fairy concubines
Or wearing the pendant in the immortal mountains,
I return to my youthful times in my dreams.”
I, Zheng Liuniang, used to serve Prince Huo heart and soul like a humble and diligent ant, wishing that he would cherish longevity. Before I could requite his kindness with my efforts as meager as the the light of the fireflies, he has gone to pursue an immortal’s life, leaving me alone without anyone to rely on and his daughter Xiaoyu living with her deserted mother. As Xiaoyu does not feel well these days, I have to stroll alone in the yard. How melancholy I am to recall the days when Du Qiuniang and I served Prince Huo together!
(To the tune of Xiaotaohong)
With the painted flowers fading on the screen
And the copper mirror blurring in the air,
I think of the pretty concubines of the ancient king Gaoyang.
In the song and dance at that time,
Flowers were merrily passed
And reddened the silk ribbon.
It was known that the life in Huo’s residence was luxurious.
The emerald-decorated reed-pipe was played,
With the phoenix ring attached to the jade,
While the fans in the dance turn toward the clouds
And the dragon flags wave in the wind.
It seems that extreme luxury and amusement would rouse gloomy sentiments. In his old age, Prince Huo has to take immortal cultivation in seclusion as his last resort.
He would live in a dream in his old age,
With all his merriment lost.
Prince Huo, you have left in pursuit of an immortal’s life in seclusion, disregarding me and my daughter. You have not even said good-bye to her!
Wife and daughter are thus discarded,
Sad and lonely in the ostentatious world.
(Enter Bao Siniang)
BAO SINIANG (To the tune of Lülüjin):
Flowers in solitude
And willows in the hazy shade
Accompany the pretty ladies in their sleep
Amid birdsongs.
Knitted eyebrows reflect
Their deep meditation.
They paint the Wushan Mountains on Sichuan paper,
With their beautiful hair done at random.
I used to be Hua Qing’s concubine, and today I’ll make the match for Mr. Li. When I come to make the match, I’ll talk to the fair lady as beautiful as the moon-goddess. The Red Mansion is not far away. I suppose Princess Xiaoyu has finished with her make-up.
(Chants “They paint the Wushan Mountains on Sichuan paper, with their beautiful hair done at random” and calls Yingtao to open the door)
YINGTAO (Opens the door):
Oh! It’s Bao Siniang.
(Bao Siniang and Yingtao greet each other)
BAO SINIANG:
“For what was the prince intent on departure?
ZHENG LIUNIANG:
For he is attached to an immortal’s fate.
BAO SINIANG:
Why did he not wait until his daughter is married?
ZHENG LIUNIANG:
Because he thought that it would be too late.”
BAO SINIANG:
Has the young princess dressed and made up?
ZHENG LIUNIANG:
I don’t know why she seems to be dizzy all day these days. Since her father left, she has alw
ays been in tears, with no spirited look in her eyes, no mood for doing her hair and no appetite for meals. I was sitting here in a depressed mood when you came.
BAO SINIANG:
Is she being sentimental in sight of the swift passage of spring?
ZHENG LIUNIANG:
Nonsense! How can a young girl be sentimental over spring?
BAO SINIANG:
Alas! How can a young girl be not sentimental over spring?
ZHENG LIUNIANG:
As no one is sentimental over spring nowadays, how can my daughter be sentimental like this?
BAO SINIANG:
Unlike crude people, all intelligent people have such sentiments. What an intelligent girl your daughter is! Please listen to me.
(To the tune of Jiang’ershui)
Her slim waist can only bear the weight of dewdrops.
ZHENG LIUNIANG:
Where is she to beg for the dewdrops of tender love?
BAO SINIANG:
She has started to expect that.
Her light figure tends to lean against the wind.
ZHENG LIUNIANG:
Xiaoyu is a decent girl. She does not want to lean against any man.
BAO SINIANG:
You are not accurate in your judgment.
Judgment should be made according to her behavior.
Listen to her playing the music tunes!
She plays the tender note on her lute in her bower.
Liuniang, do you think the princess is lovesick?