Ancient Chinese Literature Volume - Appreciation of Literary Masterpieces

Author: Wu Jianguo
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-06-01
Features: One is a middle-aged female singer who rose from the depths of society, and the other is a disillusioned official who has struggled in the political world. What brings them together in the resonance of "fellow travelers in the vast world" and leads them to compose a mournful and sorrowful "Pipa Xing"? Saying goodbye to a friend on a autumn night is already a heart-wrenching event. At this time, the poet has been exiled to Jiangzhou and is recovering from illness in the remote and desolate city of Xunyang, with few close friends to share his sorrows. Now that his friend is about to leave, the parting becomes even more unbearable. The light boat has already docked at the shore, and the boatman is ready to untie the ropes and row. Pour three cups of light wine, fold a bright red maple leaf as a token of farewell, and ask the bright moon in the sky to remember the deep affection of this night, passing it on to each other across the vast distances. At this moment, the sound of the pipa, like tears and complaints, begins to play. Following the sound, one finds a middle-aged woman on the neighboring boat. Her slightly worn face bears the marks of time, and her dim eyes are filled with the helplessness of understanding the world. Yet upon closer inspection, one can still faintly see the beauty and elegance of her youth, with an innate charm in her every gesture. Who could have imagined that this ordinary woman was once a renowned courtesan in the capital, whose pipa playing won the admiration of countless men! But where has that joyful time gone now? Once the rosy cheeks fade with time, the life of a courtesan falls from the peak of glory to the depths of darkness. No matter how skillful the pipa playing may be, it cannot find a true appreciator in this frivolous world. Her husband, who is greedy for wealth and profit, is far from a refined person who understands music. Every time she dreams at midnight, she thinks back to her youth, full of arrogance and high hopes, expecting a bright future. How could she have known that her future would be so ordinary and disappointing, humble like a yellow and discarded pearl! The former courtesan plays her pipa with grief, sometimes (urgent as rain), sometimes (low and sorrowful like tears), sometimes (harsh and tear-like), and sometimes (soft and song-like).