[Classical] A Brief History of Zhuchun Garden

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Proofreading Notes:
*Zhu Chun Yuan Xiao Shi*, also known as *The Tenth Talented Scholar's Zhu Chun Yuan*, *Lu Yun Yuan*, *The Tenth Talented Scholar's Double Beauty Yuan*, *Yi Xiao Yuan*, and *The Tenth Talented Scholar's Book*, is authorless, attributed to "Wu Hang Ye Ke" (a pseudonym for Wu Hang). It begins with a preface by Shui Ruo San Ren in the Renyin year of the Qianlong reign. The book comprises six volumes and twenty-four chapters.
According to the preface, *Zhu Chun Yuan* has been passed down for a long time, and was published during the Qianlong era.
This edition is based on the Wan Juan Lou edition published in the forty-eighth year of the Qianlong reign, with reference to the lithographic edition published by Shanghai Zhu Ji Bookstore.
The preface
states: There are five kinds of human relationships; besides the harmony of Heaven, there is the harmony of man. The harmony of Heaven is beyond words; the harmony of man is beyond the manifestation of nature. Therefore, my loyalty is rooted in nature, and the harmony of the zither and lute, the strength of glue and lacquer, must be based on affection. Nothing is more genuine than the pleasure of sight. Try to think about this from the preface to *The Great Learning*, which is sufficient to grasp the depth of a single thought, and even surpasses the gentle whisper of a song. The Book of Changes states that when a man is below a woman, he is associated with the concept of "Xian" (咸), while when two women live together, they are associated with the concept of "Kui" (睽). This shows that while feelings can be shared, they can also be separated. Han Dynasty scholars interpreted the poem "Jujiu" (雎鸠)
in the Book of Poetry, suggesting the search for a virtuous woman for self-help, a profound meaning indeed. The application of feelings reaches its full potential here. To be bound by mere words and actions is surely a biased view. The book "Zhuchunyuan" (驻春园) has been passed down for a long time, but because it has never been printed, it is rarely seen. Now, my friend wishes to share it with fellow enthusiasts and has specially commissioned its publication, asking me to critique and carefully review it. Some parts resemble "Yujiaoli" (玉娇梨) and "Qingmeng Tuo" (情梦柝), seemingly not deviating from the usual path, yet the writing is elegant, all derived from Tang and Song Dynasty novels such as "Huizhen" (会真) and "Jiaohong" (娇红). It is quite different from modern unofficial histories. In the past, someone wrote "Qi Yu Zhuan" (祁禹传) in one night, with its poems, songs, and tunes all exquisitely crafted. Although it no longer exists, "Yanju Biji" (燕居笔记) still contains excerpts. However, its use of feelings is not proper, and it is all considered obscene. If this compilation is done, it will be worthy of high praise. Yun'e's appreciation of talent is comparable to that of Zhuo Nu, but her unrestrained nature is not; Lü Yun's adherence to righteousness is similar to that of Gong Ji, but her chivalry surpasses it. Xiao Huan Ai Yue, with her eloquent tongue like a nightingale and her charming heart like a swallow, after being sketched by a master, is even more than Hong Niang Jie, incomparable to Chun Xiang of the thief's lair.
Excellent! Tang Qingyuan, an official, said: The master speaks of nature, the disciple speaks of love. When love is sincere, one will die for it. It is acceptable to follow the rules, it is acceptable to act according to circumstances, it is acceptable to abandon the noble for the lowly, to be easily jealous for the pitiful, and it is also acceptable. Above all, the orchids and irises are offered to the ruler; the severance of sworn brotherhood is offered to friends. Is this not the way love reaches all corners of the world? All readers under heaven, do not view this as a case of marking the boat to find the sword, but read it as a case of the ospreys crying, and you will be satisfied.
Written by Shui Ruo Sanren in the first ten days of the chrysanthemum month of the Renyin year of Qianlong at Kaixiangzhai.
Opening
statement of the main theme of the legend: the main theme is love, separation and reunion, joy and sorrow.
Etiquette lies in the distinction between those who rush to court and those who offer betrothal; the alliance endures regardless of life or death.
Even flies, following the steed, gallop far; leaves, supporting the flower's beauty, also flourish.
The mortar and pestle, though known to be difficult to escape vulgarity, are fabricated out of thin air, seeking genuine judgment.
This poem is the foundation of the entire *Zhuchun Garden* collection. Having perused various legends, aside from those meant to awaken and enlighten the world, they are all about talented scholars and beautiful women, with *Pingshan Lengyan* and *Yujiao Li* standing out. Their elegant writing style reveals a refined and classic character. *The Tale of the Good Match* possesses a unique charm, breaking free from vulgarity, like a Qin dynasty detachment that manages to raise its own banner. The others are all mediocre, merely a disgrace to pears and dates. *Peach Blossom Shadow* and *Lantern Moon Romance* are even less impressive. This work, originating from the eastern neighbor, truly embodies the spirit of Deng Tu, taking root in the past, and also possesses the true character of a scholar, showing a significant difference in elegance from *Embroidered Shoes* and *Jade Plate*. As for those who succumb to slavery, such as those in "The Dream of Love," "The Embroidered Screen," and "A Smile at Marriage," they are merely butterflies drawn to flowers, never actually seeking refuge with their neighbors. The more fantastical the events, the more bizarre the thoughts. Throughout history, those who sought happiness through marriage, like Zhuo Wenjun, and Hong Fu and Hong Xiao, were numerous, yet many did not achieve their goals. Li Jing's Qing Ju and Qing Li's Yu Lu, though displaying their talents in dire circumstances, were not as fortunate as Gu Ju, who lived in a separate household, ultimately bound by Confucian ethics—truly cowardly men and weak women. Only those with both courage and wisdom can succeed. Can the reader not feel sorrow for Zhang Lizhen's autobiography? From washing dishes at the counter in Linqiong, she eventually rose to a life of luxury, truly fulfilling her desires! But those who end up in poverty and old age rarely survive, let alone others. Only those deeply versed in love can perhaps remain unperturbed!
Yun'e's earnestness was later restrained, merely a ploy to escape death, not her true intention. Lü Yun's affection was the same as Yun'e's. If she had met Wei Tiju, she would surely have become Jia Yunhua. However, their vows had already soured, and they were now strangers. She had already been taken by Gao Cai, and jealousy had turned to pity. How could she not form a peaceful alliance with someone of the same mind, requiring further mediation? Rather than wasting ink and ink, it would be better to select materials carefully, gathering them along the way—a much faster approach. Although legends are a minor art, they are no different from painting. Jin Shengtan discussed using clouds to highlight the moon, and Zhou Liyuan discussed using textured leaves and painted flowers, both meticulously depicting the celestial being. If the accompanying figures are hastily rendered, how can they complement the majestic celestial being? Ai Yue is quick-witted and sharp-tongued, the most outstanding among the maids. Even Cao Cao might not consider her a confidante, let alone a woman in blue robes. Those who help others achieve their goals will ultimately find their own fulfillment, thus ensuring their wisdom is not wasted. If the King of Chu were to abandon his quilt, wouldn't that be too inappropriate and overly comforting? Ouyang's temperament is similar, making it easy for him to insert himself; Mu Jing's yearning for Guan seems like a distant, extraordinary peak. However, just like the yellow-robed guest of the Purple Hook, embellishment and assistance are indispensable. If it were the red-bearded one in "The Song of the Five Phoenixes," then he would be overshadowing the main character. Ultimately, finding refuge and acceptance leads to enlightenment, which also shows that chivalry is something one should not do. This poem is merely a rough outline. If the reader wishes to know more, let me elaborate. Chapter
One: Encountering the Yellow-Robed Guest on a Narrow Path, Unintentionally Planting Seeds, Peeping at the White-Faced Man from Next Door, Intentionally
Seeking Seeking. The poem reads: Rain and clouds are unpredictable, emotions are bound and locked, difficult to open. A clever arrangement is made in leisure, pulling back and pushing forward. An encounter has met the desired outcome, yet Qingyang still evokes doubt. The jade poem has not yet arrived, who will bear the burden of this mistaken view? The
poem "Xi Jiang Yue"
tells of a young woman named Huanxue from Zhejiang during the Ming Dynasty. Her mother was surnamed Ye, and her father, Qing, styled Youqing, was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) during the Jiajing era and held the official position of Guanglu Dafu (Grand Master of the Palace). He often visited Wu Yingsong, styled Ganfu, a fellow Hanlin scholar from Jiangnan. Qing was upright and outspoken, which made him out of step with the times, and he had a falling out with the Censor-in-Chief Su Tingce. Fearing Su Tingce's machinations, he retired and returned to Jiaxing, living a simple life at Heilangdun, thirty li outside the city. His dwelling consisted of only half an acre of green hills and a bay of clear water. He had a daughter named Huanxue, who was very clever. At the age of five or six, she was taught to read and write. Her literary talent and poetic inspiration changed every month and year. She named herself Yun'e and also used the pseudonym Chanzhao. She kept two maids, one named Xihua and the other Aiyue. Because the couple had no heir, they never married. Unexpectedly, the husband fell ill in his old age and passed away. Yun'e and her mother were left widowed, and they continued to find solace in poetry and history. The family soon fell into ruin, and their maid Xihua was sold to a merchant through a matchmaker, leaving only Aiyue as a maid. Yun'e, who was writing, would often have Aiyue grind ink and wash the inkstone, so Aiyue also became quite literate. Unexpectedly, a fire broke out in the neighboring house, which spread to the Zeng family. Fortunately, the three women, along with an old servant, escaped and went to live with their maternal uncle, the Ye family, in the city. Lord Ye's name was Du, and his nickname was Xiaozhou. He was the General Commander of the Three Border Regions. His wife, Lady Liu, seeing that he and his niece had come to seek refuge after their misfortune, renovated the back pavilion and kept Lady Liu at the residence of the head of the household. In the Zhu Pavilion was a tall building with banana trees below, named "Banana Building." Next to the building was another pavilion, which was the study of Minister Huang, named "Zhuchun Garden." His son, Jie, courtesy name Yushi, studied there. He possessed the talent to write eloquent prose while riding a horse, and the appearance to throw fruit from a sheep cart. His late father, named Bang, styled Youshan, was the Minister of War. He married Wu Ganfu, a Hanlin scholar in Beijing, with Weng Yixi, an official in the Ministry of Justice, acting as matchmaker. Later, Huang Gong passed away, followed by Wu Gong. Huang's wife wrote to Wu, mentioning the marriage. Unexpectedly, Wu's wife, mindful of her widowed mother and son, couldn't bear the thought of separation and intended to arrange a marriage for her daughter. Then, Huang's wife also passed away, and both families stopped mentioning the matter. Fortunately, Miss Wu, following her father's dying wish, remained steadfast in her devotion to her husband. Despite the distance between them, he remained steadfast in his commitment, paying no heed to this and focusing even more on his studies. He formed a close friendship with his fellow townsman, Ouyang Ying
, and they would meet daily at Zhuchun Garden, composing poems on various themes and rhymes. One day, Ouyang traveled to Chu, while he sat alone reciting poetry. At dawn, suddenly a man jumped down from the wall. He took a lamp and saw a strikingly handsome man. When asked why, he replied, "My name is Wang Mujing. Recently, a close friend of mine was framed by a powerful figure, and I was filled with indignation. Last night, I stabbed the man with a knife. Fearing arrest, I am temporarily hiding in your country, hoping for your protection." The scholar, knowing he was a chivalrous man seeking revenge for his friend, took him inside. A short while later, at dawn, he ordered his page, a man named Mo Nu, to prepare wine and hospitality. At dusk, he took out several tens of taels of silver and said to Mujing, "My humble garden is small and cramped; I fear that if this matter is delayed, it will be exposed. I have prepared a small gift for you, brother, so you may find another place to hide. I dare not refuse it." Mujing, seeing this, said, "I am already deeply grateful for your gift; I dare not accept such a favor." The scholar said, "Brother, you are a chivalrous man; why do you speak such trivial words? When people meet and trouble arise, if one cannot avenge a friend or resolve disputes among fellow human beings, one will truly be condemned for eternity. This is but a small gift; why should it concern you?" Mujing then bowed and accepted the gift, and departed without further mention. The scholar, having learned of his friend's whereabouts, then put aside his kindness.
One day, Yun'e, having nothing to do, went up to the tower with Aiyue for an evening view. Suddenly, they saw a handsome young man, about fifteen or sixteen years old, standing outside the sparse bamboo grove across the pavilion. He was as handsome as Pan An and as refined as Sima Yi, and Yun'e felt a pang of pity for him. As they walked and recited poetry on the steps, Yun'e also looked up and saw a beautiful woman leaning against the wind, gazing longingly from behind, amidst the flowers and willows by the wall. A maidservant stood behind her, constantly tucking her sister's hair. Yun'e felt a sudden pang of loss. After a while, Yun'e came down from the tower with a smile, closed the window, and went to Aiyue's room, saying, "I just saw this handsome young man, and he has captivated me. If I could marry someone like him, my lifelong appreciation for talent would not have been in vain. But although his appearance is very pleasing, I do not know what his learning is like." Aiyue said, "We must observe him carefully."
Now, seeing the beautiful woman descend the stairs, his soul soared, as if lost in thought. He put away the fragrant incense and returned to his study by the window. Unbeknownst to him, the moon had risen high, its light streaming into the tower, leaving behind her lingering image. He lit a lamp and began to write, to commemorate this extraordinary encounter, and thus, a poem was written: A
beautiful woman, dancing in the light of the guest.
Smiling, she gazed intently, her face a perfect match.
Unattainable, she lay on the other side of the water. He lifted his skirt to follow her, but the path was long and arduous. That beautiful woman, from where did she come? A guest before the cave, as if on a celestial terrace. Liu Lang, though so close, lingered, his wings borrowed, so he flew over the wall. That beautiful woman, what are you thinking? My heart is bound to her, my words are on her brow. She reveals her spring heart, only I know, I await her call, to ask her. Cherishing the beautiful woman, I lean against the painted railing, quietly closing the jade palace, far from the clouds. Unseen, the moonlight is cold, I force myself to pick up my brush, unable to sleep.

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