Scene 44: Urgent Crisis

Scene 44: Urgent Crisis

(Du Liniang enters, singing to the tune "Chrysanthemum New"):

This morning at my toilet, the magpie's cry of fulfilled dreams was loud. With nothing to do, I idly tap my gold hairpin with a smile. The incense smoke wafts in the autumn light; I await the gilded happy tidings of success in the examinations, and my heart grows secretly anxious. "A wandering soul seeks rebirth; a poor and frustrated man hopes for success in the imperial exams. When the husband is honored, the wife is also exalted. I fix my gaze and wait—what will come of it?" I, Du Liniang, followed my husband Liu Mengmei to the capital for the examinations. By chance, we encountered the Son of Heaven summoning worthy men. But still, after all these days, no happy tidings have arrived. Truly: "The capital seems near at hand yet a thousand miles away; my husband, far off on a journey of ten thousand li, is the foremost man under heaven."

(Liu Mengmei enters, singing to the tune "Escorting the Troops"):

The affairs in the examination hall were opportune, but alas, the turmoil of war has brought forth a sprout of disaster. Awaiting the gilded happy tidings, I have delayed my jade-like, exquisite wife. She waits in her earthen crypt, hoping to follow her man straight up to the nine-layered heavens. A wisp of separated soul, like the mist on the river and the evening tide.

(They greet each other.)

(Du Liniang): Brother Liu, you have returned. I hoped you would come back in a high carriage with four horses, robed in glory. Why have you returned on foot?

(Liu Mengmei): Listen to what I have to say.

(Singing to the tune "Tiled Basin"):

I was too late for the examinations; the hall was already closed, and the multitude of candidates had all dispersed.

(Du Liniang): Aiya! So you were too late.

(Liu Mengmei): Fortunately, I met an old friend.

(Du Liniang): Were you able to make up the quota?

(Liu Mengmei): Thanks to him, the boat was full of moonlight, and he fished back the lost pearl.

(Du Liniang, delighted): Excellent! Has the list been posted?

(Liu Mengmei): Just when the Dragon Tower was reporting to the throne and the Phoenix List was being unfurled, a strange turn occurred.

(Du Liniang): What strange turn?

(Liu Mengmei): You do not know that the armies of the Great Jin have risen and already crossed over towards the region of Huaiyang. In the confusion, military camps are strictly guarded, so the examinations had to be temporarily set aside. Just now, I have delayed your lady's phoenix coronet and cape of rank.

(Du Liniang): The delay is only for a while. Let me ask you: that place Huaiyang—is it the region my father governs?

(Liu Mengmei): It is.

(Du Liniang, weeping): Heavens! What has become of my father and mother! (Sobbing.)

(Liu Mengmei): It is truly so vivid, so heartbreaking, it makes one’s intestines snap. For instance, when you were on the road to the Yellow Springs, were you also anxious?

(Du Liniang): Enough. I have a word to say, but I cannot bear to speak it.

(Liu Mengmei): Speak freely, it is no harm.

(Du Liniang): Brother Liu, the day of posting the list is still far off. I wish to trouble you to go to Huaiyang to inquire after my parents’ news. I wonder if you will agree?

(Liu Mengmei): I respectfully obey your command. But I am uneasy about leaving you, young lady.

(Du Liniang): No matter. I can manage on my own.

(Liu Mengmei): In that case, I shall set off immediately.

(Du Liniang sings to the tune "Pomegranate Blossoms in Tears"):

Beneath the white clouds lies my parents’ home; my solitary shadow still lingers on the old plum tree’s tip. To say my fragrant soul is so lonely—who knows it has long since dissolved on your willow branch? In Yangzhou, a thousand miles away, I am always a wisp of wandering soul. The matter of returning from death is past. Father and mother! When they hear I still live in this world, they are sure to be greatly startled. For no reason, a son-in-law comes knocking, like magpies building a bridge in mid-air.

(Liu Mengmei sings to the previous tune):

I go forward, then stop; my heart is tugged on two sides. I wish to stay in the inn to keep my lovely one company.

(Du Liniang): There is my aunt to keep me company.

(Liu Mengmei): One from the underworld is hard-pressed to accompany you through this long, long night. My mind is unsettled; I fear your old soul may scatter again.

(Du Liniang): It will never scatter again.

(Liu Mengmei): Even if my essays are well-written, I fear that when the list is posted, I may not be able to return in time.

(Du Liniang, weeping): My father and mother!

(Liu Mengmei): You yearn for your parents and can bear the pain of parting. I, as your half-son, how could I begrudge climbing high to seek glory? Young lady, when I pay my respects to my father- and mother-in-law, the first thing I say will be to ask about the matter of your return from death.

(Du Liniang sighs, singing to the tune "Fisherman's Lamp"):

If I speak of it, it sounds like something strange and demonic. I fear my father is stubborn and old-fashioned, putting on airs. (She thinks for a moment.) I have it! Take my spring portrait with you. When he sees this painting, he cannot help but ask us about the cause and effect of this matter.

(Liu Mengmei): When he asks, how shall I answer?

(Du Liniang): Say it was the Heavenly Court, that by chance the destined marriage arrived, and inadvertently we pried open the grave.

(Liu Mengmei): I must say that you came to my study first.

(Du Liniang, embarrassed): Do not put on airs. This talk will make people laugh. Just mention it lightly to that mischievous maid, Meixiang.

(Liu Mengmei sings to the previous tune):

I had every hope of meeting you with a high carriage and four horses, to share our triumph, you and I, this wandering-soul woman. Who would have thought that visiting honored kin would mean rushing to a battlefield? I fear my poor scholar’s clothes are not proper.

(Du Liniang): It does not matter if the son-in-law is a bit mature and steady. Only the journey is lonely and desolate, which makes me anxious.

(Liu Mengmei): On an autumn night, clouds span across the wild geese formations; on the ancient road in the slanting sun, mooring by night on the Qinhuai River breaks one’s spirit.

(Du Liniang): Husband, when you go, it will be somewhat lonely. But if you return and have won the top scholar’s honor...

(Liu Mengmei): My fame will spread through the world; a grand feast will be laid; the gate will be crowded with visitors; laughter and joy will fill the air, surpassing even a princess’s husband returning to court.

(Enter the Nun, carrying a bundle and an umbrella.)

(Nun): "An umbrella for both clear and rainy days; a spring portrait survives autumn’s passing and spring’s return." Here is your bundle and umbrella.

(They bid farewell, singing the coda.)

(Du Liniang): The scholar-gentleman goes to visit his parents-in-law’s gate.

(Liu Mengmei): To report your rebirth—this joy is no small thing.

(Du Liniang): Brother Liu, return once it is safe there. Do not linger only on Moonbright Bridge, listening to someone play the flute.

(Liu Mengmei): It is not that I will long be absent from visiting my father-in-law—Liu Shang.

(Du Liniang): My pouch contains nothing to offer my parents—Du Fu.

(Liu Mengmei): My horse’s hooves gradually enter the Yangzhou road—Zhang Xiaobiao.

(Du Liniang): Two places, each heartbroken by endless spirit—Yuan Zhen.