Scene 2: Spreading the Songs

Scene Two: Spreading the Song

Scene: The boudoir of Li Zhenli. Characters: Li Zhenli (Madam), Yang Wencong (Scholar-Official), Li Xiangjun (the courtesan), Su Kunsheng (Music Master).

(Enter Li Zhenli, dressed as a madam, wearing light stage makeup.)

Li Zhenli: (Sings to the tune "Autumn Moon Night")

My eyebrows are painted deep and dark; I do not close the gate of the Crimson Tower. By the long-plank bridge, the willow tendrils hang fine and slender; the willow threads snag the mounts of wandering men. I tighten the strings of the zither, and carefully craft the mouth-organ case.

(Recites)

Pear blossoms white as snow, green grass like drifting mist—spring lingers on both banks of the Qinhuai River. A row of painted bowers faces the water; in every household, the water's shadow reflects a beauty.

My surname is Li, my style name Zhenli. I am a skilled hand in the realm of smoke and flowers, a famous performer in the world of wind and moonlight. Born and raised in the Old Quarter, I have greeted and seen off guests on the Long Bridge. My rouge and powder have not yet faded; my charm and grace still remain. I have raised a foster daughter, gentle, slender, and petite, her talent sufficient to grace a splendid feast. Her disposition is pliant, shy, and delicate; she has not yet formally received a patron. Here there is a dismissed magistrate named Yang Longyou, the brother-in-law of Ma Shiying, the Grand Coordinator of Fengyang, and formerly a sworn brother of Ruan Dacheng, the former Chief Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. He often comes to the quarter to praise my girl, wanting to find her a patron for her "combing" ceremony. The spring day is bright and beautiful today; I imagine he will be here soon. (Calls) Maid, roll up the blinds and sweep the floor, prepare to welcome the guest. (Voice from offstage answers) Understood!

(Enter Yang Wencong, dressed as a scholar-official.)

Yang Wencong: (Recites)

The scenery of the Three Hills can be painted; the romantic elegance of the Six Dynasties can be savored.

I, the official Yang Wencong, style name Longyou, passed the provincial examination and served as a magistrate. Now I am dismissed from office and live in leisure. This famous Qinhuai courtesan, Li Zhenli, is an old flame of mine. Taking advantage of this spring weather, I have come to visit her for idle talk. Here I am; I might as well go straight in. (Enters) Where is Madam Zhen? (They greet each other) Splendid! Look at the plum blossom money already fallen, the willow threads just beginning to turn yellow—soft, thick, and heavy, the whole courtyard filled with spring. How am I to while away the time?

Li Zhenli: Just so. Please, go up to the small tower; we'll burn incense, brew tea, and appreciate some poems.

Yang Wencong: Excellent! (Ascends the tower)

The curtain's pattern encloses the bird on its perch; the shadow of flowers shields the fish in its basin. (Looking around) This is your daughter's boudoir. Where has she gone?

Li Zhenli: She hasn't finished her morning toilette; she is still in her bedchamber.

Yang Wencong: Please ask her to come out.

Li Zhenli: (Calls) Child, come out. Master Yang is here.

(Yang Wencong looks at the poems on the four walls.)

Yang Wencong: All are inscriptions and gifts from famous gentlemen. Very impressive indeed. (He walks with his hands behind his back, reciting.)

(Enter Li Xiangjun, in splendid costume.)

Li Xiangjun: (Sings to the previous tune)

Awakening from a fragrant dream, I have just cast off the crimson, mandarin-duck quilt. I renew the vermilion of my lips and the deep rouge, hastily coil my hair into the "cast-aside-the-house" chignon. How can this spring melancholy be dispelled? I must jot down those new song lyrics for now. (Greets Yang Wencong) A thousand blessings upon you, Master!

Yang Wencong: I haven't seen you for a few days, and you have become even more exquisite. The praise in these poems is well deserved. (Looks again, startled) Ah! Such great and famous men as Zhang Tianru and Xia Yizhong have all presented their inscriptions. I, too, must compose a poem in response. (Li Zhenli hands him a brush and inkstone. Yang Wencong takes the brush and ponders for a long time.) I cannot surpass them. I might as well hide my incompetence and, for the moment, paint a few strokes of ink orchids to adorn this white wall.

Li Zhenli: Even better.

Yang Wencong: (Looks at the wall) This is a painting of a fist-sized rock by Lan Tianshu. Ah! I'll paint the orchid right beside the rock, using it as a foil. That will do nicely. (He paints, singing to the tune "Indus Tree")

The brocade-patterned white wall shines, bringing out the sentiment of the poet-soul. Tender leaves and fragrant buds, trapped by rain, intoxicated by the traces of mist. A single fist-sized rock of ink, its stone-like patterns split open; a few specks of grey moss randomly stain the stone steps. (Steps back to look) It will pass. But how can it compare with the free and easy ink-orchid conception of the Yuan masters? This famous beauty just happens to be worthy of the adornment of a Xiang River orchid pendant.

Li Zhenli: Truly a master's brush! It adds much splendor to my boudoir.

Yang Wencong: You flatter me. (To Li Xiangjun) May I ask your professional name, so I can inscribe it?

Li Xiangjun: I am still young and have no professional name.

Li Zhenli: Please, Master, bestow two characters upon her.

Yang Wencong: (Ponders) The Zuo Commentary says: "The orchid has the fragrance of a kingdom; one who wears it will be loved." How would it be to call her "Xiangjun"?

Li Zhenli: Excellent! Xiangjun, come and thank the Master.

(Li Xiangjun bows in thanks.)

Yang Wencong: (Laughs) Now the tower even has a name. (Inscribes) "In the mid-spring of the Guiwei year of the Chongzhen reign [1643], I happened to paint ink orchids in the 'Charming Fragrance Tower,' to win a smile from Xiangjun. By Yang Wencong of Guizhu."

Li Zhenli: Both the painting and the calligraphy are superb—a perfect pair of masterpieces! Many thanks! (They all sit down.)

Yang Wencong: I see that Xiangjun's beauty is second to none. I wonder, what are her accomplishments?

Li Zhenli: She has always been spoiled and pampered; she hasn't studied anything. Only the other day did I engage a music master to teach her songs and lyrics.

Yang Wencong: Who is he?

Li Zhenli: He is named Su Kunsheng.

Yang Wencong: Su Kunsheng? His original surname is Zhou. He is a native of Henan who has settled in Wuxi. I have known him for a long time. He is indeed a famous master. (Asks) Which song cycle is he teaching?

Li Zhenli: The "Four Dreams of the Jade Tea Hall."

Yang Wencong: How much has she learned?

Li Zhenli: She has only just studied half of The Peony Pavilion. (Calls) Child, Master Yang is no outsider. Take out the songbook and review it quickly. When your teacher comes to check it, you'll be ready for the new melodies.

Li Xiangjun: (Frowning) With a guest present, why must I only practice singing?

Li Zhenli: What foolish talk! In this sort of household business, we rely on dancing sleeves and singing skirts. This is the capital for our food and drink. If you won't learn to sing, what else will you do with your time?

(Li Xiangjun looks at the songbook.)

Li Zhenli: (Sings to the previous tune)

Born into a circle of powder and paint, I have leapt into a flock of orioles and blossoms. A string of songs from my throat is my gold and silver land. Do not lightly cast away the red beans [symbolizing song lyrics]. Learn the tunes of "dawn wind and waning moon"; slowly beat the red sandalwood clappers, and seize the emerald green of the Yichun Ward. At the gate, tie up the reins of the prince's steed.

(Enter Su Kunsheng, wearing a square kerchief and a pleated robe, dressed as a music master.)

Su Kunsheng: (Recites)

In leisure I go to the Green Pavilion to teach the parrot; too lazy to go to the Vermilion Gate to see the peonies.

I am Su Kunsheng of Gushi. Ever since I left the Ruan Mansion, I have come to the brothel quarter to be the teacher of beauties. Isn't that better than being a hanger-on for an adopted son? (Enters and greets them) Master Yang is here! Long time no see.

Yang Wencong: Congratulations, Master Kun! You have taken on a peerless pupil.

Li Zhenli: Master Su has arrived. Child, pay your respects. (Li Xiangjun bows.)

Su Kunsheng: No need for such formality. (Asks) That song you learned yesterday—have you memorized it?

Li Xiangjun: I have memorized it.

Su Kunsheng: Since Master Yang is with us, let's go over it together. Then we can ask for his guidance.

Yang Wencong: I was just hoping to hear it.

(Su Kunsheng and Li Xiangjun sit facing each other and sing.)

Li Xiangjun: (Sings to the tune "Black Silk Robe")

"So the bright greens and tender reds blossom everywhere, only to be abandoned to broken wells and crumbling walls. What can be done with this glorious morning and this lovely scene..."

Su Kunsheng: Wrong, wrong! The character mei (beautiful) takes one beat, and the character nai (what can be done) takes one beat. You must not run them together. Start over! Start over!

(They sing again.)

Li Xiangjun: "What can be done with this glorious morning and this lovely scene? In whose courtyard is the joy of heart and delight of eye? Morning clouds flying and evening curtains rolled, the cloudy mist and emerald pavilion; fine rain and gentle breeze..."

Su Kunsheng: Wrong again! The character si (silk) is the vital note; you must sing it from deep in your throat.

(They sing again.)

Li Xiangjun: "Fine rain and gentle breeze, misty waves and painted boats; the one behind the embroidered screen too readily esteems this lovely light as cheap."

Su Kunsheng: Wonderful! Wonderful! You've got it right. Go on.

(Li Xiangjun sings to the tune "Good Sister.")

Li Xiangjun: "Over all the green hills, the cuckoo has bled the azaleas into red; beyond the roseleaf raspberry, the misty willow threads are drunk and soft. Though the peony is lovely, when spring departs, how can it claim the first place?"

Su Kunsheng: That line is a little rough. Once more. "Though the peony is lovely, when spring departs, how can it claim the first place. Idly I gaze and listen—the lively swallows' chatter is as sharp as scissors, the warbling orioles' song is smooth and round."

Su Kunsheng: Good! Good! Another section finished.

Yang Wencong: (To Li Zhenli) I am delighted that your daughter is so intelligent. There is no fear that she will not become a famous courtesan. (To Su Kunsheng) Yesterday I met the son of Minister Hou, Hou Chaozong. His purse is quite full, and he has a reputation for talent. He is currently looking for a famous beauty. Do you know him, Master Kun?

Su Kunsheng: He is from a distinguished family in my native district. He is indeed a man of great talent.

Yang Wencong: This match must not be missed. (Sings to the tune "Casement Window with Frost")

A maiden of jade-like years, at the time of her "melon-splitting" [age sixteen], singing her delicate songs, riding her slender horse. For her first gift, he will cast brocade; they will join hands over a thousand cups. Wedding verses urging the bride to adorn herself, a lacquered carriage to greet the bride. Matching him, the son of a noble house with his thousand-ounce body, year after year he will not let the Ruan lang [the lover] return, buying a house by the spring waters of the Peach Leaf Ferry.

Li Zhenli: If such a gentleman is willing to be her "combing" patron, that would be splendid! I only beg you, Master Yang, to do your utmost to help bring about this happy event.

Yang Wencong: You can rely on me.

Li Zhenli: (Sings the "Coda")

This daughter in the palm of my hand is more precious than a rare pearl. She has learned the new oriole's sweet, sweet song. Spring locks the double gates; no one yet knows.

Such a spring day should not be wasted. Let us go downstairs for a few cups of wine.

Yang Wencong: Delightful!

(They all go out together.)

Yang Wencong: Before Su Xiaoxiao's curtain, the flowers fill the fields.

Li Zhenli: Orioles sated, swallows lazy, beyond the spring dike.

Li Xiangjun: Beneath the red silk wrap, a cherry-like kernel.

Su Kunsheng: Waiting for Pan's carriage to cross the western lane.