Chinese Literature

The pain and discomfort kept him awake practically all night. When he got up at dawn he felt worn and limp. However, he composed himself and pretended there was nothing unusual for fear that signs of weakness on his part would discourage his sons.

“After all, I am getting old,’ he pondered sorrowfully.

From the kitchen, Li-chiu brought out two bowls of what remained of the beans, and placed them on the table. The smell of the cooked beans made Uncle Yun-pu’s mouth water; the three who were workmg the fields shared the light repast equally, getting over half a bowl each. It tasted much more delicious than usual, but half a bowl was, after all, such a small quantity that when tucked away in the stomach, filled only Heaven knows how small a corner.

The men went to the fields and struggled for a while, exerting great efforts of will, as if to make up for their waning physical powers. They felt as if they were shouldering a heavy yoke which was weighing them down. They could barely manage to lift even a hoe or a small wooden plough. From time to time stars appeared before their eyes and the world would start to go in circles. After a few rounds, the men were forced to return home.

“How can we go on like this?”

The family gathered together, children as well as grown-ups. Six pairs of eyes red from the gnawing pangs of hunger stared at one another sorrowfully. All felt that there was nothing to say.

“Oh, Heaven!’’

Gritting his teeth and summoning the remainder of his fading courage, Yun-pu again turned his steps towards Mr. Ho’s. On the way he figured out how he was going to approach Mr. Ho and what he was going to say, mentally going over the whole scene step by step. Then he found himself at Mr. Ho’s door.

‘Well, what is it you want, Yun-pu?” Mr. Ho asked, as he sat enthroned in his massive armchair.

Slee vas

“What?”

“T would like again to ask Mr. Ho... .

“Beans? I can’t lend you any more. There’re many people in this village, you know. Do you think I want to feed your family alone?”

“Y’]] return the debt with added interest.”

“Who cares for your interest? You think other people don’t pay interest? It’s no use.”

“Please, Mr. Ho, you must save us. Neither old nor young have eaten in my family... .”

“Go away, how can I bother so much about you! Go away!”

“Mr. Ho, oh, save us... .”

Uncle Yun-pu burst into desperate tears. Mr. Ho’s hired hand came out and pushed him out of the door.

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