PC Translations

While I was in Shanghai in the late winter and into the spring, I wrote a few posts on my other blog that might be of interest to readers here.  They also deal with Chinese culture and language, and with language learning.  Here’s the links:

The seventh month on the Chinese calendar is the time that hell is supposed to open its gates each year. The ghosts who live in Hell are released during that month, and they roam the earth again for a short time.  

It’s the first day of Chinese New Year today, this being the beginning of the Year of the Rat.

I’ve brushed it up just a little, including changing the title to “The Guardians of the Gate.”  I’ve posted the full translation of the story, as it now stands, at my new blog.

This is a continued translation of the Chinese short story “The God of the Gate”

---

After spending the day roaming through the imperial garden, Tang Tai Zong invited Wei Zheng to stay and have dinner with him. When the meal was finished, Wei Zheng prepared to take his leave. Feeling the dreaded time drawing upon him, Tang Tai Zong laughed and excitedly exclaimed, “I’d really like to have a game of chess today! Why don’t you stay and join me for a game?”

This is the continued translation of the Chinese short story “The God of the Gate.”

---

“Um…” Tang Tai Zong stalled awkwardly, afraid that if he shared the events of the River God’s dream, Wei Zheng would not believe him. He sought a suitalbe excuse, finally saying, “I called for you so we could discuss national affairs.”

After discussing the nation’s business, Wei Zheng prepared to leave. Tang Tai Zong continued to search for a reason to keep him. “Look! The most famous and costly peonies in the garden have bloomed. Why don’t you accompany me to the garden to admire the flowers?”

The story continues…

The next day when Tang Tai Zong got up, he remembered the request the River God had brought to him, and so he quietly sought out Wei Zheng.

Wei Zheng was in the habit of speaking forthrightly, so that if the emperor was wrong, he would even confront him. The people all praised Wei Zheng, calling him the most upright officer on earth.

“I don’t think His Majesty has ever sought me so early. What is going on?” he asked as soon as he’d saluted Tang Tai Zong.

Tang Tai Zong, taking great pity on the River God, replied, “Wei Zheng is an official under my command, and he is also a friend with whom I am on the best of terms. I can definitely take care of your request. You don’t need to worry any more about it.”

---

Click here for part 1 of the story
Click here for the previous installment

The River God, knowing that all the fortune-teller had said was true, hastily rushed to Tang Tai Zong’s palace. As if entrusting him with a secret dream, he told him everything that had passed. He ended by entreating him, “Tomorrow night, whatever happens, please keep Wei Zheng by your side. Don’t let him take even one step away from you. Then, I won’t lose my head.

---

This is a continuation of the story that begins here