Searching for Classical Chinese: Gui Youguang's Translation of Wei Chengfu's Towards the Star

Oh! I married Chengfu's sister, so I know Chengfu very well. Who said that Cheng Fu's talent was like this? It turns out that Chengfu has been ill for too long. Since my wife passed the door, I sometimes talk about her brother, fearing that he will die soon, so that I burst into tears. It's been eight years since my wife died. Chengfu's three cousins are all strong and not sick. They all died, and then Chengfu died. This is Chengfu's luck. However, with Cheng Fu's talent, God should not let him get sick and finally let him die. What a pity!

Cheng's father's name is Wei, and his ancestral home is Suzhou. Father Cheng is a man. He was smart and tough earlier and made some achievements. No one can stop the will that comes from his heart. He was violent and arrogant when he was a child, and no one could stop him. Soon I was taught by my uncle and suddenly realized something. I decided to study and correct my words and deeds with etiquette. At this time, Cheng Fu, a county scholar, and four or five people in the same trade went to school every morning. Four or five people often form a group. They are all taking off their coats, walking in a proper way and standing solemnly. The doctor and all the students looked at them and thought they were strange. Some came forward to tease and insult, but Cheng Fu was not shaken by them. Every time I walk in the market, the children stand on both sides of the market and make noise, but Cheng Fu still stands upright and poses.

Cheng Fu has never had a playboy hobby in his life. He only bought thousands of books and famous ancient calligraphy and painting. If he wants it, he doesn't have to calculate the cost. He is willing to do good, advocates justice, and often shows a cheerful appearance. So most celebrities in the county like to associate with Chengfu. Every time (he) goes to the county seat, most of the people who play with him are literati. A few miles from his home, there is a place called Xugao. Chengfu likes the quietness and beauty here and built a villa there. Zhu Zhishan wrote an article called Gao Xu Fu to express his interest in Cheng Fu. As a senior student, Cheng Fu failed in many exams held in Beijing. Later, because of illness, he stopped taking the exam himself. He is ill at home and still collects history books every day. I often go to live in Chengfu. Chengfu got up in the morning and put the books in a mess. I looked at him in bed and laughed at him for not letting myself be at leisure. Cheng Fu also turned to look at me and smiled, but didn't stop turning the page. Although I was ill, I ate, drank and talked with people as usual. When the guests came, he took out his hidden books and showed them to the guests. After reading them, the guests left, not feeling tired at all. He hasn't changed his hobby all his life. As for making a living and saving money, (he) doesn't care at all (He can do this) Of course, it is because he inherited his ancestral business (the reason for the industry he left behind) and because of this character in his nature that he is like this.

Cheng Fu died on December 28th, 19th year of Jiajing, at the age of 39.

Thanks for adoption