TGG-Chapter 18

English summary

  Su Tungpo’s fate was indicative of an official’s lack of freedom of personal movement. It began from a person note of the Emperor which commanded him to shift his place of confinement from Huangchow to Juchow. At first he wanted to dodge the appointment, but considering the new appointment was a sign of the Emperor’s kindness, he decided to obey and quit his farm on the Eastern Slope. When he was about to leave, a crowd gathered to see his departure.

   On his way to go to Juchow, he went to visit his brother at first. Then, when he arrived in Nanking, he visited Wang Anshih, who was now a tired, broken old man. Everywhere he went, he was looking for a place for retirement in his old age. Finally he found a lake district and asked the Emperor’s permission to settle in that place. However, just as his plan for a place of retirement had been realized, a new official appointment arrived, calling him back to office. Nevertheless Su Tungpo accepted the post, though he hated it at heart. Then he was again recalled to the capital.

Words

Dodge 躲避

Eg：People tend to dodge obstacles. They turn their backs to the problem, as if it doesn’t exist.

At a stroke 一下子

When I was praised by Eric, at a stroke, I felt confident and was willing to do it better.

Escort 陪同，护送

Eg：He escorts me to my dormitory to make sure I am safe.