Chapter 18 old age

Gu Hongming originally planned to die in Japan, but with the deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations, Gu was increasingly neglected and looked down upon. In the autumn of 1927, Gu set foot on his way home alone and returned to Beijing. He lived in seclusion at his home in Chunshu Hutong. He lived in extreme poverty, and sometimes even had no rice for food. After the death of his friend Liang Dunyan, Gu Hongming was immersed in Milton's poems after he lost his sight.At that time, Gu was extremely distressed mentally, "Ri only prayed for a quick death." In March 1928, Gu Hongming suddenly developed a high fever, and all kinds of treatments were ineffective, and his body gradually declined.Later, blood streaks appeared in the sputum, and both Chinese and Western medicine diagnosed pneumonia. At the end of April, I could no longer eat.During his illness, Gu Hongming still asked his beloved daughter Zhendong to read aloud for him from time to time.

On the 30th, Gu Hongming felt that the end was approaching, and his two daughters were crying in front of the bed.At 3:40 in the afternoon, Gu Hongming said almost silently, "Fame and status are just bubbles, fleeting", and then closed his eyes forever. Gu Zhendong was born of Shugu, and Gu Nawa was born of Yoshida Rongzi (it is said that both daughters were born of Shugu). They are not only bright and intelligent, they have learned many languages, and they have inherited Naifu's proud and noble character.It is said that one of Gu's disciples had been secretly in love with Zhendong for many years, and finally mustered up the courage to come to court him. It’s all up to you.” One sentence scares away the suitors.After Gu Hongming's death, his two beloved daughters, Gu Zhendong and Gu Nawa, who were 16 years old, became nuns in Suzhou.

According to Gu Zhenfu's recollection, Gu Hongming had only one son and one daughter, named Shouyong, who died in the 1940s and had no descendants.The girl's name is Zhendong. She likes men's clothing. She wears long robes and mandarin jackets for many years. She behaves like a man and has never married.