水流云在

Ying Ruocheng. This name resonates deeply with Shui Li Yun Zai, his autobiography. Here, within these pages, his life unfolds. Ying Ruocheng, a prominent figure in 20th-century Chinese arts and politics, gifted the world with this intimate account. Shui Li Yun Zai translates to “Water Flows, Clouds Drift,” a poetic title reflecting the transient nature of life. Born in 1929, Ying’s life journey began in a Christian household. His grandfather, Ying Xianzhi, was a remarkable individual. He founded both the Ta Kung Pao newspaper and Fu Jen Catholic University. His father, Ying Qianli, served as the Dean of Studies at Fu Jen University. During the tumultuous period of the Second Sino-Japanese War, Ying Qianli bravely participated in anti-Japanese activities. This led to his imprisonment twice. Ying Ruocheng’s son, Ying Da, followed in his father’s footsteps. He also achieved recognition as a renowned actor and director. Shui Li Yun Zai recounts Ying Ruocheng’s multifaceted life. He translated Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” into Chinese. He even collaborated with Miller to bring the play to the Beijing People’s Art Theatre. He also translated Lao She’s “Teahouse” into English. Shui Li Yun Zai gives us a peek into the hardships Ying faced during the Cultural Revolution. Imprisoned, he demonstrated remarkable resilience. He wrote, painted portraits, crafted clay figurines, and even learned practical skills like growing grapes, hatching chicks, and pickling vegetables. He even delved into electricity and made mahjong tiles. After his release, Ying’s career continued to flourish. He acted in films like “The Last Emperor” and “Marco Polo,”. He also became the Vice Minister of Culture for the People’s Republic of China. Shui Li Yun Zai not only narrates Ying Ruocheng’s personal experiences. It also offers a glimpse into the dynamic landscape of 20th-century China. The book is a testament to his enduring spirit, his unwavering dignity, and his profound wisdom.