PART 1 Sentences

1. All marriages, however arranged, are a gamble and an adventure upon an uncharted sea.

This sentence conveys a disheartening message that a good marriage is virtually a toss-up. You could not foresee its destination however prepared you were before you walked down the aisle. When I was a little girl, I used to think that marriage came by destiny and that there would be a perfect prince beckoning me in the future if I live with integrity and a warm heart. However, life is not a fairytale. Qian Zhongshu, an illustrious Chinese writer once said, "marriage is the tomb of love." A perfect marriage is nothing but an arresting mirage. There would be squabbles, disputes and even resentment between any couple. Then again, I still believe that marriage is one of the most adorable things in the world. Although I might not find my dream spouse, I still look forward to marriage, believing that I would gain happiness if I make great efforts in the marriage life and if I keep on loving as if I were never hurt.

2. Whether in ancient or in modern China, there are always enough "patriots" willing to serve as puppets of a foreign government in the name of the common people of China so long as they can keep themselves in power.

Throughout history, numerous coups, vile revolutions, and even tyrannies were initiated in the name of "people". But when the commotions ebbed away, the truth was laid bare: they were conducted only in the interest of a few people or a political clique. The waters were muddied, the losers gained notoriety, and the winners who took power began to sugarcoat their evils. But the ones that suffered the most were those "people".

3. A writer of the time said that the scholars did not know the fear of punishments or the joy of promotions, nor did they value the gift of life or fear the doom of death, but they did fear the opinion of Ouyang Shiu.

This sentence reflects the high reputation and veneration Ouyang Shiu enjoyed among the scholars at that time. Actually I am a big fan of Ouyang Shiu. I love Ouyang even more than Su. I do think that he deserved all those plaudits and reverence either literarily or spiritually. However, I am disturbed by the fact that the scholars seemed to have nothing to aspire but to ride on Ouyang's appreciation and recommendation. They were actually debasing themselves by kowtowing to such a politically powerful figure. Somehow, this phenomenon reflects a pathetic situation at that time in which talented people had few opportunities to apply themselves and realize their ambitions.

PART 2 Expressions

1. It was most desirable for the young people to have their love and romance settled and out of the way.

(a matter/ job is) out of the way: it has been done or dealt with

I'd rather get the interview out of the way in the morning.

As soon as the contract's out of the way, we can start.

2. The fact that Chang was thrown out when he had served his purpose did not prevent still another "patriot" in the sixteenth century, Wu Sankuei, from leading his army, armed by a foreign power, inside the Great Wall to crush the Chinese government.

serve one's purpose: if sth/ sb has served its purpose, they have done what you needed them to do

We delete the data once it has served its purpose.

3. The streets swarmed with pedestrians, officials' horse carriages, bull carts, and sedan chairs.

swarm 做名词时本意是“蜂群”，引申为“一大群人”。

Swarms of tourist jostled through the crowd.

这里是 v.  swarm with sb/ sth: to be full of a moving crowd of people or animals

The museum was swarming with tourists.

sb swarm sp: go sp as a large uncontrolled crowd

Photographers were swarming around the princess.

4. On reading Su Tungpo's letter, somehow I perspired all over with joy.

perspire: (v.) 出汗 SYN sweat

Willie was perspiring heavily.

perspiration: (n.) 汗

He wiped the beads of perspiration from his brow.

5. Why should I at this dignified old age, submit myself to the disgrace of being judged by official examiners and become a laughingstock of others.

submit oneself to sth: to yield or subject to control or authority

submit himself to the jurisdiction of the tribal court

laughingstock/ laughing stock: someone who hasa done sth so silly aht people have no respect for them 笑柄

The program has made the US a laughing stock.

6. Every time I think about that scene, my heart shudders.

shudder: (v.) to shake for a short time because you are afraid or cold, or because you think sth is very unpleasant 颤栗；发抖

I shudder with embarrassment whenever I think about it.

shudder at sth: to think that sth is very bad or unpleasant

He shuddered at the thought of the conflict ahead.

She shuddered at the thought that she could have been killed.

shudder (n.) eg. The building gave a sudden shudder.