第十九章 慷慨弃寒家酒楼作别 模糊留血影山寺锄奸 (A Generous Farewell at the Tavern; A Vengeful Blade at the Mountain Temple)

Now, Fan Jiashu took that letter and hurried back to his study. Opening it, he saw it read: 'Dear brother Fan Jiashu: Please come to the small tavern behind Siyi Pavilion at seven this evening to discuss an urgent matter. Shoufeng.' The handwriting was hurried and unkempt, and no words of respect followed the signature. Guessing the matter must be pressing, Fan Jiashu did not dare delay and immediately took a carriage straight to Siyi Pavilion.

It was already dusk, and the area around Siyi Pavilion was very quiet. Fan Jiashu found the small tavern and saw Guan Shoufeng waiting in a secluded private booth. No sooner had they met than Shoufeng said, 'My boy, I asked you here for one thing only-the matter of my daughter, Xiugu.' Fan Jiashu replied, 'Uncle, please tell me what you need.' Shoufeng sighed and said, 'It is a long story. Did I not once tell you of my past? In my youth, driven by necessity, I took to the hills as an outlaw beyond the Great Wall. Now, having left that life behind me for many years, I only wish to live out my remaining days honestly and in peace. But my daughter grows older with each passing day, and I cannot but make plans for her future. I know you are a mature and steady young man, and you have shown our family great kindness. That is why I called you here today-to offer you my daughter's hand in marriage. What do you say?'

Upon hearing this, Fan Jiashu flushed, remaining silent for a long moment before replying, 'I am deeply grateful for your generous offer, Uncle. However, I am still young and in the midst of my studies; marriage is a subject I cannot yet consider. Moreover, your daughter is an exceptional young lady; she deserves a family that matches her standing. Someone like myself dares not aspire so high.' Shoufeng's expression darkened. 'What? Do you look down on us?' Fan Jiashu quickly apologized with a smile, 'Please do not misunderstand, Uncle; I meant no such thing. For someone like me, to have you consider me worthy of your daughter is a great honor, one I would scarcely dare hope for. Yet I find myself truly constrained at present. First, the mourning period for my mother is not yet complete. Second, my own studies are unfinished. And third, while I hold your daughter in the highest esteem, I have not yet formed any deeper affection for her. To consent rashly now would be unsuitable for us both in the future. I beg you, sir, to give this matter more careful thought.'

Shoufeng said, 'There is sense in what you say. Yet my daughter is of a stubborn disposition. Now that she has set her heart on you, I doubt anyone could persuade her otherwise. She is my only child, and I must see to her future. Since you cannot consent at this time, I shall not force you. Still, I hope you will think it over carefully when you return home. If you feel there is room for discussion, please send me your answer. If you find it truly impossible, then tell me plainly, so that I may make other arrangements.' Fan Jiashu replied, 'I am grateful for your understanding, Uncle. I shall certainly take your words to heart and give them the most careful consideration.'

The two men then exchanged a few more idle remarks. Seeing the displeasure in Shoufeng's countenance, Fan Jiashu knew it was best not to prolong the discussion, and so he rose to take his leave. Shoufeng did not detain him, saying only, 'Well then, I shall await your reply.' With an affirmative word, Fan Jiashu departed.

Back at the Tao residence, Fan Jiashu felt troubled. He thought to himself that Guan Shoufeng's sudden proposal was quite unexpected. Xiugu was certainly a fine person, but he felt only respect for her, none of the stirrings of love. Moreover, his heart now belonged wholly to Feng Xi; there was no room for another. Yet, Shoufeng had always treated him with kindness; an outright refusal might wound the old man's feelings. Still, such a matter could not be met with vague assent. After much thought, he decided it best to delay for the time being, explaining things slowly when the opportunity arose in the future.

Two days later, just as Fan Jiashu was considering a visit to the hospital to see Shoufeng, he received another letter from him. It read: 'Dear brother Fan Jiashu: Please set aside the matter we discussed the other day. My daughter has made other plans and will soon leave the capital. If you have time, come to Sansheng Nunnery outside Shuiguan at noon tomorrow for a talk. Shoufeng.' This letter left Fan Jiashu greatly surprised. He wondered why Xiugu should suddenly decide to leave the capital. What could possibly be the reason? And why meet at Sansheng Nunnery, a desolate and remote temple? What business could there be?

The next day, Fan Jiashu went as agreed to Sansheng Nunnery. The convent was situated on a small, earthen hill outside Shuiguan, surrounded by trees and utterly secluded. Entering the gate, Fan Jiashu saw Shoufeng waiting before the main hall. As they met, Shoufeng said, 'My boy, I'm glad you came. I asked you here today, again, for the matter of my daughter Xiugu. She is no longer here; she has gone south.' Fan Jiashu asked, 'Why did she leave so suddenly for the south?' Shoufeng replied, 'It is shameful to say. After I spoke with you of the marriage proposal, my daughter saw you did not consent and was deeply displeased. She is a proud and determined girl. Believing marriage cannot be forced, she resolved to seek her own path. She has an aunt engaged in business in the south, who recently wrote asking for her assistance. So she decided to go.'

Fan Jiashu said, 'She is so young to travel south alone. Are you not concerned, Uncle?' Shoufeng replied, 'At first, I was uneasy. But she declared her determination to make her own way in the world and no longer depend on me. I thought a young person with such resolve could only be commended, and so I agreed. She departed yesterday. I asked you here today specifically to tell you this, so you would not later search for her in vain.' Hearing this, Fan Jiashu felt a pang of guilt. 'This is all my fault. If I had agreed the other day, she would not have left the capital and gone so far away.' Shoufeng said, 'You cannot blame yourself. Marriage requires mutual willingness. You were unwilling; naturally, she could not compel you. But now that she is gone, I hope you will not dwell on her. She is a sensible girl and will surely know how to look after herself.'

Fan Jiashu asked, 'What will you do now, Uncle?' Shoufeng said, 'I? I was always a man of the road. Now that I am old, I no longer wish to roam. I plan to stay here in this nunnery, live on simple fare, and cultivate merit for the next life.' Fan Jiashu said, 'This nunnery seems very lonely. Won't it be inconvenient for you to live here alone?' Shoufeng laughed. 'What inconvenience? In the days when I lived as an outlaw beyond the Great Wall, I stayed in places far more desolate than this. To have a quiet place to rest my head now is blessing enough. Besides, the old nun here is an old acquaintance of mine. She has agreed to take me in, and I shall help her tend the incense and attend to visitors. It is a worthy task.'

Seeing Shoufeng's resolve, Fan Jiashu knew persuasion was useless. He said, 'Since you are determined to stay here, Uncle, I shall come to visit you often.' Shoufeng replied, 'That is unnecessary. You are a young man with a future; you should devote your energies to proper endeavors. Do not trouble yourself with frequent visits. I am well here; you may set your mind at ease.' Knowing the old man's stubborn nature, Fan Jiashu said no more. After chatting a while longer, he rose to leave. Shoufeng saw him to the convent gate and said, 'My boy, we shall meet again someday.' The words struck a melancholy chord in Fan Jiashu's heart, but he showed nothing, merely saying 'Farewell' before descending the hill.

Back in the city, Fan Jiashu found he could not put Xiugu out of his mind. He thought of her, a young woman traveling south alone, her future fraught with uncertainty. But what was done could not be undone. He could only console himself with the hope that her journey would be safe and that fortune would smile upon her in days to come.

A few days later, Fan Jiashu chanced upon a news item in the paper titled 'A Vengeful Blade at the Mountain Temple.' It read: 'Yesterday, the old nun of Sansheng Nunnery outside Shuiguan reported to the police that a murder had occurred on the premises. Officers dispatched to investigate found the body of a man, aged around forty, in the main hall. He was clad in military uniform and had been stabbed to death. The murderer remains at large, identity unknown. However, faint, bloody traces were found on the floor of the hall, resembling the footprints of a woman.' Fan Jiashu was shocked. Sansheng Nunnery was where Guan Shoufeng had taken up residence. How could a murder have happened there? The victim wore a military uniform-could it be General Liu? But why would General Liu go to that remote nunnery? And whose were those faint, bloody footprints left by a woman? Could it be Xiugu? But had Xiugu not already gone south?

The more Fan Jiashu pondered, the more suspicious he grew. He immediately took a carriage to Sansheng Nunnery outside Shuiguan. The gate was shut tight, and his knocking brought no answer. Inquiring with nearby residents, he learned that after the murder, the old nun had fallen ill from fright. The nunnery now received no visitors and had been closed. When he asked about the deceased, the locals said they did not know, only that it was an army officer killed in the nunnery for reasons unknown. He asked if the murderer had been caught. They said, 'The police have investigated for days but have no leads. However, some say the officer was General Liu, who committed many evils in his time and was killed in an act of vengeance.' Hearing this, Fan Jiashu understood it must have been the work of Guan Shoufeng and his daughter. But where were they now?

Unable to think of a course of action, Fan Jiashu could only return home dejectedly. Later, he saw another news item stating that General Liu's body had been claimed by his family for burial. As for the murderer, the police were conducting a rigorous search but still had no clues. Knowing the gravity of the affair, Fan Jiashu dared not speak of it and kept it to himself. From that time on, he never saw Guan Shoufeng or his daughter again, nor did he ever learn whether they were alive or dead. Whenever he thought of them, a profound sadness weighed upon his heart.

One day, as Fan Jiashu was reading in his study, Liu Fu brought in a letter. Opening it, he found no salutation and no signature, only two lines of text: 'That villain is no more; my debt to you is paid. From this day forth, we part ways to the corners of the earth. Farewell, and keep well.' Fan Jiashu knew at once it was from Xiugu, though the handwriting was unfamiliar, likely written for her by another. He read the letter again and again, overcome by an indescribable feeling. He knew Xiugu was a woman of fierce resolve. This killing was done entirely to avenge Feng Xi, and also for his own sake. But such an act was beyond the law's sanction, and so she had to flee far away, never to meet again. Reflecting on this, Fan Jiashu felt a deep admiration for Xiugu's chivalrous spirit. Yet toward her, he held only respect, no love, and thus could make no gesture in return. He could only preserve this letter carefully as a keepsake.

From then on, Fan Jiashu devoted himself to his studies and no longer went out seeking idle amusement. He also visited Feng Xi less frequently, for he sensed that since entering school, she had gradually changed. Her former childlike innocence was fading, replaced by an air of vanity and worldliness. Though somewhat discontented, Fan Jiashu felt it was not his place to comment and simply let her be.

Time flew by, and several months passed in the blink of an eye. Fan Jiashu's school had begun its summer vacation. Feeling troubled in spirit, he thought of returning south to visit his mother. Tao Bohe and his wife both encouraged him to go and rest for a while. Thus, Fan Jiashu set a date for his departure. The day before he was to leave, he went to bid farewell to Feng Xi. Delighted to see him, she insisted he stay for dinner. During the meal, Feng Xi asked, 'How long will you be away on this trip south?' Fan Jiashu replied, 'Perhaps two or three months.' Feng Xi said, 'Then by the time you return, I will be on my own summer break. Could you take me south with you for a visit?' Fan Jiashu said, 'I fear that might be inconvenient. You do not yet know much about my family situation. Let me discuss it with my mother when I return.' Hearing this, Feng Xi grew displeased. 'You are always making excuses. Am I not good enough to visit your home?' Fan Jiashu said, 'Do not misunderstand. I mean no such thing. But in matters of marriage, one must seek the parents' approval; I cannot decide on my own.' Feng Xi said, 'Well then, when you go back this time, explain it clearly to your mother, will you?' Fan Jiashu replied, 'I will naturally speak of it. But we must not be hasty; these things should be approached gradually.'

Seeing the vagueness of his reply, Feng Xi felt even more unhappy but said nothing further. After dinner, Fan Jiashu rose to take his leave. Feng Xi saw him to the door, saying, 'You leave tomorrow. I cannot see you off. I wish you a safe journey.' Fan Jiashu said, 'Thank you. Take good care of yourself.' With that, he departed by carriage.

Returning to the Tao residence, Fan Jiashu felt deeply troubled. It seemed to him that Feng Xi had become increasingly unreasonable of late. She lost her temper easily and was forever making demands, as if he owed her something. Yet, since he had already accepted so much of her financial support and had promised to help her with her studies, he could not abandon his commitment halfway. He could only wait until after his return from the south to gently guide her toward better sense.

The following day, Fan Jiashu boarded a train heading south. As the train rumbled along, he reflected on the events of the past year, feeling as though he had lived through a dream. Shen Fengxi, Guan Xiugu, He Lina-these three women had each been connected to him in some way. But what was the outcome? Feng Xi was gradually changing; Xiugu had fled to distant parts; and Lina, though kind to him, was merely a friend for whom he felt no romantic love. What the future held was truly impossible to predict. Thinking this, he could not help but heave a sigh.

The train rumbled onward, and Fan Jiashu's heart seemed to turn with its wheels. He did not know what scene would greet him upon his eventual return to Beijing. Truly: What does life’s journey resemble? It calls to mind a wild goose treading on snow-covered mud. By chance, claws leave their fleeting mark; The goose flies on, heedless of east or west.