Explore Chapter 7 of '啼笑因缘' with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
Now, Fan Jiashu walked to the Guan family. Shoufeng was already waiting at the door and led him into the house. Inside, dishes were already laid out. Xiugu, wearing a blue cloth jacket, was arranging bowls and chopsticks. Fan Jiashu looked at the dishes on the table: a bowl of braised pork, a bowl of stir-fried cabbage, a bowl of fried tofu, a bowl of daylily and wood ear egg soup, and another large bowl of cabbage stewed with vermicelli. Seeing this, he thought it was quite lavish. Xiugu smiled and said, "Mr. Fan! What do you think of my cooking skills? I learned all this from my father." Fan Jiashu said, "I really didn't expect Uncle Guan to have such skills." Shoufeng laughed, "What skills do I have? It's just that when I was roaming in the northern frontiers, it was all about big bowls of wine and big pieces of meat, getting used to it. Now that I've washed my hands of that, in my spare time, I teach her a couple of northern dishes to amuse myself. Brother! What wine would you like?" Fan Jiashu said, "I can drink a little wine, but not much." Shoufeng said, "That's fine, let's have some baijiu then."
So Xiugu brought out a porcelain pot, warmed a pot of wine, and placed it on the table. Shoufeng poured a cup and handed it to Fan Jiashu, then poured one for himself. Raising his cup to Fan Jiashu, he said, "Brother! This cup of wine, I must toast you. If not for you, my old bones might have been buried in the ground long ago." Fan Jiashu said, "Uncle, don't say that. It was a trivial matter, not worth mentioning." Shoufeng said, "A life-saving favor is no trivial matter! I, Guan Shoufeng, am not one to forget kindness. Someday, I will repay you." With that, he threw back his head and downed the wine. Fan Jiashu had no choice but to accompany him with a cup.
At first, Xiugu remained silent. Later, seeing them down several cups in a row, she said, "Father! Mr. Fan doesn't drink much. Don't keep urging him." Shoufeng laughed, "Right, I forgot. Mr. Fan is a refined man, not like us who drink like oxen. Let's drink slowly and eat some dishes." He then invited Fan Jiashu to start. Fan Jiashu looked at the dishes. Though they were homely flavors, they were prepared exquisitely. Especially the bowl of braised pork, gleaming red and glistening with oil, its aroma wafted to his nose. He couldn't help but praise it. Shoufeng smiled, "This is Xiugu's specialty. Brother, have more." Hearing this, Xiugu's face flushed slightly, and she lowered her head.
The three ate and chatted idly. After a few cups of wine, Shoufeng grew more talkative. He said, "Brother! I have an impertinent question to ask you." Fan Jiashu said, "Uncle, speak freely." Shoufeng said, "I heard from Liu Fu that your family is in Hangzhou, from a prominent gentry, and you're still studying, not yet engaged. Is that true?" Fan Jiashu was taken aback by the sudden question. He paused before saying, "It's true my family is in Hangzhou. As for marriage... I'm indeed not engaged." Shoufeng laughed heartily, "Good! Good! A man should aspire to great things. Establish a career first, then start a family. That's the right way. But brother, you're not young anymore. With your character and learning, you should seek out a talented and beautiful lady soon."
Hearing the implication in his words, Fan Jiashu could only answer vaguely. Shoufeng drank another cup, looking at Xiugu, then at Fan Jiashu. He said, "I'm not speaking wildly from drink. My girl here isn't ugly. She's diligent with her hands, and her nature is straightforward. She's practiced martial arts with me for years. Three or five ordinary men couldn't get near her. I'm not boasting. When it comes to needlework and household management, she's capable too. But... growing up in a family like ours, she's been somewhat wronged." Xiugu, hearing her father speak more and more inappropriately, flushed crimson with anxiety. She interrupted, "Father! You're drunk. Why say such things!" Shoufeng glared, "I'm not drunk at all. I know what I'm saying. Mr. Fan is no outsider. What's there to fear? Mr. Fan, tell me, isn't my girl worthy of you..."
Before he could finish, Xiugu stood up, walked to his side, and pushed him, saying, "Father! You really are drunk. Let me help you to the kang to lie down for a while." Shoufeng swayed from her push and laughed, "Alright, alright, I won't say more. Brother, drink slowly. I need to lie down." With that, he let Xiugu support him and went to sleep on the inner kang. Xiugu came out again, her face still flushed. She silently lowered her head to clear the bowls and chopsticks.
Fan Jiashu also felt quite awkward. He said, "Miss, it's getting late. I should go back." Xiugu looked up at him and said softly, "Mr. Fan, my father is straightforward. After a few drinks, he talks nonsense. Please don't take it to heart." Fan Jiashu hurriedly said, "Uncle Guan is warm-hearted. I wouldn't mind at all. I've troubled you today. I'll visit again another time." Xiugu didn't urge him to stay, saying, "I'll see you out."
They walked out of the house in silence. The moonlight was bright, illuminating the courtyard like daytime. The shadow of the locust tree slanted across the ground. At the door, Fan Jiashu turned and said, "Please go back, miss." Xiugu leaned against the doorframe and suddenly whispered, "Mr. Fan, my father's words... don't take them seriously. What kind of people are we? How could we dare to have such delusions." Fan Jiashu saw tears glistening in her eyes, shimmering in the moonlight. His heart softened, but thinking of Feng Xi, he hardened it and said, "Don't say that, miss. Uncle Guan and I are friends despite the age difference. You're like a sister to me." Xiugu trembled slightly, then forced a smile, "Yes, Mr. Fan is educated and reasonable. Naturally, you wouldn't... look down on us. Be careful on your way." With that, she turned and went inside.
Fan Jiashu stood outside the door, stood there in a daze for a long while, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He thought Xiugu was a good woman-forthright, strong, and considerate. Compared to Feng Xi, she seemed to have a different kind of charm. But Feng Xi's innocent liveliness, that demeanor of a little bird relying on a person, made him cherish her more. Moreover, he had already resolved to nurture Feng Xi, and there was no reason to change midway. Yet the deep affection of the Guan father and daughter made him feel it was hard to handle. He sighed and slowly walked out of the alley, hiring a rickshaw to go home.
Here, Xiugu closed the door and returned to the room. Her father was already snoring loudly. She didn't disturb him. Sitting alone under the lamp in the outer room, she held needlework but was restless. Recalling her father's earlier words, it was clear he intended to match her with Fan Jiashu. Mr. Fan's character was impeccable, and he had saved her father's life. If it could really... At this thought, her face grew hot again. But then she reconsidered. He was from a wealthy family, while she was the daughter of a wandering performer. The gap was too wide. Though he hadn't said it explicitly, those words "like a sister" had already blocked her path. It showed that in his heart, he ultimately despised her lowly station. Proud by nature, this tender feeling turned into a mixture of melancholy, shameful resentment, and sorrow over her own lowly station in life. Her needlework unconsciously stopped. She gazed blankly at the lamp flame, lost in thought.
Now, Fan Jiashu returned to the Tao family. Tao Bohe and his wife had not yet come back. Lying alone in his room, he thought of the evening's events, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. One moment, he recalled Feng Xi's innocent and artless smile. The next, he thought of Xiugu's tearful, forced smile. The two images swirled in his mind. Only late into the night did he finally drift into a fitful sleep.
The next day, he woke to a room filled with sunlight. Remembering that He Lina had visited yesterday, and he had promised to return the call, but it was delayed due to Guan Shoufeng's invitation. If he didn't go today, it would be impolite. So after lunch, he changed clothes and went to Miss He's home.
He Lina lived in a quiet alley in the eastern city, in a half-Chinese, half-Western-style house. Fan Jiashu rang the bell. A neatly dressed houseboy opened the door. Fan Jiashu handed over his card. The houseboy looked at it and said, "Please wait a moment." After going inside, he came out and said, "Miss invites Mr. Fan to sit in the living room."
Fan Jiashu followed him into the living room. The furnishings were extremely luxurious: carpets, sofas, a piano, oil paintings-clearly the atmosphere of a wealthy family. Soon, He Lina appeared. Today, she wore a light green cheongsam, accentuating her slender figure and radiant complexion. Seeing Fan Jiashu, she smiled and stepped forward, extending her hand. Fan Jiashu had no choice but to shake it.
He Lina invited Fan Jiashu to sit, then sat opposite him. She smiled, "Mr. Fan, you're hard to invite! I boldly visited the day before yesterday, but you happened to be out." Fan Jiashu said, "I apologize. I should have returned the call yesterday, but a friend invited me to dinner, so I couldn't come." He Lina said, "No need for formalities. Mr. Fan, you're from the south. Are you accustomed to life in Peiping?" Fan Jiashu said, "Quite well. Peiping, with its ancient simplicity and grandeur, I like it very much."
They talked about Peiping's local customs. He Lina was very talkative, her words both generous and witty. Though Fan Jiashu found her too fashionable, he had to admit she was a lovely woman. After sitting for a while, Fan Jiashu stood to leave. He Lina said, "Why so hurried? Tonight, I have a small dance party at home, just a few close friends. If you'd honor us, why not come and have some fun?" Fan Jiashu declined, "I'm really inexperienced with dancing. I'm afraid I'd spoil everyone's fun." He Lina laughed, "What does that matter? If you can't dance, just sit and listen to the music. My band is from Shanghai, quite good." Fan Jiashu, seeing her eager invitation, couldn't refuse outright. He had no choice but to answer vaguely, "If I have time, I'll certainly come to accompany you."
He Lina saw him to the door, shook his hand again, and said, "Then, I'll be waiting for you tonight, Mr. Fan." Fan Jiashu nodded and left. Walking on the road, he thought, "This Miss He is indeed very enthusiastic. But her social circle is too broad, her life too luxurious. We're not the same kind of people. It's better not to go to the dance party tonight."
He returned to the Tao family. Mrs. Tao asked, "Cousin, have you been to Miss He's home? How was it?" Fan Jiashu said, "I went. Miss He was very polite." Mrs. Tao smiled, "Miss He seems quite fond of you. You should go to her dance party tonight, right?" Fan Jiashu said, "I really have no interest in such occasions. I plan not to go." Mrs. Tao said, "How can that be? She specifically invited you. If you don't go, wouldn't that disappoint her? Besides, socializing more is good. Tao Bohe is going too. You can go together." Tao Bohe chimed in, "Go, go. The He family's dance parties are somewhat famous in Peiping. It's good to see and experience."
At the He family, carriages and horses crowded the entrance like a dragon. The living room was brilliantly lit, with many guests already arrived. He Lina, wearing a Western-style evening gown, mingled among the guests, like the queen of the party. Seeing Fan Jiashu, she came forward and smiled, "Mr. Fan, you really came. I'm so glad." She introduced Fan Jiashu to a few friends, including foreigners. Fan Jiashu, by nature disliking socializing, felt utterly uncomfortable in such an environment.
The music started. Pairs of men and women embraced and began to dance. He Lina came over and said to Fan Jiashu, "Mr. Fan, shall I teach you to dance?" Fan Jiashu hurriedly said, "Thank you, Miss He. I'm really clumsy. I might step on your feet." Seeing his firm refusal, He Lina didn't press him and went to dance with others. Fan Jiashu sat in a corner, watching the dancers in their colorful attire sway gracefully. The cacophony of music and voices filled his ears, but his heart recalled the small teahouse at Tianqiao and the cypress groves of the Altar of Agriculture. All this bustle and glamour before him seemed like another world, utterly unrelated to himself.
He sat for a while, feeling stifled, and quietly stood up, walking to the balcony outside. The night breeze cleared his head a little. Looking up at the sky, he saw a few sparse stars and a crescent moon slanting at the horizon. This moonlight seemed the same as last night's in the Guan family courtyard. He wondered what Xiugu was doing now. Perhaps she was doing needlework under the lamp again? And Feng Xi? Probably already asleep. She had school tomorrow.
Lost in thought, he suddenly heard footsteps behind him. Turning, he saw He Lina. He Lina smiled, "Mr. Fan, why are you alone here? Finding it too stuffy inside?" Fan Jiashu said, "It's quieter here. It's nice to look at the moon." He Lina walked to his side, also looking up at the moon. She said, "The moon is beautiful today. Mr. Fan, do you prefer the moon in Peiping or in Hangzhou?" Fan Jiashu said, "The moon is always the same moon. Wherever you look, it seems no different." He Lina said, "Not so. I think the moon in Peiping seems particularly clear and cold, carrying a classical air. The southern moon is much gentler. Probably because of the different nature of the places."
Fan Jiashu heard this and couldn't help glancing at her. He didn't expect this fashionable lady to say such things. He Lina, seeing him look at her, smiled charmingly and said, "Mr. Fan, I feel like you always have something weighing on your mind, not very happy. Can you tell me? Perhaps I can share your worries." Fan Jiashu hurriedly said, "Nothing of the sort. I'm very happy." He Lina said, "Don't hide it from me. My eyes are sharp. I can see something is weighing on your mind. Is it... about some emotional problem?"
Fan Jiashu was startled inwardly. He forced a smile, "Miss He, you really know how to joke." He Lina said, "I'm not joking. With your talent, Mr. Fan, you must be quite successful in matters of the heart. How could there be烦恼?" Fan Jiashu said, "You flatter me too much, Miss He. I'm just a scholar. How can I talk about matters of the heart?" He Lina smiled slightly and didn't press further. They stood silently for a moment. He Lina said, "It's cold outside. Let's go back in." Fan Jiashu followed her back to the living room.
By then, it was late at night. Guests gradually dispersed. Fan Jiashu bid farewell to He Lina. He Lina saw him out. At parting, she shook his hand again and said, "Mr. Fan, I hope we can become good friends. If you have anything, feel free to come to me." Fan Jiashu thanked her and went home with Tao Bohe and his wife.
In the car, Mrs. Tao smiled and said to Fan Jiashu, "Cousin, Miss He is really nice to you! I saw you talking on the balcony for a long time. What did you talk about?" Fan Jiashu said, "Just idle chatter." Mrs. Tao said, "Miss He, though she loves fun, has a good heart. Moreover, her family is wealthy, and her father is an important political figure. If you and she..." Fan Jiashu interrupted her, "Sister-in-law, don't misunderstand. Miss He and I are just ordinary friends." Mrs. Tao, seeing his serious expression, didn't continue.
Fan Jiashu returned to his room, feeling that this day had been truly vexing. The Guan family's profound kindness and the He family's ardent hospitality were like a net closing in on him from all sides. Yet what weighed on his heart was only that drum-song performer girl in Shuiche Hutong. He took out Feng Xi's photo, looked at it again and again, and only then felt some peace. Secretly, he resolved to have less contact with people in such social circles, focus on studying, and properly nurture Feng Xi. As for other matters, he had to put aside for the time being.
Who knew that when the tree desires stillness, the wind does not cease. After two days, Fan Jiashu suddenly received a telegram from Hangzhou, from his uncle, saying his aunt had fallen critically ill and he must return quickly. Fan Jiashu was shocked. He hurriedly packed his luggage to head south. Tao Bohe and his wife were also worried, busy helping him prepare. Fan Jiashu's heart was in turmoil. This departure, he didn't know when he could return. Feng Xi and school matters, Uncle Guan's post-illness recovery-all made him anxious. But with his mother ill, he had to go. Hardening his heart, he arranged everything properly. He left letters and money for Feng Xi and the Guan family respectively. Then, reluctantly, he boarded the train.
With a shrill whistle, the train slowly started moving. The city towers of Peiping gradually receded. Fan Jiashu leaned against the window, watching the fields speeding by outside. His heart was filled with melancholy and uncertainty. His Fate in Tears and Laughter had only just begun, yet he had to endure another parting.