Explore Chapter 17 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.
Since the day he parted with Feng Xi, Fan Jiashu had been feeling deeply melancholy. He feared that now that Feng Xi had entered General Liu's household, her fate was likely grim. One day, as he sat gloomily at home, he suddenly received a letter from Guan Shoufeng. It said there was an urgent matter to discuss and asked him to come quickly. Fan Jiashu hurried to the Guan residence.
As soon as Guan Shoufeng saw Fan Jiashu, he said, "Mr. Fan, I invited you here today because of Miss Feng Xi's situation. I heard she is being harshly oppressed by General Liu. She was even beaten yesterday. We must find a way to save her." Upon hearing this, Fan Jiashu was startled and hurriedly asked for details.
Shoufeng said, "I also heard it from the neighbors. That General Liu has a violent temper. If Feng Xi displeases him even slightly, he either beats or scolds her. Yesterday, because Feng Xi went off-key while singing a tune, General Liu whipped her. She was covered in wounds, yet Feng Xi had to endure the pain and keep singing. It's truly pitiful!"
Fan Jiashu listened, his heart feeling as if cut by a knife. He said, "Uncle Guan, what should we do now? What can I do?" Shoufeng said, "I've already inquired. Tomorrow, General Liu will go out of the city on business. Only Feng Xi and a few servants will be at home. We can seize this chance to see her and persuade her to escape."
The next day, Fan Jiashu came to the Guan residence as agreed and went with Shoufeng to General Liu's mansion. They circled to the Houmen. Shoufeng had already bribed an old maidservant, who quietly led them inside.
Fan Jiashu said urgently, "Are you willing to be tortured like this by him? There must be a way." Feng Xi smiled bitterly and said, "Fan Jiashu, I appreciate your kindness. But this is my fate. I accept it. Please don't concern yourself with me anymore."
Seeing this, Fan Jiashu laughed heartily. His laughter was filled with desolation and helplessness. He took the banknotes, tore them into pieces, and threw them into the air. He said, "Fine! Fine! Since you say so, let us part here."
One day, Feng Xi, utterly exhausted in body and mind, finally fell ill in bed. General Liu paid no attention, letting her fend for herself. In her illness, Feng Xi still murmured Fan Jiashu's name, regretting her past decisions.
After that day, Fan Jiashu also fell ill and was bedridden for several days. During his illness, he pondered repeatedly, feeling that life is like a dream, both laughable and lamentable.
After recovering, Fan Jiashu decided to leave Peiping and go south to study. Before departing, he went to the Guan residence again to bid farewell to Shoufeng. Shoufeng urged him to take care, and Xiugu also silently saw him off.