第十六章 托迹权门姑为蜂蝶使 寻盟旧地喜是布衣交 (Seeking Shelter with the Mighty, Playing the Go-Between: Revisiting Old Haunts, Rejoicing in Humble Friendships)

Now, Fan Jiashu, having received Guan Shoufeng's letter, arrived at the Guan household on the appointed day. As soon as he entered, he caught the aroma of cooking. He saw Xiugu busy in the kitchen. Shoufeng came out to greet him with a smile. "Mr. Fan, you are truly a man of your word," he said. "You came just as promised."

"How could I dare not come when you, Uncle Guan, invited me?" said Fan Jiashu. "Moreover, with your recent recovery from illness, it is fitting to celebrate." Shoufeng laughed heartily. "Thanks to you, otherwise this old life of mine might not have been saved. Today, I specifically asked my daughter to prepare a few homely dishes to express our gratitude."

Xiugu served the dishes, and the three sat around to eat. During the meal, Shoufeng talked about recent news. He mentioned that Feng Xi had gradually entered the world of luxury. Upon hearing this, Fan Jiashu felt a touch of melancholy stir within him."

Shoufeng said, "I heard that Miss Feng Xi now frequently visits General Liu's residence. General Liu treats her extremely well, giving her many clothes and jewelry. For a drum-song performer like her, to have such fortune is indeed a stroke of luck." Fan Jiashu remained silent. He only lowered his head to drink."

Seeing Fan Jiashu's somber expression, Xiugu said, "Father, say less. Mr. Fan is our guest today. We should be cheerful." Shoufeng smiled and said, "Right, right. I spoke too much."

After the meal, Fan Jiashu bid farewell to the Guan family. Thinking of Feng Xi, he wandered aimlessly to Shuiche Hutong. He saw Feng Xi's house tightly shut. Upon inquiring with the neighbors, he learned that Feng Xi had been taken by General Liu. She had moved into a new residence. Fan Jiashu felt a profound sense of loss."

He stood alone at the entrance of the alley for a long time. He recalled past meetings with Feng Xi there. Unconsciously, sadness welled up in his heart. As dusk approached, he slowly walked home."

The next day, Fan Jiashu went to the vicinity of General Liu's residence to inquire. He saw the mansion imposing and guarded. Carriages and horses bustled at the gate. How could he possibly see Feng Xi? Disheartened, he returned home."

From then on, Fan Jiashu became dispirited and melancholy. He shut himself indoors to read all day. Tao Bohe and his wife saw him like this. They thought he was overworking himself and did not ask much."

Now, as for Feng Xi, after entering General Liu's residence, she initially remembered Fan Jiashu's kindness. But she saw General Liu's wealth and splendor. He doted on her in every way. Gradually, she forgot her old affections. She focused only on present pleasures."

One day, General Liu took Feng Xi to the theater to watch a play. Coincidentally, Fan Jiashu was also in the theater. From a distance, Fan Jiashu saw Feng Xi sitting side by side with General Liu. They chatted and laughed merrily. His heart felt as if cut by a knife. Unable to bear the sight, he hurriedly left."

Feng Xi happened to glance back. She caught a glimpse of Fan Jiashu's retreating figure. Recognizing him, her face instantly changed. General Liu asked her what was wrong. She only excused herself, saying she felt unwell. Then she returned to the residence early."

That night, Feng Xi sat alone in her room. She thought of Fan Jiashu's past kindness and her current situation. Unconsciously, tears fell. But upon second thought, General Liu had power and influence. Being with him was surely better than with a poor student. So she hardened her heart."

After seeing Feng Xi that day, Fan Jiashu fell ill. Fortunately, with Mrs. Tao's careful nursing, he gradually recovered. During his illness, he often dreamed of Feng Xi. Upon waking, he felt even more despondent."

One day, Guan Shoufeng, hearing that Fan Jiashu was ill, came specially to visit. Seeing Fan Jiashu much thinner, he sighed. "Mr. Fan, you are a sensible man. Why torment yourself so for someone heartless?" Fan Jiashu smiled bitterly without answering."

Shoufeng sat for a while, then rose to leave. Fan Jiashu saw him to the door. Shoufeng said, "I observe that General Liu is not a good man. I fear Miss Feng Xi in his hands may not have a good outcome. You should try to let it go." Fan Jiashu nodded in agreement."

After seeing Shoufeng off, Fan Jiashu returned to his room to ponder. He felt Shoufeng's words were reasonable. But in his heart, he could not let go. From then on, he went out even less. He stayed at home to recuperate quietly."