Explore Chapter 12 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, after Feng Xi returned home from the Altar of Agriculture that day, her heart was filled with anxiety. She did not know what schemes her mother and uncle might come up with next. The following day, Auntie Shen came in with a smile and said, "My girl, great news! General Liu has sent a pearl necklace, saying it's for you." Feng Xi replied, "Mother, you know perfectly well that I am with Mr. Fan. How can I accept gifts from others?" Auntie Shen said, "I said the same, but the messenger left the gift and departed. We have no way to return it." Feng Xi grew anxious and said, "Mother, go find my uncle quickly and have him return it. Though we are poor, we cannot casually accept gifts from people." Seeing Feng Xi's determination, Auntie Shen had no choice but to seek out Shen Sanxuan. Upon hearing this, Shen Sanxuan laughed and said, "Silly child, this is General Liu's kind gesture. Returning it would only offend him. Moreover, General Liu has power and influence. We cannot afford to provoke him." Feng Xi said, "Uncle, what are you saying? If I accept this, how can I face Mr. Fan?" Shen Sanxuan replied, "Mr. Fan is indeed good, but he is just a student. How can he compare to General Liu? Think about it. If you follow General Liu, you'll never want for food or clothing." Hearing this, Feng Xi was so angry that tears streamed down her face. She said, "Uncle, if you force me, I'll show you my death." Seeing Feng Xi like this, Shen Sanxuan dared not press further. He could only say, "Alright, alright, I'll return it. I'll return it." With that, he took the pearl necklace and left. Feng Xi then felt somewhat relieved, but her heart remained uneasy. She wrote a letter and had it delivered to Fan Jiashu to explain the matter.
At home, Guan Shoufeng and Xiugu were present. Xiugu said, "Father, I've heard that General Liu has ill intentions toward Miss Feng Xi. We owe Mr. Fan a great debt of gratitude, so we must help." Shoufeng said, "I think so too, but General Liu's residence is heavily guarded. How can we gather any information?" Xiugu replied, "I have my own way."
That night, Xiugu changed into tight-fitting clothes, took a short knife, and slipped out quietly. Xiugu arrived outside General Liu's residence. Seeing the high walls, she found a secluded spot, leaped onto the wall, and crouched to observe. Inside, the mansion was brightly lit, with patrolling soldiers coming and going incessantly. Xiugu waited for a while. During a gap in the patrol, she jumped into the courtyard and hid behind a large tree. Xiugu quietly crept to the window of the rear hall and heard people talking inside. A rough, bold voice said, "That Shen Fengxi actually returned the gift. How ungrateful!" Another voice said, "General, do not be angry. She's just a young woman. With some tactics, she won't dare refuse." Xiugu recognized it as General Liu and his subordinate, and she secretly fumed. General Liu said, "Make arrangements. Tomorrow, I will go to her home myself and see if she dares refuse!" The subordinate assented. Xiugu heard clearly and thought she must inform Mr. Fan immediately. Just as she was about to leave, she accidentally stepped on a dry twig, making a noise. From inside came a shout, "Who's there?" Xiugu quickly leaped onto the wall, made a few jumps, and escaped outside the residence.
Xiugu returned home and told her father all she had seen and heard. Shoufeng said, "This matter is urgent. We must inform Mr. Fan immediately." Early the next morning, father and daughter went to Fan Jiashu's residence and relayed General Liu's plot. Fan Jiashu was greatly alarmed. He hurried to Feng Xi's home, planning to take Feng Xi into temporary hiding.