Explore Chapter 20 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.
One day, Fan Jiashu was idly at home when he received a letter. The handwriting on the envelope was most irregular, and the sender's name was indicated merely as 'Details Within'. Upon opening it, he discovered it was from Guan Shoufeng. The letter read: 'To my Esteemed Younger Brother Fan Jiashu: Ten days have swiftly passed since I last beheld your virtuous countenance. I respectfully trust that you are advancing in your pursuits and that your official duties proceed smoothly, for which I offer my sincerest congratulations and good wishes. I, a man of humble fortune, having recently been afflicted by illness, was graciously favored by your kindness, whereby calamity was averted and fortune restored. I can now walk as before. It was my duty to call at your esteemed residence to express my gratitude, yet circumstances render it most inconvenient. Alas, such is my plight. I therefore respectfully await the light of your presence at my humble dwelling at high noon on the tenth day of this month, for a modest repast and refreshing discourse. I beg you not to refuse. Dispensing with further pleasantries, I remain, wishing you peace and safety. Guan Shoufeng bows his head.'
Upon entering the courtyard, he saw a white stove set up inside the room, its coal balls glowing with a vigorous flame. Beneath the eaves, a small table was laden with various meat and vegetable dishes. Xiugu, an apron tied about her waist, stood beside the table, her two plump, snow-white arms bared to the air as she chopped vegetables. Spotting Fan Jiashu, she smiled and called out, 'Father! Mr. Fan is here.' Without even pausing to set down the kitchen knife, she stepped forward and lifted the door curtain for him.
Hearing this, Shoufeng emerged from the room to welcome his guest, his face beaming. 'I feared you might be otherwise engaged and unable to come,' he said. 'But our girl insisted that if the letter reached you, you would certainly come. She guessed correctly.' As he spoke, he reached out and clasped Fan Jiashu's hand. 'I felt dining at a restaurant would lack due respect, so I purchased some provisions and had my daughter prepare a few homely dishes for you to sample. Never mind the taste; simply regard this as a small token of our regard.'
By now, Xiugu had finished chopping the vegetables and began stir-frying them. Before long, dish after dish was brought to the table. Shoufeng invited Fan Jiashu to take the seat of honor, seating himself opposite, while Xiugu took her place at the side of the table.
Raising his wine cup, Shoufeng addressed Fan Jiashu: 'Mr. Fan, I owe this old life of mine entirely to you. Having no worthy means to repayment, I can only offer this humble cup of wine as a faint expression of my heartfelt gratitude. You must drain it.' Fan Jiashu responded, 'You honor me too greatly, Uncle Guan. It was a trifling matter, hardly worth mentioning.' With that, he tossed back the wine in one swallow.
Xiugu, seated to the side, kept her head lowered, eating in silence. Shoufeng spoke again, 'Mr. Fan, there is something I wish to say, though I know not whether I should.' Fan Jiashu said, 'Please speak freely, Uncle Guan.'
Shoufeng said, 'Our girl is twenty years old now. Ever since her mother passed away, she has drifted with me from place to place, never knowing a single day of true comfort. Now, thanks to your assistance, we have finally found a place to settle. I am old, and any day may be my last. My only remaining worry is for her.'
Hearing this, Fan Jiashu understood Shoufeng's implication and said, 'Uncle Guan, what sort of talk is this? Miss Xiugu is intelligent and capable. She is certain to find happiness in the future.'
Fan Jiashu hastened to reply, 'Uncle Guan, I am still a student. My own future remains uncertain; how can I possibly speak of such matters? Moreover, Miss Xiugu is a remarkable young woman. She is sure to find a splendid match in time.'
By now, Xiugu's face had flushed crimson. She rose to her feet and said, 'Father, why do you speak of these things? Mr. Fan is our guest. Do not make him uncomfortable.' So saying, she refilled Fan Jiashu's wine cup.