Explore Chapter 22 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.
Then, precisely at noon the following day, Fan Jiashu indeed took a rickshaw to the entrance of Houmen and was greeted by the rich aroma of cooking. Guan Shoufeng had already come out from the house to welcome him, saying with a smile, "I knew you would come, so I prepared all these dishes. Let's have a few drinks first." So saying, he took Fan Jiashu's hand and led him into the house. Fan Jiashu saw four sets of wine cups and chopsticks laid out on the table and smiled, "Who else is joining us?" Shoufeng replied, "My daughter Xiugu is also here. She's in the kitchen helping with the cooking. Let's sit down first." Just then, Xiugu entered, smiling as she carried in a steaming bowl of food. Fan Jiashu said, "You found time to cook today?" Xiugu laughed, "It's a special occasion. We agreed yesterday that we must treat Mr. Fan to a meal today, so we moved all the preparations to this morning." Noticing she was still wearing an apron and her hands were greasy, Fan Jiashu smiled apologetically, "I'm truly sorry to have kept you busy all day." Xiugu smiled back, "It's nothing, I had nothing else to do anyway." With that, she set down the bowl and left. Shoufeng laughed, "This girl of ours, she loves to do all sorts of work, but she refuses to study. Over this matter, I've lost my temper more times than I can count. Thankfully, it's a little better now."
Fan Jiashu looked at the table. There was a bowl of red-braised pork knuckle, a bowl of stir-fried spicy chicken, a bowl of braised carp, a bowl of clear-stewed cabbage, and another bowl of cabbage and tofu soup. These dishes were completely in the hearty, homestyle northern tradition, lacking the refinement of southern cuisine but rich and robust in flavor. Fan Jiashu smiled, "These dishes must have taken quite some effort to prepare?" Shoufeng said, "Not at all, Xiugu made them all. She often says her skills are poor, but I say as long as the flavor is good and strong, it doesn't matter if the skill is good or not." As he spoke, Xiugu brought in a pot of wine. Shoufeng took it, poured a cup for Fan Jiashu, then poured one for himself. Raising his cup, he said, "Mr. Fan! I toast you. Thanks to your noble kindness, you saved me from the jaws of death. I don't know how I can ever repay such a profound debt. This cup of wine today is a mere token of my respect." With that, he drained his cup first and showed the empty vessel to Fan Jiashu. Fan Jiashu had no choice but to drink his cup in response.
Setting down his cup, Shoufeng sighed. "Mr. Fan! In my sixty-odd years, I've never met someone as warm-hearted as you. I originally thought of betrothing my daughter to you as a way to repay your kindness. But now I realize that's impossible." Hearing this, Fan Jiashu was quite startled and was about to offer an explanation when Shoufeng continued, "It's not for any other reason, but because I know there is already someone in your heart. My daughter, though her looks aren't bad, has never spent a day at school and doesn't know anything. How could she possibly be a match for you? Furthermore, we father and daughter come from wandering entertainers; we dare not aspire so high. So I thought it over last night and gave up on the idea. Mr. Fan! Let us remain good friends. Please don't blame me for speaking so bluntly." Hearing this, Fan Jiashu felt a pang of sadness. He said, "Uncle Guan! Please don't speak like that. Helping you was only what I should have done. How can we speak of a debt? As for marriage, I truly have no such intention. Please, let's not mention it again." Shoufeng said, "I know you wouldn't want a girl from a family like ours. Now I understand your position. So today, I invited you simply to express my gratitude. Let's drink a few cups heartily." So saying, he raised his cup again. Fan Jiashu had no choice but to drink along with him.
Xiugu had now removed her apron and sat at the side of the table. She first poured wine for Shoufeng, then for Fan Jiashu. Shoufeng said, "Mr. Fan! Look, does our girl have any manners at all?" Fan Jiashu smiled, "The young lady is truly capable." Shoufeng laughed heartily. "Mr. Fan! Aren't you mocking us? In a family like ours, girls can't be spoken of in terms of capability. As long as they can handle some rough work, that's enough." Xiugu kept her head down, silent, only continuously stirring the rice grains in her bowl with her chopsticks. Shoufeng said, "Mr. Fan! There's one more thing I must tell you today. I plan to take Xiugu back to our ancestral home in Shandong in the near future." Fan Jiashu said, "Uncle Guan! You're living quite well here. Why leave?" Shoufeng said, "To be honest with you, I've been muddling along in Beijing for twenty years without making any name for myself. Now I'm old and my health is poor. There's no point in carrying on. So I want to return home, live off a few meager fields, and enjoy a few quiet days." Fan Jiashu said, "Since you've decided to leave, I can hardly insist on keeping you. But if you have any unfinished business in Beijing that I can help with, please just say the word." Shoufeng said, "There's nothing unfinished. Only one thing I must entrust to you." He glanced at Xiugu, then said, "This daughter of mine is not young anymore. I've always wanted to find her a suitable match, but I have few acquaintances in the north. I'd like you to keep an eye out for her." Hearing this, Fan Jiashu glanced at Xiugu again and saw her face flushed red. He said, "I will certainly keep this in mind. If an opportunity arises, I will definitely help."
Shoufeng was overjoyed. He picked up his cup and drank several mouthfuls of wine in succession, laughing, "Mr. Fan! With your kind heart, I truly don't know how to thank you enough. Xiugu! You should toast Mr. Fan too." Xiugu indeed raised her cup and said to Fan Jiashu, "Mr. Fan, I toast you." Fan Jiashu hurriedly said, "I dare not accept such honor," and also raised his cup to take a sip. Xiugu only took a small sip before setting her cup down. Shoufeng said, "Mr. Fan! Let's drink to our heart's content today. Ever since I fell ill, I haven't been this happy in a long time." Seeing Shoufeng in such high spirits today, Fan Jiashu also relaxed and drank freely to accompany him.
This meal lasted until three in the afternoon before finally concluding. When Fan Jiashu was leaving, Shoufeng saw him off to the main gate, while Xiugu accompanied him to the mouth of the alley. Fan Jiashu said to Xiugu, "Young lady, please go back." Xiugu said, "Mr. Fan! When you have some free time, my father would like to invite you for a day trip to the Western Hills." Fan Jiashu said, "Let's talk about it in a couple of days. I'm very busy with schoolwork these days." Xiugu said, "Then, in a few days, I'll have father write to invite you again." Fan Jiashu nodded, "Good." He then boarded the rickshaw and departed.
Sitting in the rickshaw, he thought about what Shoufeng had said today. He felt the old man was very forthright, but that deep affection from Xiugu was somewhat distressing. Just as he was pondering, someone suddenly called out, "Fan Jiashu! Fan Jiashu!" Fan Jiashu looked up and saw He Lina. She was sitting in an open-top car, wearing an extremely beautiful floral cheongsam, smiling and waving at him. Fan Jiashu had to ask the rickshaw to stop and got off. He Lina said, "Where are you going? I was just looking for you." Fan Jiashu said, "I'm returning from having a meal at a friend's house." He Lina asked, "Which friend? Do I know them?" Fan Jiashu said, "It's old man Guan, the martial arts performer. You wouldn't know him." He Lina laughed, "Oh! That old fellow from Tianqiao? Why are you still associating with him?" Hearing this, Fan Jiashu was quite displeased and said coolly, "Old man Guan is a good person. Why shouldn't I associate with him?" Seeing his expression change, He Lina smiled, "I was just speaking casually. Why get angry? Today is Saturday. There's excellent dancing at the Beijing Hotel. Can you go?" Fan Jiashu said, "I'm very tired today and want to go back and rest." He Lina said, "Just sitting for a while won't hurt. I've learned a new dance step and want to show you." Seeing her so eager, Fan Jiashu felt he couldn't refuse and had to agree. He Lina was delighted and had Fan Jiashu get into her car. Together they went to the Beijing Hotel.
Arriving at the Beijing Hotel, He Lina led Fan Jiashu into the ballroom. At that time, there weren't many people yet, and the music hadn't started. He Lina found a seat and sat down with Fan Jiashu. She asked, "What would you like to drink?" Fan Jiashu said, "An orangeade for me." He Lina called a waiter to bring two orangeades. She took a sip, looked at Fan Jiashu with a smile, and said, "You're a strange one. It seems like you have something on your mind." Fan Jiashu said, "I have nothing on my mind." He Lina said, "You're still hiding it from me? I can tell from your face. Is it because of that drum-song performer girl?" Startled, Fan Jiashu said, "Don't talk nonsense. There's no such thing." He Lina laughed, "Your face is all red, and you still deny it? I've known for a while. Your cousin's wife told me." Fan Jiashu said, "My cousin's wife is really meddlesome." He Lina said, "Don't blame her. She meant well. But I think it's rather beneath you. A girl like that, is she worth you losing your head over?" Hearing this, Fan Jiashu grew even more displeased and lowered his head in silence.
Seeing he wasn't speaking, He Lina smiled and said, "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. I invited you today because I have something important to tell you." Fan Jiashu asked, "What is it?" He Lina said, "My father wants to meet you." Fan Jiashu said, "Why does Minister He want to see me?" He Lina laughed, "Look at you, playing dumb again. My father heard I've made a friend like you and is very keen to meet you. Probably the evening after tomorrow, he'd like to invite you to our home for dinner. Can you come?" Fan Jiashu hesitated, "I'm afraid that might not be convenient." He Lina said, "What's inconvenient? My father is very open-minded. He certainly won't interrogate you." Fan Jiashu said, "Let me go back and ask my cousin first." He Lina said, "No need to ask. I've already spoken to Tao Bohe. He approves of you going." Fan Jiashu said, "Then, I'll definitely come the day after tomorrow." Seeing Fan Jiashu agree, He Lina was overjoyed.
By then, the music had started. He Lina pulled Fan Jiashu to dance. Fan Jiashu wasn't very good at dancing, but He Lina led expertly, and he actually managed to keep in step. He Lina laughed, "You're dancing quite well, aren't you? You should come often to practice." Fan Jiashu just smiled without a word. After one dance, He Lina pulled him to sit down again and asked him about matters at his school. Fan Jiashu answered each question in turn.
From that day on, Fan Jiashu and He Lina grew closer day by day. He Lina often drove her car to invite Fan Jiashu out for excursions. Fan Jiashu, firstly, found it hard to refuse her kindness, and secondly, also felt that He Lina, though somewhat extravagant, had a forthright temperament and was far better than those artificial, affected women. Therefore, he was willing to spend time with her.
A few days later, Fan Jiashu indeed went to Minister He's home for the dinner. Minister He was a man in his fifties, sporting a mustache and speaking very amiably. Seeing Fan Jiashu's fine appearance and measured speech, he was greatly pleased. At the table, Minister He inquired about Fan Jiashu's family background and studies, and Fan Jiashu answered respectfully. Minister He smiled, "Mr. Fan, young and talented, you are sure to achieve great things in the future. My daughter often mentions you. Meeting you today, I see the reputation is well-deserved." Fan Jiashu offered a few modest words. The meal concluded with both host and guest thoroughly satisfied.
From then on, Fan Jiashu became a frequent guest at Minister He's home. He Lina grew even more intimate with Fan Jiashu, often personally going to the Tao residence to find him. Seeing this situation, Tao Bohe and his wife knew that Minister He intended Fan Jiashu to be his son-in-law. They were happy for Fan Jiashu and did their utmost to facilitate the match.
In his heart, however, Fan Jiashu could never quite shake off the shadow of Feng Xi. He found time to visit Feng Xi's home several times. Feng Xi remained as affectionate and vivacious as ever, very warm towards Fan Jiashu. Fan Jiashu saw that everything was well at her home and that Feng Xi was studying diligently at school, which gave him some comfort.
Time flew, and over two more months passed. One day, Fan Jiashu suddenly received a letter from Guan Shoufeng, saying he was departing for Shandong immediately and asked Fan Jiashu to come bid farewell. Fan Jiashu hurried to the Guan residence and saw Shoufeng and Xiugu packing their luggage. As soon as Shoufeng saw Fan Jiashu, he took his hand and said, "Mr. Fan! We are leaving tomorrow, so I specially invited you today for one last gathering." Fan Jiashu said, "Uncle Guan! Why are you leaving in such a hurry?" Shoufeng said, "I've wanted to leave for a while, but Xiugu's matter was unsettled. Now I've arranged a marriage match for Xiugu back in our hometown, so I need to hurry back for the wedding." Hearing this, Fan Jiashu glanced at Xiugu. Seeing her head bowed and her face devoid of a smile, he knew this marriage was not her wish. But it was their family affair, and it wasn't his place to interfere.
Shoufeng told Xiugu to prepare wine and dishes, then chatted with Fan Jiashu about matters after their parting. Fan Jiashu asked, "Uncle Guan! After you return, will you come back to Beijing?" Shoufeng said, "Perhaps not. I'm old, and traveling back and forth isn't convenient." Hearing this, Fan Jiashu felt a touch of melancholy.
Soon, Xiugu brought out the wine and dishes, and the three sat down. Shoufeng raised his cup to Fan Jiashu and said, "Mr. Fan! This cup is a farewell toast. Let us drain it." So saying, he drank it down in one go. Fan Jiashu also drank his. Xiugu only took a small sip. Shoufeng said, "Mr. Fan! Although our acquaintance has not been long, I will never forget you in this lifetime. I have nothing with which to repay you, only this wish: may your future be bright and may all your endeavors meet with success." Fan Jiashu said, "Uncle Guan! You are too kind. I wish you a safe journey and an early completion of the joyous occasion." Shoufeng laughed heartily and drank several more cups in succession.
Everyone felt somewhat sorrowful during this meal, so they didn't eat much before parting. As Fan Jiashu was leaving, Xiugu saw him off to the alley entrance. Fan Jiashu said to Xiugu, "Young lady, take good care of yourself. Your father is old. You must look after him well." Xiugu nodded, then suddenly tears streamed down her face. Seeing this, Fan Jiashu felt very sad too. He said, "Don't be sad. In the future, if there's a chance, I can still come to Shandong to visit you." Xiugu said, "Mr. Fan! I will never forget your kindness in my lifetime. I have nothing to give you, but these shoes, I made them myself. If you do not disdain them, please accept them as a memento." So saying, she took out a small cloth bundle from within her clothes and handed it to Fan Jiashu. Fan Jiashu took it, opened it, and saw it was indeed a pair of blue cloth shoes, exquisitely made. Fan Jiashu said, "Thank you. I will certainly treasure them." Xiugu said, "Mr. Fan! Please go back. We will meet again someday." Fan Jiashu also said, "Farewell," then got into the rickshaw and left. Looking back, he saw Xiugu still standing at the alley entrance, watching him.
A few days later, Fan Jiashu suddenly received a phone call from the principal of the Women's Vocational School, saying that Feng Xi had, for some unknown reason, suddenly gone mad, weeping and making a terrible scene at school. She had now been sent to the hospital and asked Fan Jiashu to come immediately. Hearing this, Fan Jiashu was greatly shocked and hurried to the hospital. He saw Feng Xi in a third-class ward, wearing the hospital's white gown, her hair disheveled, her eyes staring vacantly, muttering incessantly, "Mr. Fan! Mr. Fan!" Fan Jiashu walked up to her and called out, "Feng Xi!" Feng Xi stared at him for a moment, then suddenly burst into loud laughter, "You're not Mr. Fan, you are General Liu! Haha! General Liu!" Seeing she was truly mad, Fan Jiashu felt as if a knife were cutting his heart. He went to ask the doctor. The doctor said, "This is the result of an extreme shock, a sudden mental breakdown. I'm afraid it won't be easy to cure." Fan Jiashu asked, "What shock did she suffer?" The doctor said, "According to people at the school, she received a letter today. After reading it, she began to weep bitterly and then went mad." Fan Jiashu said, "Where is the letter?" The doctor said, "The school took it back. I heard it was an anonymous letter, but I don't know what was written inside."
Fan Jiashu hurriedly went to the Women's Vocational School and met the principal to ask about the letter. The principal said, "The letter is here, but it's utterly vile." So saying, he handed the letter to Fan Jiashu. Fan Jiashu looked and saw it read: "Miss Shen Fengxi: You are a drum-song performer's girl, yet you dare to climb high, studying to become an educated girl. Do you know who Fan Jiashu is? He is merely toying with you. He is now engaged to Minister He's daughter and will be married soon. I advise you to abandon this fantasy." There was no signature below. Reading it, Fan Jiashu trembled with rage. He asked the principal, "Who delivered this letter?" The principal said, "It was brought by a child this morning. We asked the child, and he said a man wearing glasses gave it to him. Nothing else is known."
Fan Jiashu knew someone must have sabotaged this, but who could be so despicable? He thought it over, and Shen Sanxuan seemed the most suspicious, for he had always opposed Feng Xi studying, and recently had often come to ask Feng Xi for money. Feng Xi hadn't given him any, so he bore a grudge and thus perpetrated this malicious act. Fan Jiashu rushed to Feng Xi's home to get to the bottom of it.
Arriving at Feng Xi's home, he saw Auntie Shen crying, her eyes red, but Shen Sanxuan was not home. As soon as Auntie Shen saw Fan Jiashu, she grabbed his hand and wept, "Mr. Fan! Our girl has gone mad. What are we to do?" Fan Jiashu said, "Auntie, don't cry just yet. Tell me, where is Sanxuan?" Auntie Shen said, "He went out yesterday and hasn't returned yet. That damned wretch, it must be his doing. He often says studying is a waste of money for the girl, that she should go perform drum-songs to earn more. The girl refused, so he bore a grudge. The day before yesterday, he quarreled with the girl. It must be him who wrote that letter and drove her mad." Fan Jiashu said, "If it's him, I certainly won't let him off. Now I'll first go to the hospital to see Feng Xi. Once I find Sanxuan, I'll settle accounts with him."
Fan Jiashu returned to the hospital. He saw Feng Xi had fallen asleep, tear stains still on her face. Fan Jiashu sat by the bed, looking at her haggard appearance. Recalling her former lively and artless demeanor, he felt an indescribable pain. He took Feng Xi's hand and called softly, "Feng Xi! Feng Xi!" Feng Xi suddenly opened her eyes, looked at Fan Jiashu for a moment, then sneered coldly, "You are General Liu! You want to hit me! I'm afraid of you!" So saying, she withdrew her hand, trembling all over. Fan Jiashu knew her mind was disordered and she didn't recognize him. He could only sigh and quietly walk out.
He returned to the Tao residence and told Tao Bohe and his wife about this. Mrs. Tao said, "It must be Shen Sanxuan's doing. Such lowly people are capable of anything. But that child Feng Xi is truly pitiful, to end up like this for no good reason." Tao Bohe said, "Right now, we must first cure her illness. Other matters can wait. If the hospital isn't effective, I can recommend a German doctor who is quite famous for treating mental illnesses." Fan Jiashu said, "Then I'll trouble you, cousin."
A few days later, Tao Bohe indeed invited a German doctor to examine Feng Xi. After seeing her, the doctor said this was due to a major shock and required slow recuperation; there might be hope for recovery. Fan Jiashu entrusted the hospital to treat her well, and he would bear all medical expenses.
Feng Xi stayed in the hospital for over a month, but her condition showed no sign of improvement. All day she either wept or laughed, and upon seeing anyone, she would call them "General Liu." Fan Jiashu visited her once a day, but she never recognized him. Fan Jiashu was at his wit's end, only grieving secretly.
By then, it was summer vacation. Schoolwork had ended, and Fan Jiashu had originally planned to return south for a visit, but because of Feng Xi's illness, he had to stay in Beijing temporarily. Knowing Fan Jiashu was unhappy about Feng Xi's situation, He Lina often came to comfort him and invited him out to distract himself. Fan Jiashu also felt He Lina was genuinely sincere towards him, so he grew closer to her day by day.
One day, Minister He suddenly invited Fan Jiashu for a talk. Fan Jiashu went to the He residence. Minister He very politely asked him to sit, then said, "Mr. Fan! I invited you today to discuss a matter. My daughter Lina has been associating with you for quite some time now. Her intentions, I believe you are aware. I am getting on in years and have only this one daughter. I very much wish to see her married soon to settle this concern. I wonder what your thoughts are, Mr. Fan?" Hearing this, Fan Jiashu had been prepared. He stood up and said, "Your kind intentions, Minister, fill me with gratitude. However, I am still in the midst of my studies, and my mother is far away in the south. For a matter like marriage, I must inform my mother before I can decide." Minister He smiled, "That is only natural. However, I can first write a letter to your esteemed mother explaining everything. I believe your mother would not oppose it." Fan Jiashu said, "With you showing me such great favor, what more can I say? However, I must first return south for a visit to discuss it with my mother in person." Minister He said, "That is fine. I shall await your reply."
Leaving the He residence, Fan Jiashu's heart was in turmoil, not knowing what to do. Objectively speaking, He Lina was indeed an excellent woman. Marrying her would be beneficial in many respects. Yet, he couldn't let go of Feng Xi. Although she was mad now, what if she recovered in the future? He pondered left and right but could not reach a decision.
Returning to the Tao residence, Tao Bohe and his wife already knew about Minister He's marriage proposal and both congratulated Fan Jiashu. Mrs. Tao said, "Cousin! You are truly fortunate. A person like Miss He, with such character and such family background, where else could you find one? You should agree quickly." Fan Jiashu said, "I still need to discuss it with my mother." Mrs. Tao said, "Leave your aunt to me. I'll write a letter. She will certainly agree." Tao Bohe also said, "This is an excellent match. Don't let it slip by."
A few days later, Fan Jiashu went to the hospital to see Feng Xi. He saw Feng Xi had grown so thin she was barely recognizable, her eyes sunken. Upon seeing Fan Jiashu, she suddenly became lucid, grabbed his hand, and wept, "Mr. Fan! I have wronged you!" Fan Jiashu said, "Don't say that. Rest well and get better. When you recover, I will still send you to study." Feng Xi said, "Even if I recover, I won't study anymore. I want to go to a nunnery in the Western Hills to become a nun." Hearing this, Fan Jiashu felt a pang of sorrow, and tears nearly fell.
After one dance, the two sat aside to rest. He Lina noticed Fan Jiashu's expression was off and asked, "You seem to have something on your mind today?" Fan Jiashu said, "Nothing." He Lina said, "Don't hide it from me. I know it must be about that drum-song performer girl. How is she now?" Fan Jiashu said, "Still the same, no better." He Lina said, "Don't fret too much. With this kind of illness, anxiety is useless. I've already spoken to Father about sending her to a better hospital. We will cover the expenses." Fan Jiashu said, "How can that be?" He Lina said, "Why not? Aren't we family now?" Hearing this, Fan Jiashu felt a wave of warmth. He took He Lina's hand and said, "Lina! You are so good." He Lina gave a radiant smile. "Only now do you realize?"
As they were chatting and laughing, they suddenly saw Tao Bohe and his wife arrive. Mrs. Tao exclaimed upon seeing Fan Jiashu, "Cousin! So you're here. We've been looking all over for you!" Fan Jiashu asked, "Is something the matter?" Mrs. Tao said, "There's a letter for you from old man Guan." So saying, she handed the letter to Fan Jiashu.
Fan Jiashu quickly opened it and read: "Dear younger brother Fan Jiashu: We have safely arrived home. Do not worry. Xiugu was married last month. The couple is harmonious, which is a comfort. When the date of your great wedding is set, please be sure to inform us. We will come to the capital to offer our congratulations. Respectfully, Shoufeng."
Reading this, Fan Jiashu knew Xiugu had married, which made him happy for her, yet he also felt a touch of wistfulness.
Mrs. Tao asked, "What does the letter say?" Fan Jiashu said, "Old man Guan has returned to Shandong, and his daughter is married." Mrs. Tao said, "That's good. One less thing to worry about."
He Lina said, "Let's dance. Let's not keep talking about these matters." Fan Jiashu and He Lina went to dance again.
That night, Fan Jiashu didn't return until very late. Lying in bed, he thought of Feng Xi's madness, Xiugu's marriage, and his own engagement. He felt life was truly a tragicomedy. Unconsciously, he recalled the couplet from Dream of the Red Chamber: "When false is taken for true, true becomes false; Where nothing is made to be, being turns to nothing."
A few days later, Fan Jiashu discussed with Tao Bohe and his wife about sending Feng Xi to a British hospital in the Western Hills for treatment. Tao Bohe said, "That hospital is very expensive. Can you afford it?" Fan Jiashu said, "Miss He has agreed to help me." Mrs. Tao laughed. "Miss He is truly a virtuous wife. Not even married yet, and she already knows how to save money for her husband." Fan Jiashu also smiled.
And so they sent Feng Xi to the Western Hills hospital. The hospital grounds were quiet, with beautiful scenery, which was very beneficial for mental illness. Fan Jiashu visited her once a week. Feng Xi's condition gradually showed some improvement. Sometimes she even recognized Fan Jiashu, though her speech was still unclear.
Now, Fan Jiashu waited wholeheartedly for the winter vacation to return south. As for Feng Xi's illness, though concerned, he had entrusted it to the hospital and could do nothing more himself. He Lina often accompanied him out for amusement, and their feelings grew better and better.
One day, Fan Jiashu and He Lina went to the Western Hills to see the red autumn leaves. They sat on the hillside, gazing at the mountains covered in red foliage. He Lina said, "These red leaves are truly beautiful, but in a few days they will wither and fall, just like life." Fan Jiashu said, "Isn't that so? That's why the ancients said, 'How often in life does the moon shine directly overhead?' We should enjoy ourselves while we can." He Lina laughed, "When did you become so philosophical?" Fan Jiashu also smiled.
They entered the hospital and saw Feng Xi sitting on the lawn sunning herself, a nurse keeping her company. Seeing Fan Jiashu, Feng Xi stood up and smiled, "Mr. Fan! You've come!" Seeing she seemed quite clear-headed, Fan Jiashu asked, "Feng Xi! Do you still recognize me?" Feng Xi said, "How could I not? You are Mr. Fan." She pointed at He Lina and asked, "Who is this young lady?" Fan Jiashu said, "This is Miss He." Feng Xi bowed to He Lina, and He Lina returned the courtesy.
Seeing Feng Xi had greatly improved, Fan Jiashu was extremely pleased and chatted with her for a while. Feng Xi spoke quite coherently, almost like before, only her body was still very weak.
Leaving the hospital, He Lina said, "I think Miss Feng Xi is very pitiful. When she recovers, let's find her a job so she can be independent." Fan Jiashu said, "You are truly kind-hearted. I thank you on her behalf first." He Lina said, "There you go again. Do we still need to distinguish between each other now?"
After the New Year, Fan Jiashu and Lina returned to Beijing, firstly because Lina couldn't bear to be apart from her father, and secondly because Fan Jiashu still needed to continue his studies.
Upon returning to Beijing, the first thing Fan Jiashu did was go to the Western Hills hospital to see Feng Xi. At the hospital, the doctor told him Feng Xi had been discharged two months prior. Fan Jiashu hurriedly asked, "Where did she go?" The doctor said, "After leaving the hospital, she went to a nunnery in the Western Hills to become a nun. We tried to dissuade her, but she wouldn't listen." Hearing this, Fan Jiashu stood stunned for a long time, unable to utter a word.
He hurried to the nunnery in the Western Hills. The temple gate was tightly shut. He knocked for a long time before an old nun came out to open it. Fan Jiashu asked, "Venerable master! Is there a young novice who recently took the vows in your temple?" The old nun said, "Yes, there is one, but she does not receive visitors." Fan Jiashu said, "I am a relative of hers, specially come to see her. Please grant me this convenience." The old nun said, "She said she will see no one. Benefactor, please return." So saying, she started to close the gate.
After a while, the old nun came out and said, "She says her worldly attachments with the benefactor are severed. Please do not concern yourself with her. She also does not wish to see you." Fan Jiashu said, "Will she not even see me once?" The old nun said, "Her resolve is firm. Benefactor, you had best return."
Several more years passed. Fan Jiashu had graduated from university. Minister He found him a position as a section chief in the Ministry of Finance, and life was quite comfortable. He Lina also had two children, a boy and a girl, making the family very happy.
Yet Fan Jiashu always felt there was something unfinished in his heart, often falling into a reverie alone. He Lina knew what was on his mind but did not bring it up.
That autumn, Fan Jiashu and He Lina took the children to the Western Hills to see the red leaves. Passing by that nunnery, Fan Jiashu wanted to go in and look. He Lina did not stop him.
Feng Xi saw Fan Jiashu but did not greet him, only kept her head down chanting. Fan Jiashu walked over and called, "Feng Xi!" Feng Xi looked up, glanced at Fan Jiashu, then at He Lina and the children, and said faintly, "Benefactor, you have mistaken me. This poor nun's monastic name is Liaoyuan." So saying, she lowered her head again to chant.
Fan Jiashu stood there dumbly for a while. He Lina gently pulled him and said, "Let's go." Fan Jiashu followed He Lina out.
Outside the temple gate, they saw the mountains covered in red leaves, glowing like fire under the setting sun. He Lina said, "These red leaves are truly beautiful." Fan Jiashu said, "But they will soon wither and fall."
From then on, Fan Jiashu never spoke of Feng Xi again, but a faint sorrow always lingered in his heart, never completely fading until his death. Perhaps this is the true meaning of "Fate in Tears and Laughter."