Clear and Bright Rare Fiction Series

Author: Miao Shen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1996-08-01
Features: When Yu Chun met him, he was willing to go, meaning to let Xu Xia walk inside, change into a new handkerchief and fine clothes, fasten this painting fan that he always carried, and then come out to order Zhe'er a word, and then walk out of the gate together. They talked for a moment and arrived at Feng's door. Yu Chun sent a messenger in first to report, then bowed Xu Xia into the main gate. Feng Laiyi came out respectfully to welcome them into the hall, and after exchanging greetings, they sat down. Tea was served in the back hall, and then Xu Xia said, "Thank you for your kindness, Elder Uncle. After much consideration, I find it difficult to accept your invitation. Because Yu Chun mentioned Elder Uncle's generous intentions, I was afraid to refuse would be impolite, so I took the boldness to come." Laiyi said, "Before, when you honored us with your visit, I wanted to host a small banquet for you, but I was afraid it would be too presumptuous, so I didn't follow through. Now that I hear you are about to depart, I have prepared some vegetarian dishes as a farewell feast. Please don't spare me." With that, he led Xu Xia to the Four Delights Hall to admire the scenery, and then they wandered through the garden. Due to the cold weather and short daylight, they didn't notice the sun setting until it was time to sit down. Just then, his servant came in and asked them to take their seats. Laiyi and Yu Chun accompanied Xu Xia to the main hall. They saw three tables of wine laid out, beautifully arranged. Xu Xia hesitated in his heart and said to Feng Laiyi, "Is this too much trouble? May I ask if there are any other esteemed guests?" Laiyi said, "I am a simple person, and I pay attention to any guest I like. I won't invite anyone else to mix in." Yu Chun chimed in, "Xu Xia, this shows Elder Uncle's respect for you." Xu Xia said, "This makes me even more uneasy." With that, Laiyi passed the cup and everyone sat down, toasting and drinking. After a few rounds, Laiyi passed the wine cup and everyone drank heartily. It was already dusk. Xu Xia was about to stand up to leave when he suddenly heard music and noise in the back hall. Strangely, he asked Yu Chun, "The banquet is over, and it's time to leave, so why is there music?" Yu Chun said, "To be honest, you were so stubborn yesterday, and I don't think you can refuse today." Hearing Yu Chun's words, Xu Xia turned pale with fear and stood up, saying, "How can I refuse today? Did my brother trick me?" Yu Chun said, "How could I trick you? Elder Uncle Feng said he rejected your kindness yesterday and couldn't forget it. He fears you might form another marriage alliance and lose such a fine young man, who is hard to find in the world. So he devised this plan, asking me to bring you here to marry him—it has nothing to do with me." Xu Xia said, "Yu Chun, you are mistaken. Marriage is a lifelong matter and cannot be rushed. Besides, I have my own aspirations, which I did not tell you yesterday. My ancestors' coffin has not yet been placed in its final resting place. If I have the opportunity, I will first bury my parents before considering my own marriage. How can I act against reason and the heavens, marrying hastily like this?" Just as he was arguing with Yu Chun, Feng Laiyi slipped in and, along with the old lady, changed into official robes. The musicians and officiants all escorted the new couple out, dragging them to the hall and starting the ceremony. Xu Xia looked closely and saw a graceful young lady standing on a crimson single scroll. He was in such a panic that he felt trapped, wanting to escape but unable to, as many people blocked his way. He had no other choice but to think, "If I show any reluctance now, they will realize it and start watching me closely. I should instead pretend to be composed and follow their plan to marry. When I enter the room, I will act like Liu Xiahui, remaining calm and not yielding to temptation, and escape quietly after one night."