In "Dream of Red Mansions", a classic literary work of feudal society, the author Cao Xueqin profoundly depicts the rise and fall of the four major families of Jia, Wang, Shi and Xue. An excerpt from the article takes place in Jiafu, a typical extended family where power, status, and wealth are intertwined into a complex family network. Especially in the power structure of the family, the interaction between the members of the family is full of calculations and intrigues. This excerpt revolves around Jia Rui's teasing of Wang Xifeng and the subsequent setting of the lovesick bureau, showing the tragic fate and deep social contradictions of the characters under feudal etiquette.
In the early morning of Ningguo Mansion, the sunlight shines through the carved window lattice, sprinkled on the exquisite table of eight immortals. Jia Rui, a young man who was raised by his grandfather Jia Dairu, has long been dissatisfied with daily mediocrity. He was eager to somehow elevate his position in the family. Today, Jia Rui's mind is not on these trivial matters at all, and his heart is firmly attracted by Wang Xifeng, who met by chance in Fangyuan the day before.
Wang Xifeng, as the daughter-in-law of Rongguo Mansion, has a respected status, equal emphasis on beauty and wisdom, and is the object of secret admiration of many men in Jiafu. Jia Rui knew that such a woman was unattainable, but his heart was as untamable as a wild horse.
"Brother Rui, why do you seem to be restless today?" Grandfather Jia Dairu asked with concern. Jia Rui pursed his lips and disguised: "Grandfather, grandson is just thinking about some family affairs. ”
On the other side of Ning Guofu, Wang Xifeng was directing the maids to prepare to receive the visiting guests. Her every movement reveals an extraordinary temperament and decisiveness.
At noon, Ningguo Mansion ushered in many members of Rongguo Mansion. When Jia Rui saw Wang Xifeng, his heart couldn't help but beat faster. He noticed that Wang Xifeng was wearing a pink silk dress, with high cloud hair and a few soft strands of hair hanging down from his forehead, which added a bit of charm.
During the banquet, Jia Rui took advantage of the crowd and quietly approached Wang Xifeng. He whispered: "Sister Feng, you are really beautiful today, you can't take your eyes off it. ”
Wang Xifeng smiled slightly, but remained silent, just moved away slightly, and responded: "Gongzi Jia has a good reputation, it is better to treat each other politely." ”
After the dinner, Jia Rui took advantage of Wang Xifeng's solitary walk on the path back to the room and approached again. This time, his tone was more straightforward, even a little provocative: "Sister Feng, my love for you is like the sky, don't you feel it?" ”
Wang Xifeng stopped, turned around and stared at Jia Rui coldly: "Jia Rui, if you are so rude again, don't blame me for ignoring the relationship between the family." ”
Jia Rui's face changed, he didn't expect Wang Xifeng to reject him so directly, the anger and humiliation in his heart made him lose his mind. He clenched Wang Xifeng's arm, and his voice trembled slightly: "Sister Feng, I'm serious, why are you..."
"Let it go!" Wang Xifeng's voice was cold and piercing, and she broke free of Jia Rui's hand, her eyes full of disdain.
This scene was seen by Mrs. Wang in the distance, she hurriedly came and pushed Jia Rui away: "Rui'er, what kind of behavior are you!" ”
Wang Xifeng tidied up his clothes and said calmly to Mrs. Wang: "Madam, the matter has come to this, I have my own arrangements, please rest assured." ”
That night, Wang Xifeng pondered in the room for a long time. She knew that Jia Rui's behavior had touched her bottom line, and if she didn't teach him a profound lesson, she would become a big disaster in the future. So, she decided to set a trap that would not only protect her reputation, but also make Jia Rui pay the price she deserved.
The next day, Wang Xifeng found Jia Rui, his attitude changed 180 degrees, and his tone was a little soft: "Jia Rui, yesterday's incident, maybe I was a little too harsh." If you truly repent, I can disclaim it. ”
When Jia Rui heard this, he was overjoyed, and hurriedly nodded like garlic: "Sister Feng, I am indeed impulsive, and I also ask you to have a lot." ”
Wang Xifeng smiled, but a hint of cunning flashed in his eyes: "Okay, you come to my room tonight, and we can have a good talk." ”
In the evening, Jia Rui quietly came to Wang Xifeng's room, nervous and excited. As soon as he entered the door, he found Mrs. Wang and several family elders standing in the room.
Wang Xifeng looked at him coldly: "Jia Rui, your behavior has ruined the reputation of the family, everything tonight is to teach you a lesson." ”
Jia Rui was severely punished by his family, and was eventually forced to become a monk, and he lived in exile for the rest of his life. And Wang Xifeng, with her wisdom and determination, successfully protected the dignity of herself and her family, and at the same time showed her status in the family that should not be underestimated.
"Dream of Red Mansions" is not only a novel about love, it also reveals the complexity and contradictions of human nature in feudal society more profoundly. The story of Wang Xifeng and Jia Rui is the epitome of this complex contradiction. Under the shackles of feudal etiquette, the fate of the individual is the same