Everyone knows that Wu Song in "Water Margin" is extremely brave in fighting tigers, but when it comes to the story of him and Pan Jinlian, it may make people feel mixed. Pan Jinlian, a beautiful and unfortunate woman, if she and Wu Song can get together, what will be the ending? This is not groundless, it seems to have been shown in the classical masterpiece "The Golden Vase of Plums".
Speaking of "Water Margin", I have to mention the thrilling stories, and the stories of Wu Song and Pan Jinlian are even more embarrassing. Wu Song is known for his righteousness and awe-inspiring, while Pan Jinlian is known for her beauty and tragic fate. Although Wu Song finally killed Pan Jinlian in "Water Margin", many people are wondering if they can come together, will there be a different ending?
The character of Pan Jinlian has always been a controversial figure in literary works. She was the maidservant of a large family in Qinghe County, and she told her mother because she couldn't bear the harassment of her master. The matter was not dealt with as it should be, and instead forced her to marry Wu Dalang, a small trader who was both kind and cowardly. The image of Wu Dalang is often pitiful and ridiculous in folklore, and their marriage is destined to be unhappy.
Pan Jinlian's beauty contrasts sharply with Wu Dalang's cowardice. And when Wu Song, a heroic hero, appeared, Pan Jinlian's heart naturally gave birth to a different kind of feelings. Wu Song returned to his hometown and became a well-known hero, and his appearance undoubtedly gave Pan Jinlian a new hope. Whenever Wu Dalang was not at home, Pan Jinlian always tried to get closer to Wu Song, and her actions undoubtedly showed her admiration for Wu Song.
Although Wu Song seems to be somewhat tempted by Pan Jinlian on the surface, his behavior has always been bound by traditional moral concepts. In the context of the era of "men and women do not kiss", Wu Song's hesitation and resistance are not difficult to understand. Although he accepted Pan Jinlian's kindness and even moved into her home, his inner struggle has not stopped.
Pan Jinlian's initiative and Wu Song's passivity constitute a tragic overture. Pan Jinlian may be the only woman in Wu Song's heart who can cause him emotional fluctuations, but his morality and loyalty to his brother keep him from taking a step beyond Lei Chi. Although Pan Jinlian tried her best, she still couldn't completely move Wu Song's heart. In "The Golden Vase of Plums", we can see a more delicate and complex image of Pan Jinlian. Not only is she an oppressed woman, but she also shows her wit and cunning. But no matter how hard she tries, it seems that it is difficult to really win Wu Song's heart.
Wu Song's inner battle was very fierce. He oscillates between dignity and emotion, and his traditional notions tell him that it is immoral and a betrayal of his brother. And his sympathy and potential affection for Pan Jinlian made it difficult for him to let go. This contradictory emotion stirred in Wu Song's heart and became the pain of his life.
In Wu Song's eyes, Pan Jinlian may be both a weak person who needs to be protected, and a moral test. His indecision eventually led to tragedy. When Wu Song discovers Pan Jinlian's misdeeds with Ximenqing, his anger at being betrayed and his sense of justice make him make an extreme choice - to kill Pan Jinlian in order to maintain the dignity of his family and individuals.
Although this choice was regarded as a heroic act in society at the time, from today's perspective, it cannot help but make people feel sad and helpless. The story of Wu Song and Pan Jinlian is not only a personal tragedy, but also a tragedy in the context of that era. Their fate is hijacked by traditional ideas and social circumstances, and their personal happiness and choices are extremely limited.
In "The Golden Vase of Plums", although Pan Jinlian finally embarked on a road of no return, her image is more three-dimensional, her intelligence and cunning, and her pursuit of freedom and happiness all deeply reflect the sadness of women in feudal society. Although Wu Song is a hero, his tragedy is equally profound. His sense of justice and morality made him a victim of that era.
Here, we see not only a tragic story, but also a microcosm of an era. The story of Wu Song and Pan Jinlian makes us think about what true morality and justice are. Their fate also makes us reflect on how we should make choices when our personal emotions and moral values conflict.
Pan Jinlian's complex relationship not only revisits the charm of classic literature, but also deeply ponders the eternal topics of morality and emotion. In the narratives of Water Margin and The Golden Bottle, the stories of Wu Song and Pan Jinlian go beyond simple emotional entanglements to reflect broader social and cultural conflicts.