ORIENTAL WOMEN TALK
| A long lost old classic Chinese story written by CAO YU and adapted by Hani Law. All rights reserved |
THUNDERSTORM
CHAPTER ONE The story began in one evening in 1948. It happened in a large mansion in a small town in China. The night is dark, but with the help of the full moon up above, coupled with the two large lanterns hung in front of the large double entrance door of the mansion, we can see the words ZHOU RESIDENCE engraved on the door panels. In a room in the servants’ quarters, a young servant, named Shi Ping is in labor. She has been in labor for over two days and the midwife is afraid that her baby would not survive the long ordeal and even if the baby is born alive, he or she will not live long. Shi Ping’s mother is extremely worried and stands by the side of her daughter throughout the difficult labour time. The midwife is so worried about Shi Ping that she goes straight to Young Master Zhou, the father of the baby, and tells him the situation. When Young Master Zhou learns of the long labour that Shi Ping is going through, he does not show any emotion or concern. Shortly after midnight, Shi Ping has given birth to a baby boy after a hard labor. The next morning, Young Master Zhou sends for Shi Ping’s mother. “My father has arranged for me to marry the daughter of a wealthy merchant. I am afraid you and your daughter have to leave our residence. Of course both of you will be well compensated,” says Young Master Zhou. “I cannot believe what you have said. You and Shi Ping already have a son and she just gave birth to a baby yesterday. You are now turning her away after having a relationship with her for all these years. I am not going to break this horrible news to her,” says Shi Ping’s mother. She then walks away. That evening, Shi Ping goes to see her mothers as she has not seen her for the whole day, which is most unusual. When she pushes open her mother’s room, she is shocked to see that her mother has hanged herself on the beam of the room. She immediately cries for help and the other household servants rush to the room and help Shi Ping to lower her mother’s body. While Shi Ping is crying madly with tears covering her entire face, she sees a letter on the desk. It is her mother’s death note in which she says how Young Master Zhou has pressurized her and Shi Ping to leave the Zhou family with the new born baby. Having endured two days pre-natal labour, coupled with the death of her mother and the shocking news, Shi Ping just cannot stand it any more and collapsed. She does not know how long she has been unconscious but when she comes round in the early evening, she sees Young Master Zhou standing in front of her bed. Without waiting for her to say anything, Master Zhou tells her that he loves her but as his father has already arranged for him to marry another girl who may be able to help his family’s business; he had no alternative but to agree the marriage arrangement. He then asks Shi Ping again to leave his house as soon as possible. “I can offer you a large sum of money, so that you do not have to worry about money. The midwife said that this baby would not live long anyway, and you are free to marry in the future. You must leave today as the family has to start preparing for the wedding very soon and you know that I cannot defy my father,” said Master Zhou. “I will not take your money, and I will never see you again. But why can’t I take my elder son with me. I will bring them up on my own. We have been together all these years and I thought you love me. How can you be so cruel to me?” begged Shi Ping. While she is uttering all these words, tears pouring out from her swollen eyes, like a heavy waterfall. It is heart broken enough for Shi Ping already. In the night before, she has been mourning her mother’s death all night. “You cannot take our elder son with you. He is my son and he is a member of the Zhou family. He will stay here and be taken care of by us. You must leave now. The servants have already done the packing for you. Go, go, go, take the baby with you. I do not wish to see the baby any more, as he will die soon. I do not want him to die in my house,” said young Master Zhou. Despite Shi Ping’s repeated pleas, Master Zhou still insists that she cannot see her elder son before she leaves, as his father will not allow it. Shi Ping is then escorted to the door, carrying the infant son with her. Where would she go? The night is dark already; she carries the baby and walks aimlessly away form the Zhou Residence. After walking for some time, she sees in front of her a river called “Mother and Son River”. Thinking that this is the only solution for her, she jumps into the river carrying the baby with her. CHAPTER TWO Twenty years later, a car stopped at the Zhou residence. A young man who is in his early 20’s comes out and knocks at the glamorous large door. The housekeeper comes out and says, “Master Zhou, you are back and how nice to see you again. I will go and tell Madam Zhou that you are home.” Meanwhile, the driver has already taken out the luggage from the boot of the car and walks into the mansion with Master Zhou. Trying to put on a smiling face, Zhou Ping walks into the mansion through the front garden, and sees a sweet girl in her late teens watering the flowers which are in full blossom. He asks the housekeeper who is leading the way to the front parlor, “Who is that girl?” “Oh, she is my daughter, Si Feng. She has no working experience at all and she is now working here as a junior maid. You must pardon her if she does not do her job well,” replies the housekeeper. In the balcony overlooking the reception hall inside the mansion, there stands a looking young woman looking down to the front garden. She is sleek and feminine and is in her early thirties. As soon as she sees Zhou Ping coming into the front parlor, she hastily goes downstairs to meet him. The housekeeper and the driver excuse themselves as they have no business to attend to in that room. Seeing the woman, Zhou Ping greets her by saying, “Mother, how are you?” His voice is solemn and his eyes are staring away from her. The woman says angrily, but sadly “So it is time for you to come home, eh? You must have been enjoying your trip overseas so much so that you forget there is a lonely person in this world.” At this time, an energetic young man enters the parlour. “Mother, I am so pleased that Big Brother Ping has come home. We are all together again,” says the young man. “Chung, I am very pleased to see you again. How is your study?” asked Zhou Ping. “I am doing very well and I hope to be admitted to university this summer,” says Zhou Chung. That evening, just when Zhou Ping is about to turn off the light and retires, someone knocks at the door. When he opens the door, he sees his mother standing outside his room who is dressed in a pink nightdress which reveals her figure vividly. When he tries to close the door, his mother has already pushed her way into his room. She immediately closes the door behind her, and runs up to Zhou Ping trying to hug him. Zhou Ping stands back quickly and refuses to be have any contact with her. “Please don’t. You have already caused me more shame and guilt than I can bear,” says Zhou Ping. “Ha, I have caused you great shame and guilt. Just think back what you have done to me. You have captured my heart, and now you just dump me like that. You have ruined my life. I am a human being and I have feelings too. Please, I beg you. Let’s continue our intimate relationship,” says Mrs Zhou. “No, we can’t. You are my Mother,” said Zhou Ping. “I am not your mother and you are not my son. You are the son of my husband, that's all,” says Mrs Zhou. “You would not know how life is when a young woman like me is married to a man who is more than ten years older than me. There is no love between me and your father. Life is literally unbearable. You are the person who has given me hope and light in my life,” says Mrs Zhou. “I do not wish to hear any more. I was young then and had made mistakes. I was drunk that night and did not do it purposely. But you, you are the one who seduce me and force me into this relationship. Please forgive me and forget about this whole thing. I went away this time because I want to get rid of my guilt and sorrow. I have brought shame to my father and my younger brother. Please leave this room at once and I do not wish to see you any more,” says Zhou Ping. “How can you say such things to me? I will go, I will go and you will regret one day,” says her mother. She then runs to the door and leaves the room, crying hysterically. The following months, the house is very quiet. Zhou Chung is taking every opportunity to find Si Feng and teaches her to read and write. Zhou Chung likes Si Feng very much. Zhou Ping also tries to see Si Feng whenever possible, as Si Feng has captivated Zhou Ping’s heart. They both fall in love with one another and start having a secret affair. Several months has passed by. One day, Mr Zhou the senior returns home after a business trip abroad. He believes that as head of the family, he is superior and has absolute power over the affairs of his family, just as his father did 20 years ago. When he comes in, he summonses all his family members in the family sitting room. He sits on the large comfy chair in the centre of the room, his wife sits on the left in a smaller chair, and a large empty chair on his right is left empty. Zhou Ping is standing next to the large empty chair and Zhou Chung is standing next to his mother. “Have you been taking the medicine regularly that I have bought for you?” Mr Zhou asks his wife. “The medicine is so bitter and I do not want to drink it. After all, I am not sick,” says Mrs Zhou. “Si Feng,” shouts Mr Zhou senior. “Yes, Mr Zhou,” replies Si Feng, running into the room. “Has Mrs Zhou taken her medicine today?” shouts Mr Zhou. “Em, no, Madam Zhou does not want any medicine today,” replies Si Feng, dropping her head and avoiding any eye contact with Mrs Zhou. “Bring her medicine over,” orders Mr Zhou. “Here it is, Sir” says Si Feng. “Chung, bring the medicine to your mother and ask her to take it,” orders Mr Zhou senior. In this family, Mr Zhou is superior and every member of the family has to obey him. “Mother, please take the medicine. It will do you good and you will feel better later,” says Zhou Chung. “Chung, I cannot take it any more. I am not sick and I do not need to take any medicine,” says his mother, trying to explain the situation to his own son. Seeing that his order is not obeyed, Mr Zhou senior is so angry that he orders his elder son, Zhou Ping, to bring the medicine over to his stepmother and get her to take it. Zhou Ping walks over to his stepmother. Zhou Ping hides his embarrassment and says, "mother, I beg you, take the medicine for my sake and do not make father angry.” Hearing her stepson’s plea, Mrs Zhou cannot bear the begging from her ex lover whom she still has great love and feeling for him. She finally takes the whole bowl of medicine in one mouthful and after that, she runs up stairs to her room, crying incessantly again. “Sir, may I retire to my room?” says Zhou Ping to his father. “No, you cannot leave now. I need to talk to you. What are you doing these days?” asks Mr Zhou senior. Zhou Ping’s heart is pounding. “Your mother died young and she was a person I respect very much. That is the reason why I am still keeping this chair here, which is sitting on my right. It memorises Shi Ping. If your mother is still here, she would have high expectation of you. It is now time that you should develop a skill. Go and help me manage the mine and gain some experience. You will leave home and start work next week,” orders Mr Zhou senior. Zhou Ping nods his head and leaves the room. “Father,” said Zhou Chung, “can I have a minute with you?” says Zhou Chung. “What is it?” says Mr Zhou senior. “Si Feng, our maid, is very intelligent and hard working. Can I use my pocket money to pay for her schooling?” asks Zhou Chung. “What? Are you out of your mind? A servant is a servant all her life. Why would she need to go to school? Chung, don’t forget that we are of the upper class and you’d better not get too close to people belonging to the lower class. I am tired now and need a rest. That’s all for now,” says Mr Zhou senior. CHAPTER THREE The next day, when Si Feng is about to leave for home after a full day’s work, she meets Chow Ping at the back door. “Si Feng, I must see you tonight. I have something very important to discuss with you. Can I go to your place tonight?” asked Chow Ping. “Ping, you can’t. Although my mother is away working in another village and rarely comes home, she is very strict with me. My elder brother and my father are even sterner and they have bad temper. They both also fight a lot.If they find out that I have brought you inside the house, they will kill me,” says Si Feng. “If you don’t see me tonight, you will never see me again,” said Zhou Ping. “Ok, ok, come to my house at midnight, but do not knock at the door. Wait until you see a lit candle at my window, then you can come in. My mother is away for work today, my father will not be off this evening, and my brother is working away from home. I think it should be safe”. That evening, Zhou Ping arrives at Si Feng’s house punctually. He stands under a tree just a few feet away from Si Feng’s window. He waits for a while and not too long, he sees a candle light at Si Fung’s window. He walks towards the door and before he knocks, he notices that the door has already been opened. Zhou Ping turns his body sideway and enters the house. “What is it that you want to see me so urgently?” asked Si Feng anxiously. “Si Feng, my father wants me to help him to manage the mine. I will need to leave for the quarry next week. I just cannot bear not seeing you for a long time. Would you come with me?” asked Zhou Ping. “Ping, you know that I love you very much, but I have to get permission from my mother before I can say yes,” reply Si Feng. “Yes, of course, let me have the answer this week. Please I beg you, you must not break my heart,” said Zhou Ping. Zhou Ping moves closer to Si Feng, holding her tightly, and kisses her. Si Feng does not resist his approach and gradually lets she melts intimately with Zhou Ping’s body. They both moved over to the bed. Before it gets light the following morning, Zhou Ping leaves Se Feng’s house stealthily, trying to avoid being seen by anybody in the house. When Si Feng’s mother returns home from work the next evening, Si Feng tells her mother nervously that the elder son of the Master of the household in which she works wants to marry her. She assures her mother that the elder son of the Master is deeply in love with her and she loves him very much. Si Feng’s mother is skeptical about it, as it is her firm belief that rich people do not take love seriously with a maid, who is not of the same class as the Masters. However, she promises Si Feng that she will talk to the elder son of her Master first before she can give her approval. The next day, co-incidentally, Si Feng is requested by Mrs Zhou to invite her mother over to the Zhou residence, as she would like to meet her mother. Si Feng is over the moon as she thinks that Mrs Zhou might accept her as her daughter-in-law despite her low status of a maid. When Si Feng‘s mother arrives at the Zhou residence, she is invited to go to Mrs Zhou’s bedroom on the firs floor.. “So, you are Si Feng’s mother,” says Mrs Zhou, still elegantly dressed and looks attractive and sexy. “Yes, Madam,” answers Shi Ping. “I would really appreciate it if you could do me a big favor,” requests Mrs Zhou. “I definitely will do whatever you want me to it if I can be of any help to you, Madam,” answers Shi Ping. “Your daughter, Si Feng, wants to marry my elder son and you know that this is impossible. Considering the huge difference in our classes, would you be so kind as to take your daughter away from this house and never come back again? You will be well compensated,” says Mrs Zhou. Shi Ping is feeling so humiliated that she promises to take her daughter away, but refuses to take any money from Mrs Zhou. Mrs Zhou of course is very pleased and satisfied. On her way out, Shi Ping passes a small reception room; the door to the reception room is left ajar. A chair in the reception room attracts her attention immediately, and without thinking twice, she wanders into the reception. She curiously looks around and finds that the furniture and the layout, such as the chest and a side table, look very familiar to her, but she cannot remember where she has seen the furniture before. At that moment, Mr Zhou senior comes into the room. “Who are you? Why are you here in this room?” asks Mr Zhou, rather rudely. “Sir, I am Si Feng’s mother. I am visiting her,” answers Shi Ping with her head lowered. “Leave this room at once; this is no place for a servant,” says Mr Zhou senior with an indignant voice... Knowing that she has done nothing wrong, Si Feng’s mother raises her head high and walks to the door. As she is about to step out of the room, she hears Mr Zhou senior asking behind her. “Wait, who are you and what is your name,” asks Mr Zhou senior, this time with a gentler voice. “Sir, I am one of your servant’s mother.” While she is giving the answer, she looks into Mr Zhou senior’s eyes direct. There is a long silent moment. “You are not Shi Ping, are you?” asked Mr Zhou senior. “Yes, I am. You would never think that you will see me again, eh,” says Shi Ping, feeling rather angry and upset when she is reunited with her previous lover. “Are you coming here to seek financial help?” asks Mr Zhou senior. “No, Sir, my wound will never be healed with your money. I will let you bear the guilt all your life, and bring it with you even when you go to hell. I come here today to take my daughter away from your family. I am Si Feng’s mother,” says Shi Ping. “I was told that you were dead,” asks Mr Zhou senior. “Twenty years ago, when I was forced to leave you and had no where to go to on that evening. Thinking that having no prospect for me and my son, I jumped into the river with our baby. A man rescued our baby and me. I married him out of gratitude,” says Shi Ping. He took me to his house several hundred miles away, and took care of us both. The man was a manual worker and his small wage was just enough to feed us all. We later had a daughter who is Si Feng. In order to earn some extra money to save up for my old age, I work in another town also as a servant and goes home once a fortnight to see my family. I am not aware that Si Feng and her father are both working for you. I do not even know that you live here in this town,” says Shi Ping. “So you have remarried. By the way, where is our second son? Is he still alive?” says Mr Zhou senior. “Your second son whom you believe will not survive is still alive.” “Shi Ping, you don’t understand. My father wanted me to marry a rich girl. I could not disobey him. He was the head of the family. I have never forgotten about you since you left me. You see, all around me in this room is your favorite furniture which I am still keeping, although we have moved several times,” says Mr Zhou senior. “If you still have some conscience, please let me have a glimpse of my elder son, Ping. I will not let him know that I am his mother who is a working class woman,” begs Shi Ping. “OK, now that I know that you are not blackmailing me, I will send for him now. However, you must go after you have seen him. Stand aside in this room,” says Mr Zhou senior. He then sends for Zhou Ping. Just at that moment, there is a commotion is outside the house Just before Mr Zhou senior tries to find out what is happening, a well-built young man wearing a very worn shirt barges into the room, followed by several servants of the Zhou family. “Mother, what are you doing here?” asks the man. “I am coming here to see Si Feng,” answers Shi Ping. “This is Si Hai, MY SON,” says Shi Ping turning her head towards Mr Zhou senior. Mr. Zhou stares at Si Hai. No emotion is shown on his face after he has got the hint from Zhi Ping that this man stands in front of him is his younger son. “Who are you? Why have you barged into my house?” asks Mr Zhou senior. Turning to Mr Zhou’s senior, Si Hai says, “I am the union leader of the mine workers. I come here today to negotiate with you on behalf of the workers for better working condition and pay. We have asked you so many times, but our requests have all been ignored. Therefore we have no alternative, but to go on strike.” Mr Zhou senior stares at Si Hai, silent for a while. Then he says, “so you are the trouble maker who always stirs up things amongst the workers against the management. You have incited the workers to go on strike, eh. The workers have already returned to work this morning. Haven’t they told you, ha ha? Your demands are ridiculous and out of all proportion. You should feel lucky to have a job with us. There is no way that the company will meet your demands. You are fired now." "So, I now truly believe that you are really exploiting the workers and a mean employer. Their daily wages are so low that they hardly have enough to eat, not considering that they have to feed their families. Furthermore, there should be hardship allowance, as the condition in the mine is so poor and dangerous," says Si Hai. Si Hai is so enraged that he cannot help shouting at Mr Zhou senior, who is in fact his biological father. He is even more furious with his fellow workers who have betrayed him and given up their demands for better wages and better working conditions. He pulls out a gun from his pocket and points it at Mr Zhou senior. Mr Zhou is of course utterly shocked and steps back behind his servants. At this time, enters Zhou Ping who has come to the reception at his father’s instruction. Seeing a man pointing a gun at his father, he jumps quickly towards Si Hai, knocks him down, and takes the gun away from him. The servants push Si Hai down on the floor then seize him. Shi Ping runs towards Si Hai and stands in front of him, trying to stop Zhou Ping to hit his younger son again. "Stop hitting my son. All of you are money suckers and bullies. You all disgust me". "Let them go, PING ", says Mr Zhou senior, loudly on purpose. After hearing the name, Shi Ping stands there like a stone and stares at Zhou Ping, nearly motionless. "Take them both away from this house. No need to report this incident to the police," says Mr Zhou senior to the servants. Si Hai stands up on his feet and is led by the guards on both sides to the front door. Shi Ping sobs her heart out and then follows Si Hai out of the Zhou mansion. It is extremely heart breaking for Shi Ping to witness her son hitting her son, and especially when she cannot openly declare to be the mother of one them. CHAPTER FOUR Back to their home that evening, Shi Ping has found it necessary to talk to Si Feng in her room.. “Si Feng, I have told the Zhou family that you will not work for them any more. You should promise me that you will never see Zhou Ping again. I do not believe that a rich man will marry a servant. He may love you now, but you will never be his wife,” says Shi Ping. “No, mother, Ping truly loves me and I love him too. He promises me that he will marry me and take me with him to the quarry. Please don’t break us up,” begs Si Feng. “You must listen to me. I love you dearly and I know what is best for you. Forget about Zhou Ping, and we will leave this town immediately and lead a new life,” says Shi Ping. Si Feng is very upset and insists, “No, no, mother, I will not leave Zhou Ping.” “Listen, Si Feng, you and Zhou Ping cannot be together. Kneel down and swear to heaven that you will not see Zhou Ping again,” says Shi Ping, starting to get a bit upset. Shi Ping feels a hacking pain in her heart while making this demand, which she knows will inflict tremendous pain on her daughter. “No, no, mother I beg you not to force me to leave Zhou Ping,” begs Si Feng again. “Si Feng, if you do not make this promise, I will not have you as my daughter.” Shi Ping sounds very determined when making this declaration but deep down her heart, she is really grief- stricken. Se Feng does not understand why her mother opposes her relationship with Zhou Ping so obstinately. See that she has no alternative, she at last gives in. She kneels down and swears to heaven that if she breaks the promise, she will be struck to death by thunder. Both mother and daughter hold each other and cry their hearts out, for different reasons though. A few days have gone by. Zhou Ping has not seen Si Feng working in the house and wonders where she is. He then finds out from the housekeeper, who is Si Feng’s father, that her daughter has left her job. Zhou Ping is naturally surprised to learn of her departure without being informed beforehand. He secretly goes to Si Feng’s at midnight that night and knocks at Si Feng’s bedroom window. Si Feng wonders who knocks at her window and opens it to check. As soon as she sees Zhou Ping, she shuts the window. Zhou Ping knocks at the window again lightly and asks Si Feng in a whisper to open the window, so that he can speak to her. There is no response from inside. Zhou Ping refuses to leave and waits by the window as he is determined to find out from Si Feng why she has left her job without saying goodbye. Inside her bedroom, Si Feng is standing by the window. Knowing that Zhou Ping is out there, she feels the urge of seeing him again. However, she is afraid that she may break the promise she has made to her mother. After a while, rain starts to fall. Not wanting Zhou Ping to get wet, Si Feng courageously opens the window to let Zhou Ping in. “Why do you refuse to see me and talk to me? What has happened? I do not even know you have resigned?” asks Zhou Ping quietly. “Ping, I cannot see you anymore. My mother does not allow us to be together. She has no trust in you because you come from a wealthy family,” says Si Feng. “Si Feng, you know that I cannot leave you. I want you to be my wife and I love you wholeheartedly. I have to go away tomorrow and work in my father’s quarry. Come with me, and I promise you I will take very good care of you all my life,” says Zhou Ping. “But I have sworn to heaven not to see you again,” replies Si Feng. “Nothing will come between us; there is nothing greater than my love for you. Go, pack your stuff, come with me tonight and we will leave for the quarry together tomorrow,” says Zhou Ping. Si Feng is so moved by Zhou Ping’s love and quietly nods her head. She graps several essential items and some clothing, and they both climb out of the window and run back to Zhou Ping’s house. Having gone through such upheavals, Shi Ping’ just cannot sleep that night. She gets up and goes to see whether there is any rain leaking into Si Feng’s room. However, she does not see Si Feng in her room and a chill goes down her spine. She finds that the wardrobe is left open and some of her daughter’s clothes are missing. She walks up to the window, and sees footprints on the windowsill. She dashes out of the room, takes an umbrella and runs as fast as she can to the Zhou residence. She knocks at the door. It is well past midnight, and all the servants are asleep. Zhou Ping hears the knocking of the door and he has the feeling that it may be Si Feng’s mother who is making the noise. He is prepared to face Si Feng’s mother if she does come to fetch Si Feng. He goes to open the door, and sees a woman. He recognizes her at Si Hai’s mother. “Ah, you are Si Hai’s mother. Why do you come here so late? Come again tomorrow if you wish to talk with us about your son,” says Zhou Ping abruptly, hoping to go back to Si Feng quickly. When he is about to close the door, Shi Ping pushes her hand against the door, trying to stop Zhou Ping from closing the door. “I am Si Hai’s mother, and I am also the mother of Si Feng,” says Shi Ping firmly. Zhou Ping is shocked and says, “Oh, I am sorry, please … come in.” They walk into the main hall. Before Zhou Ping says anything, Shi Ping asks, “Is Si Feng here? I must bring her home and she must not stay here with you.” “Madam, I love Si Feng and she loves me dearly. May I have your permission to let her go with me to the quarry where I will be working? I realize that my family may not approve of this marriage, but I do not care whether they agree or not. I will take care of Si Feng all my life,” says Zhou Ping. By that time, Si Feng has already come out from Zhou Ping’s room which is adjoining the main hall. She has heard the conversation between her mother and Zhou Ping and therefore tries to persuade her mother to change her mind. Si Feng kneels down in front of her mother, and Zhou Ping follows suit. “Please mother, let us stay together.” begs both Zhou Ping and Si Feng. “No, you two cannot be together. Come home with me Si Feng,” says Shi Ping, tears dropping on her chin again. “Mother, I have to be with Ping …. because I am carrying his child,” says Si Feng, bursting into tears. “Madam, please let Si Feng come with me, I beg you,” Zhou Ping starts to kow tow to Shi Ping. Shi Ping is so devastated by what she has heard that she can hardly stand up. Seeing that Si Feng’s mother is about to fall to the floor, Zhou Ping rushes towards her and help her to a chair. Shi Ping is reflecting on herself asking what she has done to deserve all this. She once had a relationship with the young master of the house and now her daughter is following her footsteps. It is even heartbreaking that she is pregnant by her half brother. She cannot utter a word. She feels like having a knife piercing in her heart. What has been done is done, and when she recovers from her shock and grief, she says, “Go, go, go as far as you can and never come back to this town and never let me see you two again,” says Shi Ping, sopping bitterly. “Mother, mother, you cannot do this to us. I love you,” says Si Feng. “Si Feng, let’s go now. Your mother says this only because she is so upset now.” “After we have settled down, we will come back to see you again,” says Zhou Ping.to Si Feng’s mother/ At that very moment, they hear footsteps coming down the stairs. Zhou Ping looks up and sees his father and his step- mother coming down to the hallway. He believes that they must have been awaken by the noise they have made. “Ping, so you are leaving with Si Feng,” says Mrs Zhou jealously. “You cannot leave with Si Feng,” says Mrs Zhou again. “Leave us alone, and get out of the way,” says Zhou Ping, trying to push his way back to his room with Si Feng. “Chung, come down to the hall,” shouts Mrs Zhou to the first floor above. “See what your brother is doing. He is taking away your lover,” continues Mrs Zhou. Zhou Ping is very cross with his step-mother because he sees no reason why his brother should be involved in the whole affair. “How can you be so cruel and unkind to your own son? You should not try to hurt his feelings,” says Zhou Ping. Zhou Chung has been awakened by his mother’s hysterical shouts and comes down to the hall. “Chung, your big brother has snatched your lover and is trying to elope with her,” says Mrs Zhou. “Mother, although I love Si Feng, I will wish them all the happiness if this is what she wants,” replies Zhou Chung. “You are not my son, Chung. Don’t you have any spine?” says Mrs Zhou. Seeing what is going on, Mr Zhou senior has no choice, but to disclose the secret to his elder son. “Ping, this woman is your mother,” says Mr Zhou senior. Mrs Zhou cannot believe what her husband has said. Shi Ping can now look at Zhou Ping as her son and says "Ping, I am sorry for what has happened to you and Si Feng". However, what Mr Zhou senior has said comes as a bombshell to both Zhou Ping and Si Feng. They look at each other as they know what they have done to each other. They know that they will bear their guilt of incest for the rest of their lives. Si Feng suddenly becomes hysterical and runs out of the door to the courtyard in the heavy rain and storm. Zhou Chung follows her. Suddenly a loud and shattering thunder strikes Si Feng when she runs under a tree. She falls on the soggy ground immediately. Chung runs towards her and tries to lift her up, but he is also electrocuted. Mrs Zhou runs after Chung and when she sees that her son is also dead, she cries her eyes out and shouts that this is what the Zhou family deserves. At that very moment, a gunshot is fired. Mr Zhou senior traces the source of the noise to Zhou Ping’s room and finds that Zhou Ping has shot himself with the gun he has snatched from Si Hai. THE END |
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