Attending a wedding is nothing extraordinary, but attending the wedding of a fox spirit is undeniably noteworthy. The Fox’s Bride narrates the fascinating encounter of Yin Tian Guan (historically known as Yin Shi Dan of Li Cheng), who, while wagering his courage with friends, found himself attending the wedding of a fox spirit's daughter.
The wedding of the fox spirit’s daughter was indistinguishable from a human wedding. The estate Yin entered on a dare happened to belong to the bride’s family, and by chance, he became an honorary host (known as a binxiang in traditional Chinese weddings), witnessing the entire process of the marriage ceremony. The story meticulously describes the event:
“Soon, the sound of flutes and music filled the air. Someone rushed upstairs, exclaiming, ‘It is time!’ The old man hurried to greet them, and Yin also stood up to wait. Shortly, a procession of red-lanterned attendants escorted the groom in… The old man instructed the groom to pay his respects to the distinguished guest first. The young man looked at Yin. Acting as the honorary host, Yin performed a ceremonial gesture of half-host, half-guest. Then the groom and his father-in-law exchanged bows. Afterward, they took their seats. Soon, the bride, escorted by maids and attendants, emerged in a flurry of fragrant cosmetics and exquisite adornments. The old man had her bow to the honored guest before seating her beside her mother… The banquet continued with drinks served in golden goblets… Later, the groom announced his departure. The music resumed with a sudden crescendo, and the guests gradually left the pavilion.”
This detailed description reflects the typical marriage customs of the Ming and Qing dynasties, making the story an invaluable resource for understanding traditional Chinese culture.
The golden goblet serves as a central motif, seamlessly tying the story together. Not only does it act as proof for Yin’s bet, but it also plays a pivotal role in the story's twists and turns. At the end, the golden goblet taken from the fox spirit is returned to the Zhu family, restoring the family heirloom. This resolution is both complete and thought-provoking.
Reflecting on the novel's opening, where Yin is described as "having grown up poor," this seemingly incidental detail sets the stage for the golden goblet’s significance. The story’s clever structure and rich details make it both engaging and culturally illuminating.
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