The following article delves into the reasons behind Hoàng Dung’s actions.
The Pressure of Public Opinion on Dương Quá’s Love
Dương Quá and Tiểu Long Nữ have answered the question “What is love?” through their own experiences: “To live and die together.” This couple has faced numerous hardships to be together, and among these challenges, overcoming societal prejudices was the hardest.
Due to their teacher-student relationship, Tiểu Long Nữ and Dương Quá’s love has never been blessed by society. On the contrary, they have had to endure scrutiny, criticism, and even contempt. Even Quách Tĩnh and his wife opposed their relationship.
Quách Tĩnh’s opposition is understandable. However, why did Hoàng Dung also repeatedly try to separate them? It’s clear that Kim Dung had a deep intention in arranging the story this way.
The Stance of Quách Tĩnh and Hoàng Dung
At the hero assembly, after Tiểu Long Nữ and Dương Quá defeated Kim Luân Pháp Vương and his disciple, they became heroes in the eyes of the martial arts community. However, when Quách Tĩnh intended to marry his daughter Quách Phù to Dương Quá, the attitude of everyone towards this couple changed 180 degrees simply because they declared their desire to be together for life.
Quách Tĩnh was the strongest opponent. He even contemplated killing Dương Quá. In the story, it is written: “Quách Tĩnh raised his hand, his face in pain, saying: ‘Quá Nhi, do you understand how much my heart aches? I would rather you die than do something wrong, do you understand?'”
Quách Tĩnh’s agitation is not surprising. The main reason is based on the belief in the Song dynasty that teachers and students belong to two different generations and cannot be together. This is contrary to moral principles. Quách Tĩnh sees Dương Quá as his own son. His increasing agitation only proves his sincere feelings for Dương Quá. He didn’t want his “son” to go astray, so he would rather kill Dương Quá than allow him to make a mistake.
In summary, Quách Tĩnh’s attitude is entirely reasonable. What about Hoàng Dung? Unlike Quách Tĩnh’s concern for Dương Quá, Hoàng Dung has always been wary of him. The reason is quite simple.
On one hand, Dương Quá is the son of Dương Khang, so she cannot help but think “like father, like son.” In reality, Dương Quá has never met Dương Khang, so her thoughts are completely prejudiced.
On the other hand, Dương Quá is very intelligent, and she cannot see through him. She naturally dislikes those smarter than herself, so it’s not surprising that she remains cautious around Dương Quá.
Thus, Hoàng Dung should have maintained an indifferent attitude toward Dương Quá and Tiểu Long Nữ’s relationship. In fact, if she truly hated Dương Quá, she should have facilitated their union to witness their criticism by society. However, she repeatedly tried to prevent them from being together.
The first time was at the hero assembly when she sided with Quách Tĩnh and advised the two. In the story, it is written: “Hoàng Dung said sternly: ‘Do you really not understand or are you just joking with us?’ Dương Quá felt indignant and thought: ‘You treat me well, and I will repay you, but what more do you want from me?'” Hoàng Dung’s words are indeed very reasonable.
The second time was after defeating Kim Luân Pháp Vương, when she used reason to persuade Tiểu Long Nữ, causing her to leave.
The third time was when she advised Tiểu Long Nữ to distance herself from Dương Quá so he would voluntarily take the antidote and not risk his life.
It can be said that Hoàng Dung’s attempts to separate them were all born from good intentions. This seems contradictory to her constant wariness and dislike of Dương Quá. If you read the original text carefully, you will understand that the most important person to Hoàng Dung is Quách Tĩnh. All her actions to separate them were for Quách Tĩnh.
Hoàng Dung’s Deep Affection for Quách Tĩnh
Although she is the daughter of Hoàng Dược Sư, acting somewhat strangely, and both father and daughter disregard social norms, their nature is that of a warm-hearted person. Hoàng Dược Sư hated the emperor of Đại Tống but ultimately chose to help Quách Tĩnh protect the city of Tương Dương. Deep down, he is a person of loyalty and righteousness.
As for Hoàng Dung, despite appearing strong in her relationship with Quách Tĩnh, she remains an ordinary woman who upholds the belief of “following the husband after marriage.”
For example, in their dialogue: “Hoàng Dung held her husband’s hand, gently placing his palm on her cheek, softly saying: ‘Tĩnh ca ca, please name our second child.’ Quách Tĩnh replied with a smile: ‘You know I’m not good at this, yet you tease me.’ Hoàng Dung said: ‘You always say you aren’t good. Tĩnh ca ca, there truly is no one better than you in this world.'” These words are filled with sincere affection.
People often say Quách Tĩnh is foolish, but in Hoàng Dung’s eyes, he is the most wonderful person. She even said, “there truly is no one better than you in this world.” This shows that she is also a lovesick person.
Moreover, when Kim Luân Pháp Vương attacked, Quách Tĩnh instinctively shielded Hoàng Dung, while her attitude was: “Quách Tĩnh’s face changed slightly, and he pulled Hoàng Dung aside, wanting to hide her behind him. Hoàng Dung softly said: ‘Tĩnh ca ca, is the importance of Tương Dương City greater or our feelings?’ Quách Tĩnh released Hoàng Dung, saying: ‘Indeed, national affairs are the most important!'”
Why is Hoàng Dung so understanding? Simply put, because “national affairs are the most important” is Quách Tĩnh’s view and lifelong aspiration. It can be said that since becoming Quách Tĩnh’s wife, Hoàng Dung has always strived for her husband’s ideals.
Years ago, when Quách Tĩnh was determined to protect Tương Dương, Hoàng Dung was equally resolute: “Hoàng Dung understood his intentions and sighed: ‘I knew this day would come sooner or later. So, if you live, I live; if you die, I die!'”
Everyone says Hoàng Dung is smart, but after falling in love with Quách Tĩnh, she also became a lovesick woman. If not, with her intelligence, how could she not know that Tương Dương would surely fall? Hoàng Dung has a strong opinion on many matters, but most of the time, her life revolves around Quách Tĩnh. It can be said that Quách Tĩnh’s dreams are her dreams. The reason she is determined to separate Dương Quá and Tiểu Long Nữ is that Quách Tĩnh does not want to see Dương Quá go astray. Everything Hoàng Dung does is for Quách Tĩnh.
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