[Feb 17][Shendiao Xialu][Beyond Ideals]

[lilacfield.livejournal.com]

Title: Beyond Ideals
Day/Theme: Feb 17/unbound hair
Series: Shendiao Xialu
Characters: Huang Rong, Guo Xiang
Rating: G
Disclaimer: Shendiao Xialu belongs to Jin Yong, et al.


"So does a lady really have to put up her hair after she's married?" Guo Xiang queried, watching as Huang Rong carefully inserted a wine-colored haircomb into her chignon. "I mean, do we get twenty strokes of the cane or something if we refuse to?"

"My little daughter is too inquisitive. No, they don't physically punish you for that. But putting your hair up is supposed to be a sign of respectability."

"Then a married lady is automatically a respectable person?"

"A married lady is expected to perform her duty as wife and mother, and stand up for her husband's honor. The hairstyle is just a symbol."

"I think you'll always look beautiful and respectable, Mother, however you choose to do your hair."

Huang Rong smiled at her image in the mirror. "Thank you."

"I'd still say it's not practical, though."

"No, I suppose not." She changed her sitting position, rearranged the folds of her dress. "But would you like to hear how I once saved your life by pulling down my hair in front of an assembly of people?"

"You didn't!" Guo Xiang sat down on a nearby stool, beaming. "Was it when I was a baby? Why was my life in danger?"

"It's a long story, but one thing I'd like you to know: being respectable does not mean you can't still be yourself, and perhaps more."