The Public Battle for Su Xiangcheng

This flow traces how rival men treat Su Xiangcheng as a symbol of power and how she gradually rejects their attempts to define her.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Lu Xun's Claim

The Claimed Wife Possession made public Lu Xun repeatedly insists that Su Xiangcheng is his wife whenever another man approaches her. His defense is both protective and proprietary. Her resistance Su Xiangcheng resents being treated as territory. Their attraction is therefore inseparable from an argument over whether protection can exist without ownership.

Cen Feng's Return

The Former Lover's Offer An old possibility Cen Feng transports a drunken Su Xiangcheng home and suggests he would still take her back, even if he were married. A boundary tested Lu Xun arrives and rejects the implied claim. Su Xiangcheng, however, makes clear that her past with Cen Feng cannot simply be revived.

Chu Fei's Challenge

The Protective Brother A rival presence Chu Fei enters the city, expands his influence, and openly questions whether Lu Xun deserves Su Xiangcheng. His protection carries the suggestion of unspoken romantic interest. A new pressure Lu Xun cannot defeat Chu Fei merely through jealousy. He must answer the accusation that his conduct has made Su Xiangcheng need rescuing.

Mo Beichen's Pursuit

The Dangerous Suitor A debt distorted Mo Beichen turns Su Xiangcheng’s act of rescue into a claim over her. Gratitude becomes coercion as he insists that she should become his mistress. A different kind of threat Unlike Lu Xun’s marital possessiveness, Mo Beichen’s pursuit refuses even the appearance of mutual choice. Su Xiangcheng’s disgust establishes the boundary Lu Xun repeatedly violates but sometimes tries to repair.

Her Own Position

The Woman Who Chooses Rejecting the contest Su Xiangcheng stops measuring herself solely against Song Yun'er or Shen Yiyun. She treats the competing men’s claims as burdens rather than proof of her value. A new authority Her strongest answer is not choosing one protector but deciding when to work, leave, return, and speak. The public battle ends only when she becomes its author.

early in the marriage

after Su Xiangcheng begins working

during Chu Fei's expansion in Yuncheng

after Su Xiangcheng's earlier rescue

late in the story