The Courtship of a Bricklayer and the Deception in Early Love

In the bustling rhythm of city life, there lived a humble bricklayer named Hung. He was tall and strong, yet his pockets were always empty. Gazing at the skyscrapers and luxury cars, Hung resolved to change his fate. He told himself that he must marry a wealthy woman with city residency to escape his hardship.

Hung did not fall into the habits of drinking, gambling, or swearing like his fellow laborers. Instead, he practiced speaking politely and tried to imitate the demeanor of an educated person. His sole target was the daughter of a prominent gold shop owner. She was beautiful and proud, and her parents were very strict in choosing a son-in-law.

Hung began his courtship with a sophisticated scheme. Every week, despite his meager wages, he set aside a small sum to buy two mace of gold from the shop owner for safekeeping. The owner, surprised, asked how he managed to save so much each week.

Hung smiled gently and replied with modesty but hidden ambition. He explained that he worked in construction, having come from the countryside to build a stable career through careful saving. Seeing his healthy appearance and polite speech, and noting his apparent financial planning, the owner grew fond of him. Gradually, she introduced her daughter to him. They began talking and spending time together. As fire meets straw, feelings naturally arose. When the moment was ripe, they rushed into marriage because the girl was pregnant.

After the wedding, their life as husband and wife began. A month later, the new wife asked about the gold he had saved before their marriage, suggesting they use it for their family business. Hung nodded and promised to retrieve it. However, when she checked, she found only four mace of gold. Shocked, she questioned why there was so little, recalling his claim of buying two mace every week.

Hung sighed and confessed the bare truth. He admitted that while he bought two mace weekly, he often sold some to cover previous losses incurred during his courtship. These four mace were all he had left after paying the price of winning her heart.

The wife’s family was stunned. It turned out that the image of a wealthy, prudent man with potential was merely a carefully staged performance. Before the wedding, Hung appeared generous and attentive, but this was deception to achieve his goal. Only after the marriage did his true nature reveal itself.

This story illustrates the teaching that the period of romantic promise is often the most deceptive. People readily hide their flaws and exaggerate their virtues to attract others. Once caught in the net, the truth begins to emerge.

The Meaning of the Story

This tale reminds us of the impermanence (anicca) and transient nature of romantic emotions in the early stages of love. Grand promises and gallant actions are often driven by biological instincts and the desire to possess, rather than reflecting one's true character. If we base our family happiness on these fleeting feelings, we will easily fall into disappointment and suffering (dukkha) when the truth is revealed. Wisdom requires us to observe people over a long period and through challenges, not just through superficial performances.

Compiled from the dharma talk of Venerable Thich Chan Quang