Explore Chapter 17 of "八十一梦 五子登科" with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
One evening, Jin Ziping returned from outside, a few gold bullion tucked in his pocket, his face showing signs of intoxication. He pushed open the door and entered, finding the living room brightly lit, with several friends seated around playing cards. One of them, seeing him come in, laughed and said, "Brother Jin, where did you go to make a fortune today? You're glowing." Jin Ziping took off his coat and casually hung it on the rack, replying with a smile, "Oh, nowhere, just a small gathering with a few friends, had a few too many drinks." As he spoke, he pulled out a stack of banknotes from his pocket and slapped them on the table, saying, "Come, come, I'll join in too." Seeing his generosity, the others made room for him.
The card game continued late into the night. Jin Ziping had good luck and won quite a bit. In high spirits, he sent someone out to buy some wine and food, and chatted with his friends while eating. During the meal, someone brought up the current situation. Jin Ziping sighed and said, "The world nowadays is getting more and more difficult. But as long as we have gold bullion in hand, we have nothing to fear." He patted his pocket, making a metallic sound. Everyone smiled knowingly.
After the party broke up, Jin Ziping returned to his bedroom alone. He took out the gold bullion one by one and examined them carefully under the lamplight. The gold bullion shimmered with an alluring luster. He couldn't resist kissing one and muttered to himself, "With you, I have no worries." Then he carefully hid the gold bullion and went to bed.
A few days later, spring arrived, but the weather was still cold. Jin Ziping received a letter from a friend in Beiping inviting him north. After much deliberation, he decided to go. Before leaving, he went to bid farewell to his lover. The woman lived in a small building in the west of the city. Jin Ziping braved the heavy snow to go there. When they met, they were reluctant to part. The woman said with tears in her eyes, "The journey ahead is long. Take good care of yourself." Jin Ziping held her hand and said, "Don't worry. Once I am settled, I will come for you."
After leaving the woman's place, the snow fell even heavier. Jin Ziping trudged through the snow, stumbling unsteadily towards the station. His figure gradually disappeared into the vast snowy mist.