Explore Chapter 109 of 'The Story of the Golden Powder Family' with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
Now, after the passing of Jin Quan, the Jin Family's fortunes had declined. The brothers from various branches of the family were locked in fierce disputes over the division of the family property.
Though Mrs. Jin did her utmost to hold things together, the tide was beyond her power to turn. In the end, she had no choice but to gather everyone to discuss the division of the great estate.
At the meeting, brothers like Jin Fengju, Jin Hesun, Jin Pengzhen, and Jin Yanxi each harbored his own designs and refused to yield an inch. Only the young nephews and nieces, innocent of such worries, played nearby, a sight that stirred pity.
Yanxi, however, had other things on his mind. He thought of Leng Qingqiu. The field of love, much like a tennis court, was unpredictable and ever-changing. Recently, preoccupied with family troubles, Leng Qingqiu had grown increasingly distant toward Yanxi. Meanwhile, Yanxi, maintaining his old social habits, still associated with Xiuzhu and others. Leng Qingqiu knew of this, and it only widened the rift between them.
The matter of dividing the estate had caused turmoil for many days before a final plan was settled upon. The shares each branch received were not entirely equitable, but there was little anyone could do about it. Yanxi received a residence and a sum of cash. He felt a measure of solace, yet he could not help but lament the family's decline.
One day, Yanxi was sitting gloomily in his study when he received a call from Xiuzhu. She invited him to a tennis match. Yanxi initially wished to decline, but she coaxed and pouted so insistently that he had to accept. On the court, Xiuzhu was dressed in the latest fashion, her laughter as radiant as her smile. Partnering with Yanxi, it almost felt like a return to old times.
Yet Yanxi was distracted. His repeated mistakes drew Xiuzhu's reproach. Yanxi smiled bitterly to himself, thinking the game of love was indeed difficult to bear, especially a beauty's capricious moods. Sensing something was amiss, Xiuzhu pressed him about the reason for his predestined affinity. Yanxi stammered an evasive reply. Displeased, Xiuzhu turned and left in a huff.
Returning home, Yanxi saw Leng Qingqiu sitting alone by the window, her expression was downcast. He approached and inquired, but Leng Qingqiu only said she was feeling unwell and did not wish to talk further. Yanxi knew the knot in her heart. He wanted to explain about Xiuzhu, yet he could find no words to begin. The two of them sat together in silence.
Late into the night, Yanxi tossed and turned, unable to sleep. He recalled how during the division of the estate that day, the children, oblivious to the gravity of it all, had still played and laughed. Meanwhile, he himself was caught in the throes of love, torn between difficult choices. He could not help but heave a long sigh. The moonlight outside seemed desolate, adding to his melancholy.
The next morning, Leng Qingqiu rose early. Yanxi noticed the traces of tears in her eyes and knew something was wrong. Upon gentle questioning, Leng Qingqiu finally spoke. "I am of humble origins and have overreached by wedding into your esteemed household," she said. "Now that the family's fortunes have fallen, I fear I cannot remain here much longer. If you have any intentions, please make your plans early." Hearing this, Yanxi's heart felt as if slashed by a knife. Clasping Leng Qingqiu's hand tightly, he vowed he would never fail her.
Yet family affairs remained unsettled, and storms were rising again in the field of love. Caught in the midst of it all, Yanxi felt utterly weary. He wished only for time to flow on, bringing him some peace and quiet. But how could the world's affairs ever fully comply with one's wishes? Indeed, it was: The great estate divided, the young ones gone; on love's game field, a beauty's frenzy shone.