Explore Chapter 28 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.
At the mere mention of Leng Qingqiu's illness, Jin Yanxi felt a surge of anxiety. He hurriedly made his way inward. He hadn't gone far when a figure appeared in front of him, grabbing his arm. "Seventh Brother, I've been looking for you! Where are you going?" Yanxi looked up and saw it was Liu Baoshan. "I have urgent business right now. We'll talk when I get back," he said, pushing Liu Baoshan aside with both hands and rushing forward. Liu Baoshan chased after him, shouting, "What's so important? I have a few words I absolutely must say to you in person." Pestered relentlessly, Yanxi had no choice but to stop. "If you have something to say, be quick about it." Liu Baoshan asked, "What have you been up to these past few days? You're never home." Yanxi retorted, "What business is it of yours? Just say what you have to say." Liu Baoshan laughed. "I was just joking. Why so serious? It's nothing major, really. I just wanted to find you for a game of cards." Yanxi said, "I have no time today," and started to run off again. Liu Baoshan called out, "Where are you running to? I haven't finished speaking." Frowning, Yanxi said, "Speak, speak! I really do have something to attend to." Liu Baoshan remarked, "Look how frantic you are! I want you to come to my place for a game. Zhu Yishi is hosting today. Several people are gathering at my house for lunch. After we eat, we'll play four rounds. How about it?" Yanxi replied, "You all go ahead. I won't be joining." Liu Baoshan pressed, "Why not? Surely you're not busier than the Prime Minister?" Yanxi said, "I have things on my mind." Liu Baoshan teased, "What could be on your mind? Unless it's something to do with a lady friend. Otherwise, why are you so distracted?" Yanxi snapped, "Nonsense! I'm going to Falling Flowers Lane to see someone who's sick." Liu Baoshan said, "Is it Miss Leng who's ill? Your visit would only make her feel worse. She's suffering from a maiden's ailment. If you go, she'll be too embarrassed to see you. Listen to me. You'd be better off coming to my place. We'll invite Zhu Yishi and the others, play four rounds, and pass the time until two or three in the afternoon. Then you can go. By then, if she's feeling better, she'll naturally see you. Even if she isn't, she'll probably be up and about, and you can still see her. Isn't that the best of both worlds?" Yanxi found some reason in this. He glanced at his wristwatch. It was already past twelve. She might have just gotten up. Why go so early? He stood there pondering for a moment. Liu Baoshan laughed. "Let's go! What more is there to think about?" With that, he grabbed Yanxi by the arm and dragged him to his house.
When Yanxi arrived at the Liu household, he saw friends like Zhu Yishi, Meng Jizu, and Kong Xueni chatting and laughing in the drawing room. At the sight of Yanxi, they all exclaimed, "What wind blows the Seventh Master Jin here today?" Yanxi smiled. "Aren't you all going to play cards? I've come to make up the numbers." Liu Baoshan warned, "Now that you've agreed to play, no backing out halfway." Yanxi said, "When did I ever mention backing out? We'll play cards. What's the difficulty?" Liu Baoshan chuckled and said nothing more. He quickly instructed the servant to set up the table, and the game began. Yanxi's luck was not bad. He won two consecutive rounds right from the start. After Zhu Yishi won one, Yanxi won another. By the end of the four rounds, Yanxi had won over three hundred dollars. Meng Jizu laughed. "Seventh Brother, your luck is good today." Yanxi smiled. "Perhaps they're going easy on me." Just then, a servant suddenly entered and announced, "There's a telephone call for the Seventh Master." Yanxi wondered who it could be. Could it be Falling Flowers Lane? He hastily put down his cards and went to the telephone. Picking up the receiver, he found it was Bai Xiuzhu. She said, "Where are you? I went to your mansion looking for you, but you weren't home. Your gateman said you'd just left. I guessed you'd gone to the Lius' to play cards, and I was right. Come quickly. I have something to tell you." Yanxi said, "Didn't we agree to meet tomorrow? I have something to do today. I can't come." Xiuzhu demanded, "What do you have to do? Can't you get away?" Yanxi insisted, "I certainly have something to do. Didn't we agree? I'll definitely come tomorrow." Xiuzhu said, "No. If you don't come, I'll go to your house and wait for you there." Her insistence put Yanxi in a difficult spot. If he flatly refused and she really went to his house, causing his father to find out, it would be even worse. He relented, "Alright, I'll come right away. Where will you wait for me?" Xiuzhu said, "I'll wait for you at Xieying Western Restaurant." Yanxi agreed and hung up. Returning to the card table, he said, "My apologies, I have to leave on urgent business." Liu Baoshan exclaimed, "Hey! Won some money and now you want to run?" Yanxi said, "I really do have business. I'm not making excuses. You can keep my three hundred-plus dollars. Consider it my treat for everyone." With that, he went to the coat rack for his hat. Not even bothering with his overcoat, he headed out. Zhu Yishi laughed. "Look, Seventh Brother must have received some sweet call and is rushing off to meet his sweetheart. Old Liu, don't try to stop him." Liu Baoshan also laughed. "Go on, go on. No need for pretenses here."
Paying them no heed, Yanxi took his automobile to Xieying Western Restaurant. Upon arrival, he indeed found Xiuzhu alone in a private room, reading a newspaper. At the sight of Yanxi, she complained, "Why did it take you so long? I've been waiting over an hour." Yanxi said, "I told you I had business today and couldn't come. You insisted on calling. Now that I'm here, you complain I'm late. Isn't that unreasonable?" Xiuzhu retorted, "If you had business, you shouldn't have agreed to come. Since you agreed, you should have come early. And now you're impatient. What's the meaning of this?" Seeing her stern face devoid of any smile, Yanxi felt he couldn't say much. He forced a smile. "It's not that I'm impatient. I'm just explaining. What did you want to see me about?" Xiuzhu said, "Must I have a reason to look for you? It's because you've grown colder and colder towards me that I want to get to the bottom of it." Yanxi smiled. "Where did that come from? I've always been the same with you. Besides, haven't we been seeing each other often lately? How can you say I'm growing colder?" Xiuzhu said, "Often? Humph! Let me ask you, what day is it today?" Yanxi asked, "Today? It's the fifth day of the eleventh month." Xiuzhu said, "Exactly. It's my birthday. How could you forget?" Yanxi let out an exclamation of surprise and smiled. "How dreadful of me! How could I forget such an important occasion! I deserve a beating!" Xiuzhu said, "Stop pretending. You forgot, plain and simple. Why the act?" Yanxi said, "I truly forgot. Tell me how to make it up to you, and I'll accept any punishment." Xiuzhu asked, "What punishment? Should I make you kowtow?" Yanxi smiled. "If you wish it, I'll kowtow." Xiuzhu said, "Stop your glib talk. Since you forgot my birthday, you obviously didn't prepare a gift. I don't want one from you anyway. Accompany me for a day out today, and we'll consider the matter settled." Yanxi said, "Accompanying you for a day is only right. But I really do have business today. Can we make it tomorrow? I'll spend the whole day with you tomorrow." Xiuzhu's expression changed. "I know. That Miss Leng is all you can think about now. She has something today, so you want to go be with her. Isn't that right?" Yanxi was also displeased. "You're being completely unreasonable. Do you think I have no other friends or matters besides you?" Xiuzhu declared, "I don't care about any of that. You must accompany me today." She stood up and made to grab Yanxi's arm.
Yanxi sidestepped. "Don't pull and tug like that. People will laugh if they see." Xiuzhu scoffed, "Laugh? Humph! Who are you afraid will laugh? That Miss Leng of yours?" Seeing her words grow increasingly improper, Yanxi was quite angry. Yet, unwilling to break with her completely, he suppressed his temper. "Alright, I'll accompany you out. Where do you want to go?" Xiuzhu thought for a moment. "I want to go to Western Hills to see the autumn foliage." Yanxi said, "Isn't it too cold for Western Hills in this weather?" Xiuzhu said, "What's there to fear about the cold? We'll take the automobile. Once there, it's just a short walk. I want you to accompany me, so you will." Seeing her determination, Yanxi had to comply. The two left Xieying, got into Yanxi's automobile, and headed straight for Western Hills.
Upon reaching Western Hills, Yanxi, preoccupied with Leng Qingqiu's illness, remained listless. Xiuzhu, however, was in high spirits. Linking her arm with Yanxi's, she chattered endlessly, pointing out the red leaves on the mountains. Yanxi only gave absent-minded replies. Xiuzhu said, "You seem like you've lost your soul today. Whenever I talk to you, your mind is elsewhere." Yanxi said, "My mind isn't elsewhere. I'm admiring the scenery." Xiuzhu sneered, "Admiring the scenery? I think you're thinking of someone beyond the scenery." Hearing this, Yanxi simply fell silent, walking on quietly. Angered by his attitude, Xiuzhu said, "If you don't want to accompany me, then go back. I can enjoy myself alone." Yanxi said, "I never said I didn't want to accompany you. Why be so sensitive?" As they talked, they reached the Mid-Hill Pavilion. Tired from walking, Xiuzhu wanted to go in and rest. Yanxi had no choice but to follow her inside.
The tea tables at the Mid-Hill Pavilion were already occupied by quite a few people, many of whom Yanxi recognized. Seeing Yanxi enter with a beautiful young lady, they couldn't help but steal a few extra glances. Afraid of running into acquaintances, Yanxi chose a quiet corner to sit. Xiuzhu ordered tea and snacks. As she ate, she said to Yanxi, "Look how happy all these people are. Not like you, with that long face." Yanxi forced a smile. "What long face? Aren't I accompanying you?" Xiuzhu said, "You're accompanying me, but your heart has flown off who knows where." Just as Yanxi was about to reply, he suddenly noticed a man and a woman sitting at the next table. The woman's back view bore a striking resemblance to Leng Qingqiu. His heart skipped a beat. He looked closely. The woman wore a pale blue lined jacket over a black skirt, exactly like Leng Qingqiu's usual attire. However, with her back turned, her face was unclear. Yanxi thought, Leng Qingqiu is ill. How could she come to Western Hills? But the figure and posture were too similar. He was lost in thought when the woman suddenly turned her head and glanced in their direction. Yanxi looked. It was not Leng Qingqiu at all, but Second Miss Wu. Second Miss Wu also saw Yanxi. She nodded and smiled at him, then resumed her quiet conversation and laughter with the man.
Finding it wasn't Leng Qingqiu, Yanxi felt a wave of relief, yet also a tinge of disappointment. Seeing him staring intently at the next table, Xiuzhu also turned to look. At the sight of Second Miss Wu, she curled her lip and whispered to Yanxi, "Your good friend is over there. Don't you want to go say hello?" Yanxi said, "Don't talk nonsense. I merely know her, that's all." Xiuzhu said, "Merely know her? Everyone knows Second Miss Wu is a popular figure in social circles. Which young master among you doesn't know her?" Fearing her words would become even more unpleasant, Yanxi said, "We've rested enough. Let's walk somewhere else." Xiuzhu asked, "What's this? The moment I mention Second Miss Wu, you want to leave. Do you have a guilty conscience?" Yanxi could bear it no longer. He stood up. "If you're going to be this unreasonable, I'll go back first." He started to walk out. Xiuzhu grabbed his arm. "Alright, alright. I won't say anymore. Let's enjoy ourselves properly and not get upset over trifles." Seeing her soften, Yanxi had no choice but to sit down again. However, after this altercation, both their spirits were halved. They made a perfunctory circuit around the hill before taking the car back to the city.
On the way back, seeing Yanxi remained sullen, Xiuzhu tried to make conversation. She asked, "Your father's birthday is next month. How do you sons plan to celebrate?" Yanxi said, "The usual, I suppose. Opera performances and banquets." Xiuzhu said, "This year is his fiftieth birthday. It should be especially grand. Shouldn't you brothers pool some money to give him something rare and interesting?" Yanxi said, "They might be thinking along those lines. I haven't paid much attention." Xiuzhu said, "You're too neglectful for a son. I have an idea. Each of you brothers could contribute a few thousand dollars, pooling a large sum. Then go to Liulichang to search for some antique calligraphy and painting, or to the Zhubaoshi shops Outside Qianmen to have a couple of gold or silver vessels custom-made. Wouldn't that be both elegant and valuable?" Yanxi said, "That's not a bad idea. But I don't know what they think. I'll ask when I get back." Xiuzhu said, "If you're willing, I can help you make the arrangements. I know the owners of several antique shops. We can get good pieces at a fair price." Yanxi said, "We can discuss that later."
Once the automobile entered the city, Yanxi asked Xiuzhu if she wanted him to take her home. Xiuzhu said, "You've accompanied me for half a day. You must be tired. I won't delay you any further. Just drop me at the lane entrance." Yanxi instructed the driver to head for the Bai residence. At the lane entrance, Xiuzhu got out. She said to Yanxi, "I'll be waiting for you tomorrow. You must come." Yanxi gave a vague assent, then ordered the driver to take him home.
When Yanxi returned home, it was already time to light the lamps. He first went to his study and sat for a while. Unable to set aside his concern for Leng Qingqiu's illness, he got up again, intending to go to Falling Flowers Lane to check on her. Just as he was about to leave, Jin Rong came in and said, "Seventh Master, the Eldest Master requests your presence. He has something to discuss." Yanxi had to follow Jin Rong to Feng Ju's courtyard. He found the three brothers, Feng Ju, He Sun, and Peng Zhen, all there. Seeing him enter, Feng Ju said, "Seventh Brother, you've come just in time. We were just discussing arrangements for Father's birthday celebration." Yanxi said, "I just heard about it. What is your idea, Eldest Brother?" Feng Ju said, "This year Father turns fifty. We sons should make a special effort. We're thinking of pooling money to buy a birthday gift. What do you think?" Yanxi said, "That's a fine idea. How much are we pooling?" Peng Zhen said, "We plan for each to contribute two thousand dollars. That makes eight thousand in total. We can get quite a respectable gift with that." Yanxi said, "I'm afraid I can't manage two thousand. I'm rather short of funds lately." He Sun laughed. "Seventh Brother, don't play poor. Everyone knows you have money. Two thousand is nothing to you." Yanxi insisted, "I really don't have it. I'm not making excuses." Feng Ju said, "How about this? You contribute fifteen hundred. The remaining five hundred, the three of us will add for you. How does that sound?" Unable to refuse, Yanxi had to agree.
Feng Ju said, "The money is settled. Now we need to decide what to buy. Any ideas?" Peng Zhen said, "Birthday scrolls and congratulatory banners are too common. We should get something special. I think we could have a white jade statue of the God of Longevity, or perhaps a Jade statue of Magu, custom-made at a jade shop. Wouldn't that be nice?" He Sun said, "That's too vulgar. I think it would be better to go to Liulichang and buy a Song dynasty edition of a book, or an ancient painting. That would show refinement." Feng Ju said, "Ancient books and paintings are refined, but Father might not appreciate them. He's a practical man. If we give him those things, he'll just flip through them and put them away. What's the point? I have an idea. Let's go to a gold and jewelry shop and have a set of golden Four Treasures of the Study made. It's both valuable and practical. Father writes every day and would use them. He'd certainly like that." Hearing this, Yanxi remembered Xiuzhu's words. He said, "I heard Second Miss Wu knows several antique shops and can buy good pieces at reasonable prices. Should we ask for her help?" Feng Ju laughed. "Seventh Brother, you and Second Miss Wu are quite close." Yanxi flushed. "I merely mentioned it in passing. If you don't think it's suitable, Eldest Brother, let's forget it." Feng Ju said, "Why wouldn't I think it suitable? I'm only afraid Second Miss Wu might not be willing to help. Since you have this connection, why don't you go and ask her? If we can really get something good, it might be worth considering."
After further discussion, the brothers decided that Yanxi would ask Second Miss Wu to help and first inquire about prices. Yanxi was only too glad for this opportunity to visit Second Miss Wu. He might even manage to inquire about Leng Qingqiu. Once the matter was settled, they returned to their respective rooms. Yanxi thought to himself, first thing tomorrow morning, I'll go to Falling Flowers Lane to see how Leng Qingqiu is doing. Then I'll go find Second Miss Wu.
The next day, Yanxi got up, washed hastily, and, without even eating breakfast, took his automobile to Falling Flowers Lane. Arriving at the gate of the Leng Residence, he found the double doors shut tight. All was quiet, with no sign of activity. Yanxi got out of the car and knocked gently. After a moment, Nanny Han came to open the door. Seeing Yanxi, she said, "Master Jin, you've come." Yanxi asked, "Is your young mistress feeling better?" Nanny Han replied, "Much better. She took medicine yesterday and can sit up for a while today. Please come in and sit." Yanxi followed Nanny Han inside. He saw Leng Qingqiu wearing an old padded jacket, sitting in a chair by the window, a book in her hand. Though her face was still somewhat pale, her spirits seemed much improved compared to the day before yesterday. Yanxi stepped forward. "Leng Qingqiu, are you better? I wanted to come see you yesterday, but some matters detained me." Leng Qingqiu put down the book and smiled faintly. "Thank you for your concern. I'm much better. It wasn't a serious illness, just a slight chill. I'm fine now." Yanxi said, "That day when you left, I thought you didn't look well. Sure enough, you fell ill. You must be more careful in the future." Leng Qingqiu said, "I know. Please, have a seat."
Yanxi sat down in the chair opposite, looking at Leng Qingqiu. Countless words filled his heart, but he didn't know where to begin. Leng Qingqiu merely fiddled with the hem of her jacket, head bowed, saying nothing. A moment of silence passed before Yanxi finally spoke. "I came today firstly to see how you are, and secondly because there's another matter I'd like to ask for your help with." Leng Qingqiu looked up. "Ask for my help? What could I possibly help you with?" Yanxi said, "Next month is my father's fiftieth birthday. My brothers and I are pooling money for a gift. But we have no idea what to buy. I know you have a good understanding of antique calligraphy and painting. I was hoping you could help me select something." Leng Qingqiu smiled. "What do I know about antique calligraphy and painting? You flatter me too much." Yanxi said, "You needn't be so modest. I know you have a good eye in these matters. Even if you won't choose for me, could you at least accompany me to browse around Liulichang and offer some advice?" Leng Qingqiu thought for a moment. "Since you put it that way, I'll accompany you. But I'll only be looking casually. The final decision will be yours." Delighted by her agreement, Yanxi said, "That's excellent. Shall we go tomorrow?" Leng Qingqiu said, "Tomorrow might not work. I've just recovered and should rest for another day or two. The day after tomorrow." Yanxi said, "The day after tomorrow it is. I'll come to fetch you first thing in the morning." Leng Qingqiu nodded in agreement.
Yanxi sat a while longer. Seeing that Leng Qingqiu still seemed tired, he rose to take his leave. Leng Qingqiu did not press him to stay, accompanying him only to the courtyard gate. Yanxi got into his automobile. A weight lifted from his mind. He instructed the driver to go to Second Miss Wu's house.
At the Wu residence, Second Miss Wu had just risen and was freshening up. Hearing of Yanxi's arrival, she asked for him to be shown to the small drawing room. After a while, Second Miss Wu emerged. She wore a pink cheongsam, her face lightly powdered, appearing even more charming than when he had seen her at Western Hills the previous day. Seeing Yanxi, she smiled. "Master Jin, what wind brings you here today?" Yanxi said, "I wouldn't visit your sacred hall without cause. I've come specially to ask for your help." Second Miss Wu said, "Ask for my help? I dare not accept such words. Whatever it is, please speak freely." Yanxi explained the matter of buying a birthday gift for his father. He added, "I heard you know several antique shops. Could you make some introductions to buy something good at a reasonable price?" Hearing this, Second Miss Wu's eyes sparkled. She smiled. "This is something I can help with. I know a shop called 'Bogu Zhai'. The proprietor, a Mr. Zhao, is a good acquaintance. He often has fine pieces. But you must have a budget in mind." Yanxi said, "The four of us brothers have pooled eight thousand dollars." Second Miss Wu said, "Eight thousand can buy something quite respectable. How about this? I'll accompany you to Bogu Zhai. We'll look at the pieces first, then discuss the price. Is that alright?" Yanxi said, "That would be perfect. When are you free?" Second Miss Wu said, "I'm free today. Shall we go now?" Yanxi was only too eager. He quickly agreed.
The two took Yanxi's automobile to Bogu Zhai in Liulichang. Upon seeing Second Miss Wu, Proprietor Zhao hurried out from behind the counter, all smiles. "Miss Wu, what brings you to my humble shop today?" Second Miss Wu said, "I've brought a friend who wants to select a few antiques. Proprietor Zhao, you must bring out your best pieces. Don't try to pass off inferior goods." Proprietor Zhao laughed. "How could I dare neglect a friend introduced by Miss Wu? Please, come inside and sit. I'll fetch the items right away."
Proprietor Zhao ushered Yanxi and Second Miss Wu into an elegant inner room, instructing a clerk to serve fine tea. Then he personally went to the back and brought out several brocade boxes, placing them on the table and opening them one by one. Inside were Shang and Zhou bronzes, Qin bricks and Han tiles, Song porcelain and Ming embroidery-a dazzling array. Proprietor Zhao pointed to a Ru ware brush washer. "This is genuine Song Ru ware. Celadon glaze with natural crackle. A rare treasure." He then indicated a painting. "This is Ni Yunlin's landscape painting, undoubtedly authentic. Look at the brushwork, so sparse and graceful." Second Miss Wu asked Yanxi, "Master Jin, what do you think of these two pieces?" Being an amateur in antiques, Yanxi only saw that the brush washer had a lovely color and the painting was executed with a sparse, elegant charm. He nodded. "Not bad. What's the price?" Proprietor Zhao said, "This Ru kiln brush washer is three thousand. Ni Yunlin's painting is four thousand five hundred. That's seven thousand five hundred altogether. Since Miss Wu introduced you, I'll knock off another five hundred. Call it seven thousand." Second Miss Wu said, "Proprietor Zhao, don't be so inflated. These are nice pieces, but they're not worth seven thousand. Two thousand for the brush washer, three thousand for the painting. Five thousand total. Will you sell?" Proprietor Zhao frowned. "Miss Wu, you drive too hard a bargain. I wouldn't even cover my cost. How about this? Six thousand for both. Any less, and I can't sell." Second Miss Wu gave Yanxi a meaningful glance. "Let's look at something else," she said, standing up. Proprietor Zhao quickly stopped her, laughing. "Wait, wait! The price is negotiable. Five thousand five hundred, how about it?" Second Miss Wu said, "Five thousand. Not a cent more." Proprietor Zhao stamped his foot. "Alright, Miss Wu, I yield. Five thousand it is. I'm doing this for friendship. Please bring more business next time."
Seeing that five thousand dollars for two antiques was within budget, Yanxi was quite satisfied. He immediately wrote a check and paid. Proprietor Zhao packed the two items in brocade boxes and handed them to Yanxi. Second Miss Wu said, "Master Jin, this birthday gift is both elegant and valuable. Your father will surely like it." Yanxi smiled. "That's all thanks to you. How can I repay you?" Second Miss Wu cast him a sidelong glance. "That's easy enough. Just treat me to a meal." Yanxi said, "Certainly. When are you free?" Second Miss Wu said, "The day after tomorrow. The day after tomorrow evening. I'll be waiting for you at home." Yanxi agreed. He then parted with Second Miss Wu, took his automobile, and went home.
At home, Yanxi showed the two antiques to the brothers Feng Ju and the others. Everyone agreed they were fine pieces and the price was good, praising Yanxi for handling the matter well. Yanxi was pleased. He thought to himself, the day after tomorrow he would not only treat Second Miss Wu to dinner but also accompany Leng Qingqiu to browse Liulichang. Truly, official and private matters both conveniently arranged. Only, Second Miss Wu and Leng Qingqiu were two completely different sorts of people. He would have to be especially careful navigating between them. Thinking of Leng Qingqiu, her delicate and refined image floated before his eyes again, filling his heart with a sweet sensation. Yet, the thought of Xiuzhu's persistence also brought some vexation. Truly it was: Seeking solace with a courtesan only deepens sorrow; Pooling funds for a birthday gift adds to longevity.