Explore Chapter 29 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.
Following the formal engagement between Yanxi and Leng Qingqiu, joy spread throughout the entire Jin Family. Not having hosted a lively event in the house for some time, Mrs. Jin seized the opportunity and instructed the kitchen to prepare an exquisite family banquet. She summoned all her children, their spouses, and the bride-to-be to the main quarters. This served both to celebrate the impending union of Yanxi and to allow Leng Qingqiu to become better acquainted with the family. That evening, Jin Quan had no outside engagements and returned home early. The grand hall was brilliantly lit by electric lights. Two large round tables were set with rows of cups, plates, and an array of delicacies, both land and sea. Mrs. Jin took the central seat, with Jin Quan on her left. Yanxi then guided Leng Qingqiu to sit in the seat of honor on his mother's right. The three married couples-Feng Ju, He Sun, and Peng Zhen-along with the four young ladies Minzhi, Runzhi, Daozhi, and Mei Li, seated themselves in a circle around the tables. Laughter and animated chatter filled the air, creating a scene of perfect familial bliss.
During the feast, Mrs. Jin inquired about Leng Qingqiu's family circumstances. Leng Qingqiu answered each question respectfully, her words gentle and her demeanor poised and graceful. Observing her from the side, Peifang, Yufen, and others noted that despite her modest background, she displayed not a trace of pettiness. Her composure and ease in conversation secretly impressed them. The ever-lively Mei Li pulled Leng Qingqiu aside to ask all sorts of questions, even recounting the amusing incident from their automobile outing, which sent the whole table into fits of laughter. Stroking his beard, Jin Quan smiled and remarked to Mrs. Jin, "This young lady seems steady and reliable, unlike those modern girls who only care for ostentation." Mrs. Jin nodded in agreement and said to Yanxi, "Now that the engagement is settled, the proper formalities must not be neglected. I have already instructed the accountant to prepare a list of the betrothal gifts from the groom's side. Your father has also given orders that everything must be arranged with utmost respect and thoroughness, so as not to show any slight to the bride's family." Yanxi gave his eager assent, his heart filled with happiness.
Leaning in from the side, Peng Zhen teased with a laugh, "So our Seventh Brother is finally settling down. We used to see you constantly busy with your poetry club and club activities. Now you're willing to focus on preparing for your wedding." Huichang chimed in, "It must be a predestined affinity. I find Miss Leng to be gentle, refined, and elegant, a perfect match for our seventh brother." Runzhi, however, turned the joke on Yanxi. "Seventh Brother," she asked, "are you still in touch with those friends of yours, like Second Miss Wu and Miss Qiu?" Yanxi flushed crimson and hurriedly replied, "They were merely ordinary friends. Naturally, I see them less often now." Leng Qingqiu merely lowered her head with a faint smile, saying nothing. The forthright Minzhi interjected, "Why dwell on the past? Now that Seventh Brother is formally engaged, he should indeed cut down on those external social engagements." Mrs. Jin agreed, "Quite right. Yanxi, from now on you must exercise more restraint and devote your energy to proper affairs." Yanxi repeatedly assented.
Amidst the merriment, several stewardesses entered, carrying several brocade cases and lacquered boxes. These they placed on a long marble-topped side table. "These are congratulatory gifts received today from some of our closest relatives and friends," announced Mrs. Jin. "As they are for Yanxi's engagement, I thought to bring them out for you all to see." With that, she ordered them opened. The first was a large sandalwood box carved with floral patterns. Inside lay a pair of golden Jade-inlaid scepters, each over a foot tall, their dazzling brilliance almost blinding. An accompanying gift card identified them as a present from the family of State Council Premier Zhao. Next, a brocade box was opened to reveal a strand of Pearl necklace. Each pearl was the size of a fingertip, perfectly round and luminous. Paired with a set of diamond earrings, they radiated brilliant light. This was a gift from the family of Governor Qi of Jiangsu. The rest of the offerings, from bank magnates and high-ranking ministers, consisted either of gold and silver vessels, precious jewelry, or antique calligraphy and painting. The entire table was covered with a dazzling, splendid array.
Yufen stepped closer and picked up the strand of Pearl for a closer look. "Pearls of this size are truly rare on the market these days," she exclaimed in admiration. "Governor Qi's gift is certainly not a light one." Peifang added, "That pair of golden scepters from Premier Zhao must be pure gold. They probably weigh a good ten catties." Young Mei Li, who loved excitement the most, touched this and examined that, her eyes dazzled by the glittering display. Leng Qingqiu, who had never witnessed such an array in her life, was secretly astonished. "The families the Jin Family associates with are indeed of the highest wealth and status," she thought. "These gifts alone could probably sustain an ordinary family for a lifetime." Yet, she dared not let her amazement show on her face and merely observed the scene in quiet composure.
After a cursory glance, Jin Quan said to Mrs. Jin, "Have all these items properly registered and stored away. When the wedding day arrives, we must give due consideration to the return gifts. We cannot afford any breach of etiquette." Turning to Yanxi, he added, "You see, all this is done out of respect for your grandfather and my face. Henceforth, you must learn to value yourself appropriately. Do not become arrogant, lest you disappoint the hopes of family and friends." Yanxi quickly rose to his feet and promised he would. Mrs. Jin smiled and said, "Though these are given to Yanxi, once you cross our threshold, Leng Qingqiu, they will be yours as well. Come here, Leng Qingqiu, and see if anything catches your eye." Leng Qingqiu replied with a slight blush, "Aunt, these gifts are far too valuable. I am young and unworthy of such honor." Mrs. Jin took her hand. "Silly child, there's nothing to feel unworthy about. In the future, you will be part of the Jin Family and must gradually learn to handle such social exchanges." She selected a pair of delicate jadeite bracelets and personally slipped them onto Leng Qingqiu's wrists. "This color suits you perfectly," she said. "Keep them for now." Unable to refuse, Leng Qingqiu could only express her thanks.
After some further leisurely conversation and as the night deepened, the banquet finally drew to a close. Leng Qingqiu retired to her room, with Yanxi escorting her to the corridor. In a low voice, Leng Qingqiu said, "Seeing all this today, I feel a little unsettled. Your family's influence and status are so imposing. I..." Yanxi took her hand and said gently, "Don't think that way. It is you I respect, not your family's standing. Be at ease. I will handle everything." Leng Qingqiu looked at him, touched. She nodded and left. Turning back, Yanxi gazed at the splendid gifts still glowing on the table. He recalled the laughter and jokes shared around the feast and thought of Leng Qingqiu's gentle, graceful demeanor. His heart swelled with joy and anticipation. The road ahead seemed bright and clear. The frivolous days of ostentation and idle pleasure felt like a distant, vanished past.