Explore Chapter 30 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.
After returning home that day in the same carriage as Leng Qingqiu and receiving the warm hospitality of her and her mother, Jin Yanxi was naturally overjoyed. Back in his study, he savored the day’s events in detail, feeling that although Leng Qingqiu’s words were not particularly intimate, they held no hint of aloofness either. Moreover, Mrs. Leng was amiable, and Song Runqing was eager to bring them together. It seemed there was great promise in this matter. However, Leng Qingqiu was a woman of dignified demeanor, unlike ordinary girls who could be approached rashly. He needed to proceed slowly and cautiously to ensure propriety.
The next morning, upon rising, he pondered how to see Leng Qingqiu again. Suddenly, he recalled hearing from Jin Rong that the young lady of Leng Residence always went to the library to read on Sundays. Since it was Sunday that day, why not go for a stroll? Perhaps he might run into her. Having decided, he changed his clothing and, without bringing any servants, went alone to the Capital Library.
Arriving at the library, he first walked around the reading room but saw no trace of Leng Qingqiu. He couldn’t help feeling disappointed. Casually picking up a magazine, he sat at a table by the window, yet his eyes kept drifting toward the entrance. About half an hour later, he indeed saw a woman in a blue cloth dress, carrying a few books, walking gracefully in. Yanxi fixed his gaze and saw it was none other than Leng Qingqiu. His heart swelled with wild joy, and he almost stood up to greet her. But on second thought, the place was crowded with people and prying eyes. If he approached rashly, he might annoy her, which would be counterproductive. So he forced himself to remain calm, still lowering his head to read, but secretly watching her movements from the corner of his eye.
He saw Leng Qingqiu walk to the eastern bookshelf, carefully select a few books, then sit at a table not far from Yanxi. She spread out the books and lowered her head to read. That day, she wore a somewhat faded blue cloth qipao with that blue vest over it. Her face was free of makeup, which only served to highlight her unadorned, natural beauty. Yanxi stole glances at her. He saw her sometimes concentrating intently on reading, sometimes picking up a pen to write something in a notebook. Her expression was so focused that she seemed unaware of anyone nearby. Yanxi felt both admiration and respect in his heart. He thought, "Such a diligent woman is truly rare. If I could often be with her, discussing learning and poetry, wouldn’t that be infinitely better than those social butterflies who chase after food and drink all day?"
Just as he was lost in thought, he suddenly saw Leng Qingqiu raise her head, reach out to smooth the hair at her temples, and inadvertently glance in this direction. Yanxi quickly lowered his head, pretending to focus on reading. After a while, he peeked again and saw that she had packed her books and seemed about to leave. Yanxi grew anxious. If he didn’t act now, wouldn’t he miss the opportunity? Suddenly, he was struck by a stroke of cunning inspiration. He deliberately brushed his magazine off the table. With a "smack," it caught the attention of several people nearby. Leng Qingqiu naturally looked over as well. Yanxi hurriedly bent down to pick it up. When he raised his head, his eyes met Leng Qingqiu’s, and he smiled and nodded.
Leng Qingqiu was taken aback at first, then she also nodded slightly, her face flushing a little. Yanxi seized the chance to walk over and said in a low voice, "Miss Leng, you also come here to read? What a coincidence." Leng Qingqiu stood up and replied softly, "Mr. Jin, you are diligent in your studies as well." Yanxi said, "Hardly diligent. I just flip through books idly to pass the time. It’s nothing compared to your dedication, Miss Leng." As he spoke, he glanced at the books in her hand and saw a copy of "Selected Tang Poems" and an English novel. He remarked, "Miss Leng delves into both Chinese and foreign literature. That’s admirable." Leng Qingqiu said, "I just read haphazardly. I wouldn’t call it delving. I suppose Mr. Jin's poetry society often yields fine compositions?" Yanxi heard this and inwardly felt ashamed. The poetry club was merely a pretext. When had he ever truly composed poetry? But he said, "It’s just a few friends fooling around, hardly worth mentioning. I must ask for your guidance another day, Miss Leng." They stood by the bookshelf, chatting softly for a few more sentences. Yanxi, afraid of annoying her, dared not linger too long. He said, "Miss Leng still has reading to do. I won’t disturb you. Do you often visit this library?" Leng Qingqiu said, "Not often. I come when I have free time." Yanxi said, "That’s good. Perhaps we’ll meet again next time." With that, he cupped his hands in farewell and left the library first.
Returning home, Yanxi felt as happy as if he had found a treasure. Jin Rong saw him and laughed, "Seventh Master, you look so cheerful today. Did something good happen?" Yanxi chuckled and scolded, "Stop talking nonsense. I have a task for you. Make sure it’s done properly." He told Jin Rong about what he saw at the library and added, "I noticed Miss Leng often goes there. Find out for me when she usually goes and what kind of books she likes to read. If you get the details right, I’ll reward you." Jin Rong laughed, "Seventh Master, don’t worry. That’s easy. I know someone at the library. I’ll ask and find out." Sure enough, after two days, Jin Rong came back with news, saying that Miss Leng always went on Sunday afternoons and loved lingering by the literature and history bookshelves. Yanxi kept this in mind. When the next Sunday came, he calculated the time and went to the library again.
Over the next three or four times, he managed to "coincidentally" meet Leng Qingqiu every time. At first, it was just nodding and exchanging pleasantries. Gradually, as they became more familiar, they could sometimes sit together and discuss a few lines from the books. Leng Qingqiu saw that Yanxi spoke with refinement and wasn’t entirely ignorant of literature. The slight barrier in her heart due to his wealthy family background slowly diminished. But she was naturally reserved. In her words, she always maintained propriety, never overstepping the bounds. Yanxi, knowing this, respected her even more and dared not show any frivolity.
One day, they met again in the library. After talking about poetry for a while, Yanxi suddenly sighed, "Reading ancient poetry, I often feel its genuine emotion and sincerity, which touches the heart. But modern works often pile up ornate phrases and moan without cause, losing the true essence of poetry." Leng Qingqiu said, "Mr. Jin is quite right. Poetry expresses one’s will, and its value lies in naturalness. For example, Tao Yuanming’s 'Picking chrysanthemums by the eastern hedge, I gaze leisurely at the southern mountains'-how plain, yet how sincere. Forced sorrowful words only spoil the beauty." Yanxi listened and nodded repeatedly, feeling that her words resonated deeply with him. He also noticed that Leng Qingqiu spoke a bit more today, her spirit lively, adding a touch of vitality compared to usual. His heart filled with love, and he couldn’t help saying, "Miss Leng’s insights are profound, clearing my confusion. I wish I could often hear your wise teachings." Leng Qingqiu smiled slightly, "Mr. Jin is too modest. I’m merely repeating others’ words. I have no real insights." Then, glancing at the clock on the wall, she said, "It’s getting late. I should go back." Yanxi quickly said, "I have matters to attend to as well. Might I walk part of the way with Miss Leng?" Leng Qingqiu hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
They walked side by side out of the library, strolling slowly along the tree-lined path. It was late autumn. The leaves of the locust trees by the roadside were half-yellow. A gentle breeze passed, rustling down a few leaves. The slanting rays of the setting sun stretched their shadows long upon the ground. To Yanxi, this moment was more precious than gold-a treasure beyond price. He wished this road would never end. To make conversation, he asked, "Miss Leng, besides Mr. Song, who else is in your household?" Leng Qingqiu said, "Just my mother and me, and an old maid. There’s no one else." Yanxi said, "Your father..." Leng Qingqiu’s expression darkened slightly. She said softly, "My late father passed away early." Yanxi hurriedly said, "I was too presumptuous." Leng Qingqiu said, "It’s all right." After a pause, she added, "When my father was alive, he loved collecting books. Although our family isn’t well-off now, those books are still kept. Most of what I read comes from my father’s legacy." Yanxi felt deep respect and said, "I see. A scholarly family with a rich heritage. No wonder Miss Leng has such an elegant demeanor." Leng Qingqiu heard this, her face reddening again. She changed the subject and asked, "Mr. Jin has many brothers and sisters. Your home life must be very lively." Yanxi laughed, "Lively it is, but sometimes too noisy. It’s not as quiet as your household, where one can focus on reading."
As they talked, they reached a fork in the road. Leng Qingqiu stopped and said, "I go south from here. Mr. Jin, please go ahead." Yanxi actually had no business, but he couldn’t escort her further. He had to say, "Well then, Miss Leng, take care on your way. We’ll meet again another day." He watched Leng Qingqiu’s figure disappear into the alley before turning back. On the way, he savored their conversation. The more he thought, the more meaningful it seemed. He thought, "Her family is modest, yet she finds contentment in poverty and pursues learning diligently. Such a woman is truly a treasure. If I could have her as my companion, it would be the greatest joy of my life. But... she has a lofty spirit and likely disdains mere wealth and status. If I try to impress her with money and influence, she might look down on me. I must treat her with genuine affection and engage through learning. That’s the right way."
From then on, Yanxi went to the library even more frequently, and his opportunities to meet and talk with Leng Qingqiu increased. Sometimes, under the pretext of lending books or discussing poetry, he also visited Leng Residence. Song Runqing was only too happy about this and often did his utmost to facilitate things. Mrs. Leng saw that Yanxi was polite and steady in speech, unlike the typical profligate son, and gradually felt favorably toward him. But with Leng Qingqiu, it was still a matter of closeness and distance. She maintained proper etiquette but never uttered a single intimate word. Yanxi felt anxious but had no plan to act.
One day, Yanxi sat gloomily in his study. Jin Rong came in and reported, "Seventh Master, I’ve heard something. I don’t know if I should mention it." Yanxi said, "What is it? Speak quickly." Jin Rong said, "I heard from the old maid at Mr. Song’s place that... it seems someone is proposing marriage to Miss Leng." Yanxi, upon hearing this, felt as if struck by thunder. He sprang up and asked, "Is that true? Which family?" Jin Rong said, "I don’t know the details. I only heard it’s an old acquaintance of Mrs. Leng. The man is a primary school teacher, and his family is decently off." Yanxi slumped into his chair, speechless for a long while. He thought, "If this succeeds, all my efforts will be in vain. I must quickly find a way." After much thought, he suddenly hit upon an idea. He called Jin Rong to prepare a carriage and hurried out.
What idea had Yanxi conceived? It dawned on him that Leng Qingqiu and her mother were not well-off, and what they valued was the character and learning of a scholar. That primary school teacher was likely not wealthy either. If he could greatly display his "learning," he might salvage the situation. He knew full well that Song Runqing was a lover of refinement and prized reputation above all else. Thus, he resolved to orchestrate a grand theatrical display by truly organizing the "poetry club" and making it so conspicuous that Leng Residence would become aware of his "literary fame."
Thus, he sent out invitations overnight, inviting a few friends who usually dabbled in elegance and two reporters from newspapers who were good at promotion. He scheduled the first gathering of the "Evening Fragrance poetry club" to be held three days later in his newly arranged study at Falling Flowers Lane. The study was deliberately decorated with ancient books lining the shelves and scrolls of calligraphy and paintings covering the walls, creating an atmosphere of scholarly refinement. On that day, guests filled the room, laughter and chatter abounding. Yanxi specially sent an invitation respectfully requesting Mr. Song Runqing to "grace the occasion with his guidance." Song Runqing, receiving this gilt-edged invitation with his name elevated high, felt so elated that he seemed to be walking on clouds. He quickly changed into his most respectable clothes and came early to help with the greetings.
During the gathering, Yanxi announced publicly that he had recently devoted himself to poetry studies, greatly benefiting from Mr. Song’s guidance. Naturally, everyone chimed in, flattering Song Runqing as a "veteran of the poetry world" and a "guide for later scholars." Song Runqing smiled until his eyes narrowed to slits, repeatedly modest, but his bones had already lightened by several ounces. He also enthusiastically praised Yanxi for his brilliant talent and rapid progress. For a time, both host and guests were delighted. The invited reporters had already embellished this "literary event" into gossipy news and published it in the newspaper. The headline read: "Seventh Son of Prime Minister Jin Shows Fondness for Poetry, Forms Evening Fragrance Society to Attract Notables."
This performance indeed stirred Leng Residence. Mrs. Leng, seeing the newspaper, said to Song Runqing, "This young Master Jin is truly an elegant scholar, not just a pleasure-seeking playboy." Song Runqing seized the chance to blow his own trumpet, praising Yanxi’s "poetic talent" as rare under heaven and unmatched on earth. He added, "Sister, forgive me for speaking out of turn. Leng Qingqiu is not young anymore. Her lifelong大事 should be considered. With such excellent talent right before us—family background, character, appearance, learning—isn’t every aspect top-notch? If we miss this, where will we find a second one?" Mrs. Leng sighed, "The Jin Family is indeed excellent. But the status is too high. I fear it’s an unequal match. In the future, Leng Qingqiu might suffer hardships if she goes over." Song Runqing said, "No need to worry about that. From what I’ve observed, Seventh Master Jin is utterly sincere toward Leng Qingqiu, unlike those fickle people. Moreover, he respects scholars so much, and Leng Qingqiu is a talented woman. It would be a perfect match. As long as Leng Qingqiu is willing, this would be a most harmonious and felicitous union."
These words also reached Leng Qingqiu’s ears. After reading the newspaper news and hearing her uncle’s words, she couldn’t help pondering, "Is all this truly for me? From his usual words and deeds, he doesn’t seem entirely fake. But... such a grand display feels somewhat contrived." Recalling the Jin Yanxi who discussed poetry and literature in the library, she felt a bit of genuineness. For a moment, her thoughts were in turmoil, making it difficult to decide.
On Yanxi’s side, seeing initial results, he secretly rejoiced. He also thought that mere reputation might not be enough. He needed some tangible gesture. Knowing that Leng Residence had limited means and Leng Qingqiu loved books dearly, he came up with an idea: pretend that a certain publishing house was compiling a series of books and needed to hire a knowledgeable assistant responsible for collating and proofreading, with generous remuneration. This job was both respectable and suited Leng Qingqiu’s strengths. Through Song Runqing’s persuasion, she likely wouldn’t refuse. This way, he could legitimately support Leng Residence without leaving a trace.
Once the plan was set, he sought out Song Runqing and explained his intention. Song Runqing had no reason to refuse. He patted his chest and said, "Leave this to me. That child Leng Qingqiu is just worried about having no outlet for her talents. With such a good opportunity, she’ll definitely be willing." Immediately, he eagerly went to persuade Mrs. Leng and her daughter.
Sure enough, Leng Qingqiu initially had some doubts. But upon hearing it was legitimate work from a reputable publishing house, involving the collation of ancient texts, which aligned with her interests and could supplement the household income, she felt somewhat tempted. Mrs. Leng, seeing her daughter willing, agreed. Yanxi, upon receiving the news, was overjoyed. He immediately ordered someone to clean up a quiet room next to his study as the "compilation office," furnished with a brand-new desk, bookshelves, writing tools, and brought in many traditional thread-bound volumes, filling it to the brim.
From then on, Leng Qingqiu came daily to work for several hours. Yanxi, having this proximity, became even more attentive. Sometimes he brought newly published books and magazines, sometimes served tea and snacks. His attitude was respectful, only using discussions on scholarly matters as a pretext, without a single flirtatious word. Leng Qingqiu, seeing him like this, gradually let go of her suspicions. As they spent more time together, she felt that aside from his prominent family background, his temperament wasn’t lacking in kindness. He was also willing to seek guidance humbly in learning, not an uncarvable block of wood.
One day, Leng Qingqiu was collating a volume of "Lyrics from the Water-Drinking Studio." Yanxi strolled in, holding a scroll of paper. He smiled and said, "Miss Leng, I happened to have some thoughts last night and scribbled a few clumsy poems. I wonder if you could correct them?" Leng Qingqiu took it and looked. They were a few seven-character quatrains about chrysanthemums. The handwriting was neat. The poems, though slightly uneven in tone, had an acceptable artistic conception. Particularly the lines "The west wind doesn’t busy itself protecting flowers; alone, it stands with frosty branches against the evening chill" carried a hint of aloof pride, unlike something from a wealthy playboy. Her heart stirred slightly. She nodded and said, "Mr. Jin has improved quickly. These have minor flaws, but the style is good." She then picked up a pen and carefully changed a few characters. Yanxi watched from the side. He saw her concentrating as she wielded the pen, her profile like a painting. A strand of hair dangling by her cheek trembled slightly with her breath. He was seized by such a wave of tenderness that he almost reached out to brush it aside. With great effort, he restrained himself, only repeatedly thanking her.
From then on, the distance between them seemed to shorten another step. Yanxi, knowing the moment was gradually ripening, felt the notion of "building a small family" grow even more fervent in his heart. But how to broach the subject still required awaiting the most opportune moment. Gazing at the increasingly desolate autumn scenery outside the window, he thought of the long days ahead. A smile unconsciously touched his lips. All this theatrical posturing, this 'making a stage entrance,' had ultimately been worth it. As for that "weighing gold," in his heart, if it could win the fair lady’s favor, what did it matter to spend thousands in gold? Only, these words had to remain hidden deep within, not revealing the slightest hint.