Explore Chapter 34 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, Jin Rong was startled to see Yanxi suddenly return. He asked, "Seventh Master, you just went out, why are you back already?" Yanxi said, "I'm going out again. Has the chauffeur not left?" Jin Rong replied, "No. He just brought Eighth Miss back." Yanxi said, "Good. Go and tell him to drive the car to the main gate and wait for me." Jin Rong assented and left.
Upon arriving at the gate of Leng Residence, Yanxi told the driver to stop. He got out, walked to the door, and knocked lightly twice. Nanny Han came out to open the door. Seeing it was Yanxi, she smiled and said, "Seventh Master has come." Yanxi asked, "Is your young lady at home?" Nanny Han replied, "She's in the study, reading." Yanxi then went towards the study.
Leng Qingqiu was holding a book, sitting by the window. Hearing footsteps, she looked up and saw Yanxi. She quickly stood up and smiled. "Why have you come at this time?" she asked. Yanxi said, "I came specifically to invite you out for some fun." Leng Qingqiu inquired, "Where shall we go?" Yanxi replied, "I have a friend with a fine garden at home. There's a moon tonight, so we can go enjoy the moonlit scenery." Leng Qingqiu said, "I'm afraid that might not be proper." Yanxi said, "What's improper about it? My friend is also from a prominent family, and his home is very refined. Moreover, there will be several other female guests, so you need not feel restrained." Leng Qingqiu hesitated. "I'd rather not go," she said. Yanxi urged, "You read at home all day. It must be dull. It would be good to go out and relax." Seeing his earnestness, Leng Qingqiu said, "Let me ask my mother." With that, she went in to speak with Mrs. Leng.
The automobile stopped in front of a large mansion gate. Yanxi led Leng Qingqiu inside. They saw the place brilliantly lit and filled with guests. It turned out to be the home of Yanxi's friend Chen Shaohai. Chen Shaohai came out to greet them, smiling. "Brother Yanxi, you've arrived. And who is this?" he asked. Yanxi said, "This is Miss Leng." Chen Shaohai then invited them to sit in the drawing room.
In the drawing room, there were already over a dozen male and female guests. All were dressed in fine clothes, laughing and chatting noisily. Seeing this, Leng Qingqiu could not help but feel somewhat reserved. Yanxi whispered, "Don't be afraid. These are all my friends, and they are very amiable." Leng Qingqiu had no choice but to sit down.
After a while, Chen Shaohai ordered the banquet to begin. The feast was set up in a waterside pavilion in the garden. The pavilion had glass windows on all sides. Outside the window, a full moon shone, illuminating the entire garden as if it were daytime. Everyone took their seats. Yanxi sat together with Leng Qingqiu.
Suddenly, Chen Shaohai suggested extinguishing the lights to admire the moon. Everyone agreed in unison. So all the lights were turned off. Only moonlight streamed in through the windows, creating a hazy, uniquely charming atmosphere.
At this moment, a songstress named Su Ji stood up. "On such a fine evening, we cannot be without song," she said. "Let me sing a piece." Everyone clapped in welcome. Su Ji then parted her red lips and sang a passage from 'The Drunken Beauty'. Her voice was melodious. Leng Qingqiu listened entranced.
After she finished, everyone invited Leng Qingqiu to sing. Leng Qingqiu could not refuse. She had no choice but to sing a piece titled Wild Geese Alighting on the Sandy Shore. Her voice was clear and soaring, astonishing all present. Yanxi was especially pleased.