Explore Chapter 35 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, since their conversation that day at Falling Flowers Lane, Jin Yanxi and Leng Qingqiu had grown rather more familiar with each other. This day happened to be the Double Ninth Festival. Upon rising early, Yanxi recalled the ancient custom of ascending heights. Tired of being confined to the city all day, he thought it an excellent opportunity to invite a few friends for an excursion beyond the walls. As he was turning the idea over in his mind, Jin Rong entered with a cheerful grin and announced, "Master Qi, the weather today is perfect. I hear the autumn colors are at their peak around the Western Hills outside the city. Many people are going climbing."
Yanxi was stirred by this. "Prepare the carriage," he said. "We shall go out for a stroll." Then he thought of Leng Qingqiu and wondered whether she might be free that day. How delightful it would be to invite her along! But upon second thought, an invitation at such an early stage of acquaintance might seem forward. Moreover, hers was a scholarly family, unlikely to permit a young lady to jaunt about with a gentleman on short acquaintance. While he hesitated, the telephone rang. Answering it, he heard Song Runqing's voice inviting him over to discuss poetry.
Secretly pleased at this opportunity, Yanxi changed into his clothing and went next door. There he found Song Runqing tidying books in the study. Upon seeing Yanxi, he promptly rose to greet him. After exchanging pleasantries, Yanxi said, "Today is the Double Ninth Festival, with its crisp, clear autumn air. Do you feel inclined to ascend a height, Mr. Song? The scenery at the Western Hills outside the city is superb. Why not join me for a visit?"
Song Runqing smiled. "With such refined interests, Master Qi, I ought to accompany you. But today I am rather tied up with mundane affairs at home and may find it hard to get away." Just then, Mrs. Leng and Leng Qingqiu emerged from the inner chamber. Leng Qingqiu wore a pale blue lined jacket over a dark green skirt. In her simplicity, she exuded an air of distinguished elegance that set her apart. Noticing Yanxi, she inclined her head slightly in acknowledgment.
Seizing the chance, Yanxi addressed Mrs. Leng. "Aunt, today is the Double Ninth Festival, and the weather is splendid. I was hoping to invite Mr. Song to ascend the Western Hills and enjoy the autumn scenery. I wonder if you and Miss Leng might care to join us? The carriage is ready, so it would be quite convenient."
Before Mrs. Leng could reply, Song Runqing interjected, "That is a capital idea. My sister and Leng Qingqiu are at home all day-they ought to go out and refresh their spirits. Don't you agree, Leng Qingqiu?" Leng Qingqiu, who loved mountains and streams, was already somewhat inclined after hearing Yanxi describe the fine scenery of the Western Hills. Seeing her uncle speak thus, she looked inquiringly at her mother.
Noting her daughter's interest and Yanxi's evident sincerity, Mrs. Leng smiled. "Since you are so kind, Master Jin, we shall gladly accept. But pray do not go to any great expense." Overjoyed at their consent, Yanxi quickly replied, "You are too gracious, Aunt. It is my honor to have you and Miss Leng join our excursion."
Thus it was settled that they would depart in the afternoon. Yanxi returned and instructed Jin Rong to prepare two automobiles, along with some pastries and fruit. That afternoon, Mrs. Leng, Leng Qingqiu, and Song Runqing came over together. They boarded the automobiles and set off for the Western Hills.
Once past Xizhimen Gate, the road broadened. Though the willows on either side had turned sallow, the distant hills stood darkly silhouetted against a crystal-clear autumn sky, which refreshed the spirit and broadened the mind. Seated in the car, Leng Qingqiu watched the autumn fields and village cottages flit past the window, an unconscious smile of pleasure on her face. Yanxi, observing her from the side, felt his own heart lighten at the sight.
When the cars reached the foot of the Western Hills, everyone alighted and began a leisurely ascent. They saw maple groves blazing like fire, pines and cypresses standing deep green, and a mountain stream murmuring softly over its stones-truly a glorious autumn scene. Leng Qingqiu chatted and laughed with Mrs. Leng and Song Runqing along the way, while Yanxi pointed out the sights and looked after them with thoughtful attentiveness.
Halfway up the mountain, they came to a pavilion and sat down to rest. Yanxi directed Jin Rong to lay out the pastries and fruit he had brought, inviting everyone to partake. Mrs. Leng said, "You are too considerate, Master Jin." Yanxi smiled. "They are but simple snacks. You and Miss Leng have walked some distance and must be hungry. Please help yourselves."
Leng Qingqiu picked up a piece of osmanthus cake and ate it delicately. Yanxi then shared anecdotes about the mountains and names of various plants. Leng Qingqiu, finding it all quite engaging, asked a question or two now and then. Yanxi answered all her questions exhaustively and with great eagerness. Song Runqing, chatting with Mrs. Leng nearby, observed the two young people getting along so well and thought to himself that Master Jin seemed particularly attentive to Leng Qingqiu-a promising sign indeed.
After resting, they continued their climb. The path grew steeper, and Leng Qingqiu found it somewhat taxing. Yanxi naturally offered a steadying hand beside her, and at tricky spots he was careful to offer a word of caution. At first Leng Qingqiu felt a little shy, but seeing Yanxi's gentlemanly conduct and considerate words, she gradually accepted his assistance with ease.
At last they reached the summit. Looking out, they beheld the walls and towers of Beiping spread below them. In the distance, Kunming lake lay like a mirror upon the earth, while nearer at hand the layered forests were dyed in every autumn hue. The autumn light bathed their brows, sweeping away all worldly cares. Leng Qingqiu could not help sighing, "What a magnificent view! No wonder the ancients climbed heights to compose poetry."
Yanxi demurred hastily. "I am but a novice in the art of poetry. It is from listening to Mr. Song's discourses that I have benefited greatly." As he spoke, he glanced toward Song Runqing. Song Runqing stroked his beard and chuckled. "You young people should try composing impromptu verses together. As an old fellow, I shall simply listen from the sidelines."
After more conversation and laughter, they noticed the sun sloping westward and the mountain breeze growing cool. They rose to begin the descent. On the return journey, Leng Qingqiu seemed livelier than before and exchanged a few more words with Yanxi. To Yanxi, the day's outing felt more delightful than ever.
By the time they returned to the city, myriad lights were already twinkling. Yanxi escorted Mrs. Leng and the others back to their residence. Mrs. Leng thanked him repeatedly. As she entered the gate, Leng Qingqiu also gave Yanxi a slight smile and said softly, "Thank you, Master Jin. I enjoyed myself very much today."
To Yanxi, that smile was like the clear radiance of an autumn moon, shining straight into his heart. He stood at the doorstep until the gate of Leng Residence closed before turning for home. All the way back, his mind was filled with images of Leng Qingqiu-her graceful form on the climb, her smiling expression during their talks, and the gentle warmth of her words: "I enjoyed myself very much today."
Back in his room, Yanxi sat alone under the lamp, recalling the day's events. His heart surged with emotion. He felt his admiration for Leng Qingqiu had deepened yet further. This woman was not only lovely and gentle of temperament, but also possessed uncommon discernment, able to discuss poetry and scenery with him-far from being an ordinary girl concerned only with appearances. The more he thought, the more he felt she was his ideal companion. His desire to grow closer to her grew ever firmer. Yet how to proceed further required careful planning. Outside the window, the autumn wind rustled through the treetops, as if echoing the restlessness in his heart.