Explore Chapter 40 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 Yanxi had arranged a new residence in Falling Flowers Lane and often invited friends for gatherings. On this day, with fine weather, Yanxi again invited a group of friends to play cards for amusement in his new home. Among the guests were Liu Baoshan, Zhu Yishi, Chen Shaoyun, and others, as well as female guests like Second Miss Wu and Qiu Xizhen. Everyone sat at separate tables, some playing mahjong, others playing poker, laughing and chatting, making it very lively.
Yanxi was overjoyed because a few days ago, he had received permission from his father Jin Quan to freely organize a poetry club. Therefore, he specially prepared a feast today to entertain these friends. In the living room, two tables were set, one for male guests and one for female guests, and everyone chatted and laughed while playing.
Second Miss Wu wore a red cheongsam today, which made her appear even more radiant. She sat at the female guests' table, chatting and laughing with Qiu Xizhen and others. Yanxi stole glances at her from time to time, but in his heart, he was thinking of Leng Qingqiu. However, Leng Qingqiu did not come today because Yanxi had not formally invited her.
In the middle of the card game, Yanxi suggested playing a drinking game where the loser would be penalized with a cup of wine. Everyone agreed, and so they began. Liu Baoshan lost and was penalized with a large cup, drinking until his face turned red. Zhu Yishi laughed and said, "Baoshan, your luck isn't good today. Perhaps you didn't sleep well last night?" Liu Baoshan shook his head and said, "Not at all, not at all. It's the cards that are against me."
On the female guests' side, Second Miss Wu had very good luck, winning several rounds in a row. Qiu Xizhen lost a few rounds, drank several cups of wine, and a blush spread across her face. Second Miss Wu said, "Xizhen, don't get drunk. You still have to drive back later." Qiu Xizhen laughed and said, "No worries, I have a driver."
Just as they were enjoying themselves, suddenly the gatekeeper came to report that Jin Rong had arrived. Jin Rong was Yanxi's servant, so Yanxi called him in. Jin Rong approached Yanxi and whispered, "Seventh Master, the master wants you to return home for a while. He says there's something to discuss." Yanxi frowned and said, "We're having fun right now. Why call me back? Go and reply that I'll return in the evening." Jin Rong said reluctantly, "The master said you must return immediately." Yanxi had no choice but to apologize to his friends. Liu Baoshan said, "Since there's business at your home, you should go back first. We'll continue playing." Yanxi instructed Jin Rong to take good care of the guests, then took an automobile home.
Upon arriving home, Jin Quan was waiting in the study. Yanxi entered and paid his respects. Jin Quan said, "Recently, you've been involved in some poetry club outside. I heard you often host parties and drink. Is this true?" Yanxi hurriedly replied, "Father, the poetry club is a proper affair. We often discuss poetry and literature. Hosting guests is only occasional, to foster connections." Jin Quan snorted and said, "Foster connections? Don't foster trouble. I heard you associate with some unsavory characters, especially those social butterflies. You must mind your status." Yanxi bowed his head and agreed. Jin Quan continued, "You're not young anymore. Don't spend all day playing. You should think about serious matters. I plan to have you take a position in the ministry. What do you think?" Yanxi was unwilling in his heart but dared not contradict, so he said, "I leave it entirely to your arrangement." Jin Quan said, "Then it's settled. Report next month." After delivering a few more admonishments, he allowed Yanxi to withdraw.
Yanxi returned to his new residence in low spirits. His friends were still playing. Second Miss Wu saw him return and asked, "Seventh Master, is everything all right at home?" Yanxi forced a smile and said, "Everything's fine. Let's continue playing." But his interest had waned, and he merely went through the motions.
Not until evening did the guests gradually disperse. Yanxi sat alone in the living room, thinking about his father's words and about Leng Qingqiu, his mind in turmoil. At this moment, Jin Rong came in to tidy up. Yanxi said, "Jin Rong, why do you think Miss Leng didn't come today?" Jin Rong replied, "Seventh Master, you didn't formally invite her. Why would Miss Leng come?" Yanxi sighed and said, "You're right. Another day, I'll personally invite her." With that, he retired to his room to rest.