第四十三回 绿暗红愁娇羞说秘事 水落石出惆怅卜婚期 (Chapter Forty-Three: Secret Whispers Amidst Shy Blushes; The Truth Emerges and a Wedding Date is Set with Melancholy)

Since the day Jin Yanxi went on a carriage ride with Leng Qingqiu, he could not get her out of his mind. Day and night, he thought only of how to advance their relationship. On this sunny day, he found an excuse to visit the Leng Residence again. Coincidentally, Song Runqing was not at home; only Mrs. Leng and Leng Qingqiu were present.

When Mrs. Leng saw Yanxi visiting, she promptly offered him a seat and poured tea. After a few pleasantries, she excused herself and left Leng Qingqiu alone to speak with Yanxi. Leng Qingqiu was wearing a light blue gown today, with a touch of makeup on her face, making her appear even more pure and elegant. Yanxi, seeing this, secretly delighted and began to make small talk.

After talking for a while about poetry and books, Yanxi suddenly sighed and said, "In this age, although men and women are free to socialize, there are not many who truly connect heart to heart. Since I met you, I have always felt a sense of solace in my heart. I wonder if you can understand my meaning?"

Leng Qingqiu listened, her face slightly flushed, and she lowered her head without saying a word, fiddling with the hem of her clothes. Yanxi, seeing her shy appearance, grew bolder and said, "I, Jin Yanxi, am no extraordinary man, but my sincerity is evident to heaven and earth. If you do not disdain me, I wish to marry you and be united for a lifetime."

Leng Qingqiu had long harbored feelings for Yanxi, but a maiden's face is thin, making her too shy to speak directly. Seeing Yanxi's earnest words, she whispered, "How could I not know your words, Seventh Master? But marriage is a major affair that must be decided by parents. As for my mother..."

Yanxi hurriedly said, "That's only natural. As long as you are willing, I will immediately send a matchmaker to propose at your residence. As for my parents, I will speak with them and will certainly not let you be wronged."

Leng Qingqiu pondered for a moment before gently nodding. Yanxi was overjoyed, wishing he could start making preparations immediately. He talked about many future plans, and Leng Qingqiu just listened, occasionally smiling and nodding.

Just as they were talking, Mrs. Leng walked in. Yanxi then stood up to take his leave. Mrs. Leng, seeing his beaming face, guessed a bit but did not ask much, only seeing him out.

After returning home, Yanxi pondered how to broach the topic with his parents. However, for several days, Jin Quan was busy with official duties and had no free time. Yanxi grew anxious and feared that delays might cause problems, so he first hinted at his intentions to his mother.

Mrs. Jin listened and did not object, only saying that they needed to wait for the master to return and discuss. Yanxi had no choice but to wait patiently. Meanwhile, since that day, Leng Qingqiu also felt uneasy, wondering if the Jin Family would truly agree to this marriage.

Leng Qingqiu was reading a book in her room when she suddenly heard people talking outside the window. It was Nanny Han and Song Runqing discussing Yanxi's marriage proposal. Leng Qingqiu listened, her heart caught between joy and anxiety-joy that Yanxi kept his word, and anxiety about what the future held.

Indeed, after a few days, the Jin Family sent a matchmaker to the Leng Residence to propose the marriage. Mrs. Leng and Song Runqing discussed it and felt that although the Jin Family was a prominent household, Yanxi was sincere, and Leng Qingqiu was willing, so they agreed.

However, on Jin Quan's side, there was still some hesitation, as he thought the Leng Residence's status was too lowly. Yanxi repeatedly pleaded and asked his mother and sisters to intercede, so Jin Quan reluctantly agreed. Thus, the two families set the wedding date for the sixth of next month.

When the news reached Leng Qingqiu's ears, she was naturally happy. But thinking about leaving her mother and marrying into a wealthy family, she couldn't help feeling a bit melancholy. Alone in her room, facing the dressing table, her thoughts were in turmoil.

When Yanxi learned that the wedding date was set, a stone fell from his heart, and he busied himself daily with wedding preparations. However, as he was always extravagant and spent recklessly, Mrs. Jin couldn't help but admonish him to be more frugal.

Yanxi went to the Leng Residence with gifts of silks and jewels. Seeing that Leng Qingqiu seemed to have a worried expression between her brows, he asked the reason. Leng Qingqiu said, "It's nothing. I'm just thinking about the future and feeling a bit uneasy."

Yanxi laughed and said, "Don't worry. I, Jin Yanxi, will never betray you in this lifetime." Upon hearing this, Leng Qingqiu finally smiled. They then shared many intimate words until dusk approached, and Yanxi went back home.

From then on, the two families interacted frequently, and the wedding date drew near. Thus: The shy blushes and secret sorrows are now past; The truth is out, and an auspicious day is cast.