第四十五回 瓜蔓内援时狂施舌辩 椿萱淡视处忽起禅机 (Chapter 45: When Vines Entwine for Inner Aid, Eloquent Tongues Rage; Where Parental Indifference Prevails, Sudden Enlightenment Dawns)

After Jin Yanxi became engaged to Leng Qingqiu, he was overjoyed. Yet, when he thought of his family, he could not help but feel some concern. He knew that his mother, Mrs. Jin, had always valued social standing. The Leng family was poor and humble; he feared she would never consent.

Early the next morning, Yanxi went to Mrs. Jin's room to pay his respects. Mrs. Jin was chatting idly with Aunt Cui. When she saw Yanxi enter, she asked him what he had been busy with recently.

Yanxi seized the opportunity and said, "Mother, I have a matter on my heart and wish to seek your blessing. I have met a young lady of the Leng family, named Leng Qingqiu. She is talented and beautiful, gentle and virtuous. I wish to marry her."

Mrs. Jin's face fell when she heard this. She said, "The Leng family? I have heard it is a scholarly family, but they are now impoverished. How can they be worthy of our Jin family? You are too young to understand the gravity of this. How can you treat marriage so lightly?"

Yanxi hurriedly defended himself. "Mother, Leng Qingqiu herself is virtuous and noble. She does not chase vanity. Her uncle, Song Runqing, is also a scholar from a respectable family. Moreover, our Jin family is now prestigious and powerful. Why do we need to rely on marriage alliances to enhance our glory?"

Mrs. Jin shook her head. "You speak too lightly. Marriage requires matching social status. Although the Leng family is a good family, they have neither wealth nor influential relatives. How can they benefit your future? I must make careful inquiries first."

Yanxi saw that his mother would not consent and grew anxious. He went to consult his second elder brother, He Sun. He Sun laughed and said, "Seventh brother, you are truly infatuated. But mother's approval is hard to obtain unless father agrees. Father has been busy with official duties lately; he probably has no time to attend to this."

Meanwhile, Song Runqing learned that Yanxi intended to marry Leng Qingqiu and was overjoyed. He hurried to visit the Jin family, hoping to curry favor through this connection. When he met Mrs. Jin, he lavishly praised Leng Qingqiu for her virtue and gentleness. He said that although the Leng family was poor, it was a family of scholars for generations, making it a perfect match for the Jin family.

Mrs. Jin was somewhat swayed by Song Runqing's eloquent arguments, but she still hesitated. She privately said to Aunt Cui, "I have not met the young lady of the Leng family. But hearing such praise from Yanxi and Mr. Song, she might truly be a beauty. It is just that her family background is weak; this is a flaw in an otherwise perfect picture."

Leng Qingqiu was at home, completely unaware of this matter. She spent her days reading and practicing calligraphy, living a simple and content life. When Yanxi came to see her, she only said calmly, "Let everything follow fate. There is no need to force it. If you are sincere, I will not betray you. If you face difficulties, I will not resent you."

Yanxi admired Leng Qingqiu's magnanimity and became even more determined. He returned home and pleaded with his mother again. Mrs. Jin, seeing Yanxi's persistence, finally relented. She agreed to meet Leng Qingqiu first before making a decision.

In this chapter, Yanxi managed to gain some concession from his mother through fervent debate. Meanwhile, Leng Qingqiu viewed fame and fortune with indifference, remaining calm and composed. This subtly aligned with the way of enlightenment. Thus it is said: When vines entwine seeking inner aid, and parental eyes are indifferent, one sees the light of enlightenment.