第四十六章 手足情深芸篇诰老父 夫妻道苦莲舌弄良人 (Chapter 46: Deep Sibling Love in Family Affairs; The Bitter Trials of Marriage and a Wife's Persuasive Tongue)

One day, Jin Yanxi was sitting idly in his study, thinking of Leng Qingqiu. Suddenly, he saw Jin Rong rush in, flustered and saying, "Seventh Master, it's terrible! The Eldest Master and the Eldest Mistress are quarreling again."

Yanxi frowned and said, "What is it this time? Weren't they just reconciled the day before yesterday?"

Jin Rong replied, "I heard it's about the accounts. The Eldest Mistress blames the Eldest Master for spending too much money. The Eldest Master refuses to accept it, so they started arguing."

Yanxi had to rise and go to his elder brother's courtyard. He saw his brother Jin Fengju standing under the eaves, his face full of anger, while his sister-in-law Wu Peifang was weeping inside the room.

Seeing Yanxi, Feng Ju said, "Seventh Brother, you've come just in time. Judge this for me. I only spent a little extra money, and she keeps nagging endlessly."

Hearing this from inside, Peifang came out and said, "I nag? Your monthly salary is only so much. You spend most of it on social engagements outside. The household expenses aren't even covered. If I don't speak up, should I let this family fall apart?"

Yanxi hurriedly tried to mediate, "Elder Brother, Sister-in-law, both of you, say less. Between husband and wife, why harm harmony over money?"

Feng Ju retorted, "Seventh Brother, you don't manage the household, so you don't know the cost of firewood and rice. She's always so nitpicky. How can I maintain face outside?"

Peifang countered, "I'm nitpicky? If I weren't worrying about it, this family would have collapsed long ago. You only know how to show off outside. When have you ever cared about household affairs?"

With much persuasion, Yanxi finally managed to calm them down. But he thought to himself that the path of marriage is truly more bitter than sweet.

Back in his own room, Yanxi thought of Leng Qingqiu again. He felt she was gentle and virtuous. If he could marry her in the future, they would surely live in harmony.

Just as he was pondering, Nanny Han came from the Leng Residence, bringing a package of snacks. She said Mrs. Leng had made them and sent them for Yanxi to taste.

Yanxi was overjoyed. He rewarded Nanny Han with some money and asked, "How has your young lady been recently?"

Nanny Han replied, "The young lady is well, but she's often gloomy, probably bored from staying at home too much."

Yanxi then wanted to find an opportunity to visit Leng Qingqiu again.

The next day, Yanxi found an excuse to go to the Leng Residence. He discussed poetry with Song Runqing, but in truth, he hoped to see Leng Qingqiu.

Leng Qingqiu indeed came out to meet him, but only spoke a few indifferent words before returning to her room.

Yanxi felt disheartened. But seeing Leng Qingqiu's haggard face, as if she had something on her mind, he didn't dare ask more.

Leaving the Leng Residence, Yanxi met his second brother Jin Hesun. He Sun pulled him to drink. During the gathering, they spoke of conflicts among siblings in the family. Yanxi sighed that sibling love is deep, but after each marries, they inevitably drift apart.

He Sun laughed and said, "Seventh Brother, you're still young and don't know the joys and sorrows between husband and wife. When you get married, you'll understand."

Yanxi remained silent, thinking that if he married Leng Qingqiu, they wouldn't argue like his elder brother and sister-in-law.

Returning home, his mother Mrs. Jin called Yanxi over and asked, "You've been running out frequently recently. What are you busy with?"

Yanxi said, "I'm organizing a poetry club with friends, doing some literary work."

Mrs. Jin remarked, "I heard you often go to the Leng Residence. You seem quite attentive to the young lady of the Leng Residence."

Yanxi blushed and said, "Mother, you're joking. It's just ordinary socializing."

Mrs. Jin said seriously, "The Leng Residence is a respectable family, but their social status isn't high. Your father might not agree. You should restrain yourself and avoid gossip."

Yanxi was displeased but didn't dare to contradict, so he just agreed.

In the evening, Yanxi sat alone in his study, thinking over things. He felt too constrained by the family. He couldn't make his own decisions regarding marriage, which troubled him greatly.

Suddenly, a flute sound came from outside the window, melodious and graceful. Yanxi recognized it as Leng Qingqiu playing the flute, which made him miss her even more.