第四十七回 屡数奇珍量珠羡求凤 一谈信物解佩快乘龙 (Chapter Forty-Seven: Counting Treasures, Weighing Pearls, Adoring the Phoenix; Exchanging Tokens, Unfastening Pendants, Swiftly Riding the Dragon)

After returning home in the same carriage with Leng Qingqiu that day, Jin Yanxi felt increasingly enamored. He thought to himself that the marriage must be pursued promptly to avoid complications. Thus, he discussed with Song Runqing his desire to use precious items as betrothal gifts to express his sincerity.

Having received generous gifts from Yanxi, Song Runqing naturally worked hard to promote the match. He spoke to Mrs. Leng, explaining how wealthy the Jin Family was and how gentle and affectionate the seventh master was. Moreover, since the two families were neighbors, forming a marriage alliance would indeed be a happy and predestined affinity.

Mrs. Leng initially hesitated. But seeing that Leng Qingqiu also had fond feelings for Yanxi, and considering their family's poverty, gaining such a fine son-in-law could be a support, she nodded in agreement. Yanxi was overjoyed and immediately prepared the gifts.

The next day, Yanxi instructed Jin Rong to deliver a brocade box to the Leng Residence. Inside the box were a string of pearls, a pair of Jade bracelets, and a gold-inlaid diamond ring. They were dazzlingly beautiful and of great value. There was also a letter expressing his admiration in a tactful manner.

Leng Qingqiu, upon seeing these treasures, felt uneasy. She said to her mother, "Such lavish gifts, how dare I accept them?" Mrs. Leng replied, "The Jin Family's sincerity is genuine. If we refuse again, it would seem unreasonable. Moreover, your uncle has already consented, so accept them."

Leng Qingqiu then stored the gifts away. But she took out a mutton-fat white jade pendant that she usually wore and gave it to Nanny Han. She instructed her to return it to Yanxi as a token. The pendant was as smooth and lustrous as fat, carved with a twin-phoenix pattern, quite exquisite.

Yanxi, upon receiving the pendant, felt as if he had obtained a treasure. Knowing that Leng Qingqiu had tacitly agreed to the marriage, he hurriedly wrote another letter. He proposed a meeting the next afternoon at the Summer Palace to discuss the details of the wedding date.

At the appointed time, Yanxi and Leng Qingqiu met by the Spring Awareness Pavilion. Yanxi said, "Thank you for not spurning me and gifting me with this precious jade. I shall treasure it for life. Today, I have brought a pair of Pearl earrings to express my humble feelings. I hope you will accept them with a smile."

Leng Qingqiu shyly accepted them and softly said, "Your kindness, seventh master, Leng Qingqiu is grateful. However, the marriage still needs careful deliberation. My mother hopes that everything can be kept simple." Yanxi agreed repeatedly. The two then poured out their hearts to each other amidst the lake light and mountain scenery until dusk before parting.

After returning home, Yanxi immediately reported to his parents. Although Jin Quan considered the Leng Residence's social status to be humble, seeing his son determined and hearing that Leng Qingqiu was both talented and beautiful, he consented. He only instructed that everything be done according to etiquette and not be publicized.

From then on, the Jin and Leng families became formally engaged. Yanxi felt at ease, waiting only for the auspicious date to marry. Leng Qingqiu also secretly rejoiced. Every day in her boudoir, she would often caress the jade pendant, her thoughts myriad.