Explore Chapter 48 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.
On the auspicious day, the Jin Family prepared several carriages and mustered a host of servants to escort Jin Rong and his two brothers. They traveled in three carriages and one automobile, speeding toward the Leng Residence. Considering the Jin Family was a household of standing and this was the formal presentation of betrothal gifts, the Leng Residence felt obliged to uphold its own dignity. They dispatched all their employed servants to assist the Jin Family’s party, amounting to twenty or thirty people on the task, which greatly increased the bustle. Jin Rong, clad in a blue robe and black mandarin jacket, led the sizable group and took his stance at the entrance of the Leng Residence. Even the chauffeur was dressed in a silk gown, presenting a splendid sight. By then, Leng Qingqiu had long been up. Hearing the flurry of activity outside, she knew the Jin Family had arrived with gifts and promptly withdrew into her room, turning to sit facing inward. Jin Rong had already hurried in and stood in the center of the courtyard. He clasped his hands in salute to all four directions, then bowed deeply to Mrs. Leng and said with a smile, "Congratulations, esteemed Madam. The weather is fine today, and I have come specially to offer my felicitations." Mrs. Leng hastily returned the courtesy. Jin Rong then turned and bowed toward Leng Qingqiu's room as well, saying, "Miss Leng, our Seventh Master bade me convey his congratulations to you." Inside the room, Leng Qingqiu could not help but giggle, quickly covering her mouth with a handkerchief. Mrs. Leng said, "Steward Jin, you are too courteous. We are obliged by your trouble. Please, take a seat and have a cup of tea." Jin Rong replied, "No need to stand on ceremony. I must depart at once. Our Seventh Master is still awaiting a reply." So saying, he cupped his hands again to Mrs. Leng and turned to leave. Mrs. Leng called out, "Steward Jin, pause a moment. I have something to say." Jin Rong stopped. Mrs. Leng continued, "We are deeply grateful for the esteem in which your Seventh Master and Madam hold us. You have troubled yourself to make this journey today. I shall call another day to express our thanks in person." Jin Rong smiled and said, "Where does such talk come from, Madam? This is only our duty. Our Seventh Master and Miss Leng are a match of talent and beauty, a union truly made in heaven. Even as a servant, I share in your joy, Madam." These words provoked another soft laugh from Leng Qingqiu within her room. Mrs. Leng said, "You are too kind. Take care on your way, Steward Jin." Jin Rong acknowledged, gathered his attendants, mounted the vehicles, and whisked away like the wind.
Upon returning to the Jin residence, he went straight to report to Yanxi. Hearing that Mrs. Leng had voiced no dissatisfaction, Yanxi was naturally delighted. From that day forward, Yanxi visited the Leng Residence once daily. There, he would keep Leng Qingqiu company, discussing literature and art. Finding themselves kindred spirits, they grew even more intimate.
Sometimes Yanxi would invite Leng Qingqiu to go out together, but she always declined. Yanxi assumed she was shy and did not press the matter overly. Time slipped easily by, and in the blink of an eye, late summer gave way to early autumn. Jin Quan traveled to Tianjin on political business. Seizing this opportunity, Mrs. Jin said to Yanxi, "While your father is away, let us conduct your marriage to Miss Leng. This will save us much argument should he return and raise any objection." Yanxi had been longing for just such a word and immediately agreed.
Mrs. Jin accordingly selected an auspicious date. On one hand, she had people prepare the bridal chamber; on the other, she sent Jin Rong to inform the Leng Residence. Mrs. Leng, upon hearing the news, was also pleased. On the eve of the wedding day, the Jin Family employed four automobiles to transport the dowry to the Leng Residence. Although Leng Qingqiu's dowry contained nothing exceptionally rare or valuable, it was fully provisioned in accordance with old Beijing marital customs. There were four complete sets of bedding, all of fine silks and satins; trunks, cabinets, tables, and chairs-every item was present and accounted for. The Jin Family dispatched eight servants for the moving, which took the better part of the day to complete.
On the wedding day, the Jin Family's residence was, as a matter of course, adorned with lanterns and colored banners, transformed beyond recognition. Mrs. Jin, who loved excitement and gaiety, had sent out invitations days in advance, and a great many relatives and friends arrived. Jin Rong, accompanied by several footmen, received guests at the main gate, so busy that sweat beaded his brow. Inside, Mrs. Jin directed the maidservants in arranging the banquet feast, ceaselessly occupied. At the Leng Residence, Leng Qingqiu rose early and was dressed and adorned by several female relatives. She wore a water-pink embroidery cheongsam and a pearl crown upon her head, presenting a picture of exquisite grace and touching beauty. Mrs. Leng gazed at her daughter, adorned so splendidly, her heart filled with both joy and sorrow. Joy, because her daughter had finally found her proper place; sorrow, because once married, her daughter would leave her side. Soon, the bridal automobile arrived. Yanxi, dressed in a long robe and mandarin jacket and draped with red silk, came to perform the goose ceremony. When he saw Leng Qingqiu, his eyes brightened instantly, and an inexpressible happiness welled up in his heart. After the goose ceremony, Leng Qingqiu bid farewell to her mother and, supported by two bridesmaids, boarded the flower-bedecked car. As the car set off, drums and music sounded in unison, and the grand procession advanced majestically toward the Jin residence.
Upon reaching the Jin residence, the attendants led Yanxi and Leng Qingqiu to the ceremonial hall. The hall had been temporarily arranged, hung all over with festive couplets and banners. Above, a large red double-happiness character shone under the lamplight, dazzlingly splendid. The master of ceremonies chanted the rites. Yanxi and Leng Qingqiu performed three bows, then exchanged rings. Afterwards, guided by the attendants, they paid their respects to the elders. Mrs. Jin sat above, gazing upon this exquisite pair, so pleased she could not keep her mouth from curving into a smile.
Once the ceremony concluded, everyone escorted the bride and groom to the bridal chamber. The chamber was even more lavishly decorated, a riot of flowers and brocades, filled with fragrant scents. Leng Qingqiu sat on the edge of the bed, head bowed, her heart thumping wildly. Yanxi stood to one side, looking at Leng Qingqiu, uncertain what to say. Soon, the guests came to tease the newlyweds. They pressed Yanxi and Leng Qingqiu to perform numerous intimate gestures and utter many intimate words. Leng Qingqiu blushed scarlet with shyness, and Yanxi also felt deeply embarrassed. However, as the guests had come to offer congratulations, they could not afford to give offense and had no choice but to comply with each demand. The teasing lasted until late at night before the guests finally dispersed. Yanxi and Leng Qingqiu then breathed a sigh of relief. Sitting facing each other, they felt that after all the excitement and liveliness, the bond between them had deepened considerably. Leng Qingqiu said, "You must be utterly exhausted today." Yanxi smiled and replied, "I don't feel tired at all. I was only worried you might be overtaxed." Leng Qingqiu said, "I am fine. It's just... just a little unfamiliar." Yanxi said, "You will grow accustomed to it gradually. From now on, this is your home." Hearing this, Leng Qingqiu felt a sweetness in her heart and could not help but smile faintly. They conversed a while longer before retiring for the night.
The following day, Leng Qingqiu rose early and, after completing her toilette, went to the main quarters to pay her morning respects to Mrs. Jin. Mrs. Jin looked at Leng Qingqiu, dignified and composed, and was exceedingly pleased. She spoke a few homely, everyday words. From that time forth, Leng Qingqiu was considered a member of the Jin Family.