Explore Chapter 49 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.
The wedding of Jin Yanxi and Leng Qingqiu was set for the sixteenth of July. That morning, from Jin Quan down, all the men and women of the Jin Family were bustling about without pause. Servants like Jin Rong, dressed in newly made long gowns and mandarin jackets, ran in and out, delighting in the busyness. At the main gate, carriages and horses created a clamor, and guests streamed in continuously. Although Jin Quan had advocated for a simple wedding, the Jin Family had too many relatives and friends, and many others had come upon hearing the news. Thus, inside and outside the hall, it was packed to the brim.
The wedding hall was set up in the main hall of the inner courtyard. The entire space was draped with colorful silk and hung with palace lanterns. In the center was a large red double-happiness character, beneath which stood dragon-and-phoenix candles, burning brightly. On the ceremonial table were displayed ancient tripods, jade ruyi scepters, and other items, all treasures collected by the Jin Family. On the walls on both sides hung numerous congratulatory scrolls and couplets, all bearing auspicious words praising a happy marriage and predestined affinity. Outside the hall in the courtyard, a tall decorated archway had been erected, adorned with multicolored electric lights that glittered even in the daytime.
Male guests mostly rested in the outer reception hall and the flower hall, while female guests gathered in the inner courtyard's main quarters. Mrs. Jin and several young mistresses, dressed in the latest clothing, their hair adorned with pearls and jade, moved among the female guests. Sisters-in-law like Wu Peifang and Wang Yufen chattered and laughed boisterously, attending to everyone with great care. On Mrs. Leng's side, only Song Runqing and a few distant relatives had come, making the scene much quieter. Mrs. Leng wore a blue silk lined jacket, while Leng Qingqiu was still in everyday clothing, her face free of heavy makeup, only lightly powdered, which made her appear even more elegantly pure. She sat in the room, accompanied by Nanny Han, her heart in turmoil, unable to tell whether she felt joy or sorrow.
When the auspicious hour arrived, the master of ceremonies loudly announced the rituals. Yanxi, dressed in formal attire, was escorted by Jin Rong, Zhang Shun, and others, and first took his place in the hall. Then, Leng Qingqiu, supported by two bridesmaids, gracefully entered the hall. Today, she had changed into a bright red skirt and jacket embroidered with golden phoenixes, her head covered with a red veil. Although her face was hidden, her slender figure and composed demeanor secretly drew admiration from all the guests.
Following the traditional rituals, the master of ceremonies called out, "Worship heaven and earth," "Worship the elders," and "Exchange bows between husband and wife." Jin Quan and Mrs. Jin sat above, watching the newlyweds perform the rites, feeling pleased in their hearts. Jin Quan stroked his beard and nodded slightly. Mrs. Jin, however, couldn't help but recall her own wedding day, her eyes turning slightly red. After the exchange of bows, the master of ceremonies announced, "Escort to the bridal chamber." At this, drums and music swelled, and the crowd erupted in noise. Many young relatives and friends, laughing and joking, followed behind the newlyweds to see the bride.
The bridal chamber was even more extravagantly decorated. The walls were covered with red satin, and the bed hung with an embroidery curtain, spread with a bright red brocade quilt. On the dressing table were arrayed various cosmetics, all novel items from foreign lands. By the window, a pot of lilies bloomed in full splendor, their fragrance rich and refreshing. Leng Qingqiu was led to sit by the bed, and the bridesmaids removed her veil. Everyone felt their eyes brighten. The bride's features were as exquisite as a painting, her skin glowing like snow. Though she lowered her powdered neck, shy and timid, her pure and noble bearing outshone all the lavishly dressed women in the room.
At this point, several female relatives familiar with the Jin Family entered to "tease the newlyweds." One after another, they cracked jokes at the couple's expense. Yanxi merely smiled, while Leng Qingqiu was too shy to lift her head. It was Wang Yufen who couldn't bear it and said with a laugh, "Alright, alright, the bride is bashful. Let's spare her. The banquet has started outside. Please, everyone, take your seats." Only then did the crowd disperse with laughter.
In the main hall and courtyard outside, hundreds of banquet tables were set. Delicacies from land and sea were lavishly displayed. Jin Quan personally came out to toast the guests, offering a few words of gratitude. Then, brothers like Feng Ju, He Sun, and Peng Zhen took turns proposing toasts. For a time, glasses clinked, laughter and chatter filled the air, reaching the height of extravagance and festivity. Those wealthy individuals who usually had close ties with the Jin Family, such as Liu Baoshan, Zhu Yishi, and Second Miss Wu, were naturally among the attendees.
Yanxi accompanied Leng Qingqiu in the room, where they lightly partook of some refreshments. Leng Qingqiu simply sat in silence, her mind a tangled web of thoughts, unsure where to begin. Yanxi, seeing her cool demeanor, thought she was shy and tried to make small talk. However, Leng Qingqiu only answered briefly when asked, showing none of a new bride's joy. Although Yanxi felt somewhat puzzled, he attributed it to her normally quiet nature and thought nothing more of it.
After the banquet ended, it was already late at night. As guests gradually took their leave, the entire Jin Family finally breathed a sigh of relief. Mrs. Jin specifically came to the bridal chamber to offer a few comforting words to Leng Qingqiu, and instructed Yanxi to be considerate of his wife. Seeing Mrs. Jin's kind words, Leng Qingqiu's heart settled somewhat.
That night, moonlight like water illuminated the silent courtyard. On the window paper of the bridal chamber, the shadows of two figures were reflected, gradually merging into one. From then on, Jin Yanxi and Leng Qingqiu were rightfully husband and wife.
Early the next morning, the newlyweds followed custom to pay respects to their parents-in-law. Leng Qingqiu changed into a pale blue qipao, lightly applied makeup, and accompanied Yanxi to the main quarters. Jin Quan and Mrs. Jin had already risen and were sitting in the living room. Leng Qingqiu gracefully knelt and bowed, addressing them, "Father, Mother." Mrs. Jin quickly helped her up, took her hand, and examined her carefully for a moment, then smiled and said, "Indeed, you are a good child. From now on, this is your home. No need for formalities." She then presented a pair of gold bracelets and a diamond ring as gifts. Leng Qingqiu thanked her for the gifts and stood to the side.
Next, they met the elder brothers, sisters-in-law, younger brothers, and sisters. The three couples, Feng Ju, He Sun, and Peng Zhen, all gave meeting gifts. Mei Li took Leng Qingqiu's hand, looked her over left and right, and laughed, "Seventh Sister-in-law is so beautiful, even more so than people in paintings." This made everyone laugh. Seeing that the family was amiable, the knots in Leng Qingqiu's heart gradually loosened.
From then on, Leng Qingqiu settled in the Jin Family, paying morning and evening respects daily, following all rules and rituals. Mrs. Jin, seeing her well-educated, reasonable, and gentle in temperament, grew fond of her. However, the Jin Family had a large population with intricate customs, and as a newcomer, Leng Qingqiu had to be cautious everywhere, which inevitably felt taxing. Moreover, after marriage, Yanxi still retained his playboy habits, spending his days wandering outside, rarely keeping her company at home. Leng Qingqiu felt lonely in her heart, but it was inconvenient to speak of it to others. She could only pass the long hours by reading and writing in her room.