第五十章 新妇见家人一堂沆瀣 少年避众客十目驰骋 (Chapter Fifty: The Bride is Received Amidst Family Accord; The Groom Steals Away from the Prying Eyes of Guests)

Now, after Jin Yanxi and Leng Qingqiu were wed, the following day the bride was presented to the family. The entire household gathered to witness the occasion, lending it a festive air.

Jin Quan and his wife sat in state in the main hall. Yanxi's brothers, their wives, and his sisters were arranged in order of precedence. Leng Qingqiu, guided by an elderly maidservant, advanced to pay her respects to each in turn.

When Mrs. Jin beheld the bride's dignified beauty and gentle charm, her heart swelled with delight. She took the young woman's hand and spoke many tender words of endearment.

Peifang, Yufen, and the other sisters-in-law likewise presented gifts of welcome. Amidst lighthearted chatter and laughter, a congenial atmosphere prevailed.

Leng Qingqiu comported herself with perfect propriety and responded with ease. Observing this, Jin Quan nodded to himself in silent approval, then instructed the household to treat her with all due care.

Thus, the bride was received into the bosom of the family amidst general harmony and felicity; meanwhile, Yanxi, evading the crowd of well-wishers, had quietly slipped out of the mansion.

For Yanxi, dreading the tedium of social formalities, had found a pretext to leave and made straight for Bai Xiuzhu's dwelling.

When Xiuzhu saw that Yanxi had come seeking her out the very day after his wedding, her heart was a tumult of gladness and pang. She greeted him with deliberately barbed remarks.

Yanxi merely responded with apologetic smiles. The two spent the better part of the day amusing themselves abroad and did not return until evening approached.

The guests at home had not yet dispersed. Yanxi stole in through the rear gate and concealed himself in the study, unwilling to face anyone.

Leng Qingqiu sat alone in her chamber. Hearing the clamor of voices beyond the window, a faint sense of isolation crept into her heart, though she deemed it improper to inquire further.

At the evening banquet, Yanxi at last emerged to exchange a few perfunctory courtesies. The guests, noting his distracted air, began to whisper among themselves.

After the banquet concluded, Yanxi retired to his room. Leng Qingqiu offered some gentle words of admonition, but Yanxi dismissed them with a few perfunctory replies, and they each sought their rest.

Henceforth, though the newlyweds shared a chamber, each was preoccupied with private thoughts, and a subtle estrangement began to grow between them.