Explore Chapter 63 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.
Ever since that day when he parted with Leng Qingqiu, Jin Yanxi had been filled with unease. On this day, he could not resist going to Falling Flowers Lane again. But when he arrived, he saw the door of the Leng Residence sealed with an official notice, which gave him a start.
He hurriedly asked the neighbor next door and learned that the Leng Residence had already moved away. As to where they had gone, no one knew. Yanxi was as if struck by a bucket of cold water, and he stood there frozen.
After a long while, he remembered to go look for Song Runqing, but Song Runqing was also nowhere to be found. Yanxi returned home crestfallen, and on his desk, he saw a letter. It was in Leng Qingqiu's handwriting.
He hastily opened it. The letter read: "To Yanxi: I, born of humble stock, was once graced by your favor, for which I am deeply grateful. But our predestined affinity has expired, and I dare not insist. Now I take my mother back to our hometown, bidding the capital a final farewell. May your future shine brightly, and may you find another fine match. Leng Qingqiu."
After reading it, Yanxi's tears fell like rain. He clutched the letter tightly in his hand and remained silent for a long while.
For several days, Yanxi was downcast and had no appetite for food or drink. Mrs. Jin, seeing him thus, urged him to go out and take his mind off things. By chance, a friend was hosting a banquet and invited Yanxi to attend.
Unable to refuse, Yanxi had no choice but to go. At the banquet, elegantly dressed guests created a lively atmosphere. But Yanxi had no mind for conversation and sat alone in a corner.
Suddenly, he heard someone call his name. Turning, he saw it was Bai Xiuzhu. Xiuzhu smiled and said, "Seventh Master, why are you sitting here alone, lost in thought?"
Yanxi forced a smile and said, "It's nothing, I'm just a little tired." Xiuzhu said, "I heard that Miss Leng has gone. Are you thinking about her?"
Yanxi remained silent. Xiuzhu sighed and said, "You, always so infatuation. But it's good that she's left, sparing you the heartache."
Yanxi, feeling displeased, rose to leave. Xiuzhu held him back and said, "Why be in such a hurry to go? Since you've come, why not stay a little longer?"
Yanxi shook his head and said, "I truly have no heart for it. We'll meet another day." With that, he walked away without a backward glance.
Back in his study, Yanxi took out the letter Leng Qingqiu had left and read it again. Outside the window, the moonlight was like flowing water, adding to his gloom.