Explore Chapter 64 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.
Since Jin Yanxi married Leng Qingqiu, their affection had grown deep. Each day, they would either read or converse, finding great harmony. One day, Yanxi was perusing a poetry collection in his study, while Leng Qingqiu embroidered beside him. Occasionally inspired, Yanxi would discuss poetry with Leng Qingqiu, who responded with fluency, much to his quiet delight.
As they spoke, footsteps were suddenly heard outside. It was Peng Zhen and Yufen paying a visit. Seeing how affectionate Yanxi and his wife were, Peng Zhen teased, "Seventh Brother, now that you have a family, you've turned into quite the bookworm." Yufen added, "Indeed, we never saw Seventh Brother so tranquil before." Yanxi laughed and said, "Third Brother and Sister-in-law, do not jest. I merely flip through books now and then."
In the park, they encountered some acquaintances and exchanged greetings. Among them, some, seeing Leng Qingqiu's gentle and lovely demeanor, whispered that Yanxi had married a talented woman and was truly blessed. However, others, moved by jealousy, uttered idle remarks. Leng Qingqiu chanced to overhear them, and it soured her mood.
Yanxi, noticing Leng Qingqiu's troubled air, asked her what had disturbed their predestined harmony. At first, Leng Qingqiu was reluctant to speak, but after Yanxi pressed her repeatedly, she finally confided the gossip she had overheard. Yanxi comforted her, saying, "These people are mere gossips. Why heed them? We live our own lives; what concern is it of theirs?" Upon hearing this, Leng Qingqiu felt somewhat eased.
After returning home, Yanxi reflected on the matter and thought that with so many mouths in the family, gossip was inevitable. He discussed with Leng Qingqiu that they should reduce contact with idle people in the future to avoid vexation. Leng Qingqiu agreed.
The next day, Yanxi went to see his father, Jin Quan. Jin Quan asked what Yanxi had been occupied with lately. Yanxi replied that he had been reading. Jin Quan said, "Now that you have a family, you should focus on establishing your career. Do not fritter away the days in idle chatter." Yanxi respectfully assented.
After leaving his father, Yanxi encountered Feng Ju. Feng Ju smiled and said, "Seventh Brother, you have settled down now, but take care not to neglect your duties due to marital joys." Yanxi replied, "Eldest Brother's admonition is well taken."
From then on, Yanxi indeed became less ostentatious and more steady. Yet the gossip within the family did not cease; instead, Yanxi's change sparked even more talk. Some credited it to Leng Qingqiu, while others said she was too strict. When these words reached Leng Qingqiu's ears, she could only feign ignorance.
One day, Yanxi's sister, Minzhi, visited and chatted with Leng Qingqiu. Minzhi, being straightforward, said to Leng Qingqiu, "With so many in the family, gossip is unavoidable. You need only attend to your duties and ignore the idle talk." Leng Qingqiu thanked Minzhi.
Minzhi added, "Seventh Brother used to be fond of amusement. Now that he can quiet his heart, it is also your good fortune." Leng Qingqiu said, "It is his own awakening. What virtue or ability have I?" Minzhi laughed and said, "You need not be overly modest."
After Minzhi left, Leng Qingqiu sat alone pondering. She felt that marrying into a wealthy family was no easy matter, but since it was so, she could only face it with equanimity.