Explore Chapter 65 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.
Now, ever since Jin Yanxi married Leng Qingqiu, the household had been beset by successive waves of turmoil. The lackeys and hounds, such as Jin Rong and his ilk, were masters of slander, insinuating and backbiting to defame Leng Qingqiu. Like a lone orchid of pristine purity, Leng Qingqiu could only swallow her sobs and endure in silence amidst the foul surroundings.
One day, Yanxi went out on business, and Leng Qingqiu sat alone in her chamber. Suddenly, she caught the sound of whispers outside the window. Listening intently, she realized it was He Sun and Peng Zhen discussing Yanxi's recent conduct, saying he was indulging in wine and women, neglecting family affairs. At these words, Leng Qingqiu felt as if a knife had pierced her heart, yet she dared not voice a defense.
After a short while, the maid Xiaolian entered and, seeing Leng Qingqiu's tear-streaked face, softly offered comfort. Leng Qingqiu sighed and said, 'I came into this world pure and shall leave it pure, better than wallowing in filth and ditches. But with the household in such a state, what can I do?' Xiaolian could only sigh in sympathy.
In the evening, Yanxi returned home. Leng Qingqiu forced a cheerful countenance and served dinner. Noticing Leng Qingqiu's troubled expression, Yanxi inquired the reason, but she merely shook her head in silence. Yanxi did not press her further on the matter and, after the meal, retired alone to his study.
Alone before the solitary lamp, Leng Qingqiu reflected on her life, and sorrow welled up within her. She thought of her own talent and beauty, yet having married into a wealthy family, she suffered such grievances. Truly, a beauty's fate is often a tragic one. But remembering Yanxi's past affection, she felt unwilling to abandon him.
Just as Leng Qingqiu was lost in melancholy, she suddenly heard footsteps outside the door. Thinking it was Yanxi returning, she hastily wiped her tears and went to greet him. But it was the Eldest Young Madam, Peifang, who had come. Seeing Leng Qingqiu's state, Peifang already knew her worries and offered gentle words of comfort.
After Peifang left, Leng Qingqiu's heart felt somewhat calmer. Yet in the household, slanders flew like arrows, and hidden darts were hard to guard against. Leng Qingqiu knew that the days ahead would be even more difficult. All she could do was hold fast to her true self, confronting the filth around her with the innate purity of an orchid.
That night, Leng Qingqiu tossed and turned, unable to find sleep. Outside the window, the moonlight was hazy, and tree shadows swayed, adding to the desolate atmosphere. Not until the first light of dawn did she finally drift into a fitful slumber.