Explore Chapter 66 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 that excursion to the Western Hills, Yanxi's longing for Leng Qingqiu had deepened. That day, she had stood beneath the willow shade wearing a moon-white short jacket and a mysterious black skirt. Her elegant, pleasant demeanor was utterly like a fairy maiden from a painting. Yanxi thought to himself that a woman like this was the true beauty. Those rouged powder ladies of the social circles were merely a flock of commonplace beauties. He resolved firmly that he must advance his relationship with Leng Qingqiu.
Thus, under the pretext of the poetry club, Yanxi frequently invited Leng Qingqiu and Song Runqing to his study to discuss poetry and painting. Leng Qingqiu was an exceptionally intelligent woman with a solid foundation in poetry and verse. Her discussions with Yanxi often revealed unique insights. Hearing this, Yanxi was utterly impressed. He felt Leng Qingqiu was not only lovely in appearance but also exceptionally talented within.
On this day, Yanxi again invited Leng Qingqiu and Song Runqing over. He had already instructed Jin Rong to prepare exquisite tea and pastries, which were arranged beneath a grape arbor outside the study. The grape arbor was lush and thriving, its green leaves forming a dense canopy that blocked all sunlight. Underneath stood a rattan table with several rattan chairs. The cool breeze made it an exceptionally pleasant spot.
Yanxi asked Song Runqing and Leng Qingqiu to be seated. He poured tea himself and said, "The weather is fine today. Conversing here is much more comfortable than inside the house." Song Runqing smiled and said, "Seventh Master truly possesses a refined taste. Even the place for entertaining guests is arranged with such elegance." Leng Qingqiu did not speak much. She merely sat with a faint smile, gently fanning herself with a small round fan.
Yanxi gazed at Leng Qingqiu. She wore a pale cyan gauzy jacket today with a white silk skirt. A light touch of powder on her face made her appear even more exquisitely beautiful. Yanxi couldn't help but stare, dazed. He didn't even hear Song Runqing speaking to him. Noticing his distraction, Song Runqing gave a light cough. Yanxi then snapped back to reality, his face flushing slightly. "I was just pondering a poem," he said. "That's why my mind wandered. Please do not take offense, Master Song."
Pursing her lips into a smile, Leng Qingqiu said, "Since Seventh Master was pondering a poem, why not recite it for us?" Yanxi replied, "It was merely a momentary sentiment, not yet formed into a complete piece. How dare I embarrass myself before a connoisseur?" Song Runqing said, "You are too modest, Seventh Master. We have long admired your poetic talent." Yanxi smiled. "With such praise from Master Song, I feel rather embarrassed. In truth, my knowledge of poetry is superficial. How could it compare to Miss Leng's profound erudition?"
Leng Qingqiu said, "That is too humble of you, Seventh Master. I have merely read a few books haphazardly. How can that be called profound erudition?" Yanxi said, "You need not be so modest, Miss Leng. The poem about chrysanthemums you composed last time was truly fresh and graceful, admirable indeed." Upon hearing this, Leng Qingqiu's face flushed slightly. "That was a playful composition," she said. "It is not worth mentioning."
Secretly pleased that Song Runqing had left, Yanxi said to Leng Qingqiu, "Miss Leng, what do you think of the scenery under this grape arbor?" Leng Qingqiu looked up and replied, "It is lovely. The green shade forms a canopy, and the gentle breeze makes it a perfect spot to escape the heat." Yanxi said, "I often sit here alone, reading or pondering matters of the heart. I find it more comfortable than anywhere else."
Leng Qingqiu gave a slight smile. "Seventh Master is a man blessed by fortune," she said. "Naturally, you find comfort everywhere." Yanxi sighed. "Miss Leng, you have no idea. Although I may appear comfortable on the surface, my heart harbors many troubles." Leng Qingqiu asked, "Seventh Master was born into a wealthy and noble family. You have everything you could want. What troubles could you possibly have?"
"It is precisely because I was born into a wealthy and noble family that I have many unspeakable troubles," Yanxi said. "My family members are engaged in power struggles and profit-grabbing all day long. On the surface, they appear harmonious, but at their core, they are full of scheming. Being in such an environment truly makes me feel utterly stifled."
Leng Qingqiu listened in silence. She knew Yanxi spoke the truth. In a large family like the Jin Family, such matters were inevitable. Seeing his sincerity, she couldn't help but feel some sympathy in her heart.
Yanxi continued, seeing Leng Qingqiu silent. "That's why I often think," he said, "that being born into a peaceful family, with loving parents and harmonious siblings, is true happiness." Leng Qingqiu replied, "What you say is certainly not wrong, Seventh Master. But peaceful families have their own hardships too."
"I would like to hear more about that," Yanxi said. Leng Qingqiu explained, "Take a family like mine, for instance. Although peaceful, our finances are not ample. Having to worry about making ends meet every single day is trouble enough." Yanxi said, "But spiritually, there is happiness. That is far better than being materially rich but spiritually miserable."
Hearing this, Leng Qingqiu felt Yanxi showed some insight, unlike the typical profligate son who only knew about pleasure-seeking. She couldn't help but glance at him. He was gazing at her, his eyes filled with genuine feeling. A tremor passed through Leng Qingqiu's heart, and she quickly lowered her head.
At that moment, a gentle breeze arose, rustling the grape leaves. A few strands of sunlight filtered through the foliage, illuminating Leng Qingqiu's face. It made her skin seem as radiant as snow, her beauty peerless. Yanxi stared, dazed, forgetting even to speak.
Growing embarrassed under his gaze, Leng Qingqiu stood up. "Seventh Master," she said, "I shall go see what my uncle is doing." With that, she made to walk towards the study. Yanxi quickly stopped her. "Miss Leng," he said, "please sit a while longer. I still have something to say."
Leng Qingqiu had no choice but to sit down again, but she did not look up at Yanxi. Yanxi pondered for a moment. "Miss Leng," he said, "I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should say it." Leng Qingqiu replied, "Whatever it is, Seventh Master, please speak your mind."
Upon hearing this, two clouds of crimson rose on Leng Qingqiu's cheeks, and her heart pounded wildly. She had never expected Yanxi to say such a thing. She was an extremely intelligent woman and knew there was deeper meaning in his words. But after a moment's thought, she felt the vast difference in their social status made such a friendship likely impossible.
So, steadying herself, she said, "What are you saying, Seventh Master? We are merely ordinary friends. How can we speak of being 'close' or 'understanding'?" Yanxi insisted, "No, I feel as if I've known you forever, Miss Leng, as if we were acquainted in a past life. If you do not look down on me, I would like to learn from you often."
Leng Qingqiu said, "You flatter me too much, Seventh Master. I truly dare not accept such praise." Seeing her refusal, Yanxi grew somewhat anxious. "Miss Leng," he said earnestly, "I am sincere. Please do not refuse me." Faced with such insistence, Leng Qingqiu felt she could not decline further. "Since you think so highly of me, Seventh Master," she said, "I have no choice but to comply."
Yanxi was overjoyed. "So, does that mean you agree, Miss Leng?" he asked. Leng Qingqiu nodded. Yanxi was so happy he nearly leapt up, but mindful of propriety, he forced himself to restrain the impulse.
Just then, Song Runqing emerged from the study, holding a book. "Have you finished your discussion?" he asked with a smile. "I found an excellent book of poetry. Let's all appreciate it together." Yanxi and Leng Qingqiu both stood up. Seeing the pleased expressions on their faces, Song Runqing understood somewhat, but he did not voice it.
The three discussed poetry a while longer before Leng Qingqiu rose to take her leave. Yanxi accompanied her all the way to the gate. He watched her retreating figure until she disappeared from sight before turning back. His heart brimmed with joy. He felt his relationship with Leng Qingqiu had advanced another step that day.
From then on, Yanxi found even more excuses to see Leng Qingqiu frequently. Sometimes he sent over a few books, other times he invited her to discuss poetry. Seeing his attentiveness, Leng Qingqiu could not remain unmoved. But knowing her place, she dared not harbor any illusions. She merely regarded Yanxi as a friend for discussing poetry and painting.
Yet matters of the heart are often involuntary. Although Leng Qingqiu tried her utmost to restrain herself, her fondness for Yanxi deepened with each passing day. She often sat alone in her room, recalling his words and actions. Her face would grow warm, and her heart would race. She knew it was dangerous to continue like this, but she could not stop herself.
One day, Yanxi sent over a pot of orchids, saying a friend had brought them from the south and he specially wanted Leng Qingqiu to enjoy them. Leng Qingqiu saw the orchid's emerald green leaves and jade-like blooms, their fragrance delicate and serene. She was utterly charmed. Thanking Yanxi, she placed the orchid on her windowsill.
That evening, Leng Qingqiu sat by the window, facing the orchid. She couldn't help but think of Yanxi again. She reflected that Yanxi, though a scion of wealth, lacked the typical habits of a profligate son. He was sincere with people, learned, and moreover, showed her the utmost consideration. A person like him was truly rare.
But then another thought occurred to her. The difference in their status was too great. He was the son of a Prime Minister, while she was merely the daughter of a poor schoolteacher. An unbridgeable chasm lay between them. Even if Yanxi had feelings for her, his family would never permit him to marry a girl from a humble background.
At this thought, Leng Qingqiu couldn't help but sigh. Gazing at the bright moon outside the window, her heart filled with boundless melancholy. She knew her feelings had already sunk deep. Extricating herself would likely not be an easy task.
Just then, Mrs. Leng entered. Seeing Leng Qingqiu lost in thought by the window, she asked, "Leng Qingqiu, what are you thinking about?" Leng Qingqiu quickly collected herself. "Nothing," she said. "I'm just looking at the moon." Mrs. Leng said, "It's late. You should get to bed early." Leng Qingqiu murmured an assent but did not move.
Mrs. Leng knew her daughter was troubled by something, but felt it improper to pry further. She could only sigh and turn to leave. Leng Qingqiu remained seated by the window until the moon's shadow slanted westward before finally going to bed. That night, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Her mind was a chaotic mess. She couldn't even tell if it was joy or sorrow she felt.