Explore Chapter 72 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, it is said that Yan Xi returned from outside. As soon as he entered the door, he encountered Yu Fen. Yu Fen asked, "Where have you been? I haven't seen a trace of you, you've been so busy." Yan Xi said, "I had some matters and was busy outside all day." Yu Fen said, "I saw you back only a short while ago, and then you ran out again. What is it that keeps you so occupied?" Yan Xi replied, "It's nothing urgent. Just some friends' appointments I couldn't miss." Yu Fen said, "Friends? What kind of friends? I've heard you've been quite diligent lately, either organizing a poetry club or setting up some club. Is that true?" Yan Xi laughed, "I've composed poetry a couple of times, but I dare not start a club. Do you think I have spare money to organize a club?" Yu Fen said, "You've learned to play poor. Who doesn't know your hands are quite loose?" Yan Xi asked, "Where did that come from? How would you know my hands are loose?" Yu Fen smiled, "How wouldn't I know? You spent money renting a house and buying furniture. Did you think you could hide it from me? But looking at you, it probably won't last long. Renting a house isn't a solution." Yan Xi said, "It's just for temporary fun. I'm not getting married or setting up a home there. Why would I rent a house?" Yu Fen said, "If you're not getting married, where does that leave Miss Leng?" Yan Xi said, "That's strange. What relationship do I have with Miss Leng? Why do you always link us together?" Yu Fen laughed, "You want to hide it from me? That's impossible. Which of your affairs can you keep from me?" Yan Xi said, "I'm not hiding anything. We're just friends." Yu Fen said, "Friends? Do friends give shoes and socks?" Yan Xi said, "It's just because her family is poor. Giving a little something to help her out isn't a big deal." Yu Fen smiled, "What a fine way to help! You talk well. If that's the case, why don't you dare tell your father, instead of sneaking around like this?" Yan Xi said, "It's not a bad thing. Why wouldn't I dare? But things haven't reached that point yet, so there's no need to rush and tell him." Yu Fen asked, "What point do they need to reach?" Yan Xi laughed, "That's strange again. Does sister-in-law have to interfere in such matters?" Yu Fen said, "I'm not interfering. I'm just asking. I heard you even plan to pay off someone's debts. Is that true?" Yan Xi said, "Where did that come from? Why would I pay off someone's debts?" Yu Fen said, "You deny it so cleanly. I have my sources. Don't worry. I won't meddle in your affairs. I'm just asking casually." With that, she smiled and walked away.
Yan Xi stood alone under the corridor, lost in thought. He wondered how even sister-in-law knew about this. It must have been that day when he hosted guests at home and gave himself away. There was no point worrying about it now. He just needed to be more careful in the future. But now his money was all spent. Asking his father for more would likely be difficult. What sister-in-law said about paying off the Leng Residence's debts was just a rumor. Yet the Leng Residence's current situation was indeed tight. If he didn't help, who would? Thinking this, Yan Xi couldn't wait a moment longer. He immediately took an automobile and went to Circle Lane. At this time, Song Runqing was at home. Delighted to see Yan Xi, he said, "You've come at the right time. I received a few letters from the poetry society today and was just about to discuss them with you." Yan Xi said, "Where are the letters? Let me see them first." Song Runqing took out the letters. Yan Xi glanced at them and saw they contained only routine phrases. He said, "There's nothing much to discuss. Just reply with a letter." Song Runqing said, "I think as our numbers grow, we should set a fixed address for the society. We could meet once a week. The poems composed on the spot could be shared among us. That would be better than correspondence." Yan Xi said, "I think so too. But the issue of a venue is quite troublesome." Song Runqing said, "My place has two empty rooms, but they're a bit cramped." Yan Xi said, "As long as the place is quiet, the size doesn't matter." Hearing this, Song Runqing was overjoyed. He took Yan Xi to see the rooms. They were two side rooms next to the main quarters, filled with some old furniture and tattered books. Yan Xi looked around and said, "These can be tidied up for use." Song Runqing said, "The rent would naturally be shared by the society, but we need to plan for the repair costs in advance." Yan Xi said, "That's fine. I can advance the small amount myself." Song Runqing was even more pleased to hear this.
After talking with Song Runqing for a while, Yan Xi went to the back garden to see Leng Qingqiu. Leng Qingqiu was holding a book, reading under the grape arbor. The grapevines were lush and green, blocking the sunlight. Leng Qingqiu wore a white cotton cloth jacket and a black silk skirt. She stood there quietly, like a figure from a painting. At the sight, Yan Xi couldn't help but feel a stir in his heart. Hearing footsteps, Leng Qingqiu looked up and saw Yan Xi. She smiled slightly. Yan Xi said, "Miss Leng is so diligent. On such fine weather, you're not out enjoying yourself?" Leng Qingqiu said, "I prefer quiet, so I'm here alone reading." Yan Xi said, "What good book? May I see?" Leng Qingqiu held up the book. It was a copy of Nalan's Lyrics. Yan Xi said, "I also like Nalan Xingde's lyrics. Especially those lines: 'If life were but as when first we met, why should the autumn wind grieve over painted fans? Casually the heart of an old friend changes, yet we say the heart of an old friend is fickle.' They truly stir emotions." Leng Qingqiu said, "Isn't that so? That's why people call him the eternal sorrowful soul." Yan Xi said, "But the sorrowful have their own sentiments. We shouldn't emulate his despondent tone." Leng Qingqiu said, "Naturally. We only appreciate his lyrics."
As they were speaking, Nanny Han came and said, "Is Master Jin here? Our mistress invites you to speak with her." Yan Xi said to Leng Qingqiu, "I'll come back to chat with you later." With that, he followed Nanny Han to the main quarters. Mrs. Leng asked Yan Xi to sit and first expressed her thanks. Then she said, "Master Jin, you've been so kind to us. We are truly grateful. But we feel undeserving and uneasy about accepting such favors without merit." Yan Xi said, "Please don't say that, Aunt. Since we are neighbors, we should look out for each other. Besides, these are trivial matters not worth mentioning." Mrs. Leng said, "Even so, we feel ashamed to accept. Master Jin, please don't send anything more in the future." Yan Xi said, "It's just a token of my respect. Please don't refuse, Aunt." Mrs. Leng said, "It's not refusal. We truly cannot accept. Your family is naturally wealthy and doesn't mind this. But as humble folks, we are somewhat apprehensive." Seeing Mrs. Leng's firm refusal, Yan Xi didn't press further. He said, "Since you are so polite, Aunt, I will comply from now on."
Mrs. Leng said, "Master Jin, you must have come to deliver something again this time?" Yan Xi smiled, "This time, it's not to deliver anything. I heard your household is in difficult straits, and you've always been frugal. I have a few hundred dollars that my mother gave me for pocket money. I don't need so much, so I thought to offer it for your temporary use." Hearing this, Mrs. Leng was startled. She said, "Master Jin, this must not happen. Though we are poor, we can still manage. We absolutely cannot use your money. Moreover, the money your mother gave you should be kept for yourself to buy clothing or books. How can we use it?" Yan Xi said, "This is entirely from sincerity. Please don't treat me as a stranger, Aunt." Mrs. Leng said, "It's not about being a stranger. If we use your money, what would that make us?" Yan Xi insisted repeatedly, but Mrs. Leng still refused. Yan Xi had no choice. He said, "Since you are so determined, Aunt, I cannot force you. But if you ever face any difficulties, please tell me. I will help wherever I can." Mrs. Leng said, "Thank you for your kindness, Master Jin. If we are in need, we will certainly seek your help."
Seeing that his words had no effect, Yan Xi could only take his leave. He thought to himself, her manner didn't seem like false courtesy. She genuinely refused to accept. This person has quite some integrity. But the more so, the more he wanted to help her. Since she wouldn't accept openly, he had to find a way in secret. Returning to his room, he called Jin Rong and instructed, "I have three hundred dollars here. Take it tomorrow and give it to the landlord of Number Twelve, Circle Lane. Say it's from Mrs. Leng, deposited with you, and you're entrusted to pay the rent. Be tactful. Don't let on that it's from me." Jin Rong said, "Don't worry, Seventh Master. I'll handle it properly." Yan Xi said, "Also, if the Leng Residence has any other expenses, find out. Whenever there's an opportunity, report to me." Jin Rong assented and withdrew.
Alone in his room, Yan Xi thought, I wonder how she will feel if she learns of my intentions. Someone as clever as her probably knows already. After she learns of this, she might even think more favorably of me. But then again, if she knows I'm so concerned, she might distance herself further. Because she always feels uneasy about accepting favors without merit. Turning these thoughts over, he became indecisive.
Lost in thought, he saw Zhang Shun enter with a letter, saying, "Seventh Master, a letter for you." Yan Xi took it and saw it was from Second Miss Wu. The letter said:
Reading the letter, Yan Xi wondered what she wanted to discuss. Probably borrowing money again. His own money wasn't enough. Where would he get money to lend her? But since she wrote, he couldn't refuse. Fortunately, he had nothing to do now. He would go and see what it was about.
The next day, Yan Xi took an automobile to Second Miss Wu's home. Upon entering, he saw several guests in the room, all fashionable ladies. Second Miss Wu smiled at the sight of Yan Xi and said, "You're hard to invite, but you've finally come today." Yan Xi said, "You wrote asking me to come. How could I not?" Second Miss Wu said, "I asked you here for something important. Let me introduce you to a few friends first." She then introduced Yan Xi to each of the female guests. They were all figures from social circles. Though Yan Xi didn't know them all, he had crossed paths with a couple of them. After some banter, Second Miss Wu led Yan Xi to a small inner room.
Second Miss Wu asked Yan Xi to sit, personally poured him a cup of tea, and handed it to him. Then she smiled, "I asked you here today because I truly have a favor to ask." Yan Xi said, "What is it? If I can do it, I won't refuse." Second Miss Wu said, "For you, it's certainly doable. I've been very short on money lately. Debts are pressing me to the point of suffocation. I'd like to borrow five hundred dollars from you temporarily. I'll repay you as soon as I get money next month." Hearing this, Yan Xi hesitated. He said, "Second Miss, it's not that I won't help. I've been tight myself lately. I really can't come up with a few hundred dollars." Second Miss Wu smiled, "Don't pretend to be poor. Everyone knows your hands are loose. A few hundred dollars is like a drop in the ocean for you." Yan Xi said, "It's the truth. If I had a way, last time I wouldn't have..." He trailed off. Second Miss Wu said, "Wouldn't have what? Say it." Yan Xi said, "Wouldn't have been in such a fix." Second Miss Wu said, "I don't care. You must think of a way for me. Otherwise, I won't let you leave today." Seeing her insistence, Yan Xi knew he couldn't refuse. He said, "Since that's the case, let me try to arrange it. Within three days, I'll give you a definite answer." Second Miss Wu said, "Three days? That won't do. My creditors are coming tomorrow. I need money today to get through." Yan Xi said, "I really have no way today." Second Miss Wu said, "How much do you have on you? Give it to me first to ease the urgency." Yan Xi said, "I only have a few dozen dollars on me." Second Miss Wu said, "Then give me those few dozen dollars first." Helpless, Yan Xi took out all the money he had, about seventy or eighty dollars, and handed it to Second Miss Wu. Second Miss Wu took the money and smiled, "This isn't enough, but it'll hold off for a while. For the rest, please hurry and find a way for me." Yan Xi said, "Alright, I'll do my best to arrange it."
Leaving Second Miss Wu's home, Yan Xi felt deeply vexed. He thought, I can't even manage my own affairs, and now I have this extra burden. Where will I get the money? But since he promised, he had to do it. With no choice, he returned home, thinking to ask his mother. Approaching his mother's room, he saw her speaking with Aunt Cui. Yan Xi didn't dare enter and stood outside the door. He heard his mother say, "He's been spending too much money lately. I don't know what he's doing. His expenses amount to over a thousand dollars a month." Aunt Cui said, "Young people are always like that, enjoying social engagements. In social circles, where doesn't money go?" Mrs. Jin said, "Social engagements should have limits. Spending like this, he'll run into deficits someday." Aunt Cui said, "Deficits might not happen, but one should budget when spending." Hearing this, Yan Xi knew entering would only lead to rejection. He quietly withdrew.
Back in his room, Yan Xi grew more frustrated. Where would he get five hundred dollars? There was nowhere to borrow, and he couldn't ask for it. Was he to steal or rob? As he brooded, Jin Rong entered and reported, "Seventh Master, I've done what you asked. The rent is paid to the landlord, and he gave me a receipt." He handed over the receipt. Yan Xi looked at it. It stated receipt of three hundred dollars rent from Mrs. Leng. He nodded, "Good. You didn't give anything away, did you?" Jin Rong said, "No. I said it was from Mrs. Leng, deposited with me. He didn't suspect a thing." Yan Xi said, "That's good. Does Mrs. Leng know?" Jin Rong said, "Probably not. I didn't see Mrs. Leng." Yan Xi said, "You've done well. You may go." Jin Rong withdrew.
Alone, Yan Xi thought, I advanced three hundred dollars for someone, and now Second Miss Wu is pressing for five hundred. What should I do? Thinking back and forth, he suddenly remembered seeing a check on his father's desk yesterday, probably for over a thousand dollars. Why not take it and use it first? After all, his father had many checks. He might not notice one missing. When he had money later, he could secretly replace it. With this thought, he quietly went to his father's study.
At this time, Jin Quan was sleeping inside. No one was in the study. Yan Xi looked and saw the check still on the desk. He took the check and hurried out, his heart pounding. Back in his room, he hid the check. He thought, now that he had the money, how to cash it? The check was in his father's name. If he went himself, the bank staff knew him and would tell his father. Better to send Jin Rong. Jin Rong was tight-lipped and probably wouldn't tell. He called Jin Rong and handed him the check, saying, "I have a check here. Take it to the bank and cash it." Jin Rong took the check and saw it was the Premier's check. He was startled. He said, "Seventh Master, this... this is the Premier's check. How dare I cash it?" Yan Xi said, "It's fine. The Premier knows. Because I have urgent needs, he gave me this check. Go quickly and return soon." Hearing this, Jin Rong had to agree and left.
After about two hours, Jin Rong returned carrying a leather bag with twelve hundred dollars in notes inside. Yan Xi counted the amount, took five hundred dollars, wrapped it in paper, and placed the rest in a trunk. He said to Jin Rong, "Don't tell anyone about this." Jin Rong said, "Don't worry, Seventh Master. I won't dare say a word." Yan Xi said, "You may go." Jin Rong withdrew.
Yan Xi took the five hundred dollars and went to Second Miss Wu's home. Second Miss Wu smiled at the sight of him, "Ah, you keep your word. Did you bring the money?" Yan Xi handed over the money packet and said, "Here's five hundred dollars. Count it." Second Miss Wu took it without counting and smiled, "The amount won't be wrong. Thank you. I'll repay you in a few days." Yan Xi said, "Repayment isn't urgent. Just please don't mention it to anyone." Second Miss Wu said, "I know. Don't worry."
For several days, Yan Xi felt restless and avoided meeting his father. Coincidentally, that evening, Jin Quan summoned him and asked, "I heard you've been spending a lot of money again these days. What exactly have you been up to?" Yan Xi said, "Just ordinary social engagements." Jin Quan said, "Ordinary social engagements? How can they cost over a thousand dollars a month? Tell the truth. What have you been doing outside?" Yan Xi said, "I really haven't done anything." Jin Quan said, "You still deny it! Let me ask you. I had a check for twelve hundred dollars in the study. It suddenly disappeared. Do you know about it?" Hearing this, Yan Xi's heart raced. He forced himself to stay calm and said, "I... I don't know." Jin Quan said, "You don't know? I heard someone took my check to the bank to cash it. That person seemed to be your Jin Rong. Would Jin Rong dare steal my check?" Yan Xi knew he couldn't hide it. He said, "I took the check. Because I had an urgent need, I borrowed it temporarily. I meant to tell you in a few days." Hearing this, Jin Quan flew into a rage. He said, "You beast! You dare steal my check! How dare you!" With that, he grabbed a feather duster and struck Yan Xi. Yan Xi didn't dare dodge and stood taking the hits. Mrs. Jin heard the commotion and rushed over to stop Jin Quan. She said, "What's the matter? Why such anger?" Jin Quan said, "Ask him! He dared steal my check." Mrs. Jin asked Yan Xi, "How much did you take? What did you use it for?" Yan Xi had to explain the true situation. Mrs. Jin said, "You child, you're too reckless. Though money is needed, you can't steal your father's check. Quickly apologize to your father." Yan Xi paid his respects with a formal bow to Jin Quan and said, "I was foolish for a moment. I won't dare again." Jin Quan's anger hadn't subsided. He scolded, "You good-for-nothing, get out! I don't want to see you these days." Yan Xi had to withdraw.
Here, Mrs. Jin advised Jin Quan, "Since he knows he's wrong, forgive him this once." Jin Quan said, "Forgive him? If this continues, how will he turn out! From today, I forbid him to go out. Keep him at home and make him study properly." Mrs. Jin said, "Keeping him at home isn't a solution. You must give him a chance to reform." Jin Quan said, "Alright, out of respect for you, I'll forgive him this time. But he must not step out for a month." Mrs. Jin said, "That's too harsh." Jin Quan said, "Without harshness, he won't change." With that, he stormed off to the concubine's room.
Here, Mrs. Jin called Yan Xi and said, "Your father's anger hasn't cooled. Stay home properly this month. Don't go out again." Yan Xi said, "Not going out for a month will be stifling." Mrs. Jin said, "What can be done? Who told you to do wrong? This month, read and write at home. Time will pass." Though unwilling, Yan Xi didn't dare disobey. He agreed.
From that day, Yan Xi was indeed confined at home, unable to step out. How could he sit still? He went daily to the Leng Residence to chat. Fortunately, the Leng Residence was just separated by a wall, making visits convenient. Leng Qingqiu didn't mind his daily visits. They talked poetry, joked, and laughed. The days passed easily.