Explore Chapter 75 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 shared excursion in the carriage, Jin Yanxi found his thoughts increasingly preoccupied with Leng Qingqiu, constantly scheming how to draw closer to her. As fortune would have it, this day was Leng Qingqiu's birthday. Yanxi, having prepared several days prior, planned to host a modest celebratory feast on his own tower. Fearing she might refuse, he first asked Song Runqing to extend the invitation, claiming it was merely a small gathering of a few acquaintances, not to be made public. Leng Qingqiu was initially reluctant, but under Song Runqing's repeated urging and Mrs. Leng's counsel that such warm hospitality was hard to decline, she had no choice but to accept.
When the day arrived, Yanxi had the small building meticulously arranged, adorned with colorful silks and potted flowers, and instructed the cook to prepare several light and delectable dishes along with a fine pot of huadiao wine. In the afternoon, Leng Qingqiu applied a light touch of makeup and, accompanied by Nanny Han, came through the wall gate. Yanxi was already waiting at the foot of the stairs. He saw Leng Qingqiu wearing a lined qipao the color of lotus root, embroidered with pale green bamboo leaves, over which was a moon-white soft satin vest. With a light dusting of powder, she appeared even more refined and ethereal. Yanxi said with a smile, 'The birthday star has arrived. Please, come upstairs and sit.'
The two ascended the small building. Leaning against the window, they gazed into the distance. The Western Hills were at the peak of their autumn splendor, crimson and golden leaves dotting the dark green pines and cypresses like a painted scroll. Yanxi offered Leng Qingqiu the seat of honor, personally poured a cup of wine, and presented it to her, saying, 'A humble cup of wine, merely to express my respect. May your youthful beauty endure forever and your studies advance daily.' Leng Qingqiu accepted it, thanking him, 'You have gone to so much trouble, Mr. Jin. I truly do not deserve it.' She then raised her own cup in return.
Seated opposite each other, they sipped wine and conversed about poetry, literature, painting, and calligraphy, finding themselves in agreeable accord. Noticing her fondness for the scenery outside the window, Yanxi remarked, 'The autumn colors of the Western Hills differ with each season. In spring, the mountain flowers bloom in profusion; in summer, dense shade shelters from the sun; in autumn, the forests are dyed in layers as you see now; and in winter, the snow lies pristine and white, offering a unique beauty of serene stillness. If you like, we could take a stroll at the foot of the hills another day when the weather is fine.' Leng Qingqiu smiled and nodded.
After several rounds of wine, Yanxi noticed a faint blush on Leng Qingqiu's cheeks and a lively sparkle in her eyes, which added a touch of delicate charm beyond her usual grace. His heart swelled with affection, and he said, 'On such a fine day as yours, we cannot be without poetry. I happened upon a line the other day: "Autumn hues from the tower furnish the poet's thought," but have yet to complete it. I wonder if you have an exquisite line to offer?' Leng Qingqiu thought for a moment, then smiled and said, 'I am but a beginner in the way of poetry. I venture this line: "Spring breeze at the curtain recognizes the painter's design." I wonder if it can barely make a match?' Yanxi clapped his hands in praise. 'What a splendid line! "Spring breeze at the curtain recognizes the painter's design." The parallelism is precise, the conception excellent-a perfect pairing indeed. It seems my poetry society must invite you to join.' Leng Qingqiu hastily demurred, 'That was merely a haphazard attempt. How could I presume to join your esteemed society?'
Chatting and laughing, they scarcely noticed the sun's shadow slanting westward. Yanxi ordered the remnants of the feast cleared and fragrant tea and fruits brought forth. Leng Qingqiu made to rise and take her leave, saying, 'I have trespassed upon your hospitality for half a day; it is time I returned.' Yanxi would not hear of it. 'Wait a moment,' he said. 'There is something I wish you to see and appreciate.' With that, he retrieved a brocade box from the inner chamber. Inside lay a pair of mutton-fat jade bracelets, warm, smooth, and flawless. Yanxi said, 'A trifling gift, as a birthday token. Please do not refuse.' Seeing them, Leng Qingqiu immediately waved her hand. 'How can this be acceptable? It is far too precious. I absolutely cannot accept.' Yanxi countered, 'These are no rare treasures, merely trinkets. Since we address each other as friends, this is but a birthday courtesy. Why stand on ceremony? If you do not accept, you are looking down on me.' Leng Qingqiu refused several times, but Yanxi simply would not yield.
Just as they were locked in this polite struggle, Nanny Han came upstairs and said with a smile, 'Young lady, Master Jin's sincerity is evident. Please accept it. I shall explain matters to the Madam.' Left with no alternative, Leng Qingqiu offered her thanks and received the brocade box. Overjoyed, Yanxi added, 'Tonight, there is a lantern festival at the New Market south of the city. I hear it is extremely lively, with all kinds of festive lanterns and fireworks. I wonder if you might have the inclination to go and see it together?' Leng Qingqiu felt somewhat weary, but seeing Yanxi's high spirits, she could not bear to disappoint him. Moreover, the prospect of seeing lanterns intrigued her, so she nodded her assent.
Thus, the two descended the stairs. Yanxi had already ordered a carriage prepared. Leng Qingqiu returned home to rest briefly, changed into a heavier overcoat, informed her mother, and then departed with Yanxi by carriage for the New Market. By now, lanterns were just beginning to glow. The market was a sea of people, and indeed, lanterns of every description vied in novelty and artistry. Stalls selling various snacks and curiosities added to the bustle, their vendors' cries filling the air incessantly.
Fearing Leng Qingqiu might be jostled by the crowd, Yanxi stayed close by her side, shielding her protectively. After watching the lanterns for a while, they saw fireworks set alight in an open space. A riot of colors blossomed, illuminating the night sky as bright as day. Leng Qingqiu tilted her head back to watch; the flickering firelight played upon her face, alternating light and shadow, making her all the more captivating. Yanxi, standing beside her, gazed entranced, feeling that this very scene, this very moment, was the pinnacle of earthly joy.
After the fireworks concluded, the crowd gradually dispersed. Noticing a trace of weariness on Leng Qingqiu's face, Yanxi said, 'Let me see you home.' They exited the market and got into the automobile. On the road, Leng Qingqiu suddenly said, 'Thank you for today. I was very happy.' Hearing this, Yanxi felt a surge of ineffable sweetness. He replied, 'As long as you are happy, I would gladly accompany you like this every day.' Leng Qingqiu offered a faint smile but said nothing in reply.
When the automobile reached the entrance to her lane, Leng Qingqiu alighted. Yanxi escorted her all the way to the wall gate, watching her enter before turning back. That night, Yanxi savored the events of the day. Tossing and turning, unable to sleep, his heart was filled with the image of Leng Qingqiu. He felt that even the autumn hues from the tower and the spring breeze at the curtain had acquired a soulful vibrancy because of her. Meanwhile, Leng Qingqiu returned to her chamber. Facing the pair of jade bracelets and her own heart in quiet tumult, she too remained unsettled for a long while. Outside the window, the autumn moon shone bright and clear.