Explore Chapter 81 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.
After Leng Qingqiu departed, Jin Yanxi had been mired in melancholy all day. That evening, while reading in the study, he suddenly heard a chorus of bird calls outside the window. It was the sound of birds flying back to the forest to roost.
Yanxi laid down his book and walked to the window. The moon was hazy, and tree shadows swayed. Just as he was lost in thought, a murmur of angry words drifted from next door. Though low, the voices were clear. It was several servants whispering about family affairs-how the master's temper had soured lately, how the young masters each nursed their own worries, and how trouble might be brewing at home. Upon hearing this, Yanxi felt even more agitated.
At that moment, Nanny Han brought in a cup of tea and placed it on the table. Yanxi turned and saw the shadow in the cup swaying, like a small snake slithering. He started. Upon closer look, it was merely the shadow of a tree branch outside the window, reflected in the cup and moving with the wind, resembling a serpent's shadow. Yanxi knew it was his own unsettled mind, the illusion of a snake in a cup, and he smiled bitterly.
After sitting awhile, Yanxi grew bored and left the study to stroll in the courtyard. The night was deep and still, with only the occasional sound of carriages and horses in the distance.
Suddenly, rapid footsteps echoed from the alley. Then an automobile sped past, its headlights lighting up half the sky. Yanxi recognized it as the family's automobile. He wondered who was still out and about so late.
Just as he was perplexed, Jin Rong came running in from outside, panting heavily. He said, "Seventh Master, something terrible has happened. Third Master has gotten into trouble outside. The master wants you to go quickly." Upon hearing this, Yanxi hurriedly asked what had occurred, but Jin Rong couldn't explain clearly and only urged him to hurry.
Yanxi had no choice but to return to his room and change his clothing, then followed Jin Rong out. On the street, they saw the automobile already parked there, with the driver waiting anxiously.
Yanxi got into the car, and the automobile drove toward the city outskirts. Along the way, Yanxi felt uneasy. He didn't know what trouble his third brother Peng Zhen had stirred up this time. Outside the window, trees rushed backward. The night was deep and dark, with only the headlights illuminating the road ahead.
Before long, they arrived at the foot of the Western Hills. A villa stood there, brightly lit. Yanxi got out and went inside. He saw his father Jin Quan sitting in the living room, his face ashen. Peng Zhen stood nearby, head bowed and silent.
Yanxi stepped forward to pay his respects. Jin Quan snorted and said, "Your third brother has been fooling around outside and almost got someone killed. Go and see how to handle it." Only then did Yanxi learn that Peng Zhen had quarreled with someone, come to blows, and injured the other party, who was now in the hospital. Jin Quan was furious and had called Yanxi to help deal with the aftermath.
Yanxi had to comfort his father, then went to ask Peng Zhen for details. Peng Zhen hemmed and hawed, saying it was a moment of impulse. Yanxi sighed and made phone calls to contact the hospital and lawyers. He worked until dawn before preliminarily settling the matter.
Returning home, Yanxi was utterly exhausted but couldn't sleep in bed. He recalled the angry words he had heard, the illusions he had seen, and the speeding car in the evening alley. He felt only that the family was fraught with troubles and the future was uncertain.