Explore Chapter 82 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, since returning from the park that day, Yanxi had been feeling deeply despondent. Leng Qingqiu noticed his troubled expression and asked him several times, but Yanxi only claimed he was unwell. Knowing he was hiding something, Leng Qingqiu did not press further.
One day, while idling in his study, Yanxi suddenly received a call from Xiuzhu, inviting him to meet at a cafe that evening. Yanxi hesitated for a moment before agreeing. After hanging up, he saw Leng Qingqiu standing at the door. He hurriedly explained it was a friend's invitation. Leng Qingqiu gave a faint smile and turned away.
That evening, Yanxi went to the meeting. Xiuzhu had been waiting for a long time. As soon as they met, she complained that Yanxi had been neglecting her. Yanxi said, "Recently, my father has been unwell, and there are many matters at home. I really haven't had time." Xiuzhu sneered, "I'm afraid you've been spending time with your wife instead." Yanxi fell silent.
Xiuzhu continued, "I heard that Prime Minister Jin is seriously ill. Your brothers are all scheming in their own ways. You should make plans early." Yanxi said, "I can't be bothered with these matters." Xiuzhu said, "Even if you don't bother, others won't let you off. Your eldest and second brothers, aren't they all eyeing the family property?"
When Yanxi returned home, he saw that the light in Leng Qingqiu's room was already out. He sat alone in the living room for a while. Recalling Xiuzhu's words, he felt uneasy. Suddenly, he heard footsteps. It was his mother, Mrs. Jin, coming over. Mrs. Jin said, "Why aren't you asleep so late?" Yanxi replied, "I can't sleep." Mrs. Jin sighed and said, "Your father's condition has worsened. The doctor says he needs rest. You brothers should behave and not upset him."
The next day, Yanxi went to see his father. Jin Quan was lying in bed, his face pale. Seeing Yanxi arrive, he waved for him to sit down. Jin Quan said, "Old Seven, you're not young anymore. It's time to settle down. If anything happens to me, this family will rely on you all to support it." Yanxi said, "Don't worry, Father. Focus on recovering."
Jin Quan shook his head. He said, "I know my own illness. I'm not worried about your eldest or second brothers. But you, since childhood, you've been pampered. I'm afraid you'll be taken advantage of." Yanxi was deeply moved and almost shed tears.
After leaving his father's room, he encountered his eldest brother, Feng Ju. Feng Ju said, "Old Seven, remember Father's words." Yanxi nodded.
As soon as they met, Xiuzhu cried. She said her family was forcing her to marry and demanded that Yanxi give her an answer. Yanxi said, "What answer can I give? I'm already a married man." Xiuzhu said, "I don't care. If you won't let me down, then divorce and marry me." Yanxi shook his head.
When he returned to the city, it was already late. Suddenly, he saw a funeral procession on the street. There were plain carriages and white horses, looking utterly desolate. Yanxi thought of life's impermanence and felt even more lost.
That night, Yanxi dreamed he was in a wilderness, besieged on all sides. He woke up in a cold sweat. Leng Qingqiu was awakened and asked, "What's wrong?" Yanxi said, "I had a nightmare." Leng Qingqiu took his hand and said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here."