Explore Chapter 84 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, ever since Leng Qingqiu’s departure, Jin Yanxi was filled with bitter discontent. He would often wander alone in the rear garden, recalling the splendor of bygone days and contrasting it with his present, dismal circumstances.
One day, as the sun set in the west, Yanxi came again to the garden. He saw only withered plants and trees, a desolate autumn scene that further deepened his melancholy. He strolled aimlessly to the lake’s edge. Gazing at his own reflection in the water, he could not help but heave a long sigh.
Suddenly, someone called from behind him. "Seventh Master, why do you stand here in a daze?" Yanxi turned and saw it was his former servant, Jin Rong. Jin Rong stepped forward to pay his respects. Yanxi smiled bitterly. "What 'Seventh Master' remains now? I am but a man down on his luck."
Jin Rong said, "Why must you abandon yourself, Seventh Master? The affairs of this world are ever-changing. Gains and losses are fated. Better to ease your heart and mind and seek some diversion." Yanxi shook his head. "Diversion from where? My heart is dead. Only here in this garden can I find a semblance of peace and leisure."
After conversing a while longer, Yanxi sent Jin Rong on his way. He himself continued his slow walk along the garden path. Arriving beside the rockery, he saw a pavilion and went in to sit down. All around was silence. He heard only the wind rustling through the leaves.
Yanxi thought of his whole life, entangled by love, driven by gain. In the end, it had all come to nothing. He could not help but intone, "Gains and losses, how could they spur ambition? At leisure, alone, I grieve." Finishing the verse, his tears fell like rain.