Explore Chapter 87 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 Jin Yanxi married Leng Qingqiu, their household had been fraught with discord. Leng Qingqiu, hailing from a scholarly family, was aloof by nature. Though she enjoyed wealth and comfort in the Jin Family, she often longed for her homeland, nurturing thoughts of departure.
One day, Yanxi returned late at night due to his busy social engagements. Leng Qingqiu sat alone under the lamplight, flipping through her old poetry manuscript. Seeing many verses expressing homesickness, she could not help but shed tears. Nanny Han, by her side, consoled her, "Why grieve, young mistress? Seventh Master treats you with great affection." Leng Qingqiu shook her head without replying.
Meanwhile, the scribe Jin Rong, having incurred huge debts from gambling, developed treacherous intentions. Recalling an old case from years past that involved the Jin Family's secrets, he used it to blackmail them, betraying the kindness the Jin Family had shown him in the past.
Jin Rong seized an opportunity and said to Yanxi, "Seventh Master, I have a favor to ask. If you are willing to assist me financially, I will reveal a secret to you." Yanxi was astonished and inquired further. Jin Rong then mentioned the old case, and upon hearing this, Yanxi was greatly shocked.
It turned out that this case concerned the Jin Family's reputation. Yanxi dared not delay and had no choice but to agree to Jin Rong's request. However, he felt resentful in his heart and returned home in low spirits.
Leng Qingqiu noticed Yanxi's unusual expression and asked about the predestined affinity. Yanxi briefly recounted the matter. Leng Qingqiu sighed, "Within the family, there is actually someone so ungrateful. It truly chills the heart."
From then on, Leng Qingqiu felt even more that the Jin Family was not a place to stay long. She secretly packed her belongings, preparing to return to her natal home. Yanxi, though sensing something, was too entangled with affairs to inquire in detail.
After receiving the money, Jin Rong did not keep his mouth shut. Instead, he leaked the old case to the outside, causing rumors to spread. Everyone in the Jin Family, from top to bottom, knew of this matter and discussed it incessantly.
Yanxi, struck by this blow, grew increasingly irritable. Leng Qingqiu had firmly decided to leave, and their relationship gradually grew distant.