Explore Chapter 88 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.
Since Jin Quan's death, the family fortunes had declined daily. It was becoming difficult to manage all the household expenses. One day, Jin Yanxi gathered all the servants and declared, "The household's circumstances are no longer what they used to be, and we truly cannot afford to support so many people. From today on, everyone should disperse and seek other paths."
Hearing this, the servants exchanged glances, some crestfallen, others whispering among themselves. The old servant Li Sheng stepped forward and said, "Seventh Master, we have served the Jin Family for so many years. To be dismissed so suddenly... what is to become of us?"
Jin Yanxi sighed. "I am left with no choice. Our family's savings are now depleted, and the days ahead will be difficult. It is better for everyone to make plans early. Each of you shall receive three months' wages, as a small token of my gratitude."
Upon hearing this, though reluctant, the servants understood that the situation was beyond recall. In less than half a day, they packed their luggage, collected the money, and departed one after another. The vast Jin Residence instantly fell silent.
While the servants were dispersing, word arrived from elsewhere: Leng Qingqiu had given birth to a boy in Falling Flowers Lane. The neighbors whispered among themselves, "This child was born in the eighth month. Reckoning the days, it must have been conceived when the Jin Family was at its zenith."
Jin Yanxi, upon learning of Leng Qingqiu's delivery, was assailed by a tumult of emotions. He slipped quietly to Falling Flowers Lane and stood outside the Leng Residence, not daring to enter. From within, he could hear nothing but the infant's crisp, loud cries.
Mrs. Leng, holding her grandson, said to Leng Qingqiu, "The child has fine, clear features - he takes after you. But to be born at a time like this... who knows how much hardship awaits him in the years to come."
Outside the window, a desolate autumn wind sighed, sending yellow leaves fluttering in a melancholy dance.
Jin Yanxi stood outside the door for a long time, then finally turned and left. He knew he was incapable of fulfilling a father's duties, and could only let others point and gossip.
Returning to the desolate, empty residence, he saw a neglected courtyard crisscrossed with cobwebs. The past splendor seemed no more than a dream. Yanxi sat alone in the main hall, gazing at his father's portrait as tears began to flow freely down his cheeks.