第十八回 谨谢主人怜不为绿叶 难明女儿意终惜明珠 (Chapter Eighteen: Grateful for the Host's Favor, Not Content as Green Leaves; Puzzled by the Maiden's Heart, Yet Treasuring the Pearl)

Now it is said that Leng Qingqiu, since receiving the silk fabric sent by Jin Yanxi that day, could not help but feel uneasy. Though born into humble circumstances, she had been well-educated since childhood and understood propriety. She knew that men and women should not exchange gifts lightly. Moreover, this was such an extravagant present.

As for Jin Yanxi, he was overjoyed. He believed that the beauty must have understood his deep affection. The next day, he found an excuse to visit Song Runqing again. In truth, he hoped to see Leng Qingqiu once more.

The two happened to meet in the study. Yanxi, under the pretense of discussing poetry, conversed with Leng Qingqiu. Leng Qingqiu spoke cautiously. Yet her occasional display of talent made Yanxi admire her even more.

Returning to her room, Leng Qingqiu recalled Yanxi’s elegant demeanor. She thought of her own situation and could not help but sigh softly. Then, she picked up a brush and wrote a short poem to express her feelings.

The poem read: 'A humble maiden of jade-like purity, / Dare not aspire to noble virtue. / Grateful for your precious sentiment, / Ashamed of lacking beauty that topples cities.' After writing it, she felt it was inappropriate. So she hid the poetry manuscript in a book.

Who would have thought that this poetry manuscript was later accidentally seen by Yanxi? This further strengthened his determination to pursue her. But this is a story for later, so we shall not dwell on it now.

Now, Mrs. Leng noticed Yanxi’s frequent visits. Although she knew he was interested in Leng Qingqiu, she worried about the disparity in social status. She feared it might not be a good match and felt anxious in her heart.

However, Song Runqing actively tried to bring them together. He believed that marrying into the Jin Family was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thus, he often spoke highly of Yanxi in front of Mrs. Leng.

Caught in between, Leng Qingqiu found herself in a dilemma. She had no choice but to shut herself in and study, avoiding the turmoil. Truly: Grateful for the host's favor, not content as green leaves; puzzled by the maiden's heart, yet treasuring the pearl.