第十五回 盛会伴名姝夫人学得 令仪夸上客吉士诱之 (Chapter Fifteen: A Grand Gathering with Famous Beauties, Where the Lady Acquires New Arts; Elegant Demeanor Praised by Distinguished Guests, as the Gentleman Begins His Courtship)

After Yang Shenji had departed, Yanxi made his way to the drawing room. There he found Second Miss Wu conversing with two gentlemen in Western suits. Upon seeing Yanxi, Second Miss Wu rose promptly to introduce them: "This is Mr. Meng, and this is Mr. Zhu, both newly returned from England." The two gentlemen in Western suits greeted him with meticulous courtesy. Yanxi exchanged pleasantries with them before taking a seat. After sitting for a while, he remarked, "Just now, outside the pavilion, I heard the two of you playing the piano. It was truly exquisite. Might I trouble you for another piece?" The gentleman surnamed Zhu smiled and replied, "'Excellent' is far too generous a term. We were merely amusing ourselves on such a fine day. We've heard that Mr. Jin is also a skilled pianist, and we would be honored to learn from you." Yanxi demurred, "I am a complete novice, merely toying with a few notes for diversion. I can hardly lay claim to the art of piano playing." Second Miss Wu chuckled, "Why such excessive modesty? We all know each other's capabilities well enough." Knowing she intended to stir trouble, Yanxi ignored her and addressed the two men: "Having just returned from abroad, you gentlemen likely have not yet had the chance to thoroughly appreciate the scenery of Beijing. This place, the Western Hills, though not famed for spectacular views, is remarkably serene and tranquil. You might consider lingering here a while longer." The one surnamed Meng smiled and said, "We plan to stay for several days precisely to tour all the nearby sights."

After conversing with them for some time and finding little of interest, Yanxi returned to the area outside the pavilion. There he found Xiuzhu and Mei Li, both pouting with evident displeasure. Yanxi asked, "What's the matter now? Why such long faces?" Mei Li complained, "It seems our table has been overlooked. Look, the others have already finished their beer and ice cream, while we still sit here waiting." Yanxi smiled and said, "There's no need for that. The Western waiter probably missed us. I shall go and call him." So saying, he entered the pavilion and summoned the waiter, who promptly brought over beer, soda water, and ice cream. Only after tasting her ice cream did the smile gradually return to Mei Li's face.

Xiuzhu, however, remained silent, merely lowering her head to fiddle with a small silver spoon before her. Yanxi inquired, "Are you still upset? Have I somehow offended you?" Xiuzhu retorted, "How could you possibly offend me? You, who make a specialty of offending me-why should I even bother being angry?" Seeing her in this state, Yanxi knew she was succumbing to one of her petty moods and could only offer an appeasing smile. "Let us say I misspoke, alright? We came out to enjoy ourselves today. Why be so discontented?" Xiuzhu said, "What discontent? I saw you all laughing and conversing merrily. Did I not seem perfectly happy?" Yanxi knew her remark alluded to Second Miss Wu's party. He replied, "We are all friends. Exchanging a few words upon meeting is perfectly natural. Why be so oversensitive?" Xiuzhu countered, "What oversensitivity? I possess no such feelings to speak of. You are the sensitive one."

Witnessing their bickering, Mei Li laughed and said, "You two are truly a pair. The moment you meet, you start sparring. Seventh Brother, let us not sit here any longer. Let's go and explore the mountain." Yanxi agreed, "Very well, let us ascend and take in the view." So saying, he stood up. Though displeased, Xiuzhu had no choice but to rise as well. The three left the pavilion and began a leisurely climb up the mountain path. By now, the sun had tilted westward, casting long, slanted shadows of the trees upon the ground. A cool breeze wafted from the wooded shade, imparting a sudden, invigorating freshness to the spirit. Yanxi drew a deep breath and exclaimed, "Where in the city can one find air as pristine as this?"

As they walked, two figures suddenly flitted through the woods ahead. Yanxi, with his keen eyesight, thought their silhouettes resembled Leng Qingqiu and a female companion. His heart stirred. He said to Xiuzhu and Mei Li, "Please continue at a gentle pace. I shall go ahead to investigate." With that, he quickened his steps to catch up. After a short pursuit, the two figures had already rounded a hillside and vanished. Yanxi stood upon the slope, gazing ahead. All he saw was a vast expanse of lush, emerald foliage covering the mountain-no trace of any human presence remained. He wondered to himself: Could my eyes have deceived me? Yet I distinctly saw two individuals, one in white attire who looked very much like Leng Qingqiu. How could she be here? Perhaps I was mistaken.

He was thus lost in thought when Xiuzhu and Mei Li caught up. Mei Li asked, "Seventh Brother, what did you see? Why did you run so swiftly?" Yanxi replied, "Nothing of consequence. I thought there might be an interesting spot ahead, but upon reaching it, I found it rather ordinary." Xiuzhu gave a cold laugh. "I doubt you were looking for an interesting 'spot.' More likely, you were looking for an interesting person." Hearing this, Yanxi could not help but blush. He said, "You are speaking nonsense again. Besides us, who else could be on this mountain?" Xiuzhu said, "Why not? Just now I clearly saw two women passing along that path over there. If you weren't going to see them, what was your purpose?" Seeing that she had witnessed it, Yanxi knew he could not conceal the truth and smiled, saying, "I was merely curious-my glance merely happened to fall that way out of curiosity." Xiuzhu retorted, "Curious? I believe you had an ulterior motive. No wonder you were so insistent on coming to the Western Hills today. You must have arranged a rendezvous." Yanxi exclaimed in agitation, "That is a gross injustice! If I had arranged to meet someone, why would I have come with you?" Mei Li also interjected, "Sister Xiuzhu, please do not wrong Seventh Brother unjustly. I was the one who telephoned him to come to the Western Hills today."

Seeing Mei Li defend Yanxi, Xiuzhu felt even more disgruntled. She said, "Very well, let us say I have wronged him. You are family, so naturally you stick together. I am an outsider; anything I say is futile." With that, her eyes reddened, and she strode hurriedly ahead. Mei Li glanced at Yanxi and pursed her lips, signaling him to comfort Xiuzhu. Yanxi, however, was preoccupied with thoughts of Leng Qingqiu and had little inclination to console Xiuzhu. Yet, seeing her upset, he felt obliged. Catching up a few steps, he walked alongside her and said, "What is the matter now? Why upset again? If I truly had arranged to meet someone, I would..." Before he could finish, Xiuzhu interrupted, "You would what? You would pay me no further mind, would you not? I have long known you find me tiresome and wish I would not accompany you." Yanxi said, "I never harbored such a thought. Please do not be so suspicious." Xiuzhu retorted, "What suspicion? What concern is it of mine whom you befriend? It has nothing whatsoever to do with me."

Though her words were sharp, her footsteps gradually slowed. Perceiving a softening in her tone, Yanxi seized the opportunity to crack a few jokes and succeeded in amusing her. The three lingered on the mountain a while longer. Seeing dusk approaching, they took a carriage back to the city. Yanxi first escorted Xiuzhu home, then returned with Mei Li.

Upon arriving home, Yanxi's thoughts kept returning to the figures he had glimpsed during the day. The more he pondered, the more convinced he became that it was Leng Qingqiu. He thought: If she came to the Western Hills with a female classmate for amusement, that would be a common occurrence. Why not visit Song Runqing tomorrow and, in the course of conversation, attempt to glean some information?

The next day, Yanxi rose early and went to the Leng Residence. Song Runqing had just finished breakfast and was immensely pleased to see Yanxi, promptly inviting him to sit. Yanxi asked, "Have you composed any poetry lately, Mr. Song?" Song Runqing replied, "I have written two pieces and was just about to seek your esteemed opinion." So saying, he produced a sheet of poetry manuscript and handed it to Yanxi. Yanxi received it, gave it a cursory glance, and offered praise: "Excellent, truly excellent. Your poetry shows even greater refinement, Mr. Song." Song Runqing swelled with pride upon hearing this.

After discussing poetry for a while, Yanxi asked, as if incidentally, "The weather was splendid yesterday. Did you venture out for a stroll, Mr. Song?" Song Runqing said, "Yesterday I remained at home, sorting through old books, and did not go out. I heard the autumn foliage at the Western Hills is particularly fine. I had wished to go see it, but it was a pity I had no one to accompany me." Yanxi said, "I also went to the Western Hills yesterday." Song Runqing remarked, "Oh? You went to the Western Hills yesterday, Seventh Master? Did you go alone?" Yanxi replied, "No, I went with my younger sister and a friend. On the mountain, we thought we caught sight of Miss Leng. I wonder if it was indeed her?" Song Runqing said, "Is that so? Leng Qingqiu was at home yesterday and did not go out. Perhaps you were mistaken, Seventh Master." Hearing this, Yanxi felt a twinge of disappointment and said, "Then it must have been my error."

The two conversed a while longer before Yanxi took his leave. He remained puzzled, thinking: I saw it quite clearly. How could I be mistaken? Perhaps Song Runqing was unaware that she went out? Or is he deliberately concealing it from me?

Lost in these thoughts, he walked on and unconsciously arrived at the gap in the wall. There he saw Nanny Han hanging laundry in the courtyard on the other side. Yanxi called out, "Nanny Han." Nanny Han turned and, seeing Yanxi, smiled and said, "Young Master Jin, you have only just arrived and are leaving already?" Yanxi replied, "I came to converse with Mr. Song for a few words. Is your young lady at home?" Nanny Han said, "She is indoors, reading." Hearing this, Yanxi's heart stirred once more.

He returned to his study, restless, finding it impossible to either sit still or settle his mind. Jin Rong entered and inquired, "Seventh Master, why have you returned so early today?" Yanxi said, "No particular reason. I simply came back early. How is the task I entrusted to you progressing?" Jin Rong reported, "The rooms have been newly papered, and the furniture is mostly procured. Everything should be fully arranged by tomorrow." Yanxi said, "Very good. Go and hasten them again tomorrow. The sooner, the better." Jin Rong assented and withdrew.

Yanxi thought to himself: Once the rooms are arranged, I can move in. Then, as close neighbors, meeting her will become much easier. Only, her demeanor toward me remains distant and elusive. I must devise a way to make her aware of the depth of my earnest feelings.

He pondered the matter back and forth, when suddenly an idea occurred to him. Opening a drawer, he retrieved an exquisite diary notebook, then took a fountain pen from his breast pocket. After a moment's contemplation, he wrote a few lines in the notebook. Reading it over, he felt dissatisfied, tore it out, and began anew. He repeated this process three or four times before finally completing a short letter. It read:

"My Esteemed Miss Leng Qingqiu,
Since first beholding your graceful countenance, my admiration has grown ever deeper. During my excursion to the Western Hills yesterday, I seemed to witness a celestial being alighting upon this mortal earth, a sight which has left my heart utterly enchanted. I lament that I possess no phoenix's wings to draw near, and can only cherish this longing gaze from afar. Now that my humble new dwelling is prepared, I venture to extend an invitation for your precious presence, that I might often receive your enlightened guidance. What greater felicity could there be? Enclosed is a trifling token, offered as a mere expression of my sincere heart. I humbly beg your indulgence in accepting it.
With deepest respect,
Yanxi"

Having written the letter, he sought out a small brocade box, carefully folded the letter, and placed it inside. Then he considered what gift to send. It must be both precious and refined to be worthy of her. After some thought, he summoned Jin Rong and instructed him to go to a reputable jeweler's and purchase a pair of pearl earrings, regardless of price, as long as they were of the finest quality.

Jin Rong returned over an hour later. He produced a velvet box; opening it revealed a pair of pearl earrings, the pearls large, perfectly round, and radiant. Yanxi examined them with great satisfaction. He then placed the earrings within the brocade box alongside the letter.

He wondered: How should I deliver this? To send it via Jin Rong would seem too abrupt and presumptuous. It would be better if I could find an opportunity to present it to her in person. But when might such a chance arise?

As he was thus pondering, the melodious notes of a piano suddenly drifted from the neighboring courtyard. It was a Western tune, simple yet elegant. Yanxi's heart stirred. He thought: That must be her playing. Why not use this as a fated pretext to go over and see?

With this thought, he took the brocade box, left his study, and walked through the gap in the wall to the Leng Residence side. He saw Leng Qingqiu sitting beneath the corridor eaves, playing the piano while facing a pot of chrysanthemums in the courtyard. That day she wore a pale blue cheongsam, her face free of cosmetics, which made her appear even more refined and captivating.

Yanxi dared not disturb her and quietly stood behind a crabapple tree, listening to her play. Leng Qingqiu finished a piece, glanced up, caught sight of Yanxi, and could not help a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She ceased playing.

Yanxi stepped forward and said with a smile, "You play most beautifully, Miss Leng." Leng Qingqiu rose and replied, "You flatter me, Young Master Jin. I am but a beginner, playing merely for my own amusement." Yanxi asked, "That piece was most elegant. May I inquire its name?" Leng Qingqiu answered, "It is a foreign melody called 'Autumn Night.'" Yanxi remarked, "No wonder. It carries a distinctly autumnal sentiment, very much in harmony with your own refined temperament."

Hearing this, Leng Qingqiu blushed once more and lowered her head, her fingers lightly tracing the hem of her dress. Seizing the moment, Yanxi produced the brocade box. He said, "I have a small token I wish to present to you, Miss Leng. I wonder if you would honor me by accepting it?" Leng Qingqiu saw the exquisite brocade box and immediately shook her head. "Young Master Jin, I really cannot accept this. You have already bestowed so many gifts upon us. We feel deeply indebted."

Yanxi insisted, "It is nothing of great value, merely a small token of my sincere esteem. If you refuse, it would mean you look down upon me." So saying, he extended the brocade box toward her. Leng Qingqiu hesitated for a moment. Seeing Yanxi's earnest demeanor, she had no choice but to accept it, saying, "Then I thank you, Young Master Jin."

Delighted that she had accepted, Yanxi said, "There is also a letter inside the box. Please, Miss Leng, read it later at your leisure. I shall disturb you no further." With that, he bowed slightly, turned, and retraced his steps.

Leng Qingqiu carried the brocade box back to her room and opened it. Inside lay a pair of dazzling pearl earrings and a delicately folded letter. She looked at the earrings first, inwardly astonished. She thought: How can I accept something so valuable? Then she read the letter. Its words were both tactful and earnest, the handwriting elegant and graceful. She read it twice, her face growing warm and her heart fluttering, uncertain of how to respond.

After some deliberation, she returned both the earrings and the letter to the box, hid it in a drawer, and dared not let her mother know. Yet she found herself thinking constantly of the words in the letter and of Yanxi himself.

From that day forth, an intangible connection formed between Yanxi and Leng Qingqiu. Though their interactions remained outwardly reserved, a tacit understanding had taken root in their hearts. Truly:

"Hearts linked, a tacit understanding grows, / No need for words profound affection shows. / The pearl though small, bears sentiment untold; / Within its glow, a future love takes hold."