Explore Chapter 17 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.
Seeing an automobile waiting nearby, Song Runqing pitied the fuel it would consume. He reckoned he could save the fare allotted for today as well as the cost of a rickshaw ride to the playhouse for a show, which pleased him greatly. Therefore, approaching from the side gate, he went straight to the main entrance of the Jin residence and asked the gatekeeper to announce him. Yanxi did not come out to greet him at the gate but first had a servant invite him to the drawing room. Having removed his hat and holding it respectfully, Song Runqing entered, bowing repeatedly along the way. Yanxi noticed he wore a new woolen suit that day, no longer presenting the shabby, pedantic appearance of before. Yanxi thought to himself that, perhaps because his siblings spoke well of him, Song was now making an extra effort to be presentable. He promptly urged his guest to sit and exchanged a few pleasantries. Song Runqing said, "I have come today to beg a favor of Seventh Master." Yanxi replied, "There is no need to say it. It must concern the position at the Beijing Library for Mrs. Leng. I have spoken earnestly to my father, and he is quite willing to help. An announcement is likely within a day or two." Taken aback that Yanxi guessed correctly at once, Song Runqing smiled and said, "Seventh Master is exceptionally astute, so I need not elaborate. Yet a difficulty remains. Although the Lengs are merely lodging at my humble home, they are southerners with no social connections. I fear that taking up the post alone would pose many inconveniences. I wondered if Seventh Master could help further by somehow securing a residence for them?" Yanxi said, "I had considered that already. There are a few small rooms beside our house that have long been vacant. I intended to let them to the Lengs so we might look out for one another. However, Mrs. Leng is a very quiet soul, unlike others who readily socialize with new neighbors. Thus, I hesitated to mention it." Song Runqing said, "What does that matter? They are but a wall away. She is no fool-how could she fail to appreciate your kindness?" Yanxi smiled. "Even so, without a proper reason, asking her to rent might arouse suspicion. When you return, Mr. Song, do not say they are our vacant rooms. Merely say you are introducing a house belonging to another. If she agrees, then matters will proceed smoothly." Song Runqing said, "An excellent plan. I shall follow it precisely. However, I believe Mrs. Leng does not desire a lively place; somewhere quiet will suffice." Yanxi said, "She will surely be satisfied here. Not only are there several large pine trees in the courtyard, but the rooms are tidy and clean, quite pleasant. And..." At the word "and," Yanxi himself laughed. He paused, then continued, "And the servants in my household are all well-mannered. There is absolutely no clamor or disturbance." Song Runqing, noticing Yanxi's halting speech, grew slightly suspicious. Yet his words seemed reasonable, so Song did not press further. Yanxi kept him for a meal and then personally saw him out the main gate.
After returning, Song Runqing said to Mrs. Leng, "We had just spoken of moving, and coincidentally, someone wishes to let a house. The landlord is also an acquaintance of mine, a relative of the former Police Commissioner, with no one else in residence. Moreover, there are two large pine trees in the courtyard, lending an air of secluded elegance." Hearing it was a relative of the former Police Commissioner, Mrs. Leng thought the landlord must be from a respectable family and consented. The next day, Song Runqing went to deliver the reply. Yanxi kept him in the study for a simple meal and stated he was willing to let the house to the Lengs for fifty dollars a month. He also provided an inventory of the furnishings for Song Runqing to take back for their perusal. Song Runqing, eager to move out of his poor lodgings, did not stand on ceremony with Yanxi. He took the list to show Mrs. Leng. Upon examining it, Mrs. Leng saw it included a brass bed, a small sofa, and a set of new wooden furniture, all of fine quality. There was also a radio. Mrs. Leng remarked, "For a solitary, impoverished woman with bare walls to suddenly display such furniture seems somewhat incongruous, does it not?" Song Runqing said, "That is no hindrance. We can simply say it is borrowed." Mrs. Leng said, "What manner of person is this landlord? Not only lending us these furnishings but offering such a low rent-only fifty dollars a month. Others would likely charge eighty or ninety for such a place." Song Runqing said, "Perhaps the landlord is not pressed for money. Or maybe the house has some flaw, hence the low price. It is hard to say." Mrs. Leng said, "I have seen the house. It is truly fine, not only without flaws but luxuriously decorated. How are we fit to live in such a place?" Song Runqing said, "I believe the landlord must know Seventh Master. Seventh Master likely asked him to let it to us, hence such favorable terms." Mrs. Leng said, "If that is so, we are even more unwilling. Though poor, we are a scholarly family. How can we take advantage of another's kindness? I think you should convey to Young Master Jin our gratitude for his generous intentions, but we cannot accept the house." Song Runqing said, "His intentions are wholly good, and he is most enthusiastic. To refuse thus would cause him to lose face. After we move in, we can thank him amply." Mrs. Leng said, "That would be acceptable."
Two more days passed. Song Runqing then brought Mrs. Leng and Leng Qingqiu to see the house. Yanxi's side had already made preparations. A small courtyard greeted them with two pots of newly bloomed osmanthus. Within were three rooms, two bright and one dark, their walls papered to a gleaming white. The floor was lacquered wood. From the main beam hung a large safety lamp, its glass shade entirely draped in white gauze. The room held a suite of green leather sofas. Four spring chairs with white slipcovers were arranged around a round table. Against the walls stood four tall glass cabinets displaying various antiques. Though not ornate, upon entering, one's senses were met with a rich fragrance-the scent of pine needles carried by the breeze from the two trees. Seeing the furnishings, Leng Qingqiu felt already partly inclined. Mrs. Leng also found the place agreeable. After discussing with Song Runqing, they decided to move. Once settled, Song Runqing busied himself with Mrs. Leng's appointment to the government offices. Yanxi also recommended two clerks from the official bureau to assist him, so Song Runqing began going to the government offices daily as well.
Thus, only Mrs. Leng and her daughter remained in the courtyard. Leng Qingqiu, now with many books and magazines and the radio for diversion, did not feel lonely. Each day, besides reading a few pages, she played the harmonium or chatted with Nanny Han. One morning, as she was reading, she heard someone in the courtyard ask, "Is Miss Leng at home?" Leng Qingqiu answered and glanced through the glass window. It was Yanxi. She hurried out and invited him to sit in the drawing room. Yanxi inquired, "Is Mr. Song not at home?" Leng Qingqiu replied, "He has gone to the government offices. To what do we owe the honor of your visit today, Seventh Master?" Yanxi said, "I heard Miss Leng had moved and came specifically to see. How is the house? Does it suit?" Leng Qingqiu said, "It is too fine. For a humble family like ours, such a good house seems somewhat mismatched." Yanxi smiled. "Please do not be modest. Your family is of scholarly lineage, merely in temporary straits. Once Mrs. Leng takes up her post at the Beijing Library, your household will gradually become more lively." Leng Qingqiu smiled. "We owe much thanks to Seventh Master for your help." Yanxi asked, "Is there anything amiss with the house?" Leng Qingqiu said, "Everything is good. I am most satisfied." Yanxi said, "We are neighbors now. Should you find any shortcoming, please do inform me promptly." Leng Qingqiu smiled. "Certainly. But we have just moved and are unfamiliar with everything. I fear we might trouble Seventh Master instead." Yanxi, seeing Leng Qingqiu speak with such natural grace, was secretly pleased. He inquired, "Is it just Miss Leng and your mother at home now?" Leng Qingqiu said, "And my uncle." Yanxi said, "Ah, yes. Mr. Song is likely out during the day. Surely you still require domestic help?" Leng Qingqiu said, "We used to have a maid. After moving, Nanny Han manages everything. There is no need to hire additional help."
As he spoke, Yanxi stole glances at Leng Qingqiu. She wore a long cloth gown patterned with pale ink bamboo leaves on a white background. Her glossy black braid and completely unpowdered face made her appear even more delicate and refined. Her fine features evoked the ancient line: ‘The lotus rises clean from clear water, adorned by nature alone.’ He mused to himself. Smiling, he asked, "Besides reading and writing, what other pastimes does Miss Leng enjoy?" Leng Qingqiu smiled. "I am a quiet person, mostly indoors, seldom venturing out." Yanxi said, "Would that not grow dreary?" Leng Qingqiu smiled. "I have a childlike streak. Planting flowers and bamboo indoors can pleasantly occupy half a day." Yanxi said, "Your home has many plants. I noticed them upon entering. I too have a small garden, but it is rather untidy and not well-kept." Leng Qingqiu said, "We also plant casually. It hardly merits being called a garden." Yanxi said, "The weather is fine. May I invite Miss Leng to my place for a visit?" Leng Qingqiu said, "Thank you, Seventh Master. I have some matters to attend to today. I shall pay a visit another day." Yanxi, feeling she comported herself without any trace of pettiness, was quite satisfied. He sat a while longer and then took his leave.
From that day onward, Yanxi visited frequently, using calls upon Song Runqing as a pretext to see Leng Qingqiu. Grateful for his help, Leng Qingqiu did not avoid him. One evening with splendid moonlight, Yanxi walked into the courtyard and saw Leng Qingqiu sitting on the veranda gazing at the moon. He slowly approached. Hearing footsteps, Leng Qingqiu turned and promptly stood up. Yanxi asked, "Miss Leng, not retired yet?" Leng Qingqiu said, "The moonlight is lovely tonight, so I sit here to enjoy it." Yanxi said, "Indeed, the moonlight tonight is truly beautiful. I too came out for a stroll because of it." Leng Qingqiu asked, "Has Seventh Master dined?" Yanxi replied, "I have. And your family?" Leng Qingqiu said, "We have as well." After these pleasantries, they fell silent, standing quietly to watch the moon. The orb rose slowly from the eastern locust tree branches to the zenith-a sudden surge of silvery radiance in a jade vault untouched by dust. Yanxi remarked, "The ancients said, ‘Viewing a beauty under the moon makes her appear even more spirited.’ I only truly believe that today." Leng Qingqiu said, "Seventh Master teases again." Yanxi said, "I speak in earnest, not in jest. If you doubt me, walk over there under the moonlight. Allow me to judge." Leng Qingqiu indeed walked under the moonlight, and Yanxi followed. Leng Qingqiu asked, "What does Seventh Master wish to judge?" Yanxi said, "Stand still. I shall begin my appraisal." Leng Qingqiu said, "Very well, please proceed." Yanxi looked and said, "This truly matches the verse: ‘The moon goddess must regret stealing the elixir, alone in the blue sea of sky, her heart is night after night.’" Leng Qingqiu said, "Seventh Master is quoting poetry again." Yanxi said, "It is not that I intentionally show off erudition. Because you stand within the moonlight, it illuminates your whole person as if you were carved from crystal. That is why these lines came to mind." Leng Qingqiu said, "Seventh Master truly knows how to jest." Yanxi said, "I speak truthfully, not in jest. Miss Leng, do you not feel it?" Leng Qingqiu lowered her head slightly and said nothing. Yanxi said, "I have something for you. Can you guess what?" Leng Qingqiu said, "I cannot guess." Yanxi said, "Naturally you cannot. If you could, you would not need my gift." He then took a brocade box from his pocket and handed it to Leng Qingqiu. Leng Qingqiu said, "Thank you, Seventh Master. I dare not accept such a valuable gift." Yanxi urged, "Open it first and see what it is." Leng Qingqiu opened it to find a string of pearls. She said, "Such a precious item, I truly dare not accept." Yanxi said, "What is this? It is merely a trinket." Leng Qingqiu said, "For Seventh Master to give such a valuable item, there must be a reason." Yanxi said, "There is naturally a reason, but I fear if I tell you, you will not accept it." Leng Qingqiu said, "Please speak." Yanxi said, "We have known each other, and I have never given you anything. This is the first. Secondly, I feel Miss Leng is very composed in all matters, save one: you are too casual about adornment." Leng Qingqiu said, "What has this string of pearls to do with adornment?" Yanxi said, "It matters greatly. Nowadays, fashionable ladies all wear pearls. Miss Leng is usually too plain. So I give this to you so you may be fashionable too." Leng Qingqiu smiled. "I am comfortable as I am. Wearing bright clothing and such jewelry would feel awkward." Yanxi said, "That is because you are unaccustomed to it. Wear it awhile, and it will feel natural." Leng Qingqiu held the pearls, pondering silently. Yanxi pressed, "Miss Leng, please accept them. I did not buy them myself. They were given to my mother. I thought them fine and specially brought them for you." Leng Qingqiu said, "How can I accept something so precious?" Yanxi said, "If you stand on such ceremony, you look down on me." Leng Qingqiu said, "I absolutely do not mean that. But accepting such a generous gift makes me uneasy." Yanxi said, "Do not be uneasy. I would be very happy if you would accept my gift." Seeing his insistence, Leng Qingqiu had no choice but to accept.
The next day, Leng Qingqiu bought several gifts and had Nanny Han deliver them as a return courtesy. Seeing that Leng Qingqiu had accepted the pearls and sent gifts in return, Yanxi felt even more assured. From then on, Yanxi came to Leng Qingqiu's side at least twice daily, bringing either fresh flowers, fruit, or newly published books. Leng Qingqiu also treated him as a good friend, not strongly refusing. But Mrs. Leng was a prudent person. Seeing Yanxi visit so often regardless of the hour, she said to her daughter, "Although Young Master Jin is our benefactor, we are after all a family of modest means. His frequent visits might invite gossip from outsiders." Leng Qingqiu said, "I have thought of that too. But when he comes with such warm sincerity, we cannot refuse. In the future, when he comes, Mother can sit with us. Then it should be fine." Mrs. Leng said, "How can I accompany him every time? Moreover, an old woman like me sitting with young people is somewhat inconvenient." Leng Qingqiu said, "Then, when he comes, I shall say Mother is occupied and invite him to sit in the drawing room. I will converse with him from the adjoining room." Mrs. Leng said, "That is also improper. He is a guest. How can we slight him so? Ultimately, we should not have rented this house. It is too close to his home." Leng Qingqiu smiled. "When renting, Mother agreed too. Now you say this." Mrs. Leng said, "At that time, how could I have foreseen this turn of events?"
Two more days passed. It was Sunday, and Song Runqing was also at home. He was discussing literature with Leng Qingqiu when Yanxi arrived again. Seeing him, Song Runqing said, "Seventh Master comes at an opportune moment. I have a question to ask." Yanxi said, "What question?" Song Runqing said, "I read a poem a few days ago containing the lines, ‘The moon over the sea, pearls have tears; / The sun warms Lantian, jade engenders smoke.’ How should ‘pearls have tears’ be interpreted?" Yanxi replied, "These are two lines from Li Shangyin's poem ‘The Ornate Zither.’ Commentators have differing views. Some say it laments a deceased wife, others say it expresses self-pity. ‘Pearls have tears’ likely conveys a sense of sorrow." Song Runqing said, "Now I understand." Listening from the side, Leng Qingqiu thought to herself, ‘He does possess some literary substance, not merely a frivolous young master.’
After sitting awhile, Yanxi invited Song Runqing and Leng Qingqiu to a restaurant for dinner. Song Runqing, a gourmand, naturally agreed upon hearing a restaurant invitation. Leng Qingqiu originally did not wish to go, but Song Runqing repeatedly urged and Yanxi earnestly invited, so she reluctantly consented. At the restaurant, Yanxi asked them to sit and handed the menu to Leng Qingqiu to order. Leng Qingqiu said, "Anything is fine." Song Runqing said, "Then I shall take the liberty." He ordered several delicate dishes. Yanxi then took a flat silver case from his person, opened it to reveal rouge and powder, and offered it to Leng Qingqiu, saying, "This is from Shanghai. A gift for you." Leng Qingqiu said, "Thank you. I seldom use such things." Yanxi said, "What woman does not like rouge and powder? Besides, this is not ordinary-it is genuine Parisian goods." Seeing his earnestness hard to refuse, Leng Qingqiu had to accept.
After the meal, Yanxi suggested going to a movie. Leng Qingqiu said, "We have been out quite a while today. I think I shall return first." Song Runqing said, "It is still early. Going to a movie would be nice too." Yanxi added, "The film is not bad." Leng Qingqiu said, "I am truly somewhat tired and wish to rest." Yanxi said, "Since Miss Leng wishes to return, I shall drive you back." So the three took the automobile and headed home. At their doorstep, Leng Qingqiu and her mother alighted, thanked Yanxi, and went inside.
Back in her room, Mrs. Leng asked, "Why are you back so late today?" Leng Qingqiu said, "Young Master Jin treated us to dinner, and we talked for a long time. Hence the lateness." Mrs. Leng said, "If he invites you to eat, you go. For a young woman to often dine out with others is not quite proper." Leng Qingqiu said, "Uncle was there too." Mrs. Leng said, "Your uncle, as long as there is food, cares little about such proprieties. I observe this Young Master Jin pays you much attention. You should be careful." Leng Qingqiu said, "I know. I shall interact with him less from now on."
So she said, but Yanxi's gifts kept arriving. Fabrics one day, perfume the next. Leng Qingqiu refused them all, but Yanxi then had Song Runqing deliver them. Song Runqing, an honest man, felt obliged to return favors and thus actively mediated. Caught between them both, Leng Qingqiu felt increasingly at a loss. One day, Leng Qingqiu deliberately found an excuse to go out with Nanny Han to avoid Yanxi. Returning, she saw Yanxi's automobile parked at the gate again and knew he had come. She quietly entered through the back door and went to her room. On the table was a large bouquet of fresh flowers with a small note tucked beneath the vase. Leng Qingqiu picked it up and read: "Came twice today but missed you both times. Very disappointed. These flowers are for you. Please accept them. Yanxi." Leng Qingqiu brought the flowers to her nose; they were fragrant. She thought to herself, although this person has some playboy tendencies, towards me, he seems sincere. Just then, she heard footsteps in the courtyard. She quickly placed both the flowers and the note into a drawer.
Just as she finished, Yanxi entered, smiling. "Miss Leng, you have returned? I came several times today." Leng Qingqiu asked, "What business brings Seventh Master here?" Yanxi said, "I purchased some new records and wished to invite Miss Leng over to listen." Leng Qingqiu said, "Thank you. I have a bit of a headache today and wish to rest." Seeing her indifference, Yanxi did not press further. He sat a while and then left.
From then on, Leng Qingqiu consistently avoided Yanxi. Out of ten visits, Yanxi failed to see her nine times. Song Runqing, knowing Leng Qingqiu's temperament, dared not force the matter further. Yanxi felt Leng Qingqiu was intentionally avoiding him and grew perplexed. He thought, I have not offended her. Why has she turned so cold? Could Mrs. Leng have said something? So he turned to inquire through Song Runqing. Song Runqing said, "My niece has a peculiar temperament. What she does not wish for, no one can force. I think Seventh Master has done his utmost for her. Let nature take its course from now on." Hearing this, Yanxi knew Song Runqing could not help either and had to give up. But his heart remained unsettled. He would peer through the gap in the wall several times a day.
One day, he saw Leng Qingqiu reading in the courtyard and called out with a smile, "Miss Leng." Leng Qingqiu turned, nodded, and resumed reading. Yanxi then walked over through the gap. Leng Qingqiu had to put down her book and stand up. Yanxi remarked, "Miss Leng is so diligent. Truly admirable." Leng Qingqiu said, "Idle with nothing to do, just reading to pass the time." Seeing her reply still distant, Yanxi grew somewhat anxious. He said, "Miss Leng, I have something to ask, though I do not know if I should." Leng Qingqiu said, "Please speak." Yanxi said, "I feel Miss Leng has grown rather distant from me lately. I do not know the reason." Leng Qingqiu said, "That must be Seventh Master's over-sensitivity. Are we not the same as before?" Yanxi said, "If the same, why did I come several times and not see you?" Leng Qingqiu said, "I happened to be out." Yanxi asked, "Where did you go?" Leng Qingqiu replied, "To the library to read." Yanxi said, "Oh, I see. I thought I had offended you." Leng Qingqiu said, "Seventh Master is too sensitive." Seeing her replies remain cool and detached, his own full warmth met with none of hers. He felt somewhat dejected, sat a while, and then returned to his own quarters.
After he left, Leng Qingqiu also felt uneasy. She thought, treating him this way is too unfeeling. But then she reconsidered: if not like this, he would press further, leading to endless entanglement and more trouble. So, though inwardly somewhat sorry, outwardly she had to maintain a calm and composed demeanor.
Yanxi returned to his room, disheartened. He thought, I have never met a woman like this. I treat her so well, yet she remains so cold. Does she disdain me as a frivolous young master, unworthy of being her friend? But judging from her uncle's manner, it does not seem so. He actively brings us together. He turned it over and over in his mind but could find no explanation. Finally, he suddenly remembered: Leng Qingqiu is fond of literature. The topics I have discussed with her are probably superficial, failing to engage her interest. In the future, I should discuss literary matters with her. Perhaps then we can grow closer.
Having decided, the next day he went to Liulichang to buy several newly published literary works and brought them to Leng Qingqiu. Seeing him arrive with books, Leng Qingqiu was somewhat surprised. Yanxi said, "These books I purchased just today. Hearing they are good, I bought them for Miss Leng." Leng Qingqiu said, "Thank you. Will Seventh Master not read them?" Yanxi said, "I am a layman in literature and might not comprehend them. I would rather seek Miss Leng's instruction." Leng Qingqiu said, "Seventh Master is too modest." She took the books and skimmed through them. Seeing they were translated Western novels, she remarked, "I actually like this kind of book." Seeing her smile, Yanxi's spirits lifted. He inquired, "Do you enjoy novels, Miss Leng?" Leng Qingqiu said, "When bored, I read some." Yanxi asked, "Which authors do you favor most?" Leng Qingqiu said, "Comparatively, I prefer traditional Chinese novels. Western novels always feel somewhat distant." Yanxi said, "Indeed, Chinese novels possess their own distinct flavor. A book like 'Dream of the Red Chamber' is truly endlessly re-readable." Leng Qingqiu said, "I also enjoy 'Dream of the Red Chamber,' but I feel its characters dwell in excessive opulence. Works like 'The Scholars,' depicting the shabby circumstances of poor scholars, feel more intimate and relatable." Seeing her willing to discuss literature, Yanxi felt inexpressible pleasure. He said, "Miss Leng's insight is quite sound. I wonder what Miss Leng thinks of the new literature?" Leng Qingqiu said, "I have read some new literary works. While there are good ones, I feel some are overly Westernized, losing the essential Chinese character." Yanxi said, "I share the same feeling. Does Miss Leng enjoy composing poetry?" Leng Qingqiu said, "Occasionally I attempt a few lines, mere scribbles, hardly worthy of being called poetry." Yanxi said, "Miss Leng is too modest. I must read your compositions sometime." Leng Qingqiu said, "I dare not show such trifles to others."
The more they talked, the more they found common ground. Leng Qingqiu felt Yanxi was not wholly ignorant of literature; moreover, he spoke knowledgeably, unlike typical frivolous young masters who concerned themselves only with pleasure. Thus, her impression of Yanxi changed somewhat, not as cold as before. Yanxi, seeing Leng Qingqiu willing to engage in lengthy conversation, knew his plan had succeeded and grew even more spirited. He chatted freely about all manner of topics. They talked until the sun set in the west. Leng Qingqiu offered, "Would Seventh Master stay for a simple meal today?" Yanxi had been hoping for just such an invitation and promptly agreed. "That would be excellent, though I impose upon you once more." Leng Qingqiu said, "It is merely a humble home-cooked meal, nothing special to show our respect." She then asked Nanny Han to prepare dinner.
Dinner was served in the drawing room. Leng Qingqiu and Yanxi sat opposite each other. Mrs. Leng, feeling it somewhat improper, pleaded a headache and remained in her room. Leng Qingqiu kept Yanxi company during the meal. Yanxi found this dinner particularly savory. Afterward, Leng Qingqiu personally brewed a pot of tea. They sat under the lamplight and conversed a while longer. Yanxi did not take his leave until ten o'clock.
From that day forth, the affection between Yanxi and Leng Qingqiu deepened daily. Yanxi visited Leng Qingqiu's side every day, and Leng Qingqiu sometimes went to stroll in Yanxi's garden. One day, Leng Qingqiu noticed a copy of 'Ci Lü' (Rules of Song Lyrics) on Yanxi's desk and picked it up to browse. Yanxi asked, "Is Miss Leng also interested in song lyrics?" Leng Qingqiu replied, "I like them very much, but I do not understand their rules." Yanxi said, "The rules are not difficult. With more reading and exposure, one naturally comprehends." Leng Qingqiu said, "Could Seventh Master instruct me?" Yanxi said, "I dare not presume to instruct. We can study together." Leng Qingqiu said, "In that case, I shall take Seventh Master as my teacher." Yanxi smiled. "I dare not be a teacher. Let us be fellow students." Leng Qingqiu also smiled.
From that day, Yanxi studied poetry and song lyrics with Leng Qingqiu daily. Leng Qingqiu was clever and quick to learn. In less than half a month, she had grasped most of the rules governing song lyrics. One day, Leng Qingqiu composed a lyric to the tune of 'Lin Jiang Xian' (Immortal by the River) and showed it to Yanxi. Yanxi took it and read.
It read: "Green wutong leaves fall in autumn's hush; / By the book window, one leans against the dressing tower. / A soft golden breeze bears parting sorrow. / A line of new geese passes, / Alone, lean not upon the balustrade. // Where to send these lingering, secluded thoughts? / Cold crickets' intermittent chirps chant of autumn. / Moonlight bright as water shines on the lucid stream. / To whom may I confide this feeling? / In solitude, I lower the curtain hook."
After reading, Yanxi praised it repeatedly. "Truly unexpected. In such a brief time, Miss Leng has achieved this. A true gift." Leng Qingqiu said, "Seventh Master, do not overpraise. I merely scribbled." Yanxi said, "This lyric is tender in sentiment, mournful in cadence. Placed among ancient collections, it could pass as genuine. I shall treasure it carefully." Leng Qingqiu said, "It is not worth treasuring."
Yanxi placed this lyric in a brocade box and often took it out to look at, loving it more each time. He thought to himself, such a talented and sensitive woman is truly rare. No matter what, I cannot let her slip away.
Thus, Yanxi's admiration for Leng Qingqiu grew even more profound. Besides studying poetry with her daily, he kept her company in conversation, unwilling to be apart for even a moment. Leng Qingqiu also felt her affection for Yanxi deepening with each passing day. Though inwardly somewhat apprehensive, she could not suppress the burgeoning feeling.