第二十回 传字粉奁会心还密柬 藏身花架得意听娇声 (A Secret Missive, Conveyed Through a Vanity Case, Meets a Knowing Heart; Concealed by Flower Trellises, One Hears Delighted Soft Voices)

Now, both Yanxi and Leng Qingqiu were preoccupied with the same lantern riddle, eager to see its answer revealed. The following afternoon, after returning home from his morning classes, Yanxi made his way to the Leng Residence. The moment he stepped into the courtyard gate, Leng Qingqiu saw him. She smiled and said, "Seventh Master, you are indeed a man of your word, arriving so promptly." Yanxi replied, "How could I dare be unfaithful? I said I would come at this time, and here I am." Leng Qingqiu ushered him into the parlor to sit, then went to fetch a stack of paper slips. With a laugh, she said, "These are all rather rough, unfinished things. Do you think they are worth looking at?" Yanxi exclaimed, "Excellent, truly excellent! Especially this lyric to the tune of Lang Tao Sha - the phrasing is marvelous." Leng Qingqiu chuckled, "Don't just praise them; after you've looked them over, you must offer some genuine criticism." Yanxi grinned, "Certainly, certainly. But if my comments miss the mark, please do not hold it against me." Leng Qingqiu laughed, "What a thing to say! Why would I ever hold it against you?"

Yanxi read the lyric: "Before the mirror, I try a new look, lightly touching my brows. My light gauze sleeves are draped in sheer red silk. Quietly, I raise the Xiang bamboo blind; a lone parasol tree stands in the yard. / With whom can I share this hidden sorrow? My heart's affairs are dim and vague. West of the painted tower, east of the little bridge. I remember that moonlit night, when we met by chance." Yanxi read it and exclaimed repeatedly, "A fine lyric! A truly fine lyric! Miss Leng Qingqiu, does the line 'when we met by chance' refer to our first meeting?" Leng Qingqiu smiled, "How did you know?" Yanxi said, "I seem to recall we met under the corridor that evening, and it was a moonlit night, was it not? Moreover, the moon that night seemed especially bright." Leng Qingqiu pursed her lips into a smile. "You are certainly adept at interpretation."

As they were conversing, Nanny Han brought in a letter. Leng Qingqiu took it and saw it was from her uncle, Song Runqing, saying that some fellow students had invited him to a tea house at Shichahai to discuss poetry, and he would not return for dinner. Leng Qingqiu handed the letter to Yanxi. "You see, what unfortunate timing! Uncle is not home, and Mother has gone next door to the Wu residence for playing mahjong. There will be no one to prepare dinner tonight." Yanxi smiled. "What does that matter? We can simply go out to a small restaurant." Leng Qingqiu said, "That doesn't seem quite proper." Yanxi insisted, "Why shouldn't it be? It's not the first time for us. Besides, today is a special occasion; we really ought to celebrate." Leng Qingqiu thought for a moment and then agreed.

Yanxi was greatly pleased. He and Leng Qingqiu went out together immediately, took a rickshaw, and went straight to a southern-style small restaurant on Meishi Street. Yanxi was a regular at this restaurant. Without needing to be summoned, a waiter smilingly brought over the menu. Yanxi invited Leng Qingqiu to order. Leng Qingqiu demurred with a smile, "I am agreeable to anything. You order instead." Yanxi said, "In that case, I shall presume to do so." He then ordered several delicate dishes and a pot of wine. Leng Qingqiu said, "I am not much of a drinker." Yanxi reassured her, "This wine is mild. A little will do no harm." Leng Qingqiu let the matter rest.

As they ate and drank, they chatted about matters of the poetry club, finding it all most engaging. Emboldened by the wine, Yanxi gazed at Leng Qingqiu and said, "We have been acquainted for no short while now, yet I always feel there seems to be something like a veil between us." Hearing this, Leng Qingqiu's face involuntarily flushed, and she lowered her head. Yanxi asked, "Leng Qingqiu, do you mind my saying this?" Leng Qingqiu murmured softly, "Do we not see each other every day? What veil could there be?" Yanxi explained, "That is not what I mean. I feel the bond between us could stand to be a little closer." At this, Leng Qingqiu grew even more embarrassed and, to cover her confusion, turned to look distractedly at the calendar hanging on the wall.

Seeing her thus, Yanxi knew she was unwilling to consent rashly and felt it unwise to press further. After finishing dinner, Yanxi settled the bill, and the two took a rickshaw back together. When they reached her doorstep, Leng Qingqiu said to Yanxi, "Seventh Master, you may go back now. Until tomorrow." Yanxi said, "Let me see you inside." Leng Qingqiu replied, "I could not possibly trouble you so." Yanxi insisted, "What trouble is there?" So, taking Leng Qingqiu's hand, he accompanied her all the way into the courtyard. As Leng Qingqiu went to open the parlor door, she suddenly cried out, "Oh dear! The key to this door is still with Mother. What shall we do?" Yanxi said, "That is of no consequence. You can stay at my place tonight. I have plenty of spare rooms." Leng Qingqiu said, "How could that be proper?" Yanxi replied, "You are being formal again. With the friendship we share, surely you are not concerned with avoiding suspicion?" Leng Qingqiu said, "It is not about suspicion. It is simply... somewhat inconvenient."

Yanxi thought for a moment, then said with a smile, "Well then, how about this: I shall sit up for the night in Uncle's study, and you may sleep in my room. Surely that is acceptable?" Seeing his earnestness, and considering that her mother might not return for who knows how long-waiting in the courtyard was no solution-Leng Qingqiu agreed. Yanxi then led Leng Qingqiu to his room, called an amah to bring bedding, and made the bed anew. With a smile, he said, "Rest now. I shall take my leave." Leng Qingqiu said, "Please, Seventh Master, do as you must. I am truly sorry for the imposition." Yanxi said, "It is nothing. Only do not mind the poor hospitality." So saying, he closed the main quarters door for her and went to Song Runqing's study.

Here, Leng Qingqiu sat alone under the lamp, looking over the furnishings in Yanxi's room. They were elegant without being vulgar. Although it was a man's room, it everywhere possessed an aesthetic sensibility. She thought to herself, "Men can have rooms like this; why must we women be confined to such cramped quarters?" Then she thought, "When Yanxi is gentle, he is truly endearing in his gentleness. But I wonder if he is capable of constancy?" At this thought, she felt a wave of warmth flood her face. She opened the stationery box on the table, intending to find a sheet of paper to write a few lines in her diary. To her surprise, upon opening the stationery box, she found inside a small pink Western-style envelope. On it were written the words, "For the personal attention of Miss Leng Qingqiu." There was no signature below.

Leng Qingqiu's heart gave a start. "Who could have written this?" she wondered. She drew out the contents. Inside was also a pink sheet of letter paper, bearing writing in the style of new-style poetry. The poem read: "A string of pearls I had, for you, dear sister, to wear. / Disliked, you cast them ‘neath the begonia there. / Wordless, the begonia stands; the wind departs, leaving fragrance on the steps."

After reading it, Leng Qingqiu's heart began to thump wildly. She thought, "This is clearly Yanxi's writing. When did he place it here? No wonder he was so insistent that I stay in his room; this was the reason." Then she thought, "Though the poem itself is not particularly well-wrought, the sentiment behind it is rather rare." She folded the letter paper again, placed it back in the envelope, and, fearing Yanxi might return and discover her with it, hid it in the pocket of her innermost garment, close to her skin.

Just as she was about to undress and retire, she suddenly heard a rustling sound outside the window, like the friction of clothing. Leng Qingqiu, who was naturally timid, was terrified, her hair standing on end. She sat on the edge of the bed, not daring to move. After a while, the sound ceased. Thinking it must be a cat, Leng Qingqiu set her mind at ease, removed her clothing, blew out the lamp, and lay down to sleep.

Unexpectedly, in the middle of the night, she suddenly heard someone cough outside the window. Leng Qingqiu awoke with a start. Opening her eyes, she saw a dark shadow flit past the window pane. Frozen with fear, a cold sweat breaking out all over her body, she wanted to cry out but feared causing a disturbance, which might make matters worse. She could only wrap the quilt tightly around herself, even drawing her head beneath the covers.

After a while, she heard the shadow speak softly, "Sister, are you asleep?" Leng Qingqiu recognized Yanxi's voice. Her heart eased somewhat, and she said, "Is that you, Seventh Master? What are you doing here at this hour?" Yanxi said from outside, "I could not sleep. I came to see how you are." Leng Qingqiu said, "The night is late. Please return and rest." Yanxi said, "I only wish to say one thing." Leng Qingqiu replied, "Whatever it is, you can tell me tomorrow." Yanxi insisted, "No, it must be said tonight. Sister, open the door. Let me in."

Hearing this, Leng Qingqiu felt both anxious and indignant. She said, "Seventh Master, behave with propriety! If you act thus, I shall move back home first thing tomorrow." Yanxi laughed outside. "Do not be distressed. I was only teasing. Sleep well. I am going." Sure enough, she then heard the sound of footsteps slowly fading into the distance.

Only then did Leng Qingqiu heave a sigh of relief and lie down again. But her mind was in turmoil; how could she possibly sleep? Not until daybreak was approaching did she finally drift into a fitful slumber. When she awoke, the sun was already flooding the window. She hurriedly threw on her clothes and got up. Yanxi had already entered, carrying a basin of washing water. With a smile, he asked, "Did you sleep well, Sister?" Leng Qingqiu said with a set face, "Seventh Master, what was the meaning of your behavior last night?" Yanxi smiled. "There was no particular meaning. I merely wished to test your courage." Leng Qingqiu retorted, "Is that the sort of jest one makes?" Seeing she was truly angry, Yanxi made a deep bow and said with a smile, "It was a moment of foolishness on my part. I dare not repeat it. Please forgive me, Sister."

Seeing him thus, Leng Qingqiu found it difficult to say anything more. She merely sighed. "The ways of you men are truly unfathomable." Yanxi grinned. "I cannot speak for other men, but I am always thinking of you, Sister." Leng Qingqiu paid him no heed and went to wash her face. After she finished, Yanxi personally served her some pastries. Leng Qingqiu said, "Seventh Master, you are too courteous. I do not deserve this." Yanxi said, "It is nothing. So long as you are not angry, my mind is at ease."

As they were talking, they suddenly heard a burst of laughter from outside. Leng Qingqiu recognized the voices of her mother and Song Runqing returning and hurried out to meet them. As soon as Mrs. Leng entered, she laughed and said, "Leng Qingqiu, however did you come to stay over here?" Leng Qingqiu explained, "You did not return last night, Mother, and I could not get in. So Seventh Master kindly let me stay here for the night." Mrs. Leng said, "Oh, I see." Then, turning to Yanxi, she said, "We have troubled Seventh Master once again." Yanxi replied, "It was no trouble at all."

Everyone went to sit in the parlor. Song Runqing, however, clamored that he was starving and wanted to eat. Mrs. Leng asked, "Where were you last night? Why are you only returning now?" Song Runqing said, "I was with some friends at Shichahai, drinking tea and discussing poetry. Before we knew it, we talked the whole night through." Mrs. Leng laughed. "You people are truly bewitched by poetry."

Seeing the family engaged in conversation, Yanxi felt it improper to linger and rose to take his leave. Leng Qingqiu saw him out to the courtyard. Yanxi turned back and said softly with a smile, "Sister, I am truly sorry about last night." Leng Qingqiu gave him a sidelong glance but said nothing and returned to the house by herself. Yanxi went back to his own study, his heart a mixture of joy and regret. He was joyful because Leng Qingqiu must have seen the letter from the night before; he regretted having foolishly frightened her in the middle of the night, which had provoked her anger.

Just as he was pondering this, Jin Rong presented him with a letter, saying it had been delivered by someone from Miss Bai's household. Yanxi opened it and saw it was from Xiuzhu, inviting him to go to Beihai to enjoy the afternoon. Yanxi frowned. He thought, "If I do not go, she will surely be angry; but if I go, I feel I am doing Leng Qingqiu a disservice." After thinking it over for a while, he decided he had better go, if only to humor Xiuzhu. He picked up his brush, wrote a reply, and agreed.

That afternoon, Yanxi went to Beihai. He found Xiuzhu already waiting at the Wulong Pavilion. Xiuzhu was dressed with exceptional beauty today. Seeing Yanxi, she complained, "Why are you so late? I have been waiting nearly an hour." Yanxi smiled. "I met a friend on the way and exchanged a few words. That is why I am late." Xiuzhu said, "I do not believe you. You surely went to the Leng Residence again." Yanxi denied it. "Nothing of the sort."

The two strolled around Beihai for a while. Xiuzhu kept bringing up the past, while Yanxi merely gave vague, noncommittal replies. Seeing him so indifferent, Xiuzhu could not help feeling aggrieved. She said, "Yanxi, I think you have changed of late." Yanxi asked, "Changed in what way?" Xiuzhu said, "You were not like this with me before." Yanxi replied, "People always change. Moreover, we have both grown up." Hearing this, Xiuzhu's eyes reddened, and she seemed on the verge of tears. Seeing this, Yanxi felt a twinge of remorse. He said, "Let us go to Yilantang and have something to eat."

At Yilantang, they chose a seat overlooking the water. Xiuzhu gazed vacantly at the lotus flowers in the pond, lost in reverie. Yanxi asked, "What are you thinking about?" Xiuzhu said, "Nothing. I only feel life is so meaningless." Yanxi forced a smile. "How can such a lively person as you utter such disheartening words?" Xiuzhu said, "I do not know why myself." So saying, she heaved a deep sigh.

Seeing her thus, Yanxi did not know what to say and simply sat in silence. Each preoccupied with their own thoughts, their outing to Beihai became rather joyless. After sitting a while longer, Xiuzhu declared she wished to return home. Yanxi had no choice but to hire a rickshaw to take her back.

Returning to Circle Lane, Yanxi felt gloomy and disquieted. He thought, "I may have been too cruel to Xiuzhu. But if I were not, how could I disabuse her of her hopes?" Then he thought, "I wonder how Leng Qingqiu is now? After my recklessness last night, she must still be angry." At this thought, he could sit still no longer and decided to go to the Leng Residence to see her.

When he arrived at the Leng Residence, he saw Leng Qingqiu watering flowers in the courtyard. Seeing Yanxi, she merely nodded faintly and went on with her watering. Yanxi walked up to her and said with a smile, "Sister, are you still angry with me?" Leng Qingqiu replied, "Why should I be angry?" Yanxi said, "If you are not angry, why do you pay me so little heed?" Leng Qingqiu said, "I am not paying you little heed. I merely have tasks at hand."

Seeing her so cool, Yanxi grew somewhat anxious. He said, "Sister, last night was truly unintentional. Please forgive me." Leng Qingqiu said, "What is past is past. Why mention it?" Yanxi said, "I am glad you are not angry. Today at Beihai, I kept thinking of you." Leng Qingqiu asked, "You went to Beihai?" Yanxi said, "Yes. Xiuzhu invited me; I had no choice but to humor her a little." Hearing this, Leng Qingqiu gave a faint smile but said nothing.

Seeing her smile, a great weight lifted from Yanxi's heart. He said, "Sister, are you free today? Shall we go for a stroll in Central Park?" Leng Qingqiu declined, "Not today. My mother has asked me to trace some embroidery patterns for her." Yanxi asked, "What about tomorrow?" Leng Qingqiu replied, "We shall see about tomorrow."

Finding Leng Qingqiu neither encouraging nor discouraging, Yanxi could not fathom her true feelings. He could only make small talk for a while before finally taking his leave and returning home.