第二十四回 远交近攻一家连竹阵 上和下睦三婢闹书斋 (Chapter Twenty-Four: Befriend the Distant and Attack the Near-A Family’s Intertwined Bamboo Formation; Harmony Above and Below-Three Maids Cause a Commotion in the Study)

Now that Jin Yanxi had secured Leng Qingqiu's consent, he was overjoyed and began to make preparations for the wedding. However, his family was an exceedingly complex extended household, and his father, Jin Quan, was a stern old politician who habitually interfered in the actions of his sons. Before obtaining his family's approval, Yanxi absolutely dared not make this marriage matter public. Therefore, while planning how to raise funds, he also pondered how to broach the subject with his family. That afternoon, he spent hours in his study thinking, yet still could not devise a proper approach.

When evening came, he slipped out as usual to the Leng Residence to chat with Song Runqing. In their conversation, Yanxi deliberately steered the talk toward Leng Qingqiu. 'Your niece is truly a woman of talent,' he said. 'What subjects is she studying at school?' Song Runqing replied, 'She merely idles through middle school, hardly engaged in any specialized learning.' Yanxi said, 'I see she is quite fond of literature and is sure to achieve great things in the future. I would very much like to invite her to my poetry club, where we could study together. I wonder if that would be possible?' Hearing this, Song Runqing was filled with joy. 'That would be splendid,' he said. 'I only fear she lacks the attainment to study alongside a man of your caliber.' Yanxi demurred, 'You are too modest, Mr. Song. I have long been acquainted with your niece's talents. We would also hope for your frequent guidance.' Song Runqing said, 'I am not up to the task. However, my niece does have some grounding in classical literature. If you do not mind, Mr. Jin, I could have her come often to seek your advice.'

Yanxi found these words perfectly to his liking. 'That would be excellent,' he said. 'Our poetry club plans to hold its inaugural meeting at my home next Sunday. I shall send over an invitation later and hope you and Miss Leng will honor us with your presence.' Song Runqing assured him, 'Certainly, certainly. My niece and I will definitely attend.' Seeing his agreement, Yanxi was overjoyed. After sitting a while longer, he took his leave and returned home.

Yanxi went straight to the main quarters to see his mother, Mrs. Jin, upon returning home. Mrs. Jin was playing mahjong with her three daughters-in-law. Seeing Yanxi enter, she said, 'Why are you back so early today?' Yanxi replied, 'There's a matter I need to discuss with you, Mother.' Mrs. Jin said, 'What is it this time? Nothing but a request for money, I suppose.' Yanxi laughed. 'You guessed correctly, Mother. But this time, I need the money not for idle expenses, but for a proper undertaking.' Mrs. Jin queried, 'What proper undertaking could you have? It's all just feasting and pleasure-seeking.' Yanxi insisted, 'Not at all. I wish to organize a poetry club, inviting a few friends to study literature at home.' Mrs. Jin remarked, 'Since when have you taken a liking to literature? That is a good thing. But how much money do you need to organize this poetry club?' Yanxi said, 'Not much. Two or three hundred dollars for some books and stationery should suffice.' Mrs. Jin conceded, 'That sum is nothing. If you truly apply yourself to studying, I shall give it to you.' Seeing his mother agree, Yanxi was greatly pleased and said, 'Thank you, Mother. I will certainly devote myself to study.'

Mrs. Jin stopped him. 'Don't thank me just yet. I have another question. Who are the members of this poetry club?' Yanxi answered, 'A few old classmates, Mr. Song Runqing, and a certain Miss Leng.' Mrs. Jin asked, 'Miss Leng? Is she the one who sent us that embroidery last time?' Yanxi confirmed, 'That's her.' Mrs. Jin observed, 'This young lady seems quite virtuous. Who else is in her family?' Yanxi replied, 'Just her mother and an uncle.' Mrs. Jin inquired, 'Is it a scholarly family?' Yanxi said, 'Yes. Her late father was also a scholar.' Mrs. Jin concluded, 'That is good then. When you invite her, be sure to entertain her properly and not breach etiquette.' Yanxi agreed repeatedly and withdrew.

With his mother's permission, Yanxi proceeded unhindered. He instructed Jin Rong to purchase books and stationery while personally writing invitations to the club members. Apart from Song Runqing and Leng Qingqiu, the friends he invited included Hua Boping, Liu Weiran, Zhu Yishi, and five or six others. All were good friends of his who loved dabbling in literature. Upon receiving his invitations, they all promised to arrive punctually.

Come Sunday, Yanxi rose early and supervised the servants in preparing the study. He also placed several pots of fresh flowers in the courtyard and hung a few birdcages, creating an elegant and refined atmosphere. By ten o'clock, Hua Boping, Liu Weiran, Zhu Yishi, and the others had arrived in succession. Yanxi ushered them into the study, and they chatted about trivial matters for a while. Shortly after, Song Runqing arrived as well. Only Leng Qingqiu was missing. Yanxi grew quite anxious and kept going to the doorway to peer out.

After another while, a rickshaw pulled up to the entrance, and Leng Qingqiu alighted. Today, she wore a pale blue silk blouse with a black gauze skirt. A light touch of makeup made her appear even more delicately beautiful. Yanxi hurried out to greet her, smiling. 'Miss Leng, you've come. Welcome, welcome.' Leng Qingqiu gave a slight nod and followed Yanxi inside.

Everyone rose to greet Leng Qingqiu upon seeing her. Yanxi made the introductions and asked her to take a seat. Finding herself the only woman in a room full of men, Leng Qingqiu felt somewhat embarrassed and kept her head lowered in silence. Hua Boping, being the most articulate among them, engaged her in light conversation, gradually easing her reserve.

Soon, the servants laid out a feast. Yanxi invited everyone to the table. They seated Hua Boping in the place of honor and Leng Qingqiu in the second seat. The rest took their places in order. Yanxi personally poured the wine, and everyone drank heartily. During the banquet, Hua Boping proposed that each person compose a poem to commemorate the founding of the poetry club. Everyone agreed. They called for the servants to bring paper and brushes, and each person bent their head in thought.

Leng Qingqiu also composed a quatrain and wrote it down. Yanxi took it and read:

'Deep in the little courtyard, green moss spreads where it may; / Tea roses fade, then locust blossoms hold sway. / At leisure, I wield my brush to portray / Mandarin ducks-each character sighs in dismay.'

Yanxi could not help but exclaim in admiration. 'Miss Leng, your talent is truly swift. This poem is so full of tender sentiment. I am impressed.' Hua Boping also took it to read and remarked, 'It is indeed a fine poem-fresh, graceful, and distinctly a maiden's hand.' Praised thus, Leng Qingqiu felt bashful and said, blushing, 'They are just a few random lines, not worth a connoisseur's smile.'

After more conversation and laughter and a few more cups of wine, the feast finally concluded. Yanxi saw the others off but detained Leng Qingqiu alone. 'I have a few books I'd like to ask you to take home and read,' he said. Unaware of his scheme, Leng Qingqiu followed him back into the study.

Once inside the study, Yanxi closed the door. Smiling at Leng Qingqiu, he said, 'In truth, I have an important matter to discuss with you today.' Leng Qingqiu asked, 'What matter?' Yanxi declared, 'I have long admired you. Today, having this rare opportunity, I must beg you to grant my request.' Upon hearing this, Leng Qingqiu's face flushed instantly. 'Mr. Jin, what are you saying? We are merely literary acquaintances. How can you speak of such things?' Yanxi insisted, 'Literary friendship is good indeed, but my feelings for you cannot stop there. Pity my foolish heart, I beg you, and consent.' As he spoke, he stepped forward, reaching for Leng Qingqiu's hand.

Leng Qingqiu hastily retreated several steps and said sternly, 'Mr. Jin, please behave with propriety! Though I am but a humble girl, I understand propriety, righteousness, integrity, and honor. If you carry on so wildly, I shall have to leave at once.' Seeing her anger, Yanxi quickly apologized with a smile. 'Miss Leng, do not be angry. I was simply unable to restrain myself and spoke in error. Please forgive me.' Leng Qingqiu replied, 'I hope you will not speak such words again, Mr. Jin, lest we both be embarrassed.' So saying, she made to open the door and leave.

Yanxi blocked the doorway. 'Miss Leng, please do not go. I have a serious matter to discuss with you.' Leng Qingqiu asked, 'What serious matter could you have?' Yanxi said, 'I truly have a serious request for you-concerning our marriage. I have already spoken with my mother, and she approves. I wonder what your thoughts are?' Hearing this, Leng Qingqiu's heart stirred, but she maintained a calm composure. 'Marriage is a lifelong affair, not to be treated lightly. Though my family is humble, I cannot casually consent to anyone.' Yanxi responded, 'I understand your meaning-you fear I lack sincerity. I can swear to heaven: if I, Jin Yanxi, harbor the slightest deceit, may heaven strike me dead!'

Hearing him speak thus, Leng Qingqiu's heart softened somewhat. In a low voice, she said, 'I understand your intention. But in this matter, I must consult my mother before I can decide.' Yanxi was overjoyed. 'As long as you consent, I can go and beseech the old lady.' Leng Qingqiu cautioned, 'Do not be hasty. Let me return home and discuss it with my mother first.' Yanxi pressed, 'Then may I come tomorrow for your answer?' Leng Qingqiu nodded.

Seeing her consent, Yanxi felt as if a great weight had been lifted. He opened the door and escorted her out, accompanying her all the way to the main gate and watching her board her carriage before returning.

Back in his study, Yanxi's happiness was beyond words. Thinking that Leng Qingqiu had already agreed to the marriage, he began planning how to proceed. It suddenly occurred to him that this matter still required Song Runqing's approval first, for Song Runqing was Leng Qingqiu's uncle and held a father's authority. If he agreed, Mrs. Leng would naturally not refuse.

With this in mind, he called for Jin Rong to summon Song Runqing. Soon Song Runqing arrived. Yanxi invited him into the study, and after he was seated, said, 'Mr. Song, I have an important matter I wish to discuss with you today.' Song Runqing asked, 'What matter, Mr. Jin?' Yanxi replied, 'It concerns the matter of marriage between myself and your niece. I have already expressed my feelings to her, and she has consented, but she says she must consult her mother. I believe your generous assistance will be needed with the old lady.'

Hearing this, Song Runqing was inwardly delighted, though he pretended to ponder on the surface. 'This matter is good, indeed, but my relatives' family is humble. I fear they are unworthy of such a high match.' Yanxi demurred, 'Please do not say such things, Mr. Song. I have always admired Miss Leng's talent. To marry her would be my honor. What talk of high or low?' Song Runqing said, 'Since you are so sincere, Mr. Jin, I shall naturally do my utmost to help. However, my sister-in-law is rather old-fashioned, so some persuasion may be required.' Yanxi assured him, 'With your help, Mr. Song, success is assured. As for the old lady, I naturally have a token of respect.' So saying, he took out a two-hundred-dollar check and handed it to Song Runqing. 'A small token for your tea, Mr. Song. When the matter is accomplished, I shall thank you properly.'

Song Runqing took the check, his heart leaping with joy. Yet he said, 'How dare I accept this?' Yanxi insisted, 'Do not stand on ceremony, Mr. Song. It is but a junior's filial offering.' Song Runqing conceded, 'Since you are so generous, Mr. Jin, I shall accept it frankly. I will certainly do my best to persuade my sister-in-law.' Yanxi said, 'Then I shall await your good news.' Song Runqing gave his full assurances and took his leave.

After seeing Song Runqing off, Yanxi felt a stone lift from his heart. Knowing Song Runqing to be a covetous man, he was sure that, having accepted the money, he would exert himself fully. Yanxi thus settled down to wait for good news while also planning the cost of the wedding.

Just then, he heard a clamor from outside. Yanxi went out to look and saw the three maids from the household-Xiaolian, Qiuxiang, and Yu'er-playing a game of 'Catching Cao Cao' in the courtyard. They had set up a formation with bamboo poles and were chasing each other around, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Yanxi could not help but laugh. He scolded them, 'You girls, not doing your work properly-what mischief are you up to here?' Xiaolian giggled. 'Seventh Master, we are practicing military formations.' Yanxi asked, 'What formations?' Xiaolian explained, 'This is the 'Eight-Door Golden Lock Formation,' the legendary tactic devised by Zhuge Liang.' Yanxi laughed. 'What do you know of Zhuge Liang? Enough of this nonsense. Go and make me some tea at once.'

Hearing this, Xiaolian and the others scattered in a hubbub. Watching their retreating figures, Yanxi thought to himself, 'These maids are quite innocent and lively, but they fool around all day long. It's hardly proper. Once I am married, I must discipline them properly.'

With that thought, he returned to the study and picked up a copy of the Book of Songs to read. Yet his mind refused to settle. Thoughts of Leng Qingqiu, of the impending marriage, of family resistance-all manner of reflections crowded in upon him, and he could read no further.

He simply tossed the book aside and lay down on the sofa, closing his eyes to rest. In his drowsiness, he seemed to see Leng Qingqiu dressed in bridal attire, smiling at him. Just as he was about to step forward, he suddenly heard a voice call by his ear, 'Seventh Master! Seventh Master!'

Yanxi opened his eyes to see Jin Rong standing before him. Jin Rong said, 'Seventh Master, the mistress wants you.' Yanxi asked, 'What does Mother want with me?' Jin Rong replied, 'I do not know. It seems something important.' Yanxi hurriedly stood up, straightened his clothing, and headed toward the main quarters.

He did not know why his mother had summoned him. With a guilty conscience, he feared that his affair with Leng Qingqiu had already come to her knowledge.