Explore Chapter 21 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.
After the day he shared a ride home with Leng Qingqiu, Jin Yanxi found her increasingly unforgettable. This afternoon, having nothing better to do, he thought again of taking a stroll to Falling Flowers Lane.
He had just stepped out of his gate when he saw an automobile speeding toward him. It came to a halt right in front of him, and a man jumped down from it. It was none other than his friend Xie Yushu. "Brother Yanxi, where to?" Xie Yushu asked with a laugh. "Just out for a stroll, nothing in particular," Yanxi replied. "Perfect timing," said Xie Yushu. "I have a gathering at Green Fragrance Garden to enjoy the flowers, but I'm short of company. Won't you join me?" Though Yanxi had been eager to see Leng Qingqiu, Xie Yushu seized his arm and pulled him along, leaving him no choice but to climb into the car.
When they arrived at Green Fragrance Garden, a whole group of male and female friends had already gathered there. Among them were Second Miss Wu and Qiu Xizhen. At the sight of Yanxi, everyone came over to tease him. "Seventh Master is such a busy man with his poetry club now," remarked Second Miss Wu. "How do you find time to admire flowers?" Yanxi laughed and replied, "I was dragged here by Yushu." Qiu Xizhen chimed in, "Seventh Master, when will you let us have a look at your famous poetry club to pay our respects?" Yanxi gave a vague, non-committal answer.
Amidst the flower-admiring, Yanxi's mind was elsewhere, constantly drifting to thoughts of Leng Qingqiu. Xie Yushu, noticing his preoccupation, took him aside and inquired, "Brother Yanxi, you seem to have something on your mind." Yanxi sighed. "To tell you the truth, I've recently met someone, but she's hard to approach." When Xie Yushu asked who it was, Yanxi gave him a brief account. Xie Yushu laughed. "What's so difficult about that? I can come up with a plan for you." Hearing this, Yanxi felt that Xie Yushu's idea might not be brilliant, but he saw no alternative other than to give it a try.
They enjoyed themselves in the garden until evening, when Yanxi bid his farewells and left first. He headed straight for Falling Flowers Lane. Arriving at the gate of the Leng Residence, he found it slightly ajar. He knocked gently. Nanny Han came out to answer the door. Seeing it was Yanxi, she said, "Young Master Jin, please come in."
Yanxi entered the courtyard, where Leng Qingqiu was tending to some flowerpots. Upon seeing Yanxi, she set down her work and invited him into the parlor to sit. "How have you been, Miss Leng?" asked Yanxi. "I recently acquired a rare poetry manuscript and have come specifically to seek your guidance." As he spoke, he produced a thread-bound book. Leng Qingqiu took it, glanced through a few pages, and said, "This poetry manuscript is indeed quite rare. You are very thoughtful, Mr. Jin." The two then began discussing poetry. Leng Qingqiu's conversation was refined, her insights were unique, and Yanxi's admiration for her grew even deeper.