Explore Chapter 26 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.
To begin, since returning home in the same carriage with Leng Qingqiu that day, Jin Yanxi had been unable to forget her. The next day, he found an excuse to visit Song Runqing at Falling Flowers Lane, hoping in truth to see Leng Qingqiu again. Coincidentally, Song Runqing was not at home. Yanxi waited in his study, but his eyes kept darting outside, hoping to catch a glimpse of that lovely figure.
After waiting for about half an hour without seeing Leng Qingqiu, he had no choice but to return disgruntled. On the way home, he pondered how to find a way to meet her regularly. Considering that the Leng Residence seemed to be of modest means, if he often gave expensive gifts, it might make them uneasy and create distance. Instead, starting with scholarly discussions on literature would appear more elegant. So after returning, he earnestly flipped through several poetry collections and drafted a few poetry topics, preparing to discuss them with Song Runqing on his next visit, hoping to attract Leng Qingqiu to listen as well.
Two days later, Yanxi prepared some exquisite tea snacks and personally went to invite them. Arriving at the Leng Residence, Song Runqing was naturally delighted and hurriedly welcomed him into the study. Yanxi first took out the poetry topics to seek advice. Song Runqing, who was but a dabbler, seeing Yanxi so humble, began to nod and shake his head, pontificating grandly. As they spoke, Yanxi kept glancing out of the corner of his eye toward the door curtain.
Sure enough, before long, soft footsteps were heard outside the curtain, then the curtain rustled, and Leng Qingqiu entered carrying a tea tray. Today she wore a moon-white cotton cloth jacket and a mysterious black skirt, her simplicity enhancing her delicate beauty. Seeing Yanxi present, she paused slightly, then lowered her head to place the teacup on the table, saying softly, "Mr. Jin, please have some tea." Her voice was as faint as a mosquito's hum, yet every word was clear.
Yanxi quickly stood up to thank her, saying, "I'm truly sorry to trouble Miss Leng." Leng Qingqiu merely smiled faintly without replying and turned to leave. But Song Runqing said, "Leng Qingqiu, wait a moment. Mr. Jin is discussing poetry here. You usually enjoy reading poetry, so why not stay and listen? It will broaden your knowledge."
Hearing this, Leng Qingqiu stopped, her face slightly flushed, and said softly, "Uncle and Mr. Jin are discussing profound learning. How could I understand?" Yanxi hastened to say, "Miss Leng is too modest. Learning is not inherently profound. It advances through mutual exchange. I've heard that your family has a rich collection of books. With your family's scholarly tradition, you must have insightful views."
Seeing that Yanxi's words were earnest and his attitude sincere, unlike the frivolity of typical profligate sons, Leng Qingqiu felt somewhat reassured. She sat sideways on a chair by the door, listening quietly. Delighted that she stayed, Yanxi steered the conversation to some simple and interesting poetry allusions, occasionally asking Leng Qingqiu a question. At first, Leng Qingqiu only gave brief replies. Later, seeing that Yanxi was genuinely humble and his points reasonable, she gradually spoke more. Her voice was clear and gentle, her insights unique. Though she spoke little, she often hit the mark, earning Yanxi's silent admiration.
Seeing that the two were engaging deeply in conversation and he couldn't interject, Song Runqing found an excuse, saying he would brew fresh tea, and left the study. The room was now left with only Yanxi and Leng Qingqiu. The air suddenly grew quiet, with only the faint fragrance of jujube flowers wafting in from outside. Gathering courage, Yanxi asked, "The shoe voucher I sent the other day-I wonder if it suits? Please forgive my presumption."
Leng Qingqiu's face turned redder, and she whispered, "Mr. Jin has helped Uncle greatly and frequently given generous gifts. We already feel deeply uneasy. The shoe voucher... I didn't retrieve it. With my slight skill, I happened to embroider those four clumsy pieces. That you, Mr. Jin, do not disdain them is already alarming. How dare I accept further lavish gifts?"
Yanxi said earnestly, "Miss Leng, you are mistaken. Giving gifts in return is a matter of mutual courtesy. Moreover, with your exquisite skill, the embroidery birds are so lifelike. I genuinely admire them. How can there be talk of 'disdaining'? The shoe voucher is merely a token of my regard. If you insist on not accepting it, it would make me feel that my actions were presumptuous."
Hearing his sincere words, without a trace of condescension or frivolity, Leng Qingqiu felt a slight stir in her heart. She raised her eyes to glance at Yanxi and said softly, "Mr. Jin's kindness is appreciated. But... but we are neither relatives nor friends. Accepting it would make us feel ashamed." With that, she stood up and said, "Uncle has been gone for a long time. I'll go check." Then she gracefully left the room.
Yanxi watched her retreating figure, feeling both joy and melancholy. Joyful because he had finally spoken more with her today and glimpsed her orchid-heart and wise nature. Melancholy because she always adhered to propriety, unwilling to easily accept his goodwill. As he was lost in these wandering thoughts, Song Runqing entered carrying a teapot, repeatedly apologizing. Yanxi sat for a while longer before taking his leave.
From then on, Yanxi visited the Leng Residence more frequently. Sometimes under the pretext of seeking advice on poetry and books, sometimes bringing seasonal fruits, he always found reasons that didn't seem abrupt. His opportunities to meet and converse with Leng Qingqiu gradually increased. Although Song Runqing or Mrs. Leng was always present, Leng Qingqiu was no longer as distant and guarded as initially. Occasionally, she would actively ask him a question or two about the outside world. Yanxi naturally shared all he knew, speaking exhaustively. He narrated fresh things and Western scenes, causing Leng Qingqiu's eyes to occasionally sparkle with curiosity and longing.
One day, Yanxi came again, coinciding with both Mrs. Leng and Song Runqing being in the main hall, with Leng Qingqiu also doing needlework nearby. Yanxi recounted some recent rural anecdotes and folk tales he had heard, describing them so vividly that even Mrs. Leng laughed. Though Leng Qingqiu continued her work, her ears listened attentively. At amusing parts, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but lift slightly.
Seeing the harmonious atmosphere, Yanxi seized the opportunity to propose, "Staying cooped up in the city all day is dull. I hear the maple leaves in the western suburbs are now red, and the scenery is exquisite. In a couple of days, I'll hire a carriage and invite Aunt, Mr. Song, and Miss Leng to go for an outing to relax. Would that be acceptable?"
Before Mrs. Leng could reply, Song Runqing clapped his hands and said, "Excellent, excellent! I've long heard that the autumn scenery of the Western Hills is the best in the capital, but never managed to go. With Mr. Jin arranging it, that's perfect." Mrs. Leng was initially hesitant, feeling it too intrusive. But seeing her brother's high spirits, a glimmer of anticipation in her daughter's eyes, and Yanxi's earnest attitude, she nodded in agreement. Seeing her mother consent, Leng Qingqiu felt joyful inwardly. She lowered her head to continue her work, but her stitches became much lighter and quicker than before.
Having achieved his goal, Yanxi was filled with contentment. He sat a while longer before returning. On the way home, he thought about how in two days he would be able to stroll with Leng Qingqiu, viewing the red leaves and white clouds-what a delight it would be. He felt the crisp autumn breeze. Even the ordinary trees by the roadside seemed more lovely than usual.