Vocabulary

rising cloud of (yellowish) dust

gilding the lily; adding redundant things

having a gentle and sincere personality

valuing one's body and life; holding one's life dear

exaction of heavy taxes; imposing oppressive taxes

nostalgia for the good old days; taste for the past; retro tastes

unparalleled in the whole country

being tough on the outside but soft at heart; a faint-hearted person pretending to be brave

street gossips and idle rumors

(beating someone) hands down; with a single blow

smooth-talking and polished; witty; free, easy, and urbane

being generous, benevolent and magnanimous in disposition

welcome (beneficial) rain in a drought; realization of something eagerly looked for; a welcome relief

one's heart is filled with even deeper emotion; feeling the emotion all the more deeply

(having, there being) a great number of books

simple and clear

varying the tempo or speed (of something) at will

reading between the lines

very strange (mysterious, weird); bizarre; monstrous; outrageous

making one's attitude (position, stand) clear; unfurling and clearly showing one's banner

ready-made ideas

being very witty; very ingenious and resourceful

very resourcefully using tactics adapting oneself to the requirements of the moment; playing it by ear; acting according to circumstances

magnanimous in one's attitude of mind; grand in one's idea or mind-set

behavior; bearing; demeanor; one's daily life

diverse arguments arising in great numbers

good and bad fortune, and weal and woe

clinging to old customs; adhering to old traditions

behavior; bearing; demeanor

headstrong; obstinate; bullheaded

being struck with awe; deeply moved with awe

instigation and abetment

boisterous dance; dancing wildly

make-believe fiction

maelstrom; the state of affairs being in great turmoil

inhuman; heinous; atrocious

happy-go-lucky fellow; easygoing and indifferent person; pococurante

work hard and practice frugality

pair of persons (especially a married couple) being intimate and harmonious; being happily married

an impregnable fortress; an unassailable territory