Chapter 13

秦可卿死封龙禁尉

王熙凤协理宁国府

Qinshi appears to Xifeng in a dream, offering caution of hard times and investment advice, before Xifeng is woken with the news of her death and all mourn. Baoyu is also woken by the news, and feels a stab of pain to the heart and coughs up blood. He insists on travelling to her room, where Zhen is addressing the assembled crowd. Zhen makes arrangements for the funeral; Xue Pan donates an extravagant coffin. They learn that Qinshi’s maid Gem 瑞珠 has killed herself out of devotion. When a eunuch arrives with condolences, Jia Rong is given a formal commission in order to add pomp to the funeral banner. Throughout the 49 days of mourning there are many visitors to Ningguo.

Youshi’s illness has left Ningguo without anyone to run the house, and Zhen fears an etiquette breach with so many visitors. On Baoyu’s suggestion, he asks Xifeng to step in. Lady Wang is concerned that she has no experience of funerals, but consents. Xifeng agrees, and is briefed by Zhen on the arrangements. Xifeng identifies five major abuses habitual in Ningguo.