Chapter 20

王熙凤正言弹妒意

林黛玉俏语谑娇音

They hear Nanny Li and Aroma arguing in Baoyu’s room; he runs back and supports the ill Aroma, making Nanny Li cry. Daiyu and Baochai arrive to hear all her woes, and Xifeng enters to haul her away. The fall-out leads to Aroma getting upset and more ill. After dinner all the maids leave but Musk 麝月, and he combs her hair, earning a rebuke from the sharp-tongued Skybright.

At this time of year, everyone is on holiday; Jia Huan 贾环 visits Baochai to play dice with the maids. He shocks Baochai by revealing the chip on his shoulder about his half-brother Baoyu. He leaves when Baoyu arrives, and at home his real mother Aunt Zhao 赵姨娘 curses Baoyu, inciting a scolding from Xifeng. She also tells Huan off and replaces his gambling losses.

Baoyu and Baochai go to see Shi Xiangyun 史湘云, who has just arrived. First he quarrels with Daiyu, who storms out. He leaves to welcome Xiangyun, but returns to continue the argument about his temper. Xiangyun then enters, reproving them for ignoring her. Daiyu mocks her lisp; Xiangyun tells her she won’t be able to find a fault in Baochai. Baoyu is amused, and Xiangyun flees.