Chapter 54 - supercondensed

Baoyu heads back to the party after overhearing Aroma and Faithful talking about her mother. Lady Jia mocks one play’s romantic clichés before Xifeng entertains everyone and starts a new drinking game. After more parties, Xifeng miscarries.

Chapter 54

史太君破陈腐旧套

王熙凤效戏彩斑衣

The largesse had been secretly arranged by Zhen and Jia Lian, who go over to serve Grandmother Jia and the senior ladies; all watch. Baoyu slips out during the next play, and Lady Jia orders some nannies to follow him, and expresses her disappointment in Aroma. Xifeng defends her, and they discuss her bereaved situation.

Baoyu heads to Green Delights, but does not enter for fear of disturbing Faithful and Aroma, who are talking about her mother. Baoyu relieves himself as two very civil women arrive with food boxes from Grandmother Jia for the two maids. Ripple and Musk help Baoyu wash his hands, and he heads back to the hall, where he tops up the ladies. Two new blind ballad singers arrive, and give a synopsis of a new ballad. The hero is called Wang Xifeng, causing all to laugh. Grandmother Jia guesses the end, and launches into a tirade against clichéd romances. Wang Xifeng declaims on Lady Jia’s comments, and even the ballad singers are in stitches. Aunt Xue tells her to behave, as there are people outside listening; Xifeng says that it’s only Zhen and they always used to get up to mischief together – he’d be please that she’s entertaining Lady Jia. She compares herself with the story of Lao Laizi, who dressed up in children’s clothes aged 70 to entertain his parents. She makes tops up everyone’s drinks, and the ballad singers perform a song. It is midnight – they move to a warmer room, where Grandmother Jia seats everyone. She calls for her own actors, led by Elegante 文官, and tells them what to perform. She tells Mrs Xue and Mrs Li that the actresses are not much good. They play a drinking game to music, at Xifeng’s suggestion; the forfeit is to tell a joke. All the maids gather in the hope of hearing Xifeng tells one. Lady Jia is first, and tells a joke about Monkey’s piss. The maids rig it so Xifeng is next; hers is about a family celebrating like them, and a dud firework. Jia Rong is reminded of their fireworks, and heads out; Daiyu, being more timid, is hugged by Lady Jia while they are set off. More food arrives before the party breaks up.

The next morning they pay a ceremonial visit to Ningguo. Due to the political environment, there is no contact from Yuanchun, but there is a succession of parties and receptions over the next few weeks. After the festivities are over, Xifeng miscarries, plunging the household into dismay.

Chapter 53 - supercondensed

Despite her deterioration, Skybright is soon on the mend. The households prepare for New Year, although it has been a bad year financially. After a ceremony at the ancestral hall, they enjoy a succession of feasts, including an extravagant one to celebrate the Lantern Festival.

Chapter 53

宁国府除夕祭宗祠

荣国府元宵开夜宴

Baoyu and a junior maid massage an exhausted Skybright, before they get a few hours sleep. In the morning, Dr Wang is called and is disconcerted by her deterioration – the illness has become serious and he writes a new prescription. Baoyu is upset, Skybright tells him not to worry. By the afternoon, Baoyu feigns illness at his uncle’s and returns to her. She is soon on the mend, thanks to a strong constitution and good care.

Aroma returns and is told about Trinket; she feels Skybright had been too hasty. Illnesses and preoccupations have prevented the poetry club from meeting several times, and in the twelfth month there is a fever of activity anticipating New Year. Jia Rong, Youshi and Cousin Zhen are busy concerning New Year medallions and receiving the bounty money for sacrifices from the Emperor. Jia Rong is sent to Xifeng to ensure that there are no event clashes between the two households this year. Greetings and a large number of good luck gifts arrive from a country bailiff to Cousin Zhen, mostly livestock and cereals and proceeds from sales. Cousin Zhen accuses him of holding out on them – expenses, particularly at Rongguo, have gone up a lot, and several farms have had disastrous years. Zhen and Rong joke about Xifeng and how hard-up Rongguo is – they’re still far from desperate. Things are divided between the houses and for ancestral sacrifices, and some shares given to young clansmen without income. Zhen tells off Jia Qin for coming to the distribution when he has an income. More presents arrive from the Prince of Beijing.

The houses get busier and busier in preparation, particularly in redecorating. On the last day of the year, the noble ladies process to the Palace before joining the young men going to the Hall of the Ancestors in Ningguo. Baoqin is impressed by the fine hall, where they carry out the lengthy sacrificial rite. After the ceremony, Youshi hosts everyone for tea. She invites them to stay for dinner, but they leave for Rongguo where Grandmother Jia hosts a reception and is kowtowed to by all. Gifts are then distributed to children and servants, and a feast starts. More offerings are given, firecrackers let off, and everyone in their finery enjoys themselves greatly. The ladies head back to the Palace in the early hours to felicitate Yuanchun; on return, Grandmother Jia retires. For several days, Xifeng and Lady Wang are kept busy entertaining many guests. Before long, it is time to prepare for the Lantern Festival as well, and a large family feast is organised with all clansmen in the city invited. Jia Jing and Jia She do not attend; Grandmother Jia watches the actors with her feet up, and being massaged by Amber. The decorations and furnishings are exquisite. Lin Zhixiao’s wife enters with many strings of cash, and pours the coins onto tables. A young actor adlibs based on what is going on in the hall. Everyone bursts out laughing, and money is put into baskets and tipped onto the stage for the boy as largesse from Grandmother Jia, Aunt Xue and Li Wan.

Chapter 52 - supercondensed

Baoyu overhears that Trinket had stolen one of Patience’s bracelets. Baoyu gives Skybright some western snuff, and the next day Baoqin tells them about a western girl she met. Skybright vents her anger at Trinket, and her mother causes a scene. Lady Jia gives Baoyu a peacock cloak; he burns a hole in it, and Skybright exhausts herself darning it overnight.

Chapter 52

俏平儿情掩虾须镯

勇晴雯病补孔雀裘

Grandmother Jia approves of the separate kitchen, and takes the opportunity to praise Xifeng in company, and she responds in kind. Baoyu hurries back to see Skybright, who is feverish and alone. Musk and Patience are whispering outside, so Baoyu eavesdrops to find out that a bracelet of Patience’s had been stolen by Trinket. She has it back, but doesn’t want Baoyu to know. He is touched, but angry about Trinket. He tells Skybright, who is furious. Dr Wang comes again in the morning, and Baoyu makes her take snuff from a western box. It works, but gives her a headache, and Baoyu sends Musk for more western medicine. She returns with the message that Baoyu is expected at his Uncle Wang’s birthday the next day. He heads to Daiyu’s to join Baochai, Baoqin and Xiuyan. He notes some narcissi, and they discuss medicine and the next poetry meeting. Baoqin tells of meeting a beautiful Western girl who could write Chinese poetry, enthralling the others. She has left it in Nanjing (despite bringing so much other stuff), but can recall it; they call the others to hear her recite. It is very good. A message arrives for Baoyu – his mother cannot make tomorrow’s birthday celebrations – and the others leave. He and Daiyu have difficulty expressing what they want to say and, after some silence, he leaves. He goes back to ask after her health, hoping to raise other matters, but before long Aunt Zhao arrives and he has to leave.

Skybright and Musk wake Baoyu and help him with his toilet. It looks like it will snow, and when he goes to Grandmother Jia’s she asks Faithful to give him a Russian peacock cloak. Baoyu has become uncomfortable by Faithful’s avoidance of him since her avowal never to marry, so he approaches her directly and she flees. He goes to show the cloak to his mother and maids, and returns. Baoyu leaves on horseback with a small party to salutes from pages, being especially careful with his cloak.

Skybright’s illness is no better, and Musk urges patience. Trinket arrives, and Skybright vents her anger at her, stabbing her hand with a hairpin. She tells Mamma Song 宋妈 that Baoyu has ordered her to be dismissed, and her mother is summoned. She remonstrates that she should be punished for any misdemeanour, not dismissed and sneers at Skybright’s apparent lack of etiquette in using Baoyu’s personal name; Musk tells her that this is Grandmother Jia’s wish, as it brings him good luck. Before they leave, Mamma Song obliges Trinket to kowtow to the other maids. Skybright’s illness gets worse with the cold and emotional upset. Baoyu returns later in a state – he’s burned a small hole in the cloak. Musk gives it to a nanny, ordering it to be done by the morning, but she can find no-one who can identify the material. He has to wear it tomorrow, so Skybright takes a look. They have the thread and, despite Baoyu’s exhortations, fights back her weakness to darn it. Baoyu fusses round her, and she sends him to bed, although he doesn’t sleep. She finishes during the night, and it is extremely good work. She is exhausted, and falls back on the bed.

Chapter 51 - supercondensed

Baoqin’s riddles lead to a discussion on the nature of history. Aroma leaves to visit her sick mother, who dies. Skybright catches a cold while playing with Musk; Baoyu rejects the first doctor’s prescription and orders another doctor.

Chapter 51

薛小妹新编怀古诗

胡庸医乱用虎狼药

All but Baochai are extremely impressed by Baoqin’s riddles – she questions the historicism of the final two, and the others chide her for being petty. Li Wan points out the falseness of many historical locations and muses on the nature of history and legend, which silences Baochai. None can correctly answer the riddles.

The days are now short, and they quickly retire to eat. Aroma’s brother Hua Zifang has arrived – her mother is ill and wants to see her. Xifeng sends Zhou Rui’s wife to accompany her, and inspects her dress and appearance – she doesn’t feel Aroma’s jacket is appropriate, and orders Patience to fetch another before they leave.

Skybright and Musk are now in charge at Baoyu’s. Word comes that Aroma’s mother has already died, and the maids gather Aroma’s things to send on to her. They bicker gently over using the clothes warmer, and then in the night when Baoyu calls out for Aroma in his sleep, waking Skybright. Musk heads out in the cold night, and Skybright follows to give her a scare; Baoyu shouts out, warning Musk, for fear that they might catch cold or wake others, and Skybright returns to bed. Musk returns (having been startled by a pheasant) and Skybright sneezes, but denies that she has caught a cold. Next morning, however, she is very ill; Baoyu doesn’t want her sent home, so just tells Li Wan and calls a doctor. Li Wan however thinks she should go home, angering Skybright. The doctor arrives, and won’t continue the inspection until Skybright (already behind a curtain) covers up her painted fingernails. He diagnoses mild grippe. Before he leaves the house, an old woman takes a copy of the prescription from him to show Baoyu; the doctor assumes the room to have been a young lady’s, so is surprised. Baoyu is appalled at the prescription – it is more appropriate for a man – and he wants to order another doctor, but they would need money. He tells Musk to take some of Aroma’s, and Tealeaf is sent to fetch Dr Wang. His diagnosis is similar, but prescription more appropriate. Baoyu and Musk discuss his constitution in comparison with the girls’, comparing them with trees. He wants the medicine made up in his room, as he loves the smell of boiling herbs. He goes to see Grandmother Jia, where Xifeng proposes that the cousins have their meals in the garden now that the days are shorter. It would require a new kitchen, but Xifeng feels it can be accommodated, and that it is important to stop the girls catching colds.

Chapter 50 - supercondensed

A snow themed poetry competition turns into a battle of wits before turning silly; Baoyu loses, and his fine is to collect plum blossom. After more poetry they head to Xichun’s then Lady Jia’s. The next day they set each other New Year’s riddles, Baoqin’s long historical riddles being particularly impressive.

Chapter 50

芦雪亭争联即景诗

暖香坞雅制春灯谜

Baochai writes down everyone’s name, and the order is drawn at random. Xifeng volunteers to start off, and leaves. Li Wan transcribes everyone’s lines, which Baochai takes over. The order is soon lost, turning into a contest between Xiangyun, Daiyu and Baoqin, before turning silly and they collapse into giggles. Li Wan completes the poem, and they go through and discuss it in detail. Baoyu is again considered to have finished last in quality. He makes excuses, but is fined: he must fetch a branch of Adamantina’s red plum. It is cold, so they make him down a cup of wine before leaving. While he is gone, they choose red plum flowers for the topic of their next poems, and decide to let Xing Xiuyan, Li Wen 李纹 and Baoqin write a verse each, and allocate Baoyu a topic for him alone. They read the first three poems with pleasure and ask after Baoyu’s; they are critical.

Grandmother Jia arrives, makes herself comfortable and tells them to carry on enjoying themselves. She suggests that they make up lantern riddles, and then that they go to see Xichun. They arrive and Grandmother Jia tackles Xichun about the painting – she wants it by the end of the year. Xifeng arrives – she has tracked Lady Jia down (Lady Jia appears to be avoiding a couple of nuns), and whisks her off. They leave, and spot Baoqin and Baoyu in the snow; Baoqin looks particularly pretty, and he has got a branch of plum blossom for each of them from Adamantina, and has been delivering them. They head back to Grandmother Jia’s where Aunt Xue arrives. She had wanted to arrange a snow party for Grandmother Jia, an idea Xifeng and Jia discuss, making the cousins laugh. Grandmother Jia asks Aunt Xue after Baoqin’s biographical details – Xue assumes she is considering her for a match for Baoyu – she explains that she had previously been promised to another before her father died.

The next day the snow has cleared; Grandmother Jia reminds Xichun that she wants the painting done and Baoqin to feature. This makes Xichun gloomy. Later, the others arrive: Li Wan and her cousins had stayed up all night composing riddles, so they try them out and come up with some more. They all make suggestions, but Baoqin has written ten ingenious historical riddles in quatrain form.

Chapter 49 - supercondensed

Baoqin, Xiuyan and Li Wan’s cousins arrive, exciting the others. Lady Jia adopts Baoqin, who has an immediate intimacy with Daiyu, and Xiangyun moves in with Baochai. They grill venison at a snow-covered welcome party.

Chapter 49

琉璃世界白雪红梅

脂粉香娃割腥啖膻

The cousins gather round Daiyu to read Caltrop’s poem – it is excellent, but Caltrop thinks they are humouring her. A number of servants arrive calling to them to meet two relations who have arrived. Lady Wang’s main reception room is packed – Xifeng’s brother is there with Lady Xing’s brother and his family, and Li Wan’s widowed aunt and her daughters and Xue Pan’s cousins have also arrived simultaneously. All are very busy making introductions and making family talk, especially Xifeng, but Daiyu weeps to think of her solitary state – Baoyu consoles her. Baoyu runs back to tell his maids to see the visitors – he is particularly awed by Li Wan’s cousins’ beauty. Tanchun arrives – she is excited by the potential new club members, and they discuss who may be good and who is prettiest. Tanchun reports that Lady Jia is particularly captivated with Baochai’s cousin Baoqin 宝琴 and has adopted her. They are due to have a club meeting today but, thanks to the new arrivals and illnesses, they choose to delay a few days. They go to Grandmother Jia’s apartment together, where the new arrivals’ living arrangements are being sorted out. Li Wan’s cousins are to live with her; Xifeng has put Lady Xing’s niece Xiuyan 岫烟 with Yingchun, and Baoqin is to stay with Lady Jia. News arrives that Shi Xiangyun’s father is to be posted elsewhere, and Grandmother Jia moves Xiangyun in to stay with Baochai. There are now thirteen people living in the garden, all but two between fifteen and seventeen years old – they abandon all attempts at formalities of address. Caltrop and Xiangyun are inseparable, and their chatter annoys Baochai. Baoqin arrives in a spectacular cape, given to her by Grandmother Jia – Xiangyun teases her that she wouldn’t even let Baoyu wear something so fine. Xiangyun advises her to stay in the garden, and Amber arrives with a message for Baochai to allow Baoqin to have her own way. She teases her, and they all tease Baoyu and Daiyu, who have just arrived, which puzzles him, not to mention Baochai and Daiyu’s apparent rapprochement, and Daiyu and Baoqin’s immediate intimacy. The others leave, and Daiyu asks Baoyu about a passage in ‘the Western Chamber’, and explains her thawing of relations with Baochai. She cries to talk of Baoqin as a sister, and he consoles her. They are summoned by Li Wan to discuss the poetry meeting. Almost all are present when they arrive – it is starting to snow, and they all have fine coats, particularly Xiangyun. They arrange to have a welcome party in the snow the next day. All, apart from the new arrivals, will contribute some money.

The next day, Baoyu is enchanted by the snow-covered garden. He walks to the party, but is early and returns, visiting Lady Jia with Tanchun. After talking with Xiangyun, Baoyu asks Xifeng for some fresh venison to cook later in the garden. They are late for the party; soon the stove and grill arrive and Patience, there carrying Xifeng’s apologies, starts cooking. The newcomers are extremely excited and tuck in, and when Xifeng arrives later, she joins; only Daiyu and Baochai are unimpressed. After cooking, Patience has lost a bracelet, but Xifeng mysteriously assures her she knows where it is, reminding the others that it is nearly time for New Year’s riddles. Wine and food is arranged, and a theme – snow - announced for the poetry competition. Li Wan suggests giving three lines to start off the poem; Baochai suggests a fixed order.

Chapter 48 - supercondensed

Pan decides to leave and go travelling; Caltrop moves in with Baochai. Baochai learns from Patience that She has beaten Lian to a pulp. After being turned down by Baochai, Caltrop asks Daiyu to teach her poetry, and applies herself to reading and composing with vigour. The others encourage her while laughing at her, but are very impressed by one she writes in her sleep.

Chapter 48

滥情人情误思游艺

慕雅女雅集苦呤诗

On account of his beating, Xue Pan does not leave his room, but after throwing a farewell party for some of his employees, decides to go travelling with one of them, Zhang Dehui 张德辉. Although initially pleased, Aunt Xue refuses this; Baochai shares her concerns, but persuades her that he should go. She entrusts him to Zhang, before spending several days packing and seeing him off tearfully.

Aunt Xue reorganises the Xues’ household, with Baochai persuading her to move Caltrop to her rooms. Caltrop is delighted, and asks Baochai to teach her to write poetry, which is laughed off. She is about to go round the garden making her introductions when Patience arrives; when they are alone, Patience tells Baochai that Sir She has beaten Jia Lian to a pulp. She blames Yucun: She had admired some of his antique fans and sent Jia Lian to buy some; he tracked some down, but the owner wouldn’t sell, making She think Lian was incompetent. Yucun heard about this, imprisoned the owner, seized the fans and gave them to She as a present. She and Lian argued, which triggered the beating, which was also several things coming to a head. Baochai sends for some tablets for him; Patience thanks her and leaves.

Caltrop is at Daiyu’s, and asks her to teach her poetry too; Daiyu agrees and runs her through the basics of regulated verse. Caltrop is enthusiastic, but Daiyu scoffs at her taste and gives her a copy of Wang Wei and sets her some study. She returns, and Baochai cannot make her go to bed – she is impressed by Caltrop’s absorption.

The next morning, Caltrop arrives at Daiyu’s to swap her copy for some Du Fu. Caltrop gives her assessment of Wang Wei; Baoyu and Tanchun enter and are impressed, and they all discuss further. Tanchun smiles that she should invite Caltrop to join the club soon. Tanchun assures her that they only write for fun, but Baoyu reveals that some of his father’s literary friends are interested in printing them. The others are aghast. Baoyu is called away to Xichun’s, and Caltrop asks Daiyu and Tanchun for a theme for composition, which they give her. She returns; Baochai mocks her and laughs at her poem, although telling her she mustn’t be disheartened. She goes to Daiyu, who is more kind, but still critical. Caltrop sits outside meditating by the water, and is observed by the others with amusement; Baochai insists that she’s gone mad. They discuss her, and see her run back to Daiyu’s, and follow. The new poem is better, but still laboured, and Caltrop is dashed by its rejection. She begins thinking furiously about her next poem and, in her dazed state, makes the others laugh. They blame Daiyu, and take her to see Xichun’s painting. But Caltrop can think of nothing but poetry, and composed a poem in her sleep, writing it down first thing in the morning. Later, Baochai tells Li Wan and the cousins about this, and when they come across Caltrop, they ask her if they can see it.

Chapter 47 - supercondensed

Lady Jia admonishes Lady Xing and shouts at She over Faithful. Pan is led on, then beaten and humiliated by an actor friend of Baoyu’s, Liu Xianglian. Jia Rong finds him and brings him back; Caltrop and Aunt Xue are upset and angry.

Chapter 47

呆霸王调情遭苦打

冷郎君惧祸走他乡

Lady Wang hurries out to bring Lady Xing in, who receives a frosty reception when she pays her respects to Grandmother Jia. The others leave until they are alone: Grandmother Jia admonishes her for encouraging her husband, and for ignoring her own need of Faithful. She recalls everyone, and they play cards. Grandmother Jia wins, with Xifeng losing lots of money and resists paying up, causing all to laugh. Patience brings her money, and on her way out meets Lian, who has been sent by She to find Xing. She advises him not to enter due to Grandmother Jia’s mood. He peers in and, despite Xifeng signalling to him that he shouldn’t, enters. Grandmother Jia snaps at him and he bolts. Lady Xing exits with him, and returns home to report to She, who is mortified, and makes arrangements to purchase a different girl.

On the fourteenth, Grandmother Jia and others spend the day at Lai Da’s. Jia She is notably absent, and Xue Pan is excited to see an amateur actor, Liu Xianglian 柳湘莲, present, who he assumes shares his proclivities. He escapes from a distasteful Xue Pan, and is detained by Baoyu. They talk emotionally about Qin Zhong’s grave before Xianglian tries to leave, but Xue Pan finds him at the main gate. Revolted by his intimacy, he draws him aside and leads him on, inviting him to his place later before they rejoin the party. Xianglian leaves and waits outside; Xue follows soon after and leads him into the country. Xue begins to swear an oath when Xianglian strikes him; Xue lies prostate, and Xianglian whips him, drags him to muddy water and forces him to drink. He tries to make him eat his own vomit before riding away.

At the party, Cousin Zhen and the others seek them without success. Jia Rong and some boys are sent to track them down, and find Xue Pan. They work out what must have happened and mock him before sending for a chair to take him back. Cousin Zhen is unconcerned, but Aunt Xue, after finding Caltrop upset, is torn between anguish and anger, requiring Baochai to reassure her and stop her from pressing charges. She hopes that this might bring him to his senses. Xue Pan curses Xianglian, but Aunt Xue tells him that he had repented afterwards and fled the country.

Chapter 46 - supercondensed

Lady Xing tries to get Faithful as a concubine for Jia She, summoning Xifeng and Faithful’s family. She is upset and unwilling, and responds to Jia She’s anger by swearing a lifetime of allegiance to Lady Jia, who is furious at being deceived.

Chapter 46

尴尬人难免尴尬事

鸳鸯女誓绝鸳鸯偶

Xifeng has been summoned by Lady Xing – Jia She wants Faithful for a concubine, and she wants advice as to how to approach Grandmother Jia. Xifeng doesn’t think she’ll allow it, and that Lady Xing needs to talk him out of it. Lady Xing is always desperate to please her husband, and Xifeng listens to her reaction before telling her what she wants to hear, suggesting she talk to Grandmother Jia immediately. Instead, Xing plans to talk with Faithful first. Xifeng reflects and proposes that Xing leave with her; Xing talks with Faithful on her own. She responds with silence, and Xing leaves for Xifeng’s, where Patience has been fully briefed.

Faithful decides to decamp, and makes her excuses through Amber. Angry, she wanders in the garden and comes across Patience, who teases her. Faithful reflects on the maids’ friendships and tells Patience reveals her dislike of Jia She. Aroma appears, and is told the situation. They teasingly suggest asking Grandmother Jia to tell him that she’s already been given to Lian or Baoyu, upsetting Faithful. After further discussion, her sister-in-law arrives, apparently having been spoken to by Lady Xing, and they argue – her sister-in-law retreats in a huff. The conversation changes – Aroma had been looking for Baoyu, who suddenly appears having been hiding. He has heard all, and is concerned for Faithful – he invites them all back to his for tea, worrying while they laugh and chatter.

Lady Xing had asked after Faithful’s parents, who are in Nanjing, and had asked her sister-in-law to do her bidding; she comes back to Xifeng and Xing and tells them of the earlier scene. Xifeng summons Patience, but she is reported to be detained by Daiyu. Lady Xing returns home and reports to Jia She, who summons Jia Lian, ordering him to recall Faithful parents. He cannot – the father is probably dead, the mother deaf, and a scared and ignorant Lian then loiters when her brother Jin Wenxiang 金文翔 is then sent for.

The next day, Wenxiang takes her back home for the day. He talks with Faithful and later reports to Jia She that she is unwilling – he is incensed and tells him to send his wife to give her a threatening message from him. He tells Faithful straight away – she calculates and goes to see Grandmother Jia with him and his wife. She kneels before her and, weeping, vows her faithfulness and that she will not marry at all, preferring to become a nun when Grandmother Jia dies. She takes a pair of scissors from her sleeve and begins snipping her hair. Grandmother Jia is trembling with rage, and accusing all present of deceiving her, aimed particularly (and unjustly) at Lady Wang. Tanchun defends her; Grandmother Jia smiles, and asks Baoyu why he did defend his mother. She turns to Xifeng, who blames her for training such an exemplary girl. While bantering, Lady Xing is announced.

Chapter 45 - supercondensed

Xifeng is invited to help with the poetry club and Baoyu starts helping Xichun with her painting. Daiyu is ill again, and she bonds further with Baochai. Baoyu visits in the rain; she burns a poem so he can’t read it. She lies awake, deep in thought.

Chapter 45

金兰契互剖金兰语

风雨夕闷制风雨词

The cousins are served tea; Tanchun asks Xifeng to act as the poetry club disciplinary officer and to help find equipment for Xichun. She guesses correctly that they’re really after financial backing. She mocks Li Wan for seeming to be a poor widow, when in truth she has good land and income, prompting a heated, light-hearted response. The jokes turn to Xifeng’s beating of Patience, making her uncomfortable. Li Wan presses Xifeng to settle her business in a frank exchange, and she helps with Xichun’s equipment. Before leaving, they ask how they should punish Baoyu; Xifeng suggests making him sweep all their floors. Lai Da’s old mother comes in before they can leave, and talks about her grandson and discipline, telling Baoyu his father doesn’t discipline him enough and talking at length about the family’s previous black sheep. Other ladies arrive, reminding her why she came; to invite the household to the celebrations for her grandson’s official position. With Zhou Rui’s wife present, she then asks about her son being dismissed; Xifeng confirms this, saying that he was drunk and disorderly. She agrees not to dismiss him, but to beat him instead. That evening, about half of the required equipment is found in the storeroom, and Baoyu starts helping Xichun with the painting, and Baochai starts sewing late into the night.

It is after the autumn equinox, and Daiyu is getting ill again, and is exhausted from the summer activities – her illness is worse than ever. Learning from experience, the others are never sharp with her, knowing how hypersensitive she is. Baochai suggests she consult and expert, and recommends changes to her prescription. Daiyu is grateful to her, but is embarrassed by the inconvenience put to everyone by her poor constitution, so doesn’t feel she can ask for more medicine. They bond, as outsiders in the household, although Daiyu remembers Baochai’s close family, and promise to talk again that evening.

Daiyu eats, and listens to the autumn rain – Baochai won’t be able to come after all. She writes a poem. Baoyu arrives in rain cape and hat and scrutinises her. He tells her the outfit came from the Prince of Beijing, and she coughs with embarrassment at a remark about being a fishwife, unnoticed by Baoyu. He reads her poem, she snatches it and burns it. He leaves so that she can sleep, she lends him a rain lamp. Ladies arrive from Baochai’s with her recommended medicine. She invites them to stay, but they are in the middle of gambling. Daiyu lies in bed and thinks of Baochai fondly, but not without envy at her family. She thinks of Baoyu too, with regret at the recent suspicion and misunderstanding between them. She cries, and doesn’t sleep until the early hours.

Chapter 44 - supercondensed

Xifeng, very drunk, slips away from the party and finds Lian in flagrante with a servant’s wife. Patience is in the middle of a violent domestic before the others interrupt. Baoyu and the girls lift Patience’s spirits, and Lian apologises to all the next day. The servant’s wife has killed herself; Lian negotiates a settlement.

Chapter 44

变生不测凤姐泼醋

喜出望外平儿理妆

Daiyu has guessed the reason for Baoyu’s earlier absence, and makes loud comments to Baochai during the play regarding offerings. Grandmother Jia is fussing that Xifeng enjoy herself and makes Youshi do her bidding, but Xifeng is being difficult and not drinking much unless forced. She is forced, and is very drunk. She slips away with Patience and, in an alley, a junior maid runs when she sees them. She is caught and, after threats and blows, admits that Jia Lian has returned and she had been stationed to give him warning of her coming. She reveals under further duress that he has Bao Er’s 鲍二 wife there. Xifeng is furious and strides off, encountering and slapping another junior maid, and eavesdropping on Lian’s conversation badmouthing her tyranny and praising Patience, wanting to kill the former and marry the latter. She strikes Patience before bursting in and shouting at and beating Bao Er’s wife. Patience is overwhelmed and joins in the pummelling of the woman. Lian, also drunk, threatens Patience, who stops; Xifeng then hits her for being scared of him. Attacked on both sides, she dashes out threatening suicide, and is seized by maids. Xifeng and Lian’s rumpus continues with him grabbing a sword, when Youshi and a crowd arrive. Xifeng runs weeping to Grandmother Jia, exaggerating the tale and threats. Lian, assuming impunity, is dragged in, sword in hand, and roundly scolded by mother and aunt as well. Grandmother Jia sends for his father, and he finally sulks out. To Xifeng, she dismisses the incident, but expects apologies the next day, and sends a sympathetic message to Patience.

Patience is a sobbing heap with Baochai and Li Wan trying to lift her spirits. She perks up when Amber arrives with a Grandmother Jia’s message. The girls return, and Baoyu invites Patience to his place, where she continues to be upset, but is treated kindly – it is the first time that Baoyu has been able to deal closely with Patience, who he admires greatly. He offers her one of Aroma’s dresses to wear and she is touched. He urges her to put on some make up, talking her through his luxurious toiletries. She is summoned away to Li Wan’s; he is overjoyed to have been able to show her something of what he feels for her. Thinking of her lot with the boorish Lian and vindictive Xifeng, he weeps. He irons and folds her dress before heading out.

The next morning a remorseful Lian heads to Grandmother Jia’s to apologise. He smarts at her injustice, but acknowledges guilt. He eventually apologises to Xifeng in a droll manner that causes laughter. He apologises immediately to Patience, causing further laughter, and Patience and Xifeng have a tearful reunion. When alone, Xifeng provokes further argument, turning to laughter, when a woman arrives to report that Bao Er’s wife has hanged herself. Lin Zhixiao’s 林之孝 wife arrives and says that her family are thinking of taking the matter to court. Xifeng is resolutely stubborn. Jia Lian leaves to talk to Lin Zhixiao himself, and eventually they keep quiet for a payment, against Xifeng’s wishes, and he flatters Bao Er back to his side. Xifeng inquires after the injuries she cause Patience, when Li Wan and the cousins arrive.

Chapter 43 - supercondensed

The household decides to pool money for Xifeng’s birthday gift; she hires an outside troupe. Baoyu angers Lady Jia by being absent from both a club meeting and the start of the party. He is making offerings at a nearby temple with Tealeaf.

Chapter 43

闲取乐偶攒金庆寿

不了情暂撮土为香

Grandmother Jia, now recovered, is at Lady Wang’s to discuss Xifeng’s birthday. She suggests not buying individual presents, but imitating poorer families by pooling their money to buy her a treat. They summon the entire household, including senior servants (and Xifeng), who assemble immediately and all assent to the idea either through affection for or fear of Xifeng. Led by Xifeng, there are discussions regarding who should pay for whose contribution, and who should pay how much. The maids and concubines are brought in to contribute too, until only Aunts Zhou and Zhao have been left out. Youshi quietly remonstrates with Xifeng for bringing them in too. Once the amount has been calculated, Xifeng decides she wants to hire a troupe from outside; Youshi agrees to organise it, and further remonstrates with Xifeng later.

The next day, the contributions (now referred to as ‘subscriptions’ to Youshi’s chagrin) begin to arrive at Youshi’s place in Ningguo. Xifeng is to pay for several people, and she has the money ready when Youshi visits her, but Youshi notices some missing, leading to further argument. She goes to see Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang to discuss the party arrangements further, handing back the more hard-up household members’ contributions.

Xifeng’s birthday rolls round, with an extraordinary array of activities. It coincides with a meeting of the poetry club, and Baoyu is not present. The members send maids to ask Aroma where he is; unsatisfied, Li Wan goes to Aroma. He had left that morning – despite the celebrations – to the Prince of Beijing’s palace, where someone had died. He should, however, be back, and when Grandmother Jia issues a summons she is displeased to hear of his absence.

The day before he had conspired to tell Tealeaf to promulgate the story about the Prince of Beijing. Before dawn, he and Baoyu left on horses, and galloped out of town. They cobble together some incense and, on Tealeaf’s suggestion, head to the nearby Temple of the Water Spirit, whose nun is a subscriber of theirs. Baoyu explains his revulsion at the way the wealthy, ignorant and vulgar treat religion – today, however, he feels differently, and on arrival he contemplates the statue and weeps. He takes tea, burns incense and makes a half-obeisance, refusing everything else. Before taking the burner back, Tealeaf kowtows to the idol, beseeching her on his master’s behalf to reincarnate Baoyu as a girl. Baoyu laughs. They have some food and Tealeaf encourages him to head back soon, as they are bound to be worrying. They hurry back, Baoyu going straight to the party via changing. He greets an upset Silver and kowtows to Xifeng; Grandmother Jia’s anxiety has turned to anger at him and his pages, threatening another beating. She calms and fusses over him. They all watch plays and weep.

Chapter 42 - supercondensed

Grannie Liu leaves, after naming Xifeng’s baby Qiaojie and being overawed by gifts. Lady Jia has caught a cold, but nothing is prescribed. Baochai and Daiyu discuss pernicious literature; Xichun is given leave from the club to complete her painting and orders supplies, while Daiyu’s comments have everyone in stiches.

Chapter 42

蘅芜君兰言解疑癖

潇湘子雅谑补余音

The party breaks up, and Grannie Liu tells Xifeng she intends to go home the next morning. Xifeng tells her she’s given Grandmother Jia and her baby a cold - she’s never seen her more active. Grannie Liu suggests they might have caught it from seeing a spirit, and Xifeng sends for her almanac. From this, she concludes it must have been a flower spirit, and she arranges an exorcism with positive results. Xifeng asks Grannie Liu to name her baby, and she chooses Qiaojie 巧姐 – it is the unlucky date of her birth, and she suggests fighting fire with fire. Before she goes to bed, Patience talks Grannie Liu through a large pile of presents for her – Grannie Liu is overawed, and promises to bring some vegetables next new year.

The next morning, Doctor Wang 王太医 arrives to see Grandmother Jia before Grannie Liu can get off. Grandmother Jia refuses to stand behind a curtain, and assesses Dr Wang to be a court physician of eminent stock. He prescribes no medicine; Xifeng enters with Qiaojie and she is also examined, and he prescribes missing a few meals and taking some pills. Grannie Liu says goodbye, and is given more presents by Faithful and the cup from the hermitage before leaving.

After calling on Grandmother Jia, Baochai invites Daiyu to hers. Baochai interrogates a nonplussed Daiyu; it transpires she wants to know the source of some of Daiyu’s drinking game quotes, which came from ‘The Return of the Soul’ and ‘the Western Chamber’. Daiyu is ashamed; Baochai confesses that as a girl she used to read books like that behind adults’ backs, but they were reading them too. She considers the corrupting influence of pernicious fiction, and that boys would be better off taking up business or agriculture, and girls sewing or spinning. At that point, Li Wan’s maid Candida arrives to summon them to discuss an important matter. It seems Xichun has asked to leave the club for a year, probably because of Grannie Liu’s comments on her painting – Grandmother Jia has asked her to paint the garden with some people. Daiyu repeatedly sets all laughing with comments about Grannie Liu and Xichun, and Baochai offers commentaries analysing her wit. Xiangyun breaks a chair laughing. Baoyu signals to her that her hair is loose; she corrects it, and rejoins the party, suddenly accusing Li Wan for all the horseplay. Li’s response makes her blush. Baochai suggests that, as the painting is going to be very difficult indeed, they compromise, and that she should have half a year’s leave from the club and that Baoyu should help, as he can ask his male friends for advice. Baochai scoffs at his inappropriate suggestion for the type of paper they should use, and suggests asking Lady Wang for the architectural drawings of the garden, as well as various pieces of artistic equipment. Finding that Xichun has no equipment at all, she dictates a long list of essentials to ask Lady Jia for. The teasing then continues all round, and at one point Daiyu pleads to Baochai for mercy during a tussle, making subtle reference to their earlier conversation, embarrassing her. Baochai then does Daiyu’s hair. After a while, they go to see Grandmother Jia, who is better.

Chapter 41 - supercondensed

The drinking continues, and Grannie Liu is in awe of the household’s riches. She visits the hermitage with Lady Jia. After a privy emergency, she is drunk and disorientated and is horrified when the maids find her passed out at Baoyu’s.

Chapter 41

贾宝玉品茶栊翠庵

刘老老醉卧怡红院

Grannie Liu is afraid of breaking her porcelain cup, and asks for a wooden one. Faithful fetches ten boxwood cups, the size and detail of which astonish Grannie Liu. Xifeng jokes that she has to drink from all of them, she is given one of the largest in the end, and some food to accompany it. She is astonished further by the exquisite and complex recipe. When asked, she concludes the cups to be pine, causing further laughter. The music starts, and the drinking continues apace all round – Grannie Liu is particularly enjoying the music, and is consequently mocked by Daiyu. After the music, Grandmother Jia walks with Liu, who admires the flora and birds, but cannot name them. They eat some snacks, including some delicately fashioned pastries which further enchant Grannie Liu. She and Baner eat a lot of them, and the rest are sent to the actresses. A nurse arrives with Xifeng’s daughter, who swaps a grapefruit with Baner for a Buddha’s hand.

Adamantina welcomes Grandmothers Jia and Liu et al to the hermitage. Jia declines to enter the meditation hall, staying in the garden to take tea. Baoyu studies Adamantina attentively, and whilst the others take tea, he spots her take Baochai and Daiyu to her own room and gatecrashes. Adamantina tells a lay-sister to leave the cup Grannie Liu used outside – she considers it contaminated. They drink tea and discuss the value of cups. Adamantina is very eccentric about the water she uses for her tea. Baoyu suggests giving Grannie Liu’s cup to her, and getting his boys to clean her floor.

Grandmother Jia leaves the party to rest, along with Xifeng and Li Wan, and others also take the opportunity to excuse themselves. Faithful is instructed to show Grannie Liu more of the garden, and the cousins join. She kowtows at a stone arch, causing laughter, before her bowels rumble and she is quickly escorted to a privy by a servant who then leaves her to find her own way back. Her business takes some time. She is disorientated on exiting – not to mention still very drunk - walking into a Western-style painting with perspective and then being confused first by a mirror, and secondly by the automatic latch on the door on which the mirror is. She passes through the door and out on a bed. The cousins meanwhile are concerned, and send someone to the privy to check on her. Aroma thinks it through and hurries to Green Delights, where she finds Grannie Liu on a bed surrounded by a heady funk of wine and fart. She wakes and apologises, Aroma gestures to her not to speak, covers up the smell with fragrance and leads her out to the junior maids’ quarters. She asks whose room it was, and on discovering it is Baoyu’s, is horrified by the enormity of her trespass. Aroma escorts her back to the cousins, saying that she had fallen asleep on the grass; Grandmother Jia wakes and heads back to her own apartment, and everyone else goes back to the garden.