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.