Chapter 75 - supercondensed

Baochai plans to move out to look after her mother. Youshi enjoys spying on a party of gambling men. At the unextravagant Mid-Autumn Festival dinner, a loud sigh is heard to come from the Hall of the Ancestors, sobering all. The family watch the moon from a mountain and play drinking games.

Chapter 75

开夜宴异兆发悲音

赏中秋新词得佳谶

Youshi is advised against going to see Lady Wang – the Zhens are visiting on secret business – so she goes to talk to Li Wan. She drinks and washes, and hints at the previous night’s investigations before Baochai arrives. They chat about Baochai’s plan to move out for a while to look after her mother, and are soon joined by Tanchun and Xiangyun. Tanchun is in a bad mood, and tells the others how she slapped Wang Shanbao’s wife before Youshi tells of her encounter with Xichun. They disperse, Youshi and Tanchun going together to Grandmother Jia’s, where Lady Wang is telling her the offences the Zhens have been charged with. She is shaken, and takes the opportunity of their arrival to talk about the Mid-Autumn Festival. They eat, Grandmother Jia fussing over each guest and the tribute dishes sent to her. Youshi starts eating later, along with the servants, and they fuss further over plain maids’ rice given to her – they cannot afford to be extravagant any more. After a jovial evening, Youshi returns to Ningguo. There are a lot of carriages present, and she decides to make a detour to spy on the large party of men, gathered by Cousin Zhen, who are gambling (the gatherings were originally for archery, which is not banned during mourning, but soon developed into gambling). Youshi watches a very drunk Xing Dequan 邢德全 lash out at and make up with two boys. He then tells Cousin Zhen about family developments regarding Lady Xing in embarrassing detail, which Youshi overhears with some relish. Having seen enough, she moves on. The next night, Zhen has arranged a family dinner for the Mid-Autumn Festival, which they can’t celebrate in full due to mourning. They eat, drink and are moved by the concubines’ music. Near midnight, they hear a long drawn-out sigh coming from the Hall of the Ancestors. The shock and dread sobers them all and they retire; entering the ancestral temple the next day to give an offering, Zhen can find nothing untoward and puts it down to drunkenness. He firmly locks the temple.

Zhen and Youshi go to Rongguo the next night, and having visited and chatted with Grandmother Jia and the male household members, they all go to make their Mid-Autumn offering. Grandmother Jia then suggests going to the mountaintop Convex pavilion to observe the moon. They venture up; Grandmother Jia comments on how small the family gathering looks. They play drinking games; Jia Zheng has to tell a joke, the mere prospect of which has everyone in convulsions. It is then Baoyu’s turn; feeling the pressure thanks to Zheng’s presence, he asks to be excused a joke and has to write a poem. Zheng likes the poem and gives him a fan. Jia She then tells a rather tactless, but well-received, joke. It is Jia Huan’s turn and, emboldened by Baoyu’s poem, tries one of his own, but it is weird and Zheng does not like it. He provides a harsh literary analysis of the two brothers’ work, which provokes laughter if not comprehension. Jia She reads Huan’s poem and disagrees with Zheng, complimenting and rewarding Huan. Zheng and She, along with the other men, have a final drink and leave Baoyu and the younger boys with the women.

Chapter 74 - supercondensed

Lady Wang confronts Xifeng about the purse; they start secret investigations, using the gambling as a pretext. After Skybright is questioned, raids are carried out at the garden residences, leading to confrontations. They find illicit objects belonging to Picture, and a love letter to Chess; Youshi is questioned about Picture.

Chapter 74

惑奸谗抄检大观园

避嫌隙杜绝宁国府

Baoyu arrives. Cook Liu’s enemies are taking the gambling as an excuse to try and oust her, and she has appealed to Baoyu who is looking to join forces with Yingchun in appealing for clemency. He cannot talk openly with the others present, however. Patience returns to Xifeng; she expresses her desire not to get too involved in the gambling business for fear of becoming ill and hated again, and to become more of a yes-man. Lian enters – news has leaked out of his pawning Faithful’s stuff, and his Mother has asked her for money. Patience deduces that Simple’s mother must have leaked it, but can’t find the original source; they decide to pawn some jewellery to raise the money anyway. Lady Wang arrives. She is angry and upset and dismisses Patience; she shows Xifeng the lewd purse, which she assumes is Xifeng’s. She is shamed and embarrassed, but it is not hers – it is low quality, she would be more careful, and she can name many others to whom it might belong. Xifeng suggests asking some of the most trusted servants to investigate in secret, with gambling as a pretext, so that Grandmother Jia doesn’t hear of it. Lady Wang agrees to the secret investigations, and wants Zhou Rui’s wife to help. Wang Shanbao’s 王善保 wife, who took the bag to Lady Wang, is delighted to be also recruited; she feels the maids don’t show her due respect and wants to teach them a lesson. Skybright is her least favourite, which causes Lady Wang to recall seeing someone of her description acting suspiciously. They decide to start with Skybright, and summon her. She had been napping and is not made up, so Lady Wang’s dislike of her is instantly exacerbated. Fearing that Baoyu may have been corrupted by her, Lady Wang lays into her. She responds that she doesn’t see much of him. She is dismissed, but Lady Wang remains incensed by her. Wang Shanbao’s wife suggests carrying out night time raids; Lady Wang agrees.

They start that night, and head to Green Delights, and go through the maids’ trunks. Baoyu is told that something is missing. Skybright is last, and angrily empties her trunk, lashing out at Wang Shanbao’s wife. They find nothing, and leave for Daiyu’s, where they find some boy’s articles which Xifeng dismisses. A forewarned Tanchun reacts stridently to the raiding party; she lets them search her belongings, but not her maids’, as she doesn’t let them keep their own belongings. Despite her anger, Wang Shanbao’s wife touches Tanchun’s clothes to make a joke about searching her, unleashing a slap and further anger. Both are furious and threaten to take the matter higher; Patience calms the scene and they move on to Li Wan (who is ill) and then Xichun’s. Xichun is more scared by the others, and illicit objects are found in her maid Picture’s 入画 possession. Xichun wants her beaten, although Xifeng is lenient, and names Mamma Zhang, a sour relation of Wang Shanbao’s wife, as a probable smuggler of the illicit objects. At Yingchun’s, Mrs Wang searches Chess (her granddaughter) perfunctorily, but the others find a love letter from her cousin and men’s socks. Xifeng laughs and reads it aloud, embarrassing Mrs Wang. The others are pleased to see her suffer. Xifeng postpones investigating Chess, but falls further ill that night and cannot do so.

Youshi sees Xifeng the next day and is called by Xichun to verify Picture’s story. Contrarily blaming Youshi, Xichun declares that she doesn’t want to see Picture or anyone from Ningguo again. They argue; Youshi considers her cold-hearted, young and foolish (mocking her intelligent reputation), and bursts out at sensitive references to her family. Youshi sweeps out with her maids and Picture, swallowing her anger.

Chapter 73 - supercondensed

An intruder scare leads to a crackdown on a staff gambling ring. Simple finds an erotic purse; a shocked Lady Xing hunts its owner. Yingchun’s nurse, who has stolen to feed her gambling, is dismissed, leading to a lengthy quarrel.

Chapter 73

A window casement has fallen; Aunt Zhao organises for it to be fixed. Her maid Magpie 小鹊 has hurried to Baoyu’s to let him know that she overheard Zheng and Aunt Zhao talking about something involving him. This makes him very uncomfortable, and he decides that the only solution is to revise his texts. It is soon clear that there is too much he doesn’t know, and he is merely getting himself into a more fraught state. The senior maids look after him, but the junior maids, obliged to stay awake but with no role, keep dropping off, causing Skybright indignation. Parfumée enters having seen an intruder; he cannot be found, but Skybright takes the opportunity of the panic to get Baoyu off his duties the next day because of the shock. The next day, Grandmother Jia is angry to find out about the intruder; Tanchun suggests that security is lax because Xifeng has been ill and the guards have become lax and gamble. The ill Xifeng gives a dressing down to Lin Zhixiao’s wife and the chief stewardesses, and Grandmother Jia orders them to find out who are the gambling ringleaders. They are soon found, and the three principal organisers beaten and dismissed. One of them is Yingchun’s nurse; Yingchun is humiliated and tries to get her off, with no luck.

Leaving Grandmother Jia’s, Lady Xing spots one of Lady Jia’s maids, Simple 傻大姐 who is young, stupid and has very big feet, smiling and holding a colourful object. It is an embroidered purse, on one side of which is an erotic scene. Lady Xing is shocked and confiscates it; she is puzzled by its origin. She goes to Yingchun’s to rebuke her about her nurse, and goes on to compare her unfavourably to Tanchun – also a chamber wife’s daughter - in every respect, before leaving for Grandmother Jia’s again. Yingchun argues with her maid Tangerine 绣桔 about her nurse, who Tangerine and Lady Xing believe to have been taking her property (particularly a pearl and gold phoenix) and pawning it for gambling money. Tangerine wants to tell Xifeng; this disturbs the nurse’s daughter-in-law, who overhears the conversation. She rushes in and confesses that the nurse took it, but intends to redeem and return it. Yingchun refuses to appeal for her again and Tangerine rebukes her, causing an argument about money. To stop the fuss and fighting, Yingchun declares that she will tell Lady Xing that she has just lost the phoenix. This upsets Tangerine further, as she expects to take the blame; Chess joins the argument. Meanwhile, Baochai, Daiyu, Baoqin and Tanchun arrive to check on Yingchun; Tanchun’s presence breaks up the argument, but she overhears some snippets and quizzes Yingchun about the phoenix. The daughter-in-law rushes back in to explain, but Tanchun politely suggests that she go to Xifeng and save some face. Patience arrives on cue, arranged by Tanchun. The daughter-in-law bounds up to Patience, and is rebuked for her bad manners and leaves. Tanchun explains the situation to Patience, and coldly asks her if Xifeng is trying to undermine her, Yingchun and Xichun. She turns to Yingchun, who is reading, and expresses at some length her desire to let the situation rest and not exacerbate by interfering, which amuses the others. 

Chapter 72 - supercondensed

Xifeng is ill, but money matters are pressing. She asks Brightie to start calling in loans in return for brokering her son’s marriage to Sunset. Most are lukewarm on the marriage, especially Sunset. Zheng won’t consent to her marrying Huan.

Chapter 72

王熙凤恃强羞说病

来旺妇倚势霸成亲

Faithful resolves to keep her experience to herself, but Chess is still ill at ease. When she hears her cousin is missing, she falls ill in earnest. Faithful visits her to reassure her, and they bond. She has also noticed that Xifeng is ill and drops in on her. Xifeng is napping, so Faithful talks with Patience, who tells her that Xifeng refuses to see a doctor. She has been bleeding continuously since her last period; Faithful’s sister died of something similar. A marriage broker arrives to see Xifeng and is sent away; Jia Lian returns. By coincidence he had been looking for Faithful as he couldn’t find a present given to Grandmother Jia. Xifeng has it in their loft – Lian had forgotten that she had it. When Faithful tries to leave, Lian asks a favour of her – he is out of money and wants her to smuggle a box of Grandmother Jia’s valuables that she wouldn’t miss. He flatters her, but she is summoned away before agreeing and Lian goes in to see Xifeng, who is now up, and they discuss their plan and what Xifeng will get out of it. They laugh together, but she flies off the handle at one point at Lian’s tone when discussing money – her family are much richer than the Jias. It is the anniversary of Erjie’s death the next day and Xifeng plans to visit her grave. Brightie’s wife hurries in – she is trying to arrange the marriage of her son to Sunset, who is at home with her parents, without luck so far. She had hoped that Xifeng could help settle it; the girl is keen, but her parents are a stumbling block. Lian offers the help the next day. In return, Xifeng wants Brightie to start calling in the loans she’s handed out – money is short. A messenger arrives from the Master of the Bedchamber at the Palace wanting a loan. She strings him along – saying he can have as much money as he wants, and that there’s no need to pay back this or previous loans. Brightie’s wife plays along, and Patience gives the messenger the money having pawned some jewellery.

Lian hears from Lin Zhixiao that Jia Yucun has been demoted; they don’t know what for, but resolve to have little to do with him. They talk about the household’s financial problems – Lin Zhixiao think they should discharge some of the older servants and reduce the household wage bill. Lian agrees, but doesn’t want to trouble the recently-returned Zheng. He asks Lin to help with brokering Brightie’s son’s marriage; he is lukewarm, as Brightie’s son is already quite the rogue. Lian thinks he needs a good hiding; Zhixiao suggests the Lian punishes him next time he’s in trouble. That evening, Sunset’s mother agrees to the marriage after meeting Xifeng, but Lian expresses his doubts to her.

Brightie’s visit to Sunset’s parents has filled her with foreboding – her heart belongs to Jia Huan, and when she hears of Brightie’s son’s reputation she is more alarmed. Worrying that their relationship with Xifeng might cement it, she sends her sister Moonrise 小霞 to find out from Aunt Zhao what is happening. Aunt Zhao is keen for Huan to ask for Sunset, and tries to enlist Zheng’s support, but he is unenthusiastic. He has girls in mind for Baoyu and Huan, but thinks they are too young. They are disturbed by a loud crash.

Chapter 71 - supercondensed

Lady Jia is exhausted by her extensive birthday celebrations. Xifeng has two stewardesses detained, causing unrest amongst the staff, and Lady Xing publicly humiliates her about it. Faithful embarrasses Chess with her cousin.

Chapter 71

嫌隙人有心生嫌隙

鸳鸯女无意遇鸳鸯

Jia Zheng has arrived home. After reporting to the Emperor he is granted a month’s recuperation leave. It is Grandmother Jia’s birthday, there are to be eight days of celebration in both houses for various groups of guests, including royalty. At one of the banquets, the Princess Dowager of Nan’an asks after the cousins, and five of the girls are presented to her. Grandmother Jia is exhausted by the celebrations.

Throughout the celebrations, Youshi is staying at Rongguo and helping Xifeng. One night when she is free and Xifeng is not available, she goes to the Garden to see the cousins. Her maid cannot find a soul, and has an argument with two stewardesses as the gate is open and lights on. She reports this with indignation to Youshi, who has found Aroma, Xiangyun and Baoqin. Youshi stalls on punishing them, due to the celebrations, but word reaches Xifeng via an over-attentive Zhou Rui’s wife, and she orders them to be detained and sent to be death with by Youshi after the celebrations finish. Zhou Rui’s wife orders Lin Zhixiao’s wife to go to Youshi immediately, leading to an awkward meeting. After she leaves, she complains to Aunt Zhao and manages the entreating daughters of the two stewardesses. Gossip spreads, and a busybody relative of one of the stewardesses complains to Lady Xing. Lady Xing, currently jealous of Xifeng who is more favoured by Grandmother Jia, sees this as an attack on herself by Xifeng. The next day there are further elaborate celebrations. In the evening, just before leaving, Lady Xing confronts Xifeng about the detained stewardesses in public. Xifeng is humiliated and tries to laugh it off, but when there is agreement that they should be released her humiliation is compounded. She runs back to her quarters to weep, but is summoned by Grandmother Jia immediately. She hides her tears and they eat. Faithful explains Xifeng’s tears to Grandmother Jia after she leaves; she feels Xifeng acted correctly. She sends Faithful to the Garden to complete the arrangements for two guests, Xiluan 喜鸾 and Sijie 四姐, to stay on and while there she discusses Xifeng’s difficult position with Li Wan, Youshi and the cousins. Conversation soon turns to Baoyu’s happy-go-lucky attitude to life, the future and death; young Xiluan is embarrassed by talk of marriage.

When returning, Faithful notices one of the side gates is not barred, and she takes the opportunity to empty her bladder. She spots two figures hide in the bushes and identifies one as Yingchun’s maid Chess and calls after her in jest. Chess has a guilty conscience and is terrified – she begs her not to cry out. Faithful notices that the other figure is a boy; Chess says that he’s her cousin, and they are all embarrassed. Faithful swears she will have mercy on them and won’t tell, and leaves through the gate.

Chapter 70 - supercondensed

It is spring, Baoyu’s health has deteriorated. He starts revising, but when Zheng’s return is postponed, the much-delayed reconvening of the poetry club takes place; this leads to kite flying. Baoyu continues to study until autumn.

Chapter 70

林黛玉重建桃花社

史湘云偶填柳絮词

Grandmother Jia refuses Lian permission to take Erjie’s body to the family temple outside the city. She is buried next to Sanjie with few mourners. It is nearly New Year, and the household seniors are unable to make suitable matches amongst the maids and menservants.

All the dramatic events have resulted in the postponement of the poetry club for over a year and Baoyu’s health deteriorating greatly – he looks and acts like a halfwit. Whilst horseplaying with his maids, Baoyu is summoned by Xiangyun to see the girls who, as it is spring, wish to restart the poetry club. Baoyu reads a new poem by Baoqin, after which the club is to be renamed the ‘Peachflower Club’. He is moved by its melancholy and unable to guess the author. Daiyu is to be club president, and – having confirmed with Li Wan - they meet the next day. The meeting is, however, postponed by many days due to a succession of events requiring the cousins’ attendance, including Tanchun’s birthday and the announcement of Jia Zheng’s return. When Baoyu tries to rest, Aroma encourages him to concentrate more on his studies for Zheng’s return and he stays up practising his calligraphy. He is so far behind, and Lady Wang is concerned, so Baochai and Tanchun offer to help him out, soon joined by the other cousins, but as a result the club meeting is postponed further. Soon he can start on other revision, but when a tidal wave hits the coast, however, Zheng is required on official business and his return delayed, so Baoyu reverts to his customer aimless type. One day, Xiangyun composes song lyrics and shows them to Baochai and Daiyu, and they decide finally to have a club meeting at Daiyu’s to compose song lyrics on the theme of willow floss. Baochai wins, Daiyu and Baoqin’s are too pessimistic, and Baoyu fails even to complete a poem. Before his punishment is decided, a kite crashes loudly in the bamboo. Baoyu thinks it belongs to Carmine 嫣红, so they don’t take it, but are inspired to send for Daiyu’s kite, following which each sends for their own. They all fly well other than Baoyu’s, so he gets into a state. The wind is strong; Daiyu cuts hers free and they watch it fly away. Baoyu does so too, and Tanchun’s gets caught up with another, eventually escaping, before the others also release theirs.

Baoyu continues to do some revision through summer; while he sees the girls when bored, they are conscious of his work and don’t invite him or pretend to be asleep when he calls. When autumn begins, two of Grandmother Jia’s maids come to him, agitated.

Chapter 69 - supercondensed

With Lian away, Xifeng surprises Erjie and invites her to live in Rongguo. Erjie is touched by her concern. Meanwhile, Xifeng arranges an indictment against Lian and histrionically manipulates all those involved in arranging the marriage into settling out of court, all the while feigning her concern for Erjie.

Chapter 69

弄小巧用借剑杀人

觉大限吞生金自逝

Erjie and Youshi accompany Xifeng to the inner mansion, where Erjie is introduced to Grandmother Jia and the cousins; Grandmother Jia approves, providing that they don’t sleep together till next year. Lady Wang is also delighted with the proposition. Zhang Hua is apprehensive about claiming Erjie and after initially being sentenced to flogging, he does so and the court finds in his favour. When they go to Rongguo to claim her, Xifeng feigns alarm to Grandmother Jia. All are concerned, but thinking that Lian has not slept with her, the damage should be limited. Cousin Zhen negotiates with the Zhangs to leave for more money, which they do; Xifeng is not put out by this, and summons Brightie to arrange Zhang Hua’s death. He has misgivings and, after going into hiding, reports his death to an unbelieving Xifeng, who lets the matter drop. She remains extremely affable to Erjie.

Lian returns from his mission, and doesn’t find Erjie in her room – the story is explained to him before he meets a surprisingly pleasant Xifeng. He marvels at the change in her and feels he has one up on her – he has also been given Autumn 秋桐 as a concubine, who treats Patience, Xifeng and Erjie with scant respect. Xifeng feigns sympathetic illness after telling Erjie that some in the household dislike her, while Patience is rebuked for eating with her and Baoyu and the cousins try to console her. Lian is completely taken in, but spends all his time with Autumn and his feelings for Erjie cool. Xifeng provokes them against each other, and Autumn persuades Grandmother Jia that the tearful Erjie is jealous and poorly bred. Only Patience supports her now; she falls progressively more ill, and sees Sanjie in a dream, telling her to kill the duplicitous Xifeng. She tells Lian that she his pregnant; the summoned doctor disagrees. The medicine he prescribes then causes a miscarriage – the foetus is male. The doctor flees, and a second doctor is pessimistic about her condition – she will only survive without emotional upset. Lian is furious, and Xifeng exhibits great distress and concern for Erjie. Seeing Lian occupied with helping Erjie, Autumn is seething jealousy, exacerbated when she is asked to leave due to an astral reading. Autumn complains to Lady Xing, who rebukes Xifeng and Lian. Autumn stands outside Erjie’s window and shouts abuse. That night, Patience goes to comfort her, and they weep together. After Patience leaves, she poisons herself by swallowing gold. The next morning the maids don’t look in on her until Patience rebukes their lack of sympathy – they scream and are moved to tears, along with Lian and (apparently) Xifeng. Lian sets about his duties – she is carried to Pear Tree Court and he arranges her funeral with a geomancer. Xifeng, who makes an excuse for not going into mourning, eavesdrops on the arrangements. She reports to Lady Jia, and they agree that the arrangements are excessive. She refuses to give Lian money, and he is forced to rifle through Erjie’s possessions for cash. He feels there’s something suspicious and weeps from anguish; Patience tells him not to make an exhibition of himself. He acquires timber for the coffin, order servants to keep vigil by Erjie and spends each night in Pear Tree Court before being summoned by Grandmother Jia.

Chapter 68 - supercondensed

With Lian away, Xifeng surprises Erjie and invites her to live in Rongguo. Erjie is touched by her concern. Meanwhile, Xifeng arranges an indictment against Lian and histrionically manipulates all those involved in arranging the marriage into settling out of court, all the while feigning her concern for Erjie.

Chapter 68

苦尤娘赚入大观园

酸凤姐大闹宁国府 

Lian is away on extended business again; when he leaves, Xifeng executes her plan. She has a building converted to be like their apartment, and announces her departure with four companions to a temple. They go to Erjie’s instead, dressed in mourning as Mrs You had also died. Erjie and the Mattress are startled. They curtsey to each other graciously, before Xifeng explains her situation and invites Erjie to live with her in Rongguo to stop malicious tittle-tattle and get one over on Lian. They weep together and Xifeng gives her presents as first and second wife – she has gained Erjie’s sympathy, and she pours her heart out in return. Xifeng and her companions help Erjie to prepare to move, although she suggests that Erjie move into the Garden at first, as the senior household members are very strait-laced and don’t know about the marriage, particularly as it was carried out during a period of mourning. She takes her to Li Wan’s, where the Garden residents gather and are sworn to secrecy. Erjie is reassured, although her maid Mercy 善姐 – given to her by Xifeng – is short with her about bothering Xifeng and careless about serving her meals. Nevertheless, Erjie is impressed by Xifeng’s apparent concern and forbearance, and covers up for Mercy in order to show appropriate forbearance herself.

Brightie is busy making inquiries into Erjie’s background and previous engagement to Zhang Hua. Xifeng offers him twenty taels to bring a written indictment against Lian. He refuses at first, and then Xifeng decides to have Brightie named in the indictment as agent of the accused. This is less risky, so Zhang agrees; before long, blackcoats come to Rongguo to arrest a willing Brightie. In the tribunal, Brightie forces Zhang to name Jia Rong, whom the Censor is then unwillingly forced to summon. Xifeng hears from this from a page, and sends someone to persuade the Censor to give Rong a scare without any damning judgement and talk to the President of the Court of Censors; the Censor takes the bribe. When Rong is summoned, Cousin Zhen also sends a bribe to the Censor and domestics to answer the summons. Xifeng goes to see him and Rong; Zhen hides and she spits at Youshi, blaming her for the illegal marriage and subsequent suing, before rounding on Rong. He entreats her not to be angry and slaps himself repeatedly while Xifeng makes a fine display of histrionic grief on Youshi’s breast. She tells them a false version of events, including how well Erjie is being treated in Rongguo, and that she was prepared to let bygones be bygones, until she found out about the previous engagement which has been such a mess. It is all very emotional, with all weeping and abusing themselves and each other. She concludes by calmly asking Youshi to ask Zhen to settle out of court, and they discuss paying Zhang off or giving him Erjie back. They then discuss how to handle it internally; Youshi refuses to explain to Lady Wang and Grandmother Jia herself, so Xifeng decides to spin a yarn to them about taking a fancy to Erjie and taking her on as her number two. Settled, they eat before Xifeng leaves. She goes to the Garden to explain developments to Erjie.

Chapter 67 - supercondensed

Pan is distraught at Xianglian’s fate; Baochai hands out the presents he has brought. Toys from Suzhou upset Daiyu. Xifeng extracts details of the affair with Erjie from the servants.

Chapter 67

见土仪颦卿思故里

闻秘事凤姐讯家童

The Xues discuss Liu Xianglian and Sanjie; Baochai is fatalistic, Pan is distraught and sobered and resolves to focus on his business. He gives Aunt Xue and Baochai trunks of extravagant presents bought on his travels, and makes preparations for a party for his employees, at which he explains Xianglian’s fate, which is discussed.

Baochai starts to portion out amongst her and her cousins Pan’s presents to her. She sends Daiyu some toys made near Suzhou, evoking severe nostalgia; she becomes upset due to her outsider status. Baoyu and Nightingale understand the problem and try to cheer her up, to no avail, and they go to see Baochai to thank her and hear about Pan’s travels; they conclude that Daiyu should find outdoor activities to occupy her when she’s ill. Aunt Zhao, meanwhile, is delighted with the presents sent to Huan and decides to take the opportunity to ingratiate herself with Lady Wang, Baochai’s close kin. Lady Wang is not impressed, and she returns crestfallen. Oriole returns from delivering the presents and gossips with Baochai that Xifeng was very angry about something and talking with Patience.

Baoyu decides that he wants to discuss Daiyu with Aroma, but can’t find her – she’s at Xifeng’s. On the way, she had dispensed some gardening advice. Approaching Xifeng’s, she hears her raised voice and realises the moment might be inopportune. She pays her respects and leaves promptly, and while Xifeng and Patience wait for Brightie to enter Patience tells her precisely what a maid had overheard about ‘the new mistress’ before Brightie told her off. Xifeng quickly gets the truth out of him and summons Joker. He arrives unsuspecting, but Xifeng’s interrogation soon sends him into a frenzy of self-abasement. Joker explains the whole story, including about Sanjie and Xianglian, amid regular interjection and abuse from Xifeng. She forbids him from going to Erjie’s or telling Lian what happened, and tells Brightie he is responsible if word gets round. Having thought for a while, Xifeng summons Patience – she has an idea.

Chapter 66 - supercondensed

Lian’s page also badmouths Baoyu; Sanjie reveals that her desired man is Liu Xianglian. Lian finds him riding with Xue Pan, and he agrees to marry her, giving swords as a pledge. Xianglian later visits Lian, revealing a prior betrothal. Sanjie slits her throat before him; he joins a wandering Daoist after seeing a vision of her.

Chapter 66

情小妹耻情归地府

冷二郎一冷入空门

Sanjie asks Joker about Baoyu; Joker describes him as lazy, stupid, soft and spoiled. Erjie is disappointed, but Sanjie defends him on the basis of their experience of him. Erjie and Joker joke about betrothing her to him anyway; Joker mentions his attachment to Daiyu before being taken away by Rich. That night, Sanjie tells Erjie who it is she wants to marry. Lian arrives the next day before going away for a long assignment and she tells him not to worry about Sanjie – the man she is prepared to marry is actor Liu Xianglian, who is now missing. Lian tells her of Xianglian’s friendship with Baoyu and beating of Xue Pan, before Sanjie enters and swears her determination. Lian makes enquiries after Xianglian, but finds nothing. Several days into his journey, however, he encounters Xue Pan and Xianglian, riding together as blood brothers after a bonding incident on their travels. He tells them of Sanjie, and Xianglian agrees to marry her, giving him an heirloom swords as a pledge.

Lian returned early to Erjie and gives the swords to a happy Sanjie. He tells Cousin Zhen about Sanjie, who is happy for him to deal with the engagement. Xianglian arrives back in the capital and visits the Xues and Baoyu, who congratulates him on the match with Sanjie – Lian’s insistence and the lack of suitors has made him suspicious. When he goes to see Lian he greets Mrs You formally and tells Lian that, unbeknownst to him, his Aunt had already betrothed him, and he asks for the swords back. Sanjie overhears, and assumes that the rejection is because he has heard ill of her, and realises that Lian won’t be able to stop him breaking off the engagement. She takes one of the swords and cuts her throat in front of Xianglian. Erjie dissuades Lian from taking Xianglian to the yamen for her murder; he weeps as if for his bride. He returns to his new house, distraught, and Sanjie visits him holding a ledger and the sword on her way to work for the Fairy Disenchantment before vanishing. With a jolt, Xianglian finds himself in a temple. He talks with a mysterious Daoist before slashing his hair off with the now companionless heirloom sword, and joins the Daoist in his wanderings.

Chapter 65 - supercondensed

Lian is besotted with Erjie; Xifeng suspects nothing. Zhen tries to seduce Sanjie, who is attractively furious when Lian suggests they make it formal. She then milks Zhen for all she can, before announcing that there is only one man she would marry; she denies that it’s Baoyu. Lian’s page warns Erjie against seeing Xifeng.

Chapter 65

贾二舍偷娶尤二姨

尤三姐思嫁柳二郎

Lian and Erjie’s marriage is carried out and she moves in to her new lodgings with Sanjie and Mrs You; he is besotted with her, and asks that she is called ‘Mrs Lian’. When he occasionally returns to Xifeng, she suspects nothing, assuming he has important business with Zhen at Ningguo. He hands his savings to Erjie and promises to marry her openly after Xifeng dies. He is very grateful to the facilitator Zhen.

One day when Lian was not present, Zhen calls on the Yous, and gets intimate with Sanjie; the maids and servants quarrel. Lian arrives unexpectedly and goes to his bedroom after the Mattress whispers to him that Zhen is present. Lian’s page Rich 隆儿 also deduces that Zhen is present by the extra horse. He quarrels with Zhen’s pages, who are very drunk and staying the night too, and Erjie is just able to distract Lian’s attention from the commotion. Lian suggests that Zhen and Sanjie formalise their relationship – Erjie isn’t sure - and he goes to see his embarrassed cousin. His suggestion causes the attractively dishevelled Sanjie to erupt, making Zhen and Lian tonguetied, spellbound, smitten and repulsed, and finally she storms off and dismissed them.

Sanjie continues to abuse Lian, Zhen and Rong to all who will listen, although she does still summon Zhen at times. She resolves to milk the rich men for all she can, and makes extravagant demands for food, clothes and jewellery – she is far from the complaisant mistress Zhen had hoped for, and despite Erjie’s devotion even Lian is caused to regret the situation. Erjie urges Lian to find a husband for Sanjie, but Zhen won’t give her up. Erjie prepares a party for the four of them but Sanjie, predicting the reason for it, bursts into tears and declares that she repents and wishes to be a good wife; she has one particular man in mind. Lian guesses Baoyu, but to Erjie and Mrs You’s surprise she rejects this. Lian’s page Joker 光儿 arrives to call him away, and he is left to answer the girls’ questions about Rongguo; he is very rude about Xifeng. He entreats Erjie not to go and see her, as she intends. He tells her that Xifeng is a jealous type and is frightened of the Patience, before jokily describing the other young ladies of Rongguo to them.

Chapter 64 - supercondensed

Soon after the funeral, Baoyu and Daiyu share an emotional moment; he finds a series of her poems. Lian admires Erjie and Sanjie; Rong comes up with a plan for a secret marriage. They pay off her betrothed, and Zhen sets about arrangements.

Chapter 64

幽淑女悲题五美吟

浪荡子情遗九龙佩

The funeral procession is magnificent. Baoyu is also required to spend all day by the coffin in Ningguo; one day, with no visitors, he goes back and finds Parfumée and Skybright fighting at Green Delights. Aroma has gone religious and is meditating. On the way to Daiyu’s, he bumps into Snowgoose, who has a large amount of fruit for Nightingale. Baoyu works out it must be the anniversary of Aunt Lin’s death, and decides not to bother Daiyu. Instead, he goes to see Xifeng, who is feeling better, before heading back to Daiyu’s. She is upset, and they have an emotional, sympathetic moment together. Nightingale enters, and thinks they have been quarrelling. Baoyu, feeling awkward, picks up some of Daiyu’s papers as Baochai enters. Daiyu has written a series of poems about famous women, but she and Baochai are uncomfortable with his discovering the poems – poetry is not the priority for ladies. Baoyu and Baochai praise the poems enthusiastically.

It is announced that Jia Lian has returned, and Baoyu goes to greet him. Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang return the next day, and go to see the coffin; Grandmother Jia is very moved and, back at Rongguo, it is apparent that mourning and travel have made her ill. She is not well enough for Jia Jing’s funeral a few days later. Jia Lian has admired Mrs You’s daughters Erjie 二姐 and Sanjie 三姐 for some time, and takes the opportunity to act. He uses every excuse to see Erjie; helping Cousin Zhen, who is very short of money after the funeral expenses. On the way, Jia Rong suggests helping Lian have her in a secret marriage – her family has a complex history and they would have no problem with it, but Xifeng might. Rong explains his idiotic plan for that, but Lian trusts in it, despite everything, not least its illegality and Rong’s own interest in Erjie. Lian goes to see Erjie, and is flirting with her with a handkerchief and set of jade dragons when her mother and Sanjie enter. He takes care of official business, charming Mrs You. Rong calls Lian out, and he watches Rong talking with Mrs You, gesturing to Lian and Erjie. Sanjie shouts at him. He then goes to tell Cousin Zhen of the plan; he approves, but isn’t sure whether Erjie would agree, and talks to Youshi, who disapproves. The next day, Rong goes to persuade Mrs You, who then goes to persuade Erjie, who consents with a nod. Cousin Zhen tells Lian, who is delighted and sets about arrangements. He chooses Bao Er and his new wife the Mattress, united in their hatred of Xifeng, for this household, and pays off Erjie longstanding betrothed. He chooses a date for the secret marriage.

Chapter 63 - supercondensed

The maids organise a further birthday party at Baoyu’s, with more riotous drinking games and entertainment. Parfumée is embarrassed to find she has slept beside Baoyu. He responds to Adamantina’s birthday card after being inspired by Xiuyan, and crops Parfumée’s hair. A drunken return party hosted by Patience is interrupted by news of Jia Jing’s death; those present expedite arrangements.

Chapter 63

寿怡红群芳开夜宴

死金丹独艳理亲丧

Baoyu and Aroma are planning a drinking party in Green Delights, hosted by the maids; Baoyu is pleased but concerned that the young maids have given so much money for it. He is distressed when Swallow tells him Fivey has had a relapse. It is lighting-up time and Lin Zhixiao’s wife is doing the rounds; she warns the inhabitants of Green Delights not to drink or gamble, and is shocked that Baoyu is not in bed. She has some tea, and disapproves of Baoyu using the maids’ first names. After she leaves, the maids strip down to their underwear and join Baoyu on the kang; he is already playing guess-fingers with Parfumée. After a brief birthday ceremony (he drinks from each of their cups), they decide to play a drinking game. As it requires more players, some of the maids sneak off to gather some of the girls. They arrive after persuasion from the more senior maids. Daiyu questions Li Wan’s presence, as she generally disapproves of the servants drinking and gambling, but she is willing to make an exception for a birthday. The drinking game involves throwing dice, counting round to that player who draws a card with a particular flower and poem on, and does what the card says. Parfumée sings for them. All assembled take their turns in good spirits – Xiangyun is particularly mocked for her recent drunkenness, and Tanchun for selecting a card intimating a noble marriage. Someone comes to collect Daiyu, as it is late, and the rest of the guests also break off. Back at Green Delights, the party continues with guess-fingers and songs, and all are extremely drunk, including the old women. The wine has run out, and they clear up, but Swallow and Number Four are asleep on the kang. Skybright cannot wake them, and Baoyu says it will be alright if they all sleep on the kang. The next morning, they wake late, and Parfumée is embarrassed to have slept by Baoyu’s side. He thanks them for the party. Patience comes round, faking indignation not to have been invited to the party.

Baoyu is agitated to find a birthday card from Adamantina; he starts to write a response and heads off. He bumps into Xing Xiuyan who is also going to see her. They discuss her – she is very important to Xiuyan – and her love of Zhuangzi, and knowing more, Baoyu is able to return and complete his letter, which he delivers. He orders Parfumée to have her hair cut like a boy; they can pretend she’s foreign, and he gives her a new foreign sounding name as a result, Yelu Hunni 耶律雄奴. Patience is having a return party, with Youshi and other Ningguo guests too; some of the guests suggest more names for Parfumée. The party is unrestrained and drunken fun, until a messenger announces Sir Jing’s death. Youshi is distressed and hurries back. Physicians conclude that the metallic elixirs he drank in search of immortality caused his death – the Daoists deny this, but are put under arrest. The body is taken to the Iron Threshold Temple out of expediency, and Youshi arranges for the earliest possible burial, as it is very hot. All enter mourning three days later. With senior ladies away, and those present unable, junior clansmen are required to handle guests and household matters. Cousin Zhen and Jia Rong apply for leave to return, which is referred to the Emperor. The Emperor confers posthumous high rank on him and allows them to go, with some expenses. They hurry back, and grieve, arranging for Jing’s lying-in-state. Jia Rong goes to see his grandmother and shocks his aunts, and molests some maids, before paying solicitous respects to her and leaving.

Chapter 62 - supercondensed

It is Baoyu’s birthday, shared with Baoqin, Xiuyan and Patience. They celebrate extremely rowdily with drinking games, leading to complaints; Xiangyun is found passed out amid peony petals. Caltrop ruins a skirt outside, and Baoyu helps her.

Chapter 62

After resolution, Patience disposes of the matter. The replacement cook has already begun embezzling when she receives her dismissal. Aunt Zhao and Huan – who received the stolen goods – are scared, and Huan throws them back at Sunset, assuming she is thick with Baoyu. Upset, she throws the things into the lake.

憨湘云醉眠芍药裀

呆香菱情解石榴裙

It is Baoyu and Baoqin’s birthday; less fuss is made than normal as Lady Wang is still away. He returns after making all his formal obeisances and reverences to find many maids and the girls wishing him happy returns. They make extended reverences to each other – it turns out that it is also Patience’s and Xing Xiuyan’s birthday. Tanchun remarks on the coincidence; they discuss birthdays and get Xifeng to agree to let Patience celebrate with them. Cook Liu prepares them a meal; it is all unusually gay. Baoyu sees Xue Ke first, and walks back with Baochai, who tells him that she knows about an extremely serious incident which she hopes never comes to light. They reach the party in the Peony Garden, which is very lively. Aunt Xue is present, but goes to lie down in the jobs room. The birthday four object to toasts, as they will get too drunk, and send the old blind ballad singer to entertain Aunt Xue, as they don’t like old music. They decide to play a drinking game; everyone puts suggestions into a hat. The first one drawn (cover-ups, suggested by newly enthusiastically literary Caltrop) is combined with guess-fingers. They all get extremely rowdy and drunk as they play – especially Xiangyun, who applies herself to the game with some vigour - although Daiyu’s dry joke about the essence of rose is not appreciated by Baoyu or Sunset. With the senior ladies away, the party soon becomes bedlam. Lin Zhixiao’s wife appears, concerned by the noise, and Patience feels they ought to stop. They find Xiangyun passed out on a rock, covered in peony petals, and reciting drinking games in her sleep. She is embarrassed to be woken, but feels better after taking some ‘hangover rock’ and soup. They send some of the party food to Xifeng, and the party breaks into smaller groups. Lin Zhixiao’s wife arrives again with an old lady who has heard swearing; Tanchun dismisses her from service. Baoyu and Daiyu watch this and comment on how detached she is; Baoyu tells her how much management Tanchun has done while she has been ill. Daiyu goes to see Baochai, and Baoyu looks for Parfumée, who is bored and lonely. She is complaining about her food, of which he is jealous, so they share it. He tells Swallow to look after her, and to tell Cook Liu that Fivey will definitely work there. He rejoins the party as food is served, causing Skybright to mock him.

Outside, Caltrop and the maids are playing with flowers, and she is jeered when she reveals greater knowledge. In the ensuing jostling, Caltrop rolls into a puddle and ruins her special new skirt. The others run off and Baoyu arrives; he is sympathetic. He is delighted to be able to help – fetching one of Aroma’s similar skirts that she can’t wear as she is in mourning – but regrets that she has been sold to Pan. Aroma returns with him to Caltrop, who changes skirts. She catches Baoyu burying the flowers that had caused the kerfuffle, and finds it endearingly odd. They separate, and she calls to him not to tell Pan about the incident.

Chapter 61 - supercondensed

Found with some medicine, Cook Liu is accused of stealing. Her possessions are searched and she and Fivey are to be thrown out. Baoyu, knowing the truth, agrees with the maids to take the blame; Xifeng doesn’t buy it, but Patience persuades her to be merciful to Cook Liu.

Chapter 61

投鼠忌器宝玉瞒赃

判冤决狱平儿行权

The page boy banters Cook Liu, talking and Fivey and asking her to take some fruit from the Garden for her, finally letting her pass. Yingchun’s maid Lotus 莲花儿 later asks her for a special dish for her principal maid Chess 司棋, causing an argument when she doesn’t offer anything to cover the cost. She leaves and reports back to Chess, who is incensed and goes to the kitchen, causing havoc. Her pillages ceases on seeing that Cook Liu is preparing her dish after all.

Liu gives Fivey the lycoperdon snow; she resolves to give half to Parfumée, and heads out. She gives it to Swallow to pass on, but while she’s out is confronted by Lin Zhixiao’s wife – she is supposed to be ill. Her halting response reminds Lin Zhixiao’s wife that Silver had recently reported several things missing; unfortunately several maids arrive, and Lotus reveals seeing essence of rose (one of the missing objects) at Cook Liu’s. They search the kitchen, and also find the lycoperdon snow; they take Fivey to Tanchun’s, then Xifeng’s. Xifeng orders Cook Liu and Fivey to be thrown out and lashed. Fivey explains to Patience, who believes her, but she still spends the night guarded and weeping continuously. The next morning all resume investigations. Baoyu is shocked, and suggests to Patience that they say the lycoperdon snow – which had been a present for their Ladyships - was also given to her by Parfumée. (They all know that it was Sunset who had really stolen the essence of roses to give to Huan.)  Patience, Aroma et al agree that it would be best if Baoyu takes the blame, which he has volunteered to do, but call Silver and Sunset to straighten it out first. Sunset confesses to being the thief. Patience and Parfumée tell Fivey what to say, and take her to Xifeng, where Patience tells her and Lin Zhixiao’s wife that Baoyu is the thief. Xifeng isn’t convinced, knowing Baoyu’s propensity for taking the blame, and wants further harsh investigation and Cook Liu dismissed anyway. Patience persuades her to mercy.

Chapter 60 - supercondensed

When Huan asks Parfumée for some rose orris, she gives him a substitute. This prompts Aunt Zhao and the warden to confront her, leading to a large scale fight. Tanchun is furious, and tries to find out who is responsible. Parfumée helps the ill Fivey, bring her medicine and trying to find her a maid’s job.

Chapter 60

茉莉粉替去蔷薇硝

玫瑰露引出茯苓霜

Patience won’t tell Aroma what it is just now – she hasn’t time, and hasn’t got to the bottom of it yet. She is summoned away. Baoyu sends Swallow and her mother to apologise to Oriole; they bicker as they walk, until Swallow mentions that Baoyu wants to give them all freedom. Their apology is accepted; before they leave, Étamine gives them a packet of rose orris as a present for Parfumée. Jia Huan and Jia Cong are visiting Baoyu, so Swallow cannot report back; she gives Parfumée the rose orris, and Baoyu, observing, calls her in and inspects it. Huan is impressed and asks for some; Parfumée is reluctant and says she’ll give him some of her own. However, her own supply is missing, so in order to hurry them out, and she gives him jasmine scented facepowder instead. Huan then looks for Sunset, who is with Aunt Zhao, to give her the packet; she laughs at him. Sunset doesn’t think it worth a fuss, but Aunt Zhao sees an opportunity to put the ‘hussies’ in their place. Huan is timid, angering her, and she storms off to the Garden. She meets Swallow’s aunt Mamma Xia on the way, who strengthens her resolve as she tells of her encounter with Nénuphar.

She arrives at Baoyu’s when he is out, and Parfumée is eating with Aroma and the maids. Her outburst sends Parfumée into tears as she explains; Zhao slaps her several times while Aroma protests. Parfumée goes into histrionics, headbutting Zhao’s belly. Skybright advises Aroma against getting involved; servants and actresses alike gather to watch the rumpus, the older women delighted that an actress was getting beaten. Before long, two other actresses charge in and set upon Aunt Zhao – the senior maids are concerned but can’t help but laugh. Skybright sends for Tanchun, who soon arrives. She sighs at Aunt Zhao’s fury and gives her a dressing-down in which she concludes that the actresses are like pets, and that she needs more patience. Aunt Zhao leaves, but the more Tanchun thinks about it, the angrier she is, and makes inquiries as to who provoked it. Her actress, Artémisie 艾官, tells her privately that it was Mamma Xia’s fault; she doesn’t act on this, knowing the actresses to be in league. Meanwhile, Ebony tells Cicada 蝉姐, Tanchun’s maid and Xia’s granddaughter, about the denunciation, and she tells Xia by the kitchen. Parfumée is there talking to the cook, and when a fritter that Ebony has paid for arrives, Cook Liu 柳家的 gives her one free. Parfumée breaks it in front of Cicada, angering her.  Cicada leaves, and Cook Liu discusses her ill daughter Fivey 柳五儿 with Parfumée, who has been helping her via Baoyu. She returns and asks Baoyu (who reproves her for earlier) for some more rose essence for Fivey, and he lets her take a whole bottle. She delivers it to Fivey (who mistakes it for Western wine), who is very grateful. Parfumée assure Fivey she’s asked him about domestic positions – both Crimson’s and Trinket’s are available, but there are budgetary pressures prohibiting new maids. Cook Liu decides to siphon some essence off for her sick nephew. While there, Fivey’s suitor (who she despises) Qian Huai 钱槐 arrives – both are flustered by each other’s presence, and Liu makes her excuses. Before she leaves, her sister-in-law gives her a packet of lycoperdon snow from Canton for Fivey. On her way back, Cook Liu is stopped by a banterous page boy who tells her there have been several calls for her.

Chapter 59 - supercondensed

There is a further argument with a warden after Oriole teaches one of the actresses to plait in the garden. The argument spreads to Baoyu’s, and he is merciful to the old woman. Patience reveals that there have been further mutinous events.

Chapter 59

柳叶渚边嗔莺叱燕

绛芸轩里召将飞符

Baoyu goes to see the senior ladies, who are tired and retire quickly. They are soon to depart for a long journey to the mausoleum, and the servants are busy preparing for this. When they leave, Lai Da closes the main gates to the mansion and Garden and heightens security.

Xiangyun is worried about eczema, and sends Oriole and Étamine 蕊官 to collect some rose orris from Daiyu. On the way, Oriole teaches her how to plait a basket, which they give to Daiyu. Daiyu says she is better and will visit Baochai’s later, so Nénuphar – engrossed with Étamine - joins them on their return. Oriole stops to plait; soon Swallow 春燕, whose aunt Mamma Xia 夏婆子 had caught Nénuphar burning spirit money and whose mother argued with Parfumée, presses Nénuphar on what was happening. She talks at length about her mother and aunt, and that they wouldn’t be pleased to see them breaking the twigs in their part of the Garden. The aunt arrives as Oriole defends her case; she is displeased, but does not scold Oriole, instead grumbling at Swallow. Oriole jokes about Swallow making her do the weaving, causing the stupid Aunt to strike Swallow, and Oriole tries to defend her. Swallow’s mother now arrives and is soon shouting at her violently. She greatly resents the senior maids like Oriole. Swallow is walking away, and she calls to her to stop; when she doesn’t, she follows and slips, to the others’ amusement. Swallow runs to Green Delights, where she implores Aroma to help; her mother continues to chase her. Swallow takes refuge with Baoyu and Musk confronts the mother. For form’s sake Baoyu blames her, but sends for Patience; she can’t come, but sends a message to flog and dismiss the mother, who is soon weeping and entreating all. Baoyu shows mercy and lets her stay, with a warning. Patience looks in; she and Aroma note how mutinous the place had become without their Ladyships. Patience says that there have been other more upsetting events than this one, and Aroma enquires further.

Chapter 58 - supercondensed

The Emperor’s consort dies; senior women are in mourning for a month and the actresses are disbanded, staying as maids. Baoyu defends one for burning paper in the garden; Parfumée tells him it was spirit money for a dead lover

Chapter 58

杏子阴假凤泣虚凰

茜纱窗真情揆痴理

The conversation stops after Xichun and Tanchun arrive, and all four soon part. The late Emperor’s dowager consort has died, and an edict prohibits persons of rank holding musical or dramatic entertainment for a year, and weddings for three months. The senior women are required to attend mourning ceremonies for a month. Aunt Xue moves in with Daiyu to keep an eye on the young people and look after Daiyu. Lady Wang and Youshi agree to disband the troupe of actresses; most of them do not want to leave, and all but three elect to stay as nominal maids, attached to household members but largely without duties. They join the many maids and servants with little to do while the senior ladies are away engaged in official mourning duties. The actresses and servants do not get on.

The men, apart from Baoyu who is not yet recovered from illness, are also away on Spring Cleaning Festival duties. He walks in the Garden, and encounters the others; Xiangyun mocks his ill outburst. He leaves, and contemplates the Garden and Xiuyan’s engagement; he regrets missing the apricot blossom for his illness. His reverie is broken when actress Nénuphar 藕官 is loudly castigated for burning paper offerings in the Garden. She is terrified, and Baoyu defends her, firstly saying it was just waste paper, then that he told her to burn spirit paper. The old woman castigating beseeches him apologetically. Nénuphar swears him to secrecy – only two of the other actresses know. He goes to the Naiad’s House before returning, when Baoyu wants to ask fellow confidante Parfumée 芳官 about what he saw, but others are present. Aroma castigates Parfumée for having a loud argument with her foster-mother, which soon involves Baoyu’s other maids. They take Parfumée away and comfort her, although they think her very mischievous, not least for having broken their clock. Food arrives, and is too hot, so they ask her to blow on it for Baoyu; the foster-mother starts another argument, saying she’s too inexperienced. She thinks they’re joking when they ask her to taste the food. When Baoyu has finished, and signals to her, she makes excuses; he asks her about Nénuphar. The offering was for a girl in their troupe who died – they had been principal boy and girl, and were like lovers. She is also like it with the girl’s replacement. Parfumée thinks her soppy, but Baoyu is moved and earnestly to promise to tell Nénuphar not to burn un-Confucian spirit money. A message arrives that Grandmother Jia has returned.

Chapter 57 - supercondensed

Baoyu becomes deranged after an argument with Nightingale about Daiyu. He improves and they smooth things over, although Daiyu is upset. Xiuyan is chosen as a wife for Xue Ke. Baochai is distressed to find out about Xiuyan’s straitened circumstances, paying her pawn ticket; Daiyu is upset by talk of romantic fate.

Chapter 57

慧紫鹃情辞试莽玉

慈姨妈爱语慰痴颦

Lady Wang takes Baoyu on a call to Lady Zhen’s townhouse. They return the visit before leaving town. He visits Daiyu, who is sleeping, so talks with Nightingale. When he touches her clothes she recoils and rebukes him – she says that Daiyu has warned them about him, and stays far away from him. Baoyu is hurt and cries in the garden. Snowgoose passes him, and is concerned. At Daiyu’s, she and Nightingale gossip; Nightingale is concerned and goes to apologise to Baoyu. They chat, but fall out when Nightingale jokes about Daiyu returning to Suzhou. Skybright arrives with summons for Baoyu from Grandmother Jia; she, Aroma and Nannie Li are alarmed by his vacant, distressed state, and delay reporting to Lady Jia. Aroma confronts Nightingale, which distresses the already ill Daiyu. Nightingale hurries to apologise again, but Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang are already present and rebuke her. On hearing the cause of his derangement, they take a less serious view. He becomes obsessed with the idea that Daiyu is to be taken away, and the word ‘Lin’ is banned after Lin Zhixiao’s arrival sends him wild. Dr Wang diagnoses him, and Nightingale stays with him as he improves. He starts feigning madness to keep Nightingale there.

Later, after being mocked by Xiangyun, he and Nightingale smooth things over. She was just trying to test him. His heart is true, and he is amused that she believed Grandmother Jia’s comment about him being betrothed to Baoqin. She returns to Daiyu’s, leaving him a mirror as a keepsake. She talks with Daiyu; she is concerned for her. Daiyu is affected, telling Nightingale she can’t stay with her. She weeps during the night.

There are three or four days’ celebration for Aunt Xue’s birthday. Xue likes Xing Xiuyan and suggests her as a wife for Xue Ke. Grandmother Jia tells Lady Xing, who assents. Youshi is to work on the settlement. Xiuyan, now close to Baochai, is delighted. One day Baochai notices Xiuyan is not wearing thick enough clothes; she has pawned them, as she is poor and has spent half her allowance on her parents. Baochai offers to pay the pawn ticket for her – it is one of the Xues’ businesses. Baochai continues to Daiyu’s, where Aunt Xue talks of romantic fate. She comforts Daiyu, who weeps to think of her own mother. Baochai suggests Aunt Xue takes Daiyu as a goddaughter. Daiyu reacts hysterically when Aunt Xue suggests Baoyu is a good match for her. Xiangyun arrives with the pawn ticket – she doesn’t know what it is, and Aunt Xue explains. Baochai takes the ticket, but cannot conceal from Daiyu and Xiangyun Xiuyan’s straitened circumstances. Xiangyun is angry, and suggests having Xiuyan to live with them. Tanchun and Xichun arrive.

Chapter 56 - supercondensed

Uneasy with some of the present arrangements, Tanchun decides to appoint garden wardens. The Zhens arrive, and tell the household about their son, also called Baoyu. Baoyu is shaken by the thought of a double, and has a bad dream.

Chapter 56

敏探春兴利除宿弊

贤宝钗小惠全大体

Tanchun expresses to Patience and the others her unease about the amount and method of payment for the girls’ monthly allowance for hair products and cosmetics. She has also heard that Lai Da rents out his garden for extra income, leading to a philosophical discussion. She feels that they could make some money and keep the garden in better condition by appointing ladies to be garden wardens; Li Wan agrees, although Baochai is sarcastic. Patience reveals that Xifeng had thought of doing this already, but had not done so for fear of upsetting the garden residents; Baochai accuses her of never giving Tanchun credit. Tanchun speaks highly of Patience, and she weeps. Patience consults Xifeng and returns; she agrees with the plan, and the girls summon the garden workers, who are enthusiastic at the proposal. After much political deliberation, Li Wan, Tanchun and Baochai choose suitable wardens, and talk them through their duties and accounts. The conditions are agreed to, as they involve more money for all, no control by the Office or settling of accounts with Xifeng.

The distinguished Zhens have arrived from Nanjing, bringing gifts; four serving ladies pay respects to Grandmother Jia and explains that they have had an Imperial summons. They talk about their young master, also called Baoyu, and also naughty. Jia Baoyu is fetched so they can compare – they are very similar, although Jia is more courteous to the women. Lady Wang arrives, greets the ladies, and goes to rest.

Grandmother Jia is telling everyone about the other Baoyu; they are unimpressed by the coincidence. Xiangyun – in the sick room – taunts him, saying he could get the other one to stand in for him. Despite citing classical precedents, Baoyu is shaken by the thought of his double. He sleeps, dreaming of meeting familiar (but hostile) maids in a familiar garden. He goes to a place like Green Delights and sees a youth like him – they greet, realise they are both Baoyu, and are summoned. Baoyu wakes, calling for Baoyu and pointing at the mirror. He joins Aroma in laughing at himself. She explains that seeing a mirror would give him a bad dream. He is summoned by Lady Wang.

Chapter 55 - supercondensed

Li Wan and Tanchun take a greater role in running the household, and are unpopular with the servants. Tanchun is particularly tested dealing with her own mother. Patience defends her, and Tanchun builds a strong reputation, making Xifeng proud. Xifeng, meanwhile, is concerned about the household expenses.

Chapter 55

辱亲女愚妾争闲气

欺幼主刁奴蓄险心

Xifeng is bedridden, but continues planning things. Lady Wang is distraught, leaving all but the most important managerial matters to Li Wan (who is far too easy on the servants) and ropes in Tanchun to help. Xifeng is less robust than assumed though, and is soon relieved of all duties. Lady Wang talks to Baochai about the large number of idle ladies in the Garden. Xiangyun and Daiyu are ill; Li Wan and Tanchun are very busy dealing with the servants; Baochai, by virtue of a succession of events involving the extended family, is spending much time with Lady Wang. The three of them now have a thorough system of supervision in the Garden, annoying the servants. One day, it is reported to Tanchun that the brother of Mrs Zhao – her natural mother – has died. The messenger is being unhelpful, knowing that the maids will judge her on her reaction to this news. She sensibly decides to work on precedent, asking for recent similar cases; she mocks the messenger who can’t recall any. She then returns with accounts, and Tanchun subsequently awards Mrs Zhao twenty taels.

Not long after, Mrs Zhao storms in and, crying messily, accuses Tanchun of trampling on her. Tanchun explains, showing her the accounts, and they argue about face– Tanchun can’t be seen to be helping a servant, even if she is her mother. The volume of argument increases; Li Wan is unable to mediate, and Tanchun barely even knew the deceased. Patience arrives with a message from Xifeng – Mrs Zhao is to have twenty taels, but Tanchun is free to add more. Tanchun is crying, and washes, when someone else arrives with business and is chased away. Patience agrees that the servants wouldn’t be so difficult with Xifeng, and helps diffuse the situation. She agrees to stay – Xifeng had suspected that they might need help. Lunch arrives, and is wrong; Patience reproves the maids, telling them not to take advantage of Tanchun. They have been told to by Mrs Zhao. Ripple arrives to ask after Baoyu’s allowance; Patience tells her to go back before she can enter. Tanchun is looking to make an example of someone, and if it were Baoyu it would make things awkward. The servants are soon chattering amongst themselves not to cross Tanchun.

After lunch, Patience heads back to report to Xifeng, who is proud of Tanchun – it is hard to be a concubine’s daughter in a large household. She worries that, if they don’t economise, the household will soon be bankrupt, especially if large unexpected costs occur (the girls’ marriage costs are budgeted for); she is aware that everyone secretly hates her for her cuts. Xifeng muses on each of the cousins, and warns Patience not to stand up to Tanchun on her behalf – she thinks Tanchun is more formidable and less naïve that is thought. Patience laughs – she is doing that already, and teases Xifeng, who admonishes her for not calling her ‘madam’. They eat, and Patience returns to Tanchun.