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.