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.