Chapter 104

醉金刚小鳅生大浪

痴公子馀痛触前情

The runner tells Yucun that the temple is on fire; surprised and uneasy, he asks him to stay behind to look out for the old Daoist, before he gets onto the ferry. At the next village, Ni Er the drunkard staggers in front of his sedan and is whipped and taken to the yamen. Word reaches Ni Er’s family, who count Jia Yun amongst their friends. They call on Yun, who promises to get him off, but he is humiliated to be rebuffed by the stewards at Rongguo. He tries to get in the back, but finds it locked, and laments Xifeng’s venality. He lies to the Nis to save face; they find someone else to assist Er and he is released. His animosity towards the Jias is stoked when he hears how little Yun was able to assist, and he swears to spread the rumours he’s heard about the family’s misdeeds.

Back home, Yucun’s wife rebukes him for not having gone back for the Daoist. The runner arrives with his report – no trace of the Daoist was found. At the Cabinet Office, he meets Jia Zheng who is appealing for clemency. While in the Emperor’s presence, Zheng is asked about the misdemeanours of two distantly related Jias, which he thinks bodes ill. He also learns of irregularities at Ningguo, and is advised by ministers to be stricter with his family. Back at Rongguo, the favourable outcome of his audience and news that Tanchun may move back calms Grandmother Jia, and Zheng is pleased to see an outward improvement in Baoyu. Noting Daiyu’s absence, Lady Wang tells him she is ill, but tells him of her death later at the homecoming feast; neither can contain their tears. The next day, after a short ceremony, he warns Zhen to exercise greater diligence.

Meanwhile Baoyu, upset to think of Daiyu, returns home from the family gathering, and requests some time alone from Baochai to concentrate his thoughts. He asks Aroma to fetch Nightingale – who has turned her back on Baoyu for marrying Baochai – as he wants her help to write an ode to Daiyu. He explains to Aroma his confusion and regret over Daiyu’s final days, even his doubts that she is even dead. Aroma agrees to speak with Nightingale the next day, despite his impatience. Musk arrives from Baochai to call Baoyu to bed, teasing them saucily. That night, Baoyu cannot sleep; the next day he learns that there is to be a theatre party to honour Zheng’s return.