Chapters 81-120

Baoyu is depressed, and is re-enrolled at school, where he is criticised. Daiyu is ill after a vivid and distressing dream about him; he suffers similar pain at the same time.  The senior women are invited to visit Yuanchun, and have an emotional reunion. Later, they discuss finding a bride for Baoyu; Xifeng suggests Baochai. Zheng is promoted and Baoyu finds out that he is engaged. News arrives that Pan has been arrested for murder after hitting a waiter with a wine cup. He is found guilty after no bribe is sent. There is further tension amongst the staff, and Xifeng is spooked after a maid reports seeing a ghost.

Daiyu broods about Baoyu. She is overwhelmed with grief after overhearing maids talking about Baoyu’s engagement and refuses to eat. She improves after realising she could be his betrothed, but Lady Jia orders the marriage to be kept secret from her. Baoyu discusses Baochai with her, and is rebuked by Aroma. Jingui and her maid try to seduce Pan’s brother Xue Ke, and are disappointed by his lack of interest. Further bribes are needed for Pan’s trial; the stress makes Baochai ill.

Baoyu’s jade disappears, leading to panic and a large search. He becomes increasingly imbecilic and is moved in with Lady Jia. Yuanchun and Lady Wang’s brother both die. Baoyu’s illness and Zheng’s imminent departure lead the household to expedite the wedding and deceive Baoyu into believing that he is to marry Daiyu. Daiyu learns the truth from a maid and is horrified, becoming weak. The wedding goes ahead; Baoyu is shocked to find he has married Baochai and relapses; Daiyu dies during the ceremony. Baoyu is distraught, but gradually recovers.

Zheng’s new staff soon corrupt him. He accepts a proposal for Tanchun, and Pan is sentenced to death. Zheng finds himself impeached, his reputation ruined; at the Palace he is warned to be stricter with his family. Meanwhile, the Garden is abandoned and desolate, and an exorcism is carried out after sightings of spirits lead to illnesses. Jingui poisons herself trying to kill Caltrop.

The household is raided by the secret police. Family members are arrested and exiled, property confiscated and the family left penniless and disgraced. Zheng is shocked by the extent of mismanagement and Xifeng is depressed, believing herself blamed. They try to make austerities.

Xiangyun visits after being married. Baoyu is distraught after hearing weeping at Daiyu’s old house, but in trying to connect with her spirit is drawn closer to Baochai. Yingchun dies, followed soon by Lady Jia. With funeral funds restricted, Xifeng exhausts herself. Faithful hangs herself, and the household is robbed while senior members are away at the funeral. One of the burglars returns and kidnaps Adamantina. Xifeng soon dies. Baoyu is sorely disappointed when he meets his double. He relapses, and only recovers when a monk arrives with his jade, although his spirit briefly leaves his body for the spiritual realm. He starts to study hard for the civil service exams, although he has internally renounced worldly success. With Lian and Zheng away, the household descends into drinking and gambling, and Qiaojie is nearly sold to a Mongolian prince, saved by a plan by Grannie Liu. Baoyu passes the exams, but disappears afterwards with a monk and a Daoist. Understanding his destiny, Zheng tells the family not to grieve.