Chapter 16

The cold and frolics of their time away leads to Qin contracting a chill and losing his appetite – Baoyu’s study is now ready, but they can’t study together as a result. The result of Xifeng’s attempt to settle Euergesia’s matter is that the girl concerned hangs herself, and her fiancé drowns himself. Lady Wang hears nothing of this, but the profit to Xifeng means that she takes on many similar cases.

All of Ningguo and Rongguo are celebrating Zheng’s birthday, when the Master of the Bedchamber arrives to ask for Zheng’s immediate presence at Court. Four hours later, he summons the seniors ladies; Rongguo Chief Steward Lai Da 赖大 explains that Yuanchun 贾元春 has been appointed Chief Secretary to the Empress and Imperial Concubine.

Baoyu is the sole person not sharing their delight: Sapientia had come looking for Qin Zhong, and his father Qin Bangye 秦邦业 subsequently gives him a beating. Bangye, however, is taken ill from shock at the discovery and dies within five days; the grief and remorse leads to further complications in Qin Zhong’s illness. The rest of the family laugh at Baoyu’s lack of enthusiasm. A messenger arrives to announce the imminent arrival of Lian and Daiyu, as well as Yucun, who had an audience with the Emperor having been recommended by Wang Ziteng for a metropolitan post. When Daiyu arrives, they share the grief of the two deaths, and Baoyu recognises something more ethereal about her. She rejects his gift of the Prince’s rosary.

Xifeng is modest about her achievements to Lian. Lian is unimpressed that Caltrop – who he considers to have blossomed - has become Pan’s chamber wife, and Xifeng suggests swapping her and Patience. Xifeng receives her interest from her money, which is clumsily concealed from Lian. They then eat with Lian’s old wet nurse who embarrasses him. Lian has learned that the Emperor is to allow Imperial Concubines to visit their homes; they chatter about previous Imperial visits. Jia Rong arrives to announce plans to construct a separate residence for the visitation in All-Scents Garden. Jia Qiang is to go to Suzhou to engage musicians and performers. Xifeng recommends two reliable men to go with him, and snubs Rong’s obsequiousness.

Work begins on the new site, and pooling resources between Ningguo and Rongguo it is not too expensive and easily accommodated between sites. A consortium led by She (who does very little), Zhen (who does most of the work along with the Stewards) and Lian are in charge. Baoyu still can’t be happy about anything, particularly when he hears from Tealeaf that Qin is dying. He rushes to Qin, who is slipping in and out of consciousness, and his arrival is not appreciated by the ladies in Qin’s attendance. Qin, who is already engaged with the ministers of the underworld, eventually heeds his calls, causing trepidation amongst the demons and officers who fear his jade, and allow Qin briefly to regain consciousness before he finally dies.