Chapter 110

史太君寿终归地府

王凤姐力诎失人心

Lady Jia addresses the assembled people, and Baoyu, Lan and Xifeng personally, then asks after the absent Xiangyun. She turns to Baochai next, but dies before Zheng can reach her. The ladies arrange her; kneel by the bed, the men kneel in the outer room and the servants enact the arrangements. Friends, relatives and the Emperor are notified (the Emperor authorises money and official reverence for her) and an auspicious day is chosen for the funeral. Each has their own role: Xifeng is orchestrating the ladies’ reception, which she sees as a chance to earn credit. She is dismayed, however, to see the shortage in staff. Faithful asks for her; she tearfully begs that no expense be spared in giving Lady Jia a deserved extravagant farewell, offering suggestions for sourcing more funds. Xifeng finds her manner strange; she reassures her, but resolves to stick to the book. She does tell Lian, who explains that Zheng had proposed the funeral be seen to be appropriately modest, but the rest of the funeral funds are spent on land and buildings where she will be buried in the South. There are, however, no funds immediately available to them yet. A maid interrupts them – the service at the ladies’ reception is extremely poor. Xifeng has to borrow an old service set; Faithful wonders why the capable Xifeng is bungling the reception. In fact, Lady Xing, not Lian, has control over the funds and she has not issued them yet. Despite this, Lady Xing and Lady Wang criticise her efforts. Xifeng is speechless, and chooses to rebuke the staff, explaining that she is being blamed for their failings. The staff, in turn, complain that too much is being asked of them, and Xifeng explains that she is in no position to scold the maids, unlike at the Ningguo funeral; she feels bitterly wronged and implores them to do the best they can. The next day’s funeral ritual is conducted perfunctorily, and Xifeng is mortified that the reception is a shambles – she cannot control the servants. Of the ladies, only Li Wan shows sympathy, and she speaks to her servants, telling them to lend a hand. Lan enters as he is going to bed, impressing the servants with his keenness to study, particularly when compared to the immature Baoyu. They gossip about Huan. Wan asks about carriages for the next day’s procession, she sighs to hear that they will have to hire them.

Her husband’s disease having being diagnosed as consumption, Xiangyun is able to join the funeral, her grief exacerbated by her husband’s condition. Baoyu admires how she and the other girls look in their plain mourning clothes. He thinks of Daiyu and weeps unrestrainedly. At the wake the next day, Xifeng is utterly exhausted, and is about to break when a young maid brings a rebuke from Lady Xing. She struggles to control her indignation, but sees black and collapses, vomiting large quantities of blood. Patience hurries to support her.

Chapter 109

Baochai reacts to Aroma’s account by talking directly about Daiyu becoming a fairy within Baoyu’s earshot. Baoyu is led to reflect that she hasn’t yet appeared to him in a dream, and he decides to sleep in the outer room. He does not dream of her, and is embarrassed when Baochai – who hasn’t slept all night - hears him sighing about her in the morning. They are called to Lady Jia’s; Baochai goes first and lies when asked about Baoyu’s night. Yingchun bids them farewell, trying to contain her grief. Aunt Xue asks Baochai for approval to go ahead with Ke’s wedding; she agrees.

候芳魂五儿承错爱

还孽债迎女返真元

Baoyu ponders Daiyu’s failure to appear, and concludes that he is too impatient. He decides to sleep outside again; Baochai chooses not to object. Aroma does, however, and Musk and Fivey are to wait on him. Baoyu sits up meditating, having sent the others to bed; the situation makes him think of the night Skybright caught the cold that eventually killed her. He calls for Musk; Fivey responds and brings him tea. Romantic feelings overcome them both, although he is transferring his feelings for Skybright onto her. He asks her about Skybright and holds her hand; she cannot discern his intentions. They talk together a while - he is sincere, she prudish and feeling in a dilemma – when they hear a sudden noise outside, which also wakes Baochai, who starts coughing, and they part. Baoyu is certain that the noise was Daiyu; Fivey, meanwhile, is left with a guilty conscience, and suspects that Musk overheard them. Baoyu has a good night’s sleep despite not dreaming of Daiyu, he and Fivey are awkward discussing this, while Baochai is left pensive – she realises that she has to win him over herself.

Grandmother Jia decides to fast, having eaten too much during the party. The next evening, Baoyu is embarrassed to think of the previous night, and although Fivey defends his deep sleep, he meekly goes along with Aroma’s orders to move his bed back into the inner room. He and Baochai are brought together emotionally by the situation; that night, the marriage is consummated and she conceives a child. The next morning, Lady Jia gives Baoyu a jade ring, a family heirloom. She is still ill from eating and a doctor is called; there is no sign of improvement, however. Zheng and Lian search for other doctors, while the ladies all wait attendance on her. Adamantina arrives and consoles her, before catching up with the others. Lady Jia continues to deteriorate, despite the treatment; Zheng is concerned and takes leave from work to be with her. One day an old woman arrives with news that Yingchun is seriously ill; Lady Jia overhears and is very distressed. News soon arrives that Yingchun has died, Aunt Xing is distraught, but no one dares tell Lady Jia. None is able to leave Lady Jia, and Yingchun is given a makeshift funeral. Despite her condition, Lady Jia continues to ask after the young family members; Xiangyun is distraught after her husband has fallen ill, but Lady Jia is not told. With Lady Jia deteriorating, Zheng orders Lian to make sure everything is prepared for a funeral – she has made provision for the expense. Lian also finds Xifeng too weak to dress herself when he comes to take her to Lady Jia’s. All gather round Lady Jia prepared for the worst; the Imperial Physician arrives. She asks for a proper cup of tea and announces that she wishes to sit up and chat.

Chapter 108

强欢笑蘅芜庆生辰

死缠绵潇湘闻鬼哭

Zheng turns to Xifeng for help in reducing the staff; she also finds the task impossible, the raids having reduced all available funds and the new austerity leading to constant complaints. Xiangyun visits – she is enjoying married life. Lady Jia fills her in on events, particularly for the Xues and the Wangs, and she regrets the fate of the young family members, and reflects on the changes. Xiangyun suggests staying on for Baochai’s upcoming birthday, which Lady Jia has forgotten about – she orders a surprise two day party. At the party, Baoyu (the only man invited) is delighted that it has been arranged and pleased that marriage has not dimmed Xiangyun’s forthrightness. Yingchun arrives, immediately precipitating tears, but Grandmother Jia upbraids them – she wants the party to cheer everyone up. Xifeng is quite unable to muster herself, and a comment about ‘reunion’ only serves to highlight those absent. Despite Lady Jia’s attempts to create an informal, fun atmosphere, it is clear that no one is their old partygoing selves. Baoyu suggests a drinking game and calls for a reluctant Faithful, who suggests a simple game; however, certain dice throws both embarrass Baoyu and make him think of his dream of the twelve beauties and ruminate on his absent cousins. He absents himself, leading to the game to be stopped – it is not much fun. There is concern when Baoyu doesn’t return for some time, and the maids concoct a story to excuse him from dinner.

Baoyu is wandering in aimless grief; Aroma joins him. He finds a gate to the Garden open; Aroma holds him back from entering, but a serving woman volunteers to join them. Baoyu is distressed by the Garden’s desolation, and is drawn to the Naiad’s House, despite Aroma trying to confuse his bearings and take him back to the party. He thinks he hears weeping from the House as they approach it; the serving woman warns him off, saying that they have also heard sounds of weeping. Baoyu and Aroma are startled, and he gets more and more distraught, wailing in grief. Ripple, who has been sent to search for him, arrives; they drag him back to Lady Jia’s apartment. Lady Jia berates Aroma for allowing him back in the Garden; Baoyu speaks up for her, and others join in the brief argument before the party breaks up. Despite her concern, Baochai turns a deaf ear to Baoyu’s endless sighing; she calls Aroma aside for an account of what happened in the Garden.

Chapter 107

散馀资贾母明大义

复世职政老沐天恩

Zheng is questioned at court about how much he knew of She’s misdemeanours. The Imperial Edict describes these in full; She is posted in penal servitude to the Mongolian border and Zhen to a maritime frontier, a greatly reduced punishment. Zheng is absolved of blame, and is told not to make any further gesture of thanks. He reports back to the household; Lady Jia is pleased, but Youshi and Lady Xing are inconsolable, Youshi also resenting Lian and Xifeng surviving apparently unscathed. Grandmother Jia asks Zheng about finances, and he is forced to tell her about the scale and hopelessness of their debts, which plunges her into gloom. Zhen and She arrive to say goodbye (a concession secured by Zheng) before lamenting with their wives. Lady Jia finds some money and clothes to give them for their wives and their own expenses. The rest of her money is given to Xifeng and to Zheng to honour their debts, and to Baoyu and Li Wan. She instructs the staff to be reduced and parts of their land, including the Garden, to be sold. Zheng is humbled and contrite as she ruminates on the situation, upsetting the others by speaking of her death. Felicity arrives with a message from Xifeng; Zheng tries to Lady Jia from visiting her, but she dismisses everyone and goes. Her visit immediately restores Xifeng, who had earlier lost all hope, believing the whole family against her. Lady Jia consoles her in her grief, saying that it was the men that started it, and gives her presents; Xifeng kowtows in abject gratitude, and all weep together before leaving. Finally alone, Lady Jia cries to sleep. Zheng accompanies She and Zhen to the city walls and parts from them with formality; returning home, he hears of an edict passing to him the Rongguo hereditary rank and title. He feels both pleasure and shame, weeping with emotion.

Friends and relatives see the latest edict as an indication that the Jia family is still favoured; Zheng visits the Palace in thanks and to offer the residence and Garden as a gift to the Emperor, but is rebuffed. With debts mounting, many of the wealthy servants feign poverty or start looking for other employment; Bao Yong, however, remains loyal, and the other servants try to force him out. In the street one day he overhears that it was information from Jia Yucun that led to the houses being raided. Just at that moment Yucun arrives, and the drunk Bao Yong abuses his sedan. Other servants report him to Zheng for being drunk and disorderly; Zheng just scolds him and transfers him to the Garden. Bao Yong is dismayed but does not complain.

Chapter 106

王熙凤致祸抱羞惭

贾太君祷天消祸患

When Lady Jia comes round, Zheng comforts her in her great distress, when a message arrives from the Palace – Zheng is restored to his position and only She’s property is confiscated. The illegal promissory notes are to be investigated separately, and Lian is deprived of position and rank. Officials arrive to proclaim and enact the edict. Lian, whose property has been ransacked, father imprisoned and wife ill, is berated for usury by Zheng; he denies all knowledge and suggests summoning the stewards. He is dismissed by Zheng, who ruminates on the family’s misfortunes before a succession of friends and relations offers their sympathies. Although one does suggest that Zheng’s reputation with the Emperor is tarnished. A message arrives from Sun Shaozu that he expects the Jias to discharge She’s debts. Zheng’s friends are contemptuous, and suggest that Zheng will require the prince’s intervention to prevent total ruin. That night he broods on affairs, blaming Xifeng and Lian for the usury but choosing not to punish her due to her illness and losses from the raid. The next morning he visits the Emperor and princes and other friends to enlist support.

Lian returns home despondently and joins Patience at Xifeng’s bedside. He rejects Patience’s appeal for a doctor, upsetting her; but when he leaves, Xifeng tells Patience she wishes she could die – she knows she is blamed for the troubles and feels the lowest of the low. Lady Jia, now recovered, organises for support for Xifeng and the other distressed women, but they cannot find any money to cover the imprisoned men’s expenses – all are penniless and deeply in debt, so Lian secretly sells land from the country estates. Some servants exploit this by borrowing against their rent.

Lady Jia orders for incense to be lit before every Buddha and prays, breaking down in tears. She then wails and weeps with Baoyu, Baochai and Lady Wang, each contemplating their own plight and that of those around them. Word reaches Zheng in his study, and he reproaches them for not trying to cheer Lady Jia up. A messenger arrives with regards from the Shi household, and brings news that Xiangyun is soon to be married to a nice gentle man, who resembles Baoyu; Grandmother Jia remembers Xiangyun fondly and looks forward to her visiting. Baoyu is tearful to think of her marriage. Zheng, meanwhile, goes through a register of 212 servants with Lai Da before interrogating some and going through the ledgers, none of which balance – the weighty evidence of recklessness and mismanagement is a shock to him, and it is too late to start economising. He shouts at servants who try to console him. He asks in particular about Bao Er, who spread the malicious rumours but is not on the register – he had been employed at Ningguo, and there are many others not on the register, such as servants’ servants. He sets about deciding on a solution and waiting to find out She and Zhen’s sentences. A day or so later he is summoned to court.

Chapter 105

锦衣军查抄宁国府

骢马使弹劾平安州

A detachment of the secret police, the Embroidered Jackets, arrives at Zheng’s reception. The commissioner, Zhao Quan 赵全, says it is a social call, but Zheng does not know him. Zhao enters, ignoring all overtures, and announces the Prince of Xiping 西平王, who brings an edict for She. The prince and the commissioner asks the guests to leave, and constables seal the hall as the edict is read: She is arrested, deprived of his rank and an inventory made of his property, and the other Jia menfolk are placed under guard. As Lian manages both branches of Rongguo, his residence is also to be searched. When some restricted and illegal items are found, Zhao orders the confiscation of the entire contents of the mansion. The Prince of Beijing arrives with a second edict, which restricts the arrests to She only and dismisses Zhao; the princes discuss their dislike of him, and the Prince of Beijing summons Zheng. He sets his mind at ease, and advises him to account for the illegal promissory notes.

Baoyu is at Lady Jia’s other party when Patience and another maid report the commotion. The ladies are flabbergasted, and Xifeng faints; they hurriedly withdraw before Lian arrives with news of the prince’s intervention. After the hysterics, he explains the events and is aghast to find his cupboards ransacked. He is called out to join Zheng and the prices taking the inventory. He is puzzled not to hear his possessions listed; as the illegal documents were found in a chest in his chambers, he is detained. The princes leave with some concern, telling Zheng to wait for the final edict. He calls on Lady Jia, where there is an emotional gathering; he emphasises the Emperor’s generosity and the princes’ compassion. Lady Xing leaves, and is distressed to find her apartment padlocked with her maids inside; she also finds Xifeng recovered. Lady Xing returns to Grandmother Jia’s, where the others comfort her. Zheng, meanwhile, hears from a Ningguo retainer causing a rumpus at the gates that Zhen and Rong have been detained and a similar inspection undertaken. Xue Ke is able to get past the guards and, having come from the Board of Punishments, tells Zheng of the charges against Ningguo, principally regarding the Erjie affair. He has also discovered that She is seriously implicated in the impeachment of the magistrate of Ping’an – friends at court won’t help, and the family is disgraced. Zheng is furious and upset, and asks him to continue enquiries while he is concerned about his family. He hears someone cry out that Lady Jia is fainting, and hurries away.

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.

Chapter 101

大观园月夜警幽魂

散花寺神签惊异兆

Xifeng goes to visit Tanchun at night; the moon is extremely bright. Having dismissed her maids on various errands, she finds herself confronted by a large doglike creature, and hurries away in panic. She sees the elegant figure of a lady, who calls her Auntie, and chides her for not heeding her advice. Realising it is the ghost of Qin Keqing, Xifeng spits and flees in fright; when her maids find her, she lies about seeing Tanchun and they head back straight to bed. The next morning, Lian is troubled by several reports in the newspaper before leaving for a meeting. Patience gives Xifeng a massage, while she hears a nanny mistreating Qiaojie; she worries about their future, which upsets Patience. Unexpectedly, Lian arrives back early, having been unable to complete his meeting; he is furious to see the household still so disorderly, and shouts at Xifeng, who contains herself. He reveals that he has been trying to pull strings on behalf of Xifeng’s brother, Wang Ren 王仁, who, as Ziteng’s successor, owes money to the Censorate, but Ren, meanwhile, is holding a party for Zisheng and behaving abominably. Xifeng is upset; Lian criticises her for being too slack and putting up with lax behaviour from her brother and the servants. Patience gives Lian a piece of her mind; he takes his leave. Thoroughly upset, Xifeng decides not to go to Zisheng’s party, but does visit Baochai to explain. She tries to dismiss the doltish Baoyu, but he makes a fuss over his peacock cape; Aroma explains that he had previously said he never wanted to wear it again. Xifeng is reminded of Fivey; now that Baoyu is married, there can be no objection to her working for him, so she will arrange it, delighting Baoyu. Xifeng observes how close Baoyu and Baochai are, and while having an audience with Grandmother Jia, teases Baochai after Baoyu sends back a silly message with urgency.

A nun from Scattered Flowers, Perfecta 大了, calls on Xifeng and Lady Jia to invite her to a particular service regarding spirits. Xifeng’s encounter with Keqing’s ghost has cast her scepticism aside and is intrigued. Perfecta tells Xifeng about the Bodhisattva of the Scattered Flowers, and Xifeng decides to visit the next day to test her story. She does so; after praying like a devout believer, she tests the fortune sticks. She is astounded to read her own name (a reference to a historical Wang Xifeng) on the stick; Perfecta expounds on the fortune telling, interpreting it as a good omen: that Zheng will send for his family. Xifeng is only half convinced; she eats and leaves. At home, any doubts she harbours as to the omen are dispelled by the others’ unanimous acceptance of it.

Baochai, meanwhile, tells Baoyu about the divination; she is sceptical about the interpretation of the verse. Before she can elaborate, she is summoned to Lady Wang’s.

Chapter 100

破好事香菱结深恨

悲远嫁宝玉感离情

Li Shi rushes in to see Zheng after his meeting with the Viceroy; it transpires that the meeting was because Viceroy is related to Tanchun’s suitor, and Li Shi rejoices. Zheng sends a servant home to enquire after the Xue Pan affair (he is not implicated) and to ask Tanchun to join him.

Aunt Xue’s bribes are in vain; she is distraught to hear that Pan is to be executed by strangulation. Baochai tries to comfort her despite her own distress; fate was against them. Aunt Xue explains that the family businesses have been ruined, but Baochai encourages her not to worry. Jingui enters fleetingly, hysterical, and scaring Baoqin.

Jingui continues trying to seduce Ke; his lack of interest encourages her further and his favour for Caltrop makes her jealous. Moonbeam and Jingui find him drunk one evening, having had their wine spurned by him; just as Jingui escalates her seduction, Caltrop arrives and Ke escapes; Jingui’s resentment of her now festers.

Lady Wang and Grandmother Jia discuss Tanchun’s suitor, who they haven’t met. Lady Jia is concerned about the distances involved, but they haven’t seen Yingchun, who married locally and is suffering greatly, either. They trust Zheng’s judgement and set about the arrangements, which saddens Baochai, although Aunt Zhao, who resents Tanchun’s favourable treatment, is delighted. She goes to ‘congratulate’ Tanchun and thoroughly depresses her; Tanchun goes to see Baoyu. He asks her about the music she heard when Daiyu died. Thinking of Daiyu’s ethereal beauty, he asks for Nightingale after Tanchun leaves; she reluctantly complies. His emotions vary wildly, thinking of Daiyu’s fate and Tanchun’s forthcoming wedding. He relapses, distressed that all his cousins are leaving him. Baochai is firm with him before Aroma can humour him. Grandmother Jia instructs Aroma to comfort him after his relapse; she also orders Xifeng to assemble Tanchun’s effects for her journey.

Chapter 99

守官箴恶奴同破例

阅邸报老舅自担惊

Aunt Xue and Grandmother Jia laugh at Xifeng’s story about observing Baoyu and Baochai’s foibles, before conversation turns to Daiyu’s memory. They soon celebrate the marriage’s formal, if not actual, consummation. Aroma gradually stops taking Baoyu to task about his dulled wits; the maids are obedient to Baochai. Baoyu is restless and wants to go to the Garden, which he is forbidden to do. Everyone has now moved out of the Garden.

Zheng has arrived in his provincial posting; his inflexible nature grates with the corrupt clerks, servants and bureaucrats, who tender their resignations. A porter, Li Shi 李十, leads a cunning rebellion amongst the staff; all the yamen services slacken off, and Zheng, after Li’s counsel, finds himself corrupted in order to pay them off and secure his position. Li earns Zheng’s faith, and, with Zheng’s superlative reputation, the yamen appears to be running smoothly.

Zheng soon receives a proposal of marriage for Tanchun from an old Southern acquaintance.  While considering it, his eye alights upon Xue Pan’s in the newspaper; it reports that Pan had connived with the deceased’s relatives to reduce the charge. Zheng recalls that it was his pressure on the local magistrate that reversed the verdict. Not only could he be implicated, but the magistrate could lose his job. He scans more copies of the Gazette, but there is no more mention of the case. The Viceroy arrives, but Zheng’s mind is elsewhere; Li Shi tries to reassure him that, as a lot of bribes were involved, officials are unlikely to admit to wrongdoing and it’ll wash over.

Chapter 98

苦绛珠魂归离恨天

病神瑛泪洒相思地

Baoyu’s illness lasts several days; he can neither eat nor recognise others. Despite this, the couple visit the bride’s family as a formality. Baochai and Aunt Xue, knowing the truth, regret giving their consent to the wedding but stay silent. His condition continues to deteriorate, causing a frantic search for a doctor capable of diagnosing it. One does, eventually, and his prescription takes effect quickly. Now comprehending the situation, Baoyu begs Aroma to arrange for him and Daiyu to be cared for together as they die. Baochai takes him to task for this talk, before telling him that Daiyu has already died. He howls in grief, seeing only pitch black; he suddenly finds himself talking to a stranger on the Road to the Nether World. He asks after Daiyu – she has returned to the Land of Illusion, and he must self-cultivate if he is to see her again. The man throws a stone at Baoyu’s chest, and he returns. Baochai had disobeyed Grandmother Jia’s orders to keep Daiyu’s death from him as she knew her to be the real cause of the illness, not the jade; she is reproached, but as he comes to, the doctor finds him much improved. Baochai ignores the others’ criticisms and keeps a close watch on Baoyu, with Aroma regularly consoling him. His mind gradually eases and Baochai calms; she proves a reliable and devoted wife, and part of his love for Daiyu begins to transfer to her.

On the wedding day, Daiyu has improved by the evening, but drifts in and out of consciousness. Li Wan returns to her apartment; Daiyu opens her eyes and grasps Nightingale’s hand, she asks to be buried at home. Tanchun and Li Wan arrive; weeping, they wash the lifeless Daiyu, who suddenly cries out for Baoyu. She breaks out into a cold sweat, and dies at the very moment that Baoyu takes Baochai as his wife. All present wail in their grief, hearing brief snatches of music in the silences of the desolate night. The body is laid out, and Xifeng told the next morning. With everyone else busy and distraught, she faces a dilemma, but decides to tell Grandmother Jia as soon as possible. She is distraught, believing herself to blame. To distract her, Xifeng takes to her to see Baoyu, who claims that Daiyu has told him she is leaving for the South. She tells Baochai of Daiyu’s death, and Baochai begins to rack her brains for a cure for Baoyu. After his recovery, he insists on going to see Daiyu’s corpse; the doctor feels it may help and so Grandmother Jia assents. He goes, and he and all who accompany weep bitterly. He speaks with Nightingale, softening somewhat her damning opinion of him; she gives a full account of the death. The strain of the grief causes Grandmother Jia a feverishness; Baoyu, with Baochai taking him to task, soon learns to moderate his grief. Tended by all around him, he returns to full strength. With the mourning for Yuanchun over, Lady Jia tells Aunt Xue that they should celebrate the consummation; it should be a proper party to put an end to all the troubles. Xifeng enters, and begins to tell a joke.

Chapter 97

林黛玉焚稿断痴情

薛宝钗出闺成大礼

Bringing up blood has brought Daiyu to her senses, but she quickly recalls Baoyu’s forthcoming wedding, quietly setting her heart on an early death. Ripple, shocked, reveals what has happened to Grandmother Jia; she, Xifeng and Lady Wang are concerned both about the information leak and Daiyu’s health. They visit her and are distraught, deciding to make funeral preparations despite the doctor’s positive diagnosis. Lady Jia finds it hard to understand and sympathise with Daiyu’s lovesickness; wedding preparations continue regardless. The next day, Xifeng tells Baoyu he is to marry Daiyu; he shows comprehension as well as imbecility. The ladies then go to Aunt Xue; they play down Baoyu’s illness and, despite concerns for Baochai’s feelings, she assents to a quick wedding. When she tells Baochai the next day, Baochai cries; Ke soon brings Pan’s approval and Aunt Xue feels more at ease setting about wedding preparations. The next day is revealed to be an auspicious day for the exchange of presents. Baoyu is shown the presents chosen for him to give; his reaction shows an improvement in his wits. The servants are sent to take the presents to Aunt Xue’s, the route planned to avoid the Naiad’s House.

Daiyu is getting iller, despite Nightingale trying to reassure her. Preoccupied with the wedding, and with Lady Jia’s feelings towards her having hardened, not a single person comes to visit. One day, she is helped to sit up and manages to ask her maids for the handkerchiefs with poetry on. Pathetically she tries to tear them. She asks for the brazier to be lit and drops them in before adding her manuscripts of poetry, despite Nightingale trying to stop her and Snowgoose pulling them out. It is clear to Nightingale the next morning that she has reached a crisis, but she finds Grandmother Jia’s apartment – including Baoyu’s room - empty. She is filled with bitter resentment, and extracts from a page that the wedding is to be that evening. Returning to the Naiad’s House, she finds Daiyu having taking another turn for the worse. She sends for Li Wan (as a widow, she is excluded from the festivities). Li Wan frets to see just how weak Daiyu is, but is able to rally the maids who are convulsed with grief. Patience suddenly runs in with Steward Lin’s wife, sent by Xifeng to check on Daiyu and summon Nightingale for other duties. After a curt exchange, it is agreed that Snowgoose will go instead. She goes with a message to start funeral preparations.

She dare not show her grief, and is unaware of her role – Baoyu is healthier with joy for his imminent marriage to Daiyu, and sees Snowgoose walking with the bridal palanquin. Bride and groom kneel for the ceremony, and are showered with fruit as they sit on the bridal bed. Before long, Baoyu lifts Baochai’s veil as Oriole takes Snowgoose’s place. He admires her appearance, although utterly bewildered, and is helped to a chair. Both are silent, until he asks who she is. Confused, he suffers a relapse, repeatedly declaring that he must find Daiyu; he is sedated and sleeps. When Zheng takes his leave the next day, he is told that the marriage was not consummated and that Baoyu is too ill to accompany him away, but not of the relapse. Baoyu does perform some formalities to his father, as does Baochai, but he suffers another relapse immediately after Zheng’s departure.

Chapter 96

瞒消息凤姐设奇谋

泄机关颦儿迷本性

The man grovels to the furious Lian before Lai Da dismisses him. Zheng is told nothing of the incident. Soon after, Xifeng reports to Lady Wang that Wang Ziteng has died en route to the capital. Lian confirms that he died after taking quack medicine for a cold. Lady Wang is extremely upset, and asks Lian to help with the funeral. Zheng, already despondent at Baoyu’s state, responds with gloom to the news, and he does not want to celebrate a promotion which will take him away from the household. He is called to Lady Jia, who is upset that he is leaving and she will have only the deranged Baoyu to look after her. She has had his fortune told, and wants to expedite the marriage as a result. He is also concerned for his own lineage, and despite the mourning period for Yuanchun and Pan’s prison sentence, Lady Jia decides to hold a low key wedding before Zheng’s departure to help his health; she also hopes it will draw the jade back. Zheng has grave doubts, but cannot go against her and she sets about the arrangements.

Baoyu and his maids were present at that meeting, and while he did not hear anything, Aroma is at first glad both to know the truth and that he is to marry Baochai, but his secret feelings for Daiyu and potential reaction sets her brooding. She takes Lady Wang aside and reveals her concerns. Lady Wang has deduced the same and brings it up with Lady Jia later. Lady Jia sighs – it is in insoluble problem. Xifeng, however, is also present, and proposes a plan: the first part is that they tell him that he is to marry Daiyu and gauge his reaction; the second part she whispers in the others’ ears. Lian returns, and Xifeng intercepts him before he can reveal Ziteng’s death to Lady Jia. He tells Lady Wang of the funeral arrangements and his posthumous promotion.

A few days later, Daiyu is walking to Grandmother Jia’s when she overhears sobbing at the place where she once buried the flowers. It is a maid, Simple, who tells Daiyu that her sister struck her for talking about Baoyu and Baochai’s wedding. Daiyu calms herself before the maid talks more about the arrangements. After she mentions their plans to find Daiyu a husband she is speechless with horror, but Simple carries on narrating the injustice done to her. She wanders aimlessly in her distress, and is found by Nightingale, to whom it is obvious that she is utterly confused. She guides her to Grandmother Jia’s nonetheless, where Daiyu goes into Baoyu’s room. They just stare at each other like halfwits until she asks him why he is sick. He says that it is because of Miss Lin; the maids are pale with fright and Nightingale and Ripple lift her to her feet and take her out. Nightingale guides her home, and they are nearly back when Daiyu stumbles, blood gushing from her mouth.

Chapter 95

因讹成实元妃薨逝

以假混真宝玉疯癫

Tealeaf has run round the pawnshops and found two jades that match the description; Baoyu wants to get him enough money to buy them both, but Aroma jeers that every pawnshop is likely to have one. Xiuyan returns; after some persuasion, Adamantina has relented and performed a séance for her, which revealed that the jade disappeared without trace, returning to Greensickness Peak. They interpret that it will be found when they are not looking for it, but do not understand ‘Greensickness Peak’; Aroma takes it literally and searches the Garden again. It is late and the gathering disperses.

Daiyu considers that the lost jade is a sign that she has broken the bond of gold and jade, bringing her peace of mind which fluctuates as she tries to interpret the crab trees as well. Investigations continue for several days, although neither Lady Jia nor Zheng find out. Baoyu becomes listless and morose. Lian brings news to Lady Wang that Wang Ziteng has been promoted to a post in the capital, which delights and distracts her until Zheng, a few days later, announces that Yuanchun has been taken seriously ill. Lady Wang tells Grandmother Jia, and they set out for the Palace. Yuanchun has developed a chronic bronchial condition, exacerbated by a cold, and is unable to swallow medicine or speak; Lady Wang and Lady Jia are distraught by her appearance, but maintain court formalities. It is soon announced that she has died, in line with her fortune reading. The family return to Rongguo, where all are soon kept extremely busy with the funeral and Wang Ziteng’s arrival. Baoyu, without rank, does not attend the funeral and is left to his own idleness again, but he just sits around and mopes. A concerned Aroma gets Nightingale to persuade Daiyu to talk to him but, believing herself his future bride, she refuses to go to him; Tanchun is also too gloomy to help. Baochai, meanwhile, has been told of her betrothal, accepting in a filial fashion, so Baoyu’s name is a taboo so she is unable to help when she hears about the missing jade, although Aunt Xue does enquire after it. Aroma and Musk are anguished by Baoyu’s increasingly imbecilic, deranged state. A doctor prescribes medicine, which proves ineffective. After the funeral and Lady Wang and Grandmother Jia can see him again, it is soon clear that, despite appearances, he has lost his wits. Grandmother Jia is extremely agitated to hear of the lost jade. With Zheng out, Lian is ordered to put reward posters up and Baoyu is moved to Lady Jia’s apartment – without his jade, how can he repel the evil influences recently seen in the Garden?

Zheng, returning that evening, overhears street talk about the jade. Back at Rongguo it is explained to him. He is exasperated, but while he cannot oppose the posters as they were Lady Jia’s idea he does order them to be taken down. Nevertheless, a man soon appears claiming the reward. The gatehouse servants run to Lian, who spreads the news, and the man is invited in. The jade looks familiar to Lian, but Lady Wang, Lady Jia and Xifeng cannot identify it with certainty – it is not as lustrous as they remember. Aroma, whose hopefulness outweighs her doubts about the jade’s authenticity, fetches Baoyu, but he rejects the jade without looking at it. Grandmother Jia decides that they should be lenient to the impostor; a more irate Lian goes to address him in the study.

Chapter 94

宴海棠贾母赏花妖

失宝玉通灵知奇祸

The novices are dismayed to find that they are being kept as prisoners; everyone knows only the official line. Zheng is detained at work and authorises Lian to deal with them. He consults Lady Wang in order not solely to incur Zheng’s wrath should his actions not be effective. Lady Wang reiterates her belief that they shouldn’t have kept them and should get rid of them, and tells Lian to do so by sending them home, finding them husbands and banning family men from the Temple. Lian transmits this to Lai Da, who deals with it while he disposes of Jia Qin. When Zheng returns, he considers the matter closed.

Nightingale tries to find out more about the novices from Faithful, but she doesn’t know. Two of Fu Shi’s women arrive to promote his daughter to Grandmother Jia, but she is sleeping; Nightingale wonders why they don’t marry her to Baoyu, before regretting to herself how besotted Daiyu – and the rest of the household – is with the flittish Baoyu, and how is causes her suffering. Compassion gives way to annoyance and she resolves to detach herself from their relationship. Back at the Naiad’s House, her off-hand manner shocks Daiyu. There is a hubbub in the Garden – Baoyu has found that the crab trees, assumed dead, have budded, and the senior ladies come to inspect them. Daiyu gets herself ready and goes to join the gathering, where they discuss the unexpected and unseasonal flowering. Tanchun silently thinks that it is an ill omen; Daiyu gives a parable to show that it is an auspicious result of Baoyu’s studying. Zheng and She arrive; both feel they are evil manifestations, but Lady Jia is determined on a positive interpretation and decides to have a party. After they are reminded of the Crabflower Club and Baoyu, Huan and Lan write quatrains for Lady Jia; Baoyu is reminded of Skybright. As Lady Jia leaves, a package of silk arrives from Xifeng, with the ambiguous phrase ‘happy event’. In truth, Xifeng thinks the omen is bad and the silk is to combat that bad luck.

Baoyu, who had had to change quickly for Lady Jia’s arrival, changes back into comfortable clothes, but cannot find the jade. Aroma is alarmed and questions the maids before they spend most of the day searching. In the evening, Musk and Ripple are sent off to make furtive inquiries in case a maid or guest had taken it, with no luck. All at Green Delights are petrified, and before long others arrive to help search the Garden. Li Wan suggests that all the maids and servants are strip searched. They agree, but Tanchun thinks it’s futile and hints that it must be Huan’s doing. Patience fetches Huan who stomps out when questioned; an exasperated Baoyu starts a discussion to decide what excuse to tell Lady Jia. Aunt Zhao arrives to defend Huan angrily; not long after, Lady Wang arrives to ask if it’s true. She sees through his excuse that he left it at the theatre and extracts the true story. Xifeng arrives and suggests that, to ensure that the thief doesn’t destroy the jade, they make it known that he threw it away while they carry out a low key three day search. The Garden is sealed off; Lin Zhixiao’s wife suggests consulting a diviner and Xiuyan suggests getting Adamantina to hold a séance. Lin’s wife brings news; the divination is eerily accurate, and indicates that the jade will be found in a pawnshop. Hope and calm is restored when Tealeaf arrives with reliable news of the jade’s whereabouts.

Chapter 92

评女传巧姐慕贤良

玩母珠贾政参聚散

The urgent summons was an invention by Ripple – it is just Aroma who wants to interrogate Baoyu. She tells him to be more discreet with Daiyu. Baoyu has been looking forward to one of Grandmother Jia’s annual parties, including taking the next day off school, but is upset to find he has not received an invitation. Aroma, concerned that the studious Lan will overtake him, insists he should go to school, although Musk disagrees. They are on the point of a full scale row when one of Lady Jia’s maids arrives with his invitation. She also says that Aunt Xue is invited, and so Baoyu is looking forward to seeing Baochai too. The next morning, after gaining Zheng’s consent, Baoyu hurries to Lady Jia’s. Only Qiaojie is there so far, paying her respects to Lady Jia. Qiaojie turns to Baoyu – Xifeng doesn’t believe that she is as advanced in her characters as she claims, so has asked Baoyu to check. He consents to go over her characters, and offers to go through the Lives of Noble Women with her. He recounts reams of the stories of famous beauties and paragons of virtue until Grandmother Jia tells him to stop for fear of confusing Qiaojie, but she says that he has helped. An out of the blue comment about Crimson and Fivey triggers Baoyu to compare Qiaojie favourably to Xifeng; Lady Jia insists that embroidery is more important than literacy. Baoyu is daydreaming about Fivey, who has not yet been able to start in his service, when some of the other guests arrive. When Baoqin and Aunt Xue arrive later, he notes Xiuyan and Baochai’s absence, and the question (posed directly by Daiyu) is avoided. Xifeng has a fever and is late; the lunch party starts.

Xifeng’s illness, in truth, is embarrassment at being late, and was complicated by the arrival of one of Yingchun’s servants who has come to ask a favour regarding Chess. Her mother has forbidden her to marry the boyfriend who caused her dismissal, and during an argument she dashed her head against a wall, killing herself. The boyfriend had, unbeknownst to her, grown very rich in the meantime and, to her mother’s bafflement, arrived for the funeral with two coffins. While preparing her corpse he slit his own throat. In her distress, Chess’s mother is appealing for Xifeng’s influence in case it goes to court. Xifeng’s perspective on the earlier Chess affair is changed.

Feng Ziying comes to see Zheng, who is playing Go with a literary gentleman. He watches them finish the game before telling him of two fascinating and ornate curios and showing him two smaller ones, an unfathomably light and thin fabric and a large magnetic pearl, called a Mother Pearl. While agreeing that they would make excellent Palace offerings, Zheng cannot afford to buy them, but sends them to Grandmother Jia’s for inspection. Xifeng agrees that they do not have the money, and that it would not fit in with the family’s standing or financial strategy. Feng is disappointed, but is invited to stay for dinner with Zheng and She. They discuss official appointments and matters, Zheng explaining their relationship to Yucun, who is to be promoted. Reflecting on the unpredictability of life’s fortunes, Zheng uses the Mother Pearl as an example. Accepting that they have had a good run, Zheng feels that the Jias are living on borrowed time. Feng leaves after dinner, snow having already fallen an inch thick during the meal.

Chapter 91

纵淫心宝蟾工设计

布疑阵宝玉妄谈禅

Ignoring the laughter, Ke soon hears a tapping at the window. A peephole has appeared; he puts his eye to it and receives a blast of air followed by more laughter. It is Moonbeam; Ke feigns sleep and ignores her, before another voice – possibly Jingui – calls him a spoilsport. He sleeps with no doubt as to their intentions. In the morning, Moonbeam appears at his door, seductively deshabille. Blushing, she takes away the sweetmeats. Ke washes, and decides to lie low at home to avoid Pan’s venal friends.

Meanwhile, Jingui is disappointed to have miscalculated about Ke’s susceptibility to her charms. Unknown to her, however, Moonbeam is also looking for a replacement for Pan, and also has her own designs on Ke. Her morning appearance has been carefully planned, but again he had been incorruptible, and she walks out in a huff. Jingui and Moonbeam plot together, revealing their shared aims. Moonbeam suggests that he’s just scared of being caught and that Jingui should have patience; get into his good books, then get him drunk and he’s hers. Later, when Moonbeam collects the wine jug, Ke feels some remorse for judging her a strumpet. She becomes demure to him, while Jingui is quiet and charming. Aunt Xue interprets this as a sign that Pan’s luck has turned. She goes to visit Jingui, and is introduced to her adopted brother Xia San 夏三. After Aunt Xue leaves, Jingui and San start plotting for him to buy her certain objects. He becomes a regular visitor.

A letter arrives from Pan: the circuit court has rejected the prefectural court’s verdict on account of malpractice. He asks them to make an immediate approach to the new court. Aunt Xue is very upset; Ke leaves immediately with money. The exhaustion and strain puts Baochai in a fever, exacerbating Aunt Xue’s upset. A doctor is called and Baochai soon improves, but the whole household soon hears and sends various remedies in order that Baoyu not find out about the illness. Ke sends a letter back – the official needs a more tangible incentive, and so they appeal to Zheng via Lady Wang. Talking about Baochai, they agree the betrothal should take place in the winter, and the marriage around Grandmother Jia’s birthday. The next day, this is proposed to Lady Jia, who has just agreed when Baoyu enters. He asks after Baochai and receives a short reply, and leaves for school perplexed by the lull his presence caused. That evening he goes to see Daiyu, who has just returned from seeing Aunt Xue at Lady Jia’s. Baoyu hopes he has not offended the Xues given his earlier experience, and is sorry he hasn’t visited her, let alone known about the illness. Daiyu doesn’t think he should take her for granted – not to visit her after how close they’ve become is bound to have offended her. After a bout of petulant existentialism, Daiyu brings Baoyu to his senses with an enlightening truth, and they continue their discussion of Baochai’s feelings towards Baoyu in a mock Zen inquisition. After he makes an enigmatic confession, Ripple runs into the room with urgent summons for Baoyu from Zheng.

Chapter 90

失绵衣贫女耐嗷嘈

送果品小郎惊叵测

Daiyu’s erratic state, sometimes lucid, sometimes almost unconscious, causes her maids to be interrogated. They keep quiet, but feel responsible. One day, Snowgoose is watching Daiyu, frightened by her state, while Nightingale is urgently summoning the senior women. Scribe arrives, sent by Tanchun to enquire after her. Taking advantage of Nightingale’s absence and Daiyu’s state, Snowgoose asks Scribe about Baoyu’s betrothal; she tells her she heard it from Crimson, and has since heard that it isn’t true and that Lady Jia has one of the Garden girls in mind for him. Beside herself, Snowgoose reveals to her the reason for Daiyu’s terrible state when Nightingale arrives, telling them off for gossiping. Daiyu stirs and feebly asks for water. She opens her eyes and sends Scribe away with her regards for Tanchun. She had been feigning sleep and had heard them talking; she reasons that Scribe could have been referring to her. She feels light and clear. Their ladyships arrive; Daiyu responds to them well, despite her weakness, and Xifeng asks Nightingale why she had exaggerated her condition. Lady Jia explains that she is young and naïve and right to have called them. As Daiyu’s condition improves, the maids pray and conclude that she and Baoyu are, after all, destined to be together. Her illness and recovery are the source of speculation for all in the household. Their ladyships discuss it; Lady Jia thinks the illnesses mean the Daiyu and Baoyu should be separated; Lady Wang thinks they should be married, but Lady Jia disagrees. She feels her constitution contributes to her being an unsuitable wife, and that marrying Baoyu is a priority. Understanding Daiyu’s feelings, they determine that the betrothal should be kept completely secret. Lady Jia tells Xifeng to pay more attention to the Garden before they part.

Inspecting the Garden one day, she finds with an old servant woman who has been accused of stealing a jacket by Xiuyan’s maid. After managing the dispute, she talks with Xiuyan; she is concerned that her bedclothes and clothes are too worn and thin. Later, she asks Patience to send her some clothes. Xiuyan, meanwhile, makes herself depressed reflecting on how rude the servants are to her and her alone. Felicity 丰儿 arrives with the clothes from Xifeng; Xiuyan refuses to accept them. Felicity returns with Patience, who persuades her to take them. After tea, they leave and refuse an invitation from one of Aunt Xue’s women for a chat.

The woman returns to the Xues, who weep to hear about Xiuyan’s humiliation. Ke arrives, despairing with Pan’s friends’ indifference. Aunt Xue’s anxiety over Pan and Jingui is still heightened. Reflecting on his betrothed Xiuyan’s state, particularly compared to Jingui, Ke broods and composes a poem which his self-consciousness prohibits him displaying. Moonbeam arrives with wine and a plate of sweetmeats from Jingui, ostensibly in discreet thanks for helping Pan. He accepts, but her flirting and suggestive behaviour arouses his suspicions. He concludes that either Jingui is a harlot or is trying to disgrace the family name. He hears laughter outside the window.

Chapter 88

博庭欢宝玉赞孤儿

正家法贾珍鞭悍仆

Faithful is calling; as Grandmother Jia’s 81^st birthday is approaching, she wants numerous copies of the Diamond and Heart Sutras made, the Heart Sutras to be copied by family members. Xichun is happy to do so, and invites Faithful for a quick tea. She returns to Grandmother Jia’s, where a backgammon game is disturbed by Baoyu. He has brought crickets for Lady Jia; Huan gave them to him for helping him out in class. She also asks after Lan, and is moved to hear from Baoyu that he is doing well at school. Li Wan is also moved, and tells Baoyu to look after him; she weeps as Huan and Lan enter. Lady Jia praises Lan, and they all eat together.

The next day, Cousin Zhen goes over to Rongguo where the farm bailiff has arrived. Not having time to check the inventory entries, he trusts Zhou Rui; Bao Er appears and begs to be released. Sensing trouble, he dismisses them both, before hearing that Bao Er has fought with an adopted son of Zhou Rui, He San 何三. They are both apprehended, along with Zhou Rui, and brought before Zhen and Jia Lian, who order lashings. This incident becomes gossip fodder for the servants, reflecting badly on Zhen. With the family supposedly flourishing thanks to Jia Zheng’s appointment, Xifeng is anxious to avoid such incidents for fear of future mutiny, and tells Lian so. Meanwhile, Jia Yun arrives and, after trying to steal a moment to flirt with Crimson, he is shown in, whispering to Crimson as they walk together. Yun presents himself formally to Xifeng, offering a gift, but she sees through his act, knowing the state of his finances. He comes to the point, and asks for jobs for a couple of friends with Zheng. Xifeng has no influence there, and dismisses him and his presents. Qiaojie is brought in, and Yun makes her cry by talking to her. Unable to amend it, he leaves, rebuffed and embarrassed, and greatly resenting Xifeng. Leaving, he surreptitiously gives some of the presents to Crimson, which she takes after initially rejecting. They part looking forward to their next meeting, despite family politics. Xifeng, meanwhile, is ordering some food when firstly Patience reports curious going ons amongst the prioress’s women at Watermoon Priory (for which they need pickles), then Crimson informs her that Lian won’t be home, and Patience tells her about a maid who has seen a ghost. She dismisses such superstition, but that night calls in Patience and Autumn having felt her flesh creep. Despite trying to dismiss Autumn, they sleep alongside her till dawn. Spooked, Xifeng struggles to get up the next day. A maid arrives from Lady Wang calling for Jia Lian to attend to a visitor from the yamen; Xifeng catches her breath in alarm.

Chapter 86

受私贿老官翻案牍

寄闲情淑女解琴书

The boy explains that, driven by the chaos at home, Pan had set off on a business trip to the South. He became enraged at a waiter who made eyes at two of his companions, one of whom was Jiang Yuhan, and took the bait when the waiter challenged him to hit him; the blow, from a wine cup, killed him. Aunt Xue sends some money to Xue Ke, but is unable to enlist Zheng's full support. Ke writes back that neither Pan's friends nor the victim's family are cooperating, but a good scrivener is helping him get to work on a witness; Ke also sends a copy of the appeal and the judge's rejection of it. The boy, however, also brings a confidential instruction to send a large bribe to the yamen, who know of the family's wealth. Zheng refuses to help, but an agreement is reached with Lian and the case is reopened. The deceased's mother, a poor country woman, gives her appeal. The proprietor of the bar, Pan's companion, Pan, the coroner and the deceased's uncle then give testify in turn that it had been an accident. The judge is disbelieving at first as the testimonies are so different from the inquest and previous trial, and portions out abuse to Pan and his companion, but finally adjourns the Court, finding Pan guilty only of manslaughter with a fine to pay.

With the news that an Imperial Concubine has died, Ke returns home to give Aunt Xue a full account and ask for a bit more money for the victim's family. The concubine is not Yuanchun, as he had heard, but nevertheless the family are involved in official matters and Aunt Xue wants to look after the girls in thanks to the Jias. Lady Jia, it seems, had been having premonitions that Yuanchun was dying and was warning her that the family's prosperity was soon all to be spent. Baochai comments that the Jias are oversensitive about Yuanchun, and tells a story she heard from a maid about Yuanchun's fortune reading, which predicted her death in a different month and year. Ke wants the fortune teller to read Pan, but he was provincial and would be impossible to find. Aunt Xue is welcomed back to the mansion by the girls, and laughs off Baochai's inability to join her; Li Wan explains that things are too busy for her. The rest of the family arrive back and ask after Pan's affair. Baoyu is set off brooding by the mention of Jiang Yuhan and Baochai's absence; that evening he asks Aroma for the cummerbund Jiang had given him, but receives instead a telling off about hanging round such actor riffraff and not conforming. The mention of the word sweetheart sends him running off to Daiyu's. She is reading music, which Baoyu cannot interpret, having recently become fascinated by the qin and its technical, spiritual and musical disciplines. She teaches some of the script to Baoyu, who proposes that they learn together. She expounds at length on the art of the qin, the complexity of which both fascinates Baoyu and puts him off learning, until Nightingale arrives and suggests that, although she is pleased to see her, Baoyu should let her rest. Daiyu protests that talking about music is restful, but he takes his leave. Before going, Ripple arrives with a pot of orchids for each of them as a present from Lady Jia; Daiyu stares at them, lost in thought, while Baoyu is still stimulated by the musical talk. When alone, her sombre reflections bring tears to her eyes. One of Baochai's serving women enters.