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 102

宁国府骨肉病灾祲

大观园符水驱妖孽

Lady Wang asks Baochai to cheer Tanchun up before she leaves, and warns her that Fivey does not seem reliable. Tanchun leaves the next day; Baoyu is upset, but her outlook is calm and philosophical. After seeing her off, Youshi returns to Ningguo via Prospect Garden, and is struck by its desolation; she is soon struck by a serious fever. After medicine fails, Jia Rong calls for a fortune teller. The fortune teller prays, divining through trigrams and the Yijing; the divinations show dire misfortune to come. Jia Rong is stunned at the inauspicious reading. Rong and Zhen discuss the divination; they remember that Xifeng also fell ill after seeing spirits in the Garden, and that Skybright and Daiyu’s spirits are probably there. Youshi screams deliriously; word spreads and soon even the servants dare not enter the Garden. Cousin Zhen soon falls ill too, as divined. They burn paper money in the Garden, but all are afraid of it; the costs of keeping it up escalate, and before long it is abandoned and locked up.

Skybright’s cousin’s promiscuous wife is found suddenly dead, exacerbating the rumours of Garden spirits and general apprehension. Jia She, completely disbelieving the rumours, inspects the Garden himself; even he is a shaken by its oppressive nature, which his servants enjoy embellishing. He decides to call for an exorcism; on a suitable day, priests, monks and deacons descend on the Garden. The household menfolk watch the elaborate ceremony, and conduct them round every corner of the Garden. The spirits are ‘contained’ in jars and stored in a geomantic place. The younger men find the ceremony absurd, but there is an observed diminution of demonic activity and the invalids recover; all are half convinced, but the Garden remains empty and unused.

Jia She thinks to move some servants back into the Garden; however, Lian arrives with news that Zheng has been impeached. She is stunned, having just received a letter from him with good news, but Lian soon confirms the news. Zheng has been inept at managing his staff, who have proven exploitative and extortionate. Zheng is just demoted three grades and sent back to Beijing, thanks to Imperial dispensation, but his reputation is ruined. Lian takes the news to Lady Wang.

Chapter 68

苦尤娘赚入大观园

酸凤姐大闹宁国府 

Lian is away on extended business again; when he leaves, Xifeng executes her plan. She has a building converted to be like their apartment, and announces her departure with four companions to a temple. They go to Erjie’s instead, dressed in mourning as Mrs You had also died. Erjie and the Mattress are startled. They curtsey to each other graciously, before Xifeng explains her situation and invites Erjie to live with her in Rongguo to stop malicious tittle-tattle and get one over on Lian. They weep together and Xifeng gives her presents as first and second wife – she has gained Erjie’s sympathy, and she pours her heart out in return. Xifeng and her companions help Erjie to prepare to move, although she suggests that Erjie move into the Garden at first, as the senior household members are very strait-laced and don’t know about the marriage, particularly as it was carried out during a period of mourning. She takes her to Li Wan’s, where the Garden residents gather and are sworn to secrecy. Erjie is reassured, although her maid Mercy 善姐 – given to her by Xifeng – is short with her about bothering Xifeng and careless about serving her meals. Nevertheless, Erjie is impressed by Xifeng’s apparent concern and forbearance, and covers up for Mercy in order to show appropriate forbearance herself.

Brightie is busy making inquiries into Erjie’s background and previous engagement to Zhang Hua. Xifeng offers him twenty taels to bring a written indictment against Lian. He refuses at first, and then Xifeng decides to have Brightie named in the indictment as agent of the accused. This is less risky, so Zhang agrees; before long, blackcoats come to Rongguo to arrest a willing Brightie. In the tribunal, Brightie forces Zhang to name Jia Rong, whom the Censor is then unwillingly forced to summon. Xifeng hears from this from a page, and sends someone to persuade the Censor to give Rong a scare without any damning judgement and talk to the President of the Court of Censors; the Censor takes the bribe. When Rong is summoned, Cousin Zhen also sends a bribe to the Censor and domestics to answer the summons. Xifeng goes to see him and Rong; Zhen hides and she spits at Youshi, blaming her for the illegal marriage and subsequent suing, before rounding on Rong. He entreats her not to be angry and slaps himself repeatedly while Xifeng makes a fine display of histrionic grief on Youshi’s breast. She tells them a false version of events, including how well Erjie is being treated in Rongguo, and that she was prepared to let bygones be bygones, until she found out about the previous engagement which has been such a mess. It is all very emotional, with all weeping and abusing themselves and each other. She concludes by calmly asking Youshi to ask Zhen to settle out of court, and they discuss paying Zhang off or giving him Erjie back. They then discuss how to handle it internally; Youshi refuses to explain to Lady Wang and Grandmother Jia herself, so Xifeng decides to spin a yarn to them about taking a fancy to Erjie and taking her on as her number two. Settled, they eat before Xifeng leaves. She goes to the Garden to explain developments to Erjie.

Chapter 64

幽淑女悲题五美吟

浪荡子情遗九龙佩

The funeral procession is magnificent. Baoyu is also required to spend all day by the coffin in Ningguo; one day, with no visitors, he goes back and finds Parfumée and Skybright fighting at Green Delights. Aroma has gone religious and is meditating. On the way to Daiyu’s, he bumps into Snowgoose, who has a large amount of fruit for Nightingale. Baoyu works out it must be the anniversary of Aunt Lin’s death, and decides not to bother Daiyu. Instead, he goes to see Xifeng, who is feeling better, before heading back to Daiyu’s. She is upset, and they have an emotional, sympathetic moment together. Nightingale enters, and thinks they have been quarrelling. Baoyu, feeling awkward, picks up some of Daiyu’s papers as Baochai enters. Daiyu has written a series of poems about famous women, but she and Baochai are uncomfortable with his discovering the poems – poetry is not the priority for ladies. Baoyu and Baochai praise the poems enthusiastically.

It is announced that Jia Lian has returned, and Baoyu goes to greet him. Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang return the next day, and go to see the coffin; Grandmother Jia is very moved and, back at Rongguo, it is apparent that mourning and travel have made her ill. She is not well enough for Jia Jing’s funeral a few days later. Jia Lian has admired Mrs You’s daughters Erjie 二姐 and Sanjie 三姐 for some time, and takes the opportunity to act. He uses every excuse to see Erjie; helping Cousin Zhen, who is very short of money after the funeral expenses. On the way, Jia Rong suggests helping Lian have her in a secret marriage – her family has a complex history and they would have no problem with it, but Xifeng might. Rong explains his idiotic plan for that, but Lian trusts in it, despite everything, not least its illegality and Rong’s own interest in Erjie. Lian goes to see Erjie, and is flirting with her with a handkerchief and set of jade dragons when her mother and Sanjie enter. He takes care of official business, charming Mrs You. Rong calls Lian out, and he watches Rong talking with Mrs You, gesturing to Lian and Erjie. Sanjie shouts at him. He then goes to tell Cousin Zhen of the plan; he approves, but isn’t sure whether Erjie would agree, and talks to Youshi, who disapproves. The next day, Rong goes to persuade Mrs You, who then goes to persuade Erjie, who consents with a nod. Cousin Zhen tells Lian, who is delighted and sets about arrangements. He chooses Bao Er and his new wife the Mattress, united in their hatred of Xifeng, for this household, and pays off Erjie longstanding betrothed. He chooses a date for the secret marriage.

Chapter 63

寿怡红群芳开夜宴

死金丹独艳理亲丧

Baoyu and Aroma are planning a drinking party in Green Delights, hosted by the maids; Baoyu is pleased but concerned that the young maids have given so much money for it. He is distressed when Swallow tells him Fivey has had a relapse. It is lighting-up time and Lin Zhixiao’s wife is doing the rounds; she warns the inhabitants of Green Delights not to drink or gamble, and is shocked that Baoyu is not in bed. She has some tea, and disapproves of Baoyu using the maids’ first names. After she leaves, the maids strip down to their underwear and join Baoyu on the kang; he is already playing guess-fingers with Parfumée. After a brief birthday ceremony (he drinks from each of their cups), they decide to play a drinking game. As it requires more players, some of the maids sneak off to gather some of the girls. They arrive after persuasion from the more senior maids. Daiyu questions Li Wan’s presence, as she generally disapproves of the servants drinking and gambling, but she is willing to make an exception for a birthday. The drinking game involves throwing dice, counting round to that player who draws a card with a particular flower and poem on, and does what the card says. Parfumée sings for them. All assembled take their turns in good spirits – Xiangyun is particularly mocked for her recent drunkenness, and Tanchun for selecting a card intimating a noble marriage. Someone comes to collect Daiyu, as it is late, and the rest of the guests also break off. Back at Green Delights, the party continues with guess-fingers and songs, and all are extremely drunk, including the old women. The wine has run out, and they clear up, but Swallow and Number Four are asleep on the kang. Skybright cannot wake them, and Baoyu says it will be alright if they all sleep on the kang. The next morning, they wake late, and Parfumée is embarrassed to have slept by Baoyu’s side. He thanks them for the party. Patience comes round, faking indignation not to have been invited to the party.

Baoyu is agitated to find a birthday card from Adamantina; he starts to write a response and heads off. He bumps into Xing Xiuyan who is also going to see her. They discuss her – she is very important to Xiuyan – and her love of Zhuangzi, and knowing more, Baoyu is able to return and complete his letter, which he delivers. He orders Parfumée to have her hair cut like a boy; they can pretend she’s foreign, and he gives her a new foreign sounding name as a result, Yelu Hunni 耶律雄奴. Patience is having a return party, with Youshi and other Ningguo guests too; some of the guests suggest more names for Parfumée. The party is unrestrained and drunken fun, until a messenger announces Sir Jing’s death. Youshi is distressed and hurries back. Physicians conclude that the metallic elixirs he drank in search of immortality caused his death – the Daoists deny this, but are put under arrest. The body is taken to the Iron Threshold Temple out of expediency, and Youshi arranges for the earliest possible burial, as it is very hot. All enter mourning three days later. With senior ladies away, and those present unable, junior clansmen are required to handle guests and household matters. Cousin Zhen and Jia Rong apply for leave to return, which is referred to the Emperor. The Emperor confers posthumous high rank on him and allows them to go, with some expenses. They hurry back, and grieve, arranging for Jing’s lying-in-state. Jia Rong goes to see his grandmother and shocks his aunts, and molests some maids, before paying solicitous respects to her and leaving.

Chapter 54

史太君破陈腐旧套

王熙凤效戏彩斑衣

The largesse had been secretly arranged by Zhen and Jia Lian, who go over to serve Grandmother Jia and the senior ladies; all watch. Baoyu slips out during the next play, and Lady Jia orders some nannies to follow him, and expresses her disappointment in Aroma. Xifeng defends her, and they discuss her bereaved situation.

Baoyu heads to Green Delights, but does not enter for fear of disturbing Faithful and Aroma, who are talking about her mother. Baoyu relieves himself as two very civil women arrive with food boxes from Grandmother Jia for the two maids. Ripple and Musk help Baoyu wash his hands, and he heads back to the hall, where he tops up the ladies. Two new blind ballad singers arrive, and give a synopsis of a new ballad. The hero is called Wang Xifeng, causing all to laugh. Grandmother Jia guesses the end, and launches into a tirade against clichéd romances. Wang Xifeng declaims on Lady Jia’s comments, and even the ballad singers are in stitches. Aunt Xue tells her to behave, as there are people outside listening; Xifeng says that it’s only Zhen and they always used to get up to mischief together – he’d be please that she’s entertaining Lady Jia. She compares herself with the story of Lao Laizi, who dressed up in children’s clothes aged 70 to entertain his parents. She makes tops up everyone’s drinks, and the ballad singers perform a song. It is midnight – they move to a warmer room, where Grandmother Jia seats everyone. She calls for her own actors, led by Elegante 文官, and tells them what to perform. She tells Mrs Xue and Mrs Li that the actresses are not much good. They play a drinking game to music, at Xifeng’s suggestion; the forfeit is to tell a joke. All the maids gather in the hope of hearing Xifeng tells one. Lady Jia is first, and tells a joke about Monkey’s piss. The maids rig it so Xifeng is next; hers is about a family celebrating like them, and a dud firework. Jia Rong is reminded of their fireworks, and heads out; Daiyu, being more timid, is hugged by Lady Jia while they are set off. More food arrives before the party breaks up.

The next morning they pay a ceremonial visit to Ningguo. Due to the political environment, there is no contact from Yuanchun, but there is a succession of parties and receptions over the next few weeks. After the festivities are over, Xifeng miscarries, plunging the household into dismay.

Chapter 53

宁国府除夕祭宗祠

荣国府元宵开夜宴

Baoyu and a junior maid massage an exhausted Skybright, before they get a few hours sleep. In the morning, Dr Wang is called and is disconcerted by her deterioration – the illness has become serious and he writes a new prescription. Baoyu is upset, Skybright tells him not to worry. By the afternoon, Baoyu feigns illness at his uncle’s and returns to her. She is soon on the mend, thanks to a strong constitution and good care.

Aroma returns and is told about Trinket; she feels Skybright had been too hasty. Illnesses and preoccupations have prevented the poetry club from meeting several times, and in the twelfth month there is a fever of activity anticipating New Year. Jia Rong, Youshi and Cousin Zhen are busy concerning New Year medallions and receiving the bounty money for sacrifices from the Emperor. Jia Rong is sent to Xifeng to ensure that there are no event clashes between the two households this year. Greetings and a large number of good luck gifts arrive from a country bailiff to Cousin Zhen, mostly livestock and cereals and proceeds from sales. Cousin Zhen accuses him of holding out on them – expenses, particularly at Rongguo, have gone up a lot, and several farms have had disastrous years. Zhen and Rong joke about Xifeng and how hard-up Rongguo is – they’re still far from desperate. Things are divided between the houses and for ancestral sacrifices, and some shares given to young clansmen without income. Zhen tells off Jia Qin for coming to the distribution when he has an income. More presents arrive from the Prince of Beijing.

The houses get busier and busier in preparation, particularly in redecorating. On the last day of the year, the noble ladies process to the Palace before joining the young men going to the Hall of the Ancestors in Ningguo. Baoqin is impressed by the fine hall, where they carry out the lengthy sacrificial rite. After the ceremony, Youshi hosts everyone for tea. She invites them to stay for dinner, but they leave for Rongguo where Grandmother Jia hosts a reception and is kowtowed to by all. Gifts are then distributed to children and servants, and a feast starts. More offerings are given, firecrackers let off, and everyone in their finery enjoys themselves greatly. The ladies head back to the Palace in the early hours to felicitate Yuanchun; on return, Grandmother Jia retires. For several days, Xifeng and Lady Wang are kept busy entertaining many guests. Before long, it is time to prepare for the Lantern Festival as well, and a large family feast is organised with all clansmen in the city invited. Jia Jing and Jia She do not attend; Grandmother Jia watches the actors with her feet up, and being massaged by Amber. The decorations and furnishings are exquisite. Lin Zhixiao’s wife enters with many strings of cash, and pours the coins onto tables. A young actor adlibs based on what is going on in the hall. Everyone bursts out laughing, and money is put into baskets and tipped onto the stage for the boy as largesse from Grandmother Jia, Aunt Xue and Li Wan.

Chapter 47

呆霸王调情遭苦打

冷郎君惧祸走他乡

Lady Wang hurries out to bring Lady Xing in, who receives a frosty reception when she pays her respects to Grandmother Jia. The others leave until they are alone: Grandmother Jia admonishes her for encouraging her husband, and for ignoring her own need of Faithful. She recalls everyone, and they play cards. Grandmother Jia wins, with Xifeng losing lots of money and resists paying up, causing all to laugh. Patience brings her money, and on her way out meets Lian, who has been sent by She to find Xing. She advises him not to enter due to Grandmother Jia’s mood. He peers in and, despite Xifeng signalling to him that he shouldn’t, enters. Grandmother Jia snaps at him and he bolts. Lady Xing exits with him, and returns home to report to She, who is mortified, and makes arrangements to purchase a different girl.

On the fourteenth, Grandmother Jia and others spend the day at Lai Da’s. Jia She is notably absent, and Xue Pan is excited to see an amateur actor, Liu Xianglian 柳湘莲, present, who he assumes shares his proclivities. He escapes from a distasteful Xue Pan, and is detained by Baoyu. They talk emotionally about Qin Zhong’s grave before Xianglian tries to leave, but Xue Pan finds him at the main gate. Revolted by his intimacy, he draws him aside and leads him on, inviting him to his place later before they rejoin the party. Xianglian leaves and waits outside; Xue follows soon after and leads him into the country. Xue begins to swear an oath when Xianglian strikes him; Xue lies prostate, and Xianglian whips him, drags him to muddy water and forces him to drink. He tries to make him eat his own vomit before riding away.

At the party, Cousin Zhen and the others seek them without success. Jia Rong and some boys are sent to track them down, and find Xue Pan. They work out what must have happened and mock him before sending for a chair to take him back. Cousin Zhen is unconcerned, but Aunt Xue, after finding Caltrop upset, is torn between anguish and anger, requiring Baochai to reassure her and stop her from pressing charges. She hopes that this might bring him to his senses. Xue Pan curses Xianglian, but Aunt Xue tells him that he had repented afterwards and fled the country.

Chapter 29

享福人福深还祷福

多情女情重愚斟情

Xifeng invites Baoyu, Daiyu and Baochai to the Daoist temple to watch ceremonial plays; Grandmother Jia volunteers to go along and invites anyone else who wants to join. All are excited, and everyone declares their interest. As the procession arrives, Xifeng – hurrying to help Grannie Jia out of her sedan – runs into a young acolyte. He is fearful, and brought towards Grannie, who is kind to him. With so many people, and in the heat, things are confused; in a fit of rage, Cousin Zhen asks someone to spit at an idle Jia Rong. Abbot Zhang 张道士 pays his respects to Grandmother Jia, and greets Baoyu, complementing his poetry and calligraphy and tearfully noting his resemblance to old Sir Jia. He suggests finding a match for him; Grandmother Jia remembers the monk who predicted his fortune would lie in not marrying young, but allows him to make inquiries. The Abbot gives Xifeng an overdue amulet for her baby, and takes the Jade for inspection; the monks give small jade presents to show their appreciation. The Abbot doesn’t let Baoyu give them to the poor.

The plays start – ‘the white serpent’, ‘a heap of honours’, and ‘the south branch’. Grandmother Jia inspects the trinkets, and sees a familiar looking qilin. Baochai remembers that Shi Xiangyun has one like it (leading to snide comments about her selective observation skills from Daiyu). Baoyu pockets it, but Daiyu notices, embarrassing him, and she doesn't buy his excuse. More and more representatives and offerings arrive, Grannie Jia begins to regret coming. The Abbot’s proposal leaves Baoyu in an extremely bad temper.

Daiyu has sunstroke, concerning Baoyu, but he finds it’s not as bad as feared. He is led to anger by her indifference to his problems, and accuses her of actively willing his death, thanks to his oath to heaven sworn the previous day. She is ashamed. Both are concealing their real feelings – in truth they are of one mind, but the complicated procedures through which they are trying to come together are having the opposite effect. Baoyu tries to dash his jade on the floor, to no avail. Hearing the quarrel, the maids fetch Aroma, who admonishes him – Daiyu is moved that she understands her so well, and she vomits heavily – including her medicine - from her emotion. She is in turn admonished by Nightingale, and Baoyu is moved that Nightingale should understand him so well. They both cry, Aroma embraces Baoyu, and she and Nightingale cry too. Daiyu snatches the jade and cuts the cord she made for it. They do not notice Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang, who have arrived having heard about the commotion. Neither Baoyu or Daiyu admit that anything is wrong, and the maids are given a dressing down. Neither turns up to Xue Pan’s birthday party the next day – at which Grandmother Jia had hoped they would make it up – and the day after, Aroma urges a settlement by the Double Fifth festival. In reality, the differences between them have vanished.

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.

Chapter 13

秦可卿死封龙禁尉

王熙凤协理宁国府

Qinshi appears to Xifeng in a dream, offering caution of hard times and investment advice, before Xifeng is woken with the news of her death and all mourn. Baoyu is also woken by the news, and feels a stab of pain to the heart and coughs up blood. He insists on travelling to her room, where Zhen is addressing the assembled crowd. Zhen makes arrangements for the funeral; Xue Pan donates an extravagant coffin. They learn that Qinshi’s maid Gem 瑞珠 has killed herself out of devotion. When a eunuch arrives with condolences, Jia Rong is given a formal commission in order to add pomp to the funeral banner. Throughout the 49 days of mourning there are many visitors to Ningguo.

Youshi’s illness has left Ningguo without anyone to run the house, and Zhen fears an etiquette breach with so many visitors. On Baoyu’s suggestion, he asks Xifeng to step in. Lady Wang is concerned that she has no experience of funerals, but consents. Xifeng agrees, and is briefed by Zhen on the arrangements. Xifeng identifies five major abuses habitual in Ningguo.

Chapter 12

王熙凤毒设相思局

贾天祥正照风月鉴

Rui is delighted to be received by Xifeng, and by her informal dress. He puts his claim as a lover, and she leads him on. She tells him to come back at night, and she’ll give the watchman the night off. He does so, creeping in but finds himself locked in an alley; he lasts the night in the midwinter cold and slips out first thing. As the Grandfather of orphaned Rui, Dairu is angry at his absence for a whole night and his excuse, and lashes him.

Rui returns to see Xifeng, who scolds him for failing her, and tells him to come back that night. While waiting, he observes a figure and launches on it, assuming it to be Xifeng. A light flashes, and Jia Qiang is holding a candle: Rui is trying to bugger Jia Rong. Qiang has been briefed by Xifeng, and holds him captive. Rui tries to negotiate, and Qiang accepts fifty taels as an IOU; after pressing, Rong does too. He leaves, but a slop bucket is emptied on him before he can.

Rui is unable to sleep, and doesn’t dare to visit Rongguo again, but his passion isn’t quelled. The stress of work, worry, and debt leads to illness confining him to bedridden delirium. The illness worsens into spring, and Dairu begs Rongguo for medicine which he can’t afford. Xifeng deliberately sends little. A Daoist gives him a two-sided mirror, fashioned by Disenchantment, which he says will cure him of the ill effect of impure mental activity, if he looks into it everyday, but only into the back of it. He looks at the back and sees a skull. He looks at the front and sees Xifeng; his soul follows her and they make love. This happens three or four times, each time ending with the skull reappearing. The last time, two figures approach him, chain him and lead him away. Rui dies, and all present curse the Daoist, who reappears and angrily snatches the mirror back. He is given a stylish funeral.

Lin Ruhai falls seriously ill and writes, asking to see Daiyu again. Grandmother Jia and Baoyu are upset at this, and Jia Lian is asked to accompany her.

Chapter 11

庆寿辰宁府排家宴 
见熙凤贾瑞起淫心
 

It is the birthday of the nominal head of the Ningguo House, Jia Jing 贾敬, who lives outside the city. Jing isn’t present to celebrate, so a troupe of entertainers arrives. Grannie Jia was taken ill after eating bad peaches, but attends, and Xifeng discusses Qinshi’s illness with Zhen and Rong as the guests arrive. Xifeng and Baoyu go with Rong to see Qinshi, who regrets her fate. Baoyu is reminded of his dream, but is moved to tears by Qinshi’s words.

Baoyu leaves first, and Xifeng bumps into Jia Rui on her walk back; she struggles to identify him, he ogles her. She senses his game, and leads him on, despite finding him odious. With Youshi, Lady Wang and Aunt Xing, Xifeng selects the plays for the entertainment, before they head home exhausted.

Rui visits the Rong household on numerous occasions, invariably finding Xifeng absent, often visiting Qinshi at Ningguo. During one visit, Rui asks Patience to ask Xifeng to pay him a call. Xifeng has a plan for next time he calls.

Chapter 10

金寡妇贪利权受辱 
张太医论病细穷源

Jokey Jin apologises, but broods. His mother admonishes him – it was hard to get him into the school, and they’re saving a lot of money as a result – including receiving some from Pan. His aunt, Jia Huang 贾璜 of Ningguo’s wife, who also is not wealthy, visits and is told the story. She heads to Ningguo to talk to Qinshi, but her anger subsides and she hears the other side of the story from Youshi, and learns that brooding over it had made Qinshi ill.

Cousin Zhen and wife Youshi discuss the illness, and Zhen reveals that he’s arranged for an esteemed doctor, Zhang Youshi 张友士, to call the next day, and asks Jia Rong to tell him the symptoms. They discuss arrangements for his father’s birthday too. Zhang examines Qinshi, and is able to determine quickly what is wrong with her, unlike other doctors who had given conflicting views, leading the condition to deteriorate. He writes a prescription, and predicts a full recovery if she makes it to the spring equinox.

Chapter 6

贾宝玉初试云雨情

刘老老一进荣国府

Aroma and Baoyu are embarrassed while dressing him after his dream, and she laughs when he describes his dream to her. Baoyu has his way with her, doubling their mutual devotion.

Distant country relative Grannie Liu 刘老老 tries to persuade her son-in-law Gouer 狗儿 to appeal to Wang Xifeng for help, and she ends up going with grandson Baner 板儿 to see Zhou Rui 周瑞, with whom Gouer’s father had been friendly. Zhou Rui’s wife gains Liu an audience with Wang Xifeng through Xifeng's maid Patience 平儿. Liu mistakes Patience for Xifeng, and is overawed by the opulence and technology and cannot get a word out. Xifeng admonishes Liu for kowtowing to her, and regrets that there are not more relations visiting them. Liu is embarrassed by Jia Rong’s 贾蓉 arrival, who has come to borrow a glass screen. A meal is brought for Liu and Baner, and Xifeng gives them twenty taels.