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 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 87

感秋声抚琴悲往事

坐禅寂走火入邪魔

Baochai’s servant delivers a letter to Daiyu in which Baochai anguishes about her current state. A poem is attached. Daiyu is greatly moved, and is lost in thought when Xiangyun, Tanchun and the Lis arrive. They discuss Baochai’s absence from the Garden and her current predicaments, when a scent wafts in; Daiyu thinks it smells like cassia, which provokes a discussion about Northerners and Southerners and people’s karmic ties to places. When her guests, Daiyu drifts into a daydream about what her life would have been like in the South if her parents had lived. Nightingale, understanding the cause of her absence, reassures her that she is neither unpopular nor imposing on people in her illnesses. Snowgoose brings her soup, cooked by Fivey, and makes her some Southern slaw. The maids eat while Daiyu’s attention is caught by the melancholy wind; she asks Snowgoose for her fur clothes, as it is getting colder. In the bundle of clothes she finds the silk, tear-stained handkerchiefs with poetry written on them which Baoyu had sent her, and the remains of the cord she made for his jade and torn fancase. Nightingale enters and sees her new tearful reverie and, realising sympathy will not work, offers a cheerful rebuke, which only releases more tears. She finally puts on some furs and, in the next room, picks up Baochai’s letter again, and in the spirit of empathy decides to write some stanzas and set them to the qin. Snowgoose brings her her brush, music and qin, and she sets to it.

On the way to school, Baoyu is told by a pageboy that he has the day off. Having confirmed it with Huan and Lan, he returns to Green Delights before setting out to see the girls. Daiyu is sleeping, but he finds Xichun playing Go with Adamantina. He listens in to their game at length, not wishing to disturb them, but finds himself bursting out in laughter at a victorious joke by Adamantina, startling them. He enters and tries to charm the embarrassed nun. He is relieved when she speaks to him at last, asking from where he had come, but is tonguetied with worry that the question is more Zen subtlety than straightforward. Xichun banters him, but Adamantina also takes this badly and decides to leave; Baoyu offers to accompany her back to the Hermitage. Passing Daiyu’s, they hear her playing the qin, and listen to her four stanzas. They are moved, until Adamantina recoils at her sharp intonation. A string snaps, and the nun stands up to walk away.  She tells Baoyu not to speak of this event, her cryptic words leaving him confused.

Back at the Hermitage, she completes her religious duties and eats. She starts to meditate, but Baoyu’s earlier words keep her from doing so successfully. Her body seems to leave the Hermitage and is hustled and kidnapped; she screams, and the sisters find her in an apparent coma shouting at her fantasy ruffians. The nuns consult tallies (a Yin spirit has been offended) and reassure and massage her until she sleeps. Several doctors inspect her, coming up with several diagnoses, but one attributes it to an evil spirit entering during meditation; he writes her a prescription. She recovers, but loses her powers of concentration, and becomes a subject of gossip around town, exacerbated given her youth and looks. When Xichun hears from a maid, she is overwhelmed by an illuminative desire to become a nun. She meditates and studies Go, when she hears a voice outside calling.

Chapter 83

省宫闱贾元妃染恙

闹闺阃薛宝钗吞声

Outside is an old woman shouting abuse at a girl; such is Daiyu’s insecurity that she assumes it is directed at her, and she sobs herself unconscious. After she comes round, Tanchun shouts at the old woman outside. She then suggests reviving the poetry club; Daiyu is more concerned that the acuity of her illness be known to Grandmother Jia.

Snowgoose and Nightingale tend to Daiyu; Aroma arrives. She is shocked by her state, not least as last night Baoyu started screaming in pain in the middle of the night. Daiyu overhears and questions her; she asks that Baoyu not be told about her illness. Meanwhile, Tanchun and Xiangyun tell Grandmother Jia about Daiyu’s illness; she orders that Baoyu’s doctor, arriving tomorrow, also see her. His diagnosis of an advanced morbid obstruction accords with her symptoms. He writes a prescription, and explains its ingredients to Jia Lian. He is discussing it with Xifeng when Zhou Rui’s wife arrives. When Lian leaves, she expresses her concern for Daiyu and asks for more money for the maids’ incidental expenses. She consents, but asks that it is kept quiet, and discusses the household’s tight financial straits and the gossip surrounding her management. Zhou Rui’s wife tells of how extravagantly rich the townsfolk think they are (although she knows that they know the truth really). Xifeng reiterates her intense concern about their finances and reputation.

Jia Lian, meanwhile, hears from a page boy that a senior consultant has been summoned to the Palace. He and other household gentlemen are investigating the rumour when eunuchs arrive, inviting four women to the Palace to see Yuanchun, who has been lately indisposed. The next morning, the party of the whole Jia clan sets off with some pomp. The men halt at the Inner Gate of the Forbidden City; the four ladies continue in to Yuanchun’s bedchamber. They have a formal but emotional catch-up, repeated over the next few days.

In the Xue household, meanwhile, Jingui has found her stratagem in giving the now self-assured Moonbeam to Pan has misfired. One day, she taunts her, which soon develops into another fight. Hearing the racket, Aunt Xue sets off to confront them with Baochai reluctantly in tow. When Jingui turns on Aunt Xue, Baochai tries to reason with her, attracting her taunts. Baochai manages to contain her anger; Jingui only erupts further, inflaming Aunt Xue. She and Baochai leave, and encounter one of Lady Jia’s personal maids on the way; she has been waiting there a while, but reassures them that all families have their little troubles. Soon after, Aunt Xue cries out in pain, clutching her chest.

Chapter 82

老学究讲义警顽心

病潇湘痴魂惊恶梦

After school, Baoyu checks in with Zheng and Grandmother Jia before heading to Daiyu’s. He has some tea and complains to her at length; to his surprise she defends octopartite essays. He returns to Green Delights to find Aroma is shaken by a notice that they will be dismissed for fooling around any more with Baoyu; he promises to work hard, and starts immediately, struggling at the classics till late. He cannot sleep, and is feeling ill; the next morning he is late for school. Dairu makes him recite passages from the classics, giving lengthy and pedantic criticism.

With Baoyu at school, Aroma is left with her thoughts, pondering Baoyu’s likely marriage to Daiyu; she goes to visit her for a gossip, the first time she has done so with Daiyu. An old woman comes blundering in with lychees from Baochai, and makes everyone awkward by talking about Daiyu and Baoyu.

That night, Daiyu is feeling weary and depressed, when Jia Yucun, Xifeng and others arrive saying that she is to leave and be married to a relation of a new stepmother. Panicked, and in a cold sweat, she finds herself pleading Grandmother Jia to let her stay. Grannie Jia orders the emotional girl out. In her suicidal despair, she conceives of Baoyu as her only hope, but he just congratulates her. Suddenly, however, it is clear to her – she was brought to the house to be engaged to him, and he tells her to stay if she wants. To prove himself, he takes a knife and cuts into his chest to show her his heart. She cries out, trying to staunch the blood flow; he cannot find his heart any more, and so dies. She screams, and hears Nightingale calling to her that she has been having a nightmare. Her pillow is sodden; she considers the dream, knowing her parents are dead and she is not really engaged to Baoyu. Thinking about the dream and Baoyu dying distresses her further; Nightingale is distressed at her ill condition, particularly when she notices blood in her spittoon. Daiyu works out something is wrong from her reaction. Nightingale tells her that she’s not well, and tries to reassure her by talking about the household members; given her dream, this only upsets her more. She nearly faints, before coughing up more blood. Nightingale sends Snowgoose to fetch someone; as she leaves, she bumps into two maids who have arrived to fetch Daiyu. Xichun, Tanchun and Xiangyun are elsewhere discussing Xichun’s painting of the garden, and the two maids explain Daiyu’s illness to them. Tanchun and Xiangyun set off to see her; their entrance again reminds her of her dream and sets her brooding. Xiangyun exclaims her shock at the spittoon; Tanchun covers up for her to stop Daiyu worrying. They are about to leave when they hear a loud voice outside.

Chapter 76

凸碧堂品笛感凄清

凹晶馆联诗悲寂寞

Noting Baochai and Baoqin’s absence as the party regroups, Grandmother Jia again comments on how depleted the family seems. She is still game and drinking, and the other women, who are exhausted, are obliged to carry on at her pace. Looking at the large, clear moon, she calls for the flautist to play for them from far away. Hearing that Jia She has twisted his ankle, she tells Lady Xing to look after him; she also tells Youshi to leave, but she doesn’t want to. The rest of the party are admiring cassia when the beautiful flute music starts, startling them to silence and leading to great praise when it finishes. Grandmother Jia keeps drinking – against Faithful’s wishes, she wants to stay up till dawn – when the flute starts up again. This time it is so ghostly and melancholy that people try to escape it with forced talk; Youshi begins to tell Lady Jia a joke when she drops off. After denying her tiredness, she sees that the cousins (except Tanchun) have given in and gone to bed, so she calls an end to the party and returns to her room. One of the ladies notices a cup is missing; talking with Kingfisher, they establish that Xiangyun must have taken it to bed.

Xiangyun is actually comforting Daiyu, who, as an orphan, had found the family occasion painful. After lamenting that the poetry club wasn’t able to meet for the festival, she suggests composing linked verses together. They go to Concave Pavilion by the lake for a more inspirational environment. They discuss the poeticism of the words ‘convex’ and ‘concave’. The two night watchwomen at the Pavilion are not awake; Xiangyun and Daiyu sit and watch the lake and talk about poetry. When they hear the flute playing, they decide on a form and a rhyme and start their linked verses, joking, admiring and offering criticism on them as they go. Daiyu sees a dark shadow in the lake. Throwing a pebble into it, a stork flies out of the lake and into one of Xiangyun’s couplets. In awe of Xiangyun’s efforts, Daiyu ends the poem to Xiangyun’s reciprocated admiration. A stranger steps out and applauds their efforts – it is Adamantina, who has been tempted out to observe the moon by the flute playing. She invites them back to her Hermitage where they drink tea when their maids Nightingale and Kingfisher arrive, looking for them. Before leaving, Daiyu is impressed by Adamantina’s enthusiasm for poetry and asks for some criticism. She declares that she would like to bring their poem back to a Buddhist ‘proper aspect’ and adds thirteen more couplets to Daiyu and Xiangyun’s admiration. It is nearly dawn, and they leave the Hermitage for Daiyu’s where they go to bed. However, they are now beyond tiredness and neither can sleep.

Chapter 75

开夜宴异兆发悲音

赏中秋新词得佳谶

Youshi is advised against going to see Lady Wang – the Zhens are visiting on secret business – so she goes to talk to Li Wan. She drinks and washes, and hints at the previous night’s investigations before Baochai arrives. They chat about Baochai’s plan to move out for a while to look after her mother, and are soon joined by Tanchun and Xiangyun. Tanchun is in a bad mood, and tells the others how she slapped Wang Shanbao’s wife before Youshi tells of her encounter with Xichun. They disperse, Youshi and Tanchun going together to Grandmother Jia’s, where Lady Wang is telling her the offences the Zhens have been charged with. She is shaken, and takes the opportunity of their arrival to talk about the Mid-Autumn Festival. They eat, Grandmother Jia fussing over each guest and the tribute dishes sent to her. Youshi starts eating later, along with the servants, and they fuss further over plain maids’ rice given to her – they cannot afford to be extravagant any more. After a jovial evening, Youshi returns to Ningguo. There are a lot of carriages present, and she decides to make a detour to spy on the large party of men, gathered by Cousin Zhen, who are gambling (the gatherings were originally for archery, which is not banned during mourning, but soon developed into gambling). Youshi watches a very drunk Xing Dequan 邢德全 lash out at and make up with two boys. He then tells Cousin Zhen about family developments regarding Lady Xing in embarrassing detail, which Youshi overhears with some relish. Having seen enough, she moves on. The next night, Zhen has arranged a family dinner for the Mid-Autumn Festival, which they can’t celebrate in full due to mourning. They eat, drink and are moved by the concubines’ music. Near midnight, they hear a long drawn-out sigh coming from the Hall of the Ancestors. The shock and dread sobers them all and they retire; entering the ancestral temple the next day to give an offering, Zhen can find nothing untoward and puts it down to drunkenness. He firmly locks the temple.

Zhen and Youshi go to Rongguo the next night, and having visited and chatted with Grandmother Jia and the male household members, they all go to make their Mid-Autumn offering. Grandmother Jia then suggests going to the mountaintop Convex pavilion to observe the moon. They venture up; Grandmother Jia comments on how small the family gathering looks. They play drinking games; Jia Zheng has to tell a joke, the mere prospect of which has everyone in convulsions. It is then Baoyu’s turn; feeling the pressure thanks to Zheng’s presence, he asks to be excused a joke and has to write a poem. Zheng likes the poem and gives him a fan. Jia She then tells a rather tactless, but well-received, joke. It is Jia Huan’s turn and, emboldened by Baoyu’s poem, tries one of his own, but it is weird and Zheng does not like it. He provides a harsh literary analysis of the two brothers’ work, which provokes laughter if not comprehension. Jia She reads Huan’s poem and disagrees with Zheng, complimenting and rewarding Huan. Zheng and She, along with the other men, have a final drink and leave Baoyu and the younger boys with the women.

Chapter 71

嫌隙人有心生嫌隙

鸳鸯女无意遇鸳鸯

Jia Zheng has arrived home. After reporting to the Emperor he is granted a month’s recuperation leave. It is Grandmother Jia’s birthday, there are to be eight days of celebration in both houses for various groups of guests, including royalty. At one of the banquets, the Princess Dowager of Nan’an asks after the cousins, and five of the girls are presented to her. Grandmother Jia is exhausted by the celebrations.

Throughout the celebrations, Youshi is staying at Rongguo and helping Xifeng. One night when she is free and Xifeng is not available, she goes to the Garden to see the cousins. Her maid cannot find a soul, and has an argument with two stewardesses as the gate is open and lights on. She reports this with indignation to Youshi, who has found Aroma, Xiangyun and Baoqin. Youshi stalls on punishing them, due to the celebrations, but word reaches Xifeng via an over-attentive Zhou Rui’s wife, and she orders them to be detained and sent to be death with by Youshi after the celebrations finish. Zhou Rui’s wife orders Lin Zhixiao’s wife to go to Youshi immediately, leading to an awkward meeting. After she leaves, she complains to Aunt Zhao and manages the entreating daughters of the two stewardesses. Gossip spreads, and a busybody relative of one of the stewardesses complains to Lady Xing. Lady Xing, currently jealous of Xifeng who is more favoured by Grandmother Jia, sees this as an attack on herself by Xifeng. The next day there are further elaborate celebrations. In the evening, just before leaving, Lady Xing confronts Xifeng about the detained stewardesses in public. Xifeng is humiliated and tries to laugh it off, but when there is agreement that they should be released her humiliation is compounded. She runs back to her quarters to weep, but is summoned by Grandmother Jia immediately. She hides her tears and they eat. Faithful explains Xifeng’s tears to Grandmother Jia after she leaves; she feels Xifeng acted correctly. She sends Faithful to the Garden to complete the arrangements for two guests, Xiluan 喜鸾 and Sijie 四姐, to stay on and while there she discusses Xifeng’s difficult position with Li Wan, Youshi and the cousins. Conversation soon turns to Baoyu’s happy-go-lucky attitude to life, the future and death; young Xiluan is embarrassed by talk of marriage.

When returning, Faithful notices one of the side gates is not barred, and she takes the opportunity to empty her bladder. She spots two figures hide in the bushes and identifies one as Yingchun’s maid Chess and calls after her in jest. Chess has a guilty conscience and is terrified – she begs her not to cry out. Faithful notices that the other figure is a boy; Chess says that he’s her cousin, and they are all embarrassed. Faithful swears she will have mercy on them and won’t tell, and leaves through the gate.

Chapter 70

林黛玉重建桃花社

史湘云偶填柳絮词

Grandmother Jia refuses Lian permission to take Erjie’s body to the family temple outside the city. She is buried next to Sanjie with few mourners. It is nearly New Year, and the household seniors are unable to make suitable matches amongst the maids and menservants.

All the dramatic events have resulted in the postponement of the poetry club for over a year and Baoyu’s health deteriorating greatly – he looks and acts like a halfwit. Whilst horseplaying with his maids, Baoyu is summoned by Xiangyun to see the girls who, as it is spring, wish to restart the poetry club. Baoyu reads a new poem by Baoqin, after which the club is to be renamed the ‘Peachflower Club’. He is moved by its melancholy and unable to guess the author. Daiyu is to be club president, and – having confirmed with Li Wan - they meet the next day. The meeting is, however, postponed by many days due to a succession of events requiring the cousins’ attendance, including Tanchun’s birthday and the announcement of Jia Zheng’s return. When Baoyu tries to rest, Aroma encourages him to concentrate more on his studies for Zheng’s return and he stays up practising his calligraphy. He is so far behind, and Lady Wang is concerned, so Baochai and Tanchun offer to help him out, soon joined by the other cousins, but as a result the club meeting is postponed further. Soon he can start on other revision, but when a tidal wave hits the coast, however, Zheng is required on official business and his return delayed, so Baoyu reverts to his customer aimless type. One day, Xiangyun composes song lyrics and shows them to Baochai and Daiyu, and they decide finally to have a club meeting at Daiyu’s to compose song lyrics on the theme of willow floss. Baochai wins, Daiyu and Baoqin’s are too pessimistic, and Baoyu fails even to complete a poem. Before his punishment is decided, a kite crashes loudly in the bamboo. Baoyu thinks it belongs to Carmine 嫣红, so they don’t take it, but are inspired to send for Daiyu’s kite, following which each sends for their own. They all fly well other than Baoyu’s, so he gets into a state. The wind is strong; Daiyu cuts hers free and they watch it fly away. Baoyu does so too, and Tanchun’s gets caught up with another, eventually escaping, before the others also release theirs.

Baoyu continues to do some revision through summer; while he sees the girls when bored, they are conscious of his work and don’t invite him or pretend to be asleep when he calls. When autumn begins, two of Grandmother Jia’s maids come to him, agitated.

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 62

After resolution, Patience disposes of the matter. The replacement cook has already begun embezzling when she receives her dismissal. Aunt Zhao and Huan – who received the stolen goods – are scared, and Huan throws them back at Sunset, assuming she is thick with Baoyu. Upset, she throws the things into the lake.

憨湘云醉眠芍药裀

呆香菱情解石榴裙

It is Baoyu and Baoqin’s birthday; less fuss is made than normal as Lady Wang is still away. He returns after making all his formal obeisances and reverences to find many maids and the girls wishing him happy returns. They make extended reverences to each other – it turns out that it is also Patience’s and Xing Xiuyan’s birthday. Tanchun remarks on the coincidence; they discuss birthdays and get Xifeng to agree to let Patience celebrate with them. Cook Liu prepares them a meal; it is all unusually gay. Baoyu sees Xue Ke first, and walks back with Baochai, who tells him that she knows about an extremely serious incident which she hopes never comes to light. They reach the party in the Peony Garden, which is very lively. Aunt Xue is present, but goes to lie down in the jobs room. The birthday four object to toasts, as they will get too drunk, and send the old blind ballad singer to entertain Aunt Xue, as they don’t like old music. They decide to play a drinking game; everyone puts suggestions into a hat. The first one drawn (cover-ups, suggested by newly enthusiastically literary Caltrop) is combined with guess-fingers. They all get extremely rowdy and drunk as they play – especially Xiangyun, who applies herself to the game with some vigour - although Daiyu’s dry joke about the essence of rose is not appreciated by Baoyu or Sunset. With the senior ladies away, the party soon becomes bedlam. Lin Zhixiao’s wife appears, concerned by the noise, and Patience feels they ought to stop. They find Xiangyun passed out on a rock, covered in peony petals, and reciting drinking games in her sleep. She is embarrassed to be woken, but feels better after taking some ‘hangover rock’ and soup. They send some of the party food to Xifeng, and the party breaks into smaller groups. Lin Zhixiao’s wife arrives again with an old lady who has heard swearing; Tanchun dismisses her from service. Baoyu and Daiyu watch this and comment on how detached she is; Baoyu tells her how much management Tanchun has done while she has been ill. Daiyu goes to see Baochai, and Baoyu looks for Parfumée, who is bored and lonely. She is complaining about her food, of which he is jealous, so they share it. He tells Swallow to look after her, and to tell Cook Liu that Fivey will definitely work there. He rejoins the party as food is served, causing Skybright to mock him.

Outside, Caltrop and the maids are playing with flowers, and she is jeered when she reveals greater knowledge. In the ensuing jostling, Caltrop rolls into a puddle and ruins her special new skirt. The others run off and Baoyu arrives; he is sympathetic. He is delighted to be able to help – fetching one of Aroma’s similar skirts that she can’t wear as she is in mourning – but regrets that she has been sold to Pan. Aroma returns with him to Caltrop, who changes skirts. She catches Baoyu burying the flowers that had caused the kerfuffle, and finds it endearingly odd. They separate, and she calls to him not to tell Pan about the incident.

Chapter 59

柳叶渚边嗔莺叱燕

绛芸轩里召将飞符

Baoyu goes to see the senior ladies, who are tired and retire quickly. They are soon to depart for a long journey to the mausoleum, and the servants are busy preparing for this. When they leave, Lai Da closes the main gates to the mansion and Garden and heightens security.

Xiangyun is worried about eczema, and sends Oriole and Étamine 蕊官 to collect some rose orris from Daiyu. On the way, Oriole teaches her how to plait a basket, which they give to Daiyu. Daiyu says she is better and will visit Baochai’s later, so Nénuphar – engrossed with Étamine - joins them on their return. Oriole stops to plait; soon Swallow 春燕, whose aunt Mamma Xia 夏婆子 had caught Nénuphar burning spirit money and whose mother argued with Parfumée, presses Nénuphar on what was happening. She talks at length about her mother and aunt, and that they wouldn’t be pleased to see them breaking the twigs in their part of the Garden. The aunt arrives as Oriole defends her case; she is displeased, but does not scold Oriole, instead grumbling at Swallow. Oriole jokes about Swallow making her do the weaving, causing the stupid Aunt to strike Swallow, and Oriole tries to defend her. Swallow’s mother now arrives and is soon shouting at her violently. She greatly resents the senior maids like Oriole. Swallow is walking away, and she calls to her to stop; when she doesn’t, she follows and slips, to the others’ amusement. Swallow runs to Green Delights, where she implores Aroma to help; her mother continues to chase her. Swallow takes refuge with Baoyu and Musk confronts the mother. For form’s sake Baoyu blames her, but sends for Patience; she can’t come, but sends a message to flog and dismiss the mother, who is soon weeping and entreating all. Baoyu shows mercy and lets her stay, with a warning. Patience looks in; she and Aroma note how mutinous the place had become without their Ladyships. Patience says that there have been other more upsetting events than this one, and Aroma enquires further.

Chapter 58

杏子阴假凤泣虚凰

茜纱窗真情揆痴理

The conversation stops after Xichun and Tanchun arrive, and all four soon part. The late Emperor’s dowager consort has died, and an edict prohibits persons of rank holding musical or dramatic entertainment for a year, and weddings for three months. The senior women are required to attend mourning ceremonies for a month. Aunt Xue moves in with Daiyu to keep an eye on the young people and look after Daiyu. Lady Wang and Youshi agree to disband the troupe of actresses; most of them do not want to leave, and all but three elect to stay as nominal maids, attached to household members but largely without duties. They join the many maids and servants with little to do while the senior ladies are away engaged in official mourning duties. The actresses and servants do not get on.

The men, apart from Baoyu who is not yet recovered from illness, are also away on Spring Cleaning Festival duties. He walks in the Garden, and encounters the others; Xiangyun mocks his ill outburst. He leaves, and contemplates the Garden and Xiuyan’s engagement; he regrets missing the apricot blossom for his illness. His reverie is broken when actress Nénuphar 藕官 is loudly castigated for burning paper offerings in the Garden. She is terrified, and Baoyu defends her, firstly saying it was just waste paper, then that he told her to burn spirit paper. The old woman castigating beseeches him apologetically. Nénuphar swears him to secrecy – only two of the other actresses know. He goes to the Naiad’s House before returning, when Baoyu wants to ask fellow confidante Parfumée 芳官 about what he saw, but others are present. Aroma castigates Parfumée for having a loud argument with her foster-mother, which soon involves Baoyu’s other maids. They take Parfumée away and comfort her, although they think her very mischievous, not least for having broken their clock. Food arrives, and is too hot, so they ask her to blow on it for Baoyu; the foster-mother starts another argument, saying she’s too inexperienced. She thinks they’re joking when they ask her to taste the food. When Baoyu has finished, and signals to her, she makes excuses; he asks her about Nénuphar. The offering was for a girl in their troupe who died – they had been principal boy and girl, and were like lovers. She is also like it with the girl’s replacement. Parfumée thinks her soppy, but Baoyu is moved and earnestly to promise to tell Nénuphar not to burn un-Confucian spirit money. A message arrives that Grandmother Jia has returned.

Chapter 57

慧紫鹃情辞试莽玉

慈姨妈爱语慰痴颦

Lady Wang takes Baoyu on a call to Lady Zhen’s townhouse. They return the visit before leaving town. He visits Daiyu, who is sleeping, so talks with Nightingale. When he touches her clothes she recoils and rebukes him – she says that Daiyu has warned them about him, and stays far away from him. Baoyu is hurt and cries in the garden. Snowgoose passes him, and is concerned. At Daiyu’s, she and Nightingale gossip; Nightingale is concerned and goes to apologise to Baoyu. They chat, but fall out when Nightingale jokes about Daiyu returning to Suzhou. Skybright arrives with summons for Baoyu from Grandmother Jia; she, Aroma and Nannie Li are alarmed by his vacant, distressed state, and delay reporting to Lady Jia. Aroma confronts Nightingale, which distresses the already ill Daiyu. Nightingale hurries to apologise again, but Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang are already present and rebuke her. On hearing the cause of his derangement, they take a less serious view. He becomes obsessed with the idea that Daiyu is to be taken away, and the word ‘Lin’ is banned after Lin Zhixiao’s arrival sends him wild. Dr Wang diagnoses him, and Nightingale stays with him as he improves. He starts feigning madness to keep Nightingale there.

Later, after being mocked by Xiangyun, he and Nightingale smooth things over. She was just trying to test him. His heart is true, and he is amused that she believed Grandmother Jia’s comment about him being betrothed to Baoqin. She returns to Daiyu’s, leaving him a mirror as a keepsake. She talks with Daiyu; she is concerned for her. Daiyu is affected, telling Nightingale she can’t stay with her. She weeps during the night.

There are three or four days’ celebration for Aunt Xue’s birthday. Xue likes Xing Xiuyan and suggests her as a wife for Xue Ke. Grandmother Jia tells Lady Xing, who assents. Youshi is to work on the settlement. Xiuyan, now close to Baochai, is delighted. One day Baochai notices Xiuyan is not wearing thick enough clothes; she has pawned them, as she is poor and has spent half her allowance on her parents. Baochai offers to pay the pawn ticket for her – it is one of the Xues’ businesses. Baochai continues to Daiyu’s, where Aunt Xue talks of romantic fate. She comforts Daiyu, who weeps to think of her own mother. Baochai suggests Aunt Xue takes Daiyu as a goddaughter. Daiyu reacts hysterically when Aunt Xue suggests Baoyu is a good match for her. Xiangyun arrives with the pawn ticket – she doesn’t know what it is, and Aunt Xue explains. Baochai takes the ticket, but cannot conceal from Daiyu and Xiangyun Xiuyan’s straitened circumstances. Xiangyun is angry, and suggests having Xiuyan to live with them. Tanchun and Xichun arrive.

Chapter 56

敏探春兴利除宿弊

贤宝钗小惠全大体

Tanchun expresses to Patience and the others her unease about the amount and method of payment for the girls’ monthly allowance for hair products and cosmetics. She has also heard that Lai Da rents out his garden for extra income, leading to a philosophical discussion. She feels that they could make some money and keep the garden in better condition by appointing ladies to be garden wardens; Li Wan agrees, although Baochai is sarcastic. Patience reveals that Xifeng had thought of doing this already, but had not done so for fear of upsetting the garden residents; Baochai accuses her of never giving Tanchun credit. Tanchun speaks highly of Patience, and she weeps. Patience consults Xifeng and returns; she agrees with the plan, and the girls summon the garden workers, who are enthusiastic at the proposal. After much political deliberation, Li Wan, Tanchun and Baochai choose suitable wardens, and talk them through their duties and accounts. The conditions are agreed to, as they involve more money for all, no control by the Office or settling of accounts with Xifeng.

The distinguished Zhens have arrived from Nanjing, bringing gifts; four serving ladies pay respects to Grandmother Jia and explains that they have had an Imperial summons. They talk about their young master, also called Baoyu, and also naughty. Jia Baoyu is fetched so they can compare – they are very similar, although Jia is more courteous to the women. Lady Wang arrives, greets the ladies, and goes to rest.

Grandmother Jia is telling everyone about the other Baoyu; they are unimpressed by the coincidence. Xiangyun – in the sick room – taunts him, saying he could get the other one to stand in for him. Despite citing classical precedents, Baoyu is shaken by the thought of his double. He sleeps, dreaming of meeting familiar (but hostile) maids in a familiar garden. He goes to a place like Green Delights and sees a youth like him – they greet, realise they are both Baoyu, and are summoned. Baoyu wakes, calling for Baoyu and pointing at the mirror. He joins Aroma in laughing at himself. She explains that seeing a mirror would give him a bad dream. He is summoned by Lady Wang.

Chapter 55

辱亲女愚妾争闲气

欺幼主刁奴蓄险心

Xifeng is bedridden, but continues planning things. Lady Wang is distraught, leaving all but the most important managerial matters to Li Wan (who is far too easy on the servants) and ropes in Tanchun to help. Xifeng is less robust than assumed though, and is soon relieved of all duties. Lady Wang talks to Baochai about the large number of idle ladies in the Garden. Xiangyun and Daiyu are ill; Li Wan and Tanchun are very busy dealing with the servants; Baochai, by virtue of a succession of events involving the extended family, is spending much time with Lady Wang. The three of them now have a thorough system of supervision in the Garden, annoying the servants. One day, it is reported to Tanchun that the brother of Mrs Zhao – her natural mother – has died. The messenger is being unhelpful, knowing that the maids will judge her on her reaction to this news. She sensibly decides to work on precedent, asking for recent similar cases; she mocks the messenger who can’t recall any. She then returns with accounts, and Tanchun subsequently awards Mrs Zhao twenty taels.

Not long after, Mrs Zhao storms in and, crying messily, accuses Tanchun of trampling on her. Tanchun explains, showing her the accounts, and they argue about face– Tanchun can’t be seen to be helping a servant, even if she is her mother. The volume of argument increases; Li Wan is unable to mediate, and Tanchun barely even knew the deceased. Patience arrives with a message from Xifeng – Mrs Zhao is to have twenty taels, but Tanchun is free to add more. Tanchun is crying, and washes, when someone else arrives with business and is chased away. Patience agrees that the servants wouldn’t be so difficult with Xifeng, and helps diffuse the situation. She agrees to stay – Xifeng had suspected that they might need help. Lunch arrives, and is wrong; Patience reproves the maids, telling them not to take advantage of Tanchun. They have been told to by Mrs Zhao. Ripple arrives to ask after Baoyu’s allowance; Patience tells her to go back before she can enter. Tanchun is looking to make an example of someone, and if it were Baoyu it would make things awkward. The servants are soon chattering amongst themselves not to cross Tanchun.

After lunch, Patience heads back to report to Xifeng, who is proud of Tanchun – it is hard to be a concubine’s daughter in a large household. She worries that, if they don’t economise, the household will soon be bankrupt, especially if large unexpected costs occur (the girls’ marriage costs are budgeted for); she is aware that everyone secretly hates her for her cuts. Xifeng muses on each of the cousins, and warns Patience not to stand up to Tanchun on her behalf – she thinks Tanchun is more formidable and less naïve that is thought. Patience laughs – she is doing that already, and teases Xifeng, who admonishes her for not calling her ‘madam’. They eat, and Patience returns to Tanchun.

Chapter 50

芦雪亭争联即景诗

暖香坞雅制春灯谜

Baochai writes down everyone’s name, and the order is drawn at random. Xifeng volunteers to start off, and leaves. Li Wan transcribes everyone’s lines, which Baochai takes over. The order is soon lost, turning into a contest between Xiangyun, Daiyu and Baoqin, before turning silly and they collapse into giggles. Li Wan completes the poem, and they go through and discuss it in detail. Baoyu is again considered to have finished last in quality. He makes excuses, but is fined: he must fetch a branch of Adamantina’s red plum. It is cold, so they make him down a cup of wine before leaving. While he is gone, they choose red plum flowers for the topic of their next poems, and decide to let Xing Xiuyan, Li Wen 李纹 and Baoqin write a verse each, and allocate Baoyu a topic for him alone. They read the first three poems with pleasure and ask after Baoyu’s; they are critical.

Grandmother Jia arrives, makes herself comfortable and tells them to carry on enjoying themselves. She suggests that they make up lantern riddles, and then that they go to see Xichun. They arrive and Grandmother Jia tackles Xichun about the painting – she wants it by the end of the year. Xifeng arrives – she has tracked Lady Jia down (Lady Jia appears to be avoiding a couple of nuns), and whisks her off. They leave, and spot Baoqin and Baoyu in the snow; Baoqin looks particularly pretty, and he has got a branch of plum blossom for each of them from Adamantina, and has been delivering them. They head back to Grandmother Jia’s where Aunt Xue arrives. She had wanted to arrange a snow party for Grandmother Jia, an idea Xifeng and Jia discuss, making the cousins laugh. Grandmother Jia asks Aunt Xue after Baoqin’s biographical details – Xue assumes she is considering her for a match for Baoyu – she explains that she had previously been promised to another before her father died.

The next day the snow has cleared; Grandmother Jia reminds Xichun that she wants the painting done and Baoqin to feature. This makes Xichun gloomy. Later, the others arrive: Li Wan and her cousins had stayed up all night composing riddles, so they try them out and come up with some more. They all make suggestions, but Baoqin has written ten ingenious historical riddles in quatrain form.

Chapter 49

琉璃世界白雪红梅

脂粉香娃割腥啖膻

The cousins gather round Daiyu to read Caltrop’s poem – it is excellent, but Caltrop thinks they are humouring her. A number of servants arrive calling to them to meet two relations who have arrived. Lady Wang’s main reception room is packed – Xifeng’s brother is there with Lady Xing’s brother and his family, and Li Wan’s widowed aunt and her daughters and Xue Pan’s cousins have also arrived simultaneously. All are very busy making introductions and making family talk, especially Xifeng, but Daiyu weeps to think of her solitary state – Baoyu consoles her. Baoyu runs back to tell his maids to see the visitors – he is particularly awed by Li Wan’s cousins’ beauty. Tanchun arrives – she is excited by the potential new club members, and they discuss who may be good and who is prettiest. Tanchun reports that Lady Jia is particularly captivated with Baochai’s cousin Baoqin 宝琴 and has adopted her. They are due to have a club meeting today but, thanks to the new arrivals and illnesses, they choose to delay a few days. They go to Grandmother Jia’s apartment together, where the new arrivals’ living arrangements are being sorted out. Li Wan’s cousins are to live with her; Xifeng has put Lady Xing’s niece Xiuyan 岫烟 with Yingchun, and Baoqin is to stay with Lady Jia. News arrives that Shi Xiangyun’s father is to be posted elsewhere, and Grandmother Jia moves Xiangyun in to stay with Baochai. There are now thirteen people living in the garden, all but two between fifteen and seventeen years old – they abandon all attempts at formalities of address. Caltrop and Xiangyun are inseparable, and their chatter annoys Baochai. Baoqin arrives in a spectacular cape, given to her by Grandmother Jia – Xiangyun teases her that she wouldn’t even let Baoyu wear something so fine. Xiangyun advises her to stay in the garden, and Amber arrives with a message for Baochai to allow Baoqin to have her own way. She teases her, and they all tease Baoyu and Daiyu, who have just arrived, which puzzles him, not to mention Baochai and Daiyu’s apparent rapprochement, and Daiyu and Baoqin’s immediate intimacy. The others leave, and Daiyu asks Baoyu about a passage in ‘the Western Chamber’, and explains her thawing of relations with Baochai. She cries to talk of Baoqin as a sister, and he consoles her. They are summoned by Li Wan to discuss the poetry meeting. Almost all are present when they arrive – it is starting to snow, and they all have fine coats, particularly Xiangyun. They arrange to have a welcome party in the snow the next day. All, apart from the new arrivals, will contribute some money.

The next day, Baoyu is enchanted by the snow-covered garden. He walks to the party, but is early and returns, visiting Lady Jia with Tanchun. After talking with Xiangyun, Baoyu asks Xifeng for some fresh venison to cook later in the garden. They are late for the party; soon the stove and grill arrive and Patience, there carrying Xifeng’s apologies, starts cooking. The newcomers are extremely excited and tuck in, and when Xifeng arrives later, she joins; only Daiyu and Baochai are unimpressed. After cooking, Patience has lost a bracelet, but Xifeng mysteriously assures her she knows where it is, reminding the others that it is nearly time for New Year’s riddles. Wine and food is arranged, and a theme – snow - announced for the poetry competition. Li Wan suggests giving three lines to start off the poem; Baochai suggests a fixed order.