Chapter 120

甄士隐详说太虚情

贾雨村归结红楼梦

Aroma has had a seizure; the doctor prescribes some medicine for her. Seeing the monk in a vision before her, she realises what has happened to Baoyu. Recalling him, she is upset to think of the dilemma of her position in the household without him.

Zheng, having received news from Rongguo, is pressing home. Moored at Piling in the snow, he sees a monk appear in his doorframe and recognises him as Baoyu; the monk kowtows and is taken away by another monk and a Daoist, singing. Zheng runs after, in vain. He returns to his boat and explains what has happened, refusing to mount a search – he recognised the Daoist and other monk and at last understands that Baoyu is a being from a higher realm. He puts this in a letter to Rongguo.

Aunt Xue and Ke have raised enough money to free Pan under the amnesty. Pan agrees to marry Caltrop. He greets the Jias when Zheng’s letter is read out; all weep, but are consoled by Zheng’s advice not to grieve, as it is his destiny. Lady Wang explains that her grief is mostly on behalf of the pregnant Baochai – Aunt Xue reassures her and Baochai, in turn, is stoic and reasonable. They discuss Aroma’s status dilemma; they must tactfully arrange a match for her.

Zheng, Zhen and She have also returned, and resolve to maintain higher standards of life. Zheng is summoned for an audience with the Emperor, who asks after Baoyu and confers a title upon him. Zheng agrees to Qiaojie’s marriage; Aroma’s sister in law arrives with news that they have found a match for her, which is also approved. Aroma is inconsolable at having to leave, but while she offers no resistance, she is resolved to kill herself. Gradually she is won over by her new home and husband, who turns out to be the actor Jiang Yuhan. He recognises her crimson cummerbund and realises who she is, giving her the courage to open her heart to him.

Jia Yucun, also free, returns to the dilapidated temple and once again recognises Zhen Shiyin, who invites him to his hermitage. They speak about Baoyu; Shiyin has known about his destiny for years. The Stone departed the world when Baoyu and Daiyu were separated and, its worldly karma complete, it demonstrated academic distinction and left an heir behind before Impervioso and Mysterioso take it back. He also tries to explain why Baoyu was blinded by earthly passion before achieving enlightenment, but Yucun cannot understand his words, and why the ladies came to undistinguished ends. Now that virtue reigns in Ningguo and Rongguo, prosperity will follow, led by Jia Lan and Baoyu’s son Jia Gui 贾桂. Shiyin leaves – his daughter Yinglian is about to give birth to Pan’s child, and will die; he escorts her to the Fairy Disenchantment. He passes the monk and the Daoist, who are travelling to Greensickness Peak where they deposit the stone. Vanitas passes it again one day, and noticed a new section has been added, tying up various loose ends in the plot. He copies it down and enters the world of men, but cannot find anyone to publish it. Eventually he finds Yucun sleeping at the dilapidated temple. Yucun reads it and, agreeing that contains no errors, tells him to see Cao Xueqin. After many generations, he does so and Cao agrees to publish it, considering it a fine diversion.

Chapter 119

中乡魁宝玉却尘缘

沐皇恩贾家延世泽

Baoyu explains his remarks before Oriole leaves. The day of the examinations arrives; Baochai is concerned by Baoyu’s hasty and unconvincing conversion, while Lady Wang is concerned as it will be the first time the boys have been away without her. Baochai finds their parting conversation ominous and Baoyu’s behaviour strange – he acts like he is leaving forever. He is rushed out, giggling, while the ladies weep.

Huan and Lady Xing discuss Qiaojie; all is settled, and she is to leave with no ceremony after Yun sends her horoscope to the prince. A maid overhears and rushes to tell Patience. Qiaojie is disconsolate. A messenger arrives from Lady Xing telling her to prepare; Lady Wang comforts her, and is furious to hear of Huan’s involvement. Grannie Liu is announced; Patience persuades Lady Wang to see her. She is told the whole story since Xifeng’s death. She is aghast, and suggests hiding Qiaojie in her village. Lady Wang consents after hearing Patience and Qiaojie’s entreaties. They act quickly and silently, before Yun returns with the signed contract; Qiaojie is dressed as Qinger, and she and Patience slip into a carriage with Grannie Liu. The sentries, who disapprove of Lady Xing’s plan, are on their side. Lady Wang is still apprehensive; Baochai tells her to act normal, and she will find someone to tell Lady Xing. The Mongol prince, meanwhile, is dismayed to hear that the proposed girl is from the respected Jia family, and shuts down the deal before Yun arrives. Huan is furious. Lady Wang tells them that Patience and Qiaojie have killed themselves and she wants the bodies back. Huan, Yun and Lady Xing are left to blame each other. They interrogate the sentries, who deny all knowledge, complaining about having not been paid while Yun and Huan gamble. They are unable to unearth anything.

The day that the examinations finish, Lan arrives late in the evening without Baoyu. Lan explains that Baoyu finished his exam early and got lost in the crowd outside. All weep and a search party is sent; Baochai, Xichun and Aroma guess that the monk is involved. Tanchun visits a few days later, offering some comfort, although she is upset by recent events. News arrives that Baoyu was placed seventh in the exam, and Lan has passed too as 130th; Baochai and Lady Wang feign delight. Tealeaf briefly cheers them by suggesting that he must be found now that he’s passed, but Xichun and Tanchun are more circumspect, thinking he may have become a monk, and that it was fate. Aroma faints with grief. Lan is summoned by the Emperor, who enjoyed his composition, and explains Baoyu’s disappearance. He also finds that Zhen Baoyu has passed too. The Emperor orders a memorial, and declares an amnesty that saves Pan, and later pardons Zhen and She and returns the confiscated property, all thanks to Baoyu’s poem. He also orders all the garrisons to make a full search for him.

Qiaojie is the toast of her new village; Grannie Liu proposes a match between her and the son of the richest local family. She sends Baner to Rongguo, and he returns with news of the family’s rehabilitation and a letter from Lian inviting Qiaojie home. Qinger and Patience go with her. It is an emotional return; Lian, who is also newly returned, is furious with Yun’s co-conspirators; Lady Xing is ashamed. Aroma is suddenly taken ill.

Chapter 118

记微嫌舅兄斯弱女

惊谜语妻妾谏痴人

Lady Wang adds her reluctant consent to Youshi’s, as long as Xichun doesn’t shave her head – her apartment will be her hermitage. To Aroma’s surprise, Baoyu is not distressed, merely sighing. It is apparent that none of Xichun’s maids share her aspiration for a religious life, but Nightingale volunteers; Baoyu calmly gives his consent, praising her resolve. With the matter settled, Baoyu announces that Xichun’s becoming a nun is predestined, reciting lines from the Register. Lady Wang, Baochai and Aroma are reduced to tears; Nightingale’s wish is granted, and Aroma wails that she wishes to join her, which Baoyu declares is not her fate. They retire for the night.

Zheng, delayed in his journey by a military convoy, learns that Tanchun’s father-in-law has been recalled to the capital. Having run out of money, he asks the local yamen, Steward Lai’s son, for a loan; the yamen doesn’t give enough, making the situation awkward, and writes advising his father to leave Rongguo. Qiang turns the request down, disappointing Yun, who is suffering huge gambling debts. He asks in vain for a loan from Huan, but they do discuss selling Qiaojie to the Mongol prince. Wang Ren joins, and he and Xing Dequan lend the scheme support, and while Lady Wang is sceptical, Qiaojie’s grandmother Lady Xing is taken in. The prince is notified and sends some of his palace ladies to inspect her. Qiaojie is embarrassed by being so ogled, and Patience guesses the truth and is horrified to find out the full details. Lady Wang feels something is amiss, and is upset at Lady Xing’s immovability and feels Lian will blame her; she tells Baochai and Baoyu, who just talks about her destiny; Lady Wang retires. A letter has come from Zheng, giving the news about Tanchun and reminding Lan and Baoyu to study hard. Li Wan’s mother arrives to discuss Li Qi’s arranged wedding to Zhen Baoyu, and they discuss the letter with Lan. Baoyu, meanwhile, is absorbed in Zhuangzi, which disappoints Baochai; they discuss the ideals of the sages, Baochai encouraging him to work hard for the exams and achieve worldly success. Aroma weighs in, asking Baoyu to be more considerate towards people. Jia Lan arrives with Zheng’s letter; he proposes that he and Baoyu work on their compositions together, which delights Aroma. After Lan leaves, he rereads the letter and asks his maids to store his favourite esoteric books away, saying they are worthless. Baochai is delighted, until she overhears him quietly reciting a religious text. He sets down to work; Baochai and Aroma discuss him and decide to try and isolate him from others. Oriole is put in charge and Baoyu never leaves his room, apart from to visit Lady Jia’s shrine on her birthday. Oriole repeats to him Lady Wang’s praise for his studiousness, and hopes that, with luck, he can pass the examinations. Baoyu tells her that she might prove to be the lucky one in the end.

Chapter 117

阻超凡佳人双护玉

欣聚党恶子独承家

Baoyu rushes out to find the monk and invites him in, noticing the resemblance with the guide in his dream, despite his ragged appearance and desire for money. Baoyu asks if he has been to the Land of Illusion, which is met with derision – Baoyu doesn’t even know the provenance of his own jade. He decides to give the monk the jade back; he runs back to get it, but is stopped by Aroma, who sends word to Lady Wang. Nightingale joins her in restraining him. Accepting defeat, he tries a new line when his mother arrives; despite his new suggestion, Baochai takes the jade from him and tells the maids to let him free. Wryly, he suggests to Aroma that he go off with the monk instead, which upsets Aroma. She tells Baochai and Lady Wang what happened in full, and servants are despatched to watch him. They soon hear that he has offered himself to the monk in place of the jade, which is rejected, and that they have been talking about Greensickness Peak and ‘severing earthly ties’, which makes no sense to anyone. Baoyu enters, announcing that he has come to an understanding with the monk, who has left. Tealeaf verifies this. Baoyu explains enigmatically that he is to visit the monk whenever he can; he distresses Baochai and Lady Wang, who fear that he will become a monk, although he insists he is joking. Lian arrives – he has received a letter from Zheng, who has fallen seriously ill with pneumonia, and he must leave for the South at once. He is very upset to leave Qiaojie, and begs Lady Wang histrionically to look after her; he gives her permission to deal with any marriage offers that may come in for her. He is also concerned about the upkeep of the Garden and the remaining inhabitants of the Hermitage. Lady Wang is anxious that Xichun does not get any ideas, but Lian, considering her position, feels that perhaps she ought to become a nun. Lian leaves, and Qiaojie is upset to see him go.

Yun and Qiang are left in charge, but neglect their duties; with the best servants away, they soon become the centre of a degenerate gambling ring. They discuss inviting Baoyu, but decide against it. Baoyu, meanwhile, is putting up a pretence of normality, but has set himself on severing his ties with the unbearably mundane world. Baoyu gets close to Xichun, while Huan gets involved with Yun; both succeed in alienating those around them. At one of their orgies, Qiang suggests a couple of drinking games, which turns into a liberal bout of abusing Lady Xing and Xifeng, and thence to Qiaojie. Wang Ren is taken when a girl mentions a Mongol prince looking for a concubine. Two of the stewards’ sons report seeing Jia Yucun bound in chains at the Palace, accused of avarice and extortion. They also relay reports of actions against criminals; a man who is probably Adamantina’s abductor has been executed after killing her. Meanwhile, Xichun has had another row with Youshi; she has cut off all her hair and begged Ladies Xing and Wang to consent to her wish, and Yun and Qiang are called for, but they try to avoid any responsibility. Eventually, Youshi compromises, on condition that Xichun stays in the household. Qiang writes to Lian explaining what has happened.

Chapter 1116

得通灵幻境悟仙缘

送慈柩故乡全孝道

Lady Wang is unable to wake Baoyu, and finds the monk has vanished. Baoyu’s spirit has left his body and joined the monk; passing the figure of You Sanjie, they float towards a monumental archway marked ‘The Paradise of Truth’. After chasing the vanishing figure of Faithful, he realises he’s not in the Garden – it’s the site of his childhood dream. He enters a building out of curiosity, and picks up the register of the twelve beauties of Jinling, and quickly works out the references to Daiyu and Baochai before working through the rest. He wants to copy out the poems, but can’t find a brush or ink. A picture in a supplementary register causes him to cry, before Faithful reappears, calling him to see Daiyu. He follows her into a new vista of tall buildings, where he loses himself looking at a plant and talking to its minder, a Flower Fairy, who tells him the history of the flower, the Crimson Pearl Flower, which had descended into the world of men to repay its debt of tears. The Fairy says that her mistress is the River Queen, but threatens Baoyu for thinking that she is Daiyu. Addressing him as a divine page, someone resembling Skybright chases after him to bring him to Daiyu; he tries to escape but is threatened with a sword by Sanjie. He is taken to the River Queen’s palace, and is ushered in by ladies-in-waiting; the Queen resembles Daiyu, but he is quickly forced out after calling her ‘cousin’. He is delighted to see Xifeng, but on closer inspection it is Keqing; in a daze, he bursts into tears as guards in yellow turbans chase after him. He runs after several other visions of cousins, who turn into ghouls and chase him too. Suddenly the monk reappears, the monsters vanish and they are back in wilderness. The monk mocks Baoyu: he has read the registers but still doesn’t understand. The monk tells him to ponder on his experience – he will explain further when they meet again – before giving him a shove, and Baoyu finds himself back with his family, who are all in tears. He is pleased to find he can remember every detail of his dream.

Zheng sends for a doctor and Baoyu is given some soup. Baochai wonders where the monk could have found the jade, suspecting that he took it in the first place. Lady Wang muses on Baoyu’s strange relationship with the jade. Xichun, remembering words of Adamantina, offers a Buddhist interpretation, which Baoyu and Youshi sniff at; Xichun reaffirms her desire to become a nun. The conversation triggers a flash of recognition in Baoyu, remembering what he read in the registers.

With Baoyu improved, Zheng is anxious to arrange the interment of Lady Jia’s coffin, along with Xifeng and Daiyu, in the South. He discusses the ways and means with Lian, given their financial straits. He selects a day to leave, and before going reminds Lian that the civil service examinations are coming up and Lan and Baoyu can restore some family pride; Lady Wang begins to apply more pressure on Baoyu. While Baoyu is improving outwardly, he is undergoing a deep inner change, rejecting love along with worldly success. Nightingale notices this, and is upset at his indifference when Daiyu’s coffin leaves. She scoffs when Fivey complains to her that Baoyu is unkind to her. Someone shouts that the monk has returned and is demanding his payment, and Lady Wang wants Baochai to help.

Chapter 115

惑偏私惜春矢素志

证同类宝玉失相知

Zheng summons Baoyu, advising him to resume his studies. He and Baochai are then visited by two nuns paying respects. They soon proceed to Xichun’s, who hasn’t eaten for days. They talk about Adamantina, who the nuns had thought a bit strange, and about karma, to which Xichun is very receptive. She tells them of her desire to become a nun; they goad her, attracting her anger, and leave. Landscape, unable to dissuade her, reports to Youshi and Ladies Xing and Wang about Xichun’s desire; Youshi thinks she’s using it as leverage, and the Ladies are also unable to talk her out of it.

Zhen Baoyu is announced, and Lady Wang entertains Lady Zhen while Zheng meets him. Zheng, impressed by Zhen Baoyu’s abilities, calls for his sons. Zheng leaves them together; the Baoyus are both fascinated by each other but Huan and Lan’s presence forces formality on them, and they lavish each other with formal praise while reflecting on their first impressions of their counterpart’s character. The conversation is awkward; Lan is priggish towards Zhen Baoyu, while he in turn is very earnest, irritating Baoyu. They are called to join the women; each mother is very warm to the other Baoyu, and the maids come to take a look at them. Lady Wang consents to act as a matchmaker for Zhen Baoyu, suggesting Li Wan’s cousins; the boys promptly remove themselves, but before long Zhen Baoyu is called to leave and they part. Baoyu is sorely disappointed, realising that, after having looked forward to their meet, they are polar opposites. He complains to Baochai about him; she responds with a diatribe and he suffers a quiet relapse.

Lady Wang tells Zheng about Xichun; he orders Youshi to dissuade her, which elicits more suicide threats. Youshi sees the force of her argument. She finds Lady Wang upbraiding Aroma, having discovered about Baoyu’s relapse. Overhearing the scolding brings Baoyu round, and Lady Wang sends for a doctor on his advice. He soon suffers a major deterioration, missing the service ending mourning for Lady Jia. When the family return and see his condition they begin to make funeral arrangements. A monk arrives at the door claiming to have Baoyu’s jade and asking for money. They want to send him away, but Zheng decides to invite him in in the hope that it might cure Baoyu. In the confusion, the ladies are unable to withdraw in time as the monk hurries in to Baoyu. They are too shocked to judge the authenticity of the jade and to give him the money he asks for, but Baoyu shows immediate recovery when presented with the jade. All are greatly relieved; the monk is presented to Zheng; he ignores Zheng’s questions and demands payment. Zheng leaves to see Baoyu; Lady Wang suggests pawning everything, but Baoyu and Zheng find it strange that he wants money at all. Baoyu starts eating with some gusto; Musk makes an excited reference to her delight that Baoyu had not smashed the jade, which throws him back into a slump.

Chapter 114

王熙凤历幻返金陵

甄应嘉蒙恩还玉阙

Baoyu and Baochai are woken with the news of Xifeng’s illness. She has demanded a boat, babbling about going to Jinling. Baoyu regrets to Aroma that he has forgotten what was written in the Register, whereas Baochai notes her previous correct interpretation of the oracle, but chides Baoyu for valuing such fortune telling. She goes on to fill him in on Xiuyan and Ke’s low key wedding, and that they are planning on moving away with Aunt Xue for financial reasons. News arrives of Xifeng’s death and they join the grieving throng. Her brother, Wang Ren, soon complains to Lian and Qiaojie about the apparent makeshift funeral arrangement; Qiaojie explains how little money they have left, and cries when he accuses her of hoarding it. Patience, meanwhile, is concerned that Lian will make himself ill with the funeral arrangements, and offers him some of possessions saved from the raid. He accepts gratefully; Autumn resents his favour for her, and he in turn vents his frustration on Autumn.

Zheng is talking to his last remaining literary friend about the family’s decline. He recommends a thorough investigation of the staff, but Zheng doesn’t feel he can trust anyone, and refuses to borrow money from his servants. His friend has particular concern for the true ownership of some of the Jia’s property. Zhen Yingjia is announced; he has been restored to his hereditary title and has been summoned by the Emperor. He explains to Zheng that he has been sent to the south coast following a spate of piracy; Zheng notes that Tanchun’s father in law is the local commander, so he asks him to deliver a letter to her for him. In return, Zheng agrees to offer counsel to Yingjia’s son Baoyu. Lian and Baoyu escort him out; he is taken aback by Baoyu’s similarity to his own son, and plies him affably with questions before leaving. Baoyu tells Baochai about his meeting with Yingjia and his supposed resemblance, and wishes to look at Zhen Baoyu should he visit. Baochai rebukes him for this.

Chapter 113

忏宿冤凤姐托村妪

释旧憾情婢感痴郎

Aunt Zhao’s delirium gets worse; her fits are irregular and terrifying, and none of the women can bear to be with her. The doctor who arrives pronounces her dead, and Zheng sends someone to attend to Huan and the funeral. Gossip spreads, predicting a speedy death for Xifeng too. Patience is distressed; she seems beyond hope, and Lian is unconcerned. Xifeng wants to die, and sees an apparition of Erjie, which scares her. Grannie Liu has arrived with her granddaughter Qinger 青儿; Xifeng calls her in despite her illness, but sees another spectral apparition before she enters. Grannie Liu, who is visiting having heard of Lady Jia’s death, is devastated to see how ill Xifeng is. Patience is cautious that she doesn’t say anything tactless to upset her; Grannie Liu talks with Qiaojie, who she named. Xifeng suggests taking her with her back to the country. Grannie Liu tells Xifeng how she upsetting she has found all the recent news. Upon leaving, she tells Patience that she fears the illness is very nasty. Lian enters in a black mood, which upsets Patience. He asks her to open a casket, when Xifeng takes a turn for the worse. Qiaojie and Grannie Liu rush in, followed by Lady Wang, by which time she has improved. Warmed by Grannie Liu’s presence, Xifeng calls her over and asks her to pray for her. She offers her a bracelet, and is refused; Grannie Liu hurries out to pray, leaving Qinger, who is by now firm friends with Qiaojie.

The nuns inform the Jias of their decision to stay, despite Adamantina’s disappearance. The house staff have not told anyone apart from Xichun, but rumours reach Baoyu, who sighs at her strange and worldly end. After he is depressed for several days, Baochai finds out. Although sad, she criticises his brooding and lack of work. He falls asleep; upon waking, he resolves to speak with Nightingale for the first time since she entered his service. At first she tells him to go away; he is disheartened. He then talks her round, but finds himself at a loss for words. Eventually he asks her what he has done wrong, at which she scoffs and snivels, causing him to sob. Musk interrupts and rebukes them both; he returns in tears with Musk to further rebuke from Aroma. Both he and Nightingale have a sleepless night; she reflects deeply and reevaluates him and his situation, feeling touched by his devotion and regretting Daiyu’s fate. She hears a great rumpus come from Xifeng’s.

Chapter 112

The women are sent away. Xichun is distraught that it should have happened under her watch, but Xifeng insists that they are all to blame. They hear Bao Yong shouting, accusing Adamantina of having let the burglars in. Xichun is distressed to think of the consequences for her, leading Xifeng to worry about Xichun. The gang hear that He San was killed and the police notified and plan to make for the coast. One of them, however, still has his eye on Adamantina and decides to join up with them later.

活冤孽妙姑遭大劫

死雠仇赵妾赴冥曹

At the temple, the morning after the cortege arrives, Yun bursts in and tells Zheng about the burglary. He is shocked and calls for Lian, who curses at Yun in agitation. Zheng explains that they can only hope the police catch the thieves, and that making an inventory will be tricky after the confiscation. He sends Lian back to Rongguo, where he learns about He San, inflaming his fury. He sends for Bao Yong and praises him, while servants search Grandmother Jia’s apartment and Lian broods – they haven’t the money to pay for the funeral. Lady Jia’s maids are distressed by the destruction, but are able to concoct an inventory. Lian heads back to the temple.

That night, the burglar scales the garden wall and heads for the Hermitage where Adamantina is meditating, releasing some narcotic incense. She is panicked at first before surrendering herself groggily; he picks her up and smuggles her out to a cart and they head for the coast. In the morning, the nuns are distressed to find her gone. They find the rope ladder, but still think she might be at Xichun’s; Bao Yong reluctantly lets them in. Xichun is still brooding about Adamantina, envying her freedom and regretting the girls’ fates, and she starts cutting her hair off. The maids find her too late, just as the Hermitage women enter. They explain what has happened; Xichun is distressed and puzzled by Adamantina’s actions. The women leave, agreeing to keep quiet.

After Lian reports back, Zheng and Lady Wang both decide to leave the temple early. They are about to leave when they notice Aunt Zhao still kneeling, foaming at the mouth and babbling in distress, saying she wants to stay with Lady Jia. The maids believe she is possessed by Faithful, before she starts claiming to have been sent for by King Yama of the underworld and pleading for forgiveness from Xifeng. They leave anyway while she continues to rave deliriously; Baochai asks Aunt Zhou to stay behind with Huan to look after her. Arriving at Rongguo, only Xichun is able to welcome them, as Xifeng is too ill; Youshi makes a barbed comment to her. The next morning Steward Lin gives Zheng a full account. Lin mentions that Bao Er has been arrested – he had some of the stolen items in his possession. Zheng also orders for Zhou Rui to be sent to the authorities. After being presented with a funeral bill, Lian suggests fining the servants to help pay; Zheng forbids it. He sighs to think of the family’s misfortunes and Xifeng’s health, and orders a doctor for Aunt Zhao.

Chapter 111

鸳鸯女殉主登太虚

狗彘奴欺天招伙盗

Patience escorts Xifeng to her room, where she sleeps. Lady Xing suspects her of malingering, and her absence leads to almost complete chaos. Later in the evening, Faithful wails to think of Lady Jia, and is then absent at the wake ritual. With the cortege about to leave, Zheng and Lian discuss who should remain behind to mind the house. Faithful, wandering alone, broods on her bleak future and wishes to die. Entering Lady Jia’s apartment, she sees the spectre of a hanging woman, and deduces that it Rong’s first wife Keqing showing her how to kill herself. He resolve fixed, she loops a sash round a beam and quickly hangs herself. Her wandering soul addresses the spectre, who introduces herself as Disenchantment’s sister Keqing, and explains her role in the Tribunal of Love, and about the natural state of love. Faithful’s soul nods understanding and follows her. Amber and Pearl, looking for Faithful on Lady Wang and Lady Xing’s orders, are horrified to find her body, as are the household ladies when they hear the news. Baoyu is dumbfounded before wailing, thinking only of the nobility of her death, which soon comforts him. Zheng also commends Faithful, before ordering a coffin to travel with her mistress. The maids all weep; Nightingale in particular wishes she had done the same after Daiyu’s death. Faithful’s sister-in-law is summoned and given an allowance; she is rather pleased. For her Confucian loyalty, Zheng affords her coffin particular honour. Baoyu is delighted and kowtows to her, Lady Xing tries to stop the others from doing the same, but Baochai does, dividing opinion amongst the assembled crowd. The cortege leaves for the temple at seven the next morning; Xifeng and Xichun stay behind, Zheng heads the procession.

Following Grandmother Jia’s death, He San thinks he might be able to find a job at Rongguo again, but it is futile. He tells his friends that, contrary to what they’ve heard, the Jias have lots of money, but are just not spending it. A friend suggests robbing them while they are at the funeral. He thinks it’s a crazy idea at first; they talk a while before parting. Bao Yong has not been assigned any tasks during the funeral, and is living independently. Adamantina is furious when he offends her, not letting her into the household; she eventually enters and visits Xichun, playing Go until the early hours. They are just retiring when the night watch cry that intruders have entered. They have robbed Lady Jia’s apartment, and are escaping on the roof; the night watch are frozen to the spot as Bao Yong, club in hand, vaults onto the roof in pursuit. The thieves had been in Xichun’s courtyard, distracted by the meditating Adamantina before fleeing. They confront Bao Yong on the roof with swords; he knocks one off before a melee ensures. The thieves flee, leaving some chests behind – on inspection, they are empty. Jia Yun and Steward Lin go round the apartments, berating the night watch. At Xichun’s they are told of Bao Yong’s heroics. He takes them to the body he knocked from the roof – it is He San’s, all are taken aback. The police arrive, finding no evidence that the burglers were armed. All gather at Lady Jia’s, but they are unable to provide the police an inventory of the stolen goods without Faithful – everything has been taken. Xifeng is livid, assuming the night watch were complicit, and orders them to be tied up and handed over to the police; the women all beg for mercy.

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 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 103

施毒计金桂自焚身

昧真禅雨村空遇旧

Lady Wang and Lian agree that it is better for Zheng – he is not suited to a provincial post, and is being exploited by all his subordinates. A distressed old woman enters from the Xues – Jingui is dead. Lian is sent to investigate, and Aunt Xue explains how she appeared to die from poisoning after Moonbeam made soup for her and Caltrop; both maids blame the other, and have been locked together. Baochai arrives and they discuss the situation, deciding to bind both maids. Jingui’s mother and adopted brother San, who she was trying to seduce, arrive at the Xues while Lian goes to enlist support at the Board of Punishment. Jingui’s ill bred mother starts abusing and slandering Aunt Xue; Zhou Rui’s wife intervenes and Xia San joins in. Lian arrives, stopping the fight, and Jingui’s mother goes in to see her body. She lunges at Caltrop, but when Moonbeam reveals that Jingui had been taking her jewellery home, the Jias accuse Jingui’s mother of being a thief. She turns on Moonbeam, who in turn asks that Caltrop is released – she explains that she had switched the bowls for Caltrop and Jingui round, and that Jingui must have been planning to poison Caltrop. The story is plausible, and Caltrop is released. With the Xias under suspicion, they are forced to request for the inquest to be dispensed with.

Jia Yucun is conducting a rural tax collection, when he encounters a Daoist in a dilapidated temple; he feels a strange familiarity. The monk’s propensity for puns and references leads him Yucun to recognise him as Zhen Shiyin; however, he does not show any reciprocal recognition, and a reluctant Yucun moves on. Reaching a ferry, he turns and sees someone running towards him.

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 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.