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 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.