A Crystal World of White Snow and Red Plum; Scented Girls Cut Flesh and Eat Mutton

When Xiangling saw everyone talking and laughing, she went up to them and smiled, “Look at this poem. If it will do, I will go on learning. If it is still no good, I will give up all thought of poetry.” She handed the poem to Daiyu and the others. It read: Her hidden essence is too bright to conceal;Her shadow is lovely, her spirit cold.A thousand li of fulling blocks pound white;A half moon, a cock crows, the fifth watch wanes.In green straw cloak on the river, autumn flute;By red sleeves at the tower, night leans on the rail.If you have won Chang’e’s ear, you should ask her:Why does she not let us be forever reunited? They read it and smiled, “This is not only good, but new, clever, and full of interest. So the saying is true: ‘Nothing in the world is difficult if one has the will.’ The club must certainly invite you.” Xiangling did not believe them; she thought they were only humouring her, and kept asking Daiyu and Baochai. Just then several little maids and old women came hurrying in, all smiling, “A number of young ladies and mistresses have arrived. We do not......