A Night Banquet Is Held, and an Ominous Sound Is Heard; Poems for the Mid-Autumn Festival Yield a Good Omen

Madam You left Xichun’s room in a fit of pique and was about to go to Lady Wang’s apartments. The old nurse attending her quietly advised, “Mistress, do not go to the main rooms just now. A few people from the Zhen family have arrived and brought some things with them. It looks as if there is some secret and serious business. It would probably be inconvenient for you to go there now.” Madam You said, “Yesterday I heard our master say that the official notices stated the Zhen family had committed a crime, their property had been confiscated, and their family members were to be sent to the capital for punishment. How could anyone from their family still come here?” The old nurse said, “That is exactly what makes it strange. The women who just came looked flustered and very pale. They must be hiding something shameful.” When Madam You heard this, she did not go to Lady Wang’s, but turned toward Li Wan’s quarters. The doctor had just finished taking Li Wan’s pulse and left. Li Wan had lately been a little better. Wrapped in a quilt, she sat propped on pillows on the bed......