An Awkward Person Meets an Awkward Matter; Yuanyang Vows Never to Take a Mate

As for Daiyu, she did not fall asleep until the fourth watch was almost over. We need not speak of her for the moment. Now Xifeng, when Lady Xing summoned her, did not know what it was about. She quickly changed her clothes and came by carriage. Lady Xing dismissed everyone in the room and said quietly to Xifeng, “I sent for you for no other reason. There is a difficult matter. The Elder Master has entrusted it to me, and I cannot make up my mind. I want to consult you first. The Elder Master has taken a fancy to Grandmother’s Yuanyang and wants her in his room. He told me to ask Grandmother for her. I think this is a common enough thing, but I am afraid Grandmother will not give her. Have you any idea?” Xifeng quickly said, “If you ask me, do not go and knock your head against that nail. Grandmother cannot even eat without Yuanyang. How could she part with her? Besides, in ordinary conversation Grandmother often says that the Elder Master is getting on in years, yet keeps one concubine after another in his rooms, spoiling other people’s lives. He does not take care......