At Wasp-Waist Bridge, a Maid Conveys Her Secret Heart; In the Xiaoxiang Pavilion, Spring Lassitude Awakens Hidden Feelings

After Baoyu had recuperated for thirty-three days, he was not only strong again, but the scars on his face had also healed. He returned to live in the Grand View Garden. No more need be said of that.

Now, during Baoyu's illness, Jia Yun had kept watch with the household pages day and night. Xiaohong and the other maids also attended Baoyu. Having seen each other frequently, they had grown familiar. Xiaohong noticed that a handkerchief in Jia Yun's hand looked like the one she had lost earlier, but she wanted to ask him without being forward. However, after the monk and Taoist came, the men were no longer needed, and Jia Yun went back to planting trees. She couldn't let the matter go, yet she feared arousing suspicion if she asked. While she was hesitating and distracted, a voice outside the window asked, "Sister, are you in?" Xiaohong looked through the window and saw it was Jiahui, a little maid from their own courtyard. She answered, "I'm here—come in." Jiahui ran in and sat on the bed, laughing, "I'm so lucky! Just now while I was washing things in the yard, Baoyu told me to deliver tea to Miss Lin. Sister Hua (Xiren) gave it to me to take. As it happened, the Dowager had just sent money to Miss Lin, and she was distributing it to her maids. When she saw me, she grabbed two handfuls for me—I don't know how much. Keep it for me." She opened her handkerchief and poured out the coins. Xiaohong counted them and put them away.

Jiahui said, "How are you feeling these days? If I were you, I'd go home for a couple of days and see a doctor—a few doses of medicine and you'd be better." Xiaohong said, "Nonsense—I'm fine. Why should I go home?" Jiahui said, "I just thought—Miss Lin is delicate and takes medicine often. You could ask her for some of hers—it'd be the same." Xiaohong said, "Don't be silly! Medicine isn't to be taken casually." Jiahui said, "This can't go on—you barely eat or drink. What will become of you?" Xiaohong said, "What does it matter? Better to die soon and be done with it!" Jiahui said, "Why talk like that?" Xiaohong said, "You don't know what's on my mind!"

Jiahui nodded thoughtfully and said, "I suppose you're right—this place is hard to be in. Like yesterday: the Dowager said that because everyone who attended Baoyu during his illness had worked hard, now that he's better and the vows have been fulfilled, she'd reward the attendants according to rank. We're too young to be included—I don't complain about that—but how is it that you're not counted? That I can't accept. If Xiren gets ten shares, I don't mind—she deserves it. To be fair, who can compare with her? Even if she weren't so attentive, she still outdoes us. But what annoys me is that Qingwen, Qixian, and the rest are put in the top category just because of their parents' status, and everyone fawns over them. Isn't that infuriating?" Xiaohong said, "There's no point being angry at them. As the saying goes, 'No feast lasts forever.' Who stays with whom for a lifetime? In three or five years, everyone will go their separate ways—who'll care about anyone then?" These words struck Jiahui's heart, and her eyes reddened. Not wanting to cry for no reason, she forced a smile, "That's true. Baoyu was saying yesterday how he'll redecorate the house and make new clothes—as if he's got hundreds of years to live."

Xiaohong sneered twice and was about to reply when a little girl with her hair still loose came in carrying some embroidery patterns and two sheets of paper. "These are two patterns—you're to trace them," she said, tossing them toward Xiaohong and running off. Xiaohong called after her, "Whose are they? You don't even finish speaking before running off—who's got steamed buns waiting for you?" The little girl only said, "Sister Qi's," and scampered away. Xiaohong tossed the patterns aside in annoyance and looked for a brush in the drawer, but all were worn. "Where's that new brush from the other day? I can't think where I put it." She pondered for a moment, then laughed, "Oh yes—Ying'er took it the other night." She said to Jiahui, "Go get it for me." Jiahui said, "Sister Hua is waiting for me to help her carry a chest—you go yourself." Xiaohong said, "She's waiting for you, and you sit here chatting? If I don't tell you to go, she won't wait anyway. You little wretch!" She left the Crimson Delight Court and went straight to Baochai's courtyard.

Near the Paving Fragrance Pavilion, she met Baoyu's old nurse, Nanny Li. Xiaohong stopped and smiled, "Nanny Li, where are you coming from?" Nanny Li stood still, clapped her hands, and said, "Well, would you believe it—he's taken a fancy to that tree-planting fellow, what's-his-name, and now he's made me go and fetch him. If the mistress hears of it, it'll be trouble." Xiaohong laughed, "And you actually went to call him?" Nanny Li said, "What else could I do?" Xiaohong said, "If he has any sense, he won't come in." Nanny Li said, "He's not stupid—why wouldn't he come?" Xiaohong said, "If he does come, you should have brought him with you. If he wanders around alone, it won't look good." Nanny Li said, "Do I have time to walk with him? I just sent word—later I'll send a little maid or an old woman to bring him in." She hobbled off on her cane. Xiaohong stood there in thought and forgot about the brush.

Soon a little maid ran up. Seeing Xiaohong standing there, she asked, "Sister Lin, what are you doing here?" Xiaohong looked up and saw it was Zhuier. "Where are you going?" Zhuier said, "I'm supposed to bring Master Yun in." She ran off. Xiaohong had just reached Wasp-Waist Bridge when she saw Zhuier leading Jia Yun. As Jia Yun walked, he cast a sidelong glance at Xiaohong. She pretended to be talking to Zhuier but also stole a glance at him. Their eyes met, and Xiaohong blushed, turned, and walked toward Hengwu Garden.

Jia Yun followed Zhuier through the winding paths to the Crimson Delight Court. Zhuier announced him and then led him in. Jia Yun saw a few rockeries and plantains in the courtyard, with two cranes preening under a pine tree. Along the veranda hung cages of rare birds. Above were five small rooms with finely carved screens, and a plaque with four characters: "Crimson Delight and Emerald Joy." He thought, "No wonder it's called Crimson Delight Court—that's what the plaque says." A voice came through the gauze window, laughing, "Come in—I've forgotten you these two or three months!" Recognizing Baoyu's voice, Jia Yun entered. Inside, all was magnificence, but he couldn't see Baoyu at first. Turning, he saw a large dressing mirror to the left, and from behind it came two maids of about fifteen or sixteen, who said, "Please come in and sit, Second Master." Jia Yun didn't dare look directly at them, but followed. Through another green gauze screen, he saw a small lacquered bed with a red gold-embroidered canopy. Baoyu, in casual clothes and slippers, leaned on the bed reading. Seeing Jia Yun, he tossed the book aside and stood up with a smile. Jia Yun bowed and greeted him. Baoyu offered him a seat, and he sat on a lower chair. Baoyu said, "I told you to come to the study that day, but then all sorts of things happened and I forgot." Jia Yun said, "It was my bad luck that you fell ill. Are you quite well now?" Baoyu said, "Much better. I heard you worked hard for several days." Jia Yun said, "It was only right. Now that you're well, it's good fortune for all of us."

As they spoke, a maid brought tea. Jia Yun, while talking, stole a glance at her: slender, long-faced, wearing a silver-red jacket, a dark blue satin vest, and a white silk pleated skirt—it was Xiren. During Baoyu's illness, Jia Yun had spent two days in the household and had come to know half of the notable people. He knew Xiren was more important than the others in Baoyu's room. Seeing her bring tea, and with Baoyu sitting nearby, he rose quickly and said, "Sister, why are you pouring tea for me? I'm not a guest here—let me pour it myself." Baoyu said, "Just sit—it's the same with the maids." Jia Yun said, "Even so, I wouldn't dare to be so forward with your maids, Uncle." He sat and drank.

Baoyu chatted idly about which family had the best actors, whose garden was finest, whose maids were prettiest, whose feasts were most lavish, and who had rare curios. Jia Yun just followed along. After a while, seeing Baoyu growing listless, he rose to take his leave. Baoyu didn't insist, only saying, "Come whenever you're free." He had little Zhuier see him out.

Outside the Crimson Delight Court, Jia Yun slowed his pace and chatted with Zhuier, asking her age, name, who her parents were, how long she'd been in Baoyu's room, her monthly allowance, and how many maids there were. Zhuier answered each. Jia Yun asked, "The one you were talking to just now—is her name Xiaohong?" Zhuier said, "Yes, she's called Xiaohong. Why do you ask?" Jia Yun said, "She was asking about a handkerchief—I found one." Zhuier laughed, "She's asked me several times if I'd seen her handkerchief. I don't have time for such things! Today she asked me again—she said if I found it, she'd reward me. You heard her at Hengwu Garden—I'm not lying. Since you found it, give it to me, and I'll see what she gives me."

The previous month, when Jia Yun had come to plant trees, he had found a silk handkerchief. He knew it belonged to someone in the garden, but not whom, so he hadn't dared to act rashly. Now hearing Xiaohong ask Zhuier, he knew it was hers and was pleased. When Zhuier asked for it, he had an idea. He took out his own handkerchief from his sleeve and said, "I'll give it to you—but if she rewards you, you mustn't hide it from me." Zhuier agreed, took the handkerchief, saw Jia Yun off, and went back to find Xiaohong.

Now Baoyu, after sending Jia Yun off, lay lazily on the bed, growing drowsy. Xiren came over, sat on the edge, and shook him, "Why are you sleeping again? You're bored—why not go out for a while?" Baoyu took her hand and laughed, "I want to, but I can't bear to leave you." Xiren laughed, "Get up!" She pulled him up. Baoyu said, "Where shall I go? I'm so listless." Xiren said, "If you go out, you'll feel better. Moping like this only makes it worse."

Baoyu listlessly complied. He wandered out, played with the birds on the veranda, went out of the courtyard, and watched the goldfish by the Paving Fragrance Stream. Suddenly two young deer raced down the hillside. Puzzled, he saw Jia Lan chasing them with a bow. Jia Lan stopped when he saw Baoyu and laughed, "I thought you were out, Second Uncle." Baoyu said, "What mischief are you up to now? Why shoot at them?" Jia Lan said, "Since I'm not studying, I thought I'd practise archery." Baoyu said, "If you knock your teeth out, you'll stop practising."

Walking on, Baoyu came to a courtyard gate. The bamboo rustled like a dragon's sigh, and the plaque read "Xiaoxiang Pavilion." He entered and saw the bamboo blinds hanging low, silence all around. At the window, a faint fragrance wafted through the green gauze. Pressing his face to the window, he heard a soft sigh: "Every day I'm drowsy with lovesickness." His heart stirred. Looking in, he saw Daiyu stretching on the bed. He called through the window, "Why are you 'drowsy with lovesickness'?" and lifted the curtain to enter.

Daiyu, embarrassed at having spoken aloud, blushed and covered her face with her sleeve, turning to the wall as if asleep. Baoyu was about to turn her over when her nurse and two old women came in, saying, "Miss is asleep—come back when she wakes." At that, Daiyu sat up and laughed, "Who's asleep?" The women laughed, "We thought you were asleep." They called for Zijuan, saying, "Miss is awake—come attend her," and left.

Daiyu sat on the bed, smoothing her hair, and laughed at Baoyu, "What are you doing here when I'm sleeping?" Baoyu, seeing her drowsy eyes and rosy cheeks, was entranced. He sat on a chair and laughed, "What were you saying just now?" Daiyu said, "I said nothing." Baoyu laughed, "I heard it all."

As they talked, Zijuan came in. Baoyu said, "Zijuan, pour me some of your good tea." Zijuan said, "Which is good? You'll have to wait for Xiren." Daiyu said, "Don't mind him. Get me some water first." Zijuan laughed, "He's a guest—the tea comes first." She went to pour tea. Baoyu laughed, "What a good maid! 'If I shared a bed with my tender mistress, how could I bear to have you make the bed and spread the quilt?'" Daiyu's face fell, "Second Brother, what did you say?" Baoyu said, "I said nothing." Daiyu began to cry, "Now it's fashionable to repeat vulgar tales and use dirty books to mock me—turning me into a plaything for your amusement." Weeping, she got up and started to leave. Baoyu, alarmed, followed her, "Dear cousin, I was wrong—don't tell anyone. If I dare say it again, may a sore grow on my mouth and my tongue rot."

Just then Xiren came in, "Quick, go change—your father wants you." Baoyu felt as if struck by thunder. He rushed back to change. Outside the garden, Beiming was waiting by the second gate. Baoyu asked, "Do you know why?" Beiming said, "Just come—you'll know when you get there." He hurried Baoyu along.

As Baoyu passed the main hall, still wondering, he heard loud laughter from the corner of the wall. Turning, he saw Xue Pan clapping and laughing, "If I hadn't said your uncle wanted you, you'd never have come out so fast!" Beiming knelt and said, "Don't blame me, Master—he made me." Baoyu stared in disbelief, then realized Xue Pan had tricked him. Xue Pan bowed and apologized, begging him not to blame the page. Baoyu had to laugh, "You can fool me, but why mention my father? I'll tell Aunt and see what she thinks." Xue Pan said, "Good brother, I was in a hurry and forgot myself. Some other day you can fool me by saying my father is calling." Baoyu said, "That's even worse!" He said to Beiming, "You traitor—what are you kneeling for?" Beiming kowtowed and rose. Xue Pan said, "I wouldn't have dared to disturb you, but tomorrow is the third of May, my birthday. Cheng Rixing from the antique shop somehow found such thick, long fresh lotus roots, a huge watermelon, a fresh sturgeon as long as this, and a Siamese pig cured with sandalwood. Aren't these four gifts rare? The fish and pig are just expensive, but how did he grow such lotus roots and melons? I sent some to my mother, and to your Dowager, aunt, and uncle. I kept some, but if I ate them alone, I'd be wasting fortune. So I thought—except for me, only you deserve them. That's why I invited you. And the little singers have just arrived—we'll have a fine day together!"

They went to his study. Zhan Guang, Cheng Rixing, Hu Silai, Shan Pinren, and the singers were all there. They exchanged greetings, had tea, and Xue Pan ordered wine. The servants bustled about, and soon they were seated. Baoyu admired the rare melon and lotus root, laughing, "Before I've even sent my birthday gift, I'm feasting on yours." Xue Pan said, "Well, what will you give me tomorrow?" Baoyu said, "What can I give? Money and things aren't really mine. Only a piece of my calligraphy or painting would be truly mine."

Xue Pan said, "Speaking of painting, I saw a wonderful album of erotic pictures yesterday. They were excellent. There were lots of inscriptions—I didn't read them carefully, but the signature was 'Geng Huang.' Truly superb!" Baoyu thought, "I've seen many paintings—I don't recall a 'Geng Huang.'" He laughed, took a brush, and wrote two characters on his palm. "Are you sure it was 'Geng Huang'?" Xue Pan said, "How could I be wrong?" Baoyu showed him his palm. The others looked—it was "Tang Yin" (the great painter Tang Bohu). They laughed, "That must be it—you misread it." Xue Pan was embarrassed and laughed, "Who knew it was 'Sugar-Yin' or 'Fruit-Yin'?"

Just then a page announced, "Master Feng is here." Baoyu knew it was Feng Ziying, son of General Feng Tang. Xue Pan and the others called for him to be invited. Feng Ziying entered laughing. They rose and offered him a seat. Feng Ziying said, "So you're not going out—just enjoying yourselves at home!" Baoyu and Xue Pan asked after his father. Feng Ziying said his father was well, but his mother had a slight cold. Xue Pan noticed a bruise on his face and laughed, "Been fighting again?" Feng Ziying laughed, "Since I hurt the commandant's son, I've sworn off quarrels—no fighting. This bruise came from a falcon's wing while hunting at Iron Net Mountain." Baoyu asked when. Feng Ziying said, "I went on the twenty-eighth of the third month and came back the day before yesterday." Baoyu said, "No wonder I didn't see you at Master Shen's feast on the third and fourth. I meant to ask but forgot. Did you go alone, or with your father?" Feng Ziying said, "My father went, so I had to. Would I go out of my own accord? We have wine and music here—why seek trouble? This time, in great misfortune, there was also great fortune."

Xue Pan and the others, seeing him finish tea, urged him to join the feast. Feng Ziying rose, "I ought to drink a few cups with you, but I have important business today and must report to my father. I really can't stay." Baoyu and the others wouldn't let him go. Feng Ziying laughed, "That's strange. In all these years, have I ever refused? I can't disobey. If you insist, give me a large cup—I'll drink two and go." They agreed. Xue Pan poured, Baoyu handed two large bowls, and Feng Ziying drank them standing. Baoyu said, "At least tell us about this 'fortune in misfortune' before you go." Feng Ziying said, "Today's not the time. I'll host a proper feast for you and tell you all about it—and also ask a favour." He took his leave. Xue Pan said, "You've made us all curious. When will it be?" Feng Ziying said, "In eight to ten days." He left and rode off. The others drank a while longer and then dispersed.

Baoyu returned to the garden. Xiren had been worried about his being summoned by Jia Zheng. Seeing him tipsy, she asked what happened. Baoyu told her. She said, "I was worried sick, and you went off enjoying yourself—at least you could have sent word." Baoyu said, "I meant to, but when Master Feng came, I forgot."

Just then Baochai came in, laughing, "You've stolen a march on us with those rare things." Baoyu laughed, "Your family's things—we naturally got a share first." Baochai shook her head, "My brother asked me to eat, but I declined—I said to save them for others. I know I don't deserve such good fortune." She had tea and chatted with them.

Now Lin Daiyu, hearing that Jia Zheng had called Baoyu, worried about him all day. After supper, hearing he was back, she went to see him. As she approached, she saw Baochai enter Baoyu's courtyard, so she followed. At Paving Fragrance Bridge, she stopped to watch the waterfowl bathing in the pond—their bright plumage was beautiful. She lingered a while, then went on to the Crimson Delight Court. The gate was shut. She knocked.

Now Qingwen and Bihun had just quarrelled, and Qingwen was in a bad mood. When Baochai had come, Qingwen had already taken out her anger on her, grumbling in the courtyard, "Coming and sitting here all the time, keeping us up at all hours!" Hearing another knock, she grew angrier, and without asking who it was, shouted, "We're all in bed—come back tomorrow!" Lin Daiyu knew the maids' ways—they joked around freely—and thought they hadn't recognized her voice and assumed it was just another maid. She called louder, "It's me—won't you open up?" Qingwen still didn't recognize her and said petulantly, "Whoever you are, Second Master's orders: no one is to be let in!" Daiyu was stunned. She wanted to shout back but feared causing a scene. She reflected: "Though my aunt's house is like my own, I am still a guest. With both parents dead, I'm dependent on them. If I make a fuss, it will be awkward." Tears rolled down. She didn't know whether to stay or go. Then she heard laughter and voices from inside—Baoyu and Baochai. Daiyu grew even angrier. She thought of the morning's quarrel: "He must be angry because I threatened to tell on him. But I never did! He should check before getting so angry. If you shut me out tonight, does that mean we'll never meet again?" She grew more and more sad. Heedless of the cold dew and the wind among the flowers, she stood alone in the shadow of the wall, sobbing bitterly.

Lin Daiyu was of unsurpassed beauty, and as she wept, the birds roosting in the willows and blossoms, hearing her, flew up in alarm and fled far away, unable to bear the sound. Truly:

The spirits of the flowers were mute and disconsolate;
The birds in their dreams were startled from their rest.

A poem says:

The Frowner's grace and talent are rare in this world;
Alone she takes her lonely fragrance from her bower.
Her sobbing voice had scarcely died away,
When flowers fell to the ground and birds flew in fright.

As Lin Daiyu wept, she heard the creak of the courtyard gate opening. Who it was, we shall hear in the next chapter.