Baochan, Giving Rein to Lustful Designs, Skillfully Lays a Plot; Baoyu, Setting a Muddle of Doubt, Recklessly Talks of Zen

Xue Ke was still full of doubt when he suddenly heard a laugh outside the window and got a great fright. He thought to himself, “If it is not Baochan, then it must be Jingui. I will simply ignore them and see what tricks they can play.” He listened quietly for a long time, but outside all was still again. Xue Ke did not dare touch the wine and fruit that had been sent. He shut the door carefully and was just about to undress when he heard the window paper rustle faintly. His mind had already been thrown into confusion by Baochan’s words, and now he was utterly unsettled. Hearing the window paper move, he looked closely but saw no one. The more he thought, the more suspicious he became. He gathered his robe about him, sat under the lamp in a daze, and picked up a piece of fruit, turning it over and over in his hand. Suddenly he turned his head and saw that a small patch of the window paper was wet. He went closer to look, and just then someone outside blew sharply through the paper at him. Xue Ke started violently. Outside came a giggle. He quickly blew out the lamp......