Bringing Joy to the Hall, Baoyu Praises an Orphan; Upholding Family Discipline, Jia Zhen Whips a Violent Servant

Xichun was studying a weiqi manual when she suddenly heard someone in the courtyard call for Caiping. The voice was Yuanyang’s. Caiping went out and led Yuanyang inside. Behind Yuanyang came a little maid carrying a small yellow silk bundle.

Xichun asked with a smile, “What is it?”

Yuanyang said, “The Old Ancestor will be eighty-one next year. That is a ‘hidden nine,’ so a nine-day, nine-night ceremony of prayer and blessing is to be held. They plan to have three thousand six hundred and fifty-one copies of the Diamond Sutra made. Some have already been given out to people outside to copy. There is a popular saying that the Diamond Sutra is like the outer shell of a Daoist talisman, while the Heart Sutra is the core within. So when copying the Diamond Sutra, one must always include the Heart Sutra inside; only then is the merit complete. The Old Ancestor thinks the Heart Sutra is even more important, and since Bodhisattva Guanyin is a female bodhisattva, she wants the ladies and young ladies of the family to copy three hundred and sixty-five copies with their own hands. That would be both devout and pure. In our household, the Second Mistress is too busy managing affairs, and besides, her handwriting is not good. Everyone else who can write is to copy as much as she can. Even the senior mistress of the East Mansion and the concubines have been given a share, to say nothing of our own branch.”

Xichun nodded. “There are many things I may not do well, but if it is copying sutras, I am willing to do it with all my heart. Put the things down and sit and have some tea.” Yuanyang set the small bundle on the table and sat down. Caiping poured tea.

Xichun asked with a smile, “Will you copy some too?”

Yuanyang said, “There you go teasing me again, miss. A few years ago I might have, but in the last three or four years, when have you ever seen me take up a brush?”

Xichun said, “Copying this earns merit.”

Yuanyang said, “I have a wish of my own. After I wait on the Old Ancestor until she is asleep, I recite the Buddha’s name over grains of rice. I have been doing it for more than three years. I save those grains and, when the Old Ancestor holds this ceremony, I will offer them before the Buddha and give them as alms. That will be my sincere offering too.”

Xichun laughed. “Then the Old Ancestor is like Guanyin, and you are the Dragon Girl beside her.”

Yuanyang said, “I am not worthy of that. Apart from the Old Ancestor, I cannot serve anyone well. I do not know what bond from a former life this is.”

Then she prepared to take her leave. She told the little maid to open the silk bundle and take out the things. “This bundle of blank white paper is for copying the Heart Sutra. And this packet of incense is to be burned while you copy.” Xichun agreed to everything.

Yuanyang took her leave and returned with the little maid to Grandmother Jia’s rooms to report. She found Grandmother Jia and Li Wan playing backgammon. Yuanyang stood to one side and watched. Li Wan threw excellent dice and knocked several of the Old Ancestor’s pieces off the board. Yuanyang pressed her lips together and smiled.

Just then Baoyu came in, carrying two small cages of fine bamboo splints, with several katydids inside. “I heard the Old Ancestor cannot sleep at night, so I brought these to amuse her.”

Grandmother Jia said with a smile, “Do not take advantage of your father’s absence to be naughty.”

Baoyu said with a smile, “I am not being naughty.”

Grandmother Jia said, “You still say you are not naughty? Instead of going to the study to read, why are you playing with these things again?”

Baoyu said, “I did not buy them to play with myself. Today the tutor asked Jia Huan and Jia Lan to match couplets. Jia Huan could not do it, so I secretly prompted him. After he answered, the tutor was pleased and praised him a little. Jia Huan was grateful to me and bought these for me. I brought them to honor the Old Ancestor.”

Grandmother Jia said, “Does he not study every day? He cannot even match a couplet. If he cannot, tell Grandpa Ru to box his ears and see if he is ashamed. You forget how, when your father was at home, he made you write poems and fill in lyrics, and you were frightened out of your wits. Now you dare boast here. Jia Huan is even more hopeless. He asks someone to answer for him and then thinks of buying things to curry favor. At such a young age he already plays these little tricks. He has no shame. Who knows what he will become when he grows up.” Everyone in the room laughed.

Grandmother Jia asked again, “What about Jia Lan? Did he make his couplet? This time Jia Huan should have helped him. Jia Lan is even younger, is he not?”

Baoyu said with a smile, “Jia Lan did not ask anyone for help. He made it himself.”

Grandmother Jia said, “I do not believe it. I am afraid you are up to something behind the scenes again. You have become very capable now—like a camel among a flock of sheep, showing off how able you are, as if you could even write essays.”

Baoyu said with a smile, “It really was Jia Lan himself. The tutor even praised him, saying he will certainly make something of himself in the future. If the Old Ancestor does not believe it, send for him and test him face-to-face.”

Grandmother Jia said, “If that is true, then I am glad. I was only afraid you were lying. If he really did it himself, the child may have some promise.” As she spoke, she looked at Li Wan and thought of Jia Zhu, who had died young. She sighed. “At least this does not fail your elder brother, who died so early. Your elder sister-in-law has worked hard to raise him. In the future he may be able to carry on your elder brother’s branch of the family.” At this, tears fell from her eyes.

Li Wan felt sad too, but seeing Grandmother Jia grieved, she quickly held back her tears and smiled to comfort her. “This is all merit accumulated by the Old Ancestor. We rely on the Old Ancestor’s blessings. If Jia Lan really turns out as you hope, it will be our good fortune. The Old Ancestor should be happy to see it. Why are you sad instead?” Then she turned to Baoyu. “Uncle Bao, do not praise him so much in the future. He is still young and does not understand much. You mean it kindly, but a child who hears too much praise easily becomes proud and cannot improve.”

Grandmother Jia said, “Your sister-in-law is right. But the child is still very small. Do not press him too hard either. A child’s courage is weak. If you push him too hard and he stifles some illness, he will not be able to study, and all the effort will be wasted.” At these words, Li Wan could no longer hold back. Tears streamed down, and she hurriedly wiped them away.

Just then Jia Huan and Jia Lan came in to pay their respects to Grandmother Jia. Jia Lan also greeted his mother, Li Wan, and then stood beside Grandmother Jia. Grandmother Jia said, “I just heard your uncle say that you matched couplets very well, and the tutor praised you.” Jia Lan said nothing, only smiled with his lips pressed together.

Yuanyang came forward and reported, “May I ask the Old Ancestor: dinner is ready.”

Grandmother Jia said, “Go and invite Aunt Xue to dinner.” Hupo at once sent someone to Lady Wang’s rooms to invite Aunt Xue. Baoyu and Jia Huan withdrew. Suyun and the little maids put away the backgammon board. Li Wan stayed to keep Grandmother Jia company at dinner, and Jia Lan stood beside his mother. Grandmother Jia said, “You and your mother stay and eat with me.” Li Wan agreed.

Before long the food was set out. A maid came back and reported, “The mistress asks me to tell the Old Ancestor that Aunt Xue has many things to do these days and cannot come to wait on the Old Ancestor. She has gone home after dinner.” So Grandmother Jia had Jia Lan sit beside her and eat with her. Of the details of the meal we need not speak.

After Grandmother Jia finished eating and had washed, she leaned on her bed and chatted. A little maid came to tell Hupo something, and Hupo came in and reported, “Master Jia Zhen of the East Mansion has come to pay his respects.”

Grandmother Jia said, “Tell him that he has been working hard managing family affairs these days. Let him go back and rest. I know he came.” The little maid relayed this to an old woman, who relayed it to Jia Zhen. Jia Zhen had to withdraw.

The next day Jia Zhen came to handle the various affairs of the household. The servants at the gate reported one matter after another. Another servant reported, “The village steward has sent fruit from the country.”

Jia Zhen said, “Bring me the list.” The servant quickly handed up the list. Jia Zhen looked at it. It listed seasonal fresh fruits, along with some vegetables and game. After reading it, he asked who usually handled such matters. The gate servant said it was Zhou Rui.

Jia Zhen instructed Zhou Rui: “Check everything clearly according to the list and send it to the inner courtyard for delivery. I will keep a copy of the accounts so we can verify them later. Then tell the kitchen to take some of the vegetables and entertain the tenants who brought the fruit. As usual, give them a meal and their wages.”

Zhou Rui agreed, called someone to send the fruit to Xifeng’s courtyard, and handed over the fruit and accounts clearly. After going out for a moment, he came back and asked Jia Zhen, “For this batch of fruit just delivered, has the First Master checked the quantities?”

Jia Zhen said, “When would I have time to count it? The list is given to you. Check it against the accounts yourself.”

Zhou Rui said, “I have already counted it. The amount is exactly right. Since the First Master has kept a copy of the accounts, you might ask the people who delivered the fruit and check whether this account is true or false.”

Jia Zhen said, “It is only a little fruit. Why be so particular? I do not suspect you.”

Just then Bao Er came in and kowtowed. “I beg the First Master to send me back to the outer courtyard to work.”

Jia Zhen asked, “What quarrel are you two having now?”

Bao Er said, “No one here listens to a word I say.”

Jia Zhen said, “Who asked you to interrupt whenever you please?”

Bao Er said, “Why put me here like a piece of decoration?”

Zhou Rui cut in. “I manage the farm rents here. Every year I handle three or five hundred thousand taels. The master, the mistress, and the young mistress have never questioned me. To say nothing of a little bit of fruit. If everyone talked like Bao Er, the family’s lands and property would have been nibbled away by the servants long ago.”

Jia Zhen thought to himself that Bao Er must have been quarreling here, and he might as well send him out. So he said to Bao Er, “Go out at once.” Then he said to Zhou Rui, “You too. Say no more. Attend to your duties in peace.” The two withdrew.

Jia Zhen was resting in the side room when he heard a terrible uproar at the main gate. He sent someone to investigate, and the man came back and reported, “Bao Er and Zhou Rui’s godson are fighting.”

Jia Zhen asked, “Who is Zhou Rui’s godson?”

The gate servant replied, “His name is He San. He was always an idle loafer, drinking and causing trouble at home every day. He often comes to sit around the gatehouse. When he heard Bao Er and Zhou Rui arguing, he joined in.”

Jia Zhen said angrily, “This is utterly detestable! Tie up Bao Er and that He San together! Where is Zhou Rui?”

The gate servant said, “He left first when the fight started.”

Jia Zhen said, “Bring him here! This is too much!” The servants answered.

In the midst of the commotion, Jia Lian returned. Jia Zhen told him what had happened. Jia Lian also said, “This cannot be let off lightly!” More men were sent to arrest Zhou Rui. Zhou Rui knew he could not escape and was soon found. Jia Zhen ordered them all bound. Jia Lian cursed Zhou Rui: “Earlier, when you quarreled, the First Master already reconciled you, and the matter was settled. Why did you fight outside again? Fighting is wrong enough, but you let an outsider like He San join in and make trouble. You did not restrain him—instead you ran away yourself.” As he spoke, he kicked Zhou Rui several times.

Jia Zhen said, “Punishing Zhou Rui alone is not enough.” He ordered the servants to give Bao Er and He San fifty lashes each, then drive them out of the Jia household. Afterward Jia Zhen and Jia Lian discussed business. The servants gossiped privately: some said Jia Zhen favored his own people; some said he did not know how to settle disputes; still others said Jia Zhen himself was not upright. In the past there had been the scandal with the You sisters, and it was Jia Zhen who had arranged for Jia Lian to take Bao Er’s wife. Now he disliked Bao Er as useless, perhaps because Bao Er’s wife had not served him well enough. With many mouths, there were all sorts of opinions.

Now to speak of Jia Zheng. After he took office with real power in the Ministry of Works, many of the household servants used the opportunity to enrich themselves. Jia Yun heard of it and wanted to find a chance to get a construction job and make some profit. Outside, he contacted several contractors and agreed on a share. He also bought fashionable embroidered gifts, intending to go through Xifeng.

Xifeng was in her rooms when she heard a maid say, “Master Zhen and Master Lian are angry outside and are beating people.” Xifeng did not know the reason and was about to send someone to ask when Jia Lian came back and explained the whole business of Bao Er and He San fighting and being punished. Xifeng said, “The matter itself is not great, but this kind of behavior must not be tolerated. Our household is still prosperous, and already the servants dare to fight openly. When the younger generation manages the household in the future, it will be even harder to control them. Two years ago in the East Mansion I saw with my own eyes Jiao Da dead drunk, lying below the steps and cursing everyone, masters and servants alike. Even if he had done good service in the past, the proper order between master and servant must still be kept. Madam You is too soft-natured. All the servants under her have been spoiled beyond bounds. Now there is Bao Er. I remember he was trusted by you and Master Zhen. Why did he have to fight today and be punished?”

This touched Jia Lian’s sore spot. He felt very embarrassed and made an excuse that he had business, then hurried away.

Xiaohong came in and reported, “Master Jia Yun is outside asking to see you, mistress.” Xifeng thought to herself: What does he want now? She said, “Tell him to come in.”

Xiaohong went out and smiled at Jia Yun. Jia Yun hurried forward and asked softly, “Did you announce me, miss?” Xiaohong blushed. “I was afraid the mistress had too much to do.”

Jia Yun said, “How could there be so much business to trouble you? I still remember that year when you were in Uncle Bao’s rooms, and you and I—” Xiaohong, afraid someone would see them, cut him off. “That year, did you see the handkerchief I gave you, Master Yun?”

When Jia Yun heard this, he was overjoyed and was about to answer when a little maid came out from the inner room. Jia Yun followed Xiaohong inside, the two close together, one on each side. Jia Yun whispered, “When I come out later, you must see me off. I have something amusing to tell you.” Xiaohong’s face was scarlet. She glanced at Jia Yun and did not answer. At Xifeng’s door, Xiaohong went in first to announce, then lifted the curtain and beckoned, deliberately saying loudly, “The mistress asks Master Yun to come in.”

Jia Yun smiled and followed her in. He paid his respects to Xifeng and conveyed his mother’s regards. Xifeng also asked after Jia Yun’s mother.

Xifeng said, “What have you come for?”

Jia Yun said, “Your nephew has always remembered your kindness, Aunt. I often think of you. I wanted to show my respect, but feared you would read too much into it. The Double Ninth Festival is near, so I have prepared a small gift. Aunt has every treasure in her house, but this is just a little filial feeling. I only fear Aunt will not accept it.”

Xifeng said with a smile, “Sit down and speak slowly.” Jia Yun sat sideways and placed the gifts on the table beside him.

Xifeng said, “You are not well off yourself. Why waste money? I do not lack such things. Tell me honestly what you really have in mind today.”

Jia Yun said, “I have no other thought. I am simply grateful for Aunt’s kindness.” As he spoke, he smiled slightly.

Xifeng said, “You cannot talk like that. I know you are short of money. I will not take your things for nothing. If you want me to accept them, first tell me clearly what you want. If you hem and haw like this, I will simply not accept them.”

Jia Yun had no choice but to stand up and say with a smiling face, “Your nephew has no improper ambition. A few days ago I heard that Uncle is in charge of the imperial tomb project. I have several friends who are reliable contractors. I beg Aunt to put in a word for me before Uncle. If I can get one or two jobs, I will never forget Aunt’s kindness. If there is anything in the household, your nephew is willing to do his part.”

Xifeng said, “There are other matters I can decide, but official business in the government office is different. Above, officials decide; below, clerks and runners handle it. Outsiders find it very hard to interfere. Even our own family members can only attend on your uncle. Even your Second Uncle can only handle private family matters, not interfere in government business. Besides, family matters are all tangled together. Even Master Zhen cannot keep the servants under control. You are young and of a low generation. How could you manage such people? Moreover, the tomb project is nearly finished. There is little profit in it. Can you find nothing to do at home that you must fix your eyes on this job? I am speaking plainly. Go home and think it over. I appreciate your intention, but take the things back and return them to the people you got them from.”

Just then the nurse brought Qiaojie in. Qiaojie was dressed splendidly and held many toys. She went laughing up to Xifeng and tried to imitate her words. When Jia Yun saw her, he stood up and went forward with a smile. “Is this my little sister? Would you like something nice to play with?” Qiaojie burst out crying. Jia Yun quickly stepped back.

Xifeng coaxed the child. “Do not be afraid, precious.” She took Qiaojie in her arms. “This is Cousin Yun. Why are you so shy?” Jia Yun praised her. “Little sister is beautiful. She will have great good fortune in the future.” Qiaojie looked back at Jia Yun and cried again. This happened several times. Jia Yun could not sit still and rose to take his leave.

Xifeng said, “Take your things with you.”

Jia Yun said, “Will you not even do me the honor of accepting this small gift, Aunt?”

Xifeng said, “If you do not take it, I will send someone to deliver it to your house. Yun, we are not outsiders. When there is a suitable chance later, I will naturally send for you. You need not rely on gifts.”

Seeing that Xifeng was firm, Jia Yun blushed and said, “Since that is so, when I find something better I will come again to honor Aunt.” Xifeng told Xiaohong to carry the things and see Jia Yun out.

On the way, Jia Yun thought to himself: Everyone says the Second Mistress is formidable, and her reputation is well deserved. You cannot get the slightest opening with her. She is crisp and decisive. No wonder she has no son. Qiaojie was strange too—when she saw me, it was as if we had a grudge from a former life. Today was a wasted effort. Xiaohong, seeing that Jia Yun had failed in his errand, was also downcast. She carried the bundle and followed. Jia Yun took the bundle and secretly picked out two items and offered them to Xiaohong. Xiaohong would not take them. “Do not do that, Master Yun. If the mistress finds out, we will both be embarrassed.”

Jia Yun said, “Keep them. How could it be so easily discovered? If you do not take them, you are looking down on me.” Xiaohong smiled slightly and took them, saying, “Who cares for such things?” Her face turned scarlet. Jia Yun said with a smile, “It is not the things I care about either.”

The two walked to the second gate. Jia Yun tucked the rest of the things back into his bosom. Xiaohong urged him, “You go first. If you have business, come find me. I am in this courtyard now, so it is convenient.” Jia Yun nodded. “The Second Mistress is too hard to talk to. It is a pity I cannot come often. You understand what I said just now. When there is time, I will tell you in detail.” Xiaohong, blushing deeply, said, “Go now. Come often when you have time. Why be so distant?” Jia Yun answered and left. Xiaohong stood at the gate watching him go far away, then turned and went back inside.

Xifeng in her room was arranging dinner. She asked, “Is the porridge ready?” A maid went to ask and came back to report that it was ready. Xifeng said, “Bring a dish or two of southern pickles.” Qiutong agreed and told the maids to prepare them.

Ping’er came over and said, “I nearly forgot. At noon, when you went to the Old Ancestor’s rooms, the nun from Water Moon Nunnery sent someone asking for two bottles of southern pickles and an advance on several months’ allowance. She said she was not well. I asked the daoist woman what was wrong. The daoist woman said: Four or five days ago, at night, several young nuns and novice daoist girls in the nunnery put out the lamp and went to sleep. The nun told them several times to be quiet, but they would not listen. That night at the third watch, the lamp was still burning, so the nun got up herself to blow it out. When she went back to the kang, she saw a man and a woman sitting on it. She had just opened her mouth to ask who they were when the person threw a rope around her neck. She cried out for help. Everyone came with lights, and the nun had already fallen to the ground foaming at the mouth. They finally revived her. Now she cannot eat, so she sent for pickles. You were not in, so I did not dare decide on my own. I told her to wait until you returned and sent her back first. Just now when you mentioned southern pickles, I remembered.”

Xifeng was startled for a moment. “There are still southern pickles. Send some over. As for the silver, tell Jia Qin to come for it in a day or two.” Just then Xiaohong came in and reported, “The Second Master sent someone to say that he has business outside the city tonight and cannot come home. He sent word ahead.” Xifeng acknowledged it.

Just then a little maid came running breathlessly into the courtyard. Ping’er went to meet her, and several maids whispered together. Xifeng asked, “What are you saying?”

Ping’er said, “This girl is timid. She is talking about ghosts.”

Xifeng called the little maid in to question her. The little maid said, “I went to the back courtyard to tell the handyman to add coal, and I heard a clatter from the three empty rooms. I thought it was a cat or a rat, but then I heard a sigh, like a person breathing. I was frightened and ran back.”

Xifeng scolded her: “Nonsense! We do not allow talk of gods and ghosts here. I have never believed in such things. Get out.” The little maid withdrew. Xifeng told Caiming to check the day’s household accounts. It was nearly the second watch. They chatted a while, and Xifeng sent everyone to rest. She lay down herself.

Near the third watch, Xifeng was half asleep when all her hair stood on end. She woke with a start. The more she lay there, the more frightened she felt. She called Ping’er and Qiutong to come keep her company. The two did not know why. Qiutong had originally not gotten along with Xifeng. Later, when Jia Lian neglected her because of Second Sister You, Xifeng deliberately tried to win her over. On the surface things were fairly calm, but in her heart Qiutong was far less close to Xifeng than Ping’er was. Seeing Xifeng uncomfortable, she could only offer tea. Xifeng took a sip. “Thank you for your trouble. Go to sleep. Ping’er staying here is enough.” Qiutong wanted to please her and said, “If you cannot sleep, mistress, the two of us can keep watch in turns.” As Xifeng spoke, she gradually fell asleep. Ping’er and Qiutong kept watch. When they heard the rooster crow in the distance, they dozed a little in their clothes. At dawn they rose quickly to attend Xifeng’s washing and dressing.

Having been frightened the night before, Xifeng was dazed, but she was naturally strong-willed and forced herself to get up. She was sitting there vexed when a little maid in the courtyard asked, “Is Miss Ping’er in the room?” Ping’er answered, and the little maid lifted the curtain and came in. She had been sent by Lady Wang to find Jia Lian. She relayed: “Word has come from outside that there is important official business. The master has just gone out. The mistress asks the Second Master to come over at once.” When Xifeng heard this, she was startled. What urgent matter it was will be told in the next chapter.