Celebrating a Birthday, the Ning Mansion Hosts a Family Feast; Jia Rui Sets Eyes on Xifeng and Lustful Thoughts Arise

On the day of Jia Jing's birthday, Jia Zhen had sixteen large hampers packed with choice delicacies and rare fruits, and sent Jia Rong with servants to deliver them to Jia Jing, with these instructions: "Watch carefully whether the old master is pleased. After you have performed the rites, come straight back and say: 'My father, obeying your command, dared not come; he led the whole household in paying their respects from home, facing in your direction.'" Jia Rong then set off with the servants.

Gradually the guests began to arrive. First came Jia Lian and Jia Qiang, who looked over the seating arrangements and asked, "Is there any entertainment?" The servants replied, "Our master originally planned to invite the old master home today, so he hadn't prepared any amusements. But when we heard the old master would not come, we were told to find a troupe of actors and a band of musicians—they are all waiting on the stage in the garden."

Then Lady Xing, Lady Wang, Xifeng, and Baoyu arrived. Jia Zhen and You Shi welcomed them in. You Shi's mother was already there. They all exchanged greetings and took their seats. Jia Zhen and You Shi personally served tea, saying, "The Dowager is our revered ancestress, and my father is but a nephew—on such an occasion we dared not presume to invite her. Yet the weather is pleasant, the chrysanthemums are in full bloom, and we hoped she might come for a little relaxation and enjoy the liveliness of her children and grandchildren. But she has not honoured us with her presence." Before Lady Wang could reply, Xifeng spoke up: "The Dowager said yesterday she would come, but last night she watched the Baoyu boys eating peaches and, tempted, ate more than half of one. She had to get up twice in the fifth watch, and this morning she felt a little tired. So she asked me to tell you that she absolutely cannot come today, but she'd like some of your good things to eat—and they must be very tender." Jia Zhen laughed, "I thought our ancestress loved company. If she didn't come, there must be a reason—and that explains it."

Lady Wang asked, "The other day I heard your younger sister-in-law say that Rong'er's wife is not well. How is she, really?" You Shi said, "Her illness is quite strange. At the Mid-Autumn Festival she was still playing with the Dowager and the ladies until late, and came home perfectly fine. But after the twentieth, she grew lazier day by day, with no appetite—and that has lasted nearly half a month. And her courses have stopped for two months." Lady Xing added, "Could it be pregnancy?"

Just then a servant announced, "The elder and younger masters, and all the gentlemen of the family, have arrived and are in the main hall." Jia Zhen hurried out. Only then did You Shi continue: "Earlier some doctors said it might be pregnancy. But yesterday Feng Ziying recommended a man he once studied under—a very skilled physician—who examined her and said it was not pregnancy, but a serious complaint. He gave a prescription yesterday, and after one dose her dizziness has somewhat improved, but no other effect is visible." Xifeng said, "I said to myself—unless she is absolutely unable, she would never have failed to drag herself up on a day like this." You Shi said, "You saw her here on the third of the month; she forced herself to stay up for half a day, and it was only because you two are so close that she could not bear to leave." Xifeng's eyes reddened; after a long pause she said, "Truly, 'The weather is unpredictable, and fortune is ever changing.' At her age, if this illness should carry her off—what joy would there be in living?"

While they were talking, Jia Rong entered, paid his respects to Lady Xing, Lady Wang, and Xifeng, and reported to You Shi: "I delivered the food to the old master and told him that my father, obeying his command, dared not come, and was at home attending to the elders and entertaining the gentlemen. The old master was pleased and said, 'That is right.' He told me to bid my parents take good care of the other elders, and me to look after my uncles, aunts, and cousins. He also said that the Book of Secret Virtues should be carved and printed quickly—ten thousand copies for distribution. I have relayed all this to my father. Now I must go out and see that the gentlemen and all the family are served with their meal." Xifeng said, "Rong'er, wait a moment. How is your wife today?" Jia Rong frowned and said, "Not well! Aunt will see for herself when you come back." Then he went out.

You Shi said to Lady Xing and Lady Wang, "Shall we eat here or in the garden? The little play is prepared in the garden." Lady Wang said to Lady Xing, "Let's eat first and then go over—it will save trouble." Lady Xing agreed. You Shi ordered the serving women, "Send in the meal at once." A chorus of assent came from outside, and they all went to fetch the dishes. Soon the meal was laid. You Shi invited Lady Xing, Lady Wang, and her own mother to take the places of honour, while she, Xifeng, and Baoyu sat at the side. Lady Xing and Lady Wang said, "We came to celebrate the elder master's birthday—but it seems we are the ones being celebrated!" Xifeng said, "The elder master loves quiet—he has already cultivated the Way and is practically an immortal. When you say such things, it is 'the heart reaching the spirit.'" Everyone in the room laughed.

After Lady Xing, Lady Wang, You Shi's mother, and Xifeng had finished their meal, rinsed their mouths, and washed their hands, they were about to go into the garden when Jia Rong came in and said to You Shi, "The senior masters and all the uncles, cousins, and brothers have also finished eating. The elder master said he had business at home; the second master does not care for theatre and dislikes noise, so they have both left. The rest of the gentlemen have been taken by Uncle Lian and Cousin Qiang to watch the play. The princes of Nan'an, Dongping, Xining, and Beijing, as well as the six families including Duke Zhen's mansion, and the eight families including Marquis Zhongjing's Shi mansion, have all sent people with name-cards bearing birthday gifts. They have been received by my father and stored in the account-house; the gift lists have been registered. The acknowledgement cards have been given to the messengers, who were also rewarded according to custom, and all were invited to eat before leaving. Mother, you should now invite the two ladies, Grandmother, and Aunt to go and sit in the garden." You Shi said, "We have just finished eating—we were about to go."

Xifeng said, "If you'll excuse me, I'll go and see Rong'er's wife first, then join you." Lady Wang said, "Very well. We would all like to see her, but we fear the bustle might disturb her. Just give her our regards." You Shi added, "Dear sister, she listens to you. Go and cheer her up—it will set my mind at rest. And then come quickly to the garden." Baoyu wanted to go with Xifeng to see Qin Keqing, but Lady Wang said, "Just have a look and come back—she is your nephew's wife." So You Shi escorted Lady Xing, Lady Wang, and her own mother to Huifang Garden.

Xifeng and Baoyu, accompanied by Jia Rong, went to Qin Keqing's quarters. They entered softly and tiptoed to the inner door. Qin Keqing made to rise, but Xifeng said, "Don't get up—you might feel dizzy." She hurried forward, took Qin Keqing's hand, and said, "My dear girl! How thin you've grown in just a few days!" She sat down on the cushion beside Qin Keqing. Baoyu greeted her and sat on the opposite chair. Jia Rong called, "Bring tea quickly—Aunt and Second Uncle haven't had any in the main hall."

Qin Keqing held Xifeng's hand and forced a smile: "It is all my bad luck. In such a family, my father- and mother-in-law treat me like their own daughter. My husband, though young, respects me and I respect him—we have never exchanged a cross word. Among all the elders and peers, apart from you, Aunt, there is no one who does not love me and get along with me. Now that I have this illness, all my ambition is gone. I have never been able to show filial devotion to my parents-in-law, and even if I had ten times the wish to repay your kindness, Aunt, I cannot now. I fear I may not live to see the new year."

Baoyu, who had been staring at the painting Spring Sleep Under the Crabapple and the couplet by Qin Taixu—"A chill of early spring locks dreams in the cold; a fragrance of wine wraps the sleeper in its warmth"—could not help recalling his dream of the Illusory Realm of Great Void when he had napped here. Lost in thought, he heard Qin Keqing's words, and they pierced his heart like a thousand arrows; tears rolled down his cheeks unbidden. Xifeng, though deeply grieved herself, feared that showing such sorrow would only add to the invalid's distress, defeating the purpose of coming to comfort her. Seeing Baoyu like this, she said, "Brother Bao, you are too sentimental. She is only talking like that because she is ill—it hasn't come to that yet! Besides, she is so young; a slight illness makes her brood like this, only adding to her trouble." Jia Rong said, "Her illness needs nothing more than for her to eat a little—then we needn't worry." Xifeng said, "Brother Bao, your aunt told you to go over quickly. Don't stay here moping—it will only upset her, and your aunt will be worried about you." She said to Jia Rong, "Take your Uncle Bao to the garden—I'll stay a little longer." So Jia Rong took Baoyu to Huifang Garden.

Xifeng then tried to console Qin Keqing and spoke many intimate words. You Shi sent people two or three times to urge her to come, and only then did Xifeng say to Qin Keqing, "Take good care of yourself—I'll come again. It is fated that you should recover; that's why a good doctor was recommended just the other day. You needn't be afraid." Qin Keqing smiled, "Even the gods can cure sickness, but not fate. Aunt, I know I am only marking time." Xifeng said, "If you think like that, how can you get better? You must try to be more optimistic. Besides, the doctor said that if it's incurable, the danger is at spring. It's only mid-September—we have four or five months. What illness can't be cured in that time? If we weren't a family that can afford ginseng, it might be different—but your parents-in-law would spare no expense. If two qian of ginseng a day will cure you, they could afford two catties. Rest well—I'm going to the garden now." Qin Keqing said, "Aunt, forgive me for not seeing you out. When you have time, please come often and sit with me—we can talk." Xifeng's eyes reddened again, and she said, "I will come whenever I can."

So Xifeng, followed by her own maids and serving women, and those of the Ning Mansion, went through a side gate into the garden. There she saw:

Golden chrysanthemums carpeted the ground, white willows leaned across the slopes. Small bridges spanned streams like the Ruoye, winding paths led to terraces like those of Tiantai. Clear torrents rushed among the rocks, fragrance drifted over the hedges; crimson leaves fluttered on the trees, and the sparse woods made a picture. The west wind was just rising, the orioles' song had ceased; the warm sun still shone, and crickets added their sound. To the southeast rose pavilions nestled against the hills; to the northwest, three waterside galleries. The music of flutes and strings filled the air, lending a wistful charm; silk and satin robes moved among the groves, adding grace to the scene.

Xifeng was admiring the garden scenery, walking along step by step, when suddenly a man emerged from behind a rockery and came up to her, saying, "My respects to you, sister-in-law." Startled, Xifeng drew back and said, "Is this not Master Rui?" Jia Rui said, "So you don't even recognise me, sister-in-law? Who else could it be?" Xifeng said, "It's not that I don't know you—but I didn't expect to meet you here, Master Rui." Jia Rui said, "It must be fate that we meet. I slipped away from the feast to take a quiet stroll, and who should I run into but you, coming this way—is that not fate?" As he spoke, he kept casting furtive glances at her.

Xifeng was a sharp woman and could guess more than half of his intentions from his manner. She put on a false smile and said, "No wonder your cousin often speaks well of you. Today I can see you are intelligent and amiable. But now I must go to the ladies—we can talk another time." Jia Rui said, "I wanted to call on you at your house, but I feared you were too young to receive visitors casually." Xifeng smiled falsely, "We are all one family—what has youth to do with it?" Hearing this, Jia Rui could hardly believe his good fortune; his expression became even more lecherous. Xifeng said, "You'd better go back to your seat—they might catch you and make you drink forfeits." Jia Rui was already half-paralysed with excitement; he walked away slowly, looking back over his shoulder. Xifeng deliberately slowed her pace, and when he was far enough away, she thought to herself, "So this is 'knowing a face but not the heart'—such a beast! If he dares to persist, I'll make him die at my hands—then he'll know my mettle!"

She then moved on. Just as she rounded a slope, two or three old serving women hurried up, smiling, "Our mistress saw you hadn't come and was worried to death—she sent us to fetch you again." Xifeng said, "Your mistress is like a restless ghost." She walked on slowly, asking, "How many scenes have been performed?" The old woman replied, "Eight or nine." By then they had reached the back gate of the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion, where Baoyu was playing with a group of maids. Xifeng said, "Brother Bao, don't be too mischievous." A maid said, "The ladies are seated upstairs—please go up this way."

Xifeng gathered her skirts and went up slowly. You Shi was waiting at the top of the stairs, laughing, "You two are so thick—once you meet, you can't bear to part. You might as well move in with her tomorrow! Sit down, let me offer you a cup." So Xifeng took her seat after greeting Lady Xing and Lady Wang, exchanged pleasantries with You Shi's mother, and sat at the same table with You Shi, drinking and watching the play. You Shi called for the playbill and asked Xifeng to choose a piece. Xifeng said, "With the ladies and your mother here, how dare I choose?" Lady Xing and Lady Wang said, "We and the old lady have already chosen several; pick a couple of good ones for us." Xifeng rose, took the playbill, glanced through it, and chose The Return of the Soul and The Ballad-Singer. She handed it back, saying, "After the current piece, The Double Honour, let these two follow—that should be enough." Lady Wang said, "Indeed. We should let your brother and sister-in-law rest early; they must be anxious." You Shi said, "The ladies don't come often—it's more fun for us to stay a while longer. It's still early." Xifeng rose and looked down from the balcony, asking, "Where have all the gentlemen gone?" A serving woman said, "They went to the Ningxi Pavilion to drink with the musicians." Xifeng said, "They find it too restrained here—who knows what mischief they're up to in private!" You Shi laughed, "Not everyone is as proper as you!"

They chatted and laughed, and when the chosen plays were finished, the wine was cleared and the meal brought. After eating, they left the garden, sat in the main hall, had tea, and ordered the carriages. They took leave of You Shi's mother. You Shi, with her concubines and serving women, saw them out. Jia Zhen led the younger men, who stood beside the carriages in attendance. He said to Lady Xing and Lady Wang, "Do come again tomorrow, aunts." Lady Wang said, "Enough—we've sat all day and are tired. Let us rest tomorrow." They all got into their carriages. Jia Rui kept casting glances at Xifeng. After Jia Zhen and the others had gone in, Li Gui brought the horse; Baoyu mounted and followed Lady Wang. Jia Zhen and the brothers and nephews had supper and then dispersed.

The next day, the whole clan came again for another day of celebration—no need to dwell on it. After that, Xifeng often went in person to see Qin Keqing. Some days Qin was better, some days the same. Jia Zhen, You Shi, and Jia Rong were deeply worried.

Now Jia Rui came to the Rong Mansion several times, but each time Xifeng happened to be at the Ning Mansion. This year the winter solstice fell on the thirtieth of the eleventh month. During that period, the Dowager, Lady Wang, and Xifeng sent people daily to see Qin Keqing, and the reports came back: "No worsening, but no improvement either." Lady Wang said to the Dowager, "If she doesn't worsen during such a critical season, there is good hope." The Dowager said, "Indeed—she is such a good child. If anything happened to her, it would break my heart." Her eyes grew moist, and she said to Xifeng, "You two have been close. Tomorrow is New Year's Day; after that, go and see her the day after. Look carefully at her condition; if she is any better, come and tell me, so I can be glad. She likes certain foods—have some made and sent to her regularly." Xifeng agreed.

On the second day of the month, after breakfast, she went to the Ning Mansion. She saw that Qin Keqing, though not visibly worse, had wasted away, and the flesh had melted from her face and body. She sat with her for a long while, chatting, and tried to reassure her that the illness was nothing to fear. Qin Keqing said, "Whether I'll recover or not—spring will tell. Now that the solstice has passed and nothing has happened, perhaps I may get better. Please tell the Dowager and the ladies not to worry. Yesterday the Dowager sent some jujube-and-yam cakes; I ate two, and they seemed to digest well." Xifeng said, "I'll send more tomorrow. I'll go and see your mother-in-law now, and then hurry back to report to the Dowager." Qin Keqing said, "Please give my respects to the Dowager and the ladies."

Xifeng came out and sat down in You Shi's main room. You Shi asked, "What do you think, in all honesty?" Xifeng bowed her head for a long while, then said, "There is really no help for it. You should have all the things for the worst prepared—even if only to ward off ill fortune." You Shi said, "I have had people secretly preparing. Only the coffin—we haven't found good wood yet; we'll take it slowly." They drank tea and chatted a while, then Xifeng said, "I must go back quickly to report to the Dowager." You Shi said, "Tell her gently—don't frighten her." Xifeng said, "I know."

She returned home and saw the Dowager, reporting, "Rong'er's wife sends her respects and kowtows to you. She says she is a little better, and begs the Dowager not to worry. When she's a bit stronger, she will come and kowtow in person." The Dowager asked, "What do you really think of her condition?" Xifeng said, "For now, no immediate danger—her spirits are fairly good." The Dowager pondered for a while, then said, "Go and change your clothes and rest."

Xifeng withdrew, saw Lady Wang, and went to her own room. Ping'er brought her some warmed everyday clothes to change into. When Xifeng sat down, she asked, "Has anything happened at home?" Ping'er brought tea and handed it to her, saying, "Nothing much. The three hundred taels of interest on the loan were brought by Wang'er's wife, and I received them. Also, Master Rui sent someone to ask if you were at home—he wants to pay his respects and have a word." Xifeng snorted, "That beast is asking for death. Let him come—we'll see what happens!" Ping'er asked, "Why does Master Rui keep coming?" Xifeng then told Ping'er about meeting him in the Ning garden in the ninth month, and what he had said. Ping'er said, "A toad wanting to eat swan's flesh—a disgusting brute. If he harbours such thoughts, may he come to no good end!" Xifeng said, "When he comes, I'll know how to deal with him." What happened when Jia Rui came—we shall hear in the next chapter.