Deluded by Prejudice, Xichun Vows Her True Intent; Testing His Counterpart, Baoyu Loses a Kindred Spirit

Baoyu had just spoken out of turn and was at a loss how to cover it when Qiuewen came in and said, “The Master outside is calling Second Master over.” Baoyu was only too glad of the chance to escape and went at once. When he came before Jia Zheng, Jia Zheng said, “I did not call you for anything else. You are still in mourning and cannot conveniently go to school. At home, you must carefully review the essays you have studied before. I have been relatively free these days. Every two or three days, write a few essays and bring them to me to look at, so I may see whether you have made any progress.” Baoyu could only agree. Jia Zheng added, “I have also told Huan’er and Lan’er to review their lessons. If your essays cannot compare with theirs, that will be disgraceful.” Baoyu did not dare say more. He only answered, “Yes,” and stood where he was. Jia Zheng said, “Go.” Baoyu withdrew and happened to meet Lai Da and others coming in carrying several account books.

Baoyu hurried back to his own room. When Baochai asked and learned that Jia Zheng had told him to write essays, she felt this was a good thing. Only Baoyu was unwilling at heart, yet he did not dare be negligent. He had just sat down and was trying to quiet his mind when two nuns came in. Baoyu saw they were from the Ksitigarbha Nunnery. They came up and greeted Baochai: “Second Mistress, peace to you.” Baochai responded coolly, “You have come.” Then she told someone, “Pour tea for the reverend ladies.” Baoyu had originally wanted to speak with the nuns, but seeing that Baochai seemed to dislike these people, he did not feel free to open his mouth. The nuns knew Baochai’s nature was cold and did not sit long. They rose to take leave. Baochai said casually, “Sit a while longer.” The nuns said, “We are performing rites at Iron Threshold Temple and have not come for a long time to pay our respects to the ladies and mistresses. Today we came to see you and Lady Wang, and we also want to see Fourth Girl.” Baochai nodded and let them go.

The nuns then went to Xichun’s quarters. Seeing Caiping, they asked, “Where is the young lady?” Caiping said, “Do not even mention it. These past days the young lady will not eat and just lies in bed.” The nuns asked, “Why?” Caiping said, “It is a long story. When you see her, she will tell you herself.” Xichun had already heard them speaking and quickly sat up. She said, “You two still remember me? Seeing our family decline, you stopped coming.” The nuns said, “Amitabha! When you were prosperous, we were your patrons’ house; now that you have fallen, you are still our patrons’ house. Besides, we belong to your family’s nunnery and have received much kindness from Old Ancestor in the past. When Old Ancestor passed away, we saw all the ladies and mistresses, but not you. We had you in mind and came specially today to visit.” Xichun then asked about the nuns of Water Moon Nunnery. The nuns said, “Water Moon Nunnery has stirred up a great deal of trouble. Nowadays the household gate does not often let them in.” Then the nuns asked Xichun, “A few days ago we heard that Reverend Miaoyu of the Green Lattice Hermitage ran off with someone?” Xichun said, “What talk is that! Anyone who spreads such idle gossip should beware of a rotting tongue. She was carried off by robbers. How can people make up such wicked words to slander her?” The nuns said, “Reverend Miaoyu had a strange temperament. Perhaps she was only pretending to be pure and lofty. In front of you, young lady, we should not say much. How are we coarse, clumsy folk? We only know how to chant sutras, repent for others, and cultivate a good result for ourselves.” Xichun asked, “What counts as a good result?” The nuns said, “Only in a great, charitable household like ours can one still be secure. In other families, even a titled lady or a great young mistress cannot keep glory for a lifetime. Once disaster comes, no one can save them. Only Guanyin Bodhisattva is greatly compassionate and merciful. Seeing people suffer, she finds ways to rescue them. That is why everyone says Guanyin saves from suffering and delivers from peril. We who cultivate the Way live much harder lives than ladies and mistresses, but we do not have these disasters. Even if we cannot become Buddhas, if we cultivate well, perhaps in the next life we may be reborn as men, and that would be very good. Unlike being born a woman, with so many grievances and difficulties that cannot be told. You do not know, young lady: once a girl from a great household marries, she depends on others all her life and has even less control over herself. As for cultivating the Way, what matters is a true heart. Reverend Miaoyu relied on her talent and looked down on us as vulgar. Yet it was we vulgar people who could form good karmic ties. In the end, she met with great calamity.” Xichun heard these words, and they struck exactly the chord in her heart. Without caring that maids were present, she spoke of how Lady You usually treated her and of what had happened when she watched the house last time. Then, pointing to her hair, she said to the nuns, “Do you think I am someone without resolve, who clings to the red dust and the sea of bitterness? I have long had the thought of leaving the world, only I have never found a way.” When the nuns heard this, they pretended to be alarmed and said, “Young lady, never say such a thing again! If Lady You hears it, she will certainly scold us and drive us out of the nunnery. With your beauty and birth, you will in future marry a good husband and enjoy glory and wealth all your life.” Before she finished, Xichun flushed and said, “Lady You can drive you out, but can I not?” The nuns knew Xichun truly meant to leave the world, so they deliberately provoked her further: “Do not blame us for speaking too much, young lady. How could the ladies and mistresses be willing to follow your wish? If it comes to a quarrel, it will be awkward. We are thinking of you too.” Xichun said, “Then we shall see.” Caiping and the others heard that the conversation was going badly and quickly signaled to the nuns with their eyes, urging them to leave. The nuns were frightened at heart and did not dare continue to entice Xichun. They took leave and went away. Xichun did not detain them. She said with a cold laugh, “Is the Ksitigarbha Nunnery the only place under heaven where one can leave the world?” The nuns did not dare reply and hurried off.

Caiping saw that matters were not good. Fearing she would be blamed later, she quietly went and told Lady You: “Fourth Girl’s wish to cut her hair and leave the world has not been given up. These past days she is not ill; she is resentful of her fate. Mistress, please keep a closer watch and guard against a great trouble, so that when the time comes we who serve her are not blamed.” Lady You said, “How could she truly want to leave the world? It is only that the Elder Master is not at home, and she means to oppose me. Let her be.” Caiping and the others had no way out and could only exhort her from time to time. But Xichun refused to eat day by day and thought only of cutting her hair. Caiping and the others could not hold out and had to report it everywhere. Lady Xing and Lady Wang also urged her several times, but Xichun had set her heart like iron and would not turn back at all.

Lady Xing and Lady Wang were just about to tell Jia Zheng when someone came in and announced, “Madam Zhen and her Baoyu have arrived.” Everyone hurried out to welcome them and invited them to sit in Lady Wang’s room. They exchanged greetings and polite talk; the details need not be told. It is enough to say that Lady Wang mentioned that Zhen Baoyu and her own Baoyu looked exactly alike and that she wished to see Zhen Baoyu. A servant was sent to inquire and returned to report, “Young Master Zhen is in the outer study talking with the Master. The two are getting on very well. The Master has sent someone to ask Second Master, Third Master Huan, and Master Lan to come to the outer study to eat with him, and after the meal they will come into the inner quarters.” When the message came in, the inner quarters also arranged a meal. Of this no more for the moment.

Now when Jia Zheng saw Zhen Baoyu, he found that his appearance was indeed exactly like Baoyu’s. Jia Zheng tested his essays and learning, and Zhen Baoyu answered fluently. Jia Zheng respected him greatly in his heart. That was why he called Baoyu, Jia Huan, and Jia Lan out: first, to encourage the three, and second, to let Baoyu and Zhen Baoyu compare face to face. Baoyu, obeying the order, came out in mourning clothes with his younger brother and nephew. When he saw Zhen Baoyu, he felt as if he had known him long before. Zhen Baoyu looked at Baoyu and also felt they had met before. The two exchanged greetings, and then Jia Huan and Jia Lan also came forward to pay their respects. Jia Zheng had been sitting on the floor and had wanted to invite Zhen Baoyu to sit on a chair. As a junior, Zhen Baoyu did not dare sit in a high seat, so he sat on a mat spread on the floor. Now that Baoyu and the others had come, it was not good for them to keep sitting with Jia Zheng, and Zhen Baoyu, being a junior, could not let Baoyu and the others remain standing. Jia Zheng found it inconvenient. He stood and said a few more words, then told the servants to set out the meal. He said, “I will take my leave first. Let my sons keep you company and talk well together, and let them learn from you.” Zhen Baoyu quickly declined politely, “Please do as you please, Uncle. Your nephew also wishes to hear the lofty views of my elder cousins.” Jia Zheng exchanged a few more civilities and went to the inner study. Zhen Baoyu rose to see him off, but Jia Zheng stopped him. Baoyu and the others stepped out over the threshold first and stood watching Jia Zheng go far before returning to invite Zhen Baoyu to sit. The two exchanged polite compliments and spoke of having long admired each other. These details need not be told.

When Jia Baoyu saw Zhen Baoyu, he remembered the scene he had seen in his dream and had long assumed that Zhen Baoyu shared his own feelings. Now at last he had found a kindred spirit. But at first meeting, it was not good to be too casual, especially with Jia Huan and Jia Lan present. So he praised him warmly: “I have long admired your fame and have never had the chance to meet you. Today, meeting you, you truly seem like an immortal banished to earth.” Zhen Baoyu had also heard of Jia Baoyu’s character. Seeing him today, he found the reputation deserved. He thought to himself: This man can study with me, but he cannot awaken to the Great Way with me. Though he shares my name and face, he is also one with whom I had a bond in a former life. I now understand a little of the truth. Why not speak to him of it? But at first meeting, I do not yet know whether his inner thoughts match mine, so I must test him slowly. So he said, “Your talent and fame, elder cousin, I have long heard of. Among ten thousand people, you are the most refined and free from vulgarity. I, however, am mediocre and dull, and have vainly shared your name. I have truly defiled it.” Jia Baoyu heard this and thought: This man’s mind is indeed like mine. But you and I are both men, not as pure as girls. Why does he speak as if he were treating me like a girl? So he said, “You praise me too much. I dare not accept it. I am the dullest and most vulgar of people, nothing but a stubborn stone. How could I compare with you, whose conduct is pure and lofty and who alone deserves the name?” Zhen Baoyu said, “When I was young, I did not measure myself and thought I could still be polished into something useful. Who knew our family would decline? The experiences of these years have left me more broken than tiles and pebbles. I dare not say I have tasted all the joys and sorrows of the world, but I have seen much of its ways and human feeling. You, elder cousin, are clothed in brocade and fed on delicacies, and everything goes as you wish. Your essays and your ability to order the world must far surpass ordinary men. That is why your father loves you so and treasures you like a jewel. Therefore I said you alone deserve the name.” When Jia Baoyu heard this, and saw that Zhen Baoyu had fallen back into the old talk of fame and wealth, he felt uncomfortable. He was about to reply when Jia Huan, seeing that Zhen Baoyu had not spoken to him at all, was already displeased. Jia Lan, however, heard these words and agreed with them deeply. He said, “Uncle, you are too modest. As for essays and the ability to order the world, only what is gained through experience is true learning. I am young and do not understand the mysteries of essays, but when I savor the books I have read, I see that the pleasures of brocade and delicacies are far inferior to a good name handed down.” Before Zhen Baoyu could answer, Jia Baoyu, hearing Jia Lan say this, felt even more disgusted. He thought: When did this child learn such sour, pedantic talk? So he said, “I heard that you, elder cousin, once greatly detested vulgar conventions and had your own original views. Today I am fortunate to meet you, and I had hoped to hear transcendent truths, wash away vulgar thoughts, and broaden my vision. I did not expect you to treat me as a common man and answer me only with talk of official careers and fame.” When Zhen Baoyu heard this, he understood: He knows what I thought when young, so he suspects that what I say now is not my true heart. I might as well speak plainly, and perhaps we can still be true friends. So he said, “Your lofty words are indeed sincere. When I was young, I too detested stale phrases. But as I grew older, my father retired at home, and the duties of receiving and entertaining guests fell to me. Later I saw that the great officials and gentlemen all wished to glorify their parents and make a name for themselves. Even when they wrote books and set forth doctrines, they did not go beyond loyalty and filial piety. In this life, one must establish virtue and establish words, and only then does one not waste being born in a peaceful and prosperous age, nor fail the grace of one’s father and teachers in raising and teaching one. So the extreme and foolish ideas of my youth have gradually been put aside. Now I still wish to seek good teachers and friends to point out my dullness. Having met you, elder cousin, I hope you will teach me much. What I said just now was not empty words.” The more Jia Baoyu heard, the more impatient he became. Yet he could not directly be cold to him and could only answer vaguely. Fortunately, someone inside sent word: “If the gentlemen outside have finished eating, please invite Young Master Zhen into the inner quarters to sit.” When Baoyu heard this, it was just the excuse he needed to invite Zhen Baoyu inside.

Zhen Baoyu followed the others. Jia Baoyu and the rest accompanied him to pay his respects to Lady Wang. When Jia Baoyu saw Madam Zhen seated above, he first came forward to greet her, and Jia Huan and Jia Lan also paid their respects. Zhen Baoyu also greeted Lady Wang. The Zhen mother and son and the Jia mother and son looked each other over. Jia Baoyu was already married. Madam Zhen was older and an old relative. Seeing that Baoyu’s face and figure were exactly like her own son’s, she could not help feeling close to him. Lady Wang was even more delighted. She took Zhen Baoyu’s hand and asked him many things, feeling that he was steadier and more mature than her own Baoyu. Looking back at Jia Lan, she saw he was handsome and outstanding. Though he did not look like the two Baoyus, he was still good. Only Jia Huan was coarse and clumsy in appearance, and Lady Wang’s eyes could not help showing partiality. When the people in the household heard that both Baoyus were there, they all came to look and said, “This is truly strange! It would be one thing for them to share a name, but their faces and figures are exactly alike. Fortunately our Baoyu is in mourning clothes. If they wore the same clothes, no one could tell them apart at a glance.” Among the crowd, Zijuan was suddenly touched in her heart. Thinking of Lin Daiyu, she thought privately: It is a pity Miss Lin has passed away. If she were still alive and Zhen Baoyu were matched with her, perhaps she would be willing. As she was thinking, she heard Madam Zhen say, “A few days ago I heard our master say when he returned that our Baoyu is no longer young, and I wished to ask your honored master to help find a marriage for him.” Lady Wang already liked Zhen Baoyu very much and said casually, “I too would like to be matchmaker for your son. Our family originally had four girls, but three are either dead or married. There is still Zhen’er’s younger sister, Xichun, but she is a few years younger and I fear not suitable. Our eldest daughter-in-law has two younger cousins, both very good-looking. The second girl is already betrothed, but the third girl would just suit your son. Another day I will propose the match for him. It is only that their family is now not well off.” Madam Zhen said, “You are too kind, Lady. Our family has also declined, and I fear they may dislike our poverty.” Lady Wang said, “Now that your household has been given office again, in future it will not only recover its former state but surely be even more prosperous.” Madam Zhen said with a smile, “I hope it will be as you say. Then I will trouble you to be matchmaker.” When Zhen Baoyu heard them discussing marriage, he rose and took leave. Jia Baoyu and the others had to accompany him back to the study. Jia Zheng was already there. They all stood and chatted a few more words. A servant from the Zhen family came to report to Zhen Baoyu, “Madam is about to return. Please come, young master.” So Zhen Baoyu took his leave. Jia Zheng told Baoyu, Jia Huan, and Jia Lan to see him out. Of this no more for the moment.

Ever since the day Baoyu saw Zhen Yingjia and heard that Zhen Baoyu was coming to the capital, he had looked forward to meeting him every day. Today he had finally met him and had thought he would find a kindred spirit. Who would have thought that after talking for a while, their ideas were completely opposite, as incompatible as fire and water? Baoyu returned to his room gloomy and silent. He neither spoke nor smiled, but sat blankly. Baochai asked, “Does Zhen Baoyu really look exactly like you?” Baoyu said, “His face is exactly the same. But listening to him speak, he has no true understanding at all. He is just a vulgar man bent on fame and office.” Baochai said, “You are belittling others again. How do you know he is a career grub?” Baoyu said, “He talked for a long time and not one word pointed directly to the heart or to clear awakening. It was all essays, officialdom, loyalty, and filial piety. If such a man is not a career grub, what is he? It is a pity he has such a face. Now that I think of it, since there is another like him in the world, I do not even want this face of mine.” Baochai saw he was talking madly again and said, “What you say is truly laughable. How can you not want your face? Besides, what he said is proper. As a man, one should establish oneself and make a name. Who is like you, steeped only in romantic feelings? You do not say you lack a man’s backbone, but instead call others career grubs.” Baoyu had already been full of gloom from hearing Zhen Baoyu speak, and now Baochai scolded him, making him feel worse. His old illness was stirred again. He said nothing and only smiled foolishly. Baochai thought she had spoken too harshly and made him laugh coldly, so she paid him no more attention. But from that day Baoyu began to stare blankly. Xiren coaxed him, but he did not answer. After a night, he rose the next day still dazed, like the time he had fallen ill before.

One day, because Xichun was determined to cut her hair and leave the world, and Lady You could not persuade her, Lady Wang saw that if Xichun was not allowed, she might take her own life. Though people were set to watch her day and night, it was not a long-term solution. So she told Jia Zheng. Jia Zheng sighed and stamped his feet again and again, saying only, “I do not know what sin the East House has committed to come to this.” He called Jia Rong and scolded him, then told him to go back and tell Lady You to persuade Xichun well: “If she insists on leaving the world, she is no longer a daughter of our Jia family.” But when Lady You tried to persuade her, Xichun’s determination to die became even stronger. She said, “A daughter cannot stay at home all her life. If I were like Second Sister, the Master and Lady Wang would still have to worry, and in the end she died. Now let it be as if I had already died. Let me leave the world and live out this life cleanly and peacefully. That would be true love for me. Besides, I need not go outside. The Green Lattice Hermitage is our family’s place. I can cultivate there. If anything happens, you can look after me. Now that Miaoyu is gone, there are nuns in charge of the Green Lattice Hermitage. If you agree, you are fulfilling my wish. If you do not, I have no other way but death. If I leave the world as I wish, when my brother returns I will explain to him that you did not force me. But if I die, when my brother returns he will blame you for not being able to tolerate me.” Lady You had never gotten along with Xichun. Hearing Xichun’s words, she found some reason in them and could only go back and report to Lady Wang.

Lady Wang was then in Baochai’s room. Seeing Baoyu’s mind confused, she was very anxious and said to Xiren, “Why are you so careless? You did not report to me earlier that Second Master was ill.” Xiren said, “Second Master’s illness often comes and goes. He still goes to pay his respects to you every day and seems well. Only today did he suddenly become confused. Second Mistress was just about to report to you, but feared you would say we were making a fuss over nothing.” When Baoyu heard Lady Wang blaming Xiren and the others, his mind cleared for a moment. Afraid Xiren would be wronged, he spoke up: “Do not worry, Lady Mother. I am not seriously ill. I am only depressed.” Lady Wang said, “You have this root of illness. If you had told me earlier, we could have called a doctor and had medicine made. If you become as gravely ill as when you lost the jade last time, it will be troublesome.” Baoyu said, “If you are uneasy, Lady Mother, call a doctor. I am willing to take medicine.” Lady Wang at once told a maid to send for the doctor. Everyone’s mind was on Baoyu, and Xichun’s affair was temporarily set aside. After a while the doctor came, and Baoyu took medicine. Only then did Lady Wang return.

After a few days, Baoyu’s illness grew worse. He even refused to eat, and the whole household was frantic. It also happened that the family was about to come out of mourning, and there were many matters and not enough hands. Jia Yun was called to help look after the doctor. Jia Lian had no one at home, so Wang Ren was asked to help manage miscellaneous affairs outside. Qiaojie, because she thought of her mother day and night, also fell ill. The Rongguo House was once again in chaos.

One day, when the household was handling matters for coming out of mourning, Lady Wang came in person to see Baoyu. She found that Baoyu was already unconscious. Everyone was so frantic they did not know what to do. Weeping, they reported to Jia Zheng: “The doctor has examined him and says he dares not prescribe more medicine. We can only prepare for the end.” Jia Zheng sighed without stopping. He came in person to look. Seeing that Baoyu’s condition was truly critical, he told Jia Lian to prepare for the funeral. Jia Lian did not dare disobey and could only arrange for people to handle it. Money was tight, and he was in a dilemma, when suddenly a young servant ran in shouting, “Second Master, this is bad! Something else has happened!” Jia Lian was startled and glared. “What is it?” The servant said, “A monk has come to the gate. He is holding the very jade Second Master lost years ago. He says he will save the man only if he is given ten thousand taels of silver.” Jia Lian spat at him. “I thought it was some great matter, and you panic like this. Have you forgotten the business of the fake jade last time? Even if this one is real, the man is about to die. What use is the jade?” The servant said, “This servant said the same to the monk. The monk said, ‘Give me the silver and the man will live.’” Just then someone else came running in shouting, “That monk is acting wildly. He is forcing his way inside, and no one can stop him!” Jia Lian said, “What strange business is this? Drive him out!” As the commotion grew, Jia Zheng heard it and had no idea what to do. From the inner quarters came weeping: “Second Master Bao is failing!” Jia Zheng grew even more flustered. Then the monk shouted loudly, “If you want him to live, bring the silver!” Jia Zheng suddenly remembered that the last time Baoyu was gravely ill, it was a monk who cured him. Now the monk had come again; perhaps he was a savior. But if this jade was real, what about his demand for ten thousand taels? Then he thought: Never mind the silver for now. As long as the man can be saved.

Jia Zheng sent someone to invite the monk. The monk had already forced his way in. He did not salute or answer questions, but went straight toward the inner rooms. Jia Lian pulled him back. “There are women inside. What are you doing, you wild monk, rushing in?” The monk said, “If we are late, he cannot be saved.” Jia Lian hurried forward, shouting, “Stop crying inside! The monk has come to save him!” Lady Wang and the others were weeping too hard to hear. Jia Lian came closer and shouted again. Lady Wang turned, saw a tall monk, and was startled. There was no time to avoid him. The monk went straight to Baoyu’s bed. Baochai quickly hid to one side. Xiren saw Lady Wang standing there and did not dare leave. The monk said, “Ladies, I have brought the jade.” He raised the jade. “Quickly bring the silver, and I will save him.” Lady Wang was panic-stricken and had no time to tell whether it was real or false. She said, “As long as you save Second Master, we will certainly give the silver.” The monk laughed. “Bring it here.” Lady Wang said, “Rest assured, we will sell things and gather it.” The monk laughed aloud, held the jade to Baoyu’s ear, and shouted, “Baoyu, Baoyu, your Baoyu has come back.” At these words, Lady Wang and the others saw Baoyu’s eyes open slightly. Xiren cried, “He is better!” Baoyu opened his mouth and asked, “Where is the jade?” The monk put the jade into Baoyu’s hand. Baoyu clutched it tightly, slowly raised it to his eyes, looked carefully, and said, “Aiya, it has been a long time!” Everyone inside and outside rejoiced and called on Buddha. Even Baochai forgot that the monk was present. Jia Lian came forward, saw that Baoyu had truly revived, was delighted, and quickly withdrew.

The monk said no more. He pulled Jia Lian and went out. Jia Lian had no choice but to follow him to the front study and quickly report to Jia Zheng. Jia Zheng was overjoyed. He rose and bowed to the monk in thanks. The monk returned the salute and sat down. Jia Lian muttered inwardly: This monk will certainly not leave until he gets the silver. Jia Zheng looked the monk over carefully and saw that he was not the same one who had come last time. He asked, “Where is your honored temple, Reverend? What is your dharma name? Where did you get this jade? Why did my son revive as soon as he saw it?” The monk smiled faintly. “I cannot explain the reason either. Just give me ten thousand taels of silver, and this matter will be settled.” Jia Zheng saw that the monk was rough in temperament and did not dare offend him. He said, “We have the silver.” The monk said, “If you have it, bring it quickly. I want to go.” Jia Zheng said, “Reverend, sit a moment. I will go in and look at the child.” The monk said, “Go quickly and come back.”

Jia Zheng hurried into the inner room. Without time for many words, he went straight to Baoyu’s bed. Baoyu saw his father and wanted to struggle up, but was too weak to sit. Lady Wang pressed him down. “Do not move.” Baoyu smiled and held up the jade in his hand for Jia Zheng to see. “Baoyu has come back.” Jia Zheng glanced at it, knew there was some karma in the matter, and did not examine it closely. He said to Lady Wang, “Baoyu has revived. What about the reward silver?” Lady Wang said, “Sell everything I have and gather it for him.” Baoyu said, “I fear this monk does not really want silver.” Jia Zheng nodded. “I also find it strange, but he keeps demanding silver.” Lady Wang said, “Father, go out first and keep him steady.” Jia Zheng turned and went out. In the room, Baoyu suddenly said he was hungry. He drank a bowl of gruel and wanted more food. An old woman brought food, but Lady Wang did not dare let him eat much. Baoyu said, “It does not matter. I am already well.” He propped himself up, ate a bowl of rice, and his spirits indeed gradually improved. He wanted to sit up. Sheyue came forward to support him gently. She was so happy that she spoke out of turn: “It is truly a treasure. After seeing it only a moment, he is well. It is fortunate it was not smashed at the time.” When Baoyu heard this, his expression changed. He threw the jade to the ground and fell backward. No one knew whether he would live or die. Read the next chapter for the outcome.