Chapter 19
After the Imperial Consort had returned to the palace, she went the next day to thank the Emperor and reported on her visit. The Emperor was greatly pleased and sent gifts of silk, gold, and silver from the imperial treasury to Jia Zheng and the relatives of the other consorts—no need for further detail.
Now, after days of relentless toil, everyone in the Ning and Rong mansions was exhausted. It took another two or three days to put away all the garden furnishings and implements. Xifeng, with the most duties and the weightiest responsibilities, could not rest as others might; besides, she was too proud to invite criticism, so she forced herself to appear as if nothing were amiss. Baoyu, on the other hand, was utterly at leisure. One morning, Xiren's mother came to the Dowager to ask permission for Xiren to visit her family for the New Year's tea, not to return until evening. Baoyu was left to play dice and chess with the maids. Just as he was growing bored, a maid announced that Jia Zhen from the east mansion had invited him to watch plays and lanterns. Baoyu ordered his clothes changed. As he was about to go, a gift of steamed milk-curd arrived from the Imperial Consort. Remembering that Xiren liked it, he had it set aside for her. He then took leave of the Dowager and went to the east mansion.
Jia Zhen's troupe was performing Ding Lang Recognises His Father, Huang Boyang Sets the Ghost Formation, The Monkey King Wreaks Havoc in Heaven, Jiang Ziya Beheads Generals and Enfeoffs Gods, and similar spectacles—swarming with gods, demons, and monsters, with banners waving, processions chanting, and drums and gongs echoing through the streets. Everyone praised the liveliness, saying no other household could match it. Baoyu, finding this bustle somewhat crude, sat only a short while before wandering off. He went in to chat with You Shi and her maids and concubines, then left through the second gate. You Shi and the others assumed he was going back to watch the plays and paid no heed. Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, and Xue Pan were absorbed in drinking games and carousing, and when Baoyu was not in his seat, they thought he had gone inside, so they did not ask. As for Baoyu's pages, the older ones knew he would not leave until nightfall, so they slipped off to gamble, visit friends for New Year's tea, or even visit brothels, planning to return in the evening; the younger ones had sneaked into the theatre to watch the fun.
Finding himself quite alone, Baoyu thought: "There's a little study here with a painting of a beauty—very lifelike. With all this noise today, no one will be there, and the beauty must be lonely. I ought to go and keep her company." He made his way to the study. Just as he reached the window, he heard groaning inside. Startled—could the beauty have come to life?—he plucked up his courage, licked the paper window, and peered in. The painting had not come to life, but Mingyan was pressing a girl down, engaged in the very act the Goddess of Disenchantment had taught. Baoyu could not help shouting, "Good heavens!" He kicked the door open and burst in, startling the two apart, both trembling with fright.
Mingyan, seeing it was Baoyu, knelt and begged forgiveness. Baoyu said, "In broad daylight! If Cousin Zhen finds out, you're a dead man." He looked at the girl—not pretty, but fair-skinned and somewhat attractive—her face crimson, her head bowed in silence. Baoyu stamped his foot and said, "Run!" The girl fled like the wind. Baoyu called after her, "Don't be afraid—I won't tell." Mingyan, behind him, cried, "Ancestor, you've already told by saying that!" Baoyu asked, "How old is she?" Mingyan said, "Sixteen or seventeen, at most." Baoyu said, "You didn't even ask her age—you must know nothing else. She's wasted on you. How pitiful!" He asked, "What's her name?" Mingyan laughed, "Her name is a long story—a strange one you'd never guess. She said her mother dreamed of a piece of brocade with a pattern of swastikas in five colours, so they named her Wan'er (Swastika)." Baoyu laughed, "How original! Perhaps she's destined for better things." He fell into thought.
Mingyan asked, "Why aren't you watching the plays, Master?" Baoyu said, "I got tired of the racket and came out for some air—then I ran into you. What shall we do now?" Mingyan grinned, "No one knows—let me sneak you out of the city for a while. We'll be back before anyone notices." Baoyu said, "No—some beggar might kidnap us. And if they find out, there'll be a fuss. Better go somewhere nearby where we know people, so we can get back quickly." Mingyan said, "But who's nearby that we know? That's hard." Baoyu laughed, "I've got it—let's go see your Sister Hua (Xiren) and see what she's up to." Mingyan laughed, "Good idea—I'd forgotten her place." Then he said, "But if they find out I led you astray, they'll beat me." Baoyu said, "I'll take the blame." So Mingyan brought a horse, and the two slipped out the back gate.
Fortunately Xiren's home was only half a li away, and they were there in no time. Mingyan went in first to call Xiren's brother Hua Zifang. Xiren's mother had invited her and several nieces and cousins over for fruit and tea. Hearing someone call "Brother Hua," Zifang went out and, seeing the master and his page, was astonished. He helped Baoyu down from the horse and called out, "Master Bao is here!" The others barely noticed, but Xiren, not knowing why, ran out, grabbed Baoyu, and asked, "What are you doing here?" Baoyu laughed, "I was bored and came to see what you're up to." Relieved, Xiren sighed and laughed, "You're too reckless—what are you doing here?" She asked Mingyan, "Who else came?" Mingyan laughed, "No one knows—just us two." Xiren was alarmed, "This is terrible! What if someone saw you, or the master, or you got jostled in the crowd? Your nerve is bigger than a bushel. It's all Mingyan's fault—I'll have the nannies beat you." Mingyan pouted, "The master cursed and threatened me to bring him, and now you blame me. I said we shouldn't come—maybe we should go back." Hua Zifang intervened, "Never mind—since you're here, no more talk. But the place is cramped and dirty—where can you sit, Master?"
Xiren's mother came out to welcome them. Xiren led Baoyu in. He saw three or four girls who hung their heads shyly when he entered. Hua Zifang and his mother fussed over Baoyu, fearing he might catch cold, making him sit on the kang, setting out a fresh fruit table, and pouring good tea. Xiren laughed, "Stop all this—I know what to do. No need to spread out fruits; and don't give him things to eat." She brought her own cushion for Baoyu to sit on, used her own foot-warmer to warm his feet, took out two plum-blossom incense cakes from her purse, lit her own hand-warmer and put it in his arms, and poured tea from her own cup for him. Meanwhile her mother and brother had set a table full of fruit. Xiren, seeing nothing suitable, laughed, "Since you're here, you can't leave empty-handed—at least taste a little." She picked a few pine nuts, blew off the skins, and offered them on a handkerchief.
Baoyu noticed Xiren's eyes were slightly red and her face moist, and whispered, "Why were you crying?" Xiren smiled, "I wasn't crying—I rubbed my eyes." So she covered it up. Baoyu was wearing a red brocade jacket with gold python patterns and fox-fur sleeves, over a dark blue sable-trimmed coat. Xiren said, "You changed into new clothes to come here—didn't they ask where you were going?" Baoyu laughed, "I changed for the plays at Cousin Zhen's." Xiren nodded, "Sit a while and then go back—this isn't a place for you." Baoyu laughed, "I wish you'd come home. I've saved something nice for you." Xiren whispered, "Hush—they'll hear." She reached up and took the Magic Jade from his neck, showing it to her sisters and cousins. "Look at it, you've always heard of it and wanted to see it—now you can. It's nothing much." They passed it around, then Xiren put it back on him. She told her brother to hire a small sedan or cart to take Baoyu back. Hua Zifang said, "I'll take him—riding is fine." Xiren said, "It's not about safety—it's about not being seen." Her brother went and hired a small sedan. No one dared detain them, and they escorted Baoyu out. Xiren gave Mingyan some fruit and a few coins to buy firecrackers, telling him, "Don't tell anyone—or you'll be in trouble too." She saw Baoyu to the gate, watched him get into the sedan, and lowered the curtain. Hua Zifang and Mingyan followed on horseback. At Ningrong Street, Mingyan stopped the sedan and said to Hua Zifang, "I must take the master back to the east mansion for a while before he goes home, or they'll be suspicious." Hua Zifang agreed, lifted Baoyu out, and helped him onto the horse. Baoyu laughed, "You've gone to a lot of trouble." They re-entered by the back gate. No more of that.
Now while Baoyu was out, the maids in his room grew even more carefree—some playing chess, some gambling, with melon-seed shells scattered everywhere. His old nurse, Nanny Li, came leaning on a cane to pay her respects and, finding Baoyu out and the maids romping, was quite put out. She sighed, "Since I've stopped coming in, you've become utterly lawless. The other nannies dare not say anything. Baoyu is like a ten-foot lamp—he lights others but not himself. He complains about dirt, but lets his room be ruined like this." The maids knew Baoyu didn't mind, and Nanny Li had retired and had no authority, so they ignored her and kept playing. She kept asking about his meals and sleep, and they answered carelessly. One muttered, "What a tiresome old thing!"
Nanny Li noticed the covered bowl of milk-curd and said, "Why wasn't this sent to me? I'll eat it." She took a spoon. A maid said, "Don't touch that! It's for Xiren—we'll get scolded. You take the blame yourself, don't drag us into it." Nanny Li was both angry and humiliated. "I don't believe he'd be so heartless," she said. "Not just a bowl of milk—even if it were worth more, I'd deserve it. Does he value Xiren more than me? Doesn't he remember how he grew up? It was my blood turned to milk that fed him. Now I can't even eat a bowl of his milk-curd without him getting angry? I'll eat it and see what happens! Xiren—she's nothing but a rough little thing I trained myself, whoever she thinks she is!" She ate it all in a huff. Another maid tried to soothe her, "They speak badly—no wonder you're angry. The master often sends gifts to you—how could he be upset over this?" Nanny Li said, "Don't try to sweet-talk me. Do you think I don't know about last time when Xixue was dismissed over tea? I'll be back when there's trouble!" With that she stormed out.
Soon Baoyu returned and sent someone to fetch Xiren. He saw Qingwen lying on the bed, motionless, and asked, "Are you sick? Or did you lose?" Qiowen said, "She won, but Nanny Li came and spoiled it, so she's sulking." Baoyu laughed, "Don't mind her." Just then Xiren arrived, and they greeted each other. Xiren asked where he had eaten and when he had returned, and gave greetings from her mother and sisters. After changing and washing, Baoyu asked for the milk-curd. The maids said, "Nanny Li ate it." Before Baoyu could speak, Xiren laughed, "So that's what you saved—thank you. When I ate it the other day, it gave me a stomach-ache and I threw up. It's better she ate it—it would have been wasted. I'd rather have dried chestnuts—peel some for me, and I'll make the bed."
Baoyu believed her and, forgetting the milk-curd, sat by the lamp peeling chestnuts. When the other maids had left, he asked, "Who was that girl in red today?" Xiren said, "My younger cousin." Baoyu sighed approvingly. Xiren asked, "Why the sigh? I know what you're thinking—you think she doesn't deserve to wear red." Baoyu laughed, "No, no—if she doesn't deserve it, who would? I just think she's lovely—I wish she could be in our household." Xiren said coldly, "I'm a slave by fate, but must my relatives be slaves too? Would you only take pretty girls into your house?" Baoyu laughed, "You're too suspicious. When I said 'our household,' I didn't mean as a slave—couldn't she be a relative?" Xiren said, "We're not worthy of that connection." Baoyu said no more and went on peeling chestnuts. Xiren smiled, "Why so quiet? I must have offended you—perhaps you'll buy her tomorrow out of spite." Baoyu laughed, "How can I answer that? I only said she's a fine girl, fit to be born in a great house—unlike us vulgar creatures." Xiren said, "She may not have that fortune, but she's been petted and spoiled, the apple of her parents' eye. She's seventeen now, her trousseau is ready, and she's to be married next year."
Hearing "married," Baoyu sighed again. Just as he was feeling down, Xiren sighed, "Since I came here years ago, I've been parted from my sisters. And now that I'm about to go back, they'll all have left too." Alarmed, Baoyu dropped the chestnuts. "What—you're going back?" Xiren said, "Today my mother and brother said I should bear it one more year, and next year they'll redeem me." Baoyu was stunned. "Why redeem you?" Xiren said, "Why not? I'm not a family-born slave—my whole family is outside, and I'm alone here. How can it end like this?" Baoyu said, "It's hard if I won't let you go." Xiren said, "That's never been done. Even the palace has rules—people come and go by turns. No one stays forever—let alone you!"
Baoyu thought it over and found it reasonable. He said, "But the Dowager won't let you go." Xiren said, "Why not? If I were truly exceptional and had moved the Dowager, she might not let me go, or might give my family extra silver to keep me. But I'm just ordinary—many are better than me. I came here as a child, served Miss Shi for a few years, then you. Now my family comes to redeem me—it's only right. They might not even ask for the purchase price. If they say it's because I serve well—that's no reason; serving well is my duty, not a great merit. If I go, another good one will come—it's not as if things would fall apart without me." These words, with reasons for her going and none for staying, made Baoyu frantic. "Even so," he said, "if I insist on keeping you, the Dowager will talk to your mother and give her plenty of silver—she'll be too embarrassed to take you." Xiren said, "My mother wouldn't dare. But our family has never bullied anyone that way. This isn't like buying a trinket—you can pay ten times the price and keep it, and the seller doesn't lose. But to keep me here against my will, separating me from my family, for no benefit to you—the Dowager and your mother would never agree."
Baoyu thought for a long while, then said, "So you're determined to leave?" Xiren said, "Determined." Baoyu sighed, "Who would have thought—such a heartless, faithless person." He sighed, "If I'd known everyone would leave, I should never have brought you here—I'd end up a lonely ghost." He turned and went to bed in a huff.
In truth, when Xiren had heard her mother and brother talk of redeeming her, she had said she would rather die than go back. "In those days you had no food, and I was the only one worth a few taels. If you hadn't sold me, you'd have starved. Now I'm well off here—I eat and dress like a mistress, and I'm not beaten or scolded. And though Father is gone, you've rebuilt the family. If you were still in need, it might be different—but you're not. Why redeem me now? Pretend I'm dead and never speak of it again!" She had wept and made a scene.
Her mother and brother saw how stubborn she was and knew she would not come out. Besides, the contract was a permanent sale, and the Jia household was known for kindness—they might even give the purchase money as a gift. Moreover, the Jias never mistreated servants, and those who served the young masters and mistresses were treated with more respect than even poor ladies. So the mother and son gave up the idea. When Baoyu had unexpectedly appeared and seen the family atmosphere, they understood even more, and their minds were at ease—they no longer thought of redeeming her.
Now Xiren, knowing Baoyu's strange nature from childhood—his mischief, his stubbornness, his odd habits, and his dislike for serious pursuits—had long wanted to admonish him but knew he would not listen. Today, with the talk of redemption, she had used a pretext to test his feelings and soften his mood, hoping to give him good counsel. Seeing him fall silent and go to bed, she knew he was upset but had lost his temper. She had never wanted chestnuts—she had only used them to avoid another incident like the tea business. She told the maids to eat the chestnuts, then went to Baoyu. Seeing his tear-streaked face, she laughed, "What's there to be sad about? If you truly want to keep me, I won't leave." Baoyu caught the meaning and said, "Tell me then—how am I to keep you? I can't find the words." Xiren smiled, "Don't mention our usual closeness. If you really want me to stay, it's not about that. Name three things—if you agree to them, that will prove your heart, and even with a knife to my throat I won't go."
Baoyu eagerly said, "Tell me—I'll agree to anything. Dear sister, dear good sister, not just three things—two or three hundred, I'll do them all. Just stay and watch over me until I've turned to ashes—no, ashes are still something; until I've turned into a wisp of smoke and the wind blows me away—then you won't have to mind me, and I won't have to mind you." Before he finished, Xiren covered his mouth in alarm, "Good Heavens! I was trying to advise you, and you say worse things." Baoyu said, "I won't say such things again." Xiren said, "That's the first thing to change." Baoyu said, "It's changed. If I say it again, pinch my mouth. What's next?"
Xiren said, "Second: whether you really like studying or not, before your father or others, don't mock or criticize it. At least pretend to like it—it will spare your father some anger and give him face. He thinks our family has been scholars for generations, but you've let him down. And your wild talk—'those who study are career-grubbers'—and saying there's no book worth reading except the Great Learning, the rest being nonsense—no wonder he beats you. What will others think of you?" Baoyu laughed, "I won't say that anymore. I was young and foolish. What else?"
Xiren said, "Don't mock monks or Taoists. Don't mix rouge powder. And most important—no more eating rouge off people's lips, or that fondness for red." Baoyu said, "All changed. Anything else? Hurry." Xiren laughed, "That's all. Just be careful in everything—don't be willful. If you agree, no eight-man sedan could carry me away." Baoyu laughed, "You'll be here long enough—you'll get your eight-man sedan." Xiren smiled coldly, "I don't want that. Even if I had the luck, it wouldn't be right—and it wouldn't be fun."
As they talked, Qiowen came in, "It's almost the third watch—time to sleep. The Dowager sent someone to ask, and I said you were asleep." Baoyu looked at his watch—it was the eleventh hour. They washed and went to bed.
Next morning, Xiren woke feeling heavy, with a headache and fever. At first she bore it, but soon had to lie down fully dressed. Baoyu reported to the Dowager and called a doctor, who said it was only a mild chill and a dose or two would clear it. They made the medicine, and when it was ready, had her take it and cover up to sweat. Baoyu then went to see Daiyu.
Daiyu was resting on her bed after lunch, the maids having gone out, the room quiet. Baoyu lifted the embroidered curtain and entered. Seeing Daiyu lying there, he pushed her gently, "Dear cousin, don't sleep right after eating." She opened her eyes and said, "Go and play. I was up all night and I'm still sore." Baoyu said, "Soreness is nothing—sleeping too much makes you ill. Let me keep you awake—it'll be better." Daiyu closed her eyes, "I'm not sleepy—just resting a little. Go and amuse yourself elsewhere, then come back." Baoyu persisted, "Where can I go? I get tired of everyone else."
Daiyu laughed, "If you must stay, sit over there quietly and we'll talk." Baoyu said, "I want to lie down too." Daiyu said, "Then lie down." Baoyu said, "There's no pillow—we'll share." Daiyu said, "Nonsense! There are pillows outside—take one." Baoyu looked and came back, "I don't want that—some dirty woman's used it." Daiyu laughed, "You really are my 'demon star'! Here—use this one." She pushed her pillow over and took another for herself, and they lay face to face.
Daiyu noticed a spot of blood the size of a button on his left cheek. She leaned over, touched it, and asked, "Who scratched you?" Baoyu turned away, "It's not a scratch—I must have got some rouge on it while making that paste." He looked for a handkerchief, but Daiyu took her own and wiped it for him. "You're at it again," she said. "If you must do it, don't leave evidence. Even if your father doesn't see it, others will gossip, and it'll reach his ears—then we'll all be in trouble."
Baoyu barely heard her, for a subtle fragrance came from her sleeve—enough to intoxicate. He caught her sleeve and tried to see what was inside. Daiyu laughed, "In this cold weather, who carries perfume?" Baoyu said, "Then where does this fragrance come from?" Daiyu said, "I don't know. Maybe from the wardrobe, or from my clothes." Baoyu shook his head, "No—it's a strange scent, not like any incense cakes, balls, or sachets." Daiyu sneered, "Do I have some Arhat or Immortal giving me rare incense? Even if I had some, I have no dear brother to gather flowers, dew, frost, and snow to prepare it for me—all I have is common fragrance."
Baoyu laughed, "Every word I say brings a flood. If I don't teach you a lesson, you'll never learn." He rose, blew on his hands, and began to tickle her under the arms. Daiyu was extremely ticklish; she laughed so hard she could barely breathe. "Baoyu, if you don't stop, I'll be angry!" He stopped and asked, "Will you say such things again?" Daiyu laughed, "Never again." She smoothed her hair and asked, "So you have a 'warm jade' to match my 'cold fragrance'?"
Baoyu was puzzled. "What 'warm jade'?" Daiyu laughed at his slowness, "You have jade—so the saying goes, 'gold matches jade.' They have 'cold fragrance'—don't you have 'warm fragrance' to match?" Baoyu finally understood. "Just now you begged for mercy—now you're worse!" He reached for her again. Daiyu cried, "Good brother, I won't dare." Baoyu laughed, "I'll spare you—but let me smell your sleeve." He drew her sleeve and sniffed deeply. Daiyu pulled away, "That's enough—you should go." Baoyu said, "No, let's lie quietly and talk." They lay down again, and Daiyu covered her face with a handkerchief. Baoyu chattered on, but Daiyu ignored him, even when he asked about her journey to the capital, the sights, and Yangzhou.
Fearing she would sleep, Baoyu said, "Oh! There's a great story about your Yangzhou yamen—do you know it?" Daiyu, hearing his earnest tone, asked, "What story?" Baoyu, suppressing a laugh, made up a tale: "There's a Mount Dai in Yangzhou, with a Forest Cave." Daiyu laughed, "That's a lie—I've never heard of it." Baoyu said, "There are countless mountains and rivers—how can you know them all? Let me finish." Daiyu said, "Go on." Baoyu continued, "In the Forest Cave lived a colony of rat spirits. On the seventh day of the twelfth month, the Old Rat called a meeting: 'Tomorrow is the Laba Festival, and the world is making Laba porridge. Our cave is short of fruits—we must raid some.' She sent a clever young rat to scout. It reported that the temple at the foot of the hill had the most. The Old Rat asked what kinds—the rat named five: red dates, chestnuts, peanuts, water-chestnuts, and fragrant yams. The Old Rat sent rats for each—for dates, chestnuts, peanuts, water-chestnuts—until only fragrant yams remained. Then a tiny, weak rat volunteered. The others doubted her, but she said, 'Though small, I am powerful and clever. I won't steal openly—I'll turn into a fragrant yam, mix with the pile, and secretly carry them all away.' They asked for a demonstration. She changed—into a beautiful young lady. The rats cried, 'Wrong! You were to change into a fruit!' She laughed, 'You ignorant creatures—you know only yams, not that the daughter of Salt Commissioner Lin is the true fragrant jade!'"
Daiyu sat up and pounced on him, laughing, "I'll tear your mouth! I knew you were making fun of me." She pinched him until he begged, "Dear cousin, spare me—I won't dare again! The story came to me because of your fragrance." Daiyu laughed, "After insulting me, you call it a story!"
Just then Baochai came in, asking, "Who's telling stories? I want to hear." Daiyu offered her a seat and laughed, "See who it is—he's insulted me and calls it a story." Baochai laughed, "Oh, it's Brother Bao—no wonder. He knows plenty of stories. But when he needs one, he forgets. If he could remember last night's banana poem, he'd be fine. He was so flustered, sweating, but now he's full of stories." Daiyu laughed, "Buddha be praised! My good sister, you've met your match too—what goes around comes around, no mistake." Just then a commotion arose in Baoyu's room.
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