Jasmine Powder Replaces Rose Nitrate; Rose Dew Draws Forth Poria Frost

Xiren asked Ping’er what all the bustle was about. Ping’er said with a smile, “Things no one in the world would think of. They’re laughable when told, but I’ll tell you in a few days. Just now there’s no head or tail to it, and I’ve no time.” Before she finished, Li Wan’s maid arrived and said, “So Sister Ping is here! Our mistress is waiting for you. Why haven’t you gone?” Ping’er quickly turned and went out, saying with a smile, “Coming, coming.” Xiren and the others laughed. “Now that her mistress is ill, she’s become a hot cake—everyone is snatching at her and can’t get her.” Ping’er left, and no more need be said. Baoyu then called Chunyan: “Go with your mother to Miss Bao’s rooms and say a few good words to Ying’er. You mustn’t offend her for nothing.” Chunyan assented and went out with her mother. Baoyu called through the window, “Don’t say it in front of Miss Bao. Mind it only gets Ying’er a scolding instead.” Mother and daughter assented and went out. As they walked, they chatted. Chunyan said to her mother, “I’ve often advised you, but you never believe me......