Jia Baoyu Has His First Taste of Love Granny; Liu Pays Her First Visit to the Rongguo Mansion

Now, Qin Keqing, having heard Baoyu call out her childhood name in his dream, was naturally puzzled, though she did not feel it proper to question him further. Baoyu himself was still dazed, as if he had lost something. The maids hurriedly brought him some longan soup; he drank a few sips, then got up and straightened his clothes. As Xiren reached to help him fasten his belt, she inadvertently touched his thigh and felt a cold, damp patch. Startled, she quickly withdrew her hand and asked what was the matter. Baoyu flushed crimson and gave her hand a squeeze. Xiren, being a clever girl and two years older than Baoyu, had recently begun to understand something of relations between men and women. Seeing him in such a state, she guessed at least half of what had happened and, blushing herself, dared not ask further. She finished adjusting his clothes and accompanied him back to the Dowager’s quarters, where he made a perfunctory supper and then returned to his own room.

When the nannies and other maids were out of sight, Xiren took out a fresh undergarment and helped Baoyu change into it. Baoyu, embarrassed, begged her, “Dear sister, please do not tell anyone.” Xiren, also blushing, smiled and asked, “What sort of dream did you have? And what was that mess that came out?” Baoyu said, “It is a long story.” He then told her all about his dream in detail, including the arts of love taught by the Goddess of Disenchantment. Xiren was so ashamed that she covered her face and bent over laughing. Baoyu had always liked Xiren for her gentle charm, and now he insisted that they try together what the fairy had taught him. Xiren knew that the Dowager had already given her to Baoyu in effect, and so she thought this would not be out of bounds. They secretly went through with it, and fortunately no one discovered them. From then on, Baoyu treated Xiren with more distinction than anyone else, and Xiren in turn served him with even greater devotion. But let us leave this for now.

Now, if we consider the whole household of the Rongguo Mansion, the population was not huge, yet from top to bottom it numbered three or four hundred; and although the daily business was not overwhelming, there were still a dozen or more matters to attend to each day—a tangled skein with no obvious thread to pull. Just as I was wondering which event or which person to start with, it happened that from a thousand li away, a tiny, bean-sized household, which had some slight connection with the Rongguo Mansion, was about to make its way there. So I shall begin with this family, which gives us a good starting point. You may ask what this family is called and what connection they have with the Rong mansion. Let me explain in detail.

This little family was of the same native place, surnamed Wang. Their ancestor had once held a minor post in the capital and had been acquainted with the grandfather of Wang Xifeng and the father of Lady Wang. Because he coveted the Wangs’ power and influence, he had joined their clan as a nominal nephew. At that time, only Lady Wang’s eldest brother—Xifeng’s father—and Lady Wang herself were in the capital and knew of this collateral clan connection; the rest of the family were unaware. Now that ancestor was dead, leaving only a son named Wang Cheng, who, as the family fortunes declined, had moved back to the countryside outside the city. Wang Cheng had recently died of illness, leaving a son whose childhood name was Gou’er. Gou’er had a son named Ban’er, and his wife, née Liu, had also given him a daughter named Qing’er. The family of four still made their living by farming. As Gou’er had to work in the fields during the day, and Mrs. Liu had to manage the household, leaving Qing’er and Ban’er with no one to watch them, Gou’er brought his mother-in-law, Granny Liu, to live with them. Granny Liu was a widow of many years, with no sons or daughters of her own, living on two poor acres of land. Now that her son-in-law had invited her to support them, how could she refuse? So she threw herself wholeheartedly into helping her daughter and son-in-law get by.

That year, as autumn gave way to winter and the weather grew cold, the household had not yet prepared what they needed for the cold months. Gou’er grew restless and, after drinking a few cups of wine in vexation, started picking quarrels at home, and Mrs. Liu dared not contradict him. Granny Liu could not stand it and advised him, “Son-in-law, don’t mind my blabbing. We farm folk should be honest and live within our means. You were spoiled in your childhood, thanks to your family’s former prosperity, and now you cannot keep a grip on yourself. When you have money, you spend it without thinking of the future; when you have none, you just fume. What kind of a man does that make you? We may live outside the city, but we are still under the very nose of the Emperor. The city of Chang’an is paved with money, but no one knows how to pick it up. Getting angry at home won’t help.” Gou’er retorted irritably, “You old lady, you just sit on the kang and talk nonsense—are you telling me to go out and steal?” Granny Liu said, “Who told you to steal? But at least think of something—put our heads together. Otherwise, will silver and cash walk into our house by themselves?” Gou’er sneered, “If I had a plan, would I be waiting till now? I have no relatives who are tax collectors, no friends who are officials—what plan could I possibly have? And even if I did, they’d probably not bother with us!”

Granny Liu said, “That may not be so. Man proposes, Heaven disposes. If we plan well and pray to the Buddha for blessings, maybe there will be a chance—you never know. I have thought of one possibility for you. In the old days, your family were connected by clan with the Wangs of Jinling. Twenty years ago, they treated you fairly well; now it is only because you have been too proud to visit them that you have drifted apart. I remember when I went there once with your wife. That second young lady of their family was truly a lively person, easy to get along with, and she put on no airs. She is now the wife of Master Jia Zheng of the Rongguo Mansion. I hear that as she has grown older, she has become even more compassionate to the poor and the old, and she loves to give alms to monks and nuns, and hand out rice and money. Though the Wang family has been assigned to a post outside the capital, it is possible this second lady still remembers us. Why don’t you go and call on her? Perhaps she will recall old times and do something for us—you never know. If she takes a liking to you, one hair plucked from her body would be thicker than our waist!” Mrs. Liu chimed in, “What you say, Mother, is true enough, but look at us—how can we set foot in her door? For one thing, the gatemen would never announce us; we would just make fools of ourselves.”

Now Gou’er was a man with a strong eye for profit, and these words began to stir him. Hearing his wife’s objection, he laughed and said, “Since Granny puts it that way, and you have seen that lady once before, why don’t you go tomorrow and test the waters?” Granny Liu said, “Good gracious! As the saying goes, ‘A noble’s gate is as deep as the sea.’ What am I, anyway? Her people don’t know me—it would be useless.” Gou’er laughed, “No problem—I’ll tell you what to do. Take your grandson Ban’er along and go straight to find Mrs. Zhou, the head maid who came with the lady as her dowry. If you see her, you’ll have an opening. This Zhou Rui once did a favour for my father, and we were on very good terms.” Granny Liu said, “I know him too, but it has been years since we moved in those circles—I don’t know how he is now. Still, there is no other way. You are a man, and not exactly presentable, so you certainly cannot go; our daughter is a young married woman and cannot show her face in public. So I will have to swallow my pride and make the attempt. If something good comes of it, it will benefit us all; even if we get no silver, I will at least have seen the inside of a duke’s mansion and will not have lived in vain.” They all laughed at that, and the plan was settled that night.

The next day, before dawn, Granny Liu got up, washed, and combed her hair, and gave Ban’er a few instructions. Ban’er, being only five or six and understanding nothing, was overjoyed at the thought of going into town with his grandmother and agreed to everything. So Granny Liu took him into the city and made her way to Ningrong Street. When she reached the stone lions in front of the Rongguo Mansion’s main gate, she saw a crowd of carriages and horses and did not dare approach. First she brushed her clothes and told Ban’er what to say, then edged her way to the side gate. There she saw several men, bellies stuck out and arms waving, sitting on long benches and chattering. Granny Liu sidled up and said, “Good day to you, gentlemen.” They looked her up and down and asked, “Where are you from?” She smiled ingratiatingly, “I am looking for the steward Zhou, who came with the lady as her dowry. May I trouble one of you to call him out?” The men paid her no heed, and after a long while one said, “Wait over there by the wall—someone from his household will come out soon.” But an older man said, “Don’t tease her—let her be.” He told Granny Liu, “Steward Zhou has gone south. He lives in the back quarter, but his wife is at home. If you go around to the rear street and ask at the back gate, you will find them.”

Granny Liu thanked him and led Ban’er around to the back gate. There she saw vendors’ stalls selling food and trinkets, and some twenty or thirty children playing noisily. She caught hold of one boy and asked, “Little brother, could you tell me if Mrs. Zhou lives here?” The boy said, “Which Mrs. Zhou? We have three Mrs. Zhou here, and two more Mrs. Zhou—which line of business do you mean?” Granny Liu said, “The one who was the lady’s dowry maid.” The boy said, “That’s easy—follow me.” He skipped along, leading Granny Liu through the back gate to a courtyard wall, and pointed, “Here is her house.” He called out, “Mrs. Zhou! There is an old lady looking for you—I’ve brought her.”

Mrs. Zhou heard and came out to ask, “Who is it?” Granny Liu hurried forward and said, “How do you do, Sister Zhou!” Mrs. Zhou looked at her for a long while, then laughed, “Why, it’s Granny Liu! How are you? Would you believe it, in just a few years I had quite forgotten you. Please come in and sit down.” As they went in, Granny Liu said with a smile, “You are so busy with your high connections—no wonder you forget us.” Once inside, Mrs. Zhou had a servant girl bring tea. She looked at Ban’er and said, “My, how you have grown!” Then she exchanged news and asked Granny Liu, “Are you just passing through today, or did you come on purpose?” Granny Liu replied, “I came on purpose to see you, and also to pay my respects to the lady. If I could be presented to her, that would be best; if not, I beg you to convey my greetings.”

Mrs. Zhou guessed the real purpose at once. Since her husband Zhou Rui had once benefited greatly from Gou’er’s help in a land dispute, she felt obliged to assist; besides, she was also pleased to show off her own influence. So she said with a smile, “Granny, don’t worry. You have come all this way with such sincere intentions—it would be a pity to go back without seeing the real Buddha. Strictly speaking, receiving and announcing guests is not my job. We each have our own duties here: the menfolk manage land rents in spring and autumn, and sometimes escort the young masters when they go out; I am responsible only for accompanying the ladies and mistresses on their outings. But since you are related to our lady and have come to me as your connection, I’ll make an exception and pass the word for you. Only one thing—you may not know, Granny, but things here are not as they were five years ago. The lady no longer manages the household; it is now the wife of our Second Master Lian—our Second Mistress—who runs everything. And do you know who she is? She is the lady’s own niece, the daughter of her eldest brother, whose childhood name is Fengge.” Granny Liu exclaimed, “Oh, so it’s her! No wonder! I always thought she was a capable girl. In that case, I must see her today.” Mrs. Zhou said, “Certainly. Now that the lady is busy and often troubled, when guests call she prefers to have Mistress Feng receive them. It would be better to see her than the lady herself, or your trip will have been wasted.” Granny Liu said, “Buddha be praised! I rely on you, sister, for your help.” Mrs. Zhou replied, “Don’t mention it. As the saying goes, ‘Help others and you help yourself.’ It costs me only a word—what harm is there?” She then sent a little maid to the side hall to find out whether the Dowager had finished her meal. The maid went off, and the two women continued their chat.

Granny Liu said, “This Mistress Feng is not yet twenty, I suppose, yet she has such ability and manages such a household—remarkable.” Mrs. Zhou said, “My dear Granny, I could go on and on. Though she is young, she handles things better than most grown people. She is as pretty as a picture, and has more wits than you can count. And her tongue—ten eloquent men could not match her. You will see for yourself when you meet her. There is only one thing: she is rather strict with the servants.” Just then the little maid returned and reported, “The Dowager has finished her meal, and the Second Mistress is in the lady’s room.” Mrs. Zhou at once got up and urged Granny Liu, “Come, come quickly. This is her free moment after eating—if we delay, there will be others waiting to report and we shall miss our chance. And if she takes her afternoon nap, there will be no time at all.” They got off the kang, tidied their clothes, and Mrs. Zhou gave Ban’er a few more words of instruction. Then they followed her through winding passages to the quarters of Jia Lian.

First they came to the side hall, where Mrs. Zhou settled Granny Liu to wait. She herself went past the screen wall, entered the courtyard, and, knowing that Xifeng had not yet come down, first sought out Xifeng’s trusted chief maid, Ping’er. Mrs. Zhou explained Granny Liu’s errand, adding, “She has come a long way especially to pay her respects. In the old days, our lady often saw her, so I thought she should not be turned away today. That is why I brought her in. When the mistress comes, I shall report it fully—I trust she will not mind my presumption.” Ping’er agreed, “Bring them in and let them sit here for now.” Mrs. Zhou then went out and led Granny Liu and Ban’er into the courtyard. They mounted the steps of the main hall; a little maid lifted the crimson felt curtain, and as they entered the reception room, a wave of fragrance hit them—so rich they could not identify it—and they felt as if floating on clouds. Everything in the room glittered and dazzled the eyes. Granny Liu could only nod, click her tongue, and murmur prayers. They passed into the eastern room, which was where Jia Lian’s daughter, Sister Da, slept. Ping’er stood by the edge of the kang, gave Granny Liu a brief glance, greeted her, and offered her a seat. Granny Liu, seeing Ping’er dressed in silks and adorned with gold and silver, with a flower-like face and jade-like beauty, took her for Xifeng herself. She was about to address her as “Mistress” when she heard Mrs. Zhou call her “Miss Ping,” and saw Ping’er address Mrs. Zhou as “Sister Zhou,” and so realized that Ping’er was only a privileged maid. They settled Granny Liu and Ban’er on the kang, while Ping’er and Mrs. Zhou sat opposite on the edge. A little maid served tea.

Granny Liu then heard a clacking sound, very much like the noise of a winnowing sieve, and looked around curiously. She saw a box hanging from a pillar in the central hall, with a weight-like object dangling from it, swinging to and fro. She wondered, “What sort of treasure is that? What is it for?” While she was puzzling, there came a loud dong, like a bronze bell, which startled her so that she blinked. Then followed eight or nine more strokes. She was about to ask when the little maids ran about crying in unison, “The mistress is coming downstairs.” Mrs. Zhou and Ping’er rose quickly, telling Granny Liu, “Just wait—we will come for you when the time comes.” Then they went out to receive her.

Granny Liu held her breath and listened. She heard the sound of laughter and talking in the distance, and the rustle of skirts as about a score of women entered the reception hall and passed into the side room. Then two or three women carrying large lacquered boxes came in and waited. From the other room came the call, “Set the meal!” Gradually the people dispersed, leaving only a few serving dishes. After a long silence, two servants brought in a low table and placed it on the kang, laden with bowls and plates full of meat and fish, though only a few dishes had been touched. Ban’er immediately clamoured for meat, but Granny Liu slapped him away. Presently Mrs. Zhou came over smiling and beckoned. Granny Liu took the hint, got down with Ban’er, and went into the main hall, where Mrs. Zhou whispered to her for a while before leading her into the other room.

There, outside the door, hung a soft red floral curtain with brass hooks. Under the south window was a kang covered with a red felt rug; against the east wall was a brocade backrest and pillow, with a brilliant green satin cushion and a carved lacquer spittoon beside it. Xifeng, in her everyday attire, wore an autumn sable headband, a beaded forehead band, a peach-blossom-patterned jacket, a dark blue silk-lined grey-squirrel cape, and a red foreign-gauze skirt with silver-fox fur. Her face was powdered and glowing. She sat upright, holding a small brass fire-tongs and stirring the ashes in her hand-warmer. Ping’er stood by the kang, holding a small lacquered tea-tray with a covered cup. Xifeng neither took the tea nor looked up; she went on stirring the ashes and asked slowly, “Why haven’t they been invited in?” Then she half rose and reached for tea, only then noticing that Mrs. Zhou had brought two persons standing before her. She made a move to rise, and with a beaming smile greeted them, chiding Mrs. Zhou for not announcing them earlier. Granny Liu had already made several kowtows and wished her good health. Xifeng said, “Sister Zhou, help her up—no more bows, please sit down. I am young and do not know you well; I am not sure of the generational rank, so I dare not address you.” Mrs. Zhou answered, “This is the Granny I just mentioned.” Xifeng nodded. Granny Liu sat on the edge of the kang, while Ban’er hid behind her and refused to come out and bow, no matter how she urged him.

Xifeng smiled and said, “Relatives do not visit much, so we have grown distant. Those who know would say you feel we are too grand and do not care to come; but malicious people might think we look down on others.” Granny Liu hastily murmured, “Buddha bless you! Our family is poor and cannot afford to visit—coming here would only embarrass you, and even the stewards would think us beneath notice.” Xifeng laughed, “What nonsense! We merely carry on our grandfathers’ empty name—a poor official’s household. Who has any real wealth? It is just an old empty show. As the saying goes, ‘Even the Emperor has poor relations,’ let alone us.” She then asked Mrs. Zhou whether she had reported to Lady Wang. Mrs. Zhou said, “I await your instructions.” Xifeng said, “Go and see. If she is occupied, forget it; if she is free, tell her and see what she says.” Mrs. Zhou departed.

Meanwhile, Xifeng told someone to fetch some snacks for Ban’er, and she was just making a few remarks when several married women and stewards came to report various matters. Ping’er relayed them, but Xifeng said, “I am entertaining guests. Let them come back this evening. If anything is urgent, bring them in now.” Ping’er went out and soon returned, saying, “I have inquired—nothing urgent, so I sent them away.” Xifeng nodded. Then Mrs. Zhou came back and reported to Xifeng, “The lady says she is too busy today, so if the Second Mistress will receive them, it will be the same. She thanks you for the thought. If they just came for a visit, fine; if they have any business, they may tell you just as well.” Granny Liu said, “I have nothing particular to say—just came to see the lady and you, out of family affection.” Mrs. Zhou said, “If you have nothing, well and good; but if you do have something, you may speak freely to the Second Mistress, just as you would to the lady.” She gave Granny Liu a meaningful look. Granny Liu understood, but before she could speak, her face flushed red. She hesitated, but then thought of why she had come, and forcing down her embarrassment, began, “To be fair, on my first visit I ought not to say this, but having come all this way to see you, I must speak…” At that moment, a servant at the second gate announced, “The young master from the east mansion is here.” Xifeng cut her off, “Never mind that now,” and asked, “Where is Master Rong?” There came the sound of boots, and a youth of seventeen or eighteen entered—clear-featured, handsome, dressed in light furs and jewelled girdle, with splendid robes and cap. Granny Liu did not know whether to sit or stand, and had nowhere to hide. Xifeng said, “Stay where you are—this is my nephew.” Granny Liu then sat awkwardly on the edge of the kang.

Jia Rong said with a smile, “Father sent me to beg Aunt’s help. Last time, Old Aunt gave you that glass screen—tomorrow Father has an important guest and would like to borrow it just for a day, then return it.” Xifeng said, “You are a day late—I gave it away yesterday.” Jia Rong, still smiling, half knelt on the kang and pleaded, “If Aunt won’t lend it, Father will say I have no manners and give me a good beating. Please take pity on your nephew.” Xifeng laughed, “I’ve never seen the like—are the Wangs’ things always so precious? You have plenty of fine things at home, but you never see them; only mine are good enough.” Jia Rong said, “But none so fine as this! I beg your mercy.” Xifeng said, “If you so much as scratch it, be careful of your skin!” She then ordered Ping’er to fetch the key to the upstairs and have some careful servants carry it over. Jia Rong beamed with joy, saying, “I’ll take them myself—don’t let them mishandle it.” He rose and went out.

Xifeng then remembered something and called out the window, “Rong-ge, come back.” Several voices outside echoed the call, and Jia Rong turned back, stood respectfully with his hands down, waiting for her instructions. Xifeng leisurely sipped her tea, pondered for a long while, then smiled, “Never mind—go now. Come back after dinner, and we’ll talk then. There are people here now, and I am not in the mood.” Jia Rong assented and slowly withdrew.

Granny Liu now composed herself and resumed, “Today I brought your nephew here because his parents have nothing to eat at home. Now that the weather is cold, they see no hope ahead, so I had to come and throw myself on your mercy.” She pushed Ban’er forward and said, “What did your father teach you at home? What did he send us for? All you do is eat fruit.” Xifeng had already understood, and seeing how awkwardly Granny Liu spoke, smiled and stopped her, “Say no more—I understand.” She asked Mrs. Zhou, “Has Granny had her breakfast?” Granny Liu quickly said, “We left early and had no time to eat.” Xifeng ordered a meal brought at once. Mrs. Zhou had a guest’s meal laid out in the eastern room and took Granny Liu and Ban’er there to eat. Xifeng said, “Sister Zhou, see to them well—I cannot keep them company.” She then called Mrs. Zhou aside and asked what Lady Wang had said. Mrs. Zhou replied, “The lady said they are not really of the same clan—they only share the same surname, and her father-in-law once served in office with theirs, so they happened to join clans. In recent years they have not visited much. Whenever they did come, she never sent them away empty-handed. Now that they have come to see us, it is good of them, and we should not be rude. If they have any request, the mistress may decide as she thinks fit.” Xifeng said, “Ah, that explains it. If they were really family, I would certainly have heard of them.”

By then Granny Liu had finished eating and came back with Ban’er, smacking her lips and giving thanks. Xifeng smiled and said, “Please sit down, and let me tell you, Granny. I understand your meaning. As relatives, we should help without waiting to be asked. But nowadays the household is so busy, and my aunt is getting on in years—she cannot think of everything. Besides, I have only recently taken over and do not know all these connections. Moreover, though we may appear grand and prosperous, the big have their own difficulties—hard as that may be to believe. Since you have come so far, and this is the first time you have spoken to me, I cannot let you go back empty-handed. As it happens, yesterday my aunt gave me twenty taels of silver for the maids’ new clothes, which I have not used. If you do not think it too little, take it.”

Granny Liu, who had felt her heart sink when she heard about the difficulties, now heard the offer of twenty taels and was so overjoyed she tingled all over. She said, “Oh, I do know that you have your troubles. But as the saying goes, ‘A starved camel is still bigger than a horse.’ No matter what, one hair from your body is thicker than our waist!” Mrs. Zhou, seeing her crude speech, kept signalling her to stop. Xifeng noticed but only smiled and said nothing, ordering Ping’er to bring the silver and also a string of cash, and placed them before Granny Liu. Xifeng said, “This is twenty taels of silver—for now, to buy a winter coat for the boy. If you don’t take it, you will be offended with me. And this cash is for a cart to take you home. Any other day, if you have nothing to do, come and visit—that is what relatives are for. It is getting late, and I won’t keep you. When you get back, give our regards to all.” She rose as she spoke.

Granny Liu thanked her a thousand times, took the silver and cash, and followed Mrs. Zhou outside. Mrs. Zhou said, “Good heavens! When you saw her, why did you dry up? You kept calling him ‘your nephew.’ If you don’t mind my saying so, even if he were your real nephew, you should have been more tactful. Master Rong is her actual nephew—where did this other nephew come from?” Granny Liu laughed, “My dear sister, when I saw her, I was so taken with her that I could not get a word out.” They chatted for a while at Mrs. Zhou’s house, and Granny Liu tried to leave some silver for Mrs. Zhou’s children to buy sweets, but Mrs. Zhou would not accept it. Granny Liu thanked her profusely and left by the back gate. As the saying goes:

When fortune smiles, help comes readily;
Deep kindness surpasses even kith and kin.