Jia Cunzhou (Jia Zheng) Is Promoted to Director; Xue Pan Gets into Trouble Again and Is Sentenced to Exile

The story goes that Concubine Zhao was in her room scolding Jia Huan when she heard him talking back in the outer room: “I only knocked over a medicine pot and spilled a little medicine. That girl didn’t die. Why should she scold me, and why should you scold me too? You even say I’m cruel and that I’m doing everything to torment her. Just wait—one of these days I’ll take that girl’s life, and then we’ll see what you can do to me! Tell them to watch out!”

Concubine Zhao rushed out from the inner room and covered his mouth. “You still dare to talk such nonsense! Be careful someone doesn’t take my life first!” Mother and son quarreled for a while. Concubine Zhao remembered what Wang Xifeng had said earlier, and the more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She did not even send anyone with a word of comfort to Wang Xifeng. A few days later, Qiaojie recovered. After this affair, the resentment between the two sides ran deeper than before.

One day, Lin Zhixiao came in to report: “Today is the birthday of the Prince of Beijing. Please instruct us, sir, how we should prepare.” Jia Zheng ordered: “Follow the old rules as in previous years. Tell the Elder Master, Jia She, to send the gifts over.” Lin Zhixiao assented and went to make arrangements. Before long, Jia She came to discuss the matter with Jia Zheng, and they decided to take Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, and Jia Baoyu with them to the Prince of Beijing’s residence to offer birthday congratulations.

The others were not particularly excited, but Baoyu had always admired the Prince of Beijing’s bearing and appearance, and he wished for nothing more than to see him a few more times. He quickly changed his clothes and followed along. Jia She and Jia Zheng sent in their official cards and waited to be summoned. Soon a eunuch came out from the residence, fingering a string of prayer beads and smiling as he greeted them: “The two masters are well, I hope.” Jia She and Jia Zheng quickly returned the greeting, and Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, and Baoyu also came forward to pay their respects.

The eunuch said, “The Prince invites you all to enter.” So the father and sons followed the eunuch into the princely residence. They passed through two great gates and crossed a large hall before reaching the gate of the inner palace. The group stopped at the entrance while the eunuch went in first to announce them. The young eunuchs at the gate also came over to bow and greet them. After a moment, the eunuch came out and said, “Please,” and the five of them followed him respectfully inside.

The Prince of Beijing, dressed in formal ceremonial robes, was already waiting for them under the eaves of the great hall. Jia She and Jia Zheng first stepped forward to inquire after his health, and then Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, and Baoyu paid their respects in order. The Prince of Beijing specially took hold of Baoyu. “I have not seen you for a long time, and I have often thought of you.” Then he asked with a smile, “Is that Magic Jade of yours still well?”

Baoyu bowed slightly, bending at the waist and half kneeling. “Thanks to Your Highness’s good fortune, all is well.”

The Prince of Beijing said, “Since you have come today, I have nothing fine to entertain you with. Let us simply sit and talk.” Several eunuchs lifted the curtains, and the Prince of Beijing went in first, while Jia She and the others followed respectfully behind. Jia She wished to perform the grand ceremony of bowing to the Prince. The Prince politely declined twice, but Jia She had already knelt, and Jia Zheng and the others paid their respects one by one. There is no need to describe it all in detail.

After Jia She and his party had finished their ceremonies, they respectfully withdrew outside. The Prince of Beijing instructed the eunuchs to entertain the other male members of the Jia household together with the other relatives and friends, while he kept Baoyu alone to talk and even granted him a seat. Baoyu kowtowed in thanks and sat sideways on an embroidered stool by the door. The two talked about reading and writing. The Prince of Beijing was very fond of Baoyu and had tea served. He said:

“A few days ago, Governor Wu came to the capital to have an audience with the Emperor. He spoke of how, when your father was once in charge of education, he handled matters fairly and justly, and all the scholars trusted him completely. During his audience, the Emperor also asked about your father. Governor Wu recommended him strongly. This is a good sign for your father.”

Baoyu quickly stood up. After hearing him out, he replied, “This is all due to Your Highness’s grace and Governor Wu’s kindness.”

Just then, a young eunuch came in and reported, “The various lords and gentlemen outside are all in the front hall thanking Your Highness for the banquet.” At the same time, he handed over cards expressing thanks and inquiring after the Prince’s lunch. The Prince of Beijing glanced at them carelessly and handed them to a eunuch, saying with a smile, “I understand. Thank them for their trouble.”

The young eunuch added, “The meal specially prepared for Jia Baoyu is ready.” The Prince of Beijing then told a eunuch to take Baoyu to a small, exquisite courtyard. Someone accompanied Baoyu while he ate, and afterward Baoyu returned to express his thanks.

The Prince of Beijing encouraged Baoyu a few more times, then suddenly smiled and said, “Last time I saw that jade of yours, I found it very interesting. I had a craftsman make one after its pattern. Since you happen to be here today, take it back and play with it.” He called a young eunuch to bring it and personally handed it to Baoyu. Baoyu received it with both hands and thanked him, then took his leave. The Prince of Beijing sent two young eunuchs to escort him out, and only then did Baoyu return to the Jia mansion together with Jia She and the others. Jia She went straight back to his own courtyard.

Jia Zheng took Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, and Baoyu to see Grandmother Jia and pay their respects. They told her what they had seen at the princely residence. Baoyu also told Jia Zheng about Governor Wu’s recommendation before the Emperor. Jia Zheng said, “Governor Wu has always been on good terms with our family. He is upright and has backbone.” After chatting a little, Grandmother Jia told them to go and rest. Jia Zheng left, and Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, and Baoyu saw him to the door. Jia Zheng instructed, “Go back and spend more time with the old lady.” Then he returned to his room.

He had just sat down when a young maid announced, “Lin Zhixiao is outside asking to see you, sir.” She handed in a red calling card bearing Governor Wu’s name. Jia Zheng knew the governor was coming to visit. He told Lin Zhixiao to come in and went out under the eaves.

Lin Zhixiao reported, “Today Governor Wu came to visit, and I declined on your behalf. Also, there is talk outside that a director’s post in the Ministry of Works is now vacant. People in official circles all say that you are very likely to fill it.” Jia Zheng said, “We shall see.” Lin Zhixiao reported a few more matters and then withdrew.

Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, and Baoyu each went their own way. Baoyu went to Grandmother Jia’s room and described how well the Prince of Beijing had treated him. He also brought out the imitation jade the Prince had given him. Everyone took it and looked at it, laughing and talking for a while. Grandmother Jia told someone to put it away and warned, “Wear your own Magic Jade carefully. Don’t mix the two up.”

Baoyu took the jade from around his neck. “This is the one the Prince of Beijing gave me. My own jade is still safely around my neck. The two are very different, so I could never mix them up. I was just about to tell you, Grandmother: a few nights ago, when I was sleeping, I took off my jade and hung it on the bed curtain, and it actually glowed. The whole curtain turned red.”

Grandmother Jia said, “There you go talking nonsense again. The valance itself is red. When the lamplight shines on it, of course it looks red.”

Baoyu said, “No, the lamp had already been blown out. The room was pitch-dark, and the jade still shone.” Lady Xing and Lady Wang smiled with their lips pressed together. Wang Xifeng said, “That is a sign that something happy is going to happen.” Baoyu pressed her: “What happy thing?” Grandmother Jia said, “You do not understand. You have been busy all day. Go and rest quickly, and stop saying silly things here.” Baoyu stood there a little longer, then returned to the Grand View Garden.

Grandmother Jia then spoke up and asked, “By the way, when you went to visit Aunt Xue, did you mention the marriage proposal to her?”

Lady Wang replied, “We meant to go earlier, but Qiaojie’s illness delayed us for two days, so we only went today. We said what needed to be said, and Aunt Xue is willing in her heart. It is only that Xue Pan is not at home now, and his father has just passed away. This matter must be discussed with Xue Pan before it can be settled.”

Grandmother Jia said, “That is reasonable. Then for the time being we will not bring it up again. We will wait until Aunt Xue’s side has discussed it properly.”

For now, let us set aside the marriage discussion on Grandmother Jia’s side. Baoyu returned to his own room and said to Xiren, “Just now the old lady and Sister Feng were hesitating and beating around the bush. I wonder what they are hiding.”

Xiren thought for a while, then smiled and said, “I cannot guess either. When they were speaking just now, was Cousin Lin there?”

Baoyu said, “Daiyu has just been ill and has not come to the old lady’s place recently.”

Just then, they heard Sheyue and Qiuwen quarreling in the outer room. Xiren asked, “What are you two fussing about now?”

Sheyue said, “We were playing cards. She won my money and took it straight away. When she lost, she refused to pay. Not only did she refuse to pay, she snatched my money and ran off with it!”

Baoyu laughed. “It is only a few small coins. There is no need to quarrel. Stop it.” The two girls pouted and sat down. Xiren attended Baoyu as he went to bed. Of that, no more for now.

After hearing what Baoyu said, Xiren understood in her heart that it concerned Baoyu’s betrothal. She was afraid that if Baoyu thought too much, he would say a lot of foolish things, so she pretended not to understand. But inwardly she was very concerned about the matter. Lying in bed at night, she thought of a plan: it would be better to go find Zijuan and sound her out, and then she would know how Daiyu’s side felt.

Early the next morning, after seeing Baoyu off to school, Xiren washed and dressed, then slowly walked to the Bamboo Lodge. She saw Zijuan picking flowers. Zijuan greeted her with a smile: “Sister, come inside and sit.”

Xiren said, “Are you picking flowers? Where is Miss Lin?”

Zijuan said, “The young lady has just finished washing and dressing. She is waiting for her medicine to warm.” As she spoke, she led Xiren inside. They saw Daiyu sitting and reading.

Xiren smiled politely. “You are too hard on yourself, miss. Reading as soon as you get up. If our Second Master Bao studied even half as diligently as you, that would be something.” Daiyu smiled and put down the book. Xueyan brought in medicine and tea, and a young maid followed with a spittoon and mouth-rinsing things.

Xiren had come intending to find out about the marriage, but after sitting for a long time she could not find the right way to bring it up. Then she thought that Daiyu was sensitive, and if she could not get any information, she might only make her sad. After sitting a little longer, she found an excuse and took her leave.

Just as she was nearing the gate of the Happy Red Court, she saw two people standing there. Xiren did not want to go up to them. One of them saw her and quickly ran over. It was the little maid Chuyao. Xiren asked, “What are you doing here?”

Chuyao said, “Just now Master Jia Yun came. He brought a note to give to Master Baoyu and is waiting here for a reply.”

Xiren said, “Baoyu goes to school every day. Do you not know that? Why are you still waiting for a reply?”

Chuyao smiled and said, “I told him, but he told me to report to you, miss, and wait for your instructions.”

Xiren was about to answer when the other person shuffled slowly over. It was Jia Yun, creeping timidly toward them. Jia Yun had originally wanted to come over and strike up a conversation with Xiren to get closer to her, but he did not dare be too forward, so he approached slowly. When he was not far away and heard what Xiren said, he was too embarrassed to go any farther and could only stand still. Xiren turned directly and went back. Jia Yun had no choice but to sulk and leave with Chuyao.

That evening, when Baoyu came back from school, Xiren reported, “Jia Yun came today.”

Baoyu said, “What did he want with me?”

Xiren said, “He also left a note.”

Baoyu said, “Bring it here and let me see.”

Sheyue went to the inner room, took the note from the bookshelf, and brought it over. Baoyu opened it. On the envelope were written the words: “A respectful report to my honored uncle.”

Baoyu laughed. “Why does this boy no longer call me father?”

Xiren did not understand. “What do you mean?”

Baoyu said, “The year before last, when he sent white begonia blossoms, his note said, ‘To my honored father.’ Today the envelope says ‘uncle.’ Is that not refusing to acknowledge me as his father?”

Xiren laughed. “He has no shame, and you have no shame either. He is such a grown man, and he acknowledged a young boy like you as his father. That was absurd to begin with. You…”

She stopped halfway, blushed, and smiled.

Baoyu also understood what she meant and said, “That is hard to talk about. As the saying goes, ‘A monk has no son, yet he has many filial god-sons.’ I only went along with it because I found him clever and likable. If he is unwilling, do you think I care?” As he spoke, he opened the note.

Xiren added, “Jia Yun is a sneaky sort. One moment he is flattering you, the next he is dodging and hiding. Anyone can see his mind is not upright.” Baoyu was absorbed in reading the letter and did not hear her.

Baoyu read the note. Now he frowned, now he laughed, now he shook his head, and by the end his face was full of impatience. After he finished, Xiren asked what it said. Baoyu did not answer. He simply tore the letter into pieces. Xiren did not dare press him further and asked whether he wanted to read or eat.

Baoyu muttered, “Jia Yun is ridiculous. How could he do such a stupid thing?” He answered beside the point. Xiren smiled and asked again what exactly had been written. Baoyu said, “Never mind him. Let us eat. After we eat, I will rest. I am very annoyed.” He called a maid to bring fire and burned the torn pieces of paper until they were clean.

Soon the meal was set out. Baoyu sat there in a daze. Xiren coaxed and urged him, and he finally forced himself to eat a little. Then he put down his bowl and chopsticks and lay down gloomily on the bed. Suddenly tears fell from his eyes. Xiren and Sheyue were completely baffled.

Sheyue complained, “What is wrong with him now, for no reason at all? Jia Yun sent a strange note, and it has made him cry and laugh by turns. If he keeps brooding like this, who could stand it?” As she spoke, she herself grew upset.

Xiren could not help laughing and tried to comfort her: “Good sister, do not add to the trouble. He is already miserable enough by himself, and now you are like this too. What is in that note has nothing to do with you.”

Sheyue retorted, “Do not drag me into it. Who knows what disgraceful words were written in that note? Why should it have anything to do with me? Maybe that letter has something to do with you!”

Before Xiren could reply, Baoyu burst out laughing from the bed. He got up and straightened his clothes. “Let us sleep. Stop arguing. Tomorrow I still have to get up early for school.” Then he lay down, and the night passed without incident.

The next day Baoyu got up, washed, and dressed, preparing to go to the private school. Just as he walked out of the courtyard gate, he suddenly remembered something. He told Beiming to wait a moment and turned back, calling, “Sister Sheyue!”

Sheyue came out. “Why have you come back again?”

Baoyu said, “If Jia Yun comes again today, tell him not to come and make trouble. If he keeps acting up, I will report him to the old lady and my father.” Sheyue agreed, and Baoyu finally left.

He had just started out when Jia Yun came rushing in in a fluster. Seeing Baoyu, he quickly bowed. “Uncle, great news!”

Baoyu thought it was still the troublesome matter of yesterday’s note, so he said, “You are too rash. You do not care whether other people are upset or not; you just come and disturb them.”

Jia Yun put on a smiling face. “If you do not believe me, Uncle, look outside. People have gathered at the main gate.”

Baoyu grew even more annoyed. “What strange business is this?”

Just then, a clamor and shouting came from outside. Jia Yun said, “Uncle, do you hear that?”

Baoyu was full of doubt. Outside, someone shouted loudly, “Do you people not understand the rules? What sort of place is this? How dare you yell and shout here!”

Another voice answered, “Who told you the master has been promoted? What is wrong with making a joyful noise to announce the good news? Other families could not get such luck even if they begged for it!”

Only then did Baoyu understand: Jia Zheng had been promoted to director, and the men who brought good news had arrived. He was overjoyed. Jia Yun caught up with him. “Uncle, are you happy? If your marriage is settled too, then it will be double happiness.”

Baoyu blushed and spat. “Bah! You tactless creature, get out of here!” Jia Yun also blushed. He wanted to say something, but Baoyu’s face darkened, and Jia Yun did not dare speak again.

Baoyu hurried to the private school. His teacher, Dai Ru, said with a smile, “I have just heard that your father has been promoted. You still came to school today?”

Baoyu smiled politely. “I came to pay my respects to you, sir, and then I will go back.”

Dai Ru said, “You have a holiday today. There is no need to study. But you are not allowed to go back to the garden and idle away your time. You are not young anymore. Even if you cannot manage family affairs, you should learn something of the ways of the world from your elder brothers.”

Baoyu agreed and turned back. Just as he reached the second gate, Li Gui came toward him. “Second Master, I was just going to the school to look for you. The old lady has sent people everywhere to find you. She wants to give you a few days off, and the family is going to have opera performed in celebration.”

Baoyu entered the second gate. The maids and serving women throughout the household were all beaming with joy. When they saw him, they said, “Why has Second Master only just returned? Hurry and congratulate the old lady!”

Baoyu went inside and saw Daiyu sitting on Grandmother Jia’s left and Shi Xiangyun on her right. Below stood Lady Xing and Lady Wang. Tanchun, Xichun, Li Wan, Wang Xifeng, Li Wen, Li Qi, Xing Xiuyan, and all the other sisters were in the room. Only Baochai, Baoqin, and Yingchun were absent.

Baoyu was delighted. He congratulated Grandmother Jia and Lady Xing and Lady Wang, greeted each of his sisters, then smiled at Daiyu and said, “Are you feeling any better, sister?”

Daiyu smiled faintly. “Much better. I heard that you were unwell a while ago. Are you fully recovered now?”

Baoyu said, “Yes. A few nights ago I had a pain in my chest. I had only just recovered when I went to school, so I was not able to visit you.”

Before Baoyu could finish, Daiyu turned her head and began talking with Tanchun. Wang Xifeng, standing nearby, teased them: “You two see each other every day, yet you act as polite as guests. It is exactly what the saying calls ‘treating each other with the respect due to guests.’” The whole room burst out laughing.

Daiyu’s face turned scarlet. She could neither explain nor not explain. After a moment she only said, “What do you know?” The others laughed even harder. Wang Xifeng then realized that what she had said was not quite proper and was about to change the subject. Suddenly Baoyu spoke: “Cousin Lin, just look at a reckless fellow like Jia Yun…” He stopped halfway as he suddenly realized what he was saying and closed his mouth. Everyone laughed again and said it made no sense. Daiyu was also baffled and could only smile awkwardly.

Baoyu looked for something to say. “I just heard that an opera troupe is to be invited. On what day will it be?”

Everyone looked at him and smiled. Wang Xifeng said, “You heard the news outside, and now you come ask us?”

Baoyu took the opportunity to say, “Then I will go out and ask around.”

Grandmother Jia stopped him. “Do not go running outside. First, you do not want the men who brought the good news to laugh at you. Second, your father has just been promoted. If he happens to see you idling about, he will be angry again.” Baoyu assented and withdrew.

Grandmother Jia asked Xifeng who had suggested the opera. Wang Xifeng said, “It is from Uncle Wang Ziteng’s side. The day after tomorrow is an auspicious day. They are sending a new opera troupe to congratulate the old lady, the master, and the mistress.” As she spoke, she gave Daiyu a meaningful smile. Daiyu smiled faintly.

Lady Wang said, “That is right. The day after tomorrow also happens to be our niece Daiyu’s birthday.”

Grandmother Jia thought for a moment and said with a smile, “I really am getting old and muddled. Thanks to Feng-girl for reminding me of everything. It works out perfectly. Uncle’s family is congratulating the master on his promotion, and at the same time we can celebrate Daiyu’s birthday. Two things at once.” Everyone laughed and praised the old lady for speaking so thoughtfully.

Baoyu had just come in and heard this. He was so happy that he danced for joy. The whole room ate in Grandmother Jia’s quarters, and it was very lively. After the meal, Jia Zheng thanked the Emperor for his favor, went to the family temple and ancestral hall to kowtow, then came to pay his respects to Grandmother Jia. After a brief chat, he went out to entertain guests.

For the next two days, relatives and clansmen came in an endless stream to offer congratulations. Carriages and horses crowded the main gate, and guests filled the hall. It was exactly:

Flowers in full bloom draw bees and butterflies in swarms;
The round moon hangs in the sky, and sea and heaven stretch wide.

In the blink of an eye, the day of celebration arrived. Early in the morning, Wang Ziteng and various other relatives sent over opera troupes, and a stage was set up in front of Grandmother Jia’s main hall. The men of the household wore official robes and entertained the guests, and more than a dozen tables of wine were set outside. In the inner quarters, because it was a new opera, Grandmother Jia was delighted. A glass screen was used to partition the rear hall, and the women also had a banquet laid out.

Aunt Xue had one table, with Lady Wang and Baoqin keeping her company. Grandmother Jia had another, accompanied by Lady Xing and Xing Xiuyan. Two tables below were still empty. After a while, Wang Xifeng came over with a crowd of maids, escorting Daiyu. Daiyu had changed into beautiful new clothes. She looked like Chang’e descended to the mortal world, and she met everyone with a shy smile. Xiangyun, Li Wen, and Li Wan asked her to take the seat of honor, but Daiyu refused.

Grandmother Jia said, “Today you sit here.” Aunt Xue rose and asked, “What happy occasion is there for Miss Lin today?”

Grandmother Jia smiled. “Today is her birthday.”

Aunt Xue said, “Oh dear, I had forgotten. In a little while I will have Baoqin come and wish the young lady a happy birthday.” Daiyu quickly said she did not deserve it. Everyone took their seats.

Daiyu looked around and did not see Xue Baochai. She asked, “Is Sister Baochai well? Why has she not come?”

Aunt Xue replied, “She ought to have come, but there is no one at home to watch the house, so she did not.”

Daiyu blushed slightly and smiled. “Your household has gained a sister-in-law now. Why would Sister Baochai be needed to watch the house? I suppose she finds the crowd too noisy and did not feel like coming. I have missed her quite a bit.”

Aunt Xue smiled. “It is rare that you remember her. She often thinks of you all too. Another day I will have her come and visit.”

Maids poured wine and served dishes, and outside the opera began. The first one or two pieces were auspicious and festive. In the third piece, golden boys and jade girls came onstage holding banners, and then a female role appeared in rainbow robes and feather garments, her head covered with black gauze. After singing, she withdrew. No one was familiar with it, and they heard people outside explain: this was a newly arranged scene called “Ascension in the Netherworld” from The Tale of the Ruby Pearl. It portrayed Chang’e, who in a former life had fallen into the mortal world and nearly married, but was converted by Guanyin. She died before marrying and now ascended back to the Moon Palace. The lyrics went: “The world only says romance is sweet, but who knows how easily spring flowers and autumn moons are cast aside? I had almost forgotten the Guanghan Palace!”

The fourth piece was “Eating Chaff,” and the fifth was “Bodhidharma Crossing the River.” The stage setting was like a mirage, and the spectacle was very lively.

Everyone was watching happily when a servant from the Xue household rushed in, covered in sweat, and found Xue Ke. “Second Master, come home quickly! Please ask the mistress to return at once too. Something terrible has happened at home!”

Xue Ke asked what had happened, but the servant would only say that they should talk at home. Xue Ke hurried off without even taking leave. Word was sent inside to Aunt Xue. She turned pale with fright and immediately took Baoqin, made brief farewells, and rode home in a carriage. Everyone in the Jia household, inside and out, was greatly shocked.

Grandmother Jia ordered, “Send someone along to find out what has happened. We are all very concerned.” A servant answered and went to carry out the order.

The Jia household continued the opera as before. Meanwhile, when Aunt Xue arrived home, she saw bailiffs standing at the second gate, accompanied by clerks from the pawnshop. They said, “When the mistress returns, there will naturally be an explanation.” When the bailiffs saw a crowd of serving women escorting the old lady and knew she was Xue Pan’s mother, they did not dare be insolent. They stood with their hands at their sides and let her pass.

Aunt Xue had just reached the back of the hall when she heard Jin’gui wailing loudly. Baochai came out to meet her, her face covered with tear stains. “Mother, first steady your heart. The important thing now is to deal with the matter.”

The servants on the road had already given a rough account. Aunt Xue trembled all over with fear and asked through her tears, “Who exactly did he get into this disaster with?”

A servant replied, “Mistress, there is no need to ask in detail about the cause just yet. However it happened, a man was beaten to death, and by law a life must be paid for. We must quickly think of a way.”

Aunt Xue wept. “What way can there be?”

A servant suggested, “In our opinion, prepare silver tonight, and have the Second Master hurry to see the Elder Master, Xue Pan. Hire a local legal expert skilled in the law and spend heavily to try first to avoid the death penalty. After that, ask the Jia household to put in a good word with the local authorities. As for the bailiffs at the gate, give them some silver first so that things can be done more conveniently.”

Aunt Xue said, “Find the dead man’s family. Give them generous funeral and compensation money. If the plaintiff stops pursuing the case, then the matter can be softened.”

From behind the curtain, Baochai spoke up to dissuade her: “Mother, absolutely not. In a case involving human life, the more money you give, the more the other side will cling to you and keep demanding more. The method the servants just suggested is safer.”

Aunt Xue broke down and cried, “I do not want to live either! I want to go and see him once, and then I might as well die with him.” Baochai quickly comforted her and hurriedly told Xue Ke to act according to the plan. Maids helped Aunt Xue sit down. Just as Xue Ke was about to leave, Baochai instructed him, “Send word back as soon as you have any news. Do your best to manage things out there.” Xue Ke agreed and left.

While Baochai was comforting her mother, Xia Jingui seized the opportunity to make a scene at Xiangling. “In the past you people always bragged that even if someone in the family killed somebody, it would be nothing, and you could still come to the capital and live well. Now a real death has happened! Usually you rely on your money and your backing, but now look at you all in a panic. If the Elder Master is sentenced to death and cannot come back, every one of you will run off and save yourselves, leaving me alone to suffer!” Then she burst into loud crying.

When Aunt Xue heard this, she was so angry she nearly fainted, and Baochai was at a loss. In the midst of the confusion, Lady Wang’s senior maid arrived to ask for news. Baochai knew in her heart that there was already an understanding of marriage between herself and the Jia family, but it had not yet been formally settled. Now that the situation was urgent, she could only say to the maid, “The details are still unclear. We have only heard that my brother killed a man outside and has been arrested by the authorities. The charge has not yet been fixed. Xue Ke has just gone to find out. In a day or two, when we have definite news, we will send word back to the household at once. Please go back and thank Lady Wang for her concern. There will be many places later where we must rely on the gentlemen of the Jia family to exert their strength.” The maid took her leave and returned. Aunt Xue and Baochai stayed at home, frantic and without any idea of what to do.

Two days later, a young servant from the Xue household brought back a letter. A maid handed it in, and Baochai opened it and read. The letter said:

Brother’s injury to the man was an accidental mishandling, not intentional murder. Today I submitted a petition in Xue Ke’s name, but the authorities have not yet replied. Brother’s earlier testimony was very unfavorable. Once the petition is approved and the case is heard again, if he can retract his confession, there may be a chance for his life. Please quickly take another five hundred taels of silver from the pawnshop and bring it to use for bribes. Do not delay on any account. Please set Mother’s mind at ease. For the rest of the details, ask the servant who brought the letter.

Baochai read the letter aloud to Aunt Xue word by word. Aunt Xue wiped her tears. “From this, it seems his life or death is still uncertain.”

Baochai said, “Mother, do not grieve too much. Call the servant in and let him tell us the details.”

The servant was called into the room. Aunt Xue instructed, “Tell us carefully the whole story of what happened to the Elder Master, from beginning to end.”

The servant said, “That night I heard the Elder Master and the Second Master talking, and I was so frightened that my wits were scattered.”

Just what inside story the servant revealed—please read the next chapter.