Jia Yuanchun Is Chosen for the Phoenix Algae Palace; Qin Jingqing Departs Prematurely for the Yellow Springs

Now that the outer study had been finished, Baoyu agreed with Qin Zhong to read there at night. Unfortunately, Qin Zhong was naturally delicate; he had caught a chill in the countryside, and with his clandestine meetings with Zhineng, he had not taken proper care of himself. Upon returning, he fell ill with a cough and a cold, lost his appetite, and grew so weak that he dared not go out and could only rest at home. Baoyu's enthusiasm was dampened, but he had no choice but to wait until Qin Zhong recovered.

Xifeng, meanwhile, had received the reply from Yun Guang—all was settled. The old nun informed the Zhang family, and the garrison commander indeed swallowed his pride and returned the betrothal gifts. But although Jinge's parents loved power and money, they had raised a daughter who understood honour and constancy. When Jinge heard that her parents had called off the engagement, she secretly hanged herself with a rope. When the commander's son heard that Jinge had died, he too, being a passionate young man, drowned himself in the river, not wishing to be outdone in loyalty. Both families lost face—and the Zhangs lost both their daughter and their money. Xifeng, however, pocketed three thousand taels of silver without anyone—not even Lady Wang—knowing a thing. From then on, she grew bolder and, whenever such opportunities arose, acted with increasing arbitrariness. But we need not dwell on that.

One day, on Jia Zheng's birthday, the whole household of the Ning and Rong mansions had gathered to celebrate in great festivity. Suddenly the gatekeeper rushed in and announced, "Eunuch Xia, the Grand Chamberlain of the Six Palaces, has arrived with an imperial decree." Jia She, Jia Zheng, and the others were alarmed, not knowing what news it might be. They hastily stopped the play, removed the wine, set up an incense table, opened the main gate, and knelt to receive the decree. Presently Xia Shouzhong, the Grand Chamberlain, arrived on horseback, surrounded by many eunuchs. He did not carry an imperial edict or scroll, but dismounted before the hall, beaming, and stood facing south, saying, "A special decree: Jia Zheng is to attend His Majesty immediately at the Linjing Hall." Having delivered his message, he mounted and rode off without even staying for tea. Jia She and the others, not knowing whether it was good or ill, hurriedly changed into court robes and went to the palace.

The Dowager and the whole household were in a state of anxious suspense, sending riders back and forth for news. After about two hours, Lai Da and three or four other stewards came running breathlessly through the ceremonial gate to announce the good news, saying, "By the master's orders, quickly invite the Dowager and the ladies to enter the palace to give thanks." The Dowager, who had been standing anxiously under the main hall's portico with Lady Xing, Lady Wang, You Shi, Li Wan, Xifeng, the Yingchun sisters, and Aunt Xue, called Lai Da in and questioned him closely. Lai Da reported, "We servants waited outside the Linjing Gate and knew nothing of what passed within. But Eunuch Xia came out to congratulate us, saying that our eldest young lady has been appointed Minister of the Phoenix Algae Palace and ennobled as Virtuous and Worthy Consort. Later the master came out and gave us the same order. He has now gone to the Eastern Palace, and bids the Dowager and the ladies go to the palace to offer thanks." At this, the Dowager and the others were greatly relieved and full of joy. They all dressed in their finest court robes according to rank. The Dowager, with Lady Xing, Lady Wang, and You Shi, took four grand sedans to the palace. Jia She and Jia Zhen also changed into court dress and accompanied the Dowager's sedan with Jia Rong and Jia Qiang in attendance. High and low, throughout both mansions, all were jubilant, beaming with pride and laughter.

But it happened that Zhineng of the Water-Moon Convent had recently escaped to the city and come to Qin Zhong's house to see him. Her presence was discovered by Qin Ye, who drove her away and beat Qin Zhong soundly. The old man, in his rage, suffered an attack of his chronic illness and died within three or four days. Qin Zhong, already weak and unwell, now bore the marks of the beating as well. Grieving over his father's death and filled with remorse, he fell even more ill. Baoyu, deeply dejected, heard of Yuanchun's promotion but could not shake off his gloom. While the Dowager and others went through the formalities of thanks, returned home, received congratulations from relatives and friends, and both mansions buzzed with excitement, Baoyu alone seemed not to notice, as if it were nothing to him. Everyone remarked that he had grown more strange and detached than ever.

Fortunately, Jia Lian and Daiyu were on their way back. A messenger arrived ahead to say they would reach home the next day, and Baoyu's spirits lifted somewhat. On inquiry, he learned that Jia Yucun had also come to the capital for an audience, recommended several times by Prince Teng, and was now awaiting a post in the capital. Since he was of the same clan as Jia Lian and had once been Daiyu's tutor, they had travelled together. Lin Ruhai had been buried in the ancestral grave, and all affairs settled, so Jia Lian had set out for the capital. He would not have arrived until next month, but on hearing the good news of Yuanchun's promotion, he had hastened day and night and come safely. Baoyu only asked whether Daiyu was well, and cared about nothing else.

He eagerly waited until the next afternoon, when word came: "Second Master Lian and Miss Lin have arrived at the mansion." Their meeting brought both joy and sorrow, and they wept together before exchanging congratulations. Baoyu observed Daiyu and found her even more ethereal and refined than before. Daiyu had brought many books with her; she busied herself cleaning her room and arranging her belongings, and distributed paper, brushes, and other gifts to Baochai, Yingchun, Baoyu, and the others. Baoyu then took out the string of "brotherly love" incense beads given him by the Prince of Beijing, and offered them to Daiyu. She said, "What foul man's hands have touched them? I don't want them." She threw them aside and would not take them. Baoyu had to put them away.

Now Jia Lian, having paid his respects to all, returned to his own room. Xifeng, who had been exceedingly busy of late with no time to rest, still found a moment to receive her husband after his long journey. With no outsiders present, she smiled and said, "Congratulations, my lord! You must be weary from your travels. I heard yesterday that you were coming home, so I prepared a little wine to welcome you—will you do me the honour?" Jia Lian laughed, "How dare I? I thank you, I thank you." Ping'er and the other maids paid their respects and served tea. Jia Lian asked about all that had happened at home and thanked Xifeng for her hard work. Xifeng said, "How could I manage all that? I have so little experience, such a clumsy tongue, and I'm too honest—I take every stick for a needle. I'm soft-hearted, and a few kind words make me melt. Besides, I've never handled big affairs, and I'm so timid—if the lady so much as frowns, I lose sleep. I begged to be excused, but she wouldn't hear of it—she said I was lazy and unwilling to learn. Little does she know I'm walking on eggshells. I dare not say a word out of turn, nor take a step amiss. You know what our housekeeper wives are like—not one of them is easy to deal with. If I make the least slip, they mock me; if I show favour, they complain. They have all the tricks—'sit on the hill and watch the tigers fight,' 'borrow a knife to kill,' 'fan the wind to spread the fire,' 'stand on the dry bank,' and 'let the oil bottle fall and not right it.' And I'm so young, I can't command respect—no wonder they don't take me seriously. What's more ridiculous is that when Rong'er's wife died in the other mansion, Cousin Zhen went on his knees to the lady, begging me to help out for a few days. I refused again and again, but the lady insisted, so I had to obey. In the end, I made a complete mess of it—everything was in chaos, and Cousin Zhen still complains and regrets it. Now that you're back, when you see him tomorrow, please speak well of me—say I'm young and inexperienced, and it was his own fault for entrusting things to me."

Just then voices were heard outside, and Xifeng asked who it was. Ping'er came in and said, "Aunt Xue sent Cousin Xiangling over to ask me something. I've answered and sent her back." Jia Lian laughed, "Ah, yes—when I went to see Aunt just now, I ran straight into a young married woman—a very pretty thing. I wondered who she was, and when I asked Aunt, it turned out to be that little maid they bought before coming to the capital, the one called Xiangling. She's been made a concubine, and she looks even more beautiful now. It's a shame for that great fool Xue Pan to have her." Xifeng said, "Oh! After a trip to Suzhou and Hangzhou, you'd think you'd have seen the world—but you still have such wandering eyes. If you like her, it's no trouble—I'll exchange Ping'er for her, how about that? That Xue Pan is always 'eyeing the pot while eating from the bowl.' All this past year he's made a great fuss with Aunt over wanting Xiangling. It's not just her looks—her manners are quite different from other girls; she's gentle and quiet, even better than some young ladies of good families. So Aunt went to the trouble of a proper banquet to make her a concubine. But within half a month, he treats her like a piece of furniture—I feel sorry for her." Before she finished, a page at the second gate announced, "The master is waiting for you in the large study, Second Master." Jia Lian quickly straightened his clothes and went out.

Xifeng then asked Ping'er, "What did Aunt really want, sending Xiangling over in such a hurry?" Ping'er laughed, "It wasn't really Xiangling—I made that up. Let me tell you, Wang'er's wife has lost all sense. She chose this moment, when Second Master is at home, to bring the interest money. Luckily I met her in the hall; otherwise she would have come straight to you. If Second Master asked what interest it was, you'd have to tell him the truth, and you know his temper—he'd fish money out of a frying pan to spend it. If he knew you had this private stash, he'd squander it without a second thought. So I took it and scolded her a little, but you happened to hear and asked, so I had to say Xiangling had come." Xifeng laughed, "I thought so—why would Aunt send a concubine over just when your husband arrived? So it was you, you little minx, up to your tricks."

While they were talking, Jia Lian returned. Xifeng ordered wine and food to be served, and they sat facing each other. Though Xifeng could drink, she did not dare indulge, but only kept him company. Presently Jia Lian's old wet-nurse, Nanny Zhao, came in. They pressed her to drink and invited her onto the kang, but she refused. Ping'er and the others set a low stool and a footrest for her, and she sat on the footrest. Jia Lian picked a couple of dishes from the table and put them on her stool for her to eat. Xifeng said, "Nanny, that's too tough for you—don't break your teeth." She told Ping'er, "That ham and stewed knuckle I mentioned this morning is very tender—why didn't you have it heated up for her?" Then she said, "Nanny, try some of the Huiquan wine your son brought." Nanny Zhao said, "I'll have a little—you have a cup too, nothing to fear, just don't overdo it. I didn't come just to drink, but for a serious matter. Please, mistress, remember it and be kind to me. Our young master here is all talk—when it comes to action, he forgets us. I've nursed him since he was a baby—I'm old now, and I have two sons. If you would look after them a little, no one would dare say a word. I've asked you several times, and you always promise, but it's still empty talk. Now that this great happy event has come from heaven, there'll be work for everyone—so it's best to speak to you, mistress. If I relied on our master here, I'd starve to death."

Xifeng smiled, "Don't worry, Nanny. Leave both your milk-sons to me. You nursed him from childhood—you know his temper. He throws his care to strangers rather than his own kin. But your own sons are here—who could say a word against your looking after them? It would be a waste to favour outsiders. Though I may be wrong—we see them as 'outsiders,' but you might see them as 'insiders'!" Everyone in the room laughed, and Nanny Zhao laughed too, and said, "Buddha be praised—a clear sky has appeared! As for 'insiders' and 'outsiders,' our master has no such foolishness—he's just soft-hearted and can't refuse a plea." Xifeng laughed, "Indeed, it's only with 'insiders' that he's soft; with us womenfolk, he's as hard as iron!" Nanny Zhao laughed, "You've put it so well, mistress—it's made me merry. I'll have another cup. Now that you're in charge, I've nothing to worry about."

Jia Lian, somewhat embarrassed, smiled sheepishly and said, "Nonsense—bring me some rice. I have to go over to Cousin Zhen's to discuss matters." Xifeng asked, "Don't neglect your business. What did your father want just now?" Jia Lian said, "It was about the Imperial Visit." Xifeng asked eagerly, "Has it really been approved?" Jia Lian smiled, "Not completely, but eight or nine parts certain." Xifeng laughed, "What boundless favour from His Majesty! I've never heard of such a thing in all the stories and plays." Nanny Zhao chimed in, "Indeed—I'm old and muddled. I've heard all this talk for days about 'provincial visits' and didn't pay attention. Now they speak of it again—what does it all mean?" Jia Lian said, "His Majesty, in his infinite compassion, considers that filial piety is the greatest virtue under heaven, and that the bond between parents and children is the same for all, high or low. Though he serves the Emperor and Empress Dowager day and night, he still feels he cannot fully show his filial devotion. He thought of the palace ladies who have been away from their parents for years—how could they not long for them? It is natural for children to miss their parents, and the parents at home, thinking of their daughters without being able to see them, might fall ill or even die from grief—which would be a great injury to harmony. So he petitioned the Emperor and Empress Dowager, and it was decreed that on every second and sixth day of the month, the families of the consorts may enter the palace to visit. The Emperor and Empress Dowager were greatly pleased, praised His Majesty's perfect filial piety and benevolence, and then further decreed that, since court etiquette made such visits formal and mother and daughter could not speak freely, a greater grace should be extended: any family with a separate mansion or garden suitable for the imperial retinue might petition to receive His Majesty's carriage into their private residence, so that they might show their family affection without restraint. When this decree was issued, who was not moved to gratitude? The father of Consort Zhou has already begun construction on a provincial palace, and the father of Consort Wu has gone outside the city to select a site. So isn't it eight or nine parts certain?"

Nanny Zhao said, "Buddha be praised! So that's it. Then our house will also prepare to receive our eldest young lady?" Jia Lian said, "Need you ask? What else would all this bustle be about?" Xifeng laughed, "If it comes to that, I'll see a grand spectacle at last. It's a pity I was born a few years too late—if I had been born twenty or thirty years earlier, the elders wouldn't have to pity my ignorance. The stories of the founding Emperor's tours in the manner of Emperor Shun are more exciting than any book, but I wasn't lucky enough to see them." Nanny Zhao said, "Oh my! That was a once-in-a-lifetime event! I was just old enough to remember—our Jia mansion was in charge of building sea-going ships and repairing seawalls in Suzhou and Yangzhou. To prepare for one imperial visit, we spent silver like water! And I could go on..." Xifeng cut in, "Our Wang household also prepared once. My grandfather was in charge of receiving tributary envoys from all nations—we housed all foreigners who came. All the foreign goods from Guangdong, Fujian, Yunnan, and Zhejiang came through our family."

Nanny Zhao said, "Who doesn't know that? There's even a rhyme now: 'The Eastern Sea lacks a white-jade bed; the Dragon King calls on the King of Jiangnan'—that's your family. And then there's the Zhen family in Jiangnan—oh, what splendour! They received the imperial visit four times. If we hadn't seen it with our own eyes, no one would believe it. Forget silver—everything on earth was piled up like mountains. They didn't even mind wasting anything." Xifeng said, "I often heard our elders say the same—of course I believe it. But I've always wondered how they got so rich." Nanny Zhao said, "Let me tell you, mistress—they used the Emperor's silver on the Emperor himself! Who would spend their own money on such empty display?"

While they chatted, Lady Wang sent someone to see if Xifeng had eaten. Xifeng knew she was needed, so she hurriedly ate half a bowl of rice, rinsed her mouth, and was about to leave when the pages at the second gate announced, "Young Masters Rong and Qiang from the east mansion are here." Jia Lian had just rinsed his mouth, and Ping'er was holding a basin for him to wash his hands. He said, "What is it? Speak quickly." Xifeng paused to hear. Jia Rong reported first, "Father sent me to tell Uncle: the senior masters have decided to join the eastern side, starting from the east mansion's garden and turning north. The whole area measures three and a half li, and is suitable for building the Provincial Palace. They've sent for plans, which should be ready tomorrow. Uncle has just returned and must be tired—you need not come over tonight; if there's anything, we can talk tomorrow morning." Jia Lian smiled, "Thank your father for his thoughtfulness—I won't go over. That plan is the most convenient and easiest to build; if we chose another site, it would be more trouble and less proper. Tell him it's excellent. If the masters want any changes, I beg your father to dissuade them—we must not look elsewhere. I'll come early tomorrow to pay my respects and discuss details." Jia Rong agreed.

Jia Qiang then stepped forward, "For going to Suzhou to hire instructors, purchase young actresses, and procure instruments and costumes—my lord has assigned me, together with the two sons of Steward Lai, and the two literary gentlemen Shan Pinren and Bu Guxiu, to go. He sent me to report to you." Jia Lian looked Jia Qiang over and smiled, "Can you handle this? It's not a huge matter, but there are many opportunities for graft." Jia Qiang smiled, "I'll just do my best to learn."

Jia Rong, by the lamplight, quietly tugged Xifeng's sleeve. She understood and said, "You worry too much—does Cousin Zhen know less about people than we do? And why fear he's not up to it? Who is born knowing everything? The children have grown up—'they may not have eaten pork, but they've seen pigs run.' Cousin Zhen sent him more as a figurehead—do you think he'll actually bargain like a broker? I say it's fine." Jia Lian said, "Of course. I'm not objecting—I'm just reckoning the costs." He asked, "Which funds will cover this?" Jia Qiang said, "We discussed that too. Old Lai said we needn't bring silver from the capital—the Zhen family in Jiangnan is holding fifty thousand taels of ours. We'll take a letter of credit and draw thirty thousand first, leaving twenty thousand for later, for the floral candles, lanterns, curtains, and hangings." Jia Lian nodded, "Good idea."

Xifeng said to Jia Qiang, "In that case, I have two capable and reliable men—take them with you; it'll be to your advantage." Jia Qiang smiled, "I was just going to ask Aunt for some men—how convenient!" He asked their names. Xifeng turned to Nanny Zhao, who had been listening open-mouthed. Ping'er nudged her, and she came to, saying, "One is Zhao Tianliang, the other Zhao Tiandong." Xifeng said, "Don't forget. I'm off to my duties." She left. Jia Rong saw her out and whispered, "Aunt, if you want anything, just send me a list for Cousin Qiang to buy." Xifeng laughed, "Don't talk nonsense—I've more things than I can use. I don't need your sneaky gifts." With that she went off.

Jia Qiang also asked Jia Lian quietly, "Is there anything you'd like? I can have it made and send it to you." Jia Lian laughed, "Don't get ahead of yourself. You've just begun to learn official business, and already you're playing these tricks. If I need anything, I'll write to you—don't worry about it now." He sent them off. Then more reports came in, three or four times, until Jia Lian was tired and ordered the second gate to refuse all further business till morning. Xifeng did not come to rest until the third watch, and the night passed quietly.

Early next morning, Jia Lian rose, called on Jia She and Jia Zheng, and went to the Ning Mansion to meet with the senior stewards and a few old family retainers, surveying the grounds and planning the Provincial Palace, while assigning tasks. From then on, craftsmen of all trades gathered; gold, silver, bronze, tin, timber, earth, bricks, and tiles were transported without cease. The garden wall and pavilions of the Ning Mansion's Huifang Garden were demolished to connect with the eastern courtyard of the Rong Mansion, and the row of servants' quarters on the east side of the Rong Mansion was all pulled down. Although a small lane had separated the two mansions, it was private land, not a public road, so it could be incorporated. Huifang Garden already had a living stream brought in from the northeast corner, so no new watercourse was needed. The rockeries and trees, though insufficient, could be supplemented from the old garden attached to Jia She's quarters, which had bamboo, rocks, pavilions, and balustrades that could be moved. Since the two sites were adjacent, much expense was saved; any shortfall could be made up with a few additions. The entire design and construction were entrusted to an old master planner nicknamed "Shanziye."

Jia Zheng, unaccustomed to practical affairs, left the arrangements to Jia She, Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, Lai Da, Lai Sheng, Lin Zhixiao, Wu Xindeng, Zhan Guang, Cheng Rixing, and others. For building hills, digging ponds, erecting towers and pavilions, planting bamboos and flowers, and all scenic embellishments, Shanziye drew the plans. When Jia Zheng had free time from court, he would inspect the works and confer with Jia She and the others on important points. Jia She stayed mostly at home, and for minor matters Jia Zhen would either report directly to him or send Jia Lian or Lai Da. Jia Rong was put in charge of the gold and silver vessels. Jia Qiang had already left for Suzhou. Jia Zhen, Lai Da, and others assigned labour, kept accounts, and supervised works—too much to record, but a scene of bustling activity. We shall leave that for now.

Now Baoyu, with this great undertaking at home, had the relief that Jia Zheng did not trouble him about his lessons—but Qin Zhong's health grew worse each day, and Baoyu could not set his mind at ease. One morning, having just washed and dressed and about to ask the Dowager's leave to visit Qin Zhong, he saw Mingyan loitering by the screen at the second gate. Baoyu went out and asked, "What is it?" Mingyan said, "Mr. Qin is dying!" Baoyu started, "I saw him only yesterday, and he was still clear-headed—how can he be dying?" Mingyan said, "I don't know—his old servant came specially to tell me." Baoyu turned and informed the Dowager. She ordered, "Send reliable attendants with you. Show your school-friend's affection and come straight back—don't delay." Baoyu hurriedly changed, but the carriage was not ready; he paced about the hall in agitation. When it arrived, he mounted at once, with Li Gui, Mingyan, and others attending. At Qin Zhong's house, no one was about; they crowded into the inner room, startling Qin Zhong's two distant aunts and several cousins, who could not get out of the way.

By now Qin Zhong had lost consciousness two or three times, and his bed had been moved. Baoyu could not help weeping aloud. Li Gui urged, "Don't—Mr. Qin is weak, and it may be that lying on the kang is uncomfortable, so he's been moved to a softer spot. If you cry, it will only worsen his condition." Baoyu held back and approached. Qin Zhong's face was like wax; his eyes were closed, breathing on the pillow. Baoyu called, "Brother Jing! Baoyu is here." He called two or three times, but Qin Zhong gave no sign. Baoyu called again, "Baoyu is here."

Qin Zhong's soul had long since left his body, and only a faint breath remained. He saw many ghostly officers with warrants and chains coming to arrest him. His soul refused to go, thinking of his family's affairs with no one to manage them, of the three or four thousand taels of silver his father had left, and of Zhineng, whose fate was unknown. He begged the ghostly officers repeatedly. But they would not bend the rules, and scolded him, "For a scholar, you should know the saying: 'If the King of Hell summons you at the third watch, who dares keep you till the fifth?' We in the underworld are just and impartial—unlike your world, where favours and feelings get in the way."

As they argued, Qin Zhong's soul heard the words "Baoyu is here" and pleaded again, "Gentlemen, have a little mercy—let me go back and say one word to this good friend, and then I'll come." The ghosts said, "What good friend?" Qin Zhong said, "To be frank, he is the grandson of the Duke of Rongguo, and his childhood name is Baoyu." The Chief Judge, hearing this, grew flustered and scolded his minions, "I told you to let him go back—you wouldn't listen. Now he has brought in a man of prosperous fortune, and see what happens!" The ghosts, seeing their chief so alarmed, were thrown into confusion, muttering, "You were all thunder and lightning just now—it seems the very name 'Baoyu' frightens you. In our humble opinion, he's of the yang world and we're yin—what have we to fear from him?" The Chief Judge said, "Nonsense! As the saying goes, 'Officials rule all under heaven.' Since ancient times, the way of men and ghosts is the same—the principles of yin and yang are not different. Whether yin or yang, it's safest to let him go back." So they released Qin Zhong's soul. He groaned, opened his eyes faintly, saw Baoyu beside him, and sighed, "Why didn't you come sooner? One step later and I'd never have seen you." Baoyu took his hand, tears falling, and said, "Leave me some words." Qin Zhong said, "I have no other words. I used to think my views were above the vulgar world, but today I know I was wrong. You should in future set your mind on fame and office, and seek honour and advancement." With a long sigh, he quietly passed away.