Lin Daiyu Burns Her Manuscripts and Severs Her Foolish Love; Xue Baochai Leaves Her Maiden Chamber to Complete the Great Rite

Now to return to Daiyu. When she reached the gate of Xiaoxiang Lodge, a single sentence from Zijuan had touched her heart, and she spat out a great mouthful of blood on the spot, nearly fainting. Fortunately Qiuwen was also beside her, and the two of them together supported Daiyu back into the room. After Qiuwen left, only Zijuan and Xueyan remained to watch over her. After a while Daiyu slowly revived. Seeing the two maids weeping, she asked, “What are you crying for, watching over me?”

Zijuan saw that her speech was coherent and felt a little relieved. She said, “You had just come back from the Old Ancestor’s rooms, young mistress, and you were very unwell. We were so frightened we did not know what to do, and so we cried.”

Daiyu smiled. “How could I be about to die?”

No sooner had she said this than she began gasping violently again. The truth was that today Daiyu had heard the news that Baoyu was to marry Baochai. This had long been the hidden illness of her heart, and for a moment anxiety and anger had thrown her mind into confusion. But after she came back and spat blood, her mind actually cleared somewhat, and she could not remember what had just happened at all. Now, seeing Zijuan weep, she vaguely recalled what Silly Big Sister had said. At this moment she was no longer sorrowful. She only longed to die quickly and end this bond of love. Zijuan and Xueyan could only keep watch beside her. They wanted to report it to others, but feared that, as before, Xifeng would blame them for making a fuss over nothing.

Now to return to Qiuwen. After she went back, her expression was flustered. It happened that Grandmother Jia had just woken from her nap. Seeing Qiuwen like this, she asked what had happened. Qiuwen was frightened and hurriedly reported exactly what she had just seen. Grandmother Jia was greatly shocked. “This is terrible!” She at once sent for Lady Wang and Xifeng and told them what had happened. Xifeng said, “I clearly gave strict instructions. Who leaked the news? Now the matter is even harder to handle.”

Grandmother Jia said, “Do not trouble now about who told. Go quickly and see how she is.” With that, she rose and, taking Lady Wang, Xifeng, and the others, went to Xiaoxiang Lodge. They saw that Daiyu’s face was deathly pale, without a trace of color. Her spirit was languid, her breath faint. After a while she coughed violently. The maid held out the spittoon, and what she brought up was all blood-streaked phlegm. Everyone panicked. Daiyu opened her eyes slightly and, seeing Grandmother Jia beside her, gasped, “Old Ancestor, you have loved me in vain.”

Grandmother Jia felt bitterly grieved and comforted her. “Good child, rest well and do not be afraid.” Daiyu smiled faintly and closed her eyes again. A maid came in and reported to Xifeng that the doctor had arrived. Everyone withdrew a little. Dr. Wang came in with Jia Lian and took her pulse. He said, “For the moment there is no danger to life. This is stagnated anger injuring the liver. The liver cannot hold the blood, and so her spirit is confused. Now we must use medicine to gather the yin and stop the bleeding. Only then is there hope of improvement.” After saying this, Dr. Wang went out with Jia Lian to write the prescription and have the medicine prepared.

Grandmother Jia saw that Daiyu’s spirit was very weak. She went out and said to Xifeng and the others, “Looking at the child, I am not deliberately saying unlucky things, but I fear she will hardly recover. You should also prepare her funeral affairs in advance, as a way to ward off disaster. If by chance she recovers, everyone will be relieved. Even if something truly happens, we will not be caught in confusion at the last moment. Our household is busy these days with Baoyu’s marriage.”

Xifeng nodded and agreed. Grandmother Jia questioned Zijuan again, but could not discover who had leaked the news. Grandmother Jia was very depressed. She said, “It is normal for children who have grown up together to be fond of one another. When they grow up and understand matters, boys and girls should keep proper distance. That is a girl’s proper duty, and only then would I truly love her. If she has other thoughts in her heart, what sort of behavior is that? I have loved her all for nothing. Hearing you say this, I am instead more uneasy.” When she returned to her own rooms, she called Xiren to question her. Xiren told her again what she had said to Lady Wang a few days earlier and described Daiyu’s condition just now. Grandmother Jia said, “Just now I saw that her mind was still relatively clear. I truly cannot understand this. In a family like ours, other faults can be forgiven, but this illness of the heart is absolutely not allowed. If the Lin girl were only physically ill, I would spend any amount of money. If she has this illness of the heart, not only can it not be cured, but I have no way to help her either.”

Xifeng said, “Old Ancestor, do not worry too much about Cousin Lin. Second Master Lian is with the doctor every day, seeing to her treatment. What is important now is the marriage on Aunt Xue’s side. This morning I heard the new rooms are almost ready. It would be well for you and the mistress to go to Aunt Xue’s, and I will go with you to discuss it. There is only one difficulty: Miss Bao is in Aunt Xue’s house, and it is not convenient to talk of these things in front of her. Better to invite Aunt Xue over tonight, and we can settle everything in one night. Then it will go smoothly.”

Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang both said, “You are right. It is already late today. Tomorrow after lunch we will go over.” After saying this, Grandmother Jia ate dinner. Xifeng and Lady Wang each returned to their rooms. Of this we need not speak for now.

The next morning, Xifeng ate breakfast and came over, intending to test Baoyu. She went into the inner room and said, “Brother Bao, great joy! The master has chosen an auspicious day and wants to arrange your marriage. Are you happy?”

When Baoyu heard this, he only looked at Xifeng and smiled, nodding slightly. Xifeng smiled and asked again, “Would it be good to marry Cousin Lin to you?” Baoyu at once burst into happy laughter. Xifeng could not tell whether he was clear-headed or confused. She went on, “The master says that when you are well, he will marry Cousin Lin to you. If you are still foolish and mad like this, he will not give her to you.”

Baoyu suddenly looked serious. “I am not foolish. You are the foolish one.” He rose. “I want to go see Cousin Lin and set her mind at ease.”

Xifeng quickly held him back. “Cousin Lin knew of this long ago. She is about to become a bride, so naturally she is shy and will not see you.”

Baoyu asked, “After she is married in, will she see me or not?”

Xifeng was both amused and worried. She thought to herself: Xiren was exactly right. At the mention of Cousin Lin, though he still speaks madly, he is a little clearer than usual. If he fully understands and discovers at the wedding that the bride is not Daiyu, and the trick is exposed, then there will be great trouble. Holding back her laughter, she said, “If you are calm and steady, she will see you. If you are wild and mad, she will not.”

Baoyu said, “I have a heart. A few days ago I already gave it to Cousin Lin. When she marries over, she must bring my heart back and put it back in my belly.”

Xifeng heard him speaking pure madness. She went out and smiled bitterly to Grandmother Jia. When Grandmother Jia heard these words, she was both amused and pained. She said, “I heard it all. For now, do not mind him. Tell Xiren to comfort him well. Let us go.”

Before long Lady Wang also came. The party went together to Aunt Xue’s house, saying only that they had been thinking of the Xue family and had come to visit. Aunt Xue was very grateful and spoke with them about Xue Pan’s lawsuit. After tea, Aunt Xue was about to send for Baochai, but Xifeng quickly stopped her. “Auntie, there is no need to call Miss Bao over.” With a smile she said to Aunt Xue, “The Old Ancestor came today first to visit you, and second because there is a very important matter. She would like you to come to the Jia household to discuss it.”

Aunt Xue heard this and nodded. “I understand.” They chatted a little more and then returned together.

That evening Aunt Xue indeed came to the Jia household. After paying her respects to Grandmother Jia, she went to Lady Wang’s rooms. Inevitably they spoke of Wang Ziteng’s death, and everyone wept. Aunt Xue asked, “Just now when I was at the Old Ancestor’s, I saw Brother Bao come to pay his respects. He looked well enough, only a little thinner. Why do you say he is so gravely ill?”

Xifeng said, “In truth it is not especially severe. It is only that the Old Ancestor keeps thinking of him. Now the master is about to take up a post far away, and no one knows how many years before he returns. The Old Ancestor’s first thought is to let the master see Baoyu married and set his mind at ease. The second is to drive away Baoyu’s ill fortune and, by means of Miss Bao’s golden locket, dispel the evil influence. Perhaps then his illness will be cured.”

Aunt Xue was willing in her heart, but she pitied Baochai for being wronged. She said, “This matter can be agreed to, but we must still consider it carefully.” Lady Wang, following the explanation Xifeng had prepared in advance, said to Aunt Xue, “Auntie, your household is short-handed now. Baochai’s dowry can be dispensed with entirely. Tomorrow send Xue Ke to the prison to tell Xue Pan. While the wedding is held here, we will also find a way to manage his lawsuit.” She did not mention at all that Baoyu’s heart was set on Daiyu. She went on, “Auntie, once the marriage is done, if Baoyu recovers a day earlier, everyone will be at ease a day earlier.”

As she was speaking, Grandmother Jia sent Yuanyang over to wait for news. Aunt Xue, though she pitied Baochai, had no other way. Seeing the situation before her, she could only agree. Yuanyang went back and reported to Grandmother Jia, who was delighted. She sent Yuanyang again to ask Aunt Xue to explain the true circumstances to Baochai so that she would not suffer in vain. Aunt Xue nodded. It was then agreed that Jia Lian and Xifeng would act as matchmakers. Everyone dispersed. Lady Wang and Aunt Xue, sisters, talked for most of the night.

The next day Aunt Xue returned home and told Baochai in detail everything that had been discussed at the Jia household, saying that she had agreed to the marriage. At first Baochai lowered her head and said nothing. Later she silently shed tears. Aunt Xue comforted and urged her in every way. Baochai returned to her own room, and Baoqin came to keep her company and distract her. Aunt Xue called Xue Ke and told him to set out the next day: “First, inquire about the progress of Xue Pan’s case. Second, tell your brother that your sister is to be married. When you have done this, come back at once.”

Four days after Xue Ke left, he returned and reported to Aunt Xue: “As for my brother’s case, the authorities have already determined it was accidental homicide. After one more hearing it will be reported to the court. The family must prepare silver for commutation. As for my sister’s marriage, my brother says it is good for Mother to decide. If it is done early, it will save much expense. Tell Mother not to wait for his return, but to do as she sees fit.” When Aunt Xue heard this, she was glad on the one hand that Xue Pan had a chance to leave prison, and on the other that Baochai’s marriage was settled. She felt much calmer. But seeing Baochai’s expression, she seemed not entirely willing. Aunt Xue thought: Even if she is unwilling in her heart, as a well-bred young lady she has always been filial and proper. Since I have agreed, she will not say much. So she instructed Xue Ke: “Prepare the gilt betrothal card, fill in Baochai’s birth date and hour, and send it to Second Master Lian. Ask him also the date for sending the betrothal gifts, so we can prepare. We will not inform relatives and friends of this matter. Your brother’s friends, as you said, are all unreliable. Among relatives, there are only the Jia and Wang families. The Wang family has no one in the capital now. When Miss Shi was betrothed, her family did not inform us, so we need not tell them. You may invite Zhang Dehui and ask him to help look after things. He is older and experienced and steady.” Xue Ke accepted the order and sent the betrothal card to the Jia household.

The next day Jia Lian came to the Xue household and paid his respects to Aunt Xue. He said, “Tomorrow is a first-rate auspicious day. I have come today to report to Auntie that tomorrow we will send the betrothal gifts. I only beg Auntie not to disdain the simplicity of the rites.” With that, he presented the marriage contract. Aunt Xue politely declined a few times, then nodded in agreement. Jia Lian hurried back and reported to Jia Zheng. Jia Zheng said, “Report to the Old Ancestor. Since no relatives or friends are to know, all rites should be as simple as possible. As for the betrothal gifts, it is enough if the Old Ancestor has seen them. There is no need to report to me again.” Jia Lian agreed. He went into the inner quarters and reported to Grandmother Jia.

Meanwhile Lady Wang called Xifeng and had all the prepared betrothal gifts sent over for Grandmother Jia to inspect. She also told Xiren to tell Baoyu the good news. After hearing it, Baoyu giggled. “The things are sent from here to the garden, and then sent back from the garden. We are all our own people, sending things back and forth. Why trouble ourselves?” Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang were delighted to hear this. “They all say he is confused. How is he so clear today?” Yuanyang and the others could hardly keep from laughing. They pointed out the gifts one by one to Grandmother Jia: “This is a gold necklet. There are eighty pieces of gold and pearl jewelry. Forty bolts of brocade with python patterns. One hundred and twenty bolts of silk and satin of various colors. One hundred and twenty suits of clothing for the four seasons. Outside, no sheep or wine have been prepared; this is silver in place of sheep and wine.” Grandmother Jia looked at all of it and said it was very good. She said quietly to Xifeng, “Tell Aunt Xue that these are only outward rites. In the future, when Xue Pan leaves prison, she can slowly prepare Baochai’s dowry. The bedding and covers for the wedding will be provided by our Jia household.” Xifeng agreed. She went out and told Jia Lian to return first to the Xue household. Then she called the stewards Zhou Rui and Wang’er and instructed them: “The betrothal gifts are not to go through the main gate. Send them through the old side gate formerly opened in Prospect Garden. I will come over afterward. That gate is far from Xiaoxiang Lodge. If any other servants see it, tell them absolutely not to mention the marriage in Xiaoxiang Lodge.” Everyone answered and carried the betrothal gifts to the Xue household. Baoyu believed it all and was very happy. His spirits improved a good deal, though his speech still had a foolish edge. The servants who delivered the gifts kept strict secrecy. Although most of the Jia household knew, because of Xifeng’s orders no one leaked a word.

Now to return to Daiyu. Although she kept taking medicine, her body grew worse day by day. Zijuan urged her bitterly: “Things have come to this point, and there are some things I must say plainly, young mistress. We all understand your heart. But those bad rumors are false and will not happen. Think, young mistress: Baoyu is so ill, how could he marry? Do not believe idle talk outside. You must rest and take care of yourself.” Daiyu smiled faintly and did not answer. Then she coughed violently and spat out a great pool of blood. Zijuan saw that her breath was faint and knew persuasion was useless. She could only weep beside her and report to Grandmother Jia three or four times a day. Yuanyang noticed that lately Grandmother Jia’s love for Daiyu was no longer what it had been, so she did not report often. Besides, Grandmother Jia’s whole mind was on Baoyu and Baochai’s marriage these days. When there was no news of Daiyu, she seldom asked, but only had the imperial physician come as before.

In the past, when Daiyu was ill, from Grandmother Jia down to the sisters, maids, and servants, many came to visit and ask after her. Now almost no one in the Jia household came. Only Zijuan stayed by her side. Daiyu knew in her heart that she would not live long. She forced herself to say to Zijuan, “Little sister, you are the one who knows my heart best. Though the Old Ancestor sent you to serve me these years, in my heart you are like my own little sister.” Here she gasped for breath again. Zijuan’s heart ached, and she wept so much she could not speak. After a long while Daiyu said, gasping, “Zijuan, little sister, lying down is very uncomfortable. Help me sit up and lean back for a while.”

Zijuan said, “You are weak, young mistress. If you sit up, I fear you will not be able to hold yourself.”

Daiyu closed her eyes and said no more. After a moment she struggled again to sit up. Zijuan had no choice but to help her up with Xueyan. They placed soft pillows on either side of her, and Zijuan leaned close beside her.

Daiyu could not sit steadily at all. Everything beneath her hurt. She summoned all her strength and called Xueyan. “Bring me my manuscript book.” Then she gasped again. Xueyan understood that she meant the poems she had sorted before. She brought them and placed them before Daiyu. Daiyu nodded. Her eyes then turned toward a chest nearby. Xueyan did not understand what she wanted and stood there blankly. Daiyu was so angry that her eyes opened wide. She coughed and spat another mouthful of blood. Xueyan quickly brought water. Daiyu rinsed her mouth and spat the bloody water into the basin. Zijuan wiped the corners of her mouth with a silk cloth. Daiyu held the cloth, pointed at the chest, and gasped so hard she could not speak. She closed her eyes. Zijuan urged, “Lie down and rest a while, young mistress.” Daiyu only shook her head. Zijuan guessed she wanted a handkerchief, so she told Xueyan to open the chest and take out an ordinary white silk handkerchief. Daiyu looked at it, threw it aside, and with all her strength said, “The one with writing.”

Only then did Zijuan understand. She wanted the old handkerchief on which Baoyu had written poems for her. She told Xueyan to fetch it and give it to Daiyu. Zijuan urged, “Rest well, young mistress. Do not tax your mind. Look at it when you are better.” Daiyu took the handkerchief and did not even look at the poems on it. She struggled to stretch out her hand and tear the handkerchief with all her strength, but she was too weak. Her hands trembled without stopping, and she could not tear it. Zijuan knew in her heart that Daiyu resented Baoyu, but she did not dare say so plainly. She could only urge, “Why anger yourself and harm your body, young mistress?” Daiyu nodded. She clutched the handkerchief in her hand and told Xueyan to light the lamp. Xueyan quickly lit the oil lamp.

Daiyu looked at the lamplight, closed her eyes, and sat for a while. After gasping for breath, she said, “Bring the brazier.” Zijuan thought she was cold and urged, “Lie down, young mistress. Another coverlet will do. The smoke from the charcoal may be too much for you.” Daiyu still shook her head. Xueyan had no choice but to bring the brazier and set it on a stand on the floor. Daiyu nodded, signaling for it to be moved onto the kang. Xueyan moved the brazier onto the kang and went out to fetch the small table for it. Daiyu forced herself up, and Zijuan could only hold her firmly with both hands. Daiyu picked up the old handkerchief, looked at the flame, nodded, and threw the handkerchief straight into the brazier. Zijuan was greatly shocked. She wanted to reach out and snatch it back, but did not dare let go of Daiyu. Xueyan had just gone out to fetch the table. The handkerchief quickly caught fire. Zijuan urged anxiously, “Young mistress, what are you doing?” Daiyu paid no attention. She reached out and picked up the manuscript book, glanced at it, and laid it by her hand. Zijuan feared she would burn the poems too. She pressed her body against Daiyu and, freeing one hand, tried to take them. But Daiyu had already seized the manuscript and thrown it into the brazier. Zijuan could not reach it and was frantic. Xueyan came in carrying the table. Seeing paper thrown into the fire, she did not know what it was. She reached out quickly to snatch it, but paper meets fire in an instant. It was too late. Soon only a few scraps remained. Xueyan, heedless of burning her hands, grabbed the remaining paper on the floor and stamped on it with her feet. Most of it had already burned to ash. Daiyu closed her eyes. Her body suddenly fell backward, nearly crushing Zijuan. Zijuan quickly called Xueyan, and the two of them laid Daiyu flat. Their hearts pounded. They wanted to call out loudly, but it was already late. If they did not call anyone, there were only themselves, Xueyan, and a few little maids, and they feared a sudden turn for the worse. Thus they struggled through the whole night.

The next morning Daiyu’s color was a little better. After eating, she suddenly coughed and spat blood again, and her condition worsened at once. Zijuan saw that it was grave. She told Xueyan and the others to stay and watch, while she went herself to report to Grandmother Jia. But when she reached Grandmother Jia’s courtyard, all was quiet. Only two or three old women and rough maids were watching the rooms. Zijuan asked, “Where has the Old Ancestor gone?” The servants all said they did not know. Zijuan was puzzled. She ran to Baoyu’s rooms, but they were empty too. She asked the maids there, and they also said they did not know. Zijuan understood roughly what was happening. She sighed inwardly: How can these people be so cold and heartless! Thinking that in these last days not one elder had come to visit Daiyu, the more she thought, the more grieved she became. A stifled anger rose in her heart. She turned and went out. She thought: Today I will go and see what Baoyu looks like! I will see how he answers me when he sees me! That year I only told one lie, and he was so frantic he fell gravely ill. Now he can calmly go through with a marriage! The hearts of men in this world are truly cold and hateful. As she thought and walked, she unconsciously reached Happy Red Court. The gate was half closed, and all was quiet inside. Zijuan suddenly thought: He is taking a bride, so they must have prepared new rooms. I wonder where the new rooms are.

As she lingered and looked around, she saw Moryu hurrying past. Zijuan called him. Moryu came over and asked with a smile, “What are you doing here, sister?” Zijuan said, “I heard Master Bao is to be married, so I came to join the fun. Why is he not here? And I do not know what day the wedding is.” Moryu lowered his voice. “I will tell you this, sister, but you must not tell Xueyan and the others. Those above gave strict orders to keep it even from you maids. The wedding is tonight. It is not in this courtyard. The master had Second Master Lian prepare other rooms.” Then he asked, “Do you have any other business, sister?” Zijuan said, “Nothing. Go on.” Moryu hurried away again. Zijuan stood blankly for a while. Suddenly she thought of Daiyu in Xiaoxiang Lodge, whose life hung in the balance. Tears streamed down her face. She ground her teeth and hated Baoyu in her heart: Baoyu, when Miss Lin is dead, even if you hide and do not see her, where can you hide? When you have happily finished your marriage, how will you have the face to meet anyone? Weeping, she walked slowly back to Xiaoxiang Lodge.

Before she reached the gate, she saw two little maids peeping out from inside. Seeing Zijuan, one called, “Sister Zijuan is back!” Zijuan knew something was wrong. She quickly waved her hand for them not to shout and hurried inside. She saw that Daiyu’s liver fire had risen, and both cheeks were flushed red. Zijuan was uneasy. She called Daiyu’s nurse, Nurse Wang. Nurse Wang came in, looked, and burst into loud weeping. Zijuan had hoped that the older Nurse Wang would take charge, but she was so flustered she had no idea what to do, which made Zijuan even more frantic. Suddenly she thought of someone and quickly told a little maid to go and invite her. Who was it? It was Li Wan. Li Wan was a widow. Since Baoyu was having a wedding, she should have avoided it. The affairs of Prospect Garden had always been in her charge.

Li Wan was in her room correcting Jia Lan’s essays when a maid ran in in a panic and reported, “Elder Mistress, Miss Lin is afraid she cannot last. Everyone in the room is crying.” Li Wan was greatly shocked. Without time to ask more, she rose at once and hurried over, with Suyun and Biyue following. She wept as she walked. She thought: We sisters were together for a time. Daiyu’s beauty and talent were rare in the world, like a fairy from the moon palace. She is so young and about to die. Yet Xifeng thought up this bait-and-switch scheme. It was not convenient for me to go to Xiaoxiang Lodge, and I could not properly fulfill my duty as a sister. How pitiful and sad. As she thought, she reached the gate of Xiaoxiang Lodge. Inside was very quiet. Li Wan became even more alarmed. She guessed that Daiyu might already be dead, that everyone had wept, and that she did not know whether the burial clothes and bedding had been prepared. She hurried inside.

A little maid at the door of the inner room saw her and said, “Elder Mistress is here.” Zijuan came out and met Li Wan face to face. Li Wan quickly asked, “How is she?” Zijuan wanted to speak, but her throat choked. She could not utter a word. Tears fell like broken beads. She could only point toward Daiyu lying in the inner room. Li Wan saw Zijuan like this and felt bitter grief. She did not ask more, but hurried to the bedside. By now Daiyu could no longer speak. Li Wan called her softly twice. Daiyu could still open her eyes slightly, as if she had a little awareness left. Only her eyelids and lips trembled faintly. There was still weak breathing, but no tears came, and she could not say a word. Li Wan looked back and did not see Zijuan. She asked Xueyan. Xueyan answered, “She is in the outer room.” Li Wan quickly went out and saw Zijuan lying on the empty bed in the outer room, her face sallow, her eyes closed, weeping without stopping. Her tears had soaked a large patch of the embroidered brocade-edged mattress. Li Wan quickly called her. Zijuan slowly opened her eyes and forced herself to sit up. Li Wan said, “Silly girl, at a time like this, all you do is cry! Hurry and bring out Miss Lin’s burial clothes and put them on her. What are you waiting for? Are you going to let a girl come clean and leave naked?” Hearing this, Zijuan wept even harder. Li Wan wept and grew anxious. She patted Zijuan’s shoulder and urged, “Good child, your crying has confused my heart. Hurry and get the things ready. If you wait longer, it will be too late.”

In the midst of the confusion, someone hurried in from outside, giving Li Wan a start. It was Ping’er. Ping’er entered and saw the scene. She stood frozen. Li Wan asked, “You are not at Baoyu’s wedding. What are you doing here?” As she spoke, Mrs. Lin Zhixiao also came in. Ping’er said, “Our mistress was uneasy and sent me to look. Since Elder Mistress is here looking after her, that side is left to the others.” Li Wan nodded. Ping’er said, “I want to see Miss Lin too.” As she spoke, she went into the inner room, tears already falling. Li Wan turned and instructed Mrs. Lin Zhixiao: “You have come at a good time. Go out quickly and tell the stewards to prepare Miss Lin’s funeral affairs. When everything is arranged, come back and report to me. There is no need to go to the wedding side to report.” Mrs. Lin Zhixiao answered, but stood without leaving. Li Wan asked, “Is there something else?” Mrs. Lin Zhixiao said, “Just now the Second Mistress and the Old Ancestor discussed it. For the wedding, they need Miss Zijuan to go and attend the new bride.”

Before Li Wan could answer, Zijuan spoke. “Mrs. Lin, go back first. After the person is dead, we will naturally go over. There is no need to demand us now…” She stopped halfway, not wanting to say more, and changed her words. “Besides, we are here watching over a gravely ill person, and our bodies are unclean. Miss Lin still has a breath, and from time to time she calls me.” Li Wan spoke up for her. “Miss Lin and Zijuan truly have a bond from a former life. Although Xueyan is the maid who came with the young mistress from the south, she does not rely on her so much. With Zijuan alone, the two cannot be parted for a moment.” Mrs. Lin Zhixiao heard Zijuan refuse and was somewhat displeased, but with Li Wan mediating, she could not say more. Seeing Zijuan weeping like a tearful figure, she could only force a smile and say, “I understand what Miss Zijuan says, but how am I to answer the Old Ancestor? I cannot repeat these words to the Second Mistress either.”

As she was speaking, Ping’er came out from the inner room wiping her tears and asked, “What must be reported to the Second Mistress?” Mrs. Lin Zhixiao told her again about asking for Zijuan. Ping’er lowered her head and thought for a moment, then said, “Let it be this way: send Xueyan instead.” Li Wan asked, “Can Xueyan manage?” Ping’er leaned close to Li Wan’s ear and whispered a few words. Li Wan nodded. “Since that is so, letting Xueyan go will do just as well.” Mrs. Lin Zhixiao asked Ping’er, “Is Xueyan really suitable?” Ping’er said, “No problem. They are all maids. There is no great difference.” Mrs. Lin Zhixiao said, “Then please tell the girl to hurry and call Xueyan to come with me. I will go back first and report to the Old Ancestor and the Second Mistress. This is Elder Mistress’s and Miss Ping’er’s idea. Afterward the girl can explain to the Second Mistress herself.” Li Wan said, “With your seniority, can you not decide such a small matter?” Mrs. Lin Zhixiao smiled. “It is not that I dare not decide, but this marriage was arranged by the Old Ancestor and the Second Mistress. We do not fully understand the inside story. Besides, Elder Mistress and Miss Ping’er are here.” As she spoke, Ping’er had already called Xueyan out. Xueyan had seen Daiyu gravely ill these days, and her heart was already cold with grief. Hearing that the Old Ancestor and Xifeng had given the order, she did not dare disobey. She quickly tidied her hair. Ping’er told her to change into clean new clothes and leave with Mrs. Lin Zhixiao. Ping’er also said a few words to Li Wan. Li Wan told Ping’er to urge Mrs. Lin Zhixiao to prepare the funeral supplies as quickly as possible. Ping’er agreed and went out. Turning past the corridor, she saw Mrs. Lin Zhixiao leading Xueyan ahead and quickly called her back. “I will take Xueyan over. You go back and tell your husband to hurry and prepare Miss Lin’s funeral things. I will report to the Old Ancestor for you.” Mrs. Lin Zhixiao agreed and left. Ping’er took Xueyan to the new rooms, gave her instructions, and then went to attend to other matters.

Now Xueyan saw the new rooms bustling with excitement. Her heart was fixed on the dying Daiyu, and she was very grieved, but in front of Grandmother Jia and Xifeng she did not dare show it. She secretly wondered: I do not know why I have been called here. I will quietly take a look. In the past Baoyu and our young mistress were deeply attached. Now he is marrying, but he cannot see Daiyu. I wonder whether he is truly ill or pretending. Perhaps he feared Miss Lin would not agree to the marriage, so he deliberately claimed the jade was lost and pretended to be mad, so that he could smoothly marry Miss Bao. I would like to see whether he still pretends to be mad when he sees me. As she thought, she quietly slipped to the door of the inner room and peeped in. At this time Baoyu, though his mind was unclear because of the lost jade, was full of the belief that today he was marrying Daiyu. He thought this was the most satisfying and happy event under heaven. His body seemed to have improved greatly, though he was no longer as clever and quick as before. That was why Xifeng’s bait-and-switch scheme could be carried out smoothly. Baoyu wished he could see Daiyu at once. He had waited for this wedding day and was so happy that he danced with joy. Though he occasionally said foolish things, he was completely different from the gravely ill man he had been. Xueyan watched, angry and sad. She did not understand Baoyu’s true heart at all and quietly withdrew to one side.

Baoyu urged Xiren to help him change into his bridegroom’s robes and sat in Lady Wang’s room. Watching Xifeng and Madam You busy themselves, he could not wait for the auspicious hour and kept asking Xiren, “Why is it so troublesome for Cousin Lin to come from Prospect Garden? She still has not arrived.” Xiren held back her laughter and said, “We must wait for the auspicious hour.” After a while they heard Xifeng say to Lady Wang, “The family is still in mourning, so there can be no drums or wind music outside. According to the southern custom of bowing in the hall, the room should not be too cold and quiet. I have told the women in the household who once learned to sing and play instruments to perform, to add a little liveliness.” Lady Wang nodded in approval.

Before long the great bridal sedan was carried in through the main gate. The household’s women musicians played to welcome it. Twelve pairs of palace lanterns were set out in order. The scene was elegant and dignified. The master of ceremonies asked the bride to descend from the sedan. The bride’s head was covered with a red veil, and the matron of honor supported her with red silk. The maid who stood beside the bride and supported her was unexpectedly Xueyan. When Baoyu saw Xueyan, he thought to himself: Why has Zijuan not come, and Xueyan instead? Then he thought: That is right. Xueyan was originally the maid who came with Cousin Lin from the south. Zijuan belongs to the Jia household, so naturally she would not come as part of the dowry. Seeing Xueyan, Baoyu was as happy as if he had seen Daiyu. The master of ceremonies sang the rites in a loud voice, and the bride and groom bowed to Heaven and Earth. Grandmother Jia was invited forward, and the newlyweds knelt to her four times. Then Jia Zheng and Lady Wang were invited to receive their bows. When the rites were done, the bride was escorted into the bridal chamber. The ceremonies of sitting on the bed and scattering the bed-curtains were all carried out according to the old customs of Jinling. Jia Zheng had originally obeyed Grandmother Jia’s wishes and did not believe in driving away ill fortune by a wedding. Today, seeing Baoyu’s spirits improved, he felt somewhat comforted. When the bride sat on the bed and was about to have her veil lifted, Xifeng had already arranged for Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang to enter the bridal chamber and look on.

Baoyu was still somewhat foolish. He went up to the bride and said, “Are you feeling better,妹妹? I have not seen you for so many days. Why cover yourself with this thing?” He reached out to lift the veil, frightening Grandmother Jia into a cold sweat. Then Baoyu thought: Cousin Lin is quick to take offense. I must not be rash. He paused for a moment, but could not hold back. He went forward and lifted the veil. The matron of honor took the veil. Xueyan stepped aside, and Ying’er came forward to attend. Baoyu opened his eyes wide and saw that the person before him seemed to be Baochai. He could not believe it. Holding a lamp in one hand, he rubbed his eyes with the other and looked again. It was clearly Baochai. Baochai was splendidly dressed, her figure graceful, her hair dressed low, her brows and eyes gentle, her face beautiful and moving. Baoyu was stunned. Then he saw Ying’er standing nearby, and Xueyan was no longer there. Baoyu was utterly thrown into confusion. He thought he must be in a dream and stood there blankly. The others took the lamp and helped Baoyu sit down again. His eyes were fixed and he said not a word. Grandmother Jia feared his old illness would return and personally helped him lie down on the bed. Xifeng and Madam You asked Baochai to sit by the bed in the inner room. Baochai lowered her head and said nothing. Baoyu gradually came a little to himself. Seeing Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang sitting nearby, he called softly to Xiren, “Where am I? Am I dreaming?” Xiren said, “Today is your great wedding day. Do not talk nonsense about dreaming. The master is still outside.” Baoyu quietly stretched out his hand and pointed at the bride on the bed. “Who is that beauty sitting there?” Xiren covered her mouth and laughed so hard she could not speak. After a long while she said, “She is your newly married Second Mistress.” The others also turned their heads, unable to keep from laughing. Baoyu said again, “Why are you so confused? Who exactly is the Second Mistress?” Xiren answered, “It is Miss Bao.” Baoyu quickly asked, “Then where is Miss Lin?” Xiren said, “The master decided you were to marry Miss Bao. Why do you bring up Miss Lin again?” Baoyu said, “Just now I clearly saw Cousin Lin, and Xueyan was beside her. Why do you say there is no one? Are you making fun of me?” Xifeng came forward and said softly, “Miss Bao is sitting right here in the room. Do not talk nonsense and make her unhappy, or the Old Ancestor will blame you.” After hearing these words, Baoyu’s mind became even more confused. He already had the root of madness from losing the jade, and under the shock of this great disappointment tonight, he completely lost his reason. He cared for nothing else and cried out that he must go find Cousin Lin. Grandmother Jia and the others tried every way to comfort him, but he would not listen. Baochai was in the room, and they could not openly reveal the switch. Knowing that Baoyu’s old illness had returned, and that it was not convenient to explain in front of everyone, they could only light benzoin incense in the room to calm his spirit and help him sleep. Everyone kept quiet and did not dare make a sound. After a while Baoyu fell into a drowsy sleep. Only then did Grandmother Jia and the others feel a little relieved. They could only sit until dawn and tell Xifeng to persuade Baochai to rest early. Baochai pretended not to hear and lay down in her outer clothes in the inner room. Jia Zheng, outside, did not know what had happened in the bridal chamber. He only judged from Baoyu’s improved spirits earlier that things were better and felt much relieved. The next day was the auspicious day for him to set out for his post. He rested a little. Relatives and friends came to congratulate him and see him off. Grandmother Jia saw that Baoyu had fallen asleep and returned to her rooms to rest.

Early the next morning, Jia Zheng worshipped at the ancestral hall and came to take leave of Grandmother Jia. He said respectfully, “Your son is about to go far away to an official post. I beg you, Old Ancestor, to take care of your health. As soon as I reach my post, I will write back to inquire after you. Do not worry. Baoyu’s marriage has already been completed according to your arrangements. I beg you to teach and discipline him often.” Grandmother Jia feared Jia Zheng would worry on the road, so she did not tell him that Baoyu’s old illness had returned. She only said, “I have something to tell you. Baoyu was married last night, but the couple did not share the bridal chamber. Today you set out, and by rights he should see you off outside the city. But he has relied on the wedding to drive away illness, and his body has only just improved a little. Yesterday he was tired all day. If he goes out and catches wind, I fear his illness will worsen. So I ask your meaning. If you want him to see you off, I will call him at once. If you pity him, I will have him brought here to kowtow to you, and that will count as seeing you off.”

Jia Zheng said, “Whether he sees me off or not does not matter. I only hope that from now on he will study with all his heart. That would please me more than seeing me off in person.” Grandmother Jia heard this and felt a stone lifted from her heart. She told Jia Zheng to sit and wait, then instructed Yuanyang to arrange things thus and so and bring Baoyu over, with Xiren following. Before long Baoyu came and paid his respects to Jia Zheng according to custom. Seeing his father, Baoyu restrained his madness somewhat and briefly became clear-headed, not too abnormal. Jia Zheng admonished him a few words about studying and improving. Baoyu nodded in agreement. Jia Zheng told the servants to help Baoyu back. He went to Lady Wang’s room and solemnly instructed Lady Wang to discipline their son well and not to spoil and indulge him as before. In the autumn of next year, at the provincial examination, Baoyu must be made to enter the examination hall. Lady Wang noted each instruction and did not mention what had happened in the bridal chamber. She quickly sent someone to help Baochai come and perform the rites of a new daughter-in-law seeing off an elder. There was no need for her to leave the room. The other women saw him off as far as the second gate and then returned. Jia Zhen and the others also received Jia Zheng’s admonitions. Everyone set out wine to see him off. The Jia sons and the relatives and friends escorted Jia Zheng all the way to the Ten-Li Pavilion before taking leave of one another.

We need not speak of Jia Zheng’s journey to take up his post in Jiangxi. Now to return to Baoyu. After he returned to his room, his old illness broke out violently. His mind became even more muddled than before, and he could not even swallow food or water. Whether his life could be preserved will be told in the next chapter.