Lin Ruhai Dies in Yangzhou City; Jia Baoyu Meets the Prince of Beijing on the Road

Now when Lai Sheng, the chief steward of the Ning Mansion, heard that Xifeng had been put in charge of internal affairs, he called all his colleagues together and said, "Now that the Second Mistress Lian from the west mansion has been asked to manage the inner household, if she comes to draw supplies or gives any orders, we must be more careful than usual. Come early and leave late each day—better to work hard for this one month and rest afterward, than to lose face. She is known to be a formidable one, with a sharp face and a hard heart; when she loses her temper, she has no mercy on anyone." All agreed, "That's right." Another laughed, "In all fairness, she really ought to come and straighten things out here—things have become far too lax." Just then, Wang’er’s wife arrived with the Ning Mansion tally to collect paper, official documents, and other supplies, with the quantities clearly marked on the requisition slip. They hurriedly offered her a seat and tea, while sending someone to fetch the paper, and accompanied her to the ceremonial gate, where she carried them in herself.

Xifeng immediately had Caiming prepare account books. She sent for Lai Sheng’s wife, examined the household register, and ordered that all the married women and maids of the household be assembled by early the next morning to receive their assignments. After a brief inspection of the roster and a few questions to Lai Sheng’s wife, she took her carriage home.

The next day, at the second quarter of the Mao hour (about 6:30 a.m.), she arrived. The women of the Ning Mansion, hearing she had come, gathered in full force. Xifeng was already assigning duties to Lai Sheng’s wife when the women, not daring to enter without leave, eavesdropped outside the window. They heard Xifeng say to Lai Sheng’s wife, "Now that you have entrusted this to me, I must tell you plainly that I shall not be as easygoing as your mistress, who lets you do as you please. Never say to me, 'This is how it has always been done in this house.' From now on, you will act according to my rules. If you are the least bit remiss, I care not whether you are favoured or not—you will be dealt with openly and fairly." She then ordered Caiming to read out the register, summoning each person by name for inspection.

When the roll call was done, she announced, "These twenty shall be divided into two shifts of ten. They are to attend solely to serving tea to guests and visitors—nothing else. These next twenty, also in two shifts, shall attend solely to the meals and refreshments for our own relatives—nothing else. These forty shall be divided into two shifts, and shall tend the incense before the coffin, replenish the lamps, hang the draperies, keep watch over the bier, present offerings of food and tea, and join in the wailing as required—nothing else concerns them. These four shall be in charge of all cups, dishes, and tea utensils in the inner pantry; if any piece is missing, they shall pay for it at full value. These four shall be in charge of all wine and food vessels—again, they shall make good any loss. These eight shall receive and register all sacrificial gifts. These eight shall be responsible for all lamp-oil, candles, and paper offerings—I will issue the total supplies to you, and you shall distribute them to the various quarters according to my instructions. These thirty shall take turns keeping the night watch in all quarters, guarding the gates, watching for fire, and sweeping the premises. The rest shall be assigned to specific rooms and buildings: such-and-such a person shall guard such-and-such a place, and shall be answerable for all furniture, antiquities, spittoons, dusters—even a blade of grass—within that area; any loss or damage shall be charged to that guard. Lai Sheng’s wife shall make daily inspections and report to me immediately any cases of laziness, gambling, drinking, quarrelling, or brawling. If you shield anyone and I find out, all your years of service will not save you. All duties are now fixed; if any section falls into disorder, that section alone will be held accountable. My own attendants carry watches; I keep strict time for everything, great or small. You have a clock in the main hall as well. I shall be here for roll call at the second quarter of the Mao hour, take breakfast at the Si hour, and receive requisitions and reports at the beginning of the Wu hour. At the Xu hour, after the evening incense is burned, I shall make a personal tour of inspection, and upon my return, the night watchmen shall hand in their keys. The next day, I shall be here again at the second quarter of the Mao hour. We must all work hard these few days—when it is over, your master will surely reward you."

Having spoken, she ordered the distribution of tea, oil, candles, feather-dusters, brooms, and other items, and the issue of table-covers, chair-covers, cushions, felt mats, spittoons, footstools, and the like. As she issued each item, she recorded it with her brush: such-and-such a person is in charge of such-and-such a place, such-and-such a person has received such-and-such an article—everything was clearly noted. The recipients, now with fixed duties, no longer grabbed only easy tasks while leaving the hard ones undone; things in the various rooms could no longer be lost in the confusion; and the comings and goings of guests were orderly, unlike before, when tea would be set out while people were serving meals, or someone would be leading the mourning while rushing off to greet visitors. All the old abuses—chaos, shirking, passing the buck, and pilfering—were eliminated from the very next day.

Xifeng, seeing her authority established and her orders obeyed, was highly pleased. Noting that You Shi was still ill and Jia Zhen, overwhelmed with grief, ate little, she had various fine congees and delicate dishes prepared daily at the other mansion and sent over to tempt them to eat. Jia Zhen, in turn, ordered the finest dishes sent daily to her annex. Xifeng spared no effort, coming every day at the second quarter of the Mao hour to take roll and conduct business, sitting alone in her annex and keeping apart from her sisters-in-law; even when female visitors arrived, she did not go out to greet them.

Now on the fifth day of the fifth week of mourning, the Buddhist monks were performing rites to open the prisons of hell, light the way for the dead, summon the King of Hell and all spirits, invite the Earth Store Bodhisattva, open the golden bridge, and raise the banners; the Taoists were presenting memorials to heaven, worshipping the Three Pure Ones, and paying homage to the Jade Emperor; the Chan monks were burning incense, performing the Flame-Mouth rite, and chanting the Water Repentance; and thirteen nuns in embroidered robes and red slippers were silently reciting the guiding incantations before the coffin—a scene of great activity. Xifeng, knowing there would be many visitors that day, had rested at home the previous night. At the Yin hour (about 4 a.m.), Ping'er helped her up to wash and dress. By the time she had finished, changed her clothes, washed her hands, drunk a little milk-and-sugar congee, and rinsed her mouth, it was already the second quarter of the Mao hour. Wang'er's wife and the others had been waiting for some time. Xifeng came out to the main hall, took her carriage, preceded by a pair of horn lanterns bearing the large characters "Rongguo Mansion," and proceeded slowly to the Ning Mansion. The great gates were hung with lanterns, and rows of standing lamps on both sides made the scene as bright as day. Servants in mourning white stood in ranks. The carriage was brought to the main gate; the pages withdrew, and the women lifted the curtain. Xifeng alighted, leaning on Feng'er, while two women with lantern-shades escorted her in. The women of the Ning Mansion welcomed her with greetings. She walked slowly into Huifang Garden to the Ascension Pavilion where the coffin lay. At the sight of the bier, her tears fell like broken strings of pearls. Many pages stood ready with paper offerings. Xifeng gave the command, "Offer tea and burn paper." A gong sounded, the music struck up, and a large armchair was brought before the coffin. Xifeng sat down and wept aloud. At her signal, all within and without—men and women, high and low—joined in the loud wailing.

Presently Jia Zhen and You Shi sent people to console her, and she stopped. After Wang'er's wife offered tea and she rinsed her mouth, Xifeng rose, took leave of the clan members, and went to her annex. She checked the roll and found everyone present except one person assigned to receiving guests. She ordered her summoned. The woman came in, frightened and ashamed. Xifeng said coldly, "So it was you! You are more privileged than the rest, and therefore think you can disregard my orders." The woman pleaded, "I come early every day—only today I woke up thinking it was still early, fell back asleep, and was late. I beg your pardon this once." Just then, Wang Xing's wife from the Rong Mansion appeared at the door, peering in.

Xifeng set aside the offender for the moment and asked Wang Xing's wife her business. Wang Xing's wife, glad to get it over with, came in at once and said, "I come for thread to make the carriage and sedan-chair nets." She handed in a slip. Xifeng had Caiming read it aloud: "Two large sedans, four small sedans, four carriages—requiring such-and-such lengths of netting and so many catties of thread." Xifeng confirmed the quantities, ordered Caiming to register it, and threw down the Rong Mansion tally for her to take.

As Xifeng was about to speak, four more Rong Mansion stewards entered, all seeking supplies. She had Caiming read their slips—four items in all—and singled out two, saying, "These charges are incorrect. Recalculate and come back." She threw the slips down, and the two men withdrew crestfallen.

Noticing Zhang Cai's wife standing by, Xifeng asked, "What is your business?" Zhang Cai's wife took out her slip and said, "The carriage curtains are finished—I need the tailor's wages." Xifeng took the slip, ordered Caiming to register it, and waited until Wang Xing's wife had returned the tally and the buyer's receipt matched, before giving Zhang Cai's wife leave to draw her wages. She then had the last slip read—for materials to paper and paste Baoyu's new study. Xifeng had it registered, to be issued after Zhang Cai's wife had settled her account.

Then Xifeng turned to the offender and said, "If one person sleeps in tomorrow, and another the day after, soon there will be no one left. I might have pardoned you, but if I am lenient the first time, I shall have trouble later. Better deal with you now." She put on a stern face and ordered, "Take her out and give her twenty strokes of the bamboo!" She threw down the Ning Mansion tally, saying, "Tell Lai Sheng to dock her one month's pay and rice!" When the crowd saw Xifeng's fierce expression, they knew she was angry and dared not delay; some dragged the woman out to be beaten, while others hurried with the tally to deliver the order. The woman, helpless, was dragged out and given her twenty strokes, after which she had to come back and kowtow in thanks. Xifeng said, "If anyone is late again tomorrow, it will be forty strokes; the day after, sixty. If you want a beating, just keep being late!" She then dismissed them. From then on, stewards from both mansions came and went constantly to receive and return tallies, and the beaten woman slunk away in shame. All learned the severity of Xifeng's rule and dared not slack off; each stuck diligently to his or her duty.

Let us now turn to Baoyu. Seeing so many people about, he feared Qin Zhong might feel uncomfortable, so he whispered to him and proposed they go sit with Xifeng. Qin Zhong said, "She's terribly busy and doesn't like being disturbed. Won't she be annoyed?" Baoyu said, "How could she be annoyed with us? Nonsense—just come with me." He took Qin Zhong's hand and led him to the annex. Xifeng was just eating and laughed when she saw them, "Long-legged fellows—come on up!" Baoyu said, "We've eaten." Xifeng asked, "Did you eat out there or over at the other place?" Baoyu said, "We wouldn't eat with those vulgar people! We ate with the Dowager over there." They sat down.

After Xifeng finished her meal, a Ning Mansion woman came to draw lamp-oil. Xifeng smiled, "I knew you'd come today, but you were late—I thought you'd forgotten. If you had, the expense would have come out of your own pockets, which would have saved me the trouble." The woman smiled, "Indeed we did forget—we only just remembered. A moment later and we'd have missed the chance." With that, she took her tally and left.

Presently, after registering and returning the tallies, Qin Zhong smiled and asked, "Both mansions use the same tallies. Suppose someone made a counterfeit and drew silver and ran off?" Xifeng laughed, "By your logic, there would be no law at all!" Baoyu asked, "Why don't I see anyone drawing tallies to make things for us?" Xifeng said, "They come when you're still dreaming. Let me ask you—when are you going to start your night studies?" Baoyu said, "I'd start tonight if I could, but they haven't finished the study yet—there's nothing I can do." Xifeng smiled, "If you invite me properly, I'll see it's done quickly." Baoyu said, "Speed won't help—they'll finish when they finish." Xifeng said, "They may work, but they need supplies—and if I don't give them the tally, they'll be stuck." Baoyu, hearing this, clung to her like a monkey, demanding the tally: "Dear sister, give me the tally and let them get what they need!" Xifeng said, "I'm so tired my bones ache—and you have to maul me. Don't worry—today they got paper and paste; they'll get the rest when they need it. Don't be silly." Baoyu wouldn't believe her, so Xifeng had Caiming bring the account book and showed him.

While they were joking, word came, "Zhao'er has arrived from Suzhou." Xifeng ordered him in at once. Zhao'er knelt and paid his respects. Xifeng asked, "What brings you back?" Zhao'er said, "Second Master sent me. Uncle Lin passed away at the Si hour on the third day of the ninth month. Second Master is escorting Miss Lin with the coffin to Suzhou and expects to return around the end of the year. He sent me to report this, to ask the Dowager's instructions, to see how things are at home, and to bring back a few of his heavy winter clothes." Xifeng asked, "Have you seen the others?" Zhao'er said, "I've seen everyone." He then withdrew. Xifeng said to Baoyu with a smile, "Now your cousin Lin will be staying with us for good." Baoyu said, "Oh dear! She must have been weeping terribly these days." He frowned and sighed.

Xifeng had not been able to ask in detail about Jia Lian in front of others, but she was anxious inside. She wished to go home but could not leave her duties; if she did, she feared delays that might bring ridicule. She had to wait until evening. When she returned home, she called Zhao'er in and questioned him thoroughly about the journey. That night she packed the winter clothes herself, checking each bundle with Ping'er, thinking carefully of everything he might need, and handed it all to Zhao'er with detailed instructions: "Serve him well abroad and don't make him angry. Always urge him to drink less, and don't lead him to any loose women—or I'll have your legs broken when you get back." In all this bustle, the night wore on until nearly the fourth watch; she had just lain down when she lost all sleep, and soon the cock crowed dawn. She hurriedly washed and dressed and went to the Ning Mansion.

Jia Zhen, with the day of the funeral approaching, drove in person with the yin-yang officials to the Iron Threshold Temple to inspect the site for the coffin. He instructed the abbot, Se Kong, to prepare fresh decorations and invite eminent monks to receive the funeral procession. Se Kong hastened to prepare a vegetarian supper, but Jia Zhen had no appetite; as it was late and he could not return to the city, he spent the night in a quiet room. At dawn he went back to the city to supervise the funeral arrangements, sending men ahead to the temple to prepare the mourning hall and the lodgings for the attendants.

Within the household, Xifeng saw the days were numbered and made detailed preparations. She arranged for carriages and sedan-chairs from the Rong Mansion to accompany Lady Wang to the funeral, and also arranged her own place to stay for the occasion. Meanwhile, the wife of the Duke of Shanguo had died, and Ladies Xing and Wang had to attend that funeral; the consort of the Prince of Xi'an had her birthday, requiring birthday gifts; the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo had given birth to a son, requiring congratulatory gifts; and her own brother Wang Ren was returning south with his family, so she had to write home to her parents and prepare things for them to take. Also, Yingchun had fallen ill, requiring daily calls for doctors and scrutiny of their prescriptions—so much that it would be tedious to recount. With the funeral so near, Xifeng had no time even for tea and meals, and could find no peace whether sitting or lying down. Hardly had she reached the Ning Mansion before people from the Rong Mansion followed; no sooner had she returned to the Rong Mansion than people from the Ning Mansion came looking for her. Yet Xifeng was delighted by all this; she would not shirk or make excuses for fear of criticism. Day and night she toiled, and everything was arranged with perfect order. The whole clan praised her without end.

On the night before the funeral, two troupes of actors and acrobats entertained the women relatives. You Shi remained in her sickroom, so all the entertainment and hospitality fell to Xifeng alone. Though there were many sisters-in-law in the clan, some were too shy to speak, some too timid to appear, some unused to company, and some overawed by rank and power—none could match Xifeng's composure, generous speech, and commanding presence. She paid them little heed, giving orders freely as if no one else were there. Through the night, lights blazed, guests arrived and officials departed, with boundless bustle and gaiety. At daybreak, when the auspicious hour came, sixty-four bearers in black carried the coffin forth. On the great funeral banner was inscribed: "The Coffin of the Late Lady of Courtesy of the Jia Family, Qin, wife of the grandson of the Hereditary Duke of Ningguo, Dragon-Guard and Imperial Bodyguard of the Forbidden Palace, in the Everlasting Dynasty." All the ceremonial trappings had been newly made and shone brilliantly. Baozhu, besides performing the rites of a maiden, acted as chief mourner, weeping with profound grief.

The officials and gentlemen who attended the funeral included Niu Jizong, grandson of Duke Zhenguo Niu Qing, now a first-class earl; Liu Fang, grandson of Duke Liguo Liu Biao, now a first-class viscount; Chen Ruiwen, grandson of Duke Qiguo Chen Yi, hereditary third-class Majestic General; Ma Shang, grandson of Duke Zhiguo Ma Kui, hereditary third-class Majestic General; Hou Xiaokang, grandson of Duke Xiuguo Hou Xiaoming, hereditary first-class viscount; and the grandson of the Duke of Shanguo, Shi Guangzhu, who was in mourning for his grandmother and could not attend. These six, with the two Jia houses, were the celebrated "Eight Dukes" of old. There were also the grandsons of the Prince of Nan'an and the Prince of Xining; Marquis Zhongjing Shi Ding; Jiang Zining, grandson of the Marquis of Pingyuan, hereditary second-class baron and garrison commander; Xie Jing, grandson of the Marquis of Dingcheng, hereditary second-class baron and brigade commander; Qi Jianhui, grandson of the Marquis of Xiangyang, hereditary second-class baron; Qiu Liang, grandson of the Marquis of Jingtian, Commissioner of the Five Cities; and many other young nobles and scions of princes and dukes—Han Qi, son of the Earl of Jinxiang; Feng Ziying, son of the Majestic General; Chen Yejun; Wei Ruolan; and countless others, too many to name. Among the women there were some ten large sedans and thirty or forty small ones; with all the household carriages and sedans, there were over a hundred vehicles. With the procession of banners, ceremonial objects, and entertainers, the column stretched for three or four li.

Before long, they passed by roadside pavilions with colourful canopies, set with feast tables and music, erected by various families for roadside sacrifices. The first was the Prince of Dongping's pavilion, the second the Prince of Nan'an's, the third the Prince of Xining's, and the fourth the Prince of Beijing's. Of these four princes, the Prince of Beijing in former days had rendered the greatest service, and his descendants still held the title. The current Prince, Shui Rong, was not yet twenty, handsome in feature and modest in temper. Hearing of the death of the Ning Duke's grandson's wife, and recalling the friendship and shared fortunes of their grandfathers—who had treated one another not as mere acquaintances but as brothers—he had not stood on his princely rank. He had already paid a mourning visit and now had this roadside altar erected, with his officers waiting in attendance. After the morning court, he changed into plain robes and came in his great sedan, escorted by gongs and canopies, alighting before the pavilion. His officers stood on both sides, keeping the crowd at bay.

Soon the vast Ning funeral procession appeared, rolling northward like a mountain of silver. The Ning outriders saw it and rushed back to report to Jia Zhen, who ordered a halt and came forward with Jia She and Jia Zheng to greet the prince according to court etiquette. Shui Rong, from within his sedan, bowed slightly and smiled in return, addressing them as family friends and showing no haughtiness. Jia Zhen said, "Your Highness has honoured us with your presence repeatedly—how can we deserve such grace?" Shui Rong replied with a smile, "For the sake of old friendship, say no more." He then ordered his chief steward to offer the sacrifice on his behalf. Jia She and the others returned the salute and then came back to express their thanks.

Shui Rong, most courteous, asked Jia Zheng, "Which one is the young man born with the jade? I have long wished to meet him, but have always been prevented by other matters. I trust he is here today—may I ask him to come forward?" Jia Zheng withdrew and ordered Baoyu to remove his mourning clothes and come. Baoyu had often heard his father, brothers, and relatives praise Shui Rong as a virtuous prince, gifted, handsome, and free-spirited, unbound by officialdom and etiquette. He had long wished to meet him but had been strictly kept by his father. Now that he was called, he was overjoyed. As he approached, he glimpsed Shui Rong sitting in the sedan—a man of splendid bearing. What he saw on closer view, we shall hear in the next chapter.