Simple Xiangyun, Drunk, Sleeps Among the Peonies; Foolish Xiangling, in Tenderness, Unties Her Pomegranate Skirt

Ping’er came out and instructed Lin Zhixiao’s wife: “Great matters should be made small, and small matters made into nothing—that is how a prosperous household behaves. If we make a great fuss and rattle the bells over every tiny thing, there is no sense in it. Now take the mother and daughter back and let them go about their duties as before. Send Qin Xian’s wife back as well. There is no need to mention this matter again. Only be careful in your daily patrols.” Having said this, she rose and left. Liu’s wife and her daughter quickly kowtowed to her. Lin Zhixiao’s wife brought them back into the garden and reported to Li Wan and Tanchun. Both said, “We know. It is very good that nothing came of it.”

Siqi and the others had rejoiced too soon. Qin Xian’s wife had waited for this opening and finally squeezed in, but her glory lasted only half a day. She was in the kitchen busily taking over the utensils, rice, fuel, and other supplies, and had even discovered many shortages: “The polished rice is short by two piculs; the ordinary rice has been drawn a month in advance; the charcoal is also below quota.” She was also preparing gifts for Lin Zhixiao’s wife—quietly setting aside a basket of charcoal, five hundred catties of firewood, and a picul of polished rice, which she sent outside by her sons and nephews to the Lin household. She prepared gifts for the accounts office too, and got together several dishes to invite her colleagues, saying, “Now that I am here, I rely entirely on your support. From today we are one family. If I overlook anything, do help me.” In the midst of all this, someone came and said to her, “After this morning meal, you may go. Liu’s wife was innocent, and the kitchen is to be handed back to her.” Qin Xian’s wife was struck dumb. Her spirit flew from her. She lowered her head, disheartened, and at once furled her banners and silenced her drums. She packed up and left. The gifts she had given were lost for nothing, and she even had to sell things to make up the shortages. Even Siqi was so angry she nearly fell backward, but there was no way to undo it, and she had to let it be.

Zhao Yiniang, because Caiyun had privately given her many things and Yu Chuan’er had made a fuss about it, was in constant fear that an investigation would expose her. Every day she broke into a cold sweat and sent for news. Suddenly Caiyun came and told her, “Baoyu took it all on himself. From now on there is nothing to fear.” Zhao Yiniang finally set her heart at rest. But who would have thought that when Jia Huan heard this, he grew suspicious. He took out all the things Caiyun had secretly given him and threw them in her face, saying, “You two-faced thing! I don’t care for them. If you were not on good terms with Baoyu, why would he admit it for you? Since you had the courage to give them to me, you should not have let anyone know. Now that you have told him, it is no fun for me to want them again.” Caiyun, seeing this, was frantic. She swore oaths and even wept. She explained in every way, but Jia Huan stubbornly refused to believe her. He said, “Not for the sake of our old feelings, I would go tell Second Sister-in-law that you stole them and gave them to me, and that I dare not take them. Think it over.” With that, he flung off and went out. Zhao Yiniang was frantic and scolded, “You luckless seed, you maggot-hearted curse!” Caiyun was so angry she wept until her tears dried and her heart seemed cut. Zhao Yiniang comforted her in every way: “Good child, he has failed your heart. I see it clearly. Let me put the things away. In a couple of days he will come around.” She was about to gather up the things. Caiyun, in a fit of pique, wrapped them all up. When no one was looking, she came into the garden and threw them all into the river. Some sank, some floated away. She was so angry that at night she wept secretly under the bedclothes.

Now Baoyu’s birthday had arrived. It happened that Baoqin’s birthday was the same day. Because Lady Wang was not at home, it was not as lively as in previous years. Only Zhang the Daoist sent four kinds of gifts and a changed name-amulet; several monasteries and nunneries sent offerings, paper images of the God of Longevity, prayers, and yearly locks from the star official of the natal year and the presiding Tai Sui. The blind storytellers who often visited the household came to offer birthday wishes. From Wang Ziteng’s household came a suit of clothes, a pair of shoes and socks, a hundred birthday peaches, and a hundred bundles of imperial silver-thread fine noodles. Aunt Xue’s gifts were one grade lower. Among the rest of the household, You Shi gave a pair of shoes and socks; Xifeng gave a palace-made harmony pouch with four sides, containing a golden God of Longevity and a Persian curiosity. In the various temples, people were sent to distribute charity and alms. There were also gifts for Baoqin, too many to describe. The sisters gave whatever they pleased—some a fan, some a piece of calligraphy, some a painting, some a poem—just to mark the occasion.

That day Baoyu rose early, washed and dressed, and put on his cap and belt. In the front courtyard, Li Gui and four or five others had already set out incense and candles for Heaven and Earth. Baoyu lit incense. After the ceremonies, he poured tea and burned paper. Then he went to the Ning mansion to perform rites at the ancestral hall and the ancestors’ hall. Coming out onto the terrace, he bowed from afar to Lady Jia, Jia Zheng, Lady Wang, and the others. Then he went to You Shi’s main room, performed his rites, sat awhile, and returned to the Rong mansion. First he went to Aunt Xue’s. Aunt Xue held him back repeatedly. Then he met Xue Ke and exchanged courtesies. Only then did he enter the garden. Qingwen and Sheyue followed him, while a little maid carried a felt mat. Beginning with Li Wan, he went to each room in turn, visiting all the elder quarters. Then he went out the second gate and paid respects at the homes of his four nurses, Li, Zhao, Zhang, and Wang. Though everyone wanted to perform rites for him, he would not accept them. When he returned to his rooms, Xiren and the others merely came to say a word. Lady Wang had said that young people were not to receive birthday bows, for fear it would diminish their fortune and longevity, so no one kowtowed.

After a rest, Jia Huan, Jia Lan, and the others came. Xiren quickly held them back. They sat a little while and then left. Baoyu said with a smile that he was tired from walking and leaned on the bed. He had just drunk half a cup of tea when he heard a chattering outside, and a crowd of maids came in laughing. They were Cuimo, Xiaoluo, Cuilü, Ruhua, Xing Xiuyan’s maid Zhuan’er, and the nurse carrying Qiaojie’er, along with Cailuan, Xiuluan, and eight or nine others. All carried red felt and came in smiling, saying, “The birthday visitors are breaking down the door. Hurry and bring us noodles.” Just as they entered, Tanchun, Xiangyun, Baoqin, Xiuyan, and Xichun also arrived. Baoyu hurried out to greet them, saying with a smile, “I would not dare trouble you. Quickly prepare good tea.” They went into the room, and after the usual polite urgings, everyone sat down. Xiren and the others brought tea. They had just taken a sip when Ping’er arrived, dressed beautifully like a flowering branch. Baoyu hurried out and said with a smile, “I went to Sister Xifeng’s door just now and sent in my respects, but could not see you. I also sent someone in to invite you.” Ping’er smiled. “I was helping your sister do her hair and could not come out to answer you. Later I heard you had invited me. How could I bear such an honor? So I came specially to kowtow.” Baoyu smiled. “I cannot bear it either.” Xiren had already set a seat in the outer room for her. Ping’er made a curtsy. Baoyu bowed hurriedly. Ping’er knelt, and Baoyu quickly knelt too. Xiren hurriedly helped them up. Ping’er curtsied again, and Baoyu bowed again. Xiren laughed and pushed Baoyu: “Bow again.” Baoyu said, “It is already finished. Why bow again?” Xiren smiled. “She has come to wish you long life. Today is her birthday too. You should wish her long life as well.” Baoyu, delighted, quickly bowed and said, “So today is also your birthday, sister.” Ping’er returned the curtsies. Xiangyun pulled Baoqin and Xiuyan and said, “You four should bow to one another all day.” Tanchun quickly asked, “So Cousin Xing’s birthday is also today? How did I forget?” She ordered a maid, “Go tell Second Mistress to hurry and make up a gift, the same as for Cousin Qin, and send it to Second Sister’s rooms.” The maid assented and went. Xiuyan, seeing Xiangyun had spoken so openly, had to go to the various rooms to make her courtesies.

Tanchun smiled. “It is rather interesting. In the twelve months of the year, every month has several birthdays. With so many people, there are such coincidences—three on one day, two on another. The first day of the New Year is not wasted either. Eldest Sister takes it. No wonder her fortune is great; her birthday comes before everyone else’s. It is also the birthday of the Great Ancestor. After the Lantern Festival come Lady Jia and Sister Bao—mother and daughter happen to share the same day. The first of the third month is Lady Wang’s; the ninth is Cousin Lian’s. The second month has no one.” Xiren said, “The twelfth of the second month is Miss Lin’s. How is there no one? It is only that she is not one of our family.” Tanchun smiled. “What is wrong with my memory!” Baoyu smiled and pointed at Xiren. “She and Cousin Lin share the same day, so she remembers.” Tanchun smiled. “So you two are birthday twins. Every year you do not even kowtow to us. We did not know Ping’er’s birthday either. This is the first we heard of it.” Ping’er smiled. “We are people whose names are not on the register. On our birthdays we have no blessing of birthday bows, nor any right to receive gifts. What is there to make a fuss about? We may as well let it pass quietly. Today she has deliberately made a noise about it. When the young ladies return to their rooms, I will perform my rites again.” Tanchun smiled. “We would not dare trouble you. But today we must celebrate your birthday, or my heart will not be easy.” Baoyu, Xiangyun, and the others all said, “Very true.” Tanchun instructed a maid, “Go tell her mistress that we all say Ping’er is not to leave today. We will all contribute to a birthday feast.” The maid went off smiling. After a while she returned and said, “Second Mistress says she thanks the young ladies for the face they give her. She does not know what you will give her to eat, but only asks that you not forget Second Mistress, and then she will not come nagging her.” Everyone laughed.

Tanchun then said, “It happens that today the inner kitchen is not preparing meals. All the noodles and dishes are being prepared outside. Let us pool some money and ask Liu’s wife to take it on and prepare everything here inside. That would be good.” Everyone said it was excellent. Tanchun sent someone to ask Li Wan, Baochai, and Daiyu, and also sent for Liu’s wife. She instructed her to prepare two tables of wine and food in the inner kitchen. Liu’s wife did not know what was afoot and said the outer kitchen was already prepared. Tanchun smiled. “You do not know. Today is Miss Ping’s birthday. What is prepared outside is for the masters. Now we have privately pooled money to prepare two tables especially for Miss Ping. Just choose fresh and ingenious dishes and prepare them. Put it on account and get the money from me.” Liu’s wife smiled. “So today is also Miss Ping’s birthday. I did not know.” She kowtowed to Ping’er, who hurriedly pulled her up. Liu’s wife went off to prepare.

Tanchun then invited Baoyu to the hall to eat noodles. When Li Wan and Baochai arrived, she sent for Aunt Xue and Daiyu. Because the weather was warm and Daiyu’s illness was gradually better, she came too. Flowers and brocade crowded the hall; it was full of people.

Meanwhile Xue Ke sent Baoyu four birthday gifts: a cap, a fan, fragrant incense, and silk. Baoyu went over to eat noodles with him. Both households prepared birthday wine and exchanged gifts. At noon Baoyu drank two cups with Xue Ke. Baochai brought Baoqin over to perform rites to Xue Ke. After the toast, Baochai instructed Xue Ke, “There is no need to send the wine from home over there. These empty formalities can be dropped. Just invite the clerks and partners to eat. We are going in with Cousin Bao to receive guests and cannot keep you company.” Xue Ke quickly said, “Please go ahead, sister and brother. I think the clerks will be coming soon.” Baoyu quickly apologized and returned with the sisters.

As soon as they entered the side gate, Baochai told an old woman to lock it and took the key herself. Baoyu quickly said, “Why lock this gate? Not many people use it. Besides, Auntie, Sister, and the younger sisters are all inside. If they want to fetch something from home, will it not be troublesome?” Baochai smiled. “There is no harm in being careful. Look at your side—these last days, one thing after another, and none of our people were involved. You can see the gate has been effective. If it were open, those people might take the short way through here. Whom would you stop? Better to lock it and forbid even Mother and me. Then no one will use it. If anything happens, no one can blame anyone on this side.” Baoyu smiled. “So you know about the things lost on our side recently?” Baochai smiled. “You only know about the rose dew and poria frost because they involve people and then things. If not for the people, you would not even know these two. Little do you know there are several bigger matters. If they are not exposed, it is everyone’s good fortune. If they are, who knows how many will be implicated. You are a person who does not manage affairs, so I am telling you. Ping’er is an understanding person. I told her the other day. Because her mistress is not outside, she has been made to understand. If nothing comes out, everyone is happy to let it go. If it does, she already has a draft in her mind and knows the threads, so no innocent person will be wrongly accused. Just listen to me and be careful in the future. Do not tell anyone else.”

As she spoke, they came to the Dripping Fragrance Pavilion. They saw Xiren, Xiangling, Daishu, Suyun, Qingwen, Sheyue, Fangguan, Ruiguan, Ouguan, and about ten others watching the fish and playing. Seeing them, they all said, “The peony trellis is ready. Come quickly to the feast.” Baochai and the others took them along to the three small open halls of the Red Fragrance Garden within the peony trellis. You Shi had already been invited. Everyone was there except Ping’er.

Ping’er had gone out because the Lai, Lin, and other families had sent gifts. One after another, servants of upper, middle, and lower grades came to wish her long life and give gifts. Ping’er was busy giving reward money and thanking them. She also reported each item to Xifeng. She kept only a few things; some she did not accept, and some she accepted and immediately gave away. After a busy time, she waited until Xifeng had eaten noodles, then changed her clothes and came into the garden.

As soon as she entered the garden, several maids came looking for her and went with her to the Red Fragrance Garden. There the mats were spread and the feast set. Everyone laughed. “The birthday star is complete.” The four seats at the head were insisted upon for the four of them, but all four refused. Aunt Xue said, “I am old and out of step with you young people. I feel constrained. I would rather go to the hall and lie down as I please. I cannot eat much and do not drink much. It would be easier for them here.” You Shi and the others would not hear of it. Baochai said, “Let it be. It would be more comfortable for Mother to lie down in the hall. If there is anything she likes, send it to her. That will be easier. Besides, there is no one in the front, so she can keep an eye on things.” Tanchun and the others smiled. “Since that is so, we must obey rather than be overly polite.” They escorted her to the council hall, saw that the maids spread a brocade mattress and backrest and armrest, and instructed, “Rub Auntie’s legs well. If she wants tea or water, do not make excuses. When things are sent over, if Auntie eats, you may have the rest. Do not leave here.” The little maids all assented.

Tanchun and the others returned. In the end they seated Baoqin and Xiuyan at the head, Ping’er facing west, Baoyu facing east. Tanchun also invited Yuanyang, and the two sat side by side facing each other as companions. At the west table sat Baochai, Daiyu, Xiangyun, Yingchun, and Xichun, and they also pulled Xiangling and Yu Chuan’er to sit crosswise. At the third table, You Shi and Li Wan pulled Xiren and Caiyun to sit with them. At the fourth table sat Zijuan, Ying’er, Qingwen, Xiaoluo, Siqi, and the others in a circle. Tanchun and the rest wanted to offer toasts, but Baoqin and the other three said, “If we make a fuss, we will not be able to sit for a whole day.” So they stopped. The two blind storytellers wanted to sing ballads for the birthday, but everyone said, “None of us want to hear those rustic tales. Go to the hall and tell them to Auntie to amuse her.” They also picked out various dishes and sent them to Aunt Xue.

Baoyu said, “Sitting quietly is dull. We must have a drinking game.” Some said one game was good, others another. Daiyu said, “In my opinion, take brush and ink and write out all the games. Roll them into lots. Whichever we draw, that is the one.” Everyone said it was clever. A set of brush, ink, and flowered paper was brought. Xiangling had recently learned poetry and practiced writing every day. Seeing brush and ink, she could not resist. She rose quickly and said, “I will write.” Everyone thought for a while and came up with about ten games. They read them out, and Xiangling wrote each one, rolled them into lots, and threw them into a bottle. Tanchun told Ping’er to choose. Ping’er stirred them and picked one out with her chopsticks. Opening it, it said, “Shefu.” Baochai smiled. “You have drawn the ancestor of drinking games. Shefu has existed since ancient times, but the tradition is lost. This is a later invention, and harder than any other game. Half the people here do not know it. Better destroy it and draw another that suits both refined and common tastes.” Tanchun smiled. “Since it has been drawn, how can we destroy it? Now draw another. If it is one for all tastes, they can play it. We will play this one.” She had Xiren draw another. It was “finger-guessing.” Shi Xiangyun smiled. “This is simple and brisk, just my temper. I will not play this Shefu—it is too dull and depressing. I am going to guess fingers.” Tanchun said, “She is the only one who disrupts the game. Sister Bao, fine her a cup.” Baochai, without another word, poured Xiangyun a cup.

Tanchun said, “I will drink a cup. I am the game official, so there is no need to announce it. Just listen to my orders.” She called for the game dice and bowl. “Cousin Qin will throw first, and then in order. The two whose throws match will play Shefu.” Baoqin threw a three. Xiuyan, Baoyu, and the others all threw different numbers, until Xiangling threw a three. Baoqin smiled. “We can only make a riddle from something in this room. If we go outside, it will be too confusing.” Tanchun said, “Naturally. Three misses and you drink a cup. You cover, she guesses.” Baoqin thought, then said the word “old.” Xiangling was new to this game and could not think of anything. In the whole room and at the whole feast, no one could see an idiom connected with “old.” Xiangyun heard it and looked around wildly. Suddenly she saw the three characters “Red Fragrance Garden” on the door lintel. She knew Baoqin had covered the “garden” in “I am not as good as the old gardener.” Seeing Xiangling could not guess and everyone was beating the drum, she quietly pulled Xiangling and told her to say “medicine.” Daiyu happened to see and said, “Fine her quickly! She is secretly passing the answer!” Everyone was alerted and fined Xiangyun another cup. Xiangyun was so annoyed she rapped Daiyu’s hand with her chopsticks. Xiangling was also fined a cup. Next Baochai and Tanchun threw matching numbers. Tanchun covered the word “person.” Baochai smiled. “This ‘person’ is very broad.” Tanchun smiled. “Add one word. Two covers and one guess—then it is not broad.” She said another word: “window.” Baochai thought. Seeing chicken on the table, she guessed Tanchun was using the allusions “chicken window” and “chicken person,” so she guessed “roost.” Tanchun knew she had guessed correctly, using the line “the chicken roosts in the wall.” The two smiled and each drank a sip from their cups.

Xiangyun could not wait. She was already shouting “three” and “five” with Baoyu and guessing fingers. On the other side, You Shi and Yuanyang, across the table, were also shouting “seven” and “eight” and guessing fingers. Ping’er and Xiren also made a pair, and only the clinking of the bracelets on their wrists could be heard. Presently Xiangyun beat Baoyu, Xiren beat Ping’er, and You Shi beat Yuanyang. The three imposed wine-face and wine-bottom forfeits. Xiangyun said, “The wine-face must be one line of ancient prose, one old poem, one domino name, one tune title, and one phrase from the almanac—all joined into one sentence. The wine-bottom must be the name of a fruit or dish connected with human affairs.” Everyone laughed. “Only her rules are as wordy as she is, but they are interesting.” They urged Baoyu to speak quickly. Baoyu smiled. “Who has ever said such a thing? Let me think.” Daiyu said, “Drink an extra cup, and I will say it for you.” Baoyu really drank, and Daiyu said:

“The falling glow flies with the lone duck; wind swift over river and sky, the passing wild goose grieves; but it is a goose with a broken leg, whose cry twists the nine bowels—this is the wild goose coming as guest.”

Everyone laughed. “That string of words is rather interesting.” Daiyu then picked up a hazelnut and gave the wine-bottom:

“The hazelnut has nothing to do with the pounding block next door; whence comes the sound of ten thousand households beating clothes?”

After the game, Yuanyang, Xiren, and the others all said a common saying containing the word “long life.” There is no need to repeat them all.

They took turns guessing fingers for a while. Then at the head table Xiangyun and Baoqin matched hands, and Li Wan and Xiuyan threw matching numbers. Li Wan covered the word “gourd,” and Xiuyan guessed “green.” The two understood each other and each drank a sip. Xiangyun lost at finger-guessing and was asked for wine-face and wine-bottom. Baoqin smiled. “Please enter the jar.” Everyone laughed and said the allusion was apt. Xiangyun said:

“Rushing and roaring, waves in the river surge to the sky; an iron chain must moor the lone boat. Since one has met a river of wind, it is not fit to travel.”

Everyone laughed. “What a twisted gut she has! No wonder she chose this game—she deliberately makes people laugh.” Then they asked for her wine-bottom. Xiangyun drank and picked a piece of duck meat. Suddenly she saw half a duck’s head in the bowl. She picked it out and ate the brains. Everyone urged her, “Don’t just eat. Hurry and say it.” Xiangyun held it up with her chopsticks and said:

“This duck head is not that slave girl; where on its head would you find cassia oil?”

Everyone laughed even more. Qingwen, Xiaoluo, Ying’er, and the others came over and said, “Miss Yun knows how to make merry—she uses us for a joke. Fine her a cup. Why should we be the ones to rub on cassia oil? She should give each of us a bottle to rub.” Daiyu smiled. “She may want to give you a bottle of oil, but she fears being implicated in a theft case.” The others did not catch the meaning, but Baoyu understood and quickly lowered his head. Caiyun, having a guilty heart, blushed. Baochai quickly shot Daiyu a glance. Daiyu regretted her slip. She had meant to tease Baoyu but had forgotten it would touch Caiyun. She could not undo it, so she hurriedly changed the subject with more drinking games and finger-guessing.

Later Baoyu happened to match numbers with Baochai. Baochai covered the word “bao.” Baoyu thought and knew she was playfully referring to the通灵 jade he wore. He smiled. “Sister is making an elegant joke at my expense, but I have guessed it. Do not be angry, sister—it is your own name ‘chai.’” Everyone asked, “How do you explain it?” Baoyu said, “She said ‘bao’; the next word is naturally ‘yu.’ I guessed ‘chai.’ There is an old poem: ‘Knocking off the jade hairpin, the red candle grows cold.’ Have I not guessed it?” Xiangyun said, “Using a contemporary matter is not allowed. You both should be fined.” Xiangling quickly said, “It is not only a contemporary matter. It has a source.” Xiangyun said, “‘Baoyu’ has no source. It may appear in spring couplets, but not in poetry or records. It does not count.” Xiangling said, “The other day I read Cen Jiazhou’s five-character regulated verse. There is a line: ‘This land has many baoyu.’ How could you forget? Later I read Li Yishan’s seven-character quatrain, and there is a line: ‘Baochai, without a day, does not gather dust.’ I even laughed that both their names appear in Tang poetry.” Everyone laughed. “Now you are stumped. Drink a cup.” Xiangyun had nothing to say and had to drink. Then they went on matching numbers and guessing fingers. Because Lady Jia and Lady Wang were not at home, there was no one to restrain them, and they enjoyed themselves freely, shouting and calling. The hall was full of flying red and dancing green, jingling jade and swaying pearls—truly lively. After playing a while, they rose and dispersed a little. Suddenly Xiangyun was missing. They thought she had just gone out for a moment and would return, but the longer they waited, the less sign there was. People were sent to look everywhere, but she could not be found.

Then Lin Zhixiao’s wife came with several old women. They feared that some serious business might call them, and also that the young maids, with Lady Wang away, might not obey Tanchun and the others and would drink too much and lose propriety. So they came to ask if there was anything amiss. Tanchun saw them and understood. She smiled. “You are uneasy and have come to inspect us. We have not drunk much. We are only amusing ourselves, using wine as a pretext. Do not worry, mothers.” Li Wan and You Shi also smiled. “Go and rest. We would not dare let them drink much.” Lin Zhixiao’s wife and the others smiled. “We know. Even when Lady Jia invites the young ladies to drink, they refuse. How much less would they drink when the mistresses are away? Naturally they are only playing. We came to ask because we feared there might be business. Second, the days are long, and after playing a while the young ladies should eat something. You usually do not eat much miscellaneous food. If you drink a cup or two, and do not eat something, it may harm you.” Tanchun smiled. “You are right, mothers. We were just about to eat.” She turned and ordered refreshments. The maids on both sides assented and hurried to send for them. Tanchun smiled again. “Go and rest, or go talk with Auntie. We will send some wine to you shortly.” Lin Zhixiao’s wife and the others smiled. “We would not dare accept.” They stood a while longer, then withdrew. Ping’er touched her face and smiled. “My face is hot. I am ashamed to face them. I say we should stop, lest they come again. That would be awkward.” Tanchun smiled. “It does not matter. We are not really drinking heavily.”

Just then a little maid came over smiling. “Young ladies, quick, look at Miss Yun! She drank too much and went to cool off. She is asleep on a blue stone bench behind the rockery.” Everyone laughed. “Do not make a noise.” They all went to look. Sure enough, Xiangyun lay on a stone bench in a secluded spot among the rocks, deep in fragrant dreams. Peony petals had fallen all around her and covered her—her head, face, and lapel were scattered with red fragrance. The fan in her hand had fallen to the ground and was half buried in fallen blossoms. A swarm of bees and butterflies buzzed around her. She had made a pillow of a packet of peony petals wrapped in a silk handkerchief. Everyone looked, both loving and laughing. They hurried to push, call, and help her up. Xiangyun was still murmuring a drinking-game line in her sleep:

“The spring is fragrant and the wine is cool; in a jade bowl it holds amber light. Drink until the moon rises over the plum tips; drunk, I am helped home—truly a time to gather with kin and friends.”

Everyone laughed and pushed her. “Wake up and go eat. If you sleep on this damp bench, you will make yourself ill.” Xiangyun slowly opened her autumn eyes. Seeing everyone, she looked down at herself and only then realized she was drunk. She had come to cool off and be quiet, but had unknowingly drunk two extra cups and, delicate as she was, had fallen asleep. She felt ashamed. She hurried up, struggling, and went with them to the Red Fragrance Garden. She rinsed her mouth and drank two cups of strong tea. Tanchun quickly had the sobering stone brought and put it in her mouth. Then she had her drink some sour soup, and only then did she feel a little better.

They selected several dishes and sent them to Xifeng, and Xifeng sent several back. After Baochai and the others had eaten refreshments, some sat, some stood, some went outside to look at flowers, some leaned on the railing to watch fish. Each did as she pleased, laughing and talking. Tanchun played chess with Baoqin, while Baochai and Xiuyan watched. Lin Daiyu and Baoyu stood under a cluster of flowers, whispering about something unknown.

Then Lin Zhixiao’s wife came in with a group of women and a stewardess. The stewardess looked worried and did not dare enter the hall. She came to the steps and knelt, knocking her head audibly. Tanchun was absorbed in a chess piece. She had been attacked and was calculating. She finally got two eyes but lost a forcing move. Her eyes were fixed on the board, one hand in the bowl, fiddling with pieces as she thought. Lin Zhixiao’s wife stood a long time. When Tanchun turned to ask for tea, she saw her and asked, “What is it?” Lin Zhixiao’s wife pointed to the stewardess and said, “This is the mother of Cai’er, a little maid in Fourth Miss’s rooms. She is now a servant in the garden. Her tongue is very bad. I heard her and questioned her. What she said I dare not repeat to the young lady. She should be driven out.” Tanchun said, “Why not report to the senior mistress?” Lin Zhixiao’s wife said, “The senior mistress has just gone to the hall to Auntie Xue. I saw her on the way and reported it clearly. She told me to report to you.” Tanchun said, “Why not report to Second Mistress?” Ping’er said, “There is no need. I will tell her.” Tanchun nodded. “In that case, drive her out. When Lady Wang returns, report it and decide further.” She went back to her chess. Lin Zhixiao’s wife took the woman away.

Daiyu and Baoyu stood under the flowers, understanding each other from afar. Daiyu said, “Your Third Sister is a clever one. Though she has been asked to manage some affairs, she will not take a single extra step. Most people would long since have begun throwing their weight around.” Baoyu said, “You do not know. While you were ill, she did several things. She divided the garden among people to manage. Now not even a blade of grass can be picked at will. She also abolished several items, and used me and Sister Xifeng as examples to warn others. She is the most calculating person—not merely clever.” Daiyu said, “That is better. Our household spends too much. Though I do not manage affairs, when I am idle I often reckon for you: more goes out than comes in. If we do not economize now, there will be nothing left later.” Baoyu smiled. “No matter how little is left, it will not be short for us two.” Daiyu heard this, turned, and went to the hall to find Baochai and laugh with her.

Baoyu was about to leave when Xiren came over, carrying a small round foreign lacquer tea tray with two cups of fresh tea. She asked, “Where has she gone? I saw you two had not had tea for a long time, so I specially poured two cups, and now she has gone.” Baoyu said, “That is not her. Take it to her.” He took one cup himself. Xiren took the other to Daiyu, but Daiyu happened to be with Baochai. There was only one cup of tea, so Xiren said, “Whoever is thirsty may take it first. I will pour more.” Baochai smiled. “I am not thirsty. I only need a sip to rinse my mouth.” She picked it up, drank a sip, and handed the half-cup to Daiyu. Xiren smiled. “I will pour more.” Daiyu smiled. “You know my illness. The doctor will not let me drink much tea. Half a cup is quite enough. Thank you for thinking of me.” She drank it dry and put down the cup. Xiren came to take Baoyu’s cup. Baoyu asked, “I have not seen Fangguan for a long time. Where is she?” Xiren looked around and said, “She was here just now playing the grass game with several others. Now she is gone.”

Baoyu heard this and hurried back to his rooms. Sure enough, Fangguan was lying on the bed facing inward. Baoyu pushed her and said, “Do not sleep. Let us go out and play. We will eat soon.” Fangguan said, “You all drank and paid no attention to me. I was bored for half a day, so I may as well sleep.” Baoyu pulled her up and smiled. “We will eat again at home tonight. Later I will ask Sister Xiren to take you to eat at the table. How is that?” Fangguan said, “Ouguan and Ruiguan are not going up. It would not be good for me to be there alone. I am not used to eating those noodles either. I did not eat well this morning. I was just hungry, so I told Sister Liu to make me a bowl of soup and half a bowl of polished rice. I will eat here and be done. If we drink tonight, no one is to restrain me. I want to drink my fill. At home I used to drink two or three catties of good Huiquan wine. Now that I have learned this miserable trade, they say it will ruin my voice, and I have not tasted it for years. Today I mean to break my fast.” Baoyu said, “That is easy.”

As he spoke, Liu’s wife indeed sent someone with a box. Xiaoyan took it and opened it. Inside was a bowl of shrimp-ball and chicken-skin soup, a bowl of steamed duck with fermented rice wine, a dish of salted rouge goose breast, a dish of four cream and pine-nut puff rolls, and a large bowl of steaming, glistening green fragrant rice. Xiaoyan set them on the table, went to get small dishes, bowls, and chopsticks, and served a bowl of rice. Fangguan said, “So greasy. Who eats these things?” She only ate a bowl of rice soaked in soup, picked two pieces of salted goose, and stopped. Baoyu smelled it and found it more appetizing than usual. He ate a puff roll and told Xiaoyan to serve him half a bowl of rice. He ate it with soup and found it very fragrant and tasty. Xiaoyan and Fangguan both laughed. After eating, Xiaoyan was about to take the leftovers back. Baoyu said, “You eat them. If it is not enough, ask for more.” Xiaoyan said, “No need. This is enough. Sister Sheyue gave us two plates of refreshments earlier. After this, I need nothing more.” She stood by the table and ate it all, then left two puff rolls, saying, “These are for my mother. If we drink tonight, just give me two bowls of wine.” Baoyu smiled. “You like wine too? Tonight we will drink heartily. Your Sister Xiren and Sister Qingwen can hold their liquor too, and they want to drink, but every day they are too embarrassed. Today everyone breaks the fast. One more thing—I meant to tell you and forgot. I just remembered. From now on you must look after Fangguan. If she does something wrong, remind her. Xiren cannot look after so many.” Xiaoyan said, “I know. You need not worry. But what about Wu’er?” Baoyu said, “Tell Liu’s wife to let her come in tomorrow. I will tell them and it will be settled.” Fangguan smiled. “That is proper.” Xiaoyan called two little maids in to serve them while they washed their hands and poured tea. She put away the dishes, handed them to an old woman, washed her hands, and went to find Liu’s wife.

Baoyu went out and returned to the Red Fragrance Garden to find the sisters. Fangguan followed with a towel and fan. Just as they left the courtyard, they saw Xiren and Qingwen coming back hand in hand. Baoyu asked, “What are you doing?” Xiren said, “The meal is set. We are waiting for you.” Baoyu smiled and told them about the meal he had just eaten. Xiren smiled. “I said you eat like a cat—you smell something fragrant and you are satisfied. Food from another pot is always fragrant. Still, you should go up and keep them company at least for form’s sake.” Qingwen poked Fangguan’s forehead with her finger and said, “You are a little coquette. What free time did you find to run off and eat? How did you two arrange to meet without telling me?” Xiren smiled. “It was just a chance meeting. There was no arrangement.” Qingwen said, “If that is so, we are useless. Tomorrow we will all leave and let Fangguan alone serve him.” Xiren smiled. “We may all leave, but you cannot.” Qingwen said, “I am the first who should go. I am lazy, clumsy, bad-tempered, and useless.” Xiren smiled. “If that peacock cape gets another burn, who will mend it after you leave? Do not play games with me. When I ask you to do something, you are too lazy to pick up a needle or thread. It is not my private work—it is hers. Yet you refuse. But when I was away for a few days and you were sick as death, you stayed up all night and risked your life to mend it for her. What is the reason? Speak. Do not pretend to be silly and smile at me. That will not do.” As they talked, they reached the hall. Aunt Xue had also come. Everyone sat down in order to eat. Baoyu only ate half a bowl of rice soaked in tea, just for form. After eating, they drank tea and chatted, then played as they pleased.

Outside, Xiaoluo, Xiangling, Fangguan, Ruiguan, Ouguan, Douguan, and four or five others had played all over the garden. They gathered flowers and grasses, carried them in their skirts, and sat among the flowers playing the grass-matching game. One said, “I have Guanyin willow.” Another said, “I have arhat pine.” Another said, “I have gentleman bamboo.” Another said, “I have beauty banana.” Another said, “I have starry emerald.” Another said, “I have monthly red.” Another said, “I have the peony from The Peony Pavilion.” Another said, “I have the loquat from The Story of the Pipa.” Douguan said, “I have sister flower.” The others had none, so Xiangling said, “I have husband-and-wife hui.” Douguan said, “I have never heard of husband-and-wife hui.” Xiangling said, “One stalk with one flower is orchid; one stalk with several flowers is hui. All hui have two branches. If the flowers are set one above the other, it is brother hui; if they are set side by side, it is husband-and-wife hui. Mine has side-by-side flowers. How is it not?” Douguan had nothing to say. She rose and smiled. “By your reasoning, if the two branches are one big and one small, it is father-and-son hui. If the two branches face away from each other, it is enemy hui. Your man has been gone for half a year. Are you thinking of husband and wife? So you drag in hui having husband and wife too. How shameless!” Xiangling blushed and rose to pinch her, scolding with a smile, “You rotten-mouthed little wretch! Your mouth is full of filthy nonsense. Wait till I get up and beat you to death!” Douguan, seeing her about to come at her, would not let her rise. She threw her whole body on her and pressed her down. Turning her head, she begged Ruiguan and the others with a smile, “Come help me pinch this lying mouth.” The two rolled on the grass. Everyone clapped and laughed. “Oh no! That is a puddle. What a pity—her new skirt is ruined.” Douguan looked back and saw a pool of rainwater beside them. Half of Xiangling’s skirt was stained and wet. She was embarrassed, quickly let go, and ran off. Everyone laughed without stopping. Fearing Xiangling would take it out on them, they all scattered with laughter.

Xiangling rose and looked down. The skirt was still dripping green water. She was cursing without end when Baoyu, who had seen them playing the grass game, came over with some flowers and grasses to join. Suddenly he saw everyone run off, leaving only Xiangling looking down at her skirt. He asked, “Why have they scattered?” Xiangling said, “I had a branch of husband-and-wife hui. They did not know it and said I made it up. So we quarreled, and my new skirt is dirty.” Baoyu smiled. “You have husband-and-wife hui, and here I have a double-headed water caltrop.” As he spoke, he really held a double-headed water caltrop in his hand, and picked up the husband-and-wife hui too. Xiangling said, “Husband or no husband, double-headed or not, look at this skirt.” Baoyu looked down and cried, “Ai ya! How did it drag in the mud? What a pity—this pomegranate-red silk stains so easily.” Xiangling said, “Cousin Qin brought it the other day. She made one, and I made one. Today is the first time I have worn it.” Baoyu stamped his foot and sighed. “In your family, ruining a hundred pieces a day would be nothing. But first, it was brought by Cousin Qin. You and Sister Bao each have only one. Hers is still good, and yours is dirty first. Is that not failing her kindness? Second, Auntie Xue is talkative. Even so, I have heard her often say you do not know how to live and only ruin things, not knowing how to cherish your blessings. If Auntie sees this, she will talk endlessly again.” Xiangling heard this and it touched her heart. Instead she grew cheerful and smiled. “That is just it. I have several new skirts, but none like this one. If I had another like it, I would change quickly and it would be fine. I can explain later.” Baoyu said, “Do not move. Stand still. Otherwise even your underclothes, knee-breeches, and shoe tops will be stained. I have an idea. Last month Xiren made one exactly like this. Because she is in mourning, she is not wearing it now. Let her give it to you to change into. How is that?” Xiangling smiled and shook her head. “That is not good. If they hear of it, it will not be good.” Baoyu said, “What are you afraid of? When her mourning is over, if she likes something, can you not give her something else? If you are like this, is it your usual way? Besides, it is not something to hide. You may tell Sister Bao. It is only that Auntie might be angry.” Xiangling thought it over and found it reasonable. She nodded and smiled. “Very well, then. Do not fail your kindness. I will wait for you. Be sure to have her bring it herself.” Baoyu was delighted. He agreed and hurried back.

As he went, he thought to himself: “What a pity that such a person has no parents, does not even remember her own surname, was kidnapped and sold, and then sold to this tyrant.” Then he thought how Ping’er the other day had been an unexpected case, and today was even more unexpected. With these thoughts, he reached his rooms and pulled Xiren aside, telling her the whole reason. Xiangling was loved by everyone. Xiren was generous by nature and had always been friendly with Xiangling. Hearing this, she quickly opened her chest, took out the skirt, folded it, and went with Baoyu to find Xiangling, who was still standing there waiting. Xiren smiled. “I said you were too mischievous. You had to make a story before you would stop.” Xiangling blushed and smiled. “Thank you, sister. Who knew those spiteful little wretches had black hearts?” She took the skirt, unfolded it, and saw it was indeed the same as hers. She told Baoyu to turn his face away, then undid her own skirt and put on the new one. Xiren said, “Give me the dirty one. I will take it back, clean it, and send it to you. If you take it back, they will see it and ask questions.” Xiangling said, “Good sister, take it and give it to any younger sister you like. Now that I have this one, I do not want it.” Xiren said, “You are generous.” Xiangling quickly curtsied and thanked her. Xiren took the dirty skirt and left.

Xiangling saw Baoyu squatting on the ground. He had dug a hole with a twig, first put in some fallen flowers as a bed, laid the water caltrop and the hui in it, covered them with more fallen flowers, and then covered it with earth and smoothed it over. Xiangling pulled his hand and smiled. “What is this called now? No wonder everyone says you are always up to sneaky, embarrassing things. Look at your hands—covered in mud and moss. Go wash them.” Baoyu smiled, rose, and went to wash his hands. Xiangling also walked away. When they were several steps apart, Xiangling turned back and called Baoyu. Baoyu did not know what she wanted. With two muddy hands, he turned back smiling and asked, “What?” Xiangling only smiled. Then her little maid Zhen’er came over and said, “Second Miss is waiting to speak with you.” Xiangling then said to Baoyu, “Do not tell your brother about the skirt.” With that, she turned and left. Baoyu smiled. “Would I be mad enough to poke my head into a tiger’s mouth?” He went back to wash his hands. What happened next, listen to the next chapter.